October 31st, 2019 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

St. Louis County police to undergo review

Board of Police Commissioners stung by nearly $20M judgment in discrimination suit

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

n “An independent review is long overdue. However, the community should insist that they have input into this review.”

– John Chasnoff, Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression

$20 million verdict against the police department in a discrimination lawsuit by a gay officer. Soon after the October 25 verdict, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and several County Council members called for a change in police commissioners – who are charged with reviewing police department policies and appointing the St. Louis County police chief. Councilwoman Lisa Clancy called for Belmar to resign. Board chairman Roland Corvington resigned on Monday, October 28.

“A fresh perspective at the top is vital to the success of our police department in St. Louis County,” Page told media after the St. Louis County Council meeting on October 29. “I’ve been working for weeks to identify potential members of the board of commissioners of the police department. And I’ve been talking with Chief Belmar about his future and how these changes might fit into his plans. Serious change is needed to promote equity and inclusion in county government and throughout St. Louis County.”

The outside consultant will review the department’s policies and procedures, the

Woman power in action

Brittany Packnett Cunningham and Kayla Reed dialogue on Ferguson at She Leads conference

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

While introducing the opening talk for the She Leads conference Thursday, October 24 at Graham Chapel, Dean Diana Hill Mitchell, director of the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Fellowship for Women in Graduate Study, delivered one of many “aha” messages that came over the course of the two days.

“When you educate a woman, you educate more than an individual,” Mitchell said. “You educate a family and community.”

She was quoting the words of Benjamin Godfrey, who founded Monticello College 1838 on what is now the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College in the Illinois city that would later be named in his honor. He had an indirect hand in the conference that was about to commence, nearly 200 years after

Photo by Wiley Price

Brittany Packnett Cunningham and Kayla Reed spoke during the opening talk for She Leads, a women’s leadership conference presented by the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation and Washington University, Thursday, October 24 at Graham Chapel on the Campus of Washington University.

Photo by Wiley Price

Kumiel Israel and Brother Anthony Shahid took a knee before the St. Louis County Council meeting on Tuesday, October 29 to protest alleged police harassment of a 63-year-old African-American woman in April.

White House photo

U.S. Rep. John Conyers responded to the unveiling of his portrait in 2014.

Actor and comedian

John Witherspoon passes at 77

Comedy veteran and comedic actor John Witherspoon passed away early Tuesday at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 77.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks,” the family said in a statement to deadline.com.

“We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us.” Witherspoon first emerged on the stand-up comedy scene in the 1970s, when he also befriended some of the most popular comics of the era – including Eddie Murphy and Keenen Ivory Wayans. After appearing alongside

Wayans in Robert Townsend’s “Hollywood Shuffle,” Witherspoon became known for his performance in Murphy’s “Boomerang,” directed by East St. Louis’ own Reginald Hudlin.

He is perhaps best known for his roles in the “Friday” franchise alongside Ice Cube. The same year “Friday” opened in theatres, he made his television debut playing father to Shawn and Marlon Wayans on their WB Network show “The Wayans Brothers,” which ran from 1995-1999.

He also appeared on “The Tracy Morgan Show,” “Barnaby Jones,” “The Boondocks,” “Black Jesus,” and Townsend’s urban film classic “The Five Heartbeats.” In between his film and television roles, he also toured regularly as a stand-up comedian - visiting Helium Comedy Club earlier this

Kirk Franklin to boycott Dove Awards and TBN

Contemporary gospel music veteran Kirk Franklin told the world via Instagram that he will be boycotting Dove Awards, Trinity Broadcasting

Network (TBN) and the Gospel Music Association after his acceptance speeches were edited to remove his remarks that shed light on African Americans killed at the hands of police – and police officers killed in the mass shooting in Dallas.

In 2016, Franklin’s acceptance speech was edited to omit his comments regarding the deaths of Philando Castile and Walter Scott and the victims of the mass shooting in Dallas.

“Unfortunately, when that speech aired on the Christian network TBN, that part of my speech was edited out,” Franklin said in the video that he posted to the social media channel. “I made my disappointment and frustration known to the Dove Awards committee and to Trinity Broadcasting Network. I never heard from TBN and the Dove Awards committee promised to rectify the mistake so it wouldn’t happen again. In 2019 history repeated itself… I brought attention to the murder of Atatiana Jefferson… I asked everyone in the audience and those viewing to join me in prayer… and also for the family of the police officer. Last week during the airing of the awards on the same network, again, that part of my speech was edited out.”

Franklin said the latest edit compelled him to make the “personal decision” to boycott the awards, association and network.

“I’ve made the decision to not attend any events affiliated or for the Dove Awards, TBN or Gospel Music Association until tangible efforts are made to protect and champion diversity,” Franklin continued. “My goal will forever be reconciliation as well as

accountability. Not only did they edit my speech, they edited the African American experience.”

Kevin Hart updates fans on his recovery

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart posted an emotional video to his Instagram account, thanking fans for their love and support, as well as updating them on his recovery progress from the accident that caused a serious spine injury this summer.

In the clip, the 40-year-old can be seen wearing a harness and undergoing physical therapy. His family also appears in the post.

“After my accident I see things differently, I see life from a whole new perspective,” Hart said. “My appreciation for life is through the roof. I’m thankful for my family, my friends.” Hart also had some heartfelt wisdom for anyone watching the clip, adding: “Don’t take today for granted, because tomorrow is not promised. More importantly, I’m thankful for God, I’m thankful for life. I’m thankful for simply still being here.”

Commenting on the post, his wife Eniko Hart thanked fans for their kind words and support.

“Your true fans were concerned, praying & missing you deeply,” Eniko wrote. “Thank you ALL for your kind words and allowing us to heal during this time.”

Sources: Deadline.com, Instagram.com, Eurweb.com.

Optimum

• The study team will review your depression treatment and make a recommendation to you and your physician.

• The study team will call to check on your depression symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.

• Participants may complete tests such as concentration, memory or balance tests.

• Participants will be compensated.

John Witherspoon

Metropolitan Congregations United to host public meeting

Focus on keeping juvenile offenders out of adult jail and felon voting rights

American staff

The congregations of Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) will host a public meeting 3 p.m. Sunday, November 3 at Vashon High School, 3035 Cass Ave. in St. Louis. The purpose is to address the issues confronting black youth in the St. Louis region. One specific issue includes demanding that St. Louis and St. Louis County prosecutors no longer send 17-year-old juvenile offenders to adult jail.

will go into effect in 2021.

“MCU is asking St. Louis city and county juvenile court officials and prosecutors to agree to commit to a Raise The Age implementation working group meeting within 45 days of the public meeting,” said Payton. The purpose is to establish a process to begin acting on Raise the Age before it is mandatory by law in 2021. MCU is also asking:

n Raising the age means not automatically certifying arrested youth as adults at 17 but rather at 18 years old.

“Our leaders worked hard last year to pass the Raise the Age bill,” said Thomas Payton, a member of the MCU Juvenile Justice Task Force. Raising the age means not automatically certifying arrested youth as adults at 17 but rather at 18 years old and including 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice system.

Missouri’s “Raise the Age” law

• that the Special School District, Saint Louis Public District and court officials agree to investigate and provide education services for 17-year-olds in St. Louis city and county jails in 2020

• that officials divert all new misdemeanor cases for 17-year olds from adult city and county jails to informal juvenile court diversion services in 2020

• that officials ensure community participation and

accountability from the new St. Louis City Office of Children, Youth and Families.

Public officials invited and attending will include St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, State Senator Jamilah Nasheed and Wilford Pinkney Jr., director of the St. Louis Office of Children, Youth and

Families.

“Unlock the Vote MO is a movement to restoring the voting rights of 60,000 Missouri voters who are on probation or parole,” said Charlie Gentry. “As people return to the community, we must do what we can to help them be involved and

contribute. Returning to civic involvement is an important step in people rebuilding their lives.”

Currently 17 states have restored voting rights to felons.

Nasheed will sponsor the necessary legislation in 2020.

“We also very excited to announce the creation of

EXPO: Ex-incarcerated Persons

Organizing, the MO Chapter,” Gentry. A training will be held Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 for those interested in moving the rights of the formerly incarcerated. The public is invited. For more information, contact office@mcustl.com.

The crowd at a recent Metropolitan Congregations United public meeting

Editorial /CommEntary

Wesley Bell needs to clean up the mess he made

While it has been impressive to see a wide and diverse group of citizens rise to the defense of St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell after the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on his spending tax dollars on lobster tails and racks of lamb for staff, we would like to emphasize Bell’s mea culpa and urge him to go much further in the direction of self-correction. While he has broken no laws, his errors in judgment could be damning politically if not addressed publicly.

“I am not about to call this a witch hunt,” Bell posted on social media. “The criticism is fair, and I have tried to be as transparent as possible.” He claims to have immediately reimbursed the county for that $800 tab for lobster and lamb (in Miami, Florida, no less – more than 1,225 miles away from the county seat of Clayton) and to have learned an expensive lesson. “I will do a better job of being more deliberate with communicating ‘why’ we are doing what we are doing going forward,” he pledged.

We believe much more is needed from Bell to disarm his many enemies and skeptics and to fully restore public trust in his judgment and ability to run a powerful public office. We believe Bell should both call for a county audit of his spending since taking office and revise county guidelines for staff expenditures to a more stringent standard, then publish that standard and hold himself and his staff responsible to it.

As for the reasoning Bell supplied to justify racking up $30,000 in expenses in 10 months – that he was building the partnerships needed to collaborate on new programs and grant opportunities – that sounds like special pleading. One can build partnerships without fine dining. And it is beside the point to measure his excessive spending against the money he is saving the county by reducing the jail population. The public wants to see our money that Bell saves with his creative and compassionate policies reinvested in the public welfare, not in lobster and lamb.

We believe in Wesley Bell now as much as or more than we did when we heartily endorsed his election. We believe that he has the

Why is MO afraid

political skill and collaborative intelligence necessary to bring real, badly needed change to the criminal justice system in St. Louis County. Further, we believe that his success in this position could pave the way for more success, both in the administration of criminal justice by others in this region (and beyond) and in Bell’s own future as a political leader. However, if he does not clean up the mess he has made with over-the-top spending of public money – promptly and publicly – and stop giving his many enemies such easy ammunition, then he will not have a long enough political career to bring lasting change or to seed future success.

of finding out whether Lamar Johnson is innocent?

By Somil Trivedi and Anthony Rothert Of the ACLU

In 1994, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office committed gross prosecutorial misconduct in order to convict Lamar Johnson of murder. They knowingly presented perjured testimony, fabricated facts to negate Johnson’s strongly corroborated alibi, and buried the fact that a prime witness against him was a paid jailhouse informant.

Twenty-five years later, that same Circuit Attorney’s Office, now led by Kimberly Gardner, is doing everything it can to get Johnson a new trial so the truth can vindicate him. But the Missouri establishment is fighting her tooth and nail, all while Johnson languishes in prison for a crime he almost certainly didn’t commit.

