October 27th, 2016 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Jackie Lewis-Harris chatted with Kathleen Hudson at the unveiling of Missouri’s largest black history mural

the Better Family Life Cultural, Education and Business Center, 5415 Page Blvd., on Friday, October 21.

of Connecting Human Origin and Cultural Diversity at University of Missouri-St. Louis, is developing

for the mural.

Deborah Ahmed: mural is ‘our history being told from our perspective’

By

the making, Missouri’s largest black history mural was revealed Friday, October 21 at the Better Family Life (BFL) community center in

North St. Louis. The mural spans over 95 feet of wall in the entrance to the BFL Cultural, Education and Business Center, depicting thousands of years of history.

“That mural, for us, represents inspirations,” Deborah Ahmed, BFL executive director, told attendees at the

Making research relevant

Beyond Housing honored at 2016 Homer G. Phillips

By Sandra Jordan

The St. Louis American

The social responsibility of research to the community was the focus of this year’s Homer G. Phillips Lecture on Friday, October 21 at the Eric P. Newman Center at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL).

“If we want our research to have lasting impact on improving society, we need to think critically about the questions we ask – and the questions we do not ask – and what influences that distinction,” said Carol Camp Yeakey, an endowed professor of arts and sciences and founding director of the Center for Urban Research and Public Policy at

mural’s unveiling event. “It represents an accurate telling of our history. It represents our history being told from our perspective. It represents a vision for the future. It represents a vision of Page Boulevard.”

Lecture

Chris Krehmeyer, president /CEO of Beyond Housing, listened to Carol Camp Yeakey, founding director of the Center for Urban Research and Public Policy at Washington University, deliver the 2016 Homer G. Phillips Lecture on Friday, October 21.

By

By Jason Rosenbaum

Mariah Stewart Of The St. Louis American

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Photo by Wiley Price

Of

Photo by Ingrum Studio

at

Lewis-Harris, director

an educational program

Willie J. Epps Jr.

Judy Baker

Suge says Dr. Dre was mastermind of 2014 shooting, files $300M lawsuit

In a lawsuit filed this week, incarcerated former music mogul Suge Knight says he had a lifetime management deal with Dr. Dre, which entitled him to a 30 percent cut of Dre’s entertainment earnings. When Beats came along, Knight alleges Dre tried to cut him out, in part because Apple – which bought Beats from Dre – didn’t want its brand associated with Knight.

According to the lawsuit, Dre’s solution was to hire a hit man to kill Knight at 1 OAK during the 2014 VMAs weekend. Knight was shot 7 times in the abdomen but recovered.

The suit claims the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. questioned a man named T-Money about the shooting, and he told investigators he was paid by Dre to kill Knight –who says that despite 37 cameras in 1 OAK, no

arrests were made. Knight is suing Dre, Apple, Universal and Tam’s for unspecified damages – including 30 percent of Dre’s take from the sale of Dre’s Beats brand to Apple. The sale was said to be a $1B payday for Dre.

Did Scottie Pippen’s marriage end over Future?

Former NBA star Scottie Pippen has filed for divorce after 20 years of marriage amid rumors his wife is creeping with rapper Future.

backed off. Larsa and Future’s camps originally denied the rumors, but on Tuesday the rapper cryptically posted “she’s finally mine” as a caption to a photo of himself on his Instagram page. According to Radar Online, Scottie’s divorce papers ask that Larsa not be granted any alimony and requests the right to amend their prenuptial agreement. Scottie is also demanding ultimate responsibility for the couple’s four minor children giving him authority over education, health care and general welfare decisions.

Sources told TMZ that Larsa Pippen has been seen jumping on Future’s private jet, traveling with him to various cities, including Vegas last month. Sources from both sides also say Larsa and Future were very “cozy” recently at Komodo nightclub in Miami.

TMZ says that their insiders told them that whatever is going on between Larsa and Future as “casual” – and the whole turn of events began as a revenge mission after Larsa saw Scottie openly flirting with an actress last summer and felt disrespected.

The couple reportedly agreed to a divorce several weeks ago, but then

Kendu demands $130K per month from Mary

After demanding close to $130,000 a month in spousal support from his soon-to-be ex-wife

Mary J. Blige, Kendu Isaacs provided the courts with a breakdown of why he needs such a large amount of cash and how he plans to allocate the funds to support his lavish lifestyle.

Here’s the line by line list of Kendu’s monetary requests for monthly spousal support from Blige: $1,000 for clothing, $3,200 for a personal trainer, $5,000 per month for child support (for children from his previous relationships, they have none together), $5,000 per month for his parents, $7,000 in rent, $8,000 for a private chef, $21,677 for charities, $71,000 for mortgages on several properties

and additional costs for legal fees. The grand total comes to $129,319.

He says that his requests are based on the finding that as Blige’s former tour turned business manager/husband, he became accustomed to the lifestyle that he and Blige experienced during their 13 year marriage.

Kim K. drops lawsuit

Kim Kardashian West has dropped her lawsuit against a celebrity gossip site after it admitted that its reports suggesting she staged a robbery in Paris were false.

The reality TV star sued MediaTakeOut and its founder Fred Mwangaguhunga for libel earlier this month. The lawsuit cited three of the website’s stories that claimed French authorities suspected Kardashian West and her mother, Kris Jenner, of committing a crime by faking the Paris robbery three weeks ago.

The articles have since been taken down from the gossip site, which published a retraction on Monday.

“MediaTakeOut knows that Mrs. Kardashian West was in fact robbed in Paris,” it said. “We have permanently removed from our website any and all posts that suggested she staged the robbery, lied about it to the French police and committed an insurance crime.”

Sources: TMZ.com, RadarOnline.com, Essence.com, CNN.com

Scottie Pippen

Jennings students learn about voting – and voter suppression

The Links Inc. and local attorneys teach the power of the vote through interactive activity

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Jennings eighth-grader Roland Brandy was denied the right to cast his vote at the mock polling place on August 18 at Jennings High School. But Brandy immediately contested that decision.

“If they made a mistake, I believe I still have the right to vote,” Brandy began, but he was cut off.

“Son, you don’t have the right,” said attorney Pamela Meanes, of St. Louis County Chapter of Links Inc. and the voting activity’s hostess. “I could give three-fourths of a person right now. Move along, please.”

But Brandy didn’t back down: “I believe I have the right to freedom of speech.”

“No, you don’t,” Meanes said, before turning to the auditorium of about 120 middle-school students.

“And that’s why we had Selma, because people said, ‘We are tired and we’re not taking it anymore.’”

Then, Meanes gave Brandy a big hug on stage for standing his ground.

A number of other students were also denied the right to vote at the Voting Matters Workshop held for Jennings junior high students. The workshop’s purpose was to explore voting-suppression laws from the past and a proposed constitutional amendment that is currently on the November 8 ballot.

Meanes worked with Jennings school counselor Kay Gage to put on the workshop. The morning started with a panel discussion about the Voting Rights Act, with Judge Judy Draper, attorney Kimberly Turner and State Rep. Sharon Pace. Draper explained that AfricanAmerican men were legally given the right to vote in 1870, but in actuality they were intimidated and banned from voting. Some polling places would make up ridiculous tests for blacks who wanted to register to vote, such as reciting the entire U.S. Constitution, Draper said.

In 1965, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference made Selma, Alabama, the focus of its efforts to register black voters in the South. That March, protesters attempting to march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery were met with violent resistance by state and local authorities.

“When educators tell you don’t take this lightly, it’s because people were killed,” Draper said. “Their suffering was not in vain.”

In August of 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed. However, the fight is not over, speakers said. Constitutional Amendment 6, which is on the November 8 ballot in Missouri, would require citizens to present a state-issued voter ID at polling sites. This creates a barrier to voting for many seniors, students, low-income people and minorities to vote, they said. Already, 16 states have passed voter photo ID laws.

These laws started popping up after the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 2013 that Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act was no longer needed in current times. This section had prevented states from creating new laws that would restrict minorities.

“When section 5 was taken away, states began passing strategic laws to suppress the vote,” Turner said. “Now states are doing what they were trying to do before 1965. Your vote is your power. It’s going to be up to us to take the stand like in Selma and continue to fight for our right to vote.”

Mock debate

Links Inc. also held a mock debate between Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (played by attorney Kathi Davis), Republican nominee Donald Trump (Steve Madleman), Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson (Craig Yugawa) and Green Party’s Jill Stein (attorney Heather J. Hays).

Madleman came out with a golden Trump-like toupee that sent the children in hysterics. The adults in the room were laughing as Clinton and Trump started dramatically circling each other, re-enacting the debate at Washington University. The students were allowed to ask the candidates questions, which included issues of affordable housing, gun violence and police brutality.

One girl asked Clinton, “If you become president, do you feel you can stop the violence and make our country a better place?” A boy asked Trump, “How do you honestly feel about the black communities and all our troubles?”

KMOX’s Carol Daniel and Missouri Supreme Court Justice George Draper moderated the debate. The Supreme Court judge said he strongly believes in participating in

voter education programs, particularly ones that educate students about voting barriers of the past.

“I think they asked intelligent questions,” George Draper said. “Oftentimes, students are not tuned into the overall issues. Their questions showed that they have been paying attention.”

After the debate, 76 percent of the students – which represented the number of registered voters in Jennings who voted in the 2012 presidential election – were able to approach the polling booths with voter registration cards. The booths were run by volunteers from the St. Louis County NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Omicron Theta Omega Chapter.

Half of the students were turned away for often-silly excuses the poll

workers came up with, such as not knowing their names.

At the end of the morning, civilrights attorney Denise Lieberman asked students how they felt about being turned away. The students booed. Lieberman drove home the importance of getting their loved ones out to vote on November 8 and voting themselves in the future. She works with the Advancement Project to fight voter photo ID laws and ballot initiatives across the country.

“This is dangerous,” Lieberman said of the laws, “and it is about power. It is about your power. Why do you think throughout history people have made it harder for certain segments of the population to weaken your power? Because they don’t want to hear what you have to say.”

She added, “But they can’t take it unless we let them.”

Photo by Wiley Price

Jennings students Kayla Williams and Berry Conner were shown how to vote by St. Louis County election official Larry Davis during a voter education forum organized by The Links Inc. at Jennings High School on October 18.

Editorial /CommEntary

The American endorses Hillary Clinton for president

Given what we have learned about him during his campaign for U.S. president, Donald Trump would be unemployable, at this point, were he not self-employed. We learned that in 2005 he boasted that he could sexually assault women with impunity because he is a “star,” and nearly a dozen women have come forward to claim that Trump groped them (he denies all of these claims). He publicly mocked a disabled person. He said a judge was unfit to rule on a case because he is of Mexican heritage. He publicly insulted the parents of a U.S. serviceman who died in combat. He shows a recklessness and lack of self-control that would be worrisome in a teenager. This list could be extended for many pages, and it describes someone you would not hire to work for your company, at any level, because of the potential damage he could do to your reputation. It’s the shame (and may be the ruin) of the Republican Party that its base has become so angry, hateful, crude and oblivious to fact that Trump could win their nomination to lead our country and the most powerful military on earth.

Of all the organizations that should not employ Trump, put the United States government at the top of the list. He has called for a foreign government to interfere with our presidential election. He has said he would deny immigration to Muslims on the basis of their religion and mass-deport illegal immigrants. Now, faced with dismal polls, he is saying the presidential election is “rigged” and he will not accept the outcome – unless he wins, which should make a complete mockery of his conviction that the process is rigged (but, if you are still believing in Trump now, then no mockery or shame is likely to move you). All of these actions and positions are antithetical to our democracy and incredibly dangerous to its future. Trump indulges and promotes hate, prejudice and fear. This shallow, ignorant man – a demagogue with authoritarian instincts – must never direct the executive branch of our federal government or command its military.

Hillary Clinton is, by contrast, one of the most competent and experienced individuals who ever sought a first term as U.S. president. She has served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Senate and as a member of the U.S. president’s cabinet as secretary of state. She has negotiated complex, progressive bipartisan legislation in the Congress, as well as sensitive, effective international agreements with potentially belligerent foreign nations. She has lived through two terms in the White House as the president’s closest and most trusted advisor (and spouse). In 2016, given how bitterly divided this country has become – and increasingly indifferent, if not resistant, to facts – we think the only positive change that is possible at this time is incremental change. To effect that, we need a supremely

Trump’s defiance of democracy

It is tempting to laugh at Donald Trump’s eruptions and outrages because he is such a cartoonish buffoon. But he gave chilling evidence on October 19 of why he poses a grave and urgent threat to our democracy – and why he must be defeated. There have been many bitterly contested elections in our nation’s 240-year history, but never has the loser refused to accept the outcome and claimed the presidency was stolen by fraud. Trump threatened, in advance, to do just that. “I will keep you in suspense,” he said, proving once again that he cares more about protecting his fragile ego than serving the country he asks to lead.

Debate moderator Chris Wallace gave Trump two opportunities to say he will accept the people’s verdict. Both times he defiantly refused – and in the process disqualified himself as a candidate for the nation’s highest office.

competent and experienced inside player who knows our politics, government and economy intimately. There is only one such candidate on the ballot, Hillary Clinton, and it is women, African Americans and Hispanics who will elect her.

The ruinous personal revelations about Trump have sent his campaign into a tail spin that left him ranting about “rigged” elections, signaling even his feeling that he can’t win on November 8. That does not mean that those of us committed to defeating Trump can rest or even slow down. Absentee voting for the November 8 general election has begun, and now is the time to check with family, friends and neighbors who might need to vote absentee to make sure they vote before election day. Now is also the time to check with people who might need a ride on election day to make sure they have a plan to get to the polls. The danger Trump’s candidacy poses to this country – and especially to its most vulnerable citizens – will extend long past this election, but the best way to start beating it back now is to hand Hillary Clinton an historically overwhelming victory over the man who has stoked white rage to this boiling point with more than a year of his lies, rants and insults. The dire consequences for this nation and its people, were Clinton to lose this election, are unthinkable. We strongly endorse HILLARY CLINTON FOR U.S. PRESIDENT.

I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

The Black Codes and Black Lives Matter

By Terrell Carter Guest columnist

Terrence Cunningham, police chief of Wellesley, Massachusetts and president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, recently offered an apology to communities of color for acts committed by law enforcement against minorities.

Chief Cunningham said that the apology was necessary as part of a process to “clear a path that allows us to move beyond our history and identify common solutions to better protect our communities.”

He also said, “There have been times when law enforcement officers, because of the laws enacted by federal, state and local governments, have been the face of oppression for far too many of our fellow citizens. In the past, the laws adopted by our society have required police officers to perform many unpalatable tasks, such as ensuring legalized discrimination or even denying the basic rights of citizenship to many of our fellow Americans.”

Chief Cunningham’s words have generally been met with support in the minority community and disagreement in the law enforcement community. This apology is a necessary first step in bridging the divide between law enforcement and minority citizens, because the past practices he alluded to were based on racial discrimination and separation and helped to start the current tension between minority cultures and law enforcement.

The often-overlooked history of American policing includes the foundation of

building and maintaining the economic viability of whites through the enslavement and/ or eradication of minorities, primarily Native Americans and Negroes. For instance, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, of which I was a member, was initially started to protect white citizens from Native Americans as the city began to be established.

Most Southern police departments began as slave patrols, which traveled through areas in the South rounding up Negroes in order to return them to their masters or to imprison them with the goal of leasing them to local corporations to perform physical labor. The African Americans who were being leased worked without pay, protection or basic human rights, while those who captured and leased them made substantial incomes from their enforced labor.

Police departments and white citizens in general were able to do this because the laws that were developed during this time allowed and encouraged these practices. Written and unwritten laws of the land, typically referred to as Black Codes in the South, allowed militiamen to arrest and detain a black person whose presence simply aroused suspicion. What amounted to suspicion? Being black and walking freely without being in service to a white person.

Additionally, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 threatened both law enforcement officials

and ordinary citizens with severe fines if they failed to assist in the capture of a black person who was believed to have been a runaway slave.

Blacks had no recourse for charges brought against them, even if the charges were false, because they did not have the right to defend themselves in court.

The tactics that were used in the past are still in practice today. At any given time an officer can approach you and detain you if you look suspicious. What does it take to look suspicious? Being in public without a clear purpose. If you disagree with the officer’s actions and attempt to defend your right to freely move about as you choose, you will likely be forcibly detained and arrested.

The way around this for most officers is to charge you with peace disturbance and resisting arrest. What constitutes peace disturbance and resisting arrest? Not doing what you were told, even if that command was unreasonable. The average citizen is then at a disadvantage, because our judicial system values the testimony of officers over ordinary people. Once a person is introduced to the criminal justice system, it is easier for them to be drawn back in. By using this method of policing, it becomes easy to enslave and incarcerate select groups of people without many political or social repercussions.

I am leading a series of webinars for Central Seminary that address how people can help bridge racial divides within their communities. Visit https://goo.gl/lATfhY.

Reprinted from Terrell’s Carter’s Huffington Post blog.

punishment: ignore him.

Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, once again demonstrated her preternatural poise and command of the issues – and, yes, also her ability to get under Trump’s exceedingly thin skin.

For a short while, Trump was able to enunciate standard GOP positions -- against abortion, against gun control -- without making any major pratfalls, but also without any notable sophistication or subtlety.

Clinton defended Roe v. Wade and advocated sensible gun restrictions in terms that seemed intended to appeal to Trump’s female voters, if he has any left.

To all who, like House Speaker Paul Ryan, have shown disdain for Trump but made the political calculation not to fully renounce him, I ask this: Why should anyone, ever again, take seriously your idealistic rhetoric about America being a “shining city upon the hill” and a beacon to the world?

That moment completely overshadowed the rest of the debate, as far as I’m concerned. Trump must not be president and deserves to lose in a landslide on November 8. Voters should send him back to his Trump Tower aerie and administer the cruelest possible

On immigration, Clinton outlined the sensible centrist solution – border control, deporting criminals and providing a path to legalization and citizenship for the millions of undocumented migrants already here – that should have been adopted long ago. Trump, by contrast, began to go off the rails, first denying but then later affirming his pledge of mass deportations. And when he talked about immigrants who commit crimes, he called them “bad hombres” – an apparent attempt to drive his party’s Latino support even closer to zero. When the debate turned to Trump’s bizarre admiration

Letters to the editor

CORRECTION

In Clara Shoals’ letter to the editor opposing Constitutional Amendment 6 on the November 8 ballot, her name was misprinted as “Cara.” We regret the error.

Can America afford to be Trumped?

Over the last year, one thing has been made absolutely clear by Donald Trump. And that is, instead of taking total responsibility for something he has done, Trump will shift the blame, minimize, rationalize or justify his actions, and ultimately he will attempt to redirect the negative attention his actions have caused on someone else. We can depend on this Presidential hopeful to evade the concept that President Harry S. Truman had when he said, “The buck stops here.” And since he repeatedly fails to take responsibility for his actions, he is being unaccountable, making him unfit to be America’s next president.

Our newly elected president must be fully accountable and totally responsible for guiding America into a successful future. Our desire to remain the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” where we can engage in seeking “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” is highly dependent on honestly assessing where we are, honestly acknowledging where we are, and thoroughly addressing what we find. Can America afford to be Trumped?

Elder Allif Dove, Via email Vote no on Amendment 6

Nobody cares more about the general public’s constitutional right to vote than the League of Women Voters. If enacted, Amendment 6 will jeopardize this right and disproportionately disadvantage African-American voters. The League, therefore, strenuously objects to its passage.

To be eligible to vote in public elections, this photo voter ID amendment would force citizens to present only

for Vladimir Putin, he claimed that the Russian leader, “from everything I see, has no respect for this person,” indicating Clinton.

“Well, that’s because he’d rather have a puppet as president of the United States,” Clinton snapped back. This, incredibly, is what followed: TRUMP: No puppet. No puppet.

CLINTON: And it’s pretty clear ...

TRUMP: You’re the puppet!

CLINTON: It’s pretty clear you won’t admit ...

TRUMP: No, you’re the puppet.

He blathered on and went steadily downhill from there. He lost the ability to wait his turn, instead interrupting with “no” or “wrong” when Clinton was making a point. He denied ever saying that nations such as Japan and South Korea should develop their own nuclear weapons rather than rely on the U.S. shield, even though there is videotape of him saying precisely that in an interview with moderator Wallace He maintained that all the women who have accused him of groping or other unwanted sexual advances are lying, claiming improbably, “Nobody has more respect for women than I do. Nobody.”

“Everybody” would be closer to the truth. We knew that Trump is unfit to be commander in chief. What we didn’t know is that he has such utter contempt for American democracy. He’s not a statesman, he’s a spoiled brat, and the nation should turn him over its collective knee.

certain types of federal or stateissued IDs. In order to obtain one of these things, the voter would be required to present a birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, etc. Attaining these documents can be difficult, costly and, in some cases, impossible.

Amendment 6 is a thinly veiled attempt to keep certain groups of citizens from voting: African Americans and other minority groups, seniors, women, people with disabilities, and those who don’t drive. Furthermore, it smacks of methods used to prevent blacks from voting before the Voting Rights Act of 1965 when literacy tests, poll taxes and outright intimidation were widely employed.

Amendment 6 would place an unfair burden on upwards of 230,000 voters and cost approximately $17 million. Taxpayers don’t need to bear this expense, especially because Missouri already has a verified voter ID requirement in place and no voter impersonation fraud at the pools on record. We need to do everything to encourage Missourians to vote and not to place needless obstacles in their way. We urge American readers to join us in voting no on Amendment 6 this November 8.

Elaine Blodgett, president League of Women Voters of Missouri

If he wins

Donald Trump gave a speech in Delaware, Ohio, and I might just read you the script: “I would like to promise a pledge to all of my voters and supporters, all of the people of the United States, that I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election if I win.” If I win. That is a direct quote from Donald Trump. Well, obviously, Donald, that is not accepting the results. You’ve got to accept the results of this election, win or lose. Saying, “I’ll accept the results if I win” shows he has a profound misunderstanding of the institutions of government and that he is trying to do something and upset a

that has

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Photo by Wiley Price

Hillary Clinton mingled with the public during a primary campaign stop in North St. Louis on March 12.

Pommies perform at halftime

The McCluer High School Pommies partnered with 28 elementary school students for a half-time performance at McCluer’s varsity football game on Saturday, October 15. The performance was the culminating activity of a two-day mini-dance camp the Pommies held for students in kindergarten through sixth grades from Griffith, Vogt, Central, Johnson-Wabash, Walnut Grove and Lee-Hamilton Elementary Schools. For their participation in the camp, the young dancers received a camp t-shirt, certificate, medal and photos.

Christmas in November donations being accepted

Fathers’ Support Center is assisting Williams Temple with its Christmas in November program. The event benefits families and children in the St. Louis community in need of goods and gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Donations such as food, toys, clothing, and household items are now being accepted. Donations may be dropped off at Williams Temple, 1500 Union Blvd., through November 11. The Christmas in November event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 12 at Williams Temple. It will include job referrals, free cell phones, toys, free groceries, clothing, hygiene products, free haircuts, and health screenings. For more information, call Lady Shirley Wooten at 314-583-0610.

For the Sake of All launches new site

For the Sake of All has launched a new website at www. forthesakeofall.org. The path-breaking study on racial inequity and its costs to the region as a whole is uploaded, along with strategies, resources, and action steps for each of the project’s recommendation areas. Project Director Jason Purnell encourages the public to “check out our Take Action strategies, look through the report Flip Book, and visit the blog.”

Leonard Riggins Sr. Bowling Event set for Nov. 5

The Sail Foundation will host the 8th annual Leonard Riggins Sr. Bowling Event, in honor of the fallen St. Louis firefighter, 7-10 p.m. Sunday, November 6 at Crest Bowl, 650 North New Florissant Rd. For tickets, call 314-837-0494 or visit www.

thesailfoundation.com. A Candlelight Vigil also will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, November 5 at St. Peters Cemetery, 2101 Lucas and Hunt Rd.

Handle Trump’s ‘locker room talk’ at ballot box

By Monique Gilliam Thomas Guest columnist

I am a citizen of the United States, a woman, a wife, a mother and a survivor of sexual violence. Unfortunately, I am not alone. Every two minutes, someone in this country becomes a victim of sexual assault. And as a woman of color, it is remarkable to me that two out of five African-American women have experienced sexual violence – that is nearly 40 percent of black women in the U.S – our sisters, cousins, friends and mothers.

By definition, “sexual violence” is a general, non-legal term that refers to any sexual offence that is considered unwanted or criminal including harassment, molestation, assault and rape. That is right: Harassment can be considered an act of violence.

So when First Lady Michelle Obama called presidential candidate Donald Trump’s lewd sexual comments against woman “frightening,” we should see it as more than campaign talk. His comments and our reactions are telling about who we are as a nation.

What I think is most repugnant about America’s reaction to Trump’s remarks is its dismissal by some as “locker room talk” or the insistence by others that we need move on to the “real issues,” as if sexually aggressive behavior is somehow irrelevant to the discussion of his candidacy. Trump’s lewd comments and implied (and now accused) behavior are relevant to your decision on November 8.

Though laws vary by state, the acts Trump described on the controversial Access Hollywood tape are considered criminal in most states. Forcibly grabbing “beautiful women” – or anyone – on body parts considered sexual or intimate is punishable by law with up to one year of prison time in New York as a misdemeanor. If raised to the level of aggregated sexual misconduct in the same state, his acts would be considered a felony and therefore punishable with up to 25 years in prison.

In Florida, it is clearly considered sexual battery. If convicted, the presidential candidate could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. Further, it is “heinous.” Those of us who have sat through any Law and Order: Special Victims Unit marathon know this reference well.

“In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous,” the show opens. There is a historically proven danger in perpetrating, let alone celebrating any hate-based crime. It is also a misuse of power. Trump’s comments were less about his attraction to women, and more about his power over people. The unrequested access he reported to have to women’s intimate and sexual body parts was based on a perception that he could “do anything” because he is “a star.” That a man who boasts about using his star power to conduct sexually heinous crimes against women is a person we are seriously considering allowing to have unfettered access to nuclear codes, and any of the executive powers bestowed upon the president of the United States, is an indictment against the American people.

That said, vote with Trump’s character in mind.

Monique Gilliam Thomas, MBA, MPH, is a public health advocate and St. Louis County resident.

Monique Gilliam Thomas

Continued from A1

The center is located at 5415 Page Blvd., a mile north of the notorious Delmar Divide that splits black North St. Louis and white South St. Louis. BFL has been working on a master plan to beautify Page, including the commissioning of portraits of local African Americans by Chris Green to cover the windows of abandoned buildings.

n “I believe that art can break the chains that constrain our minds.”

Bolivian artist, Gonz Jove – who was recruited by Miranda Jones, BFL vice president of youth services – completed the mural with the help of his son, Alex Jove. While painting the detailed mural, Jove and BFL partnered with the Saint Louis Art Museum (with the leadership of Renee Franklin, director of community partnerships for the museum) to create a 12-week mural technique curriculum that was used to teach students throughout the metro area.

Jove said his knowledge of African-American history was “very superficial” prior to working on the mural.

Protesting the police

Jamala Rogers of the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression led a chant at a protest in front of the St. Louis Police Oficers’ Association on Saturday, October 22, which was recognized as a National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality.

– Gonz Jove a great gain to the region and probably to the United States,” she said. “I can’t think of any one place that has all that material on one wall.” The artist who made the mural is definitely feeling it. “Now that it’s complete,” Jove said, “the mural can serve its function as an agent for change and as a tool of empowerment.”

“That’s the reason why it was so difficult,” he said. Jove has completed dozens of mural projects; some are famously featured on the sides of large buildings in his home country.

The mural begins with a boy’s face emerging out of the universe. Glimpses of the motherland follow. Then onward to pivotal moments in history, featuring several leaders vital to the advancement of black people, including Nat Turner, Stokely Carmichael and President Barack Obama. The burnt out QuikTrip on West Florissant Avenue – Ground Zero in the Ferguson unrest – has its space.

BAKER

Continued from A1

won two more terms from her heavily Democratic House district, Baker decided in 2008 to run for Missouri’s 9th Congressional District seat (that district no longer exists because Missouri lost a congressman after the 2010 Census). Baker narrowly lost to Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer in a district that titled heavily toward Republicans. And she unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor in 2012.

HOMER

Continued from A1

WUSTL.

“We need to find better ways of collectively identifying hard and important questions, areas of under-interrogated issues and knowledge that the public needs to enrich their daily lives.

Yeakey said students are calling on academics to become more relevant, to get

Earlier this summer, Baker decisively won the Democratic primary for treasurer over Pat Contreras. The race was decidedly less testy than some other statewide primaries, and Baker said Contreras has strongly endorsed her general election candidacy. If she were elected treasurer, Baker said she would like to “bring to this a sense of being the chief economic officer to look at the bigger picture.”

The mural ends with another peek into the universe – a nod to Jove’s personal belief that the universe exists in all of us and that everyone is connected through it.

“I sometimes present our universal connections with visions of stars and galaxies,”

Jove told The American. “I created a lunar reality by distorting space, which allows for you to get lost in the

artwork. I believe that art can break the chains that constrain our minds.”

Emily Rauh Pulitzer, chair of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, was cited as a critical funder for the mural project.

BFL will use the mural as a teaching agent for youth by developing a curriculum based on the artwork that can be used for students. Jackie Lewis-Harris, director of

n Judy Baker said she wants to make Missouri’s college savings program, known as MOST, better-known as a “college and career” savings program.

She asked, “What’s our business climate like? How can we grow? How can we increase trade? How can we build the pie, grow the pie so that’s more at the end of the day?”

real and to face up to their biases. She said social scientists need to ask themselves what they have done to lose the public’s faith in their pursuit of “knowledge for the sake of knowledge.”

“In a society with marked inequality and growing downward mobility, every system of power is being questioned; it’s coming under attack,” Yeakey said.

“While student activism has taken many forms, the central issue is to confront inequality

Baker said she would like to work with legislators to make sure safety-net programs “all go toward a stair-step approach.”

“I can go door-to-door at night to my colleagues at the legislature and talk about what

it is I think that we can do help people pull themselves out of poverty,” she said. “No one wants to live in poverty. Unfortunately, we have some systems that create barriers.”

She said she wants to make Missouri’s college savings program, known as MOST, better-known as a “college and career” savings program.

n “Are researchers and funding agencies making the efforts to translate work for the greatest social benefit to broader swaths of society?”

– Carol Camp Yeakey

and injustice between the ‘haves and the have nots’ and all of its manifestations. If we want social science to matter, we need to be much more thoughtful about not only

the questions we ask, but the infrastructures we have built and the reward and incentive structures that we accept and promote.”

She said recurrent questions

Connecting Human Origin and Cultural Diversity at University of Missouri-St. Louis, will develop the program.

“It’s a lot of material, and we’re trying to condense it down to one-hour talks,” Lewis-Harris told The American. “We don’t want it to be overwhelming.” Harris said she’s learning new things as she makes the curriculum. “It’s going to be

“Not everyone goes to college,” Baker said.

“There’s some really great apprenticeships, trade schools, vocational schools, community colleges – all kinds of things that people can go to … having saved a nest egg in order to do that.”

Baker said she strongly disagreed with Schmitt’s stance that Boeing should be disqualified from receiving state tax credits for forging a deal to sell passenger jets to Iran.

“I think that is very destabilizing to the business community,” she said. “You say, ‘We’ll give you tax

posed in the media include whether university research is missing what matters, if university researchers are making a difference, and if so, for whom and at what social cost.

“Researchers have shown that we are good at turning research into marketable products, into startup companies and into profitable commodities,” Yeakey said.

“But are researchers and funding agencies making the same efforts to translate

credits, but on the whim of a state senator that wants a larger office, all of sudden we’re going to jeopardize or cancel your tax credits.’ We can talk all day about the tax credits. Sometimes I’m not exactly on board with all tax credits. But if we give them, we shouldn’t use a political ploy as a threat to take them away.”

Follow Jason Rosenbaum on Twitter: @jrosenbaum. Follow Judy Baker on Twitter: @JudyBaker4MO. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

work for the greatest social benefit to broader swaths of society?”

Chris Krehmeyer and the agency he directs, Beyond Housing, were honored at the Homer G. lecture for their ongoing work to bring social change in their 24:1 initiative that works with the communities that comprise the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Dr. Will Ross, associate dean for diversity at Washington University School of Medicine, commended Krehmeyer’s vision.

“Beyond Housing is a model for the entire country,” Ross said. “Its vision is to make entire communities better places to live. Beyond Housing focuses on all of the areas that make up a thriving community: housing, education, health, jobs and economic development.” Within its footprint, Beyond Housing brought in a full-service bank, a grocery store, movie theatre and $60 million in housing investment in the last seven years. It leads collective impact work with area partners to increase kindergarten readiness, improve wellness of children and families and addressing basic needs of students and families in Normandy Collaborative schools.

Krehmeyer said the organization has evolved over the past several years, believing that “home matters.”

“Home is the life in and around where you live, and it fuels and draws the best out of people that live there,” Krehmeyer said. “We think if we are going to make a place better, you have to focus on all of the things that make up the fabric of any thriving, successful place.”

Photo by Wiley Price

EPPS

Continued from A1 of my grandparents, because of the work my parents did in East St. Louis for many years, it led me to want to contribute in various ways.”

Willie is now serving as general counsel, pro bono, for the Missouri State NAACP. He and his wife, Mischa Buford Epps, started a scholarship fund several years ago, and he also sits on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. But aside from these contributions, he is most proud of his mentoring.

“I take mentoring so seriously because my mentors took it seriously when I needed guidance,” Willie said. “Most mornings I’m having breakfast – and some days lunches –with mentees who are either in college, law school or just

starting their careers. Nothing brings me greater joy than to have a mentee call me and tell me they’ve landed some impressive job in New York, or they’ve started their own law practice.”

On Thursday, November 17, Willie will receive the 2016 Corporate Executive of the Year award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business Networking & Awards Luncheon.

At Edward Jones, Willie is responsible for all lawsuits, arbitrations and complaints involving the firm. He leads a team of in-house litigators and complaints investigators. However, with 14,000 financial advisors operating in 50 states and throughout Canada, Willie also coordinates and works with outsourced litigators.

“One thing I really enjoy about my job as head of litigation is that anytime a

lawsuit or arbitration is filed,

I get a chance to hire some of the strongest outside lawyers throughout this country,” he said. “It’s a complete joy to work closely with them to resolve any kind of litigation pending against the firm.”

n “Nothing brings me greater joy than to have a mentee call me and tell me they’ve landed some impressive job in New York, or they’ve started their own law practice.”

at Charter Communications, Inc. and partner at two prominent Missouri-based law firms: Dowd Bennett LLP and Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP (in Kansas City.)

A practicing lawyer for 21 years, Willie spent the bulk of his career as a trial lawyer. He started his legal career serving in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps as a judge advocate and special assistant U.S. attorney for four years. He went on to work as an assistant special counsel for The Waco Investigation. Later, he was named chief compliance officer

– Willie J. Epps Jr.

At the firms, he said he was able to hone his “craft as a strong litigator and trial lawyer.” He joined Edward Jones about two years ago. Willie was born in Mississippi and raised in Florissant. His parents, Willie and Barbara Epps, are retired as educational administrators from Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville (East St. Louis Campus).

“I joke with my father that he never graduated from high school, yet went on to earn a Ph.D.” Willie said.

In Tchula, Mississippi, where his father was raised, black children were not allowed to attend the main high school. Instead he graduated from the all-black Tchula Attendance Center. Both of his parents earned their doctorates. Though his parents worked in East St. Louis, they chose to raise their children in North St. Louis County, where Willie attended Hazelwood schools. He ultimately graduated from St. Louis Country Day School, and went on to earn a degree from Amherst College, cum laude, and then Harvard Law School. He was elected student body president at all three schools.

Willie’s professional accomplishments “speak for themselves,” said Jared Boyd, immediate past president of the

Honoring Frankie Freeman

“But his investment in building up other people is what makes him truly remarkable,” Boyd said.

“Willie’s fingerprints are all over the Missouri legal community, and attorneys on both side of the state count on him as a mentor. St. Louis is extremely fortunate.”

The 17th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Thursday, November 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, with a networking reception at 11 a.m. and luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for VIP/ Preferred seating, $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 or visitwww. stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Mound City Bar Association and chief of staff and counsel for the St. Louis treasurer’s Office.

The St. Louis City NAACP presented attorney Frankie Freeman with a painting in her honor at a 100th Birthday Bash on Saturday, October 22 at the St. Louis Marriott Grand Hotel. She was attended by her daughter, Shelbie Freeman Bullock, and celebrated by many local leaders, including Dr. William Danforth, Claude Brown, Maxine Clark, Bob Fox, Mayor Francis G. Slay, Donald M. Suggs and Michael Holmes.

Photo by Wiley Price

Hundreds attend the 100th Birthday Bash of Frankie Muse Freeman

Dignitaries from all over came out last Saturday to celebrate the 100th birthday of legendary attorney Frankie Muse Freeman. The 100th Birthday Bash was held at the Marriott Grand Hotel and was presented by the St. Louis City NAACP to celebrate her life and legacy. With a career spanning 60 years of dedication to civil freedoms, she has fearlessly fought for justice her entire life and will turn 100 November 24, 2016. Freeman’s commitment to civil and human rights, racial justice, and family values has guided her life through the rural courtrooms of America to the U.S. Supreme Court, from the halls of Congress to the local housing authority.

Photos by Wiley Price

Russ Carnahan on why he should be the next lieutenant governor

Russ Carnahan is the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor on the November 8 ballot. His Republican opponent is Mike Parson, a former state senator who started his political career as sheriff of Polk County, which is 96 percent white and has less than 1 percent African-American population.

Carnahan, who lives in St. Louis’ diverse Central Corridor, served in the U.S. Congress until the 3rd Congressional District he represented was redrawn, putting him in the 1st Congressional District, where he lost to incumbent U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay in the 2012 primary. His father, Mel Carnahan, was Missouri governor, and his mother, Jean Carnahan, was appointed to serve briefly in the U.S. Senate when her husband was elected posthumously in the wake of a fatal plane crash.

so senators from St. Louis or Kansas City only get heard if there is a Democrat serving as lieutenant governor. Russ Carnahan: Or someone just committed to following their own rules. It shouldn’t be a crazy notion to be committed to following your own rules and for people to have a fair opportunity to be heard.

The American: You were starting to list other duties of the office.

Russ Carnahan: Other duties of the lieutenant governor include economic development, in particular as regards affordable housing, through several key state commissions. The Missouri Housing Development Commission does major investments in affordable housing projects in the state; it’s very important in both rural and urban areas. The office also has key roles regarding veterans, seniors and tourism.

The American spoke to Russ Carnahan about what the lieutenant governor does and why a Democrat in the office could make a difference, how a city dweller like him plays out-state, and some of other candidates and constitutional amendments on the November 8 ballot with him.

The St. Louis American: Talk about the role of the lieutenant governor and why it matters.

Russ Carnahan: The office was created to have someone prepared and ready to serve as governor if and when called upon, but in Missouri the office runs independent from the governor. I very much support Chris Koster to be the next governor, but I also want to be a strong partner with him, and the system works better when the lieutenant governor is a good partner with the governor. Many times – like now and in recent years – we have had a governor and lieutenant governor who are opposed almost all the time. That’s really not a very good situation for the state. The lieutenant governor also has independent duties, including to serve as president of the state Senate. So it’s very important to have someone who will take that job seriously, to preside fairly and to be sure that all senators get a fair opportunity to be heard, and that they follow the rules and not bend and break their rules to force through bills that are discriminatory or that attack working families.

The American: Explain, procedurally, what it means for you to have the gavel in the state Senate.

Russ Carnahan: You have the gavel and you preside over Senate sessions and determine who gets called upon and for what purpose. You make sure our local state senators have a fair opportunity to be heard and to reflect the voices of their constituents in the state Senate and not be strong-armed or shut down in ways that are contrary to Senate rules.

The American: Republicans control the Senate, and cities are Democratic strongholds,

The American: What are some examples of what you could do with those duties of the office?

Russ Carnahan: Former Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell started a veterans benefits task force that has been more dormant in recent years. If tens of thousands of veterans qualify for benefits, but are not being connected with them, then there is an important outreach function for the office. I served on the Veterans Affair Committee in Congress and have been very involved with advocating reforms at the Cochran VA Hospital in St Louis. It’s an issue I feel very strongly about – connecting veterans with benefits they have earned.

The American: You are on the November 8 ballot with Amendment 6, the voter photo ID initiative. Up or down?

Russ Carnahan: Absolutely against it. It’s unnecessary, and it’s politically designed to disenfranchise voters and it disproportionately targets people who are lower-income, who move a lot, minorities, seniors, the disabled. It’s a deliberate political attempt to disenfranchise people who are less likely to vote for Republicans. It’s the Republicans’ answer to losing market share among voters. These kinds of attempts have been held unconstitutional around the country. I urge people to vote it down.

The American: How about Amendment 3, which purports to raise taxes to fund early education, but is funded by big tobacco and has provisions saying no funding will go to STEM cell research or abortion services?

Russ Carnahan: Strongly against it. It’s part of a battle of big tobacco versus little tobacco dressed up like it’s about kids. It’s very cynical. Definitely we should raise the cigarette tax, we have the lowest in the country – but not like this.

The American: You said you support Chris Koster for governor. What about the other, down-ballot races?

Russ Carnahan: We have a

record number of three women running on the statewide ballot. Let’s go down the list. Robin Smith for secretary of state. For recent years we’ve had a common-sense, professional secretary of state. The office is important for running elections, but also for ballot measures. Robin brings a unique background of fairness and trust from decades in journalism, which is very important in that office. Judy Baker for state treasurer. Judy has a very long record of public service at the state and federal levels, and she is uniquely qualified to serve as state treasurer. And, finally, Teresa Hensley for attorney general. She has been a serious prosecutor with real court experience, and she is running against someone, Josh Hawley, who would turn the office into an ideologically driven rightwing office, and that’s not good

for our state.

The American: Having served in Washington, it must be something for you to see Jason Kander poised to possibly upset Roy Blunt as an incumbent Republican U.S. senator.

Russ Carnahan: Jason is a very unique and wellqualified candidate with a military record and a record in state government and the right values for our state at a time when Washington is so dysfunctional. His best line in the campaign that summarizes it all is “We’re not going to change Washington until you change the people you send there.”

The American: Missouri is a weird state –Russ Carnahan: A diverse state.

The American: It’s a weird state, where you have to

campaign in diverse cities but also in remote rural area. How are you playing out-state?

Russ Carnahan: My message is not a top-down message, it’s been a bottomup message. I’ve had many roundtable meetings across rural and urban Missouri over the last year, listening to leaders and citizens across the state talk about what their priorities are and how they want their state government to operate. We have unique issues in rural Missouri and urban Missouri, but also have a lot issues in common, and that’s where my background is particularly important. I grew up in rural Missouri, in Rolla, and we still have our family farm there, but my wife and family live in St. Louis, in the Central Corridor, which is one of the most diverse parts of the city. I represented a district in

Congress that was part of the urban core, including a very diverse part of the city, but also had suburban and rural areas. I have a good understanding of the diverse areas of this state and an understanding of how to bring people together to get things done.

The American: In your last two elections, your opponent was a black man. You beat Tommie Pierson in the primary for lieutenant governor, and Lacy Clay beat you in the 2012 primary for the redistricted 1st Congressional District. Have you circled the wagons with them?

Russ Carnahan: In all of my campaigns, I’ve had very strong and diverse supporters –African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Bosnians. I have long-term relationships in diverse communities across St. Louis. Those are important to me, and I will continue to engage with those communities and work with them.

The American: Have you had sit-downs with Tommie and Lacy?

Russ Carnahan: We were opposed in those races, but we were friends before and we’re friends after. They have been allies for me in this general election.

The American: Give us your best shot as to why people should vote against Donald Trump.

Russ Carnahan: The best thing is to listen to what he is saying. That’s the best motivation. He gives you a new reason every single day. He’s got two full weeks from now to give you new reasons every day to go vote for Hillary Clinton. In the beginning his candidacy may have been funny or entertaining, but this is way too serious for our country and our future. We need someone who tries bring our very diverse country together to get things done, not someone who tries to tear us down and divide us. That’s not who we are.

Photo By Gunnar Johanson

Russ Carnahan enjoyed a personal moment with Najawa Harris and her baby while campaigning in Sikeston on Wednesday, October 19. Carnahan is the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor on the November 8 ballot.

Two deadlines looming to file claims for Jennings settlements

American staff

Two deadlines are approaching to apply to receive payment in class action settlements with the City of Jennings won by ArchCity Defenders and partner firms.

Friday, October 28 is the deadline to apply for funds in a settlement over the illegal collection of warrant fees.

Between 2009-2014, the City of Jennings illegally charged people fees for issuing warrants that totaled $531,500. If you think you are one of approximately 6,800 people who are eligible members of this class action settlement, then visit https://goo. gl/rGc5jP to fill out a claim form or go to ArchCity Defender’s office in the second floor of Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St. in downtown St. Louis. The class action, Lampkin

v City of Jennings, was filed on behalf of victims by ArchCity Defenders, Saint Louis University School of Law and the local Campbell law firm. For more information, call 1-866-918-0079.

November 24 is the deadline to apply for funds in a settlement over illegally jailing defendants who could not afford to pay a fine or court costs. Between February 8, 2010 and September 16, 2015, Jennings illegally jailed an estimated 2,000 people for this reason. If you think you are one of them, then apply at goo.gl/7Roupk or visit ArchCity Defender’s office at 1210

The class action, Jenkins v. City of , was filed by with ArchCity Defenders, Equal Justice Under Law and Saint Louis University School of Law. For more information, call 1-866-236-6721.

Ferg-Flor opposes alternatives in voting rights case

Says

NAACP’s proposals would not increase black board representation

By Camille Phillips Of St. Louis Public Radio

The Ferguson-Florissant School District wants a federal judge to approve an election system he ruled unconstitutional in August because it diluted the power of black voters.

In a response filed October 19, the school district opposed all three voting methods proposed by the Missouri NAACP, the lead plaintiffs in the case.

Ormsby said the NAACP’s first choice, cumulative voting, only succeeded elsewhere in putting one black member on a majority white board.

Despite that ruling, Ferguson-Florissant attorney Cindy Ormsby said there’s still a possibility that the judge will decide the original at-large system is best. “Any remedy has to guarantee a better result. And none of the proposals that the plaintiffs put forward guarantee a better result,” Ormsby said. “And if you read the judge’s decision with regard to liability, he even states in there that the current system might be the best system. So even he left the door open.”

“In Ferguson-Florissant’s situation, they already have three African-American board members,” Ormsby said. “And there’s no guarantee. In fact, there’s a strong possibility that with cumulative voting we would actually lose representation, rather than gain.”

She said the other two systems proposed by the NAACP could also lower the number of black board members because two of the black board members live in the same precinct. The two voting proposals divide the district into geographic areas.

Judge Rodney Sippel has said he plans to choose a voting system prior to candidate filing in December.

By Sherry Golden and Eugene Hubbard Guest columnists

A worker’s view of Clinton and Trump Let’s help Jennings pay up

Like most Missourians, we spend the bulk of our time working and taking care of our families. So we were excited to get seats at the historic presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis.

But what we heard in the debate hall was a man who has no idea what the average American deals with every day. A man who doesn’t know what it’s like to spend hours caring for the elderly or cleaning office buildings. And a woman who has a plan to build a better future for working families like ours. A woman who has listened to our stories and has always made our fights her fights. It’s not so much what we heard from Donald Trump. It’s more what we didn’t hear. We didn’t hear how he would raise wages. We didn’t hear how he would make healthcare more affordable. We didn’t hear how he would bring people of different races, religions or backgrounds together. We did hear actual plans from Hillary Clinton. She was loud and clear that she’s committed to raising the wages of home care, child care, and airport workers, as well as, janitors, adjunct professors and other people like us. She will fight to raise the minimum wage so that working families in Missouri and across the country have a fair shot.

We listened to the debate, but Clinton has also listened to us. Last summer, she met with home care providers. She recognizes the hard

work we do and the value we deliver to families. She also understands the needs of our seniors and those with disabilities to continue living at home with dignity and independence. That is why Clinton has a comprehensive plan to tackle the care crisis head-on, and improve lives for caregivers and those in their care.

While we heard Clinton acknowledge that the current health care system isn’t perfect and needs to be strengthened, we also heard Trump wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which is giving millions of people access to health insurance for the first time. If he got his way, the 20 million people now covered by the ACA would be back at square one without coverage and standing in line to get their care in emergency rooms. Again, he offered no plan. He didn’t have a strategy to ensure all families have health insurance and get quality care.

At the town hall debate, we saw one candidate who came prepared to answer people’s questions and

one who stumbled to address what’s important to the electorate. We found that Clinton was ready to confront racism in the criminal justice system and across other institutions. She’s the one who has acknowledged the problem of implicit bias and talks about ending mass incarceration, cutting mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenders, and ending the privatization of prisons.

We need a president who understands the importance of bringing people together, developing a strategy, and then working tirelessly to get it done. Clinton is offering real solutions for parents who are unable to afford child care, families being torn apart by a broken immigration system, and people being denied security because of the color of their skin. All Trump has offered is a wall. He blames others without proposing any serious solutions.

Sherry Golden is an SEIU Healthcare Missouri home care worker, and Eugene Hubbard is a veteran and SEIU Local 1 janitor.

Sometimes we get to see the demands from our protests lead to tangible outcomes, to receive the fruits of our labor. It can happen when our racial justice movement stays focused and actually fights until there’s a victory. That is exactly what has happened in the fight for municipal court reform, and Jennings is the first to have to cough up millions of dollars in reparations.

The historic settlement of $4.7 million affecting nearly 2000 citizens was won back in the summer, but it’s been challenging to get the good news to the potential plaintiffs. That’s why I’m asking my St. Louis American readers to help those wronged by the City of Jennings get their compensation.

some point, this recent settlement is particular in terms of time span and citations.

In the aftermath of Mike Brown’s killing in Ferguson, the world was let in on a notso-secret super exploitation of black citizens by municipal courts. The racist conspiracy of police departments and courts to generate revenue for city operating budgets created modern-day debtors prisons. Tens of thousands of mainly African Americans were (and are) caught up in the well-planned and executed trap that has been deemed immoral, unethical, illegal and unconstitutional.

When Jennings had its own police department, it had a notorious reputation and history of racial profiling. Black drivers often circumvented the city to avoid confrontations with the police and the inevitable legal troubles that come with it. Police brutality can also come with. Worse, you can end up dead like Charles Anthony Chatman Jr., a young, black man jailed for outstanding traffic warrants in 2013. And while you – or someone you know – may have tangled with the Jennings cops and courts at

Between 2010 and 2015, citizens were arrested for traffic violations and jailed for not being able to pay the court fines and fees. Collectively, they spent 8,300 days in jail; some spent up to 67 days in the Jennings hell hole. There were subjected to inhumane and unsafe conditions: holding cells covered with feces, blood and other body fluids; denial of medical treatment. Detainees were also deprived of proper hygiene and nutrition. These poor souls need to be compensated for their experiences, but no amount of money can truly satisfy the degradation they suffered or the emotional and financial hardships their families suffered.

I am going to simplify the settlement arrangements which was originally filed by ArchCity Defenders, Equal Justice Under Law and the Saint Louis University School of Law against the City of Jennings.

If you were arrested or jailed between 2010 and 2015 for a traffic violation, you may be eligible for compensation. A simple class action settlement form must be completed to join the class action. The form was mailed to the last known address and there are other attempts to locate people. The form can be downloaded at JenningsWarrantFeeSettlement. com where other details about the settlement can be found.

The November 24 deadline date to file to collect what you are owed is fast approaching, so we need to spread the word. Thousands of dollars are at stake and if I had to spend one minute in that Jennings dungeon, I would want every penny I was owed.

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Guest Columnist Sherry Golden

Guest Columnist Eugene Hubbard

Clinton is committed to raising the wages of home care, child care, and airport workers, as well as, janitors, adjunct professors and other people like us.

100 Black Men host Black Tie Masquerade Ball fundraiser

Why environmentalists oppose Amendment

By John Hickey Guest columnist

On November 8, voters across Missouri will vote on Constitutional Amendment 6, the so-called voter photo ID measure. The Missouri Sierra Club recommends a “no” vote. Let me share a few stories about real Missourians to explain why.

My mother is 84 years old. Because of her health, she no longer drives, and so she no longer has a current driver’s license. Trust me, it is good for all of us that she is no longer driving! But here is the problem – if the so-called voter photo ID ballot measure passes, she will no longer be able to

vote, since she will not have a current government-issued photo ID. She has lived in this state for over 70 years, and voted in this state for over 60 years. She has raised nine children in this state. Since she gave up driving, she has been able to use other forms of ID, like a utility bill or voter registration card, to establish her identity. Why is she having her voting rights taken away now, after all these years?

My mom is not the only one who would lose her voting rights. Over 350,000 Missouri citizens do not possess a current government-issued photo ID. These citizens include the elderly, the poor, people with disabilities, youth and African Americans.

These same Missourians who are most likely to lose their voting rights are also disproportionately impacted by air and water pollution. For example, young people and the elderly are more susceptible

to respiratory illnesses caused by dirty air. That is why kids in St. Louis and Kansas City are facing an asthma epidemic. That is why elderly people are suffering heart attacks and strokes from sulfur dioxide and small particle pollution from coal-fired power

can no longer use their vote to demand action? Let me share the story of three Missourians who face such a predicament.

n Why is my mother having her voting rights taken away now, after all these years?

plants in places like Sikeston, Labadie, and Montrose.

That is the reason the Missouri Sierra Club is recommending that voters reject Amendment 6. Our country was founded on the principle that the government is accountable to the people, and that the people exercise that oversight through voting. What happens when Missouri citizens who face environmental threats

My mom, whose story I shared above, lives in St. Louis County, which has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as having dangerous levels of ozone pollution. Ozone causes respiratory problems, especially in elderly people. Now, my mom can make her voice heard by voting. If Amendment 6 passes, she will lose that ability.

Sara Campbell lives in Kansas City, and has a disability that requires her to use a motorized chair to get

around. The EPA determined that the air in downtown KC where she lives had such high levels of sulfur dioxide pollution that it was dangerous to breathe. Sara lobbied the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to demand enforcement of the Clean Air Act. It worked! The major source of the pollution, the Veolia plant, quit burning coal earlier this year and now the air in downtown KC meets federal standards on sulfur dioxide.

Recent University of Missouri – Columbia graduate Ashley Wineland has been organizing youth to demand action on climate change. She even traveled to Paris this past December for the United Nations climate negotiations that produced a historic agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions on a world scale. But college students move frequently, often changing their address each academic year, so many of these young people do not have

a photo ID that includes their current address. Since young people will bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change, how can we take away their voting rights?

You may be thinking that, while my points are valid, we must stop voter impersonation fraud. The truth is that there has never been a case of voter impersonation fraud in Missouri. This amendment is government overreach to solve a non-existent problem. This measure was put on the ballot by the government (in this case, the General Assembly) to make it harder for citizens to hold government accountable. This is why the Sierra Club recommends a “no” vote on Amendment 6. While the big polluters have more money to spend to influence the government, we the people depend on our voting rights to get fair play. John Hickey is Missouri Chapter director of Sierra Club.

Guest Columnist John Hickey

Health coverage options

Marketplace Open Enrollment begins on November 1

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

n What you wind up

If you do not have health insurance through your work, your spouse, Medicaid, Medicare, the CHIPS, Tricare, COBRA or another qualifying plan, the Marketplace is where you can shop for health coverage. November 1 is the first day to participate in Open Enrollment for 2017 health plans. It is open through January 31, 2017. A big question each year is what it is going to cost. The private health coverage plans come in a range of prices and features. At www. healthcare.gov, you can review each plan to see which one is right for you, your family and your pocketbook. What you wind up paying for health insurance will depend on your expected household income over the year. Additionally, you could qualify for tax credits that lower the monthly insurance payments and for extra savings on out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles and copayments. If you have insurance through the marketplace, it is important to update your information and compare health coverage plans for 2017, which may have changed. The 2017 plans and pricing will be available on healthcare.gov shortly before the Nov. 1. However, there are some documents and information that you can gather now that you will need to apply:

When I was working at Bellevue Hospital in New York City after college, it felt like national health insurance was “just around the corner.” Multiple plans were introduced in Congress and President Nixon offered his own proposal. Most knowledgeable observers assumed the country would have health insurance for everyone, the only question was which plan – Medicare for all, a new national health insurance plan, a private insurance mandate plus Medicaid, or some other hybrid of combined coverage. More than five decades later the country is still struggling with how to make the same commitment that was made in 1965 to everyone over age 65 through Medicare, to everyone who is under age 65. Put another way, since most Americans under 65 have health insurance coverage, how do we reach the approximately 10 percent of us, almost all poor and working-class people, that don’t?

n “… not having Medicaid expansion in 19 states is keeping many people uninsured and makes private insurance less available and more expensive, all while damaging the function of a competitive, market-based health insurance exchange in those states.”

– Robert Hughes, Missouri Foundation for Health

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to be a big step toward that commitment, and it has made substantial progress. The uninsured rate declined from 49 million (16 percent) in 2010 to 29 million (9.1 percent) in 2015. But there are problems. Nineteen states, including Missouri, have not expanded Medicaid (public health insurance for people with limited resources) under the provisions of the ACA. Medicaid expansion was designed to be one piece in the puzzle of public and private health insurance payers that would, in combination, achieve the goal of near-universal coverage. Not expanding Medicaid creates a big “coverage gap” for people with incomes below the poverty level, but above the threshold for current Medicaid eligibility. For example in a state like Missouri, if a single parent with two children currently makes below $20,160 a year (the poverty line), but more than $3,612 (Medicaid eligibility), then they are trapped in the gap, and are offered little to no help paying for insurance. But the absence of Medicaid expansion has done more than fail to close a coverage gap; it also has undermined the health insurance marketplaces in those 19 states. Under the ACA, people with incomes between 100 and 138 percent of the poverty line can sign up for Medicaid or enroll in their state’s insurance marketplace. Most of those who qualify in states that have seen Medicaid expansion opt to enroll in it, but in states without an expansion (and hence without the option to enroll in Medicaid) these people are only able to access private health

Bob Hughes

A14

Act F.A.S.T. during stroke

The American Heart/American Stroke Association wants to put an end to stroke, reporting that one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. In the U.S. someone has a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies from a stroke every four minutes. Stroke kills 6.5 million worldwide. However, stroke is largely treatable. Responding quickly when a stroke occurs can mean the difference between recovery and disability. Recognize the signs: face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty and call 911 immediately, because quick treatment may limit the damage.

Free nonprofit advocacy training

Missouri Foundation for Health will host three Nonprofit Advocacy Training opportunities with the Alliance for Justice for Missouri nonprofits. These organizations work at the local level to address critical health care needs and can provide essential information to policymakers, including elected officials, about the health challenges facing people in their districts.

Each training will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in three cities: Sikeston, Mo. on November 3, in Jefferson City on December 8; and in Springfield, Mo. on December 9. The trainings will answer questions about lobbying and how much time a Missouri 501 (c)3 can dedicate to it; and ways nonprofits can participate in an election year.

They are offered free of charge for Missouri nonprofits. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for participants. Registration information is forthcoming. For more information, contact Alex Dansicker at adansicker@mffh.org or (314)345-5571.

Continued from A14

household is eligible to participate.

If you need health insurance coverage for the rest of 2016, you can only get if on the marketplace if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event — such as losing health coverage, getting married, or having a baby. If your income qualifies for

DOCTOR

Continued from A14

insurance through the market-

place. It turns out this has had a huge effect on the risk pool of the people enrolled in the marketplaces in non-expansion states like Missouri. In these states, almost 40 percent of marketplace enrollees would have been eligible for Medicaid

Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can apply for these programs at any time. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2016 to January31, 2017. In order for health insurance to begin on January 31, you must enroll by December 15. Not having health insurance will cost you. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will have to pay a penalty, which is calculated as a percentage of your income or a certain

with expansion. Many of these people did not have insurance before and were sicker and in need of health services. This drove up the costs to insurance companies, who miscalculated how much money they would need to pay for these customers. As a result, premiums are 7 percent higher in non-expansion states. So not only are some citizens not eligible for insurance, those that are eligible for market-

Local pharmacists studying pharmacy patients with COPD

St. Louis College of Pharmacy is partnering with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to study treatment patterns in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results from this study will expand the knowledge of how closely COPD treatment confirmed in pharmacies adheres to current guidelines.

COPD is the third leading cause of death in America. The research will be conducted in Missouri, which has one of the highest rates of COPD in the country. Project partners include Missouri Pharmacist Care Network (MO-PCN), the Missouri Pharmacy Association (MPA), the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and Missouri Health Connection (MHC). GSK has committed $176,000 to fund this research project.

Many patients with COPD will see their community pharmacists more frequently than their pulmonologist or primary care provider. Pharmacists help patients understand their disease and medication regimens. This makes community pharmacies an important area for research. Treatment guidelines from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease is the basis of their research, which were established by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the World Health Organization. They provide clinicians a standardized set of tools to identify COPD symptoms and risks of flare-ups and aids in guiding medication treatment.

CHIPS free clinic celebrates 25 years

Community Health-In-Partnership Services Founder, Judy Bentley, the CHIPS’ board volunteer physicians health care providers are celebrating 25 years of offering free health services to the St. Louis community at an anniversary event on Sunday, November 6, 2016.

For the last quarter of a century, the free medical clinic has provided primary and preventive health care services to over 50,000 underserved individuals in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. CHIPS is located at 2431 No. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis (63106).

The 25th anniversary celebration takes place on Sunday November 6, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the St. Louis Union Station Double Tree Hotel at 1820 N. Market St. It is a fundraiser to help CHIPS care for a portion of more than 135,000 low income people in St. Louis that still fall in the gap between Medicaid and qualifying for health insurance. For more information, visit www.chipsstl.org.

amount per adult or child, whichever is higher. The 2017 fees have not been announced. You can enroll over the phone, online, in-person at health insurance navigator locations and through paper applications. Find out more and locate an enrollment site near you at healthcare.gov. For a complete checklist of items needed to enroll in the health insurance marketplace, visit http://bit.ly/1v9raqs.

place coverage pay even more than folks who live in a state that expanded Medicaid. These higher costs have influenced some insurance companies to pull out of the health insurance marketplaces, reducing the competitive underpinnings of the market. To put it in simpler terms, not having Medicaid expansion in 19 states is keeping many people uninsured and makes private insurance less avail-

Unveiling

Comedian Cedric the Entertainer wipes away tears after the sign for the Rosetta Boyce Kyle Women’s Pavilion is unveiled at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond Heights, Missouri on October 21. The center is named in honor of Cedric’s mother, who passed away in June of 2015 after a long battle with cancer.

Important dates for Health Insurance Marketplace

• November 1, 2016: First day of Health Marketplace open enrollment for 2017

• December 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2017.

• After January 31, 2017, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

able and more expensive, all while damaging the function of a competitive, market-based health insurance exchange in those states.

So, what does the future hold? We aren’t quite back to President Nixon’s proposal, but new ideas are starting to get attention, including some old ones like Medicare-for-all or a single payer system. A “public option,” sometimes described as a Medicare-like plan avail-

able to everyone, is viewed as one pathway to reaching equity in health insurance. Today, ideas for strengthening the ACA are more visible, such as giving non-expansion states 100 percent federal funding for the first three years of expansion. The most important point is that the fundamental fairness we need as the bedrock of our country – that everyone should have basic health insurance

coverage – is a problem that remains. Five decades after the country made the commitment to our elderly, it is time to include the rest of the people who remain left out. These people are less healthy, and we as a country end up paying the price either way.

Robert Hughes is president and chief executive officer of Missouri Foundation for Health

HealtH Briefs

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Kids

If you have a bag FULL of Halloween candy — what can you do to help you resist over-loading on sweets? Some tricks to follow are:

Resisting Leftover Candy

Unplug!

Halloween Safety

Now is the time to talk about staying safe during your trickor-treating. Here are a few very important things to remember.

Brush your teeth after you’ve had a piece of candy. Having fresh, clean teeth can help you resist eating another piece. Bonus — brushing also helps get the sticky sugar off of your teeth to help prevent cavities!

Consider “donating” your candy to a food pantry, family shelter or other

Exercise Challenge:

According to some statistics, the average American child spends as much as 4 hours a day watching TV and another 2 hours playing video games and having fun on a computer. That’s 6 hours each day!

Instead of spending so much time in front of screens… why

Walk with a parent or older sibling. Wear reflective clothing or something light/bright to be more visible to cars.

Carry a flashlight, if possible, to watch for obstacles while walking such as holes, fences, flower-pots, etc.

group that might appreciate your leftover treats.

When you do have a treat, remember to do some extra, fun activities to burn off the extra calories.

Can you think of other uses for your bag-o-candy?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

not go outside and get some exercise? Try reducing your TV watching by one hour each day, and spend that hour throwing a football, riding a bike, playing kickball or some other fun outdoor activity with your friends. That one hour can make a big difference in how you look and feel.

Do not eat any candy until your parent(s) have had a chance to “inspect” it.

Never go inside someone’s home. Watch for cars! They might not see you in the dark.

Do you know other ways to help you stay safe?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 5

Cracker Spiders

Ingredients: 10 Round Wheat Crackers, 40 Small Stick Pretzels, 4 Tbsp Low-Fat Cream Cheese, 10 Raisins Directions: Spread softened cream cheese onto five of the crackers. Lay eight of the pretzels onto the cheese (like legs) and top with the second set of five crackers. Use a dab of cream cheese to add raisin eyes to the spiders. Makes 5 cracker spiders.

Healthcare Careers

Demetrius Johnson, Radiology Technologist

Where do you work? I work at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Dupo Community High School in Dupo, Illinois. I then earned an Associate in Applied Sciences from Forest Park Community College in St. Louis, Missouri. What does a radiology technologist do? Each day that I work, I take pictures of kids’ broken bones and upset stomachs. I try my best to make my patients feel at ease even though they may be in pain.

Why did you choose this career? It is very rewarding knowing that I can help people by figuring out what is wrong with them — through the x-rays that I provide.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Children can be the least judgmental people and they have the biggest hearts. Making kids smile in their time of need is my favorite part of my job.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Brown Elementary School 5th grade teacher, Tasha

SCIENCE CORNER

Pest Control

What do you think of when you hear the word “pest?” Most people think of bugs or insects. Did you know that bugs and insects can actually be helpful? Insects can visit plants and spread pollen to help new fruits, vegetables, and flowers grow. Insects can also eat other insects that damage plants. However, when insects cause harm, they are considered pests. For example, there are worms and bugs that eat plants and crops, and insects that bite people or animals and spread disease. Pest control is tricky. The important thing is to eliminate the pest without causing harm to people, animals, or the environment. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), there are three ways to control pests: 1.) predators, which hunt and kill pests for food, 2.) parasites, which live on or inside pests and also may kill them, and 3.)

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

What do plants need to grow?

Your answers probably include water, sunlight, and healthy soil. Did you know that plants also need space? In this experiment, you will see how space affects the growth of plants.

Materials Needed:

• 2 Flower Pots • Potting Soil

• Seeds • Water Process:

pathogens, which cause disease in pests. Pathogens are germs like bacteria or viruses.

Pesticides are chemicals made to kill pests. Pesticides can be found in the form of spray, gel, or pellets. There are three main types of pesticides: insecticides to kill insects, herbicides to kill plants, and fungicides to kill mold and fungus. Pesticides contain chemicals and they are very dangerous. They are only to be used by adults. Remember to keep them away from family pets, as well. For more information, visit: http://pestworldforkids.org/. Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text and text-to-world connections.

Crowded Seeds

w In the second flower pot, place the seeds close together.

e Observe the seeds as they begin to grow and germinate.

r Record your observations.

t Draw conclusions: How does space affect the growth of plants?

SCIENCE STARS

Kenyan Entomologist and Educator Thomas Odhiambo

Thomas Odhiambo was born in 1931 in Mombasa, which is a city on the coast of Kenya. He was one of 10 children. Odhiambo was very passionate about learning and graduated from CMS Maseno, which is a public school in Kenya. Next, he received his Cambridge overseas school certificate in 1949. For the next four years, he studied biology at the Makerere University College in Uganda. He used this knowledge to work as an entomologist. Odhiambo then studied natural sciences at Cambridge University and earned his PhD in insect physiology in 1965. For the next five years, he taught zoology at the University of East Africa in Nairobi. Odhiambo wanted to spread knowledge and wanted to train scientists. He helped to establish several schools including the Third World Academy of Sciences in Trieste, Italy (1983), the Kenya National Academy of Sciences in Nairobi (1983), and the African Academy of Sciences in Nairobi (1985). At the University of Nairobi he set up the departments of entomology and agriculture. He also created the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe) in Nairobi. He was the first dean of the University of Nairobi’s department of agriculture, and was the founding president of the African Academy of Sciences. He also created a secondary school near Mombasa, founded a children’s publishing house, and wrote six children’s books.

q In one flower pot, add potting soil and plant seeds with the recommended amount of space between them.

MATH CONNECTION

z A Kentucky farmer needed to apply pesticide to his summer crop of corn. If one container of pesticide covered 12 square acres and the farmer’s corn was 3 acres long by 5 acres wide, how many containers of pesticide would he need? ______

x Brenda has a square garden plot that is 10 feet on each side. What is the perimeter of her garden?______ What is the area of her garden?______

DID YOU KNOW?

Did

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and draw conclusions.

Acres of Land!

c Joe has a rectangular herb garden that is 16 ft long and 12 ft wide. What length of fencing does he need to fence in his entire garden?

v Pam has a rectangular flower garden that is 10 ft long and 2 ft wide. One bag of soil can cover 8 square feet. How many bags will she need to cover the entire garden? ______

b Challenge Problem: Tom purchased 4.5 acres of land for $76,500. Bill wants to purchase a strip of Tom’s land measuring 108.9 feet by 100 feet. What should this strip cost Bill if Tom sells it for the same price per square foot he originally paid for it? ______

(Note: 43,560 square feet are in one acre.)

Learning

Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

Next to sharing knowledge and education, Odhiambo is known for studying and creating nonchemical methods of insect control to preserve crops. This was important because pesticides that had been previously used contained chemicals that were harmful to both people and the environment. Citizens of Kenya depended on their crop of maize as a source of many foods; but the crops were being eaten by moth larva. Odhiambo solved the problem by using wasps from Pakistan to attack the moths. In 1987, he received the African Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger. Odhiambo also received the Albert Einstein Medal, the Gold Mercury International Award, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Oslo. He died May 26, 2003.

Learning Standards: about a person who has contributed to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activities —

Story Outline: Underline the main ideas in a feature story in the newspaper, circle the supporting details, and then outline the story. Descriptive Writing: Make a list of at least 15 descriptive words you find in the advertisements. After compiling your list, write one or two paragraphs describing something. Use as many of the words as you can.

Learning Standards: I can use a newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience.

Moss, helps students

Jaleyn Bolton, Elijah Pinkston, Erika Greene, and Caleb White with math problems in the newspaper s STEM page. Brown Elementary School is in the Hazelwood School District.

Photo by Wiley Price/St. Louis American

CHIPS celebrates 25 years of serving the uninsured

American staff

Community Health-InPartnership Services (CHIPS) will celebrate 25 years of service to the St. Louis area at 4 p.m. Sunday, November 6 at the St. Louis Union Station, Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 1820 Market St.

The meritorious Imagine Award to Dr. James R. Kimmey, executive in residence at Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, for his support for CHIPS for over 20 years.

Founded and led by Judy A. Bentley, CHIPS has the mission “to promote wellness and empower self health management for the uninsured and underserved through preventive and primary health care services.”

Judy A. Bentley, founder and president of CHIPS

It operates the CHIPS Health and Wellness Center, a free clinic at 2431 N. Grand Blvd.

“Ninety per cent of the people served are uninsured,” Bentley said.

Health services at the center include internal

medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, asthma/allergy, chiropractic, dental and psychiatry and men’s health. Its partners include UMSL-St. Louis Schools of Nursing and Optometry, SLU School of Nursing and Public Health, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish College’s Goldfarb School of Nursing, Mercy Hospital Laboratory and Logan University.

“People with insurance have options,” Bentley said. “At CHIPS, we want to deal with the people who have no options.”

Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, is the honorary event chair. The Anita Jackson Ensemble will perform, and a Fund a Need Auction will raise money to continue to provide quality free medical services.

For more information on CHIPS’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, call 314-652-9231 ext. 20, email info@chipsstl.org, or register online at www.chipsstl.org

Nov. 11 deadline to apply for Katherine

American staff

Dunham Internship

Those considering a career in arts administration have until November 11 to apply for the 2017 Katherine Dunham Internship at the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC).

The Dunham Internship is a 16-week learning opportunity designed to prepare students who have been historically under-represented in the field of arts administration for careers in the nonprofit arts and culture sector. It provides experience in arts administration, a $6,000 stipend, and additional personal and professional enrichment opportunities.

Inspired by Dunham’s history of activism, the internship has a special emphasis in community art, a practice that utilizes art and culture as a tool for social change and community

development. The selected 2017 Katherine Dunham intern will engage with all aspects of RAC’s programs, but will train primarily within the Artist and Community Initiatives Department. Applicants must be an undergraduate senior, graduate student or recent graduate (within three years) from an under-represented demographic group. They must able be to work 20-24 hours per week between January and May during normal RAC business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and must be willing to spend approximately 2-5 additional hours per week outside of normal business hours on extracurricular activities.

For more information and to apply online, visit https://racstl.org/about-rac/internships/. The deadline is November 11.

Business

Edward Jones gets down with diversity

Edward Jones associates and community partners recently enjoyed the musical group “Dirty Muggs” during the 7th annual Edward Jones Inclusion & Diversity week. The week included a diversity career event, Senior leader panels and speakers and a diversity expo which involved community based organizations and partners. Over 1,500 Edward Jones associates and leaders participated in the week’s activities, which is designed to increase awareness and engagement in the firm’s Inclusion & Diversity efforts.

Aldermen move forward with sales tax increase

Community Improvement District will fund NorthSide gas station and market

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis city voted on Friday, November 21 to move forward with two bills that would increase sales tax by one percent at an area where NorthSide Regeneration developer Paul McKee Jr. is building a grocery store and gas station, near the intersection of Tucker Boulevard and 13th Street.

n The sales-tax increase will now expire after 16 years – instead of the originally proposed 40-year limit – after St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green raised questions.

They voted to perfect Board Bill 149 and 150, which would establish a Community Improvement District (CID) as part of McKee’s TIF funding structure for the “GreenLeaf” project. The CID increases the sales tax at the future market and gas station by one percent, and that tax revenue will go towards the $17-million project’s infrastructure,

See KAI, B2

Developer Paul McKee Jr. discussed a Community Improvement District (CID) that 5th Ward Alderwoman Tammika Hubbard proposed before a St. Louis aldermanic committee on October 12. The CID would increase sales tax by one cent at a grocery store and gas station McKee will build near the intersection of Tucker Boulevard and 13th Street, part of his longdelayed NorthSide Regeneration project.

Plans revealed for major Cortex expansion

Expansion will create 1,000 construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs

By Hannah Westerman

Public Radio

Of St.

Kimberly Steward was named one of Variety’s “10 Producers to Watch.” Her company K Period Media’s inaugural project, the Sundance hit “Manchester by the Sea,” was bought by Amazon for $10 million, the secondhighest Sundance 2016 acquisition after “The Birth of a Nation.” She is the daughter of David and Thelma Steward and a graduate of Webster University.

Kellen Winslow is an inaugural inductee of the Mizzou Homecoming Hall of Fame selected by the Mizzou Alumni Association. The East St. Louis native was named Big Eight Player of the Year in 1978 and earned consensus AllAmerican honors. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, the first Mizzou Tiger to receive this honor. He is special assistant to the president of Madonna University.

Jaye Mitchum was appointed administrator of Unity Hospice of Greater St. Louis. She will oversee the administrative and clinical operations at Unity Hospice’s offices in Collinsville, Illinois and St. Louis. A native of East St. Louis, she most recently served as regional director of business development, training the company’s sales and marketing teams about business development, relationship development and community outreach.

Bernie Hayes will be recognized for outstanding contributions to the profession of journalism by the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists at its 40th anniversary celebration 7 p.m. Saturday, December 3, at Nine Network of Public Media, 3655 Olive St. (visit www.gslabj.org for tickets). He is a columnist for The St. Louis American, author of “The Death of Black Radio” and a veteran broadcaster.

Patricia McKissack is the recipient of the 2016 Tradition of Literary Excellence Award. The award, which is funded by the Municipal Commission of Arts & Letters of University City, is given “to honor the work of a living local author whose literary achievement has won national and international acclaim and, in so doing, has contributed to the distinction of the St. Louis area.” In partnership with her late husband Frederick McKissack, she wrote more than 100 children’s books.

“We

fits in and all together creates an incredible new exciting project which we call Cortex 3.0,” said Lower. Lower says the expansion will create 1,000

n Developers announced plans for the district’s first hotel, which will include a restaurant; apartments and approximately 20,000 square feet of street level retail. See

construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs. (For inclusion on Cortex projects, see sidebar.)

Michael Holmes is the executive director of Slate, the St. Louis Agency of Training and Employment (SLATE). He attended the unveiling on October 20 to discuss how SLATE and Cortex will work together to create longterm employment opportunities for St. Louis residents.

“I believe it’s important that we show in the district that residents in this region have the opportunity to get employment if they’re qualified for those jobs,” said Holmes.

The development is expected to be completed about the same time a MetroLink Station opens on Boyle Avenue in the fall of 2018.

The estimated cost of the Cortex 3.0

Eric Madkins was named to the 20162017 Leadership 100 Cohort of the Regional Business Council’s Young Professionals Network. He is Midwest Community Affairs manager at Regions Bank. The goal of the network, which is open to ethnically diverse professionals under 40, is to attract and retain young talent to the region and to give future leaders unique opportunities for networking, professional development and community involvement.

Kimberly Steward

Jaye Mitchum

Bernie Hayes

Patricia McKissack

Kellen Winslow

Eric Madkins

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Stay warm, save energy and lower your utility bill this winter

By Nathaniel Sillin

Do you turn the thermostat

a notch higher or put on an extra sweater when it gets cold? It’s a common household debate as family members try to maintain a balance between comfort and savings during the winter. It’s also a debate you may be able to put to rest by investing in energy-saving maintenance and upgrades.

You can start with a home energy audit, an inspection that focuses on finding areas where your home wastes energy. Professional auditors can cost $300 to $800 depending on the type of audit, but you could consider tackling an audit and some of the changes yourself. Doing so could make your home more comfortable, lower your ecological footprint and save energy and money.

See if you qualify for state-funded weatherization assistance. Look into statebased financial assistance programs before going at it alone. Contact your state’s weatherization agency to review eligibility guidelines, find a local service provider and start an application. If approved, you could receive a professional energy audit and

CORTEX

continued from page B1 expansion is $170 million, while the new MetroLink Station will cost $13.5-14 million.

improvements. On average, about $4,000 worth of energy saving-related work was completed over one or two days for the 2015 program year. If you can’t or don’t want to pay for a professional audit and don’t qualify for assistance, consider conducting a do-ityourself (DIY) audit.

A DIY energy audit can help you identify ways to save money and stay warm. A thorough inspection of your home can uncover opportunities for improvement, and you be able to rent an infrared camera to help you spot trouble areas. Look over the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s guide to conducting a DIY home energy audit, and create a log of your findings as you go. Keep in mind, where you live can impact what fixes you want to focus on, the type and amount of insulation you’ll need and even your heating system.

Typical trouble spots and simple solutions. The following are common trouble spots and potential improvement you might want to make.

• Keep the cold outside air out. The DOE estimates that you can save 5 to as much as 30 percent on your energy bill by just reducing drafts.

Check for leaks around your doors, windows, plumbing, cabinets and other potential outlets. Also look for dirty spots on your wall, ceiling and

floors as that could indicate air or moisture is getting in. Use foam sealant to fill in large gaps you find and caulking or weather stripping for smaller leaks. Covering drafty windows and doorways with storm windows or doors could also be a worthwhile investment.

• Consider adding more insulation. The insulation in your walls and ceiling may not meet today’s recommendations. Reinsulating or supplementing what you have could help your home stay warm, or cool, and might not be as difficult as you imagine in easy-toaccess attics or basements. However, you may want to check with a professional who can recommend what type of insulation to use and warn you of potential ventilation, fire or moisture hazards during and after installation.

• Regularly inspect your heating systems. Heating systems can cost thousands of dollars to replace. While it may not be a DIY job, you may be able to prolong your system’s life by hiring a professional HVAC contractor to inspect and tune up your

system before each winter. Some utilities also offer free in-home inspections of gas appliances. A job you can take on is checking the air filter and replacing it to the manufacturer’s specifications or when it looks dirty. You could also check for, and seal, holes, leaks and poor connections in the ducts. Weigh the costs and benefits before investing your time or money in a winterization project. Some of the items on your checklist could be no-brainers, but others might require more thought.

Bottom line: A home energy audit can help you identify ways to improve your energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable. Whether you hire professionals, apply for government assistance or do it yourself, preparing before winter hits means you can enjoy a warm home without stressing over the energy bill.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

“What’s on these parcels right now is nothing,” said Lower. “So the basis is really low. So by putting these improvements, we’re generating quite substantial real estate taxes, sales taxes and income taxes, employment taxes for the city, state and all the municipalities – or all the users of the city taxes.”

For more information on the Cortex Innovation Community, visit CortexSTL. com. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Inclusion at Cortex

Consistent with the completed projects in the Cortex district, the newly announced construction projects will include participation opportunities related to construction, permanent jobs, entrepreneurship and education for the entire St. Louis community, according to a spokesperson for Cortex Innovation Community.

According to figures reported on its website, $241.8 million in construction contracts have been awarded on Cortex projects to date, with 28 percent of those contracts going to minority-owned businesses and 12 percent going to women-owned businesses.

Cortex also self-reports that of 873,236 workforce hours to date on Cortex construction projects, 24 percent of those hours went to minorities, 13 percent to city residents, 13 percent to apprentices and 5 percent to women.

For more information, visit http://cortexstl.com/inclusion-commitment/.

– Chris King

n “Never. I never wanted to be at ESPN, I never wanted to be on television, I never wanted to host SportsCenter.”

– Jemele Hill, new SportsCenter anchor

Pro Football Notebook

Postseason continues

Missouri district semifinals this weekend

The postseason continues in the state of Missouri with district semifinals games being held this weekend. Here is the schedule for those semifinal games involving St. Louis area teams.

Class 6

District 1

• Fox at Kirkwood, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Eureka at Lafayette, Friday, 7 p.m.

Note: Eureka comes into Friday’s game with a 9-1 record with its only loss coming to Lafayette 14-7 in Week 3.

District 2

• SLUH at Hazelwood Central, Saturday, 1 p.m.

• Marquette at CBC, Friday, 7 p.m.

Note: SLUH extended the career of retiring head coach Gary Kornfeld for at least one more game with an impressive 30-13 at Ritenour last Friday night.

District 3

• Jefferson City at Blue Springs, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Francis Howell at Fort Zumwalt West, Friday, 7 p.m.

Note: It will be the second meeting between Fort Zumwalt West and Howell. Fort Zumwalt West won the first meeting 27-20 on Sept. 23.

Class 5

District 1

• Summit at Jackson, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Vianney at Poplar Bluff, Friday, 7 p.m. District 2

• Pattonville at Chaminade, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Francis Howell North at Hazelwood East, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Predictions to kick off NBA season

The NBA season is finally upon us! After one of the most exciting and dramatic seasons (and offseasons) in league history, the kings of the court are back. Of course the biggest news was Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors. That has been discussed, debated and analyzed enough. The NBA is a three-headed monster. The road to the NBA Championship is going to go through Golden State, Cleveland or San Antonio. If your favorite team doesn’t play in one of those cities, they’re in the consolation bracket. Deal with it. The Warriors are still the favorites, despite the 29-point shellacking at they at the hands of the Spurs on opening night. Still, that doesn’t mean things are boring for the rest of the league. The NBA is filled

with exciting superstars and unlike the No Fun League, the league knows how to embrace its stars and their personalities. That’s why NBA ratings are soaring. Look for the trend to continue during the 2016-17 season. Here are a few predictions on why this will be one of the most exciting seasons in recent history. MVP is up for grabs

Stephen Curry is the reigning, defending, two-time NBA MVP. With the Durant addition, it will come as a surprise to no one that there’s no way ‘Chef’ will cook up a third straight MVP award. So who wins? The names of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and James Harden have been bandied about on sports talk shows and around water cool-

across America. However, I

sive game has come around to the point

With Earl Austin Jr.

Earl Austin Jr.

LeBron James seeks to earn his fifth NBA MVP Award, but Kawhi Leonard’s is standing in his way in his quest for his first trophy.

St. Louis University Jr. Bill’s B.J. Wilson (82) makes a over the shoulder catch next to Ritenour’s Jeremy Swan (15) during their Friday night win over the Huskies 30-13 at Ritenour.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Study concludes that it’s black folks’ fault that baseball is white

Larry David, the co-creator and force behind “Seinfeld,” also had a long-running HBO series called “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Comedian

Wanda Sykes played a character, and in several shows she uttered the phrase, “Blame the black man.”

David had a black man do his cable and stereo installments and, after he completed the job, the system apparently was not working. “I think I’m going to have to fire him,” David said.

study is based on “large public data sets as well as original research.”

Among its claims are:

The large drop in AfricanAmerican baseball players in the 1990s occurred about 20 years after the greatest decrease in marital births among black children.

Sykes said, “Well, is the television turned on?” She turned it on, it worked, and she said, “Yeah, you could blame the black man – or you could turn the television on.”

This nation has a grand history of “blame the black man,” and it certainly is playing out in sports this week.

The Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture has released a study that concludes that “the drastic decline in African-American professional baseball players is directly related to the decline in African-American fathers in the home.” In its press release, the organization said the

(According to the Society for American Baseball Research, MLB’s black participation remained in the high teens past the year 2000. The precipitate drop began 10 years ago.) High school baseball teams are more successful in counties where, 16 years earlier, more mothers were married when they had children.

n “African-American kids simply don’t consider baseball to be a legitimate option because college baseball doesn’t care about fostering diversity. It’s 88 percent white.”

– Jake O’Donnell, sportsgrid.com

(Most successful high school baseball teams come from suburban, affluent communities. Most urban schools do not have baseball teams.)

According to its authors, the study used data from the U.S. Census (decennial) and the American Community Survey, Armour baseball data (“Baseball Demographics: 1947-2012”), Current Population Survey, AddHealth, and maxpreps.com’s ratings for

high school baseball teams. Miranda Blue of Right Wing Watch reported in 2014 that the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture is funded by uberultra conservative hedge-fund manager Sean Fieler

University of Texas professor Mark Regnerus directs the institute. With the $700,000 backing of the conservative Witherspoon Institute, he compiled the “New Family Structures” study. According to Blue, the study claimed to show that children raised by gay and lesbian parents suffer all sorts of harmful consequences like drug use and abuse. Regnerus studied a grand total of two people raised by same-sex parents.

The Austin Chronicle reported that the institute “was quickly dubbed ‘Witherspoon Institute South’ — a name stemming from its staff’s plentiful ties to the Witherspoon Institute and the Religious Right.”

The right-wing institute is not the first to try explain the gradual whitening of baseball. Analyst Jake O’Donnell reporting for sportsgrid. com, gave a very different explanation why the number of black players has declined.

“With fewer AfricanAmerican Major Leaguers, predominantly black high schools have fewer successful Major League alumni to compel younger kids to stick with the sport. Fewer kids playing baseball means even

fewer pros, which means a more homogenous televised product, and that further deters diverse participation,” he writes.

“When you … realize that college baseball is only 2.6 percent African-American, you can understand why the MLB’s percentage is the lowest it’s been since the late 1950s. African-American kids simply don’t consider baseball to be a legitimate option because college baseball doesn’t care about fostering diversity. It’s 88 percent white. That right there is your smoking gun, folks.”

I’m dubious of the Austin Institute study, but here is the crazy part. If more black households had more fathers present, more black youths would have higher aspirations to be successful in many professions – including baseball.

Are you ready for some protests?

Meanwhile, the NFL is dealing with a decline in television viewership which it blames primarily on the presidential race. Two debates were contested while primetime games were underway.

A study conducted by

Rasmussen Reports involving about 1,000 American adults concluded that 32 percent of respondents are “less likely to watch an NFL game” because of player protests during the national anthem. Thirteen percent want to watch a game because of the protests. Fiftytwo percent do not base their viewing choice on the protests at all.

“There is no evidence that concern over player protests during the national anthem is having any material impact on our ratings. In fact, our own data shows that perception of the NFL and its players is up in 2016,” NFL executives wrote in a memo.

Nate Silver, one of America’s most-respected pollsters and political analysts, wrote on his Five Thirty Eight website that Rasmussen has “a knack for issuing polls at times which tend to dovetail with conservative media narratives.” In other words, I would take the Rasmussen NFL poll with a grain of salt the size of a football.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick ground zero of NFL anthem protests, isn’t buying the Rasmussen poll results.

“I don’t know much about ratings and how they’re affecting all of these things, but I don’t understand why ratings would go down just because someone is fighting for justice for people, trying to stop oppression, especially in a league that is predominantly black,” he told ESPN/The Undefeated columnist Bill Rhoden

While “it’s something that takes time,” Kaepernick said, his fight must now spread throughout corporate America.

“Ultimately, even when there are people who can get in those (executive) positions, they might not get the same opportunities,” Kaepernick said, referring to corporate board candidates and potential vendors.

“That’s where it’s a systematic issue, because the people who are in power aren’t of color, and they’re in control. It’s almost a monopoly: who is in power, who’s over the hiring, who is able to get to those positions. It’s in education, in economics, in education, in media. Black representation is limited, and that’s part of this issue.”

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Andruw McCutchen (above) is one the few remaining AfricanAmerican MLB stars. The Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture has released a study that concludes that “the drastic decline in African-American professional baseball players is directly related to the decline in African-American fathers in the home.”

Alvin A. Reid

With Maurice Scott

Proud Knights

Kenny Jr. and James makes their families and East Side proud, on and off the field

The parents of Kenny Knight Jr. and James Knight could not be more proud of their sons becoming top student-athletes.

Kenny Knight Jr. is a former East St. Louis standout who is currently a redshirt freshman at Ball State University.

James Knight is currently a senior for the Flyers, who are the top-ranked Class 7A team in the state of Illinois.

State campus, Knight has not let up in the classroom. He is currently on the Dean’s List with a 3.5 GPA while majoring in economics.

Kenny Knight Jr. was on the dais with All-American Terry Beckner Jr. two years ago when they both signed their National letters-of-intent on ESPN. Although Beckner was the featured attraction of the day when he signed with Missouri, Knight went to Ball State with his 3.7 grade point average. Since stepping on the Ball

Maurice Scott

“It was a huge difference academically coming to Muncie from East Side,” Knight said. “But I have been prepared for some time now from my parents. Not getting your schoolwork wasn’t an option in our household. You either got your schoolwork or you didn’t play. It was as simple as that.” James Knight is currently the team captain for the 9-0 Flyers, who will host New Lenox Lincoln-Way West in the opening round of the Class 7A playoffs at Jordan Stadium in East St. Louis. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. The 5’11” 200-pound Knight is one of the leading

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

torching the Utah Jazz for 39 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in the season opener.

From competing in a record five events in All-Star Weekend (2014), to helping his team return to the playoffs after losing LaMarcus Aldridge and three other starters (2015), to dropping a quality, full-length rap album in the offseason (something though to be impossible for NBA players), Lillard has proven no challenge is too great. When it comes to competitive drive and will-to-win, Lillard reminds me a lot of the recently retired Kobe Bryant Winner: Kawhi Leonard.

Lillard has a history of snubs and his first shot at MVP will prove no different. He may have a better season than Leonard stat-wise, but the Spurs will finish with a better record and push Leonard over the top. That may turn out to be bad news for the rest of the league in 2016-17, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Welcome to the playoffs

Several teams that watched the postseason from home last year will be trading in their playoff pajamas for postseason berths.

In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat, Charlotte

tacklers in the Metro East area with 98 stops. He was recently named to the Illinois All-State Team. In East Side’s victory over O’Fallon last week,

District 3

• Riverview Gardens at Parkway North, Friday, 7 p.m.

• St. Dominic at Parkway Central, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 4

• Borgia at Parkway West, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Rolla at Union, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 3

District 2

• John Burroughs vs. Miller Career Academy, Saturday, 1 p.m.

• Vashon at Lutheran South, Friday, 7 p.m.

Note: John Burroughs and Career Academy just met two weeks ago with Career Academy rallying to take an 18-13 win in the last minute.

quarter. The Flyers won 20-10 to end Edwardsville’s 30-game

Southwestern Conference winning streak.

Kenny and James’ parents, Kenny Sr. and Rachelle Knight, rarely miss their sons’ games.

If they can’t make it to Muncie for a Ball State game, there’s Uncle Eric Ingram always there to pick up the slack. Eric was a former All-State kicker at East St. Louis Assumption in 1981.

“Having a solid family support system has been very important for the boys,” Ingram said. “They had grandparents who supported them; aunts, uncles and educators in their family tree. They all have encouraged them since they were little boys.”

Hornets and Detroit Pistons will fall out of the playoffs to make way for the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks. In Chicago, Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler will be enough to capture enough wins in the Windy City. Orlando has an interesting mix of young talent. The team sports four talented bigs in Serge Ibaka, Nicola Vucevic Bizmack

District 5

• Lutheran St. Charles at McCluer South-Berkeley, Saturday, 1 p.m.

• St. Charles West at Orchard Farm, Friday, 7 p.m.

Note: Orchard Farm defeated St. Charles West 28-21 in their first meeting on Sept. 23. Undefeated McCluer SouthBerkeley will take on an 8-2 Lutheran St. Charles team.

Biyombo and Aaron Gordon Gordon is expected to play most of his minutes at the three this season. If he proves he can defend small forwards, the Magic will be a problem. The Bucks are another team full of talented bigs. Giannis Antetokounmpo should make his first All-Star selection. He’ll be joined in the frontcourt by Jabari Parker and Greg Monroe. The Bucks’

Class 2

District 2

• Carnahan at Trinity, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Cardinal Ritter at Lutheran North, Saturday, 1 p.m.

District 3

• Father Tolton at Brentwood, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Hermann at South Calloway, Friday, 7 p.m.

The boys’ grandparents were very successful in the game of life as well. Their grandmother, Jackie Ingram, worked for the U.S. government for more than 35 years. Their grandfather, Luther Ingram, was one of the great singers for Stax Records in Memphis. Both Rachelle and Kenny Sr. are both proud of the way their sons have matured.

Stephen Curry may be the reigning, twotime MVP, but Damian Lillard is fast on his heels as one of the premier point guards in the NBA.

“We have been watching them grow and become young men since they were playing little league football for the Centreville Tigers,” Rachelle said.

“I remember you would have them and their teammates play at halftime of the Rams’ game when they barely knew how to put their pads on,” said Kenny Knight Sr. “My wife and I couldn’t be more proud of both of them in the way they have excelled academically and on the football field.”

Young

last season and gel with the team. If not, he’ll be moved for a shooter and the Bucks will edge out the Knicks for the 8th seed.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies are out and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz are in.

Without Durant, Westbrook will go bezerk on stats, but his team will fall just short of the postseason. The Timberwolves young core of Karl-Anthony Towns Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine is ready to make some noise. They have a new, disciplined coach in Tom Thibodeau who should carry them to the next level. In Utah, Quin Snyder has assembled a nice young team and was able to add Joe Johnson, Boris Diaw and George Hill to provide some steady veteran leadership. If Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert can stay healthy for most of the season, the Jazz can rise as high as a #5 seed in the mighty West.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

chances were hurt significantly with the injury to Khris Middleton. However, expect

Kenny Jr. said he is having a blast at Ball State, which is currently 4-4. Meanwhile, James Knight has plans of helping lead the Flyers to a state championship in late November.

Kenny Knight Jr., who is playing with 4-4 Ball State, with Uncle Eric Ingram

What Yeats can teach us about Trump

By Mike Jones Columnist

I spend very little time thinking about the future of the Republican Party or its political health. But if your vocation is policy or politics, you do have an interest in the overall viability of the American civic infrastructure. The Republican Party represents one-half of the political infrastructure that determines the governance of the United States, and the Republican Party of 2016 is institutionally dysfunctional. The American political system presumes two factors are always operational: consensus and compromise. This means that America is governed from the center out. It’s clear to even the most unobservant that we no longer have a consensus on any important public policy question – not the economy, not education, not climate, not anything. Because of this lack of consensus, there is no institutional ability for compromise. This political paralysis is primarily a product of Republican political dysfunction.

In January of 1919, William Butler Yeats wrote a poem, “The Second Coming,” that perfectly captured the beginning unraveling of the world order that was starting in the second decade of the 20th century. As I think about the end of the 2016 presidential campaign and what the country might look like on November 9, I am drawn to the imagery of Yeats’ poem.

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold,” Yeats writes. And: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.” These lines written nearly 100 years ago sum up the current political predicament of the Republican Party. If the 2016 presidential campaign established nothing

else, it established there is no longer any consensus on the governing philosophy of the Republican Party. The establishment Leadership is still pushing tax cuts, few regulations and free trade. The rank-and-file base is consumed with economic and social populism. These positions are irreconcilable; the Republican center will not hold. With some notable exceptions like Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush and Lindsey Graham, the Republican establishment gave up the pretense of principled conservatism quicker than butter melting in a hot skillet. They pushed the women and children overboard to ensure they would have a place in the Trump lifeboat. Their craven concession to personal advantage at the expense of supposed party principles made a lie out any claim they had to integritybased leadership. Organizations can survive honest, incompetent leadership, but no institution can survive unprincipled leadership. The fact that somebody with Trump’s political inexperience, intellectual shallowness and flawed character could so easily capture the Republican Party is evidence of the moral and political bankruptcy of Republican leadership. It’s the cowardice of Republican leaders who know better, but wouldn’t do better, that has brought us to this moment. While I won’t make Hillary Clinton’s mistake of offending bourgeois sensibilities by characterizing Trump supporters, I don’t think anyone can disagree that “basket of deplorables” accurately

describes many of them. I would argue the rank-andfile Republican base has been emotionally unhinged since the 2008 election of Barak Obama. This raging lunacy is not the result of principled policy differences about what’s best for the country, it’s about what the presidency of Barak Obama says about the America that’s evolving in the 21st century.

The election of Obama was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. The Obama presidency robbed them of their special place in the American narrative. If a black man could be POTUS, then they could no longer be special just because they were white, and being white is what they had left. Donald Trump is product of the political dysfunction of this moment.

Trump’s candidacy – saying out loud what much of the Republican base has been thinking since at least 2008 – provided content for primetime entertainment shows that masquerade as cable news programs. There was never any serious examination of his capabilities relative to policy understanding, executive execution or character. Had there been, he would have joined Herman Caine on the list of political jokes who have run for president. Because Republicans are a captive of Fox News, they were trapped in the clown car with Trump, a causality of the ratings war.

As we approach November 8 and wonder what this election in this environment will mean for our collective future, Yeats’ last lines provide interesting insight: “And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,/ Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?”

Mike Jones, who has held senior policy positions in St. Louis government, serves on the St. Louis American editorial board and the State Board of Education.

Concerts, Billikens basketball and comedy

Fall

in St. Louis brings plenty of things to do

By Kiara Bryant

For the St. Louis American

Around town there are endless attractions for everyone to enjoy. From film festivals to concerts to sports and more, your family always has a multitude of things to see and do. Stay tuned for a guide to stepping out in St. Louis this fall.

The 25th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival is back once again offering screenings of features and shorts representing 72 countries from Nov. 3-13 at various St. Louis venues. A schedule of films, guests and events is available online. This year, SLIFF will screen 416 films: 111 narrative features, 73 documentary features, and 235 shorts.

Two R&B legends are teaming up to bring you the Maxwell and Mary J. Blige: King and Queen of Hearts World Tour on Nov. 12 at the Scottrade Center. They will be joined by up-and-coming artist Ro James as the opening act. Ever since his debut album, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” he has stood the test of time with hits such as “Ascension,” “Fortunate,” “Lifetime,” “Pretty Wings” and more. His co-headlining tour mate, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” came on the scene in 1998 gracing us with a new style of R&B influenced by hip-hop. Some of Blige’s chart topping hits include: “Real Love,” “I Can Love You,” Waiting to Exhale’s “Not Gon’ Cry,” “Family Affair (In This Dancery…),”and many more. This is your chance to go back in time and reflect on your favorite songs from the 90’s to the present. There’s still time to purchase tickets and listen to their music so you can sing along during the concert on Nov. 12.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents “Until the Flood” featuring Pulitzer Prize finalist, writer and performer Dael Orlandersmith who interviewed various St. Louisans regarding the recent social unrest. From her time

in St. Louis, Orlandersmith created this play which is a culmination of voices telling the story from eight character’s perspectives. Get ready for some Billikens basketball that will leave you on the edge of your seat as we root for the home team at this season at Chaifetz Arena.

n The Helium Comedy Club will welcome both Arsenio Hall (Nov. 4-5) and D. L. Hughley (Nov. 25-27).

The boys in blue will kick off the Saint Louis University Basketball season on Friday, Nov. 11 with a home opener against Ball State. Also at the Chaifetz Arena on Nov. 19 is the Gateway to Gospel Fest 2K16. This worship experience will bring together several gospel greats for one night. Grammy and Stellar awarded artists such as: Erica Campbell (of Mary Mary), Tye Tribbett, Yolanda Adams, and Alexis Spight and more surprise guests are all on the ticket.

If you’re looking to entertain your children this fall, the Bookworm Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly

House (Nov. 5-6) will do the trick. Breakfast will be provided by the Original Pancake House. In addition to story time, arts and crafts activities, you may even take home a photo with Clifford to remember the day. Space for this event is limited, so you’ll want to make reservations as soon as possible. Lastly, these next two aren’t strangers to the comedy stage. The Helium Comedy Club will welcome both Arsenio Hall (Nov. 4-5) and D. L. Hughley (Nov. 25-27). D.L. Hughley is known from television, film and radio and you won’t want to miss his show when he comes to St. Louis on the weekend of Thanksgiving. Arsenio Hall has starred in the classic “Coming to America,” and hosted his own talk show, “The Arsenio Hall Show.” Hall’s show is up first, so if you haven’t checked out the Helium Comedy Club yet, next weekend is the perfect opportunity to do so. It is the final weekend for Fright Fest at Six Flags St. Louis and many other Halloween celebrations throughout the region. For more ideas of how you can make this a fall in St. Louis one to remember, we invite you to head on over to www. explorestlouis.com. See all of the content featured on the site including the calendar of events. Besides it’s never too early to start planning holiday magic.

Photo by Eric Johnson

Maxwell and Mary J. Blige will appear in the King and Queen of Hearts World Tour at the Scottrade Center on November 12.

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

ESL native Goldie Taylor returns

By James T. Ingram Columnist

When St. Louis American publisher Donald M. Suggs invited me to attend Maryville University’s St. Louis Speakers panel entitled “Racism in America” I was honored, to say the least.

Tickets for this speakers series are expensive and often hard to come by. So I jumped at the opportunity to attend, especially given the subject matter and considering the fact that The St. Louis American was the featured sponsor. Little did I know that a lastminute substitution would make the event even more pertinent and relevant for me.

The advertised panelists were Michelle Norris of NPR, Jason Riley of the Wall Street Journal and Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center – a very good and balanced group.

Columnist

James Ingram

However, at the last minute (and to my delight), Goldie Taylor was announced as a substitute for Norris. I had always wanted to meet Goldie and had previously communicated with her through Facebook, Twitter, etc. and have always been impressed with the brilliance of her commentary in print and on CNN, MSNBC, etc. I was particularly pleased (and most in the audience were oblivious to the fact, until she revealed it) because she also happens to be an East St. Louis success story.

In between intellectually “chin-checking” the black conservative WSJ columnist Jason Riley for his propensity to curry favor with the white conservatives seated in the Powell Symphony Hall audience, she managed to make reference to her East Boogie roots, schooling and coming of age in an ESL reality where jobs were in abundance, a good education was achievable and solid role models were plentiful.

Taylor also kept it real and in context, pointing out that, despite her upbringing and positive influences, both her father and brother were murdered at the hands of other black men, and further, that no male relatives born prior to 1986 are alive today. You could have heard a mouse pee on cotton at that utterance, which is an unfortunate yet familiar reality to many in East Boogie (and any other black ghetto in America).

Yet Goldie’s positive reflections on the ESL of our youth often mirrored mine. When we met, following the panel, we were both pleased to have finally connected and shared memories of her favorite English teacher Ms. Peggy LeCompte, whom we both know and whom she credits with “teaching her to write.” That’s powerful stuff, considering the astronomical trajectory of Goldie’s career from TV commentary to print media to politics to the world of documentaries and as a public intellectual.

It only goes to underscore an often-ignored fact that East St. Louis is an incubator for many of America’s sophisticated intellectuals, shapers of thought, change agents and those who never forget their East Boogie roots, irrespective of their status or success in life.

Email jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com; Twitter@ JamesTIngram.

YOUTH

continued from page B1

site acquisition, demolition and repairs. However, the sales-tax increase will now expire after 16 years – instead of the originally proposed 40-year limit – after St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green raised questions at the October 19 Board of Estimate and Apportionment meeting.

“Infrastructure needs don’t necessarily meet the needs of the community for the 40 years that the city is allowing for this CID,” Green said at the October 19 meeting.

Green’s lawyers worked with attorneys at St. Louis Development Corporation to come up with an amendment that limits the sales-tax increase to the life of McKee’s GreenLeaf TIF, which is 16 years. On October 20, the Board of E&A met again to approve those changes. The amendment states that the Board of E&A would only approve McKee’s $2.8 million TIF note if the aldermen approved their amendment. With the amendment, Green said now about $310,000 over 16 years in sales tax revenue will go towards paying off McKee’s TIF note. A TIF note is an alternative to TIF bonds and allows McKee to go to a third-party lender and get a loan for the project.

On Friday, 18 aldermen voted in favor and five aldermen opposed Board Bill 149, which refers to the $2.8 million GreenLeaf TIF note. The opposing aldermen included Antonio French (Ward 21), Cara Spencer (Ward 20), Christine Ingrassia (Ward 6) and Scott Ogilvie (Ward 24). Board Bill 149 is dependent on aldermen passing Board Bill 150, which

establishes the CID and sales tax that goes towards paying off the TIF Note. The aldermen voted to perfect Board Bill 150 with a voice majority vote. Spencer said she opposed the bill because it sets a bad tone for the “long line” of TIF dollars that the aldermen will have to approve for McKee’s NorthSide Regeneration project in the future. This is the first development that McKee has sought to use any of the $390 million TIF, which was first approved in 2009 for the largescale NorthSide Regeneration project in North City. The two bills will move to

n Spencer said she opposed the bill because it sets a bad tone for the “long line” of TIF dollars that the aldermen will have to approve for McKee’s NorthSide Regeneration project.

the full aldermanic board for their final reading and passage on Friday, October 28. The proposed GreenLeaf Market will be located at 1408 N. 13th St., near the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge. The ZOOM Store –a gas station, store and car wash – will be directly across the street. If the bill passes, the North City gas station will have a 9.68 percent sales tax – making it among the highest sales taxes in the country. Chicago is at the top with 10.25 percent, and Seattle sits in sixth place with 9.6 percent, according to the Tax Foundation. The grocery store will have a slightly lower tax, per state law, but St. Louis Development Corporation representatives said they do not know the exact amount.

South Side vs. North Side CIDs

On October 19, Green said taxing residents for 40 years at these businesses is too long, if the main purpose is to pay for the development’s infrastructure. Green pointed to a CID in South City, called the Loughborough Commons CID.

There, the CID is used to pay back money that was borrowed to build infrastructure with a maximum amount of $5 million. That district is in place for 25 years, not 40 years like was proposed for McKee’s, she said. Green suggested that McKee’s CID needs to have a maximum as well, and it can’t be an “open-ended contract.”

In 40 years, the community is going to have needs that go beyond infrastructure, such as security and public safety, she said. And the city needs to make sure they aren’t dipping into other revenue streams to pay for that when the CID is designed to pay for such things.

“You don’t want to overlook the fact that this is north, that was in the south,” Green told The St. Louis American after the meeting. “So, wait a minute. You can do it good over there. Why can’t you do the same in North City?”

Activist Rasheen Aldridge, who is on the November 8 ballot for 5th Ward Democratic committeeman, attended the October 19 meeting. He said he didn’t agree with increasing sales tax to build the gas station.

“Any time you have to tax the poor, it’s not a good method,” Aldridge said. “The median income of people around the area is $15,000. People are just barely getting by. We don’t need a gas station, but we need a grocery store. So it’s like we are getting penalized to get what we need.”

An emotional weekend for Cedric, friends and family

A praise break at The Fox

Women’s Pavilion signage revealed, Motown magic and big laughs mark 3rd gala

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Sharita Kyles Wilson stood close to her brother Cedric The Entertainer with her hands clasped underneath her chin waiting for the white cloth draped over the front right side of SSM St. Mary’s Hospital to drop Friday morning. Her hands trembled and her head shook as if she was torn on whether to give into the bittersweet emotions or shout with joy.

With the sound of a celebratory trumpet came the big reveal. The Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion was written in big, bold, blue letters that stretched across the entire right side of the hospital. Brother and sister melted into each other’s arms and wiped away tears.

This wasn’t just another moment of charity

SLAM reopens expanded American Art galleries

More than 150 works – largest exhibition of collection ever displayed

By Chris King

Of The St. Louis American

When the Saint Louis Art Museum moved its Modern Art and Contemporary Art galleries to the new East Building, which opened in June 2013, that created space in the old building for exhibits of other collections to expand. On October 22, the museum opened an expanded reinstallation of American Art in nine galleries

– “the most it’s ever had,” said Melissa Wolfe, curator of American Art. More than 150 works of art are on display. Of those, one-fifth have not been on view in more than a decade.

It’s an energetic and exciting representation of a varied and quirky collection. In curating the galleries, Wolfe said, she discourages “the death march,” when viewers move down a gallery wall in a straight line, from picture to picture. She prefers more of a Ping-Pong effect

that sends the viewer back and forth across a gallery. She creatively integrates other media into the traditional collection strengths of painting and sculpture, including what we might call period ephemera, such as drinking glasses with porcelain portraits of Revolutionary War heroes inset at the bottom. Wolfe commissioned reproductions of period-appropriate wallpaper for two of the

Edmonia Lewis’ 1873 marble bust “Portrait of a Woman” was most likely sculpted in St. Louis, of a local mixedrace subject, Antoinette Rutgers Thomas. The Rome, Italy-based artist was of mixed African-American and NativeAmerican ancestry. Photo by Chris King See SLAM, C4

from a homegrown celebrity for a worthy cause. It was a big brother and a little sister doing their mother proud by fulfilling her wishes.

“I feel like I just want to take it all in,” Wilson said. She quoted her mother’s favorite scripture from Lamentations 3:22-24, which reads: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

The Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion won’t be operational until sometime later this spring. But the signage provided tangible evidence of the work that began – with their

See CEDRIC, C4

Diverse crop of films and programming mark film festival’s 25-year milestone

By Kenya Vaughn Of The

Louis American

To truly appreciate the scale of film festival that Cinema St. Louis presents annually with its St. Louis International Film Festival, one would have to visit one of the globally renowned festivals that are synonymous with the world cinema scene. Tribeca, Sundance, The American Black Film Festival and the others may have the glitter of celebrity guests and star power. But in nearly every other category than the paparazzi-filled red carpets, SLIFF can hold its own. Actually, when it comes to the intention of diversity with respect to creating a space for filmmakers and narratives that reflect people of color, SLIFF has given itself a competitive edge.

SLIFF has grown into one of our city’s shining cultural gems over the past quartercentury – and next Thursday, November 3 SLIFF will celebrate its 25th year of bringing the best in festival film

festival has 72 countries represented with more than 140 filmmakers and related guests.

“On the occasion of our 25th anniversary, SLIFF celebrates with several fond looks backward,” Cinema St. Louis notes on the SLIFF portion of its website, ahead of the Whitaker 25th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival that runs November 3-13.

A scene from Julie Dash’s acclaimed film “Daughters of the Dust” which screened at the inaugural St. Louis International Film Festival in 1992.

Cedric The Entertainer and his sister Sharita Kyles Wilson at The Peabody Opera House.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Gospel veterans Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton and newcomer Casey J joined Fred Hammond’s Festival of Praise revue when it returned to the Fox Theatre Sunday night for an evening that blended songs of inspiration and worship. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

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

Oct. 28 – 30, Subculture presents Twisted EDM Release. Twista is coming and it’s going to be a Twisted Twista Halloween. The MultiPlatinum selling artist will be preforming with a Local EDM crowd and this time is releasing a Wetter Remix. A two-night rave for Halloween and Subculture is pulling out all the stops. The Skatium, 120 E. Catalan St., 63111. For more information, visit www. brownpapertickets.com.

Fri., Oct. 28, 9 p.m., Siam presents K Rose. Come out for a live performance at our second annual Halloween Bash: Heroes vs. Villains. 4121 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 533-7426 or visit www. siamstl.com.

Fri., Oct. 28, 10 p.m., Presidential Promotions presents Dipset Edition Halloween feat. Jim Jones and Juelz Santana. The Marquee, 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 502-5996.

Nov. 3, 8 p.m., The Pageant welcomes Lil Uzi Vert, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com

Sun., Nov. 6, Community Women Against Hardship Concert and Gala”Jazz in PinkS,” this year the already awesome group adds Harpist and Top 5 Billboard Magazine artist Mariea Antoinette. She joins keyboardist Gail Jhonson, violinist Karen Briggs, drummer Danielle Thompson, bassist Robin Bramlett and flautist Althea Rene. For tickets call Metro Tix at 314- 534-1111 or Community Women Against Hardship direct a 314- 289-7523

Nov. 19, The Ambassador welcomes Meek Mill, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information visit www.

metrotix.com.

special events

Fri., Oct. 28, 6 p.m., New Life Evangelistic Center presents 2016 Night with the Homeless. An educational event to teach the community about the plight of the homeless by direct interaction. 1411 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 881-3218 or (314) 881-3200.

Fri., Oct. 28, 8 p.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter presents A Harlem Nights Celebration. Put on your favorite Roaring 20’s outfit and join us for an upscale evening of music, food, and fun. Our VIP room will feature special guest Anita Jackson. Proceeds will benefit our scholarship program. Forest Park Highlands Golf and Tennis Center, 5163 Clayton Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 4949670 or (314) 607-8653.

Fri., Oct. 28, 9 p.m., Africaribana presents Afro City: Halloween Costume Party. MOOD Lounge, 2001 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Oct. 29, 10 a.m., New Life Fellowship Conference Job Fair. NLFC, in partnership with SLATE Missouri Job Center, invites job seekers of all backgrounds to attend a job fair. Many jobs will be available, including full and part-time positions. We recommend bringing your resumes and dress professionally as the employers will be conducting on-the-spot interviews. Greater Faith Multiplex, 4125 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 7537532.

Sat., Oct. 29, 12 p.m.,

The Guide

Featured Event

Nov. 4 – 5, COCA presents Akeelah and the Bee

Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough, Chicago neighborhood. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For information, call (314) 561-4877 or visit www.cocastl.org/event.

Imagery International’s 5th Annual Women’s Empowerment Tea. You are invited to join us for tea, a delicious meal, empowerment, and encouragement. Miss Aimee B’s Tea Room, 837 First Capitol Dr., 63301. For more information or to register, call (314) 707-8103 or visit www.imageryintl.org/ imagery-events

Sat., Oct. 29, 6 p.m., 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis presents the “Phantom at the Arch Masquerade Ball” Annual Black Tie Gala. Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 367-7778 or visit www.100blackmenstl.com.

Sat., Oct. 29, 7 p.m., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nu Chi Chapter presents Omega Frightfest Halloween Party. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Dr., O’Fallon, IL. 62269. For more information, visit www.nx-halloween. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Nov. 5, 11:30 a.m., Soroptomist International of Greater St Louis’ 41st Annual Fashion Show. This

year’s theme is “Women Stepping Up to Help Other Women”. In addition to the fashion show there will be basket raffles, silent auctions and pot of gold. Orlando Banquet Center, 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza, 63043. For more information, call (314) 355-1516 or visit www. soroptimiststlouis.com.

Wed., Nov. 9, 11 a.m., Diversity Job Fair. The Fair will allow job seekers to meet face to face with employers that have job opportunities available. This event is open to the public and is absolutely free for all job seekers. Employers will be hiring for many positions including: office administration, healthcare, IT & software, sales & marketing, retail management, insurance, human resources, transportation, and more. Bring multiple copies of your resume, business cards, a notepad and a pen. Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, call (314) 252-0306 or email jobfairs@ ezcritiqueit.com.

Thur., Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m., Caleres Fashion Show Entrepreneur

Paul Mooney. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 5990705.

Nov. 4 – Nov. 5, Helium Comedy Club welcomes Arsenio Hall, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street. For more information, visit http://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com/ or call (314) 727-1260.

Nov. 25-27, Helium Comedy Club welcomes D.L. Hughley, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street. For more information, visit http://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com/ or call (314) 727-1260.

literary

Competition. Five St. Louisbased fashion makers will present their brands and vie for the competition win. Featuring interactive fashion presentations, innovative designs inspired by Caleres shoes, video presentations and live pitches from the finalists. This year, you’ll even get to help choose the People’s Choice winner, in a public vote online in advance of the event. Majorette, 7150 Manchester Ave., 63143. For more information, visit www. eventrbrite.com.

Fri., Nov. 11, 10 a.m., 2016

C.O.G.I.C. Urban Initiatives’ Job Fair. Come and meet with employer’s looking to hire in the community. We will also offer jobseekers onsite access to free resume critique with Human Resources professionals. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information or to register, visit www. cogicjobfair2016.eventbrite. com.

Sat., Nov. 12, 7 p.m., The Naked Truth Clothing Company presents 50 Shades of Melanin Fashion Show Four our second fashion show we’ve invited Kris Cole, Vanity Stylz, and Chelsea Brey to slay the runway. Come support young fashion designers in their emergence onto the St. Louis fashion scene. 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

comedy

Sat., Oct. 29, 7 p.m., The Ambassador presents

Tues., Nov. 1, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Peter Cozzens, author of The Earth is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West. An essential history of the struggle between whites and Native Americans over the fate of the West. St. Louis County Library headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh, 63131. For more information, call (314) 9943300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Wed., Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Mark Speltz, author of North of Dixie: Civil Rights Photography Beyond the South. In North of Dixie Speltz shines a light past the most iconic photographs of the era to focus on images of everyday activists who led grassroots campaigns to protest racial discrimination in jobs, housing, education, and police brutality in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Louis, Cedar Rapids, and many other cities. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731 or visit www.left-bank. com.

Thur., Nov. 3, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Ryan Berg, author of No House to Call My Home: Love, Family, and Other Transgressions. Berg immerses readers in the gritty, dangerous, and shockingly underreported world of homeless LGBTQ teens in New York. As a caseworker in a group home for disowned LGBTQ teenagers, Berg witnessed the struggles, fears, and ambitions of these disconnected youth as they resisted the pull of the street, tottering between destruction and survival. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-

Helium Comedy Club welcomes Arsenio Hall. For more information, see COMEDY.

or visit

Through Oct. 30, COCA

presents Outside In: Paint for Peace. Showcasing the power of the arts, the exhibition presents a selection of the murals painted on the boardedup storefronts by amateur and professional artists in the days and weeks following the 2014 protests in Ferguson. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 7256555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Sat., Oct. 29, 11 a.m., Kemper Art Museum hosts Family Fun Saturday. We will have interactive artmaking experiences inspired by the Museum’s renowned permanent collection. Activities will include collage-making, storytelling, scavenger hunts, a salon-style display board, and much more. Washington University, Skinker & Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-4523 or visit www.kemperartmuseum.wustl. edu/events.

Wed., Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents New in the Lou: Examining History through Art. South African artist Mohau Modisakeng will discuss his work and influences, and give a reading from one of his favorite books. Registration is required. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information or to register, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org/content.

theatre

Through October 30, Washington University Performing Arts Department presents Passing Strange A semi-autobiographical account of a young brother’s encounters with sex, drugs, and rock and roll as he searches for “the real.” Directed by Ron Himes. Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314)

935-6543 or visit www.edison. wustl.edu.

Sat., Oct. 22, 3 p.m., Civic Arts Company presents RACE. A play based on the real-life interviews of Studs Terkel. RACE empowers the audience to reimagine itself through theatre, championing a great reflection on our national identity and pushing us to rewrite our future together in America. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Oct. 29 – 30, Fox Theatre presents Love Jones The Musical. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Nov. 4 – 5, COCA presents Akeelah and the Bee Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is almost overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough, Chicago neighborhood. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 5614877 or visit www.cocastl.org/ event.

Nov. 4 – 13, Hawthorne Players present Driving Miss Daisy. Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com.

Sat., Nov. 5, 8 p.m., The Black Rep will continue the celebration of its 40th season of theatre with a concert version of the classic musical DREAMGIRLS. E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave, 63130. For tickets and/ or additional details, call The Black Rep at (314) 534-3810 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

Through Nov. 6, Repertory Theatre St. Louis presents Until the Flood. Celebrated writer, performer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith spent a week in St. Louis interviewing people from every corner of the region about recent social unrest. The play is a mosaic of voices that

tells our region’s story without advancing any one viewpoint above others. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925 or visit www.repstl.org.

lectures and workshops

Sat., Oct. 29, 1 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents History to You: The Nat Turner Rebellion. Guests will be able to view original newspapers from September, October, and November 1831. The news articles chronicle the trial and execution of his compatriots as well as the capture and execution of Nat Turner himself. Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 3833021 or visit www.slpl.org.

Sun., Oct. 30, 5 p.m., Delta

SLATE presents Legal Clinic for Entrepreneurs. Aspiring entrepreneurs are often confronted with challenges when launching a startup or developing an existing business. Appointments required. 1520 Market St., 63103. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (314) 657-3768.

health

Thur., Nov. 10, 7 a.m., Traffic School for Healthcare Professionals: Effective Responses to Victims of Human Trafficking. Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Jewish College, 4483 Duncan Ave., 63110. For more information, email cmalott@ ymcastlouis.org.

Sat., Nov. 12, 9 a.m., Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church Community Health Awareness Fair, 4424 Dr. James Brown Sr., Dr. (Formerly: Washington Ave.) For information, call Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church 314-531- 3759.

Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter presents College 101: Pulling Off the Mask of Educational Inequality. Hillman Hall Room 70, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information or to register, visit www. dstslmac.com.

Wednesdays through Nov. 9, 7 p.m., The Missouri Bar presents the Fall 2016 Mini Law School for the Public. The more you know about the laws that affect you, the easier it is to make good decisions about your life, your family, and your finances. St. Louis County Council, 41 S. Central Ave., 63105. For more information, call (866) 366-0270 or visit www. missourilawyershelp.org/minilaw-school.

Thur., Nov. 10, 2 p.m.,

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Get Sexy Movement Boot Camp. Station styled boot camp with 1 minute at each station for three rounds. North County Recreation Center, 2577 Redman Rd., 63136.For more information, call (314) 898-8898.

spiritual

Sat., Oct. 29, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., Greater St. Mark Family Church BBQ and Yard Sale, 9950 Glen Owen Dr (@ Chambers Rd), St. Louis MO 63136 .

Sat., Nov. 5, 8 p.m., 3rd Annual iScribe Poetry Soiree – Grown and Blessed Edition. We will have poetry, open mic, live music, vendors, giveaways and more. We will be giving God all the glory, and sharing our stories through poetry and song. This year’s show will feature several

Christian Spoken Word Artists including: Jeremiah ‘KRY’ Jackson, JailElle, Prophetic Poet Tyrone Ellis, and Tamara Dickerson. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (312) 774-4321 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

Nov. 7- Nov. 15, Church of God in Christ 109th Holy Convocation, America’s Center. For more information, visit www.cogic.org.

film

Nov. 3-Nov. 13, Cinema St. Louis presents 25th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival, 419 films: 111 narrative features, 73 documentary features, and 235 shorts. The fest also will feature 15 special-event programs, including four free master classes and the closing-night party. The fest schedule, ticket and venue information, and a complete list of films (with descriptions) are available at www.cinemastlouis.org. For more information, visit www. cinemastlouis.org or call 314289-4150.

Thur., Nov. 3, 6 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents What About Us: Dispelling the Myth of Deadbeat Dads Film Screening The film will be followed by a panel discussion on black fatherhood. Central Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 241-2288 or visit www.slpl.org.

Fri., Nov. 4, 9 p.m., J-Wha Film presents the STL P.D. the Movie Premier Red Carpet Event Things take a turn for the worst when Narcotic Agents Jay Brooks and Ricky Thompson set out to take down the city’s most notorious drug dealer Jeffery “Face” Lewis. What begins as a simple drug bust quickly spirals out of control. The Lux Theatre, 2619 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 732-5942 or visit www. eventbrite.com.

The Ambassador presents Paul Mooney. See COMEDY for additional details.

Celebrations

Anniversary

Bishop D. G. Dixon Sr., Ph.D and First Lady Chris Dixon celebrate their second wedding anniversary on October 26.

“To my amazing gorgeous wife and life partner, I love and adore you more than ever before, and I pray that we have many more life experiences to come.” Love, Your Husband

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967 will meet at the Natural Bridge County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge 63121 at 1:30 pm on Saturday, Nov. 19, and Dec. 17. Please update your contact info at Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net. We will be mailing info soon.

Beaumont High School,

Alvin C. George and Olympia Reed were joined in Holy Matrimony on October 8, 2016 on Eagle Beach in Aruba. Alvin is the son of Shirley and Alvin George of Florissant and Olympia is the daughter of Pamela Jordan of Chicago. The wedding and reception were held at La Cabana Beach Resort with 50 family members and friends in attendance.

Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Central Visual and Performing Arts Class of 1996 will be hosting its 20th Year Anniversary Spooktacular Soiree Reunion Kickoff Event at Central Visual and Performing Arts Gym, 3125 S Kingshighway Blvd, on October 29 from 7:00 pm-11:30 pm, admission $20. For more information contact Dr. Miranda Avant-Elliott, at cvapclassof96@gmail.com or visit the VAP C/O of 1996 20th Yr Reunion Facebook page.

Sumner Class of 1965 is planning a “70th” Birthday Cruise for October 2017. If you’re interested and want to receive more information, please contact Luther Maufas (314) 541-4556, Brenda Smith Randall (314)382-1528, or Laura Young (314) 328-3512 with name, address so the info can be mailed to you.

Sumner Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and need contact information from those classmates. Please contact Carlotte Algee Stancil at algee1999@ yahoo.com; DonnaYoung Rycraw at donnarycraw@ aol.com or Stella Smith Hunt at stellalhunt58@sbcglobal. net, 314-381-5104 with email, address and phone number.

Birthdays

Happy 70th Birthday to former City of St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief Wallace McPherson on October 30, from your wife, children and grandchildren.

I would like to wish my favorite cousin, Rayon LovettLane, a Happy 17th Birthday on October 29! She’s such a smart, pretty, helpful young lady and everyone just loves her spirit. We love you, Rayon.

Wallace McPherson

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Vashon Class of 1957 is having its 60-year reunion on May 20, 2017 at the Atrium at the rear of Christian N.E. Hospital on Dunn Road. Classes 1955-1959 are welcomed. For more information, please contact Lovely (Green) Deloch at 314867-1470, Marlene (Randall) Porter at 314-653-0107, Mae (Simmons) Mahone at 314653-0818 or Phyllis (Bolden) Washington at 314-531-9925.

Vashon Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and is need of contact information for all interested alumni. Please contact JoAnn Alvoid at alvoidjoe8@gmail. com; Sarah (Taylor) Robinson at srobinson647@hotmail. com; or Sonya (Walker) Smith at 314.381.8221, with your address, email and phone number.

St. Louis Community College needs your help identifying STLCC alumni. Alumni are encouraged to visit the website: www.stlcc.edu/foundation/, to become members or update information. For more information, contact Ashley Budde, coordinator of alumni relations, at abudde6@stlcc. edu, or 314-539-5145.

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, 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 American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

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, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

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

Rayon Lovett-Lane

Swag Snap of the week

Smokey, Ced and his friends set it off. Y’all know I had to make my way to the 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer and Friends Gala Saturday night at The Peabody Opera House. The mood was more festive than ever because of the signage reveal for the Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion at SSM St. Mary’s that Friday before. The center, which tentatively opens next spring, is the purpose for the party. So to see the name go up was a beautiful thing. But let’s get to the show. Cedric had me cackling as the opening act for his own show. But D.L. Hughley had me crying when he let Cedric know out the gate – in front of the whole crowd – that he was having no parts of keeping the show clean. Those gasps were priceless. The folks loosened up early on, mainly because they had no choice. Those cuss words kept coming baby. George Lopez was funny as all get out too. Smokey did his thing as the headliner – even though I felt like some of the folks were more comfortable with D.L. Hughley’s crude content than Smokey’s gyrations. Did I mention the show pulled a nice crowd? Well it did. I was thrilled with how it ended too. Ceddy did the slow dance skate stroll on stage and they cruised it on home with some good old fashion audience participation. I was living for Tammie Holland’s vintage glamour look and that Chestnut hair color for the fall.

Happy Nappyversary. Before y’all get started in on me, this was what Nappy DJ Needles called it, not me. And like he chanted at the party Saturday night “Nappy is Beautiful!” After ending my evening with Cedric, I hopped on down to 2720 to celebrate the 4th Anniversary of Needles’ Supernatural. Needles never gets it wrong in my book! Between his spin sessions, the performances (The Knuckles and Tef Poe) and the overall “black to the basic” energy (both from the crowd and the host of vendors) up in there I managed to get every single bit of my life.

The Goods and a Mvstermind. If I didn’t have the type of confidence in the main attractions for the Mvstermind “On The Cusp” EP Release Concert I would have probably hit it early based on a few of the opening acts. I’m sorry, but y’all know I’m a “straight no chaser.” And even if you are spitting fire over the hottest tracks, I’m going to be looking sideways if you’re on stage with a bathrobe and an oversized teddy bear. The great news is that that the all-new Delmar Hall is quite cozy. I love the set up – which is basically a bite-sized Pageant with the bar bit more separated. I ran into plenty of my favorite movers and shakers who came to see what my boy Mvstermind and the others had in store for the night on stage. Aloha Mischeaux, Theresa Payne, Vanita (Applebum) Thompson, Angela Brown, Kira Van Niel, Scott Emerson, Hot 104.1 FM’s A Plus and Princess Stormm were just some of the folks in the house. As per usual, Needles set the tables on fire to warm the crowd up. After he was done the show didn’t start again for me until Arshad Goods got on stage with a band and ripped it in a way that would be tough to follow for a national headliner. I’ve seen him before and was like “oh, this is cute I suppose,” but he owned the stage Friday night in a way that made me think that either I was sleeping on him, or he has locked down getting primed for domination of the hip-hop scene in St. Louis and abroad. Mvstermind was good too, but I think Arshad’s energy and the band overshadowed him a bit. But that’s not to say that I’m not absolutely checking for him and his new music. Arshad and Mvstermind had me excited about what’s next for the STL upcoming contributions to the music industry.

Tuesday night turnup. I must say that I’m utterly exhausted as I write this because St. Louis was the most lit it’s ever been on a Tuesday night that didn’t fall on a celebratory holiday. Tuesday was everything Friday wasn’t. Between the Schoolboy Q and Torey Lanez concerts the city was lit from The Loop to the Grove. Because The Pageant are less liberal with their start times, I kicked my night off there with Schoolboy Q and special guest Joey Badda$$. Y’all are probably going to call me the queen of petty, but I never got into Joey before the other night because of his struggle hair game. What? So I’m the only one who thinks his hair always looks like what’s hiding under somebody’s wig?...Whatever. Anyway, I feel so bad for being shallow…because he and those Celie plaits happens to be the truth. To see him rip the stage like that and he’s only 21, Joey had some big things in store if he can get an image consultant. And just when I thought I couldn’t be more pleasantly surprised, Schoolboy Q came through with a high impact show that had the whole crowd so lit that one or two had to be carried to the side to cool off. He actually had me when he roasted Kansas City and said St. Louis’ energy was so much better, but even if he hadn’t the show was so awesome that I’m hoping he blows all the way up. And if Schoolboy Q’s turnup wasn’t enough, I flew over to the Ready Room to get a taste of Torey Lanez. When he came out folks were pegging him as the next Drake mainly because he sings and raps and is from Canada. But the two are pretty different, especially with their stage show. After seeing him walk on the crowd like Peter walked on water and flip and hang from ceiling pipes during his set, I’m convinced he’s part Spider Man. And the gag is I was too lit to fear for his life like I should have. I’m glad I was able to get a taste, but I wish the shows hadn’t been pitted against each so I could have enjoyed them both in their entirety.

Rapper Arshad Goods, OV, Bassman, DJ J Trey and Leon came together after they ripped the stage Friday night @ Delmar Hall

Bartender and modeling coach Countess Daniel got a chance to kick with comedian Michael Blackson Friday night @ HG

Indiana Rome and Theresa Payne showed artistry love @ 2720 Saturday.

Stephanie celebrating her birthday in style with her guy El during her all-white party Saturday night @Fleur De Lilies

Rehab, Judy, Phyllis and Ciru Saturday @ HG

Tef Poe and T-Dubb O snapped a quick pic after they shut down the stage for Supernatural @ 2720 Saturday.

The Knuckles, also known as Rock Well and Aloha, tore down the stage Saturday @ 2720@

Aisha and Kelly @ the 4th Anniversary of Super Natural Saturday night @ 2720 Cherokee Nappy Needles and DJ Chardonnay from Chicago keep the crowd hype during Supernatural @ 2720 Saturday night

Cassia and Reniya at the newly opened Delmar Hall for Mvstermind’s ‘Cusp’ EP release concert

Comedy comrades D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer and George Lopez had the audience doubled over with laughter at the 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer and Friends Gala Saturday night at The Peabody Opera House. The evening was capped off by the soulful crooning of Motown legend Smokey Robinson.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant.

Photos by John Scott

ASSEMBLY

CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

Black Jack Fire Protection District is seeking candidates for the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic. Details, requirements and instructions (Candidate Guidelines) are listed below:

Interested candidates must complete an “Application for Employment Form” at the Fire District’s Headquarters located at 5675 North Highway 67, Florissant Missouri, 63034. Application forms will be available and accepted from 08:00AM (CST) to 4:00 PM, (CST)

GRAPHIC ARTIST

MULTI-BUILDING INSPECTOR

Municipal Division Courts Monitor II LAWYER

The Supreme Court of Missouri is accepting applications for a Municipal Division Courts Monitor II, Lawyer.This highly responsible position will visit and observe municipal divisions of the circuit courts to evaluate their compliance with minimum operating standards and best practices

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’sDegree

Salary commensurate upon experience.

If interested please send resume to municipalclerk@courts.mo.gov

Additional information can be found at courts.mo.gov under the careers link. Applications received by November 4, 2016 will receive preference, but applications may be considered until position is filled.

The Supreme Court of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.

NOTICE TO DAVID/DONNAGILYARD:

1 Belleville Court, Ferguson, Mo 63135, has been purchased via Stl Co Property Tax Sales by Cassandra D. Thomas. You are hereby informed that a 90-day redemption period is attached.

REQUESTFOR PROPOSALS

REQUESTFOR BIDS

Normandy

The entire bidders package will

PM (CST). To download the entire Advertisement for Bidders please contact Carey J. Edwards with TRi Architects at cedwards@triarchitects.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF SINGLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: FLOWMETER DATAREVIEW. ADS ENVIRONMENTALSERVICES is the sole authorized manufacturer for the Flow Meter Data Processing Services. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because ADS ENVIRONMENTALSERVICES is the only known available source. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUESTFOR BIDS

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Lilac Avenue – ARS Infrastructure, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1449, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November16, 2016.

Plans and specifications will be available on October24, 2016 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800. DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUESTFOR PROPOSAL

Downtown STL, Inc. has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to identify a vendor, agency or full-time staff employee, qualified to populate and maintain a content news website showcasing Downtown as a vibrant neighborhood & business district.

For more information about the RFP, visit http://www.downtownstl.org/rfp/ Proposals will be due by December 2nd at 5 pm, to the office of the Downtown STL, Inc. at 720 Olive Street, Suite 450, St. Louis, MO, 63101.

INVITATION FOR BID

to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

that minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation in consideration for an award.

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Construction Manager, S. M. Wilson & Co. for the Covenant Place Phase II Preconstruction Work at 2185 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139

The bid package will be available for viewing after October 19, 2016 at the following location: Smartbid.net link; https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=257516&i=1

The Construction Manager for this project is S. M. Wilson & Co. and the Project Manager is Mr. Brad Homes, (314/633-9642 phone), Brad.Homes@smwilson.com email or the Estimator Mr. Mike O’Sullivan (phone (314/633-9629) or email Mike.Osullivan@smwilson.com S. M. Wilson & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer Covenant Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is

Valley State School Hannibal, Missouri, Project No. E1612-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 11/17/2016. Forspecific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

tronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St.

INVITATION TO BID

S. M. Wilson & Co. is formally requesting bids Monday, October31st 2016 at 2 p.m. (CDT) forCreve CoeurCounty Park SoccerComplex. Bids may be emailed to Bids@smwilson.com (preferred method) or faxed to 314-644-2050.

This project consists of renovating 2 existing turf fields and adding 11 new turf fields, including associated site work. Project also includes natural grass fields, surface parking, restroom facilities, concessions, storage area, and future considerations for a management building, EMTareas, cooling stations, vendor village, championship stage, team gathering areas, and cricket pitch.

This project is a design-build project. The SeniorEstimatoron this project is Greg Kutz (314) 633-5791, greg.kutz@smwilson.com. Please contact Greg Kutz foradditional information.

St. Louis County has set participation goals that twenty (20) percent of all work on the contract be performed by certified minority business enterprises ("MBE") and that five (5) percent of all work on the contract be performed by certified woman business enterprises ("WBE")

S. M. Wilson & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. S.

SEALED BIDS FOR Restrooms and Nurses Stations Renovations,Missouri Veterans Home, Cape Girardeau, Missouri,Project No. U1605-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO,UNTIL1:30 PM, 12/1/2016. Forspecific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/facilities

at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 208, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on November 29, 2016, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City and State laws (including DBE/MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. in the Ozark Conference Room (AO-4066) at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Virtual Plan Room).

the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference,limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised areavailable on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Vida at 314-289-5406 to place your rental/real estate ad today!

Religion

Christian women condemn Trump’s abusive remarks

Plus, Northside Seventh-Day Adventist Church sponsors

Peace Rally/March

American staff

In a response to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s abhorrent remarks regarding sexual assault, Christian women are urging all religious leaders to take a stand and help their communities heal from the sins of sexual violence and misogyny.

The letter, signed by more than 700 women, says that Christian leaders must refuse to accept Mr. Trump’s violent speech about women as a minor mistake or an innocent attempt to be “macho.”

“The violent language spewed by Donald Trump about women is not only insulting, it’s laden with criminal intent,” said Barbara Williams Skinner, president, Skinner Leadership Institute. “To dismiss these lewd remarks as simply ‘locker room’ talk would be to suggest that this type of rhetoric or behavior is acceptable. As faith leaders, we must teach all Americans how to speak out against sexually violent language and to affirm the dignity of all people.”

Prominent leaders who have endorsed the petition, include Skinner; Rev. Cynthia Hale, Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia; Rev. Jacqueline Lewis, Middle Collegiate Church; New York; Lisa Sharon Harper, Chief Church Engagement Officer, Sojourners.

public contrition that fully acknowledges the seriousness and depravity of his actions,” the letter states.

n “As faith leaders, we must teach all Americans how to speak out against sexually violent language and to affirm the dignity of all people.”

“The sin of misogyny has caused many of us to experience sexual assault or sexually abusive language that threatened our safety, dignity and well-being. Christian leaders cannot condone such violent speech about women as a minor mistake or an innocent attempt to be ‘macho.; These excuses teach our young people that such language is acceptable and do further harm to those who have been abused.

– Barbara Williams Skinner

“As Christian women we are appalled by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s recorded remarks that disparage women and condone sexual assault. Such language cannot be dismissed as ‘locker room talk.’ Mr. Trump must offer

“We urge all religious leaders to preach, teach and help their communities heal from the twin sins of sexual violence and misogyny. While we are disheartened by Mr. Trump’s toxic words, we believe this moment presents an opportunity to teach our daughters and sons that they are loved, and to teach all Americans how to speak out against sexually violent language.”

“The violent language spewed by Donald Trump about women is not only insulting, it’s laden with criminal intent,” said Barbara Williams Skinner, president, Skinner Leadership Institute. “To dismiss these lewd remarks as simply ‘locker room’ talk would be to suggest that this type of rhetoric or behavior is acceptable.”

To express support, visit http://tinyurl.com/ XtianWomenCondemnTrumpRemark.

Church sponsors Peace Rally/March

Northside Seventh-Day Adventist Church is sponsoring its first Peace Rally/March at 4 p.m. Saturday, October 29. The march will begin at the corner of Lucas and Hunt Road / New Halls Ferry Road. It will end on Northside Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s parking lot, 9001 Lucas and Hunt Road, where the rally will take place. This event will be attended by Rochelle Gray Walton Gray, Democratic nominee for St. Louis County Council; James Clark of Better Family Life; St. Louis County Police officials; and Northside’s own Pathfinder’s drum corps.

“We hope you will come out to see a change happen in our community,” organizers urge. “Gifts will be given to the first 100 participants. We hope you will come out to experience a transformation happen in our community.”

The Message

Pray through it

Have you succumbed to the notion yet that prayer will get you through it? The “it” I’m referring to is everything.

If you’re like me, at times you’re not very enthusiastic about your faith. That fire that initially burned in me when I finally met Christ leaves me more cold than hot, and I cannot and do not remain constant or consistent in my journey towards eternal salvation.

Have you ever been there? Even my prayer life is more often weak than strong. I’ve finally figured out at times like these that if I only do one thing, I have to continue to pray. However casual or cavalier I might think it is, if I do nothing else, I’ve learned that I’ve got to pray my way through it.

If you’ve ever been lost on a nameless highway and know that you’re lost, you probably understand what I’m talking about. No exit, no gas stations, no people or other cars around, no one to ask for directions. You just keep driving and you just keep looking, hoping against hope. It’s just you and the needle on the fuel gauge.

Given your and my circumstances, prayer is probably very appropriate when one is spiritually lost, especially when you are forced to acknowledge that you are lost. My word to you is to just keep praying.

At this stage of my spiritual development, I can’t think of an alternative. I just so happened to look up prayer in my Bible’s Concordance and found out that I’m correct in my assumption that praying holds a special place in spiritual history and in the eyes of God.

James 5:15-16 “And prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you might be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

I will not profess to you to be a righteous man. I will profess to you and anyone who will listen that I am a sinner seeking God’s forgiveness. I am also on record as praying for you, my fellow man, that you, too, will understand God’s faithfulness.

Mark 11:24-25 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

I’m not making this stuff up. This is what the text says. Once, I was lost. I’m sure I’ll get lost again and, when it happens, prayer will continue to lead me home. It is a fact. Try it. Speak to God from your heart. He has known where you were from the beginning of time.

Columnist James Washington