Kelly Rowland, 30, and Chris Brown, 22, are currently performing together on Brown’s F.A.M.E. Tour. But, several sources are saying that the partnership has gone past a working one and the two have quietly started an on-theroad romance.
“About four cities into the tour, Chris began asking Kelly out to dinner,” says a tour insider. “She initially shunned his advances, but ultimately gave in. She’s taking her time. They’re a long way from being in love.”
Johnny Gill says ‘not so fast’ to New Edition reality show
R&B singer Johnny Gill told Sister 2 Sister Magazine that Bobby Brown jumped the gun on the announcement that the New Edition reality show had received the green light, because nothing
has been finalized yet.
“We’re looking at the possibilities and I know that a lot has been talked about,” Gill said. “I’m not very keen on reality shows and how much involvement I would have in it. I’m not sure.”
Gill says no contracts have been signed and that he wants to stay true to the purpose of the group.
“Our goal was just to make great music, good music, solid music, and we hoped that everyone would just enjoy,” Gill said. “I’d say we’re halfway there with our goal.”
Too Short sued for getting touchy feely at a show
said in a statement. “What Too Short did was reprehensible and our goal is to hold him accountable.”
Gloria Govan and Matt Barnes marriage bites the dust
There will be even fewer ‘Basketball Wives’ who are actually married now that Matt Barnes and Gloria Govan have called it quits. Barnes released a statement confirming rumors that the two had decided to part ways.
Oakland rapper Too Short is being sued by a woman claiming she was groped by him during a concert earlier this year. Kenya , 41, claims he made vulgar comments before grabbing her breasts at a show in San Francisco back in March.
Winston filed a police report the day after the concert, but no action was taken. Now she is suing for punitive damages.
“Ms. Winston is a hard working mother who just wanted to treat herself to a fun night out,” Winston’s lawyer
“I’d like to address the rumors surrounding mine and Gloria’s relationship,” Barnes’ statement read. “We have reached the difficult decision of ending our relationship and will be going our separate ways at this time. We will work together to raise our sons and wish each other only the best.”
who leaves you.”
Boyz II Men beef continues
Boyz II Men are recording a retrospective album to mark the 20 year anniversary of their debut smash CD “Cooleyhighharmony,” and it looks like they’re going to have to do it without original member Michael McCary
Perhaps the most telling sign regarding Barnes’ feelings about Govan came last week during a Twitter exchange with a fan. That person suggested Barnes should marry her or else someone else will.
Barnes responded: “He can have her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Meanwhile, Govan retweeted the following message on Saturday: “If someone is dumb enough to walk away, be smart enough to let them go. Your destiny is never tied to anyone
McCary left Boyz II Men in 2003 because of chronic back problems stemming from scoliosis.
Back then there were rumors that McCary was really forced out of the group because the other Boys didn’t think he should receive full pay because he could no longer perform the dance moves and had to sit in a chair on stage.
Whatever the reason they broke up obviously hasn’t been resolved.
“We reached out to Michael to be on this record,” Member Nathan Morris told the New York Daily News, “Mike just completely got lazy.”
Govan
STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING
Johnny Gill
Saint John’s UCC hosts Beloved Community Conference
Theme:
‘Suffer the Children: Mobilizing Hope in Schools and Streets’
Special to The American
A North St. Louis congregation is hosting its 3rd Annual Beloved Community Conference October 27 – 30 to equip people of faith to work toward Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of peace and justice.
Saint John’s United Church of Christ (UCC), located at 4136 N. Grand Blvd., is partnering in this year’s effort to mobilize faith communities to reduce youth violence with the theme Suffer the Children: Mobilizing Hope in Schools and Streets. The gathering will include an open forum style “sacred conversation,” organizing training for faith leaders, a holy hip-hop concert for youth, Kingian non-violence training for teens, free community health screening and culminating community worship.
The Rev. Adam Taylor, vice president of Advocacy for World Vision, USA, a Christian humanitarian organization focused on helping children in poverty, will visit from Washington, D.C. to kick off the conference and facilitate the faith leaders’ institute.
Taylor previously served as a White House Fellow
in the White House Ofice of Cabinet Affairs and Public Engagement. He was formerly the Senior Political Director at Sojourners, where he was responsible for leading the organization’s advocacy, coalition building and constituency outreach. He is the author of Mobilizing Hope: Faith-Inspired Activism for a Post Civil Rights Generation
The conference will launch 6 p.m. Thursday with a reception and 7 p.m. “Sacred Conversation on Youth Violence” featuring relections of faith and action from FBI Special Agent Matthew Brummond, Municipal Court Judge Roberta Hitts and Taylor as a keynote. Music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir of Washington Metropolitan
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. On Friday, the Faith Leaders’ Institute will begin at 9 a.m. led by Taylor. The workshop will equip faith leaders to use community organizing strategy and their own theological foundations to address the challenge of youth violence. The day session will break for lunch with Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce. Later on Friday, the entire community is invited for a free 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. concert with PDub and the Youth, Fly and Saved Movement.
Saturday morning sessions will begin at 9 a.m. Reverend David Gerth, executive director of Metropolitan Congregations United, will discuss local advocacy efforts to
organize churches at the intersection of education, health and youth violence. Charles Alphin Jr. of Building Life Foundations will train teens in Kingian Non-Violence strategies. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the church is hosting its annual community health fair. Free health screenings, lu shots, physicals, prizes and a healthy lunch will await all participants.
The weekend will close with Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. Community Worship Celebration with the Rev. C.J. Duvall Jr. of Theressa Hoover United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas preaching. Duvall is returning to the Fairgrounds neighborhood where is father led the Fifth Baptist Church for many years.
Libya and its contradictions
The Libya situation has been fraught with contradictions. This includes the controversial reign of Muammar Gaddai and his unceremonious death. It is a situation that must go beyond glib judgments and uninformed opinions if we truly support an emerging democratic government for all Libyans.
I question the barbaric events surrounding Gaddai’s capture and death. If this is the manner in which the National Transition Council is to conduct itself in the governance of a nation, they get poor marks. Gaddai had a right to a trial under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Convention, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and a host of other conventions and treaties. Many of his people wanted to hear his responses to charges of corruption and terrorism of his own citizens.
Additionally, Muslims around the world are shocked and outraged that customs requiring immediate burial are being disrespected.
We should acknowledge the U.S. has its own imperialist strategy, known or unwritten, not just in the Middle East but across the globe. But we must also acknowledge Gaddai’s collusion with them as well as his own political and personal failings.
On paper, Libya says it has free education, healthcare and other perks for it citizens. Black folks in America know better than to glorify words but to go straight to the practice. After all, the U.S. Constitution says we are free, that we can vote, that we have equal protection under the law – need I go on?
The facts are that Libya is the richest country in North Africa. Gaddai’s personal wealth of over $200 billion is scattered in bank accounts around the world. No Libyan should be suffering.
According to African Online News, the unemployment rate is 30 percent with youth unemployment between 40-50 percent. Decent housing is unavailable to the poorest of Libyans because of high prices and corruption. Illiteracy is high, women’s rights are ignored and labor unions are banned. This is neither a socialist model nor a good example of a burgeoning democracy from a leader who has been in power for over 40 years and who had the resources to transform his country. The African Union condemned Libyan’s agreement with European countries to halt the low of African migrants out of Libya. The AU also spoke out against black Africans in Libya who have been targeted as mercenaries and subsequently killed. There is a wish that the AU could’ve have provided leadership to the Libyan crises as opposed to the NATO solution, but the AU has its own host of issues. Gaddai didn’t learn the primary lesson of dealing with the U.S. After waiving his right to nuclear arms, he got cozy with imperialist powers and entered into a sundry of business deals. If he’s been watching the international scene, Gaddai should have known what happens to U.S. dictators after it inishes using them. All of their despotic friends don’t meet their deaths.
We in the U.S. must learn how to engage in principled discussion about international affairs and about this country’s foreign policies. Using the mainstream media as one’s only source of information will keep you misinformed. Those of us with a love for Africa have to look at that continent without rose-colored glasses. The continent is in crisis and collusion of its leaders with post-colonial powers is a big part of the problem.
Jamala Rogers
Participants worship together at the Interfaith Celebration in Saint John’s United Church of Christ’s 2010 Beloved Community Conference.
EDITORIAL /COMMENTARY
Draper appointment of ‘immeasurable’value
While we appreciate and heartily second the PostDispatch’s perceptive and resounding endorsement of Gov. Jay Nixon’s appointment of Judge George W. Draper III to the Missouri Supreme Court, our feelings were expressed better by Robert S. Kenney, a commissioner on the Missouri Public Service Commission and seasoned lawyer in Missouri government.
Robert, one of Judge Draper’s legion of staunch supporters among the AfricanAmerican leadership in this region, articulated most persuasively the case for Draper’s appointment to Nixon while the governor was considering a very impressive three-person panel of candidates provided according to the Missouri NonPartisan Court Plan.
Judge Draper’s advocates – not all of them black, by any means – emphasized how perfectly prepared for the high court he is by virtue of serving as a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District, where he has demonstrated superior legal analysis and clear, concise writing. Throughout a long judicial career at every level, Draper has always been known for treating litigants, attorneys and colleagues with respect and civility. He has not only achieved career greatness, he has demonstrated leadership. He has served as the Chief Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals and in his early career as a prosecutor he was a leader in the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Ofice, serving as a team leader and as irst assistant.
Robert added a personal note to us, when his counsel was sought on evaluating the value and power of this historic appointment by the governor – Gov. Nixon has joined Gov. Mel Carnahan as the only Missouri governors to appoint an African American to the state’s highest court. (Carnahan appointed Judge Ronnie L. White, another proactive Draper advocate.) “I would add that the psychological impact of Judge Draper’s appointment is immeasurable,” Robert wrote to us. “ It is important that African-American lawyers, and African Americans generally, see living, breathing members
of our community succeeding in academic and intellectual pursuits. The psychic effect of seeing black achievement at the highest level of the legal system cannot be overestimated.”
One thinks of President Barack Obama. Long after he has returned to private life, and whatever his trials leading this fractured nation at this dificult time, Obama will have immeasurably transformed an innumerable number of African Americans and Africans. But President Obama’s change in the images of black people has occurred in the minds of more than black people, and Robert Kenney sees the same effect in the appointment of Missouri Supreme Court Judge George Draper. He notes, “Equally important is the psychic effect that this appointment will have
COMMENTARY
As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues
What Steve Jobs teaches us about tests
For weeks to come, print, broadcast and web-based media outlets will lament the death of Steve Jobs, founder and former CEO of Apple Corporation. Unfortunately, for most of them the stories may also sound like an obituary for invention and innovation. I believe that the conversations and dialogue in remembering Steve Jobs should be used as teachable moments. Education leaders and the institutions they represent are looking for ways to boost academic scores and to prepare all children for life after graduation and beyond. Yet most programs and curricula are designed around a lawed guidepost in the form of No child Left Behind that has created classroom factories leaving no room for an individual mind to move off the assembly line.
If we are to take anything away from the life of Steve
on the majority community as well. Seeing men like George Draper achieving in the law serves to break down the notions of black inferiority to which many in the majority community continue to cling.”
We heartily and unequivocally agree. As Nixon has done by placing so much of his trust and operations in Commissioner of Administration Kelvin Simmons, this appointment is a strong afirmation that this conservative Democratic governor believes in and trusts black leadership for Missouri at the most senior level. We applaud Gov. Nixon for this important decision and encourage African Americans to keep this historic appointment in mind when evaluating the merits of this governor and his administration.
Foreign policy for Republican dummies
The demise of Moammar Gaddai is big news around the world. Note to the Republican presidential candidates: This will come as a shock, but there are lots of other countries out there, and what happens in some of them is really important. Anyone who wants to serve as commander in chief should be paying attention. This advice is aimed most urgently at Herman Cain, who wears his ignorance of international affairs as a badge of honor.
“When they ask me who is the president of Uzbeki-beki-bekibeki-stan-stan, I’m going to say, you know, I don’t know,” he boasted recently. “And then I’m going to say, ‘How’s that going to create one job?’” For the record, Uzbekistan is a strategically important Central Asian nation whose president is named Islam Karimov.
In the umpteen debates held thus far, foreign policy hasn’t even been elevated to the status of an afterthought. The only nations that reliably come up are China, which we somehow have to “beat,” and Mexico, which all the candidates except Rick Perry and Ron Paul want to quarantine with an impregnable fence.
Cain said repeatedly that his proposed fence would be electriied. Then he said those remarks were in jest. Then he
said the fence might be electriied after all.
To the extent that the Republican candidates deal with international affairs at all, it tends to be in a way that’s shockingly vapid and unsophisticated. It is likely that domestic issues, especially the parlous state of the economy, will dominate the election. But it’s also likely that one or more foreign crises will arise between now and Election Day – and that the contrast can only work in President Obama’s favor.
Look at Libya. The GOP contenders have grasped for reasons to grumble about Obama’s decision to enable and join a NATO-led intervention to topple Gaddai. Some seemed to think that Obama should have been more aggressive; others, such as Michele Bachmann, seemed to think the president shouldn’t have committed U.S. forces at all. Newt Gingrich has boldly taken both positions. With the rebels’ capture of Sirte, the last pro-Gaddai stronghold, it appears that Obama’s course of action was prudent, patient and, for Americans, virtually painless. A brutal dictator who was directly responsible for terrorism that killed U.S. citizens has been eliminated without the loss of a single American life. Compare that with the thousands of U.S. deaths it cost to depose another brutal dictator – Saddam Hussein – who had not ordered antiAmerican terrorist attacks.
What about Yemen, where a popular uprising has failed to oust a comparably ruthless
despot – but one who happens to be an ally in the U.S. war against al-Qaeda? Do any of you Republican candidates know where Yemen is?
Speaking of Yemen, what about Obama’s use of unmanned drones to assassinate an al-Qaeda leader, Anwar al-Awlaki, who happened to be a U.S. citizen? What about the subsequent killing of Awlaki’s son in the same manner? Aside from Ron Paul, do any of the Republican candidates for president care to examine the many moral and legal questions about using robotic aircraft to execute individuals on foreign soil?
In Syria, a peaceful prodemocracy movement is being crushed by the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Thoughts? Anybody?
The candidates relentlessly maintain their focus on the economy because they believe it is what will decide the election. But just as the Wall Street inancial crisis caused markets to tumble around the globe, so is the U.S. economy dependent on what happens in the rest of the world. The biggest threat right now comes from the potential for multiple defaults in Europe. What, if anything, should U.S. policymakers be doing?
One of next month’s debates is supposed to focus on foreign policy. My guess is that we’ll hear variations on the theme “Obama’s doing it all wrong” – with few speciics on how “doing it right” might differ. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.
Jobs, it would be his drive and ability to think beyond the practicality of design and innovation to create a world of host and peripheral systems. His designs in the dawn of his career were often looked upon as not having the muscle to do the heavy lifting that corporations needed to do. But Jobs looked beyond the corporate needs and looked towards the individual consumers and to bring style and convenience to the hands of many.
Steve Jobs’ designs often led the personal computer revolution in the accessibility to have your own home music studio, to change a simple photo into a work of art, and to take a stack of CDs and place them into devices barley larger than an average school ID. To even better himself and his corporation, he took all these innovations and wrapped to go.
Public and private schools are recognizing the advantages given to students in the workplace who graduate from a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) friendly curriculum. But John Maeda, president of the Rhode Island School of Design, believes that Steve Jobs’ greatest design was
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Moses and Obama
Obama holds no distinction as both a beloved and despised leader. However, to understand what’s worse to come for President Obama, we need look at the life of another leader.
Moses, who lived after 1200 B.C., was called the reluctant leader and liberator of the enslaved Hebrew people. While enjoying a life of opulence in the Egyptian Pharaoh’s household, Moses was previously oblivious to cause of the Hebrew slaves. However, after a revelation of his true Hebrew heritage and a personal struggle with anger, Moses was forced into an education of exile and suffering in the desert. He trained in a harsh land until a voice suddenly spoke to him of his new mission.
Accompanied by his spokesman brother Aaron, Moses went forward with a staff of magic tricks back into Egypt destined to free Pharaoh’s grip on the Hebrew slaves. However, Pharaoh was unimpressed with many of Moses’ natural threats and found his own wizards could easily duplicate them.
No matter how the Hebrews complained against Moses or how the Pharaoh tortured them, steadfast faith alone broke their bonds of slavery. It was also faith that brought the people to their promised land.
Likewise, this same faith formed America and brought us to this day. So, no matter what happens in the U.S. or international economy, our faith must be in that still small voice. This voice speaks of hope, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, love and equality for all humanity; help for fatherless children, widows, the sick and poor; honor for elderly and heroes; and protection of our natural resources.
Attacking a chosen leader will only keep us roaming aimlessly through this dangerous wilderness called life.
Victoria Ryan-Bailey St. Louis
Political linguistics
Political linguistics is always an interesting area to peruse. A contemporary most notable is the word “sacriice.” This word now rolls from the lips of discombobulated Democrats whenever they make a statement with regard to our nation’s alleged “deicit crisis.” Despite the fact that the purported “crisis“ is nothing more than a political concoction conjured by Tea Party and Republican poli-
his organization. Like Jobs, John Maeda credits his artistic sense for his technology successes.
There is no conclusive study to show a rise in test scores by teaching arts in schools. But a J. Paul Getty Trust-funded study by Ellen Winner and Lois Hetland in 2007 shows that skills used in arts education such as “visual-spatial abilities, relection, self-criticism and the willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes all are important to numerous careers, but are widely ignored by today’s standardized tests.”
The teachable moment for students is that although Steve Jobs has passed there is another innovator amongst you. The teachable moment for leaders in education is that art is in the design of technology and they both contribute to a successful curriculum. As John Maeda put it, “Steve Jobs added Art to STEM to create STEAM.” Thornton is a meter supervisor for Ameren Missouri and vice president, CBM of the board for the Hazelwood School District.
ticians, Democrats are either too punch-drunk or too timid to stand irm and protect vital social programs (Social Security, etc.) from the moronic inancial demands of Washington’s rightwing hypocrites.
Addressing the “deicit crisis,“ cowering Democrats have surrendered their integrity and taken the stand that fairness equates to “sacriice,” that all Americans must sacriice to save America. So, in the face of this fabricated inancial crisis, politicians of all stripes tell us that it is out of necessity that they must slash programs like Social Security, Medicare, Pell Grants, food stamps. Because all, they say, must sacriice.
But to sacriice means giving up something that will have some noticeable impact on the person or corporation from whom it is taken. Inexplicably absent from these absurd austerity measures proposed by our elite political cadre is the tax increase “sacriice” to be made by the wealthiest among us. But terming a proposed tax increase on wealthy Americans as a “sacriice” by them is a deceptive misnomer, political linguistics at work. Taking money (increasing a tax obligation) from a person or corporation that won’t miss it is not a “sacriice” on their part.
Michael K. Broughton Green Park
Promised, and then some
Your team at The American has been very eficient and responsive, and I especially want to thank you for your leadership in getting Solomon’s Temple church events posted. Your team effort was appreciated, and all of the timelines have been met. You along with The American have delivered what was promised, and then some.
Angela Jackson Via email
Partners with Miles
Words can’t express how much I appreciate your partnership with the 85th birthday –2011 Miles Davis Festival. The St. Louis American was a great inspiration for the MILES To Go Jazztet students who have worked hard to blaze trails over the past year. Your kindness and generosity will go a long way and will always be remembered. We announced and thanked The St. Louis
American on our website, social media and live at the event. My goal for these young students was to feel a strong sense of pride and appreciation from the community ... and for them to move forward in their lives and careers with positive memories of Miles Davis Festival that will take them to greater endeavors. Thanks to you, I think the goal was achieved.
Deborah Granger producer, Miles Davis Festival Productions East St. Louis
Columnist Eugene Robinson
Guest Columnist Karlton Thornton
Missouri Supreme Court Judge George Draper (UPI/Bill Greenblatt)
The St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation is accepting applications for the Earl Wilson, Jr. Mister and Miss Gateway Classic 2012. The 2012 applications are available at www.gatewayclassic.org or the Gateway Classic office, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. The Earl Wilson, Jr. Mister & Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Program provides two high school students who are current juniors the opportunity to pursue their college education and receive a college scholarship. Traditionally only available to females, this scholarship program is a four-month developmental program now open to both male and female students. Two four-year, $40,000 scholarships (maximum of $5,000 per semester) covering tuition and room/board will be awarded to a deserving young male and female. Each scholarship award is renewable annually, assuming the recipient maintains a 2.3GPA(C+ avg.) or above and meets all eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Trina Claggett at 314-621-1994 x211 or visit www.gatewayclassic.org.
Halloween Spooktacularat Jamestown Mall
The City of Black Jack, in conjunction with, the St. Louis County Police Department and Jamestown Mall, will hold its annual Children’s Halloween Spooktacular on Monday, October 31 from6-8 p.m. at Jamestown Mall, Center Court.
The safety center event will feature candy for the children along with a costume contest for the children that will begin at 6 p.m. sharp. Please register for the contest upon arriving at the mall.
For further information, contact Randy Gardner at 314-599-4020.
Mrs. Obama visits St. Louis
First Lady Michelle Obama talks to a veteran about the 2011 World Series as part of Welcome Back Veterans and joining forces Initiatives,at Jefferson Barracks Hospital in St.Louis on October 19.
Health foundation funds Gateway to Hope
Gateway to Hope has received a $100,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH). The grant will allow Gateway to Hope to continue its mission of providing comprehensive care at no cost to uninsured and underinsured individuals with or at high risk for breast cancer through its partner’s donated services.
Gateway to Hope patients earn too much money to receive government assistance such as Medicaid yet not enough to pay for comprehensive health insurance or cancer treatment. It provides care at no cost to them through its network of 150 partners and providers, including doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and healthcare facilities that donate their skills, services and time.
For more information, call 314-569-1113 or visit www.gthstl.org.
Fearof voterfraud
By Hope Whitehead For The St.Louis American
Voter suppression is a strategy to influence the outcome of an election by discouraging or preventing people from exercising their right to vote. Since Barack Obama was elected president of these United States, the Grand Ole Party has created and developed a systematic effort across the nation to restrict voting rights.
First the GOPbombarded the mainstream media with fear of rampant voting fraud. Notice, I did not say evidence of voting fraud, I said FEAR. Fear is a powerful motivator. From coast to coast, Republicancontrolled legislatures have been pounding the tables about voter fraud. They don’t show statistics on voter fraud. They don’t show graphs, charts or maps of this plague affecting our cities. They don’t show arrests, trials or even mug shots of people charged with voter fraud. Most voter fraud prosecutions are about the fraudulent activities of a candidate, not the voter.
Sometimes there are voter residency issues, but there is no evidence of any case in Missouri involving voter impersonation. Yet, Missouri passed a voter photo ID bill. Thankfully, Governor Nixon vetoed it. Despite the lack of evidence, the 2010 midterm elections galvanized the GOPto make voter fraud a top priority. In some states they restricted early voting. Maine used to have Election Day voter registration; however, their newly elected Tea Party governor put that on the chopping block. Florida focused on voter registration drives. They put in place huge fines if organizations fail to turn in their collected voter registration cards within 48 hours. This put the unbiased, non-partisan League of Women Voter’s out of the registration business in Florida. Alabama, Kansas, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and Wisconsin all enacted photo ID bills. In Indiana a photo ID law prevented 12 nuns in South Bend, Indiana from voting. This is not about voter fraud. This is about voter turnout and the 2012 election. The GOPwants to honor Michele Bachmann’s wishes and make President Barack Obama a one-term president. I support and respect President Obama, but this is bigger than him. This is about the erosion of voter rights laws that our forefathers fought, marched and boycotted to get. If we don’t fight to keep these rights we will be back to reciting the constitution before we can vote. Can anybody say “poll tax”? Hope Whitehead is an attorney at law and former state representative.
Hope Whitehead
Photo by UPI/Bill Greenblatt
in violation of the Clean Water Act by discharging untreated sewage from its collection system through combined sewer overflows and constructed sanitary sewer overflows.
As per a consent decree filed in July, MSD agreed to improve its sewer system and treatment plants at an estimated cost of $4.7 billion over 23 years.
Contractors of St. Louis, NAACP, various engineering associations and minority contractors – have been collaborating with the board and MSD on creating the new participation goals since the spring. Yet, some have expressed lastminute concerns with parts of the plan.
“You should set your goals to where they should be, with a fair share for minorities, and then find ways to hit your numbers.”
– Jim Buford
“Come April, one way or another, the AfricanAmerican community is going to be asked to pay its fair share of the cost of meeting the consent decree that MSD entered with the EPA,” said Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis NAACPbranch.
“If we have to pay our fair share, then no one should have any problem with us asking for our fair share of the work that our dollars are going to create.” Stakeholders – including the Associated General
NORFOLK
Continued from A1 energy is still here – almost Zen-like.”
It was a long journey for Norfolk to the stage as a story-
Len Toenjes, president of the AGC of St. Louis, said he was concerned that the “good faith” effort requirements for the workforce participation would be too easy to bypass.
“If you give people wiggle room, they are going to take it,”
Toenjes said.
“More definition needs to be added so it could be measured accurately. Contractors are used to bidding on specifics and details every day of the week. It should be an objective ‘good faith’effort so the potential for front companies is minimized.”
James Buford, vice chair of the MSD board and president/CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and MSD board chair Bob Berry have been leading the effort to
teller.
“From kindergarten to 10th grade, I stuttered,” Norfolk said. “I had these master teachers within the St. Louis Public Schools system – and they kept seeing things in me that I didn’t see in myself.” These teachers, especially at
raise the participation goals. Buford said the goals must be accompanied by more staff to enforce them.
“We’re all fighting for strong ‘good faith’procedures so that we don’t just set goals,” Buford said. “The reason it has taken us so long is that we are trying to work out something that we can all agree to that strengthens MSD’s ‘good faith’plan.”
MSD is governed by a sixmember board, with three members appointed by the mayor of St. Louis and three by the county executive of St. Louis County.
With the negotiations going on so long, some wondered why the AGC didn’t raise their concerns sooner in the process. Toenjes also objected to creating a tiered system for MBE contractors and setting equal participation goals for the construction and non-construction contracts. He also suggested waiting until the first of the year to establish new requirements.
“We all had an opportunity to at least have some input on what the proposal turned out to be,” Pruitt said. “It was disappointing to hear AGC express some concerns about the policy for the first time, after being at the table for all these months. I think it is disingenuous.”
Sumner High School, changed Norfolk’s life.
“They put me in drama class, in poetry recitals, they put me in talent shows and whenever I would perform I wouldn’t stutter,” Norfolk said.
“When I left the stage, the stuttering came back. But then
Rokers celebrate with Donalds
Ramona Dickens, manager of MSD’s diversity programs, said the district could not comment on the proposal until after the board votes on it.
Buford said with so much work scheduled for the next 20 years, it is no time for MSD to have low participation goals. Against the standard argument that there are not enough minority companies in town to meet a 25-percent requirement, Buford said MSD is not
I found out that it was the meter, rhythm and rhyme of what I was doing on the stage. Some of my drama teachers said I should study meditation techniques, too. And with the meditation and the theatre, the stuttering stopped. And the career began.”
After graduating from Sumner, a fellowship from the Danforth Foundation enabled him to pursue a career in writing at University Missouri–St. Louis while simultaneously performing in local theatre (he performed in The Black Rep’s 1981 production of A Soldier’s Play).
restricted to St. Louis.
However, the agency will hire minority vendors from the area first.
“Why should we penalize the ones we have here and lower the goal? That makes the wrong statement about our city,” Buford said. “You should set your goals to where they should be, which is at a fair share for minorities, and then find ways to hit your numbers.”
still have that press pass.”
He also worked as a standup comedian, opening for acts like Lou Rawls, Roberta Flack, B.B. King and Peabo Bryson.
To make ends meet, he took a college friend up on an offer to become a park ranger at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which includes the St. Louis Arch – a day job that led to his performance passion.
“With the meditation and the theatre, the stuttering stopped.And the career began.”
– Bobby Norfolk
“The first year of my internship was Proud Magazine, and my second year of internship was with the St. Louis Sentinel, where Howard B. Woods was my mentor,” Norfolk said. “And my third internship was with this obscure newspaper called The St. Louis American. I got my press pass as features writer for The St. Louis American. I
“I didn’t seek storytelling, it sought me,” Norfolk said.
“There I am minding my business with my Smokey the Bear outfit on, and the storytellers from all over the United States came. I thought it was new, but it was an ancient art form and it didn’t require anything except imagination.”
The St. Louis Storytellers Festival was being hosted by the national park. Norfolk asked his boss if he could take part.
“He said take an hour and be a part of the festival,”
Pruitt said MSD has never put out a job that didn’t have a bidder. If the participation goals are too high for certain companies, they don’t have to bid on them.
“The chairman and vice chair are doing everything in their power to get this right,” Pruitt said. “It’s going to come down to the rest of the board supporting their direction.”
Norfolk said. “Then come back, put your uniform on and be a ranger.” Norfolk was discovered by Young Audiences, and soon he hung up his park ranger uniform to pursue storytelling full-time. Along the way, he blended his backgrounds from theatre, music and comedy into what he calls “story theatre” –which is what guests of the symphony can expect to see on Sunday at The Composer is Dead, a murder mystery/orchestral combination written by Lemony Snicket and composed by Nathaniel Stookey.
“It’s going to bring me back to my early days in theatre,” Norfolk said. “I am not going to be Bobby Norfolk, I am going to be this other persona and that other persona will hopefully light up that spot.”
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of The Composer is Dead will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at Powell Symphony Hall (718 N. Grand). For more information, visit www.stlsymphony.org or call 314-5341700.
Al Roker of The Today Show and his wife Deborah Roberts visited with Hazel Donald and Arnold Donald,president and CEO of the Executive Leadership Council at the ELC’s 25th Anniversary Recognition Gala held last Thursday at the Gaylord National in Prince Georges County,Maryland.
Photo by Hillery Smith Shay/HHS Consulting
money to go to the top high schools, get there – those who are really striving to succeed and are well educated,” said Jefferson, who aims to become a car designer and mechanic.
The school’s mission is to end the cycle of poverty through education. Over 75 percent of Loyola’s students qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program, and the average household income is approximately $25,800 annually. Over 80 percent of Loyola students live in single-parent settings, and 99 percent are African-American.
When Jefferson and Clair were asked how Loyola Academy is different from other schools, they responded without hesitation.
cent of them have been accepted into college prep schools. They call it a seven-year program because throughout high school a Loyola representative tracks their graduates’ progress. Alumni even receive a stipend throughout high school – as long as they maintain a 2.5 GPAand complete community service hours back at the academy.
“It is really a family,” said Faith Barnes, development director for Loyola.
“It is really a family.You see alumni around all the time.They sit in with their little brothers.”
– Faith Barnes, development director for Loyola
“Uh, girls,” said Jefferson, and Clair nodded in agreement. Yet, Jefferson admits that the lack of young ladies in his classes has helped him get better grades. And that’s just a small piece of how the school has helped him and his family, he said. At his prior school, his mother was struggling to pay tuition. At Loyola, families pay $800 a school year, though it actually costs the school $14,000 per student. No family is turned away because of income.
In its 13th year of operation, Loyola serves about 60 students annually, and 100 per-
CHILDREN
Continued from A1
Continued from A1 multiple gunshots on the streets of St. Louis when he was 17. He survived it, but that’s about it. Living life just to survive is not living. He has lived in a nursing home as a quadriplegic for more than a decade.It is a really tough situation for him, and I struggle with his outcome to this day. There are many great organizations in the St. Louis community doing noble work, but our kids are still dying. Black children are disproportionately represented in almost every social ill in our country. Black boys particularly have all but given up. If you don’t believe me, talk to the people who are on the frontlines working to
“You see alumni around all the time. They sit in with their little brothers.” Jefferson said he loves the idea of coming back to the school after he graduates.
“It’s a great way to keep graduates involved,” he said.
“It allows us to remember where we came from, catch up with old friends and get a lot of homework in.”
One student from the school’s first graduating class in 2001, Sterling Brown, is now a social studies teacher for the school.
“We have boys who come from distressed backgrounds, and they are more than capable of succeeding academically and in life,” said Eric Clark, president of the school. “They just need to be empowered and expected to do that.”
Loyola’s model is called Nativity, and there are six other Nativity schools in the St. Louis area; all serve lowincome families. Besides operating year-round, the schools also have extended days.
Students enter at 7:30 a.m. and stay until 5:40 p.m., Monday
get our young people to dream about college.
The problem as I see it for our region is we lack a unified vision in general, but more specifically we lack vision for our children.
If you spend time in the most challenging rural or urban areas of this region, you learn quickly that we all have similar ambitions. Most people that I encounter don’t strive to be poor. Even those who are seemingly unmotivated have within them a kernel, a seed of desire for something greater.
What many lack is imagination and vision. They can’t reconcile their current state, their current condition with the proverbial American dream.
They have been seduced by their environment to believe that this right now is all that is possible.
through Thursday. On Friday, school lets out at 3:20 p.m.
“So many people like to say that our boys are at-risk,” Clark said. “What we like to say is ‘they are at-promise.’”
Last week before Game 2 of the World Series, Roberto Clemente’s widow Vera visited the school to talk to them about “passing down” her hus-
We need a vision that captivates and involves even those among us who have attentiondeficit issues from the most hardened areas of our region. Let’s start with a vision that has both economic and social implications.
Every child will have the opportunity to intellectually actualize. Every child will be encouraged early on to imagine college. We need to have a campaign with a singular focus on creating a culture of high expectation. We need to shift our language from, “Are you going to college?” to “what college are you going to?”
I propose that we equip boys and girls clubs, YMCAs and other organizations who indicate a focus on child development, college readiness and access with tools and resources to empower their young peo-
band’s legacy of giving back to the community.
“We could all contribute to that by helping out the people we should help out,” said Clair, who intends to become a lawyer.
At Loyola, students are already contributing through their community service Saturdays. Vera Clemente was
ple. With this regional investment should also come a new level of accountability for outcomes.
So many of our partner agencies are tackling these and other issues that stunt the
just one of the inspiring speakers that students hear from each month. The speaker that impressed Clair the most was Eric Rhone, the manager for Cedric Kyles, a.k.a. Cedric The Entertainer.
“He grew up a lot similar to me,” Clair said. “He came from a single-parent household and went to Normandy
growth of our young people, let’s make it a regional priority. Doing so now will change the fate of the next generation of children as values shift, and norms change. Kimbrough is Senior Vice
schools. He changed his life when he went to a good college.”
The speaker series is part of what makes his experience at Loyola a great one, Clair said. He said, “I would recommend it to boys who want to go to a good high school.”
President at United Way of Greater St. Louis. He is an adjunct instructor at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work and serves as finance chair of Missouri State University.
Loyola Academy eighth graders Ky’re Harris,Alan Patton and Desmond Williams talk to principal Kathy Petron in the campus library.Over 80 percent of Loyola students live in single-parent settings,and 99 percent are AfricanAmerican.
Photo by Wiley Price
Lockhart-KorrisandSewardwed
St. Louis Statue Plaza, at the crest of Forest Park’s Art Hill was the ideal backdrop for the wedding nuptials of Rachel Lockhart-Korris and Jermal Seward, on Saturday October 15. Rachel, of Wells Fargo Advisors and Jermal, an attorney at Seward and Associates celebrated their nuptials under the direction of the Reverend Earla S. Lockhart of Huntsville, Alabama as 200 of their closest friends and family stood nearby.
The couple will honeymoon in Punta Mita, Mexico in November.
Photos by Lance Omar Thurman
John Reed
OBITUARIES
St. Louis own John Reed, known within the Blues community as J.R. Reed “The Real Blues Man” has recently departed from this life as he has known it, October 08, 2011 at 3:49 a.m.
J.R. was known as a talented musician whom entertained throughout local St. Louis venues for many years. In 1984, many may remember the release of J.R’s “Relection of the Blues”, which was an incredible display of his talent as an experienced guitar player and vocalist of the blues. J.R.’s love for the music of blues will live on within our community and with the help of his host of family, friends, and many fans; J.R.’s musical legacy will live on.
Leon Burke
Retired Colonel Leon Burke, 81, passed away on Sunday October 16 at his home in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Colonel Burke served as Police Commissioner from April 4, 1996 until his retirement on February 21, 2007. Colonel Burke is to be credited with starting the irst three work experience training sites for students with disabilities in the Special School District more than 30 years ago. At a time when many believed that individuals with disabilities were not employable, through Leon’s unique program these students were given an oppor-
tunity to learn and train at area businesses. He opened the door to providing expanded career opportunities for students who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks. Today, SSD continues to promote independence through employment training to improve the quality of life of individuals. What was an innovative approach to learning in the community has grown to over a 100 work sites spread throughout the city and county. Mr. Burke continued with this program serving as Area Coordinator for the Transition Services Department until his retirement on August 31, 1994.
In Loving Memory of George W. Slaughter
September 24, 1922— September 24, 2010
Gone But Not Forgotten Thanking God for the blessings that you shared with me, For I remember how we loved each other, oh so tenderly. I thank God for how He truly blessed our life, And I’ll forever be grateful that God and you chose me to be you wife.
Missing you GW, Your loving wife Erma and your sister Doris
Missionary
Helen L. Surzette
September 30, 1911— October 2, 2011
Helen L. Surzette was born September 2, 1911 to Helen
and Lehman Surzette in Natchez, Mississippi. She was an only child. She professed her belief in God as a young woman, and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ under the pastorate of the late Bishop Austin A. Layne. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost in June 1943.
Sister Helen Surzette (aka Carson) loved to serve in the kitchen during Council meetings, selling slices of homemade pie for 15 cents a slice. She worked faithfully in the Tarrying Room along with Mother Hester Davis for many years, praying along with people as they were receiving the Holy Ghost. Almost from the moment she was saved, she demonstrated a burning passion to bring others to Christ. In the 70s, she moved her membership to Lively Stone Church of God, under the leadership of the late Bishop Phillip Lee Scott. She loved her former Pastor and his wife, as well as her present Pastor, Bishop Alphonso Scott and his wife, Sister Phyllis Scott.
Missionary Surzette would spend hundreds of dollars to order tracts to pass out. She believed in “putting your money where your mouth is”. She was directly involved with door-to-door ministry by passing out tracts, collecting discarded Sunday School books and Lively Stone bulletins. She would distribute them all for blocks and blocks in St. Louis neighborhoods, even venturing into taverns and lounges, just to
get the message out that “Jesus Saves”. Missionary Surzette was fearless in her witness for the Lord. She also believed in and practiced paying tithes, as well as giving whatever she was asked to give.
It is to be noted that on October 2, 2011, having lived 100 years and two days, that Missionary Helen L. Surzette advanced from the position of “senior citizen” to the ranks of “centenarian”. She had to make 100, because 99½ just won’t do. But above all, our God willed it so. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleveland Carson. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Eno Payne Butler (Gloria), Carolyn J. Simmons (Emmanuel), Calvin Carson and Clarice Howard (Robert); along with generations of grandchildren; special relatives, Vicki and Tyler McClure, and a host of friends, not to mention the Saints of God.
In Memory of Donald Ray
October 24, 1941— October 15, 2010
We Miss You Your wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends
Lorraine Olivette Gasway
October 22, 1911— September 10, 2011
Lorraine Olivette Haynes was born October 22, 1911 to Julia Aline and Lawrence
Singleton Haynes. She was the second of three children and the only girl. Her parents and brothers preceded her in death. Lorraine loved to sing, dance, cook and sew. She received her irst sewing lesson when her great aunt saw her trying to tie some sewing thread around a straight pin. Lorraine was an impeccable seamstress and an expert tailor. She did military sewing at the Barney’s Military Store. She could read the chevron (stripes) of any soldier who walked in the store. Lorraine worked the factories (piece work) when the war was over. Eventually, she became the irst seamstress for the St. Louis Police Department until her health started failing. She volunteered at Wesley House and as a hostess and guide at the Old Court House. She was an active member of St. Engelbert (St. Elizabeth) Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the NAACP, Urban League and Block Unit Captain. She was videotaped for the Vaughn Cultural Center, UMSL Library, demonstrating the history and construction of the “Apron Bonnet” at several public schools and the Julia Davis Public Library and is in the Living Treasure book. Several articles and pictures were featured in the St. Louis Post-dispatch, North Side Journal and the St. Louis American. She displayed her “cotton pickin” sweet bread and wore the “Apron Bonnet.” She received her irst cooking lesson from her grandmother (Momma Kate). We all know how good her “cotton pickin” sweet bread is. She took her children and grandchildren in the kitchen and had them make the cake. The recipe is a family
secret. Lorraine was educated in the St. Louis Public School system, graduating from Simmons Elementary in 1927 and Charles Sumner High School in 1930. After graduating, she moved to South Orange, New Jersey and worked as a domestic for a family originally from St. Louis. There she met and married George Maurice Gunther. Children born to this union are Amerilys Lorraine and Sandra Aline. In 1946, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Clarence Gasway. The children of this union are Janice Theresa and Jeanne Philomena. She leaves to cherish her memory: four children, Amerilys L. Bowden, Sandra A. Seals, Janice Smith and Jeanne (Lee) Bourrage; 13 grandchildren, Kim (Ron) Gragg, Carole (Gregory) Harding, Meryl Davie-Newton, Anita (Millard) Curtis, William (Estella) Davie, Denise Wyatt, Claire Wilson, Harold Anthony (Sandra) Davie, Carla Seals, Victor (Kiko) Seals, Brock Seals, Rory (Kacy) Seals, Melanie (Torry) Merritt; 24 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other friends and family.
Attention St. Louis American Readers
As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican.com AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel@stlamerican.com.
John Reed
Helen Surzette
Donald Ray
Lorraine Gasway
Life Support forAerotropolis
The EYE inds it dificult to believe, after the shocking disappointment of the failed special session of the Missouri Legislature, but supporters of the Aerotropolis incentive package for new capital investment in job creation around the St. Louis airport have not yet bled dry in a bathtub after slicing into a deep vein.
Gov. Jay Nixon, who met with Chinese airline oficials this week, could keep Aerotropolis alive, if only on life support. He has the discretion
to ind a million (and change) a year to incentivize lights from China until Aerotropolis dealmakers can go back to the Legislature and get the real thing done – long-term performance-based incentives.
Nixon can send an important signal and keep this bold plan for economic development alive, at least for a very short period of time, if he uses discretionary funds and rewrites regulations and rules regarding existing incentives. This would be nothing on the order of mag-
nitude envisioned by the many St. Louis civic leaders who supported the $300 million piece of tax incentives that was slashed from the economic development bill in the special session, but it would be different than admitting defeat.
This stopgap measure would leave a lot of ifs for freight forwarders looking to see if there was enough incentive to build new business around St. Louis. It’s one thing to see an eight-year program approved by the Legislature and signed
into law by the governor – it’s not dificult to get with that and adapt your business plans. It’s another thing to see a 12-month stopgap measure that ills in for legislation that died. Twelve months does not a route make, and that’s the problem; money is money, but conceptually it’s a different thing. If it comes from a discretionary eco devo fund, it’s still not a program, but still you can put the plan on life support and take that as a irst step to the Chinese. If that is not what Nixon is saying to Chinese oficials, it is what he should be saying.
Crazies in the Legislature
We can only hope, in this new courtship phase, that the Chinese do not ask Nixon or their contacts in St. Louis to provide irm assurances that the Missouri Legislature will get back behind Aerotropolis. No one can provide rational assurances with some of the crazies that now serve in the state Legislature. What other state would be dismissive, the way Missouri has been dismissive, of a willing Chinese partner wanting to create commercial investment in their state’s economic hub?
It’s almost Alice in Wonderland, which is why the EYE has been concerned whenever Aerotropolis supporters step into a bathtub with a razor handy. One might have thought the Republicans would want to assure they maintain their supermajority and try in earnest to get something passed in the special session, which Nixon said he feared would turn into an expensive debate society. That was rendered impossible when every Senate Republican turned out to be too unwilling or weak to debate state Sen. Jason Crowell – everybody but state Sen. Eric Schmitt. Crowell has bullied and cowed every Senate Republican, which is not dificult. These are not terribly bright people, so it was not hard to convince four or ive people that Aerotropolis was just picking winners and losers or a handout for greedy developers. Nixon also started putting lies in the ointment when his eco devo people read the redrafted legislation and began to obsess over the absence of his signature contribution to economic development, Compete Missouri, which is little more than a marriage of two existing programs, Quality Jobs and
Halloween Safe Zones
For the 4th straight year, Alderman Antonio D. French will sponsor Halloween“SafeZones”inthe21stWard. On Saturday, October 29, French will sponsor a pumpkin carving contest at The Sanctuary, 4449 Red Bud Ave. On Halloween night, houses in the safe zones will pass out candy to trickor-treaters as neighbors and police patrol to ensure the safety of the children. Safe Zone #1 is the 4400-4500 blocks of Holly and Athlone in the O’Fallon neighborhood. Safe Zone #2 is the 4700 blocks of Kossuth, Lee, Penrose and Bessie Court in the Penrose neighborhood. For more info, call the 21st Ward Community Ofice at 314-769-9000.
Build Missouri. When that was not in the bill, Nixon apparently worked behind the scenes with state Sen. Brad Lager, state Sen. Chuck Purgason and Crowell to undo the compromise. Lager, who had been an architect of the compromise, suddenly morphed into someone saying this was only a framework to begin negotiation (he knew full well it was a 400-page redraft, not a rough framework). Lager is close to Nixon’s DED, his St. Louis developer friend running point on tax credit programs, and the pointman’s friend at the Business Journal. Lager was supposed to be the guy who kept the moderates in the proAerotropolis business community safe from the unwashed rabble of Purgason and Crowell. A lot of eggs had been dropped into that basket. So when Lager started to pull away, those eggs started to look pretty scrambled. Rex Sinqueield and the Show-Me Institute provided steady talking points against Aerotropolis, the policy wonk version of “playa hatin’,” and some rhetorical heat was added by tea party types who created hysteria around a threatened “Chinese invasion” of Missouri subsidized by Missouri taxpayers. The Senate fell into disarray with Lager not supporting the compromise, Crowell running rampant and Purgason not knowing what to do. What they did was pull the $300 million Aerotropolis piece out of the bill, pass it and send it to the House.
Non-compete Missouri
Nixon then started his campaign claiming that Compete Missouri can serve the purpose of the $300 million facility piece in Aerotropolis, which it can’t. He backed a version that includes Compete Missouri, which creates more budgetary strain and gives him a closing fund that concerns members of the House who are worried about Nixon playing pay to play. By Nixon doing what his enemies describe as “pay to play” (which might just be discretionary funding by any other name), he slows these programs down, which the Senate right wing likes, so Nixon has allies there. They pass the bill to the House with the $300 million long-term triggered incentive piece stripped out of it.
Speaker of the House Steve Tilley and state Rep. John Diehl balk and say they can’t have that, the long-term triggered incentives were the reason they agreed to seven-year sunsets on some of their pet tax credit programs in the compromise process. There are reports that Nixon’s policy hall-walker Daniel Hall told Diehl to his face that Nixon didn’t like the Senate/House compromise and had them working against it.
(Hall is Nixon’s policy guy who works the House and Senate, Hall who walks the halls; he also worked for Bob Holden – he’s a gloriied errand boy, but since no one gets to see the wizard himself, there is glory in Nixon’s errand boy.) So the Senate and House Republicans are left looking like they can’t come to an agreement or stick to an agreement, as indeed they can’t and didn’t. But Nixon’s vanity and ego deserve a share of the blame – just to have his signature piece in the deal, he was willing to risk blowing the whole thing apart, which indeed did happen.
Nixon in China
According to a jaundiced view of Nixon’s actions in this matter, he was never interested in tax reform; he was interested in getting re-elected. The St. Louis developer who ran point for Nixon in the tax credit review process, according to this view, never wanted caps on these tax credit programs. Yet they were able to loat and sell their disguised intentions as fact with the help of the Business Journal. It stretched the credulity of anyone who knows the developer and how he makes a living to put him in charge of tax credit reforms, unless you accept the argument that who better knows better how to ix the abuse than the abuser himself.
Politically, Nixon is a winner, since this insider view will never be widely reported or understood by many. The headlines are and should be that Republicans and their super-majorities in the Legislature would not put aside their differences to pass badly needed economic incentives; the governor’s alleged role in preying upon these differences in an attempt to latter his pet program will not be remembered by many. Given that St. Louis now is left to look towards Nixon for life support for the incentive program this region needs also means Nixon has succeeded in turning what was a promising deal between St. Louis and China into Nixon’s deal with China. Fair enough, in political terms; he is the governor. But now he should act like a forward-thinking CEO and bring maximum state resources to the head start this region has over other areas to build a global cargo hub. Nixon should put Aerotropolis on life support until a
Killers of black men
The deadliest killer in the black community is not gangs, or drugs, or black-on-black crime, as deadly as they are. It’s the self-on-self crime of ignoring our health. The biggest killers of black males are now colon and prostate cancer. While health organizations have spent the last two decades convincing black men it is okay to get their prostates checked, most have still never had a colon exam.
Are these the results of the closing of the city hospitals, Homer G. Phillips Hospital, St. Louis County Hospital, Central Medical Center and the relocation of DePaul and privatizing health care?
Because African-American men are over-affected by prostate and colon cancer, this call for action is irst and foremost addressed to them. AfricanAmerican men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world and the lowest rate of survival and the least access to health facilities. The head of the American Cancer Society, Charles J. McDonald, MD, says: “Black men in America are 1.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and are 2 to 3 times more likely to die of the disease than white men.”
Ironically, colon cancer and prostate cancer are two of the most curable of the cancers when detected early. Prostate cancer deaths have been on the decline over the past years; however, colon cancer deaths are still on the rise as the message still hasn’t made it to black men in the same way. Black men are 10 percent more likely than white men to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
The American Cancer Society recently reported that though fewer African Americans are dying from colon cancer than in previous years, our death rates rank higher than any other racial or ethnic group. Prostate cancer, particularly among African Americans, is “a disgraceful tragedy that needs immediate and drastic action,” says John R. Kelly, a board director of the American Cancer Society. If this important, potentially lifesaving information is so readily available, why are African-American males so reluctant to see a doctor or a clinician who has the possibility to save our lives?
Black men often confuse physique with health. They tend to work on their physiques, thinking they’re working on their health. As society hypes outer beauty and forsakes inner beauty, black men are so busy trying to get attention in the presentation of their outer body, they forsake their inner bodies.
In “Colon Cancer: A Killer of Black Men,” Matthew Lynch wrote, “It is through food that we as African Americans have been able to retain our sense of culture. Nonetheless, AfricanAmerican cuisine, though diverse and lavorful, is often high in fat, carbohydrates, sodium and cholesterol. Even our dishes commonly referred to as soul food, includes vegetable ixings such as greens, black eye peas and sweet potatoes, are prepared with high quantities of salt and sugars.” Diet and nutrition, the lack of proper health insurance, and stressful lifestyles remain contributing factors in why African Americans are at greater risk of developing cancer and dying from it. Black men often do not identify trouble urinating, pain urinating or blood in the urine as possible signs of prostate cancer. There are still major barriers and challenges to cancer prevention among African Americans, including continued mistrust of the medical community and negative attitudes toward speciic screening tests. In addition, the numbers of
minorities residing in urban communities where pollution and cancer-causing agents are prevalent also may explain why blacks are more susceptible to getting cancer than whites. Detection is the irst step. All men aged 40 and up need their physicians to check for prostate cancer with a digital rectal examination every year, and African American men as young as 35 should have a colonoscopy. African-American men and all men with a family history of prostate cancer should also get an annual PSA
(prostate speciic antigen) blood test. Other men can wait till age 50 for the annual PSA test. Black men, the choices are yours. What would you prefer, a biopsy or an autopsy?
Please listen the Bernie Hayes radio program Monday through Friday at 7am and 4 pm on WGNU-920 AM or www. wgnu920am.com. And please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday Night at 10pm and Friday Morning at 9 am and Sunday Evenings at 5:30 pm on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-
African-American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world and the lowest rate of survival and the least access to health facilities
Bernie Hayes
Patient care pioneer
Dr. Harold P. Freeman (center), who developed the individualized care technique known as patient navigation, met with patient navigators and some Barnes-Jewish Hospital staffers during a visit last week. Freeman is shown with Marilyn Huffman; Courtney Beers, MPH, research associate; Irma Martinez, Melissa Bradshaw, Vicki Knighten, Nedra Bramlett-Stevenson, Belma Begic, patient navigator, and Susan Kraenzle, RN, Breast Center manager.
Photo by Sarah Kincade/BJC
Patient navigator creator visits St. Louis
Harold P. Freeman hosted by Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center
By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American
Patient navigators from the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Barnes-Jewish Hospital saw their “superstar” in person last week during a lecture held at Chase Hotel in St. Louis. Perhaps it’s the way Apple aficionados would feel if they
had gotten to meet the late Steve Jobs in person.
Dr. Harold P. Freeman’s genius is not in revolutionary technology – it’s with people. Very sick people.
Freeman pioneered the system of personal care and service provided by patient navigators to prevent sick people and poor people from falling through the cracks in health care delivery.
Beyond his formal training –an A.B. degree from the Catholic University of America, and a M.D. degree from Howard University Freeman said his “real education” in understanding people, humanity and poverty began in 1967at Harlem Hospital in New York.
“I saw women who were coming to Harlem Hospital in that early time period 1967 to the ‘70s with very, very advanced breast cancer, sometimes so advanced that you could not see the breast – all you could see was the ulcerated mass,” Freeman said.
“This had a deep effect on me. It really was the reason that my career shifted from just being a surgeon to the point of trying to understand the population that was coming into Harlem Hospital.”
At the time, Freeman said all of the people who came in were poor and black. He worked to disentangle the relationship between poverty, race and cancer.
When he became director of surgery at Harlem hospital, Freeman started a secret free clinic for poor women on Saturdays on the 7th floor of the hospital, with $25,000 in support from the American Cancer Society, but soon his secret got out.
Freeman had some explaining to do to the Health and Hospitals Corporation, overseer of the 11 public hospitals in New York at the time. But they liked what Freeman was doing, and provided the mechanism to make the Freeman Free Breast Clinic legitimate
“‘When patient comes into your little clinic on the 7th floor, give them this number 8133 – put in on the chart and send it directly to the record room,’” Freeman said he was told. “‘By virtue of that, they will officially be a patient with this hospital.’”
Freeman said that clinic has opened every Saturday morning since 1979.
Freeman credits watching an interview featuring hip-hop mogul Jay Z, where he explained the difference between rap and hip hop, for his own distinction between advocacy and navigation. Rap is what you say; hip-hop is what you do.
“Advocates say things that may be positive – navigators do things that are positive,” Freeman said.
In 2007 Freeman founded the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute in New York City, which supports training for patient navigators and offers standards and customizable best practices through its core principles to help save the lives from cancer and chronic illnesses.
Those principles include communication about the need for recommended examinations and provide access to those exams. Freeman said navigators were picked based on understanding and compassion, not education.
The second principle is to eliminate barriers throughout the health continuum, such as financial barriers.
The third function involves removing barriers involving the complexity of the medical system in order for patients with suspicious findings to receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
Freeman is chairman emeritus and founder of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in New York, a senior advisor to the National Cancer Institute and medical director of the Breast Examination Center of Harlem at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Nedra Bramlett Stevenson trained under Freeman in New York at his institute.
“He gave us more information about navigation that we didn’t even know about,” Bramlett Stevenson said. “When we got back, we had a plan on how to revamp our program. And it grew – it doubled in size. We now see close to 4,000 patients a year.”
For more information on patient navigation, go to http://www. hpfreemanpni.org.
on our Medicare Advantage plans at a neighborhood meeting. Unable to make it to a meeting? Our sales representatives are also
Oct. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Bostick Temple Church 1448 Hodiamont Ave., St Louis Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 12:00 p.m. Afro World 7276 Natural Bridge Rd., St Louis
to
your questions over the phone or can meet with you one-on-one. This year, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7! Come to a neighborhood meeting and get important information
Call to reserve your place. 1-877-981-8158 (TTY/TDD
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. www.MyGHPMedicare.com.
Community edu C ation
Discussions and screenings about health and wellness presented by some of the country’s most respected experts from Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University Physicians.
Heart & Vascular
Taking Your Sex Life to Heart
Carl Klutke, MD, Washington University Urologist
Andrew Kates, MD, Washington University Cardiologist
A healthy heart is vital to getting the most out of life and remaining active. But some symptoms of heart disease can be less obvious than chest pain, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can be an early warning sign of heart problems. Understanding the connections between erectile dysfunction and heart health may help you recognize signs and symptoms associated with each condition, and lead you to successful treatment of both. Join a Washington University cardiologist and urologist as they discuss the early warning signs of heart disease, physical causes of ED as well as advanced treatment options that can help restore function and revitalize your relationship. To register, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627).
Wednesday, November 2
6:30 - 8 p.m.
BJC Learning Institute
Lower Level Auditorium
8300 Eager Road St. Louis, MO 63144
Medical Breakthroughs—
Open Heart Valve Surgery Without the “Open”
Alan Zajarias, MD, Washington University Cardiologist
Cardiac specialists at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center are the first in the region to perform a breakthrough alternative to open cardiac surgery for valve repair. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation allows patients previously deemed inoperable, an option toward replacing their valve. As one of only 23 centers in the nation to have participated in the national trial leading to the procedure’s FDA approval, Barnes-Jewish is a National Leader in Medicine. Join Washington University physicians to learn about this new procedure available. Light heart-healthy refreshments will be served. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, please call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or register online at barnesjewish.org/classes
Two Dates • Two Locations
Thursday, November 3
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel
7730 Bonhomme Ave. Clayton, MO 63105
Wednesday, December 7
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel and Spa
2 Convention Center Plaza
St. Charles, MO 63303
Diabetes
Take Steps to Prevent Diabetes
Dotti Durbin, RD, LD, CDE, Certi ed Diabetes Educator
Free diabetes prevention classes intended for those who have been diagnosed with prediabetes by a physician. Participants will attend two (2-hour) sessions and will learn strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes, including healthy food choices, exercise, and goal setting for weight management. Must attend class #1 prior to class #2. To enroll or for assistance call 314-TOP-DOCS or register online at www.barnesjewish.org/classes
Two Wednesdays, November 2 & 16
9 - 11 a.m.
Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center in West County Medical Office Building #3 1020 N. Mason Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Neurosciences
Decoding the Human Brain
Albert H. Kim, MD, PhD
Washington University Neurosurgeon
Understand the wonder of the human brain,the mostcomplex organ in the human body. You will enjoy this fun-filled evening as you learn from Washington Universityneuroscience specialists and partake in hands-on demonstrations,educational booths and even have the opportunity to hold a real human brain specimen. Join a Washington University neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, as he explains the functions of the human brain and how tumors can affect specific areas of the brain, including language and comprehension. Also learn about the innovative technology used at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital to treat patients with diseases of the brain. The event is free, but registration is required. To register call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or register online at barnesjewish.org/classes
Thursday, November 10
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center
16625 Swingley Ridge Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63017
Platelet Donation
Every day, cancer, cardiac and organ transplant patients run the risk of excessive bleeding which can lead to death. By donating platelets, the blood cells that prevent bleeding, you can help save their lives. The collection process is called pheresis and donations are needed frequently as these donated blood cells only have a shelf life of five days. Donors 17-years-old and older can safely give as frequently as every two weeks. The entire donation, from completing a health history to donating the platelets to having refreshments, takes about 90 minutes, though first-time donors may take longer to complete the predonation evaluation. Call 314-362-1253 or email us at BJHPHERESIS@BJC.ORG to schedule an appointment. For more information visit www.barnesjewish.org/pheresis
Two locations:
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
4921 Parkview Place, Suite 4E
St. Louis, MO 63110
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Pheresis Center West 969 Mason Road, Suite 230 St. Louis, MO 63141
Siteman Cancer Center
8ight Ways to Stay Healthy, Prevent Cancer and Protect Your Lungs
Know your risk. Change your future. The Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine invites you to an exciting and important health event. Join Washington University physician, Varun Puri, MD, as he talks about the prevention, detection and treatment of lung cancer. Erika Waters, PhD, MPH, Washington University Public Health Researcher, will share the eight healthy behaviors you can do today to help prevent cancer tomorrow and discover your risk for certain types of cancer. After learning from the speakers, stay for a health fair that will include:
• Information on how to maintain a healthy weight, including diet and exercise.
• Free health screenings: colorectal cancer risk assessments, blood pressure screenings, and more.
• Flu shots will be available to the first 200 people ages 18 and up to pre-register and participate in the entire event.
• One-on-one discussions with Washington University researchers.
The event is free, but registration is required.
To register, please call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or register online at barnesjewish.org/classes
Tuesday, November 1
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites
Two Convention Center Plaza St. Charles, MO 63303
Head and Neck Screening
No matter what your age, if you smoke, chew or dip, and/or consume alcohol regularly, you are at an increased risk for cancers of the head and neck. To encourage cancer awareness in those who use these substances, the Siteman Cancer Center will provide a free head and neck screening. The screening will be of particular interest to those who experience mouth and neck pain or hoarseness. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, please call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or register online at barnesjewish.org/classes
Saturday, November 5
8 - 11:30 a.m.
Center for Advanced Medicine, 11th floor lobby 4921 Parkview Place St. Louis, MO 63110
G.I.S.T. Gathering
Join us for a free education and support program for patients with GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) and their caregivers. Presentations by Washington University physicians and researchers will include:
• Benefits of a Prevention-based Lifestyle
• GIST Clinical Updates
• Insurance Issues, FMLA and ADA
• Medicare and Social Security
• Medicaid
Free conference parking in the Barnes-Jewish Hospital north garage. Light breakfast and lunch provided. Registration is required by Oct. 31. To register, please call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or register online at barnesjewish.org/classes
Saturday, November 5
7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital North Steinberg Building, Brown Room 4950 Parkview Place St. Louis, MO 63110
If not specified, programs are free-of-charge. For more information or for help finding a primary care doctor or specialist, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll-free 866-867-3627
Proud partner with the American Heart Association “My Heart. My Life.” program.
stronger
connections
We’ve made important moves to strengthen your network.
You may have heard. AT&T and T-Mobile are planning to come together.
What will that mean to you?
More cell sites and spectrum means better service sooner. And it means your Internet is about to take a big leap forward with LTE — a super-fast mobile broadband technology. We are going to deploy it to more than 97 percent of all Americans, giving you access to a cutting-edge wireless network and all the opportunities it brings.
So keep your bonds strong by reaching out to those you care about the moment they need you.
$500K
BUSINESS
Steward establishes signature business scholarship
PEOPLEON THE MOVE
Charles Ambrose, right,president of the University of Central Missouri, with Dave Steward, founder and chair of the board for World Wide Technology. See STEWARD, B2
Salute to
‘Business Performance’
Execs from MSD, Citibank, Centene, Enterprise awarded at Nov. 9 luncheon
By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American
Excellence in Business Performance Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards luncheon. The event will be held at The RitzCarlton, St. Louis Hotel in Clayton. The networking reception begins at 11 a.m. and the luncheon and program starts at noon.
– Ramona Dickens
Ramona Dickens: winning contracts
For the past 20 years, Ramona Dickens has been helping minority- and women-owned
business enterprises win contracts with St. Louis giants, including Bank of America, Saint Louis University and Southwestern Bell (now AT&T).
And for the last eight years, Dickens has been responsible for the managing the M/WBE utilization initiative at Metropolitan Sewer District.
“Any time I can get a win – and what I refer to a win is when a woman or minority has won a contract – that makes my day,” Dickens said. “If I can have done something that was helpful to that person, that just
Carl Phillips was nominated as a finalist for the National Book Award in poetry for his 11th collection of poetry, Double Shadow. The winners will be announced at the 62nd National Book Awards on Nov. 16. Phillips is professor of English and of African and African-American studies at Washington University. He also was a National Book Award finalist in 2009 for Speak Low; in 2004 for TheRest of Love: Poems; and in 1998 for From the Devotions
Sharon Williams, Ed.D. is the newExecutive Director of Teaching & Learning for Normandy School District.Prior to her new position, Williams was the district’s director of elementary education.In her new role, Williams will be responsible for overseeing and implementing curriculumfor all grade levels. Williams receivedher Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Memphis and received her doctorate degree from Tennessee State University.
Raishelle Scott was selected the School Social Worker of the Year by the School Social Work Association of Missouri. Scott works with students and families at Grannemann, Jury, Keeven and Twillman elementary schools in the Hazelwood School District, as well as with the HSD Community Response Team. The award honors a social worker who is dedicated to service to students, families and the community. She has a 28-year career in the profession.
Travis Brown has earned the distinction of Certified Athletic Administrator from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Brown is in his second year as St. Louis Public School District Director of Athletics.He sits on the Missouri State High School Activities Association Board of Directors and is its immediate past president.Brown is a former principal of Beaumont High School and has 15 years of coaching experience with St. Louis Public Schools.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Macy’s accepting application forsupplierdiversity program
Macy’s is accepting applications for its innovative business of fashion program, The Workshop at Macy’s, a four and a half-day intensive training course developed by a consortium of experts from Macy’s Learning & Development, Macy’s Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development, Babson College and select Macy’s merchants/vendors. The specially designed business development curriculum is aimed at minority and womenowned retail businesses. Apotential goal of this annual program is to help create a pipeline of viable enterprises that will grow to become successful partners within Macy’s vendor community.
By Eugene Robinson Washington Post
“Defend Wall Street” is not likely to be a winning campaign slogan in 2012. For Republicans, this is an obvious problem. For President Obama and the Democrats, it’s a golden – if largely undeserved – opportunity.
The biggest impact of the Occupy Wall Street protests has been to provide a focal point for generalized economic and political discontent. Frustrated voters on the left and the right may disagree on, say, immigration policy or health care reform. But they can agree on a critique of the financial sector – and, potentially, on specific measures to bring about necessary change.
bailout from George W. Bush. Three years later, things are looking up in Lower Manhattan. Salaries and bonuses are climbing back to levels that gladden the hearts of Ferrari dealers.
No, Wall Street shouldn’t be made the scapegoat for all the nation’s woes. But it was the financial Masters of the Universe whose shocking irresponsibility and unbounded greed triggered the 2008 crisis, which almost sent the global economy into the abyss. We’re still dealing with the resulting devastation – massive unemployment, an epidemic of foreclosures, severe fiscal strain on governments at every level.
Wall Street, however, received a huge
It’s true that in the years before the crash, many Americans made what turned out to be unwise decisions. We spent money we should have saved, we bought bigger houses than our families needed, we took out too many student loans. But now we’re having to deal with the consequences of those poor choices – while the wizards of Wall Street smugly rebalance their portfolios, having benefited from what amounts to a free pass.
Enter the Occupy Wall Street protesters with their simple demand for “economic justice” – the right cause at the right moment. Republicans initially overreacted, as if Karl Marx had risen from the grave. Mitt Romney was so flustered that he almost mussed his hair. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, surveying the small protest encampments in New York and other cities, called them “growing mobs” that threatened
To be eligible, an applicant must be the majority (51 percent or more of equity) owner, coowner or otherwise have operational control (per applicable status rules) of a business that has been in operation for a least two consecutive years and be its primary decision maker. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by Sunday, January 22. For more information or to apply, visit www.macysinc.com/workshop.
Convention & Visitors Commission awarded for ‘Meeting Guru’campaign
The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) has been chosen as the Marketing Campaign Award winner, presented by the Missouri Division of Tourism . The Marketing Campaign Award recognizes outstanding achievement in an effective, integrated, multi-facetted marketing campaign that led to increased visitation, expenditures and sales tax revenues. The St. Louis CVC was selected for its “The Meeting Guru” campaign.
“This campaign heightened awareness of St. Louis as a meeting and convention destination, as well as created excitement about nearby worldclass attractions,” state tourism officials noted.
Sharon Williams
Carl Phillips
Raishelle Scott
Travis Brown
Eugene Robinson
Ramona Dickens, Metropolitan Sewer District LaVicki Hart, Citibank
Mark L.Smith, Centene Corporation
Keith E.Spears, Enterprise Holdings,Inc.
Photos by Wiley Price
Mutual fund transactions can be complicated, especially with the fees and expenses that accompany the process. It’s important to understand mutual fund load, or sales,charges, and exactly what they entail so you can make informed investing decisions.
A“load” is a fee charged to an investor who buys or redeems shares in a mutual fund. It is similar to the commission that investors pay when they purchase a stock. There are two general types of sales loads. If a sales load is required at purchase, it is called a “front-end” sales load;
STEWARD
Continued from B1
Scholars also will have unique high-impact opportunities to interact with business leaders and key mentors, attend professional conferences, and experience a focused international internship or studyabroad semester.
“I’ve been fortunate to have great people in my life – teachers, coaches and others – who cared enough about me to give me their very best,” said David Steward.
“Giving support to those teachers and leaders in our system is extremely important. I’m excited to give back to my alma mater and create this signature scholarship program
OCCUPY
Continued from B1
public order.
What is a market fund load?
if it is charged when shares are redeemed, it is a deferred or “back-end” sales charge.” The most common type of backend sales load is a “contingent deferred sales charge” or CDSC. The amount will depend on how long an investor held the shares, and it could be nothing if they were held long enough. Loads generally compensate brokers and/or salespeople for selling you a fund. For example, it might help compensate a financial professional who spends time with you at the beginning of your relationship, learning about your objectives
with so much potential to shape the future of technology.” Steward is a UCM alumnus and founder and chairman of the board at World Wide Technology, based in St. Louis. Mrs. Steward was recently named Variety Children’s Charity 2012 Woman of the Year.
University President Charles Ambrose called the new program “extraordinary.”
He noted that it will serve as a prototype for UCM alumni who want to create a legacy at the university by helping outstanding students achieve their education goals. This includes full-ride scholarships with added benefits such as international experiences and interaction with educators and professionals in their chosen field.
PERSONAL FINANCE
and helping with your investment program. Brokers might also continually keep in touch with you and answer any questions you have. This communication can be particularly handy for busy people whose idea of investment tracking amounts to little more than an occasional call to
By Charles Ross
Charles Ross
“The Steward Scholars Program will be pivotal in building a community of scholars who are engaged in a valuable and intense learning environment with equal focus on leadership and service to others,” said Ambrose.
“This leadership gift by David Steward sets an example for our other alumni and friends to offer similar support to create programs such as this in all our colleges within the next two years.”
“I’m excited to give back to my alma mater and create this signature scholarship program with so much potential to shape the future of technology.”
– David Steward
Applicants must meet specific criteria that include being a declared computer informa-
Within a week, however, Cantor was backing away from that “mobs” characterization and acknowledging “a growing frustration out there across this country” about unemployment. I’m guessing he must have seen the Time magazine poll indicating that 54 percent of Americans have a favorable view of the Occupy protests –versus just 27 percent who have a favorable view of the tea party.
Arecent New Yorker has a laugh-out-loud cover illustration: Top-hatted bankers march down Wall Street, carrying protest signs that say “Keep Things Precisely As They Are,” “Leave Well Enough Alone” and “I’m Good, Thanks.” That’s the danger for
their financial professionals. Funds without load fees are called “noload funds.” These funds are distributed directly by the investment company and therefore do not need to charge for brokerage services. Despite this, all funds, even those with load charges, also
tion systems major and must agree to participate in a studyabroad program or international internship. Preference also will be given to students of diversity and to students who graduate from Clinton High School in Henry County, Mo., where Dave Steward attended. The scholarships will be awarded next spring, and it is expected the first class will be enrolled for fall 2012.
“Dave’s gift allows our next generation of leaders to leave UCM with unique and transformational experiences in
Republican candidates. That’s what they risk sounding like. Yet the leading GOPpresidential contenders want to scrap the Obama administration’s modest Wall Street reforms. Perhaps they believe that giving the architects of the 2008 crisis more latitude and less oversight is a great idea. Most voters, I’m confident, will disagree.
So Democrats are cautiously embracing the Occupy Wall Street protests and adopting the demonstrators’rhetoric –for example, emphasizing the gulf between the richest 1 percent of Americans and the remaining 99 percent. In remarks Sunday at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Obama spoke of King’s commitment to economic justice.
If Democrats reap a political windfall from Occupy Wall Street, it will not be richly
have management and expense fees. Management fees pay for the administration of the fund and are usually based on a percentage of the fund’s assets. There are also 12b-1 fees, or distribution fees, that compensate brokers and other sellers of mutual funds for advertising and marketing costs. These fees are typically a very small percentage of the fund’s assets, often less than a half percent.
Funds that charge loads may have lower 12b-1 fees and administration fees, so when you are deciding which type of mutual fund to purchase, it is important to review all the
civic engagement, social and cultural awareness, and leadership,” said Roger Best, dean of the Harmon College.
“His support is a testament to the impact his own experience at Central Missouri had on him personally and is evidence of the quality business education we provide.”
Rick Sluder, vice provost for enrollment management, said, “The Steward Scholars program will allow us to bring in the best and the brightest students to campus for a very unique UCM experience.”
Steward started World Wide Technology in 1990. Since then, the company has grown into a global organization, employing more than 2,000 employees and operating more than 2.5 million square feet of warehousing, distribution and integration space in 30 facili-
deserved. While it is true that they have been better than the Republicans on issues of economic fairness, that’s not saying much. Although Obama is
Enter the Occupy Wall Street protesters with their simple demand for “economic justice”– the right cause at the right moment.
disliked by many on Wall Street for his rhetoric about how “millionaires and billionaires” need to pay “their fair share” in taxes, the fact is that he decided not to seek fundamental reforms.
It is also a fact that Wall Street is a major source of campaign financing for both
costs and fees involved to see which fundsmay work best for your investment purposes. Fees and expenses vary from one fund to the next. When assessing different mutual funds, a fund with higher fees and expenses would needto generate higher returns than another fund with lower fees as higher fees can loweryour returns. Charles Ross is host of the syndicated radio program “Your Personal Finance.” Contact him at P.O. Box 870928; Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087; or email to charles@ charlesross.com.
ties throughout the world. The St. Louis-based firm is a leading systems integrator providing technology products, services and supply chain solutions to the commercial, government and telecom sectors. Its annual revenue is in excess of $4 billion.
Steward, an emeriti member of the UCM Foundation Board of Directors, received the UCM Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004. In 2008, he received the National Urban League’s Business Pioneer Award as well as the St. Louis County Economic Council Dr. William D. Phillips Technology Award. He has been voted by “Ebony” magazine among “the 100 Most Influential Black Americans.”
parties. At present, Wall Street donors are giving heavily to Romney – a money man by trade who once headed Bain Capital. In July, however, the Center for Responsive Politics reported that of the $35 million that had been collected this year by Obama’s top-tier fundraisers, one-third came from the financial industry. Apparently, animosity is no match for self-interest. By calling attention to this unholy alliance of financial power and political power, the Occupy Wall Street protests struck a nerve. The Republican Party is trapped on the wrong side of this issue. Democrats should be moving boldly, not timidly, to claim the issue of economic justice as their own.
Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.
With
By Earl Austin Jr.
Of The St.Louis American
Last Friday night’s action was “Wake-Up Call Night” as several unbeaten teams went down to defeat in what was truly an exciting night of football. The biggest surprise of the evening came at Parkway Central when the host Colts knocked off Webster Groves 34-13. It was the Statesmen’s first loss in regular-season play in three years. The Colts clinched the Class 5, District 2 title and forced Webster Groves into a winner-take-all game against Parkway North on Friday night for the second playoff spot out of that district. Fort Zumwalt West ventured into Mid-
for
Illinois playoffs begin this weekend
When Parkway Central knocked off Webster Groves 34-13, it was the Statesmen’s first loss in regular-season play in three years.
Missouri and handed No. 1-ranked Jefferson City a shocking 49-21 defeat at Atkins Stadium in Jefferson City, handing the Jays their first loss of the season.
Atremendous season by the Ritenour Huskies was derailed momentarily when they were edged by Hazelwood Central 14-8 in a Class 6 district game. The Huskies were 8-0 before being tripped up by the Hawks, who are
in a rebuilding season.
St. Charles West knocked St. Dominic from the ranks of the unbeaten 21-0 as tailback Marcus Taylor rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns in a Class 4, District 8 game. Finally, a surging SLUH team rallied from a two-touchdown deficit in the fourth quarter to stun Metro Catholic Conference rival DeSmet 37-31 in a double-overtime thriller at DeSmet. SLUH senior quarterback Trevon McDonough threw five touchdown passes. Jefferson County line
Acouple of talented young athletes are put-
See PREP, B5
With Palmer L.Alexander III
East St.Louis enters the postseason on a roll with five consecutive victories.
19 touchdowns. Quarterback Todd Porter has thrown for 1,258 yards and 10 touchdowns. Darius Mosely has become an exciting two-way threat as a receiver and defensive back. He has 456 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Senior linebacker Mike
NFLpower Saints have good chance to add to losing streak
The struggling Dallas Cowboys played the right team at the right time. And the St. Louis Rams did oblige the Cowboys by getting pummeled 34-7 this past Sunday.
Rams’quarterback Sam Bradford didn’t participate because of a high ankle sprain he suffered the week prior in the loss to the Green Bay Packers. His replacement A.J. Feely competed hard, but the result was the same.
The Rams suffered another embarrassing blowout loss. For the second consecutive week, the Rams defense gave up a touchdown of at least 90 yards. Dallas Cowboys running back Demarco Murray blistered the field and the stat sheet with 252 yards. Murray looked like he could not be stopped all afternoon long. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that he did that against the 32nd ranked run defense in the NFL.
Demarco Murray’s record-setting day took the hot glare of the spotlight off of their star quarterback Tony Romo, who has constantly had to endure a barrage of criticism for his tepid play. Now, the Rams’record is 0-6, with the New Orleans Saints coming to town this weekend looking to continue that nasty losing streak. If you go back to last year, the Rams has lost nine of the last 10 games that have been played.
And even with the acquisition of wideout Brandon Lloyd via a trade last week, they still couldn’t help the male sheep even remotely generate some sort of continuity on offense.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’play calling is a good place to start. However, it’s not always the fault of McDaniels and his ability to call the right plays. Some of that has to rest on the personnel that he has to coach week in and week out. No matter what he says, there’s no room for the Rams to argue or dispute the fact that the people that they have on the roster right now couldn’t start or even make it on another NFLteam.
This is not an indictment of the players or the coaching staff that they are bad people. But, when it comes to the players, the people that scouted these players and most importantly who signed off on them being St. Louis Rams need to be escorted to the airport or state line.
This is by far some of the worst football I have ever seen. You know you’re bad when you get outscored by the local baseball team for the second weekend in a row with a combined score of Cardinals 19, Rams 14. That’s why I’m going to rip it. Rip it real good.
More Rams talk tune into Moses Show “Keeping It 100” on Iwatchradio.com.
Senior quarterback Lamontiez Ivy will lead the East St.Louis Flyers into Saturday’s IHSA Class 7A first-round playoff match-up against Granite City.
Photo by Wiley Price
Earl Austin Jr.
Palmer L. Alexander
Vashon's defense in hot persuit,Sumner's Devante King (3) breaks free
a big gain during the school's annual homecoming game Saturday afternoon.The Bulldogs of Sumner fell short losing to the Wolverines 20-8.
AGame Five we won’t soon forget
With all the things that have taken place in this unforgettable Cardinals season, you can put Game Five at the top of the list. That will be ever lasting. If you look at all the injuries to key personnel dating back to spring training, to how the Cardinals got into post-season play, to winning two game on the road in the most difficult places in the National League (in Philadelphia and Milwaukee) – even then, Game Five will still be the thing that will be talked about. I am not sure where to start when it came to that game. Great pitching by Chris Carpenter, who always seems to respond, or the lack of
offense in key situations. The one thing that is on the minds of Cardinal fans is the eighth inning, yes, the eighth inning, where as Strother Martin said in the movie Cool Hand Luke “It appears that we have a failure to communicate!”
I told you this will be one you will remember. And I did not mention the stranded runners left in scoring position.
For those who are not enamored of Cardinal manager Tony La Russa, here it is on a platter for you. The inability, according to the manager, to communicate who he wanted warming up in the bullpen was critical. When it comes to managers looking for matchups, Tony La Russa may have wrote the book on it. Throw in the comedy of
miscues, the failed hit and runs and stranding runners, and you had your good old-fashioned cluster goof that saw the Cardinals lose the game. For the La Russa bashers who have a accused the (soon to be second all-time winningest) manager of not being able to manage, this has to be as good as the final results of a Friday night date night. Anyone have a cigarette?
No matter what the other circumstances may have been, this one is what the anti-La Russa clan has lived for since the day he arrived.
Then Allan Craig was thrown out in an apparent attempted hit and run. We later learned that Albert Pujols called for the hit and run. Yes, Albert, who did not even swing, hence leaving Craig to be the dead duck.
I told you this will be one you will remember. And I did not mention the stranded runners left in scoring position.
Here is one thing that you should take into account. While the media and some fans want blood for the Cardinals’collapse, they may never get it. The Cardinals have closed ranks here, and the real truth may not be known for awhile as there could be others that share in the blame.
It is a team that wins and loses as a team, with no one left behind to be solely blamed. If it looks as if that would be the case, enter the manager, who wears the same uniform and has been there before and is willing to take a bullet.
Like it or not, whereas you don’t have the pound of flesh and pint of blood, you have to appreciate what a team is all about. Ask yourself the question: if you were a member of the team where you did not do your job on this night, be it lack of execution or miscommunication, being part of a
team that lives and dies as one may not be all bad right now. That only applies to those
who right now think Tony La Russa knows what he is doing. The numbers do not lie here, as he cannot be lucky that many nights as a manager.
This one just flat out got away. It just happened to be in the World Series that we will not forget.
Mike Claiborne
St.Louis Cardinals reliever Marc Rzepczynski looks at Texas Rangers' Mike Napoli on second base after Napoli's double drove in the two go-ahead runs during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the World Series.La Russa was quoted as saying that due to poor communication,Rzepczynski remained in the game to pitch to Napoli because Jason Motte was not ready.
INSIDE
Continued from B3
Cotton has a team-high five sacks. He has committed to Indiana.
Edwardsville has a strong running tandem in Cameron James and Sam Mulford, who has combined for 14 touchdowns. The O’Fallon/Edwardsville winner will face either Moline or Pekin in the second round.
East St. Louis enters the
PREP
Continued from B3
ting in some work in Jefferson County in leading their respective teams to the upcoming playoffs.
Senior Jared White of De Soto has been a standout on both sides of the ball. On offense, White has amassed 1,325 yards of total offense and scored 21 touchdowns. On defense, he has 66 tackles, two interceptions and a one sack. White has already committed to Southeast Missouri State on a basketball scholarship.
Senior Stacey Thornton of Crystal City is also enjoying a big season. An excellent tailback and receiver, Thornton has 883 yards of total offense and 14 touchdowns. On defense, Thornton has a teamhigh four interceptions as a defensive back. The Hornets are going for a Class 2 district title on Friday night against Herculaneum.
Newsom is back
After missing several weeks with a knee injury, Parkway North standout Donavin Newsom is back to try to lead the Vikings final charge into the state playoffs. Newsom rushed for 149 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Vikings past Chaminade 45-31 last Friday night. Newsom also had nine tackles and two assists on defense.
Out with ankle sprain
Ladue High’s Deavin Edwards suffered a sprained ankle in the Rams’victory over Clayton last weekend. He could miss this weekend’s game against University City, which will decide a Class 4 playoff berth. Edwards entered the game with 1,579 yards and 26 touchdowns, including a 368-yard, six touchdown performance against MICDS in a 56-55 loss. Hopefully, the young man can get back into action.
From Burroughs to South Bend
Standout junior running back Ezekiel Elliott of John Burroughs recently made an unofficial visit to Notre Dame.
postseason on a roll with five consecutive victories. The young Flyers are starting to come of age. Senior quarterback Lamontiez Ivy has been a tremendous leader this season with 1,446 yards passing, 259 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns. Senior Jeremy Nicholson and freshman Natereace Strong are now healthy at tailback after earlyseason injuries.
Granite City is back in the playoffs after a long absence. The Warriors are led by junior tailback Kaprix Sloan, who has
The 6’0” 195-pound junior has rushed for 1,080 yards and 26 touchdowns in leading the Bombers to a 8-1 record.
What’s on tap this weekend
Parkway North (5-4) at WebsterGroves (7-1), Friday, 7 p.m. – The winner earns a spot in the Class 5 playoffs. The loser goes home.
McCluerNorth (8-1) at Ritenour(8-1), Friday, 7 p.m. – The Suburban North Conference title is also on the line in this Class 6 district game.
rushed for 1,227 yards and 18 touchdowns. The winner of the East St. Louis-Granite City game will face either Harvey Thornton or Oswego in the second round.
Another Southwestern Conference team to qualify for the playoffs is Belleville East. The Lancers (5-4) will travel to Waubonsie Valley (8-1) for a first-round game on Friday night at 7 p.m.
Belleville Althoff (5-4) will visit Mater Dei (8-1) in a Class 4Afirst-round game on Friday night at 7 p.m.
Lindbergh (6-3) at SLUH (6-3), Friday, 7 p.m. – SLUH will try to clinch the Class 6, District 2 title while Lindbergh is still trying to get into the playoff picture.
Eureka (7-2) at Oakville (5-4), Friday, 7 p.m. – The Class 6, District 1 title will be on the line. Both teams have qualified for the playoffs.
Pattonville (4-5) at Francis Howell (6-3), Friday, 7 p.m. – Ashowdown for the Class 6, District 5 title. Both teams have qualified for the playoffs.
SALUTE
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For the fiscal year 2011, the MSD’s expenditures for minority- and women-owned businesses made up more than 30 percent.
LaVicki Hart:senior VP in the community
LaVicki Hart is a senior vice president for Citibank’s retail operations in St. Charles County, and she’s responsible for the operating budget, performance management and capacity planning for over 2,000 staff in five states as well as offshore activities.
Not only does Hart have hefty responsibilities at work, but she also has a heavy hand in building opportunities for her community, particularly career-oriented young women.
She volunteers with the Citigroup Foundation (UNCF Fellows program), USC Alumni-college recruitment, Incarnate Word – Diversity initiative, Reach Out St. Louis, Covenant House, and Ladue School District CURE (Community Understanding Respect Education). She even
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The commitment includes additional advertising and marketing to African-American and Hispanic communities, increased financial literacy, $350,000 in support for developing affordable housing and $1.5 million in a special financing program for discounted mortgage loans. Enterprise Bank & Trust will also open a full-service bank branch in their current administrative support center on Warson Road, which is located in a predominately
has time to serve on the board of directors of numerous organizations: Mathews Dickey Boys & Girls Club (Executive & Finance), Professional Organization of Women (POW), Junior Achievement, and Marian Middle School.
Mark Smith: engineering openness
Mark L. Smith is the manager of corporate encounters for Centene Corporation, a $4 billion multi-line healthcare enterprise. He’s responsible for submitting healthcare claims to governments.
In his work, he said it takes a community of diverse perspectives to get the job done.
“Each person with their differences brings a certain level of critical thinking to how we solve business problems,” he said. “Proactively seeking out feedback is a mechanism to get a broad level of viable ideas.”
Last year, Smith participated in the fellowship with the St. Louis Minority Business Initiative. The program encourages strong leadership, particularly in the areas of diversity. He brings this leadership to Centene everyday.
“It’s a lot easier for a person to have the courage to try if they are coming from a place of comfort,” Smith said.
“We need more banks to be opening new branches, providing new products, and increasing investments that provide resources for low-income and minority communities.” – Will Jordan
Keith Spears: recovering diversity
Keith E. Spears is manager of business continuity services for Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
“Through my leadership as a manger, I portray the importance of diversity as paramount for my teams and company’s success,” he said. For the past 10 years, he has been focused on recovering technology. At Enterprise, he is responsible for the development and execution of disaster recovery and business continuity planning company wide. Spears is also a St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Alumni.
“Diversity and inclusion creates access and opportunity for those who have generally not been represented in corporations,” he said. “Our customers are diverse and the makeup of our company should reflect that diversity.”
The 12th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, networking reception at 11 am, luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for VIP/Preferred seating, $75 for general admission. Call 314533-8000 for more information or to purchase tickets.
minority census tract. The bank also revised their assessment area to include the city of St. Louis. Enterprise Bank & Trust made commitments in their Kansas City market for increased financial literacy, $1 million in support to a community development financial institution, and expanded their assessment area to include all of Wyandotte County.
“We are happy to see Enterprise Bank & Trust make such commitments to our community. Our communities have been underserved by banks for too long,” said Will Jordan, executive director of Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council. “We need more banks to be opening new branches, providing new products, and increasing investments that provide resources for low-income and minority communities.”
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
“Not long after I opened, I put some of Shan’s garments in the shop to test-market on a Thursday and by Tuesday they were gone,” said NV Showroom Boutique owner Nikole Perkins. “And I’m closed on Sunday and Monday,”
Designer Shan Keith caught Perkins’ eye back in 2003 when she worked with Flipside Magazine. He had just started creating clothing and she asked him to do a show. Her dream of owning a boutique had yet to be realized. But she had a feeling they would work together to become contributors to the ield of fashion.
On Friday (Oct. 28), Perkins and Keith will kick off their new and improved partnership with Merge – a fashion show that includes Keith’s irst-ever full men and women’s fall line.
“Shan’s pieces are timeless and they are just ready to wear,” Perkins said. “His stuff is so well tailored and he doesn’t just follow trends – he does what he wants to do. The minute you see one of his pieces you can automatically see it at Bloomingdale’s or Neiman’s.”
He is self-taught and works without patterns. Keith says his ability to make clothes is a generational gift from God that he shares with his mother and grandmother.
“I’m glad to see that he is moving forward with actually having his stuff at a location,” Perkins said. “It also makes me feel good for him to be at NV so we can continue to be a platform for emerging designers.”
The thrill in teaming up is mutual.
“She’s trustworthy, loyal and has always had my best interest at heart,” he said.
When the models emerged dressed and ready for the photo shoot, the looks were so pulled together and pristinely seamed, there appeared to be a blend of Keith’s designs with off-the-rack items.
“Where did you get that mustard coat from?” I couldn’t help but ask as Wiley Price prepared to shoot. “It’s fantastic … did you see it in a 2X?”
“I can make one for you if you really want me to,” Keith said laughing.
The lawless and tightly framed drape and bunch embellishments on the sleeves of the cropped coat were Shan Keith Designs originals as well.
“I stick with my feelings,” Keith said about his creative process. “If I lay it out and feel like I have to do something to set myself apart, I will lip a sleeve or add a pleat.”
At the Merge show, guests will see him step outside of his women’s clothing comfort zone and debut his irst-ever full men’s line.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking when you are doing men’s clothes,” Keith admitted. “With women’s garments you can be so creative and go beyond the
Local designer and boutique owner use catwalk to showcase collaboration
will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at 3965 Park Ave. A sample sale featuring will take place Saturday, Oct. 29 from noon – 6 p.m. at NV Showroom Boutique, 1308A Washington.
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
When the dust was wiped from canisters of ilm lying in an obscure, defunct Swedish television station, how could anyone expect to ind an objective and appreciative account of the Black Power Movement in the United States?
Director Goran Olsson wove together footage shot by Swedish journalists and
used the scenes, interviews and irsthand commentaries as a backdrop for perspectives from past and present generations in The Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975. Danny Glover serves as one of the ilm’s producers.
When crews of Swedes irst traveled to the U.S. to capture the African-American experience, a shift in the paradigm of
See FILM, C4
The ego stroke
By Shulunda K. Gibson For The St. Louis American
For the past few days I’ve found myself wondering if this “male ego” bit is an overrated ploy to get women to cater to their every whim. I was talking to one of my male friends last week, and I stress friend because he’s married. I hear your “umh humm” and see your side eyes, but this is not “the why married men stay friends with single women” edition.
“I ain’t your wife” mode.
He said something he felt deserved a nice little strokin’ of the ego. When I failed to comply, he made a point to let me know that was a good place to insert praise. My mind automatically went into “I ain’t your wife” mode, but I kept it to myself and moved on. Later in the conversation, he said something else he felt was deserving of praise. Sarcastically, I asked, “Is this a good place to insert an ego stroke?” I was seriously struggling with it. For one, I felt like why should I stroke someone else’s man’s ego, and two, it was too forced.
He laughs but proceeds to tell me how important it is I learn this skill if I was going to get and keep a man. Being the lightweight philosophical feminist I am, I wanted to know what does this whole ego stroking business look like.
In my mind, it is saying and doing nice things and complementing a man and building him up, encouraging him. I’m just not so sure if it means catering to his every need at the sacriice of self, morals and money.
He explains it with an example. A female friend of his meets a guy at a party. They hit it off and become intimate immediately.
Man falls off. Woman calls up man who states he’s been busy at work. Light bulb goes off for woman: “I will surprise him with lunch.”
She calls him up to get details of favorite restaurant and availability. Buys him lunch at his favorite upscale restaurant and personally delivers it to his place of business.
My friend ended there – probably so I could presume that this act lead
The Merge Fashion Preview featuring Shan Keith Designs
Photos by Wiley Price
How to place a calendar listing
1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com OR
2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing
Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.
concerts
Sat., Oct. 29 7 p.m., Pea-stain Productions presents Distinguished Gents: “Rememberthe Time!”, feat. David Peaston, Jermaine Smith, Leslie Johnson, and Dr. Donald L. Bobo, Sr. The Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call 314-716-5999.
Sat., Oct. 29 8 p.m., The Sheldon presents The Clayton Brothers Quintet. For more information, call 314-534-1111 or visit www.thesheldon.org.
Thur., Nov. 3 7 p.m., The Mildred Thimes Foundation forPancreatic Cancer presents it’s 7th Annual Benefit Concert, featuring Denise Thimes and special guest Mr. Billy Valentine. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call 314773-0337.
Nov. 11, 8 p.m., Darrell Scott live, The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Boulevard. For more information, visit www.darrellscott.com
Thurs., Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. Fox Concerts presents Kirk Franklin’s Fearless Tour with special guests St. Louis’own AmberBullock and Isaac Carree, The Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.
local gigs
Sat., Oct. 29, 6 p.m., An Old School Jam Session starring Chuck Flowers, The InSpot, 5854 Delmar.
Sundays, 7 p.m., StarCity recording artist FRED WALKER performs his SAXYJAZZ music show every Sunday at: “JAZZ ON BROADWAY” 554 East Broadway, Alton, Il. 62002.
CALENDAR
Call 618-465-5299 for more information and directions.
Funkin Right, Every 2nd
Saturday, Nappy DJ Needles invites you downtown for a monthly dose of good vibes delivered in the form of raw soul, afro beat, house, hip hop
and deep funk. Lola, 500 N. 14th St.
Sensational Sundays, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Jazz @ Eventide, featuring Black and White Trio. Sip N Savor, 286 DeBaliviere, 1/2 block north of the Forest park Metro
link. For more information, call (314)361-2116..
special events
Oct. 28 – 30, Extraordinary Events Presents its 2nd Annual Ladies Spa Retreat Weekend To Hot Springs, Arkansas. Call 314-219-4188 for more info or register online at www.sparetreatweekend. eventbrite.com.
Sat., Oct. 29, 10 a.m., MICDS Beasley School Open House (Grades JK-4). At MICDS, we believe that education can change lives and inspire young men and women to make a difference in the world. Our strong academic program is infused with the fine arts, technology, athletics an an awareness of the world around us.For more information, call 314-995-7367 or visit www.micds.org/admissions/ visit.
Sat., Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m., 3Way HellaFly Grand Finale Promotions presents Octoberfest at Crown Vally Winery, Bus leaves from Hanley Metrolink Station at 11:30 promptly.
Sat., Oct. 29, 3 p.m., Tiny Tot School presents its 60 year Closing Anniversary Celebration. The school will close on October 31st, 2011, after sixty seasons of success. We wish to invite alumni, staff, children, family, friends, and out community out to celebrate. For more information, call 314-867-8550.
Sat., Oct. 29, 7 p.m., 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis presents their Black Tie Masquerade Gala 2011. Hyatt St. Louis Riverfront Hotel,315 Chestnut Street, 63102.
Sat., Oct. 29, 8 p.m., 13 Black Katz present a SpooktacularSoiree, Shula’s 347 Grill, 411 8th St.
Sat., Oct. 29, 9 p.m., Baddgirls ENTPresents TheirAnnual Halloween Masquerade Ball with lots of ghostly beauties & goblin goons. Featuring best male & female costume contest. Costumes encouraged. Legit Banquet Facilities, 6324 W. Florissant Ave at Goodfellow.
Sun., Oct. 30, 5 p.m., African American Alumni ChapterUMSL presents their 25th Anniversary Gala: VIP Reception and Dinner. Norman Probstein Golf Clubhouse, 6141 Lagoon Dr.— Forest Park. For more information, call 314-516-6453.
Sat., Nov. 5, 9:30 a.m., Community School Open House. For more information, call 314-991-0005 or visit www.communityschool.com.
Sat., Nov. 5, 10 a.m., City Academy Open House. For more information, call 314382-0085, ext. 113.
Sat., Nov. 5, 1 p.m., Forsyth School Open House. Forsyth offers a challenging, engaging education with support from exceptional teachers on a oneof-a-kind campus. 6235 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, call 314726-4542.
Sun., Nov. 6, 12 p.m., Cardinal RitterCollege Prep Open House. 701 N. Spring, 63108.For more information, visit www.cardinalritterprep.org.
Sun., Nov. 6, 12 p.m., RosatiKain High School Open House. 4839 Lindell Blvd, 63108.
Sun., Nov. 6, 12 p.m., St. Joseph’s Academy Open House. Developing valuesdriven women leaders since 1840. 2307 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call 314-965-7205 or visit www.stjosephacademy.org.
Sun., Nov. 6, 12 p.m., Nerinx Hall Open House. 530 East Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call 314968-1505 or visit www.nerinxhs.org.
Sun., Nov. 6, 1 p.m., Whitfield School Open House. Our experienced teachers challenge Whitfield students to practice and master real-world skills like collaboration, presentation abilities, and research and analysis. Students learn by doing, which empowers them to achieve success and gives them an edge in college and beyond. For more information, call 314-434-5141 or visit whitfieldschool.org.
Weds., Nov. 9, 11 a.m., The St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis RCGA, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis present the 12th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business, Awards & Networking Luncheon. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Ritz Carlton Dr., 63105. For more information call (314) 533-8000.
Nov. 10 – Nov. 12, In connection with its international conference Nov. 10-12 at the University of Missouri?St. Louis, Women in the Arts at UMSLwill present a series of “Special Events” highlighting women authors, composers, poets, musicians and singers.
The Mildred Thimes Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer presents it's 7th Annual Benefit Concert, featuring Denise Thimes and special guest Mr. Billy Valentine.See CONCERTS for more information.
Theevents will take place Nov. 5-9 at Unity Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive in BelNor, Mo. All are free and open to the public. For more information, call Barbara Harbach at 314-516-4990 or e-mail bharbach@umsl.edu
Sat., Nov. 12, 9 a.m., Rossman School Open House. 12660 Conway Rd., 63141.For more information, call 314-434-5877 or visit www.rossmanschool.org.
Sat., Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m., New City School Open House. Every year, in every grade, New City’s comprehensive curriculum for preschool through sixth grade prepares students for continued acameic success. New City students become lifelong learners who succeed in secondary school, in college and in life. For more information, call 314-361-6411 or visit www.newcityschool.org.
Sat., Nov. 12, 7 p.m., Washington University’s Black Alumni Council (BAC) Presents its 5th Annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction to benefit Washington University students, 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Avenue (off Delmar in the U. City Loop). For ticket information, or to donate highend silent auction items by November 4, call 314.935.5645, or email: wubac@wustl.edu
Nov. 12, 6 p.m., Harvest Ball, an evening of dinner, dancing and delight for adults with developmental disabilities, City Hall Rotunda. Call (314) 421-0090.
Thur., Nov. 17 8:30 a.m., MICDS hosts the Middle School Diversity Leadership Conference. This conference is open to 7th and 8th grade students from throughout the St. Louis metro area. Each participating school is being asked to send a delegation of 5 to 15 students. For more information, call 314-995-7360 or email Erica Moore at emoore@micds.org.
Thur., Nov. 17, Christian Academy Open House. Developing Our Leaders of Tomorrow with Christian Values and Principles Today. Call today to schedule a tour. 8390 Latty Ave., 63042. For more information, call 314524-4272.
Sat., Nov. 19, 12 p.m., St. Louis Language Immersion Schools Open House. 4011 Papin St., 63110. For more information, call 314-533-2001 or visit www.sllis.org.
Sat., Nov. 19, 6 p.m., AWay With Words, VPR Grief Support Foundation 18th Annual Dinnerand Candlelight Service, Brentwood Recreation Complex, 2505 S. Brentwood Blvd, 63144. For more information, call (314) 838-8603 or (314) 681-1988.
comedy
Fri., Oct. 28, 8 p.m., Fox Concerts presents Chris Tucker, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.
Fri., Nov. 25, 8 p.m. The Outlaws of Comedy Tour starring Katt Williams with special guests Charlie Murphy and Faizon Love, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.
Dec. 31, 8 p.m., New Year’s Eve Homecoming Comedy Jam Cedric The Entertainer Live featuring Malik S. Peabody Opera House. Visit www.ticketmaster.com
literary
Sat., Oct. 29, 1 p.m., Author Linda Kelly will be signing hernew thrillermystery “Night Wonder,” Not Just A Bookstore, 4507 Manchester Avenue. For more information, call (314) 531-5900 or visit www.notjustabookstore.net.
Fri., Nov. 4, 7 p.m., The St.
Louis County Library Foundation and Pudd’nHead Books are pleased to present a Reading Garden Event Series program with #1 New York Times bestselling young adult authorTamora Pierce who will discuss the latest installment in her popular Beka Cooper series, “Mastiff.” St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. For more information, call 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.
theatre
Oct. 28-29, 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) and 3 p.m. (Sat), Unity Theatre Ensemble presents Encore Review “Best of the Best.” The Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan Ave., 63111. For more information, visit www.theivorytheatre.com
Tues., Nov. 1, 2 p.m., Suriname Experiences Presentation, SIUE in the Morris University Center on the 2nd floor in the Maple Room. This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kathryn Bentley at 618-6502436 or kbentle@siue.edu or Aminata Cairo at 618-650-
Portfolio Gallery presents Robert Hale's exhibit Intimate Encounters: The African Americans, Portfolio Gallery, 3514 Delmar.For additional details, see ART.
2909 or acairo@siue.edu
Nov. 4 – Nov. 13, Hawthorne Players will present Herb Gardner’s Tony Award-winning play “I’m Not Rappaport” Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Parker Road and Waterford Drive. For more information, call (314) 9215678 or visiting www.hawthorneplayers.com.
November18-20, COCA Family Theatre Series presents Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale, COCA, 524 Trinity Ave., St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.
arts
Through November30, Portfolio Gallery presents Robert Hale’s exhibit Intimate Encounters: The African Americans, Portfolio Gallery, 3514 Delmar. For more information, call (314) 533-3323.
Through December5, TASK, a self-generating, improvisational art-making event developed by artist OliverHerring, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at Gallery 210 on the
North Campus of the University of Missouri?St. Louis. Herring will curate an exhibition from the objects created by the TASK participants as well as other artwork by him. Areception for the TASK exhibition will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Herring will give a gallery talk at 6:15 p.m. in the Gallery 210 auditorium. 44 Arnold B. Grobman Drive on the North Campus of the University of Missouri?St. Louis (between the MetroLink Station and the Touhill Performing Arts Center). For more information, call 314-516-5976 or email gallery@umsl.edu
Through January 8, PPRC Photography Project: Pais Youth Development Center The colorful exhibit will be on display through Jan. 8 at the PPRC Photography Gallery in 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis County (63121). Gallery hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Aduplicate of the exhibit will be on display through Jan. 8 in the northwest hallway at the Victor Roberts Building, 1354 N. Kingshighway Blvd. in St. Louis (63113). The exhibit can be viewed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Victor Roberts Building.
lectures
Sat., Oct. 29, 12:30 p.m., The Father/Child Crisis Lecture and Discussion, please bring father/child pictures and children’s art work for use in display.Julia Davis Branch Library, 4415 Natural Bridge Blvd. For more information, call (314)727-0909 or (618) 979-1284.
November2, 7 pm, Black & Green Wednesday Forum: “Foreclosures vs. Protecting OurHomes,” speakers include Eric Madkins of the Urban League, Linda Ingram of Beyond Housing and Jonathan McFarland and Jeff Ordower of MORE.Legacy Books and
Café, 5249 Delmar (near Union). For information call 314-727-8554.
Sat., Nov. 5, 12 noon, Missouri History Museum 2nd annual Community Action Fair, Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org
Sat. Oct. 29, 8 a.m., Making Strides Against Breast CancerRun/Walk. Forest Park/Upper Muny Parking Lot, St. Louis. 5K and 1.3 mile walk. Step of at 9 a.m. The event is free and non-competititve, but participants are encouraged to collect donations and pledges. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 314-286-8185 or visit makingstidesstlouis.org.
Sat. Oct. 29, 6 p.m., Mound City Medical Forum Annual Scholarship & Awards Ceremony. Hilton St. Louis Ballpark, 1 South Broadway. Keynote is Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer, American Cancer Society and professor of hematology and medicine at Emory University School of Public Health. Tickets for the event are $125/person or $1,000 for a table. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact 314-369-9289 or moundcitymedicalforum@yah oo.com
Sat., Oct. 29, 10 a.m.—2 p.m., Barnes-Jewish Annual Free Flu Shot Campaign,. Adult & Pediatric vaccinations. Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’Club, 4245 North Kingshighway, 63115. Wed., Nov. 2, 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., National Children’s Study St. Louis & Our Community, OurHealth Forum at Il Monastero, 3050 Olive St. Louis. Free to attend but registration is required. Go to http://tinyurl.com/forumregister.
normal. But with a blazer or a coat, you can’t do so much –and it has to be on point!”
As he anxiously pulled together 35-plus looks for the show, he said he visualizes a reality and wants to give a glimpse of that to guests.
“The clothes make them feel better about themselves. I want everybody have that feeling,” Keith said. “I want them to get a whole new perspective on fashion – to see how changing up your look can change your confidence level too and enhance how you feel about yourself.” Perkins believes the show and her boutique can have a hand in making Keith’s
dreams for fashion come true. “We want to let everybody know the type of partnership we have going,” Perkins said. “And I want them to feel that they can come and shop at NV and get something different and stand out from the crowd – and do it within their budget.”
The Merge Fashion Preview will take place at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Fri., Oct. 28) at 3965 Park Ave. For more information, visit http://themergefashionshow.eventbrite. com/. A sample sale featuring Shan Keith Designs will take place on Sat., Oct. 29 from noon – 6 p.m. at NV Showroom Boutique (1308A Washington). For more information, call 314-621-0029 or visit www.nvshowroomboutique.com.
Global cellist comes home with rock band
Patrice JacksonTilghman plays with HURT at the Duck Room
American staff
Patrice Jackson-Tilghman last performed in her hometown of St. Louis in February with the St. Louis Symphony and its IN UNISON Chorus for their annual Black History Month concert.
The young cellist – then age 23, and named merely Patrice Jackson – was featured soloist on a movement from a modern mass composed by a Welshman, Karl Jenkins, and a cello concerto composed by a Frenchman, Camille Saint-Saens.
As such, she was a young African-American classical
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them to leap into their happily ever after.
I asked myself if I would or could go that far. I can say if I genuinely like a person and would like to do that for him to show I care and that he is spe-
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the movement for equality was underway. By 1967, marches had given way to militancy.
“We Shall Overcome,” had given way to “Burn Baby Burn” and “Pick Up the Gun.”
As the film begins, Stokely Carmichael, one of the founding fathers of the Black Power Movement, is explaining his perceived futility in the nonviolent acts of the Civil Rights Movement – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s approach. Commentary from contemporary voices – including rapper Talib Kweli and John Forte, singer Erykah Badu and musician Questlove – are stirred in alongside Harry Belafonte, Sonia Sanchez, Melvin Van Peebles and Black Power
musician who returned to bring diversity – as in, European composers, in this instance – to a Black History Month program.
After making that stretch at Powell Hall, it’s not that much of a stretch to see her coming back home to play with an alternative rock band, HURT, touring the country to perform intimate acoustic shows to prepare for their next studio album The Crux.
Their tour with JacksonTilghman kicks off at The Duck Room on Saturday, October 29.
A graduate of the Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music, she has performed with the Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas, New Jersey, Milwaukee, Omaha, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Nashville, Hartford, Chautauqua, Colorado and Mississippi Symphonies, as well as with the Philadelphia Orchestra and her hometown SLSO.
cial … yes. In my mind things like that are reserved for special people in your life.
I find it interesting that the same guy who is talking this ego stroking talk goes for the ego stroking girl and even marries her, but still manages to come back around to the girl who keeps it real with them and says and does nice things in a genuine way.
figures Bobby Seale, Kathleen Cleaver and Angela Davis.
“America killed Dr. King last night,” Carmichael says at a press conference. “And in doing, so she declared war on us.”
The assassination of Robert Kennedy, the trials of Angela Davis and Huey Newton and the Attica Prison uprising were shown to Swedish citizens. And as they exposed America’s ugly secrets, Sweden was blasted as being “anti-American,” which was also dissected by the journalists.
But as the film covers the life cycle of the Black Power Movement, the decline is just as thought-provoking as the inspiration, encouragement and motivation that is stirred up during the peak of the movement.
By 1973, Black Power had been upstaged by black poverty. Long before the nation’s war on drugs was waged, drug casual-
She also made her international orchestral and recital debuts in South Africa. Other career highlights include performances with the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Lima Symphony. Kevin McBeth, director of IN UNISON Chorus, describes her as “a hometown artist gone
Unfortunately, woman B gets passed over for woman A. Woman B can be sad about it and be heartbroken, but I learned it is fraudulent to advertise what you are not selling or promise what you can’t deliver.
My lesson in this is not to get so caught up in the act of stroking a man’s ego. To me that implies I’m doing what I think you want to get you to do what I want you to do (whether it’s a relationship, material gain or both). Instead, my goal is to find the things that make him feel loved and secure and provide those things in creative and unexpected ways because I want him to know he is special – not because I am obligated to do so out of his standard prerequisites for “womanly duties.”
ties riddled the urban landscape. The same crew that casually strolled the streets of Harlem to gain insight on the black experience was too afraid to leave their tour bus because of crime.
Vietnam veterans came home as heroin addicts. Overdoses inundated the morgues of New York, and drug-addicted babies filled the nurseries.
Davis said she believed that the heroin was pumped into black soldiers and neighborhoods as a defense tactic to keep Black Power at bay – a strategic move in a conspiracy to dilute and sedate the entire movement.
Lewis H. Michaux, owner of the legendary African National Memorial bookstore, voiced what he believed was the biggest problem in the movement and the community.
“A few young men came in here with their fists up saying
‘Black Power,” Michaux said as he sat in the store in 1973. “I told them, ‘Black is beautiful, but black ain’t power. Knowledge is power. And if you don’t know, you can’t grow.’” Mischaux’s bookstore, which housed more than 200,000 texts by Africans and African Americans, would close down the next year. By the time their filming wrapped in 1975, the struggles of the movement to lead blacks into liberation had dissipated into a fight for survival in the ghetto. Badu said, “You come to a point where the pain to change outweighs the pain to stay the same.”
The Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 opens at the Tivoli Theatre (6350 Delmar) tomorrow (Oct. 28). The film is not rated, with a running time of 100 minutes.
Patrice Jackson-Tilghman
This Week in Black History
2009
‘Fowl’ play in St. Louis
The river city is a birder’s paradise
Those who enjoy a little “fowl” play will have plenty to chirp about during a visit to The Audubon Center at Riverlands –the latest birdcentric attraction to feather St. Louis’ nest.
can contribute to various cancers, diabetes and weak bones. Mansbach is with the Children’s Hospital of Boston.
October 30:
1831 – Minister and mystic Nat Turner, leader of the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history, is captured in South Hampton County, Virginia. The uprising took place on August 21st and 22nd of the same year and left 55 whites dead. Turner was hanged and then skinned on November 11th
1954 – The U.S. Department of Defense announces the official end of all segregated military regiments in the armed forces.
1966 – The Black Panther Party is founded in California by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. The full name was the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. It was formed in major measure to bring attention to and combat brutality against blacks by the Los Angeles Police Department.
1974 – Muhammad Ali defeats George Foreman for the heavyweight boxing title. The fight took place in Zaire (now the Congo) and was billed as the “Rumble in the Jungle.”
1991 – BET Holdings, Inc. sells 4.2 million shares of stock in an initial public offering becoming the first black company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Founder Bob Johnson has since sold the company to the media giant Viacom.
2002 - One of the original founders of modern Rap music Jam Master Jay of the group
Run-DMC was killed in a shooting at his New York recording studio. He was 37. His group Run-DMC was a major force attracting young whites to Rap music.
October 31:
1517 - Revolutionary Christian leader Martin Luther posted his famed 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg Palace in Germany setting off the Protestant Reformation against the Catholic Church. It is believed the parents of American Civil Rights Movement icon Martin Luther King, Jr. named him after Martin Luther. However, King’s original name was “Michael” and was later changed to “Martin”
1820 - (circa) Irish Catholics bring Halloween to America where it first gains popularity among the lower classes and becomes heavily influenced by both American Indian and black American (slave) superstitions.
1896 (or 1900) – Actor and singer Ethel Waters is born in Chester, Pennsylvania. She became one of the nation’s best known jazz and gospel singers. Waters was born to a 12-yearold black girl who had been raped by a white man.
November 1:
1604 - William Shakespeare’s great play “Othello” was first performed at Whitehall Palace in London. It is the earliest known European play with a Black lead character.
1866 – America’s first Civil Rights Act is passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson. In part, it was Johnson’s opposition to such pro-black legislation that led a group called the “Radical Republi-
cans” to seek his impeachment. Johnson had become president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and adopted a wide-range of anti-Black policies.
1991 - Clarence Thomas takes his seat on the United States Supreme Court after a prolonged controversy over his alleged sexual harassment of former co-worker Anita Hill. Thomas would go on to disappoint much of Black America by rendering votes on major issues which many leading African American felt were anti-Black.
1999 – Chicago Bears running back great Walter Payton dies of cancer at the age of 45. His power and grace on the football field led to his nickname “Sweetness.”
November 2:
1889 – The last great African king is crowned. Menelik II becomes “Negusa Nagast” (King of Kings) of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). At that time Abyssinia included not only present day Ethiopia but parts of Kenya, Somalia, and the Sudan. European colonialism would weaken and reduce the size of the kingdom. Menelik could trace his heritage back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba of the Christian Bible.
1903 – Maggie L. Walker opens the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Virginia. Walker was one of the most accomplished business women in black American history having founded a bank, a newspaper, other businesses and a political party known as the Lily Black. Constant refrain in her speeches was “Let us put our money together … and reap the benefits.”
The $3.3 million bird-watching center is located in the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary just north of Downtown St. Louis near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers (West Alton, MO). The area is known as the Mississippi flyway, a major migratory route for more than 300 species of birds including pelicans, seagulls, American bald eagles, trumpeter swans and more.
Nature lovers can view birds and other wildlife that reside in Riverlands from inside the 3,500-square-foot Audubon Center or stroll the surrounding prairies and wetlands for upclose animal encounters. The Audubon Center features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer great views of the river and sky. Recorded bird songs provide a pleasant sound track for visitors inside the Center.
In addition to great viewing spots, the center features interactive displays about the great migration, classrooms for wildlife lectures and an information counter where visitors can ask the experts about the animals they see. Admission is free.
Bird lovers have plenty to tweet about in St. Louis. Here’s a list of other avian attractions sure to please birders of all ages:
1.) Stroll through the 1904 World’s Fair Flight Cage, the world’s largest walk-through aviary, located in the Bird Garden section of the Saint Louis Zoo.
2.) Get a bird’s eye view of St. Louis from the top of the Gateway Arch, 630 feet over the Mississippi River.
3.) Bird watch from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, originally Route 66’s Mississippi River crossing and now the world’s longest pedestrian bridge. The site is especially active during “Eagle Days” each January when hundreds of bald eagles feed along the river.
4.) See the Bird Man, a stone carving of a man with wings unearthed at Cahokia
St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission
The Audubon Center at Riverlands is located in the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary just north of Downtown St.
George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, October 30, 1974
~ CELEBRATIONS ~
SisterSallie and Reverend Timothy Hatter celebrated 60 years of life and love together on October 21, 2011, always and forever in love with Christ and each other. “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Mark 10:9.
joannevlo@aol.com.
McCluerNorth Class of 1992 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 20-year reunion. We are in the process of planning a dinner/dance. Your contact information is needed ASAP. Go to the web-site at mccluernorth1992.com
Beaumont High School Class of 1963 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 50 year reunion.Your contact information is needed as soon as possible.Please e-mail: Lawrence Watson atlanticgold45@gmail.com, Gloria Allen Overton gloverto@netzero.net or Joann Kaiman Vitiello
Northwest Class of 1982 is preparing for its 30th reunion in 2012. We are in the process of planning. Your contact information is urgently needed to form our class committee. Please email Herman Hopson (hopdog82@yahoo.com) 573230-4290, Roy Johnson (royj1475@gmail.com) 314495-7982, Rick Calvin , (olescl@yahoo.com ), Claude Ussery 314-805-0163
Eagle ‘Goon Squader’ turns 14
Ernest Shelton III turned 14 on October 22! He’s a proud player for the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club’s Eagles “Goon Squad” football team.
Birthdays
Jovan Sandford (33) — October 23 Warren Daniel (60) — October 23 Jean Richardson — October 25
(usserycrew6@sbcglobal.net). Or you can FB us.
Soldan High School Class of 1962 is in the process of planning our 50th class reunion for the second weekend in August of 2012. We are calling all classmates to come and celebrate this momentous occasion. Your contact information is urgently needed. Please call Bobbie Brooks at 314-8389207 or Hiram Wilkens at 314803-5580. You may email Sam Harris at harrissam@hotmail.com.
SumnerHigh School class of 1964 is looking for all classmates interestedin celebrating our 50th reunion. Your contact info is needed. If youor anyone you know would like to participate, please e-mail your
First of many
Tommy and Maranda McCainCalvin celebrated their first wedding anniversary on October 23, 2011. The couple honeymooned on a Jamaican cruise, and celebrated their first anniversary with a vacation to Las Vegas!
Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis
Evelynn Thomas — October 28
Chris Carson — October 29 Portia Edwards — October 30
info to sumnerco1964@yahoo.com contactCarol Strawbridge at 524-8504.
SumnerHigh School Class of 1987 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 25-year reunion. We are in the process of planning. Your contact information is needed ASAP. Please emailyour information to:sumnerco1987@gmail.com
Vashon Class of 1978 Holiday Dance Extravaganza, Saturday, December 3, 2011, 8 pm—1 am, Carr Square Community Center; 1629 Bible. BYOB; Set Ups Will Be Sold in Advance $10, at door $12.
Soldan High School Class of 1982 is preparing for its 30
year reunion in 2012.We are seeking contact information to complete our class directory. Please email information to Rahmina Stewart Benford and Bridgette West at soldanclassof82alumni@yahoo.com.
Soldan International Studies High School Class of 2002 is preparing for its 10-year reunion in 2012. We need your contact information to complete our class directory. Please email your information including mailing and email address to soldanclassof2002@yahoo.com. For more information please contact Denise Cobbs at 314-3231228 or email: denisecobbs83@yahoo.com. Please join our Soldan Class of 2002 group on Facebook.
Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:
Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com
Religion
Four gents of gospel
David Peaston headlines
soul-stirring men of song
revue
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
“The church wanted to turn against him for a while because he was doing R&B,” Marilyn Peaston said of her husband David Peaston’s nationally acclaimed music career. “What he’s singing doesn’t dictate his relationship with Christ. He is just singing a love song, and God is love.”
Peaston got his start on the legendary Apollo Theater Amateur Night stage with a soulstirring rendition of the Billie Holiday classic “God Bless The Child” in the late 1980s. He was signed to MCA records where he enjoyed critical and commercial success, following his sister Fontella Bass’s marker in R&B music. But as the son of the legendary gospel group The Clara Ward Singers, he has always had his heart in faith music.
Saturday, he joins three revered men of music from multiple genres for the return of The Four Gents Concert featuring Pastor Ronald L. Bobo Sr., Leslie Johnson, Pastor Shadrach Robinson and Jermaine Smith.
“They are anointed singers,” Marilyn Peaston said. “I feel like David can grunt – or Leslie can give a look – and folks will get filled with the spirit.” What was meant to be a onetime event, “Gents” returns for
a third installment on Saturday evening at the Ethical Society. The concert includes each man’s testimony of his experience in music as well as song selections in gospel, R&B and jazz.
“It’s four friends who decided to come together because they do such an array of genres. Everybody has a different story, and it helps you see what goes on beyond the curtain,” Marilyn Peaston said.
“It goes beyond the glitz and glamour – it’s a conversation in song. This is a ministry. It’s been well received by people because they make the audience
laugh and cry.”
Beside the listening pleasure and the love is the learning that the Gent show offers audiences.
“All of them are teachers in their own right,” Marilyn said.
“David spent several years as an educator in the St. Louis Public Schools, Leslie is an instructor and you know that one of the biggest jobs for pastors is to teach, so Pastors Bobo and Robinson will leave something on everyone’s spirit.”
The message of the music and the entire experience is one that they hope will deposit in the spirits of guests.
“These men are grounded in
God. I hope people leave knowing who they live for and what they live for and who protects their life,” Marilyn said.
“When David was with MCA, we were offered a lot of things – from drugs to prostitutes. If you are not grounded, you can easily be lost without even knowing it. I hope that people that know that music –like God – is good.”
Pea-Stain Productions’ presentation of “Distinguished Gents: Remember the Time” will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Ethical Society (9001 Clayton Rd.). Advance tickets are available at Transformation Bookstore (4071 Page). For more information, call 314-717-8999.
COGIC’s St. Louis Experience
The International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ will release its longanticipated music project, “The St. Louis Experience, Watch Me Praise Him,” recorded live at last year’s 103rd Holy Convocation in St. Louis, on Tuesday, November 1 during a press conference.
COGIC’s Holy Convocation will convene on October 31 and conclude on November 9 at the America’s Center in downtown St. Louis. Prior to the music project’s release, the Convocation program will feature a preconcert event, the “Hallelujah Explosion” service, featuring Grammy-nominated artist Tye Tribbett and Pastor Lynwood Dillard, International Youth President for the Church of God in Christ. This event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Halls 4 and 5 at the America’s Center.
Staying with your home church
Most of my life, I had been groomed in the religious act of going to church. After a brief stint of not going to any church for mostly selfish reasons, I found myself severely lacking the guidance, fellowship and company of like-minded individuals who believed in Christ but also enjoyed doing what they like.
When I moved to St. Louis over a decade ago, I knew that my family needed to be under the covering of a good bible-based church. So, what is the logical path to consider when determining a church?
I took the advice of a trusted neighbor and began attending a local church. The bible teachings were so illuminated, so clear and they even enhanced the foundational teachings I’ve carried all of my life. That in and of itself was extremely exhilarating, so we immediately joined.
After being a “member” for a number of years, and dedicating my life solely to Christ and the Kingdom, I was offered an opportunity to help work within one of the core functional ministries at church and was able to foster some really great relationships.
But then, the founder of the church passed away, and a new leader was delegated to carry-on the legacy of the church. I began contemplating the search for a new church. But being the analytical per-
son I am, I had to really think about the expectations the church and I shared.
First, I considered what I had to offer to the church. I’m a business professional with over 20 years in the information technology field. I considered my speaking abilities and my extensive engineering background. I considered my “testimony” of struggling in my profession and the obstacles encountered.
God’s Spirit quickly reminded me, “Judas used this analogy, didn’t he?” So, I quickly considered what the church had to offer my family. I wasn’t in the need for family counseling, I’m unable to carry a tune across the room, and I’ve not been “called” to preach. Then, I went to the Word of God, what we Christians acknowledge as “the Final Code of Arbitration.” God’s Spirit led me to a familiar scripture that the founding leader always preached in Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” So for this, I will remain at my church. When we are faithful, and we let God work the perfect will in us, He will show us the purpose and destiny for our lives. InspIratIonal Message
Send your Message column (no more than 500 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg file. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.
Andrew L. Thomas III
“Distinguished Gents: Remember the Time” featuring David Peaston, Pastor Ronald L. Bobo, Leslie Johnson, Jermaine Smith and Pastor Shadrach Robinson will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Ethical Society (9001 Clayton Rd.).
ST. LOUIS A
Metro Student among final class of House Page Program
Special to The American
As a sophomore heading into her junior year at Metro Academic and Classical High School, Sydney Everett received an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill as a U.S. House Page and not only see true government in action but see true history in the making.
She saw U. S. Representative Gabby Giffords cast her first vote since the Tucson shooting and had a front row seat to the debt ceiling debates.
“I didn’t know that was how government was run. It was shocking and enlightening,” said Everett who plans to go to a college on the East Cost to study law in hopes of remaining involved in politics.
The U.S. House of Representatives Page Program, formally established in 1827, grooms future leaders by giving them an in-depth look at the U.S. House of Representatives.Not only do Pages assist members of the U.S. House with their legislative duties, they see the inner workings of the legislative process. In fact, the program created a Page School in 1925 to give courses specifically on the American government.
Past members of the U.S.
Plus, St. Louis Public Schools/Ranken Dual Enrollment Program
House Page Program include:
Bill Gates, founder and CEO of Microsoft; R. Donahue Peebles, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Peebles Corp., the largest African American-owned real estate development and ownership company in the U.S.; and Andrew Napolitano, New Jersey Superior Court Judge and current contributor to Fox News.
Now, after more than 180 years, the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program is over. Sydney Everett will now become history in her own right as a member of the last class of U.S. House Pages. “It is sad because being a Page was such a great experience. It was life-changing, and I want others to have the opportunity,” said Everett. Sydney Everett was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, who represents the St. Louis region. It was her first time in Washington, D.C. and the first time away from home for more than a night. Everett served as one of two Pages from Missouri, in the final class which consisted of 70 Pages from across the nation. In a joint statement by Speaker Boehner and Minority Leader Pelosi, both of which Everett met, the U.S. House
Page Program was closed due to the advances of technology and the high cost of the program, which exceeds $5 million.
SLPS/Ranken Dual Enrollment Program
St. Louis Public Schools’ Division of Career and Technical Education and Ranken Technical College are
continuing their exclusive partnership allowing district seniors to attend classes at Ranken for college credit. Known as the Dual Enrollment Program, SLPS seniors participating in the program receive tuition, books, tools, Ranken polo shirts, bus tickets, and earn three hours of high school credit and 12-14 hours of college credit at no cost.
Sydney Everett,a sophomore heading into her junior year at Metro Academic and Classical High School,received an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill as a U.S.House Page for U.S.Rep.Lacy Clay.
To qualify for the program, SLPS seniors must maintain good academic standing at high school, score 17 or better in math on the ACT, score 13 or better in reading on the ACT, or have satisfactory scores on Ranken’s placement test. Once accepted, students are eligible to take courses in one of three programs: Program 1: Automotive Maintenance Technology
(AMT), which develops student proficiencies in areas such as engine repair, air conditioning, brakes and electricity.In addition, engine performance and emissions, along with suspension and steering, are taught. Graduates of the program accept employment with many local automotive dealerships and independent repair shops.
Program Choice 2: Industrial Technology (INT), which gives students basic training in several fields, such as electrical, plumbing, machining, and carpentry. Upon graduation students are able to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair many facility issues and work in facilities maintenance for large campuses (universities, hospitals, hotels and industrial businesses).
Program Choice 3: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVACR), which prepares students for employment as a general HVACR mechanic or specialist in fields such as residential air conditioning, commercial refrigeration or heating equipment. Graduates also work at industrial plants, hotels and hospitals. For more information, call Cathy Gutjahr, Program Manager, at 314-345-5715.
Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week
Hats off to Hope for Haiti. I almost didn’t make it to my beloved Halima(ma)’s glorious charity beneit event for the children of Haiti Saturday, because I accidently got caught up in what I’m assumin’ was a Zombie civil rights march. There were hundreds of them– including zombie brides, a zombie pope and a zombie Justin Bieber – moaning and roaming up and down the Delmar Loop. A concentrated pack was not too far from my stop at the RegionalArts Commission.And when this little boy passer-by who pointed my way and said “Daddy, what kind of zombie is that?”… I was ready to wrap myself up like a mummy and punch it back to the house. I had to stop myself from runnin’ up on him and sayin’ “I’m a ive-star chick zombie… now shut up before I snatch your soul and eat your brains!” Thanks to that dollar store Dennis the Menace I was self-conscious the whole night that my foundation must have not been such a perfect blend after all.
However, all was forgotten when I stepped in to my destination. I walked in and this Anye (sp?) girl was KILING IT on the vocals and the piano. Her voice was so angelic that I forgot about those damn zombies lurking just beyond! And she was just the beginning of a line-up of true talent from some of St. Louis’inest. I was so thrilled at the opportunity to have a good time for a worthy cause – which also was a mini-bazaar with art and earrings for sale! And I was nearly overwhelmed as Halima gave into her raw emotion while expressin’ gratitude to supporters. It was almost as captivating as the Anna Mae Bullock Beyond Thunderdome inspired headdress that had her looking like ethnic royalty! Girl, keep giving back…you inspired me and everyone else in the building ht.
Another airwaves congrats. I am so thrilled that Mz. Janee is oficially the new midday host over at the HotFoxy (Hot 104.1 FM) that I can barely hold my peace! Check her out from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Congrats girl!
A throwback Café Soul classic. Café Soul promised that it would be a trip down the memory lane of the Lucas School House edition of the monthly open mic series – and it was exactly that. While the old faithfuls like Jaime Legend, Theresa Payne, C Jay Conrod and Silky Sol did their thing, a few folks came through that I hadn’t seen since the Lucas School House. I had forgot all about Twan (a.k.a. David Hollister Jr.) until he put his ankle into Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On.” I thought I was at the Polynesian Room for a hot second! The delightful chaos of what could only be described as a backup singer Flash Mob ensued as Kim Massie took the stage and everybody who thought they could hold a tune rushed to the stage to share a sip of song with the STL blues diva. And there were some fresh faces who gave me life there too. Tiffany Elle’s rendition of “Dirty Diana” gave me everything I needed (and I’m especially particular about those who attempt to tackle the King of Pop’s classics)...and other folks too because Ms. Massie and a few others straight up made it rain in an effort to pay homage. I haven’t seen that many dollars hittin’ the stage since…you know what…never mind. But anyway, I had a ball ladies and I’ll see you next month.
Halloween happenings. I know y’all are on pins and needles trying to igure out where you can launt that body magic you turned into a naughty nurse’s costume, and I have it for you….you just have to go to our website to get it, stlamerican.com. That’s right, there will be a laundry list of spots from the ratchet to reined for you to get your Halloween hop on – and an opportunity to catch a cackle at the picks after the fact! That’s stlamerican.com for the two who are uninformed.
What the audience doesn’t’ need to know. So many things about David Talbert’s latest stage production confused me when I shackled myself down to watch it Sunday night at the Fox. Never mind the “I paid for my ticket…y’all better let me in” monologue from an unruly latecomer that rang through the whole venue. There’s no real point in me getting into the plot of the play – which I still don’t understand – so I will just give you a laundry list of the “so much, so wrong, so quickly.” Even if y’all liked the play (which I didn’t utterly hate by the way) you were still scratchin’ your head at a few obvious blunders. First off, why did they have a Lane Bryant model as Michelle Williams’silhouette body-double? Second, do the Clark Sisters know that Ann Nesby totally infringed on their trademark “Hay Fire Shut Up in My Bones” crop/swoop wig collection (made famous on BET Celebration of Gospel 2007-2010)? And since I’m on the subject of Mama Nesby swag jackin’, whose mime ministry did she steal all of those forceful hand choreog
raphy combinations she used during her solos from? Third, did Talbert do the math when he was addin’ up the age and life experience of the leading lady? Because she was supposed to be just turning forty, but dated her old man husband after she graduated college, had a career, married him for 20 years (after she graduated college) and had a child who was in college. I’m clocking that heffa at 57 to make all of that possible. Then – while I must commend him for trying to switch up the standard urban gospel play character “role call” trinity of a mama, a ghetto best friend and a stereotypically lamboyant geigh – I must ask why he felt he could pull of switchin’ up the comic relief to include a slave for an URBAN play that was set in this millennium? All of y’all who went to the show can co-sign by understanding that this man had a separate backyard quarters, was unkempt with rundown “Glory” boots on, spoke in an inaudible drawl and shucked and jived through the whole show. Help. Michelle had a mean wardrobe and Morris Chestnut was ine and topless… so I guess it was all worth it…I guess.
A smokin’ southern delight. Since I’m talkin’ about people who may or may not have their freedom, I might as well bring up the new love of my life…wait for it…Mississippi rap star Big K.R.I.T. Thanks to the Smoker’s Tour I got to see him in action and I am oficially obsessed with his sexy country self! I heard him on the radio and was impressed with his low, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with the look of him. I was expecting 8Ball Jr. or a baby Rick Ross, but he was servin’ me just a slightly hearty regular shape. But he really tore the mic up and had me captivated – until he closed his set out by saying “Y’all be blessed up in this [b-word expletive].” Hey, nobody’s perfect. But the show went on and I was underwhelmed by Method Man after seeing K.R.I.T. so I punched it out of
Jami, Kevin and Miqua took a stroll down Café Soul’s memory lane Friday night @ The Loft
Brandy and Terene took in the classic sounds of Café Soul Friday night @ The Loft
Sierra and Antonio soak in Lola’s laid back atmosphere Friday night
Alexis, Ava and Leon Friday night @ Lola
Shannon, Shaki and Reyna return to at Cafe Soul for the special Lucas School House Edition Friday night @ The Loft
Mara and Mornay were anxious to nod their heads at the quality hip-hop that came to the Pageant Tuesday night by way of the Smoker’s Club Tour
Halima Martin and her Mother Joyce Martin rejoiced in the support Halima received as she raised funds to lift the spirits of Haiti’s Children Saturday @ RAC
Sineta Roker, Elson Brand and Vanessa Hughes party with a purpose Friday night @ Pink Ribbons and Bottles @ Bar Italia
Tommy Wilder of 13 Black Katz and Andrea Topps at Bar Italia on Friday for Pink Ribbons and Bottles
Good friends Sarita and Tracie were happy to support Halima as vendors for the Art of the City Haiti fundraiser Saturday night @ RAC
Beauties Brittany and Theresa were eager to unwind Friday night @ Lola
Christopher and Cristina McCaleb kicked off their weekend with a special date night Friday @ Café Soul @ The Loft