The only reason Johnson has a fighting shot at liberty today is that Gardner, like a handful of recently elected, reform-minded prosecutors, created a Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) to review questionable cases like his. Gardner’s CIU produced a 70-page report cataloging the misconduct in Johnson’s case and used it to move for a new trial. It should have been a no-brainer, but a Missouri judge rejected the request — not based on the evidence itself, but because Johnson had technically missed the deadline for filing a new trial motion.

justice system that any indication that we get it wrong from time to time — even if getting it wrong means stealing a man’s life — must be fought to the hilt, lest the entire house of cards comes crashing down?

These are all fair questions to ask because Lamar Johnson’s story is hardly unique, nor is the institutional pushback against Gardner’s attempts at reform. Nationwide, a new wave of prosecutors who dare to challenge mass incarceration have been met with resistance at every turn, even when deploying the same discretion that previous prosecutors have enjoyed.

The trial court got it wrong, and on October 24 the ACLU, ACLU of Missouri, and the Innocence Project filed an amicus brief explaining why. It’s simple — Missouri courts, like all state and federal courts — have the inherent authority to prevent miscarriages of justice like this. Specifically, no potentially innocent man should be held behind bars and refused a retrial because of a technicality, without so much as a hearing to test the evidence and expose the state’s wrongdoing. The trial court could have actively avoided this black letter law in denying the motion. Given the clarity of the legal question here, we have to ask ourselves why the Missouri courts — as well as the state attorney general, who opposed the new trial motion and would represent the state in further proceedings — are bending over backward to avoid learning the truth. After all, the justice system in Missouri has always supported a prosecutor’s discretion to follow the evidence where it leads, just as Gardner and her CIU have done here. Is the difference that Gardner dared to use that discretion to vindicate a man, rather than keep him locked up? Is it that Johnson is black? Is it that Gardner is a young, black, female elected prosecutor who has upset St. Louis’ good old boys club, including investigating the notorious St. Louis police? Or is it that punishment and racism are so deeply ingrained in our criminal

By U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay For The St. Louis American

Congressman Conyers was also a powerful voice who helped author and pass the 1993 Motor Voter Bill and the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.

In Boston, District Attorney Rachael Rollins dropped criminal charges against protestors exercising their First Amendment rights and was forced to defend that discretionary decision in Massachusetts’ highest court (she won). In Philadelphia, the federal U.S. attorney is waging a public war against local DA Larry Krasner instead of working hand-in-hand with him to administer justice. In Baltimore, Governor Larry Hogan is attempting to steal cases from State Attorney Marilyn Mosby to show how tough on crime he is. And in Chicago, the local police union has publicly expressed “distrust” in State Attorney Kim Foxx, who was elected in part because she correctly distrusted the police’s own cover-up of the Laquan McDonald murder.

Unsurprisingly, these prosecutors also share another thing in common — they’ve all instituted Conviction Integrity Units to help ensure that wrongful convictions become a thing of the past.

To be clear, none of these prosecutors is perfect, nor is prosecutorial discretion an unmitigated good. When prosecutors do what is right, they deserve support, just as they deserve critique when they are wrong. Unfettered discretion helped get us into the mass incarceration mess in the first place. Even reform-minded prosecutors can better restrain their discretion across a variety of issues, including not appealing tainted convictions and not coercing plea bargains from vulnerable defendants, even though they can.

But when prosecutors recognize the damage their predecessors have done — including the horrific harm of a wrongful conviction — deploying discretion to right that wrong is the height of justice and should be celebrated, not demonized. Accordingly, we hope the Missouri appeals court will deploy its discretion to right the wrongs done by the district court in Lamar Johnson’s case, and give him the new trial he so obviously deserves.

Somil Trivedi is senior staff attorney for ACLU Criminal Law Reform Project and Anthony Rothert is legal director for ACLU of Missouri.

I rise today to honor the magnificent legacy of a courageous public servant, a great American, a great champion for the voiceless, a son of Detroit, my mentor, my colleague and my dear friend, the late Congressman John James Conyers Jr. John Conyers was born in Highland Park, Michigan on May 26, 1929. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit, served with distinction in the U.S. Army during in the Korean Conflict, and went on to graduate from Wayne University Law School.

He was also a close friend and colleague of my distinguished father, former Congressman Bill Clay, who like Congressman Conyers, was an original cofounder of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.

Even before his first election to Congress in 1964, he became fully engaged in the struggle for civil rights and equal opportunity.

Among his many achievements, Congressman Conyers will forever be highlighted in American history for being the only candidate for the U.S. House to be personally endorsed by the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his first campaign for public office.

John Conyers was a remarkable legislator, playing a major role in the passage of more than 100 pieces of legislation, including the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1965, which he then fought to perfect and reauthorize throughout his career.

When I first came to Congress in 2001, one of the first mentors I sought out was John Conyers. And I was honored, as one of my first legislative acts in the U.S. House, to cosponsor Congressman Conyers’ groundbreaking Medicare for All-Single Payer Healthcare Bill – a cause which he devoted his career to.

Congressman Conyers believed, as do I, that healthcare is a fundamental human right which no American should be denied, without exception. I will continue Congressman Conyers’ fight to cover every American, not just to honor his memory, but because it is an urgent national priority. John Conyers traveled the world, promoting human rights, demanding equal opportunity, and expressing the best of American values. And yet, he never forgot where he came from. He loved Detroit, and Detroit trusted him to be their voice in Washington for more than half a century.

n Congressman Conyers believed, as do I, that healthcare is a fundamental human right which no American should be denied, without exception.

On April 8, 1968, just four days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, Congressman Conyers introduced legislation to designate Dr. King’s birthday as a federal holiday. For the next 15 years, across this nation, he led the public fight to gather grass roots support to pass that bill and saw it signed into law in 1983.

Letters to the editor

Blunt and Hawley should support GRACE Act

Reading the column by Shawket Barwary “Kurdish refugee left gasping and numb at situation in Syria,” I was left deeply troubled not only by the betrayal of the Kurds described therein, but also by the realization that, as a result of actions by the Trump Administration, it will be much more difficult for refugees like Barwary to find a home in St. Louis.

President Trump has recently announced plans to reduce refugee admissions in the upcoming fiscal year to 18,000, a new low. The refugee resettlement program, which has enjoyed bipartisan support, has averaged 95,000 admissions per year. Those resettled are highly vetted, and contribute much to the local economies where they reside. At a time when the number of displaced persons has increased dramatically due to wars and ethnic persecution, we should not be slamming the door on the world’s most desperate. Fortunately, a bill has been introduced in Congress, called the GRACE Act, which would provide for refugee admissions at the historical level of 95,000 annually. We should call on Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley to support this legislation

Greg Campbell, Creve Coeur

Remaining informed and conscious

I’m in my late fifties and can’t remember when The St. Louis American has not been a major tool for me to remain informed and conscious. I remember having to purchase the paper to consume the information provided. Most papers in this town are not worthy to be placed in the bird cage, in my opinion.

I simply wanted to say thanks for the work done by all. This paper still represents what most media outlets used to do: research, validate, and inform people of the facts.

On behalf of my father and myself, I want to express our deepest sympathies to Congressman Conyers’ family, to the community he served so well, and to his many admirers in this body and across this great country. We give thanks for this remarkable public servant who never wavered in his commitment to equal justice for all, a truly historic Member of Congress and a great American: John James Conyers Jr. U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) represents Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

I know that requires many moving parts to produce the way you have over the years as one of the best of which you’ve not only have been, but remain. My 92-year-old mother stills says today that when people do things for you at least you can do is say thanks. Thanks!

Michael A. Harvey St. Louis

Pass House resolution 189

On October 18, The St. Louis American ran two important opinion pieces. One was about the president’s erratic behavior. The other was about violence in Syria from the perspective of a Kurdish refugee in America. With all the pressing issues happening today, I’m afraid the media has little time for an important topic like global nutrition that is nonetheless urgent to millions of people.

House resolution 189 is a bipartisan statement that

outlines the best ways for providing nutrition for mothers and babies who struggle in deepest poverty. One hundred fifty-one million children under the age of five in the world –22 percent – are chronically malnourished and cannot wait years for us to take action. The House version of the resolution has already been signed Representatives Wagner and Clay, but I’m concerned that congressional attention on Turkey and a looming impeachment may hinder the passage of this resolution. As a member of the Foreign Affairs committee Congresswoman Wagner can help get it passed out of committee. With 126 bipartisan House co-sponsors already in agreement on the best practices to help the malnourished moms and babies around the world, this resolution deserves to be passed without delay.

Cynthia Levin Town and Country

Guest Columnist

Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Guest Columnist Somil Trivedi

Guest Columnist Anthony Rothert

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell

Jefferson School Day in St. Louis County

In recognition of the new Jefferson School addition – which includes a library media center, administrative and nurse’s offices, and secured entry way – St. Louis County Executive Sam Page proclaimed October 2, 2019 Jefferson School Day. The proclamation was part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate the school’s new amenities. Jefferson is one of two schools who received an addition, made possible by the voters’ approval of Proposition N in 2017. On hand for the presentation of the proclamation were St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days; Barbara Fraser, education liaison for the county executive; Robin VaulxWilliams, Jefferson School principal; Normandy Superintendent Charles Pearson; and Sara Foster, Normandy Joint Executive Governing Board president.

Saint Louis Visionary Awards seeks nominations

The 2020 Saint Louis Visionary Awards –which honor women who have made exceptional contributions to the arts – are calling for nominations. Award categories are Outstanding Working Artist, Emerging Artist, Community Impact Artist, Outstanding Arts Professional,

Outstanding Teaching Artist, Major Contributor to the Arts, Arts Innovator and Lifetime Achievement Award. Individuals may make multiple nominations and can also nominate themselves. Nominations are available on vizawards.org and due by Monday, November 25.

UAPO seeks black candidates for governor, U.S. Senate

The Universal African Peoples Organization(UAPO), which recently held its 5th National Black Political Leadership Conference in Ferguson, is seeking politically conscious people who are willing to be part of a slate of grassroots black candidates for governors and U.S. senators in the upcoming 2020 elections.

“Today, of the 50 governors, none are black,

when we should have at least seven,” said UAPO President/General Zaki Baruti, given that blacks form at least 13 percent of the U.S. population. “In the U.S. Senate there are 100 senators and only three are black, when we should have at least 13.”

Potential candidates are encouraged to call UAPO at (314) 833-4151 or (314)477-4629. For more information, visit www.uapo.org.

Let’s stay woke and get busy overcoming Trump

Every week, we are forced into the scary and erratic world of Trump. The 45th president has kept late-night TV hosts supplied with unlimited material for comic relief. With each passing day, the Trump administration is less comedic and the nation in need of serious, rather than comic, relief.

Since Trump’s behavior and decisions are on public display, those of us who have a scintilla of sanity know that something is wrong with this man. The chaos in this administration is unparalleled: firings, resignations, indictments, prison. The world has seen it all.

The latest is his decision to let the Kurds and the Turkish army duke it out in Northern Syria. The U.S. has sold arms to both sides, but the Turkish forces are superior.

Those with the expertise and courage have drawn some general (but frightening) conclusions. They have tried to warn us that the man with access to unbridled and far-reaching power is dangerous and unfit for the office of the U.S. president. Most who are honest about what they observe have given their solicited and unsolicited professional diagnoses ranging from narcissism to delusion to paranoia.

The president is unethical in his business dealings, immoral in his personal life, and mentally and emotional unstable. Most of these character flaws were known before he stumbled into office. What good is it to know this and be powerless to do anything about?

Herein lies the problem. The checks and balances put in place by the U.S. Constitution and subsequent laws are being ignored and disrespected by those in the executive, judicial and legislative branches. Few have stood up and confronted Trump. Look how long it took to earnestly initiate the impeachment inquiry.

The full extent of the damage this man has done is unknown at this time. We know that his cabinet appointees have taken their agencies back 25 years – from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Justice. Decisions by Trump’s court jesters will haunt us for generations. The policies on immigration, trade and security will cripple us for years to come. The vitriolic hate towards people of color and taken up by his racist, mindless minions is unforgivable.

These pronouncements are in violation of the 1964 American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Goldwater Rule when hundreds of psychiatrists publicly signed off on the disturbing mental state of then presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. The APA issued a policy declaring it was unethical for any member to offer an opinion without the examination of said person.

This 55-year-old edict has muffled mental health professionals. It has also made it challenging for objective journalists and reporters to speak directly to the presidents “lack of truthfulness” which is an attribute related to a given disorder. Before Trump, to call a sitting president a liar in the press was unthinkable. I watched the press dance around the honesty issue for months before some broke ranks and called Trump on his lying. Yes, some offered, he’s a pathological liar.

All this craziness is left at the doorstep of folks like me and you to figure out and resolve. We must engage in principled discussions with those who share our vision for a just and peaceful world but for whom there may be differences on strategy and tactics. This may be our uncle, our co-worker or our congregation member. We must build an invincible new majority.

It is painfully clear that we have a man in the White House who is unfit for office. He is destroying any positive gains made in the last quarter century. He is charting a self-serving path and the entire nation is collateral damage. He is dangerous.

The pressures of impending impeachment and legal woes will result in more erratic and destructive behavior from Trump. We will witness more unraveling in the coming months. This is not a reality show. This is our reality which means we must organize to change the outcome. Let’s stay woke and get busy.

Jamala Rogers

Enrollment

Continued from A1

the site, expanding the information available for consumers in their decisionmaking when comparing health coverage choices.

Also, some new players are joining the Missouri health insurance marketplace this year.

“One is in the St. Louis area. It is called WellFirst Health, and it is for the SSM system,” said Nancy Kelley, program director for Expanding Coverage at the Missouri Foundation for Health. “That’s new, and that’s available in St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County.”

SSM already owns and operates a health insurance organization in Wisconsin.

Two insurance companies returning in the St. Louis area, Kelley said, are Ambetter and Cigna.

Passively allowing your current health insurance to automatically renew through the Marketplace may not do you justice, Kelley said. She advised consumers to look at what is offered this year as prices, coverage options, and the family’s financial status may have changed.

“Each year, even if it’s the same company, they tend to change the plans somewhat and the cost may change,” Kelley said. “We strongly recommend people don’t do what they call ‘auto re-enroll,’ because then you’re being passive; you’re not making that decision to still be sure that’s still the best plan for you and your family.” HealthCare.gov has a Call Center for consumers as they compare plan options and apply for coverage throughout

Woman

Continued from A1

he became an educational pioneer with a higher learning institution for women to

Open Enrollment. Additionally, in-person assistance will continue to be available to help consumers with enrollment, including certified application counselors and federally funded navigators.

Affinia, CareSTL Health, and People’s Family of Corporations all have certified application counselors who can assist with health insurance enrollment and renewal during normal business hours.

“When people come to apply for a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, sometimes they may qualify for other coverage for themselves or their children, such as the Gateway to Better Health Program or Medicaid,” said Yvonne Buhlinger, vice president of Development and Community Relations at Affinia Healthcare. All three are also hosting

develop their intellect and fuel their curiosity.

When Monticello closed in 1971, endowments from the school became the Monticello Foundation – which three years later was poured into the program currently helmed by

n “To get plans that have essential health benefits and that don’t discriminate because of pre-existing conditions, you have to make sure that you are at HealthCare.gov.”

– Nancy Kelley, Missouri Foundation for Health

application assistance events.

Affinia is hosting application assistance events from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 6 and Wednesday, November 13 at 2220 Lemp Ave.; and 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 20 at 1717

Biddle St. You also can call Affinia’s Outreach Information Line at 314-814-8778 to set up an appointment or walk in to any of its clinics from 9

Hill. They marked the 45th anniversary of the fellowship, which has given nearly 400 women the opportunity to pursue graduate and postgraduate studies, with the She Leads conference. Over the

a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

CareSTL Health is asking that individuals who normally visit its Riverview Boulevard and Pope Avenue locations to enroll or renew at its 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. or at 2425 N. Whittier St. sites.

“Individuals should be prepared and be patient because the process can take some time,” said Teonna Thorpe,

course of two days women leaders from all walks of life gathered to discuss their roles and the work of making space for the next generation of lady bosses.

Former second lady Jill Biden, delivered the She Leads

Affinia, CareSTL Health, and People’s Family of Corporations all have certified application counselors who can assist with health insurance enrollment and renewal during normal business hours.

an outreach coordinator and one of the certified application counselors at CareSTL Health. “It depends and it varies, but we are here to assist and we will get them through the process.”

CareSTL Health also is hosting a free Skate EN Roll Party for its patients 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, November 19 at Skate King, 2700 Kienlen Ave. People’s Family of Corporations has certified application counselors to assist with enrollment at its central site at 5701 Delmar Blvd. and its North County site at 11642 West Florissant Blvd. People’s is also hosting a Community Wellness and Resource Fair on Saturday, November 23, where attendees will receive health insurance Marketplace assistance, and those who enroll will receive a free turkey once they complete all

keynote address. Washington University alum, activist, educator, social justice advocate and soon-to-be-author Brittany Packnett Cunningham served as honorary co-chair for She Leads and provided the opening talk, a conversation with fellow Washington University alumna and Ferguson activist Kayla Reed, co-founder of Action St. Louis.

They shared how they first met five years ago as a result of the protests in response to the death of Mike Brown, an unarmed teen fatally shot by a Ferguson police officer on August 9, 2014.

“A few weeks into the movement, a couple of nights before I met Brittany, there was a really harsh night of protest,” Reed said. “There was a lot of violence and brutality towards the protestors. I was a pharmacy technician at the time and said, ‘Listen, we’ve got to figure out some safety precautions. How do we make sure that everyone who comes out makes it home safe?’”

Reed organized a meeting to further discuss her concerns at Wellspring Church. A couple of the other frontline protestors thought it would be a great idea to invite Cunningham – who had also been demonstrating – to Reed’s meeting. Cunningham had not long since returned home after working as an educator and in educational policy in Washington, D.C. to serve as executive director of Teach For America St. Louis.

“Brittany comes in with markers in one hand and what I call a massive Post-it note in the other,” Reed said. “We talked about everything – like how to send signals to each other. The meeting was broken up into groups. I was like, ‘That was the most productive meeting I’ve ever been to. Who is this woman?’”

Both of their lives changed after that meeting.

“Being an executive director, in a seat that is well respected in the community,

screenings and assessments. Find out more by clicking the news tab at peoplesfamilystl.

org.

To find enrollment help by location near you, go to CoverMissouri.org or contact its call center at 1-800-4663213. CoverMissouri.org features information to help understand the enrollment process, health insurance terminology and get an idea of financial help that may be available before you enroll at HealthCare.gov.

“Four out of five Missourians have gotten some type of financial help to make those premiums hopefully a little bit more affordable and sometimes help reduce some of those out-of-pocket costs as well,” Kelley said. Kelley also advised to take a careful look at deductibles, which can be several thousand dollars in out-of-pocket costs. “We have seen some of those deductibles really creep up, so a $6,000 deductible almost feels like you don’t have insurance at all,” Kelley said. Kelley also pointed out that health insurance plans not offered through the Marketplace do not have the financial breaks offered through HeathCare.gov.

“In order to get that financial help and to get plans that have the kind of essential health benefits and that don’t discriminate because of preexisting conditions, you have to make sure that you are looking at the Marketplace – at HealthCare.gov,” Kelley said. For further Open Enrollment information, contact the Marketplace by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325) or check out plans and enroll online at HealthCare.gov.

meant that there were folks in the room who didn’t know anybody who was marching in the streets of Ferguson except for me,” Cunningham said.

“There were so many times where I knew my job was to help translate the frustration and justified anger, the wants and desires of the people on the street that I had audience with.”

Reed became a full-time activist. Cunningham brought her work as a Ferguson activist to her position.

“There were folks who stopped cutting checks. There were folks who told their friends to stop cutting checks,” Cunningham said. “And then there were people who knew that those people stopped cutting checks, so they wrote bigger checks.”

Cunningham’s work in Ferguson led her to co-found Campaign Zero. She also was an appointed member of the Ferguson Commission and President Barack Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Cunningham said it was her responsibility to use her access to shift the demographics by giving others a seat at the table – to “kick the door open so wide and drag in 10 people who look like you so that the room looks completely different when you’re done.”

Cunningham said part of making that room look different is grooming girls to be leaders.

“We help young girls internalize the wrong messages very early when they exhibit those type of skills,” Cunningham said. “We tell them that they are bossy and that nobody likes someone who is bossy. That’s not true. We like people who are bossy, as long as they are men. We don’t have a problem with little boys telling everybody what to do on the playground. But as soon as a girl exhibits those skills, we try to redirect her to a much more quiet existence.”

Photo by Sandra Jordan

Conyers

icon and an inspiring figure for many young blacks seeking elected office during and long after the great marches of the 1960s.”

Conyers and Clay were two of the original cofounders of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.

Like many others, DNC Chair Tom Perez remembered Conyers for introducing the first bill to establish the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday. Clay remembered Conyers’ blood, sweat and tears over that bill in granular detail.

“The bill initially introduced by Conyers in 1968 only four days after Dr. King’s assassination failed to reach the House floor for a vote,” Clay told The American. “At the time, support for the bill was sparse and many thought its introduction merely a political gesture on Conyers’ part. Few realized that his dogged determination and persistency would build a groundswell of support for it.”

Rev. Ralph Abernathy, who succeeded Dr. King as president of the Southern

Police

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 decision-making and promotional processes, and inclusion within the department, according to a statement from the commissioners.

“The Board of Police Commissioners will be coordinating with the St. Louis County Counselor’s Office to identify the most appropriate and capable entity to undertake this task,” the board stated.

Once the entity has been hired, the goal will be for a report to be completed within 90 days and made public, according to the board.

“An independent review is long overdue,” said John Chasnoff, co-founder of the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression (CAPCR). “However, the community should insist that they have input into this review and that there be a process designed to gather their input.”

Brother Anthony Shahid, a longtime activist, attended the County Council meeting on Tuesday night and took a knee before the council with his fist raised in the air. He

Christian Leadership Conference, started a petition drive that resulted in 800,000 signatures being presented to President Nixon – “but to no avail,” Clay said. Conyers, joined by U.S. Senator Ed Brooke (R-Massachusetts), reintroduced the bill in 1971.

“This time Rev. Abernathy secured more than 3 million signatures and personally brought them by train to the White House,” Clay said. “At one point, the corridors of the Cannon House Office Building was lined with U.S. Postal Service bags containing more than a million pieces of mail from supporters of the bill.”

Later, Clay said, Conyers and 24 other House members met with 65 mayors, urging them to make their own proclamations and to engage in their own January 15 celebrations. Shortly thereafter, Nelson Rockefeller, governor of New York , and John Lindsay, mayor of New York City, organized celebrations for state and city employees. The mayor of St. Louis and the governor of Maine also proclaimed the date a holiday and arranged for appropriate tributes to Dr. King. In 1980, the bill fell a mere five votes short of

was there to demand the firing of a white county officer who pulled over a 63-year-old African-American woman at 2 a.m. in April and allegedly inappropriately searched her.

Lillison Williams is the wife of a retired police officer, and she was heading home after visiting her son in the hospital.

“I look at that as a white man doing what he wants to a black women during slavery,” Shahid said. “He didn’t call another female officer. Why would you search a woman alone at 2 in the morning? It’s an assault on black women, not just black men, and it’s getting worse. This is a culture.” Shahid also said that the independent review must include a look at this kind of discrimination in the community.

The Ethical Society of Police (ESOP), a police association that advocates for racial equity in policing, told The St. Louis American that it is “extremely optimistic” with the changes to the police commissioners and the independent review of the department. ESOP is comprised of about 80 county police officers and 260 officers from the City of St. Louis.

“The ESOP has communicated

passage. “We were short a few votes,” Clay remembered Conyers saying. “But I think the momentum that builds up every year around King is sincere and genuine across America.”

By the time of final passage of the bill in 1983, 10 states and the District of Columbia had legally established January 15 as the Dr. King holiday. “However,” Clay said, “for nine consecutive years, the Georgia legislature refused to enact a bill declaring a holiday in honor its native son, the most celebrated crusader of freedom and justice in the state’s history.”

When Clay retired in 2001, he was the longest-serving black to retire in the 130 years that African Americans had served in Congress. At that time, Conyers was the longestserving African-American member of Congress and would eclipse his friend’s record when he retired in 2017.

Conyers – like U.S. Rep. Louis Stokes (D-Ohio) and U.S. Rep. Robert N.C. Nix Sr. (D-Pennsylvania) – was rare for an African American in being elected to Congress without previously having held an elective office.

He and Clay were in the first wave of blacks elected

recommendations for mitigating disparate treatment and discriminatory practices within the department to the Board of Police Commissioners and Chief Belmar for over a year with no movement,” according to the statement. “At least now, there is a glimmer of hope that progress will be made

to Congress in the cities where they were born, as were U.S. Rep. Charles Diggs (D-Michigan), Shirley Chisholm (D-New York) and George W. Collins (D-Illinois). Their predecessors like U.S. Rep. Oscar De Priest, U.S.

in this arena.”

ESOP hopes that the review team will be diverse and “possess the appropriate level of cultural competency to go beyond the surface level of existing barriers that has kept the department’s minority representation less than that of the county’s population.”

Rep. Arthur Mitchell and U.S. Rep. William Dawson all were born in the South but elected to Congress after migrating north.

For all of his personal connections to the deceased, Clay is most proud of

Last week, a circuit court judge sided with Sgt. Keith Wildhaber, who began working for the county police department in 1994, in his claim that he had been repeatedly passed up for promotions because he is gay. The lawsuit he filed in January 2017 documented a

told Wildhaber that “the command staff has a problem with your sexuality. If you ever want to see a white shirt [i.e. get a promotion], you should tone down your gayness.”

Happy Halloween

conversation between him and former police commissioner John Saracino at his restaurant Bartolino’s. Saracino allegedly

Conyers’ legislative legacy. “I am proud of the record he established,” Clay said, “especially in promoting and defending the rights of minorities, woman and average workers.”

Uziel Vargas and Chloe Buchels, 5th grade students at Gateway MST Elementary School, worked on the school’s Halloween display on Wednesday, October 30.

Photo by Wiley Price

Questionable timing of award from ESL NAACP

By James T. Ingram

For the St. Louis American

East St. Louis School

District 189 Superintendent

Arthur Culver has been sued (along with the ESL Board of Education) in a five-count federal lawsuit by fired employee Yvette L. Jackson. Jackson alleges that Culver made sexually explicit remarks about Jackson and other school district staff, made “repeated unwelcome advances,” including one occasion in which Culver allegedly “sat atop Plaintiffs’ (Jackson’s) desk and opened his legs positioning his crotch directly in Plaintiffs’ face.”

The lawsuit goes on to describe an alleged incident on April 1, 2018 in which Culver purportedly showed Jackson a pornographic video of a male school district employee engaging in an alleged sex act with two other individuals, then making a lewd remark about his own personal sexual preferences.

On April 2, 2018, Jackson reported Culver to the district purchasing adviser, after which time Jackson claims she was systematically excluded from meetings and ostracized. When

the next personnel committee meeting was convened, the meeting agenda was allegedly amended to eliminate Jackson’s job after 20 years of employment with District 189, all according to the suit.

“Our clients vehemently deny Plaintiff’s claims and intend to vigorously defend against same,” Garrett Hoerner, attorney for Culver and the school board, responded in a written statement that. “I fully expect Plaintiff’s complaint will be dismissed by the Federal District Court.”

Despite these allegations, Stanley Franklin, president of the East St. Louis NAACP, will present Culver with the “Education and Commitment” award during its recent 65th

n Couldn’t the NAACP have allowed the process to play out before prematurely awarding an alleged sexual predator?

Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet.

However, this isn’t Franklin and the NAACP’s first questionable awarding of honors. During its 2014 banquet, three out four scholarship recipients were non-black students who attended the prestigious Governor French Academy, a prep school in Belleville. So optics and the appearance of blatant support for alleged impropriety obviously mean nothing to Franklin and the ESL NAACP, who have long abandoned the “advancement of colored people.”

That begs the question: What message are we sending to our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters when such allegations are dismissed as irrelevant and inconsequential? How does that “advance” them?

Yes, Culver deserves his day in court to defend himself against these charges. However, until that day, couldn’t the NAACP have allowed the process to play out before prematurely awarding an alleged sexual predator? What was the rush?

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com; Twitter@ JamesTIngram.

And the banquet crowd demonstrated their disappointment with muted and sparse slow claps of disapproval. The district’s poor academic record alone should have disqualified Culver from receiving any such honor and the unresolved sexual allegations should definitely have caused the NAACP to pump their brakes on bestowing the honor period. It was a low point for an otherwise inspirational evening as civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis gave a very dynamic and uplifting keynote speech.

Columnist James Ingram

Amber Guyger and the two-tiered criminal justice system

By Jeffery Robinson Of the ACLU

“I’m sorry, I can’t explain that.”

That’s what prosecutor Jason Hermus said to Botham Jean’s parents after the jury gave Amber Guyger a 10-year sentence for intentionally murdering their son. Jean’s father shook Hermus’ hand and said, “You fought a good fight.”

Jean’s brother hugged Guyger, saying he did not want her to go to jail. The judge also embraced Guyger and gave her a Bible. Is this a sign of a new wave of racial healing in the criminal legal system? Could it be the beginning of the end of excessive sentences in America or a step down the road to prison abolition?

Unfortunately, it is something less hopeful, less humane, and less admirable.

America has a two-tiered criminal justice system - and while both tiers are bad, they are mostly separate and completely unequal. The most important factor for membership in the lowest tier is race. Like any rule, there are exceptions (especially for rich non-white people), but the rule is nonetheless deeply embedded in our system. Take a second to imagine that the roles were reversed in Botham Jean’s murder.

Botham Jean is a Black Lives Matter activist. After a 14-hour day of protesting, he is talking on the phone to a married coworker with whom he is having an affair, when he claims he mistakenly walks into the wrong apartment. Inside the apartment is the actual renter, a white off-duty police officer, dressed in shorts with no pockets and eating ice cream. Jean claims he yells at the off-duty officer to show his hands, though no nearby witnesses report hearing this. He almost immediately shoots the officer twice, later admitting he intended to kill him. Let’s continue.

At trial, Jean’s explanation for why he didn’t think of the first aid supplies in his backpack was that he was on the phone with a 911 operator, and that his mind was racing. Though Jean was trained in CPR and emergency first aid, he admits to only doing “a little CPR” and a sternum rub on the dying man. The reason he didn’t do more - he chose to stop to text his married coworker/partner.

When the question of whether the shooting was racially motivated was raised at sentencing, text messages to and from

Jean are revealed (identical but reversed versions of messages sent to and by Guyger). In one message, Jean’s friend complains about a parade for a murdered white political leader who championed the rights of white people. When a friend asks, “when will this end lol,” Jean responds in jest, “When the leader is dead… oh, wait…”

n “We don’t get handshakes, we don’t get hugs, we don’t get Bibles. They just say, ‘We’re sorry for what happened to you, and you are a free man to go.’”

– Christopher Scott

Finally, two days before the shooting, a friend appeared to offer to give Jean a German shepherd with the warning, “She may be racist.” After some back and forth, Jean responds, “It’s okay, I’m the same.”

In America, BLM activist Botham Jean would not have gotten a 10-year sentence for “mistakenly” shooting a white police officer. That is because the life of a white police officer would be valued

differently. Amber Guyger’s sentence is not a harbinger of racial healing in the criminal legal system, but rather a retreat to past long-standing traditions. It goes back to people who were responsible for racial terror lynchings, yet never prosecuted. It goes back to sentencings like Brock Turner’s, where a judge was unwilling to ruin the life of a young white man convicted of rape by sending him to prison. It explains how a federal judge could say that Paul Manafort lived “an essentially blameless life” in spite of evidence that he committed multiple fraudulent acts over the span of a decade.

And what about the judge hugging Guyger? Christopher Scott, a black man who spent 13 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, provided an interesting take. Scott never received a hug from a judge in all his experiences with the criminal justice system, including at his exoneration hearing in Dallas County in 2009.

“I’ve watched all of the exonerations that happened in Dallas County — I’ve never seen it,” said Scott, who founded an organization that investigates wrongful convictions. “We don’t get handshakes, we don’t get hugs, we don’t get Bibles. They just say, ‘We’re sorry for what happened to you, and you are a free man to go.’” If Guyger was the first defendant this judge has hugged, I would like to know why.

The very idea that crime can be solved by locking someone in a cage is, rightfully, under attack. Not only do long prison sentences not make us safer, but they have devastated black and brown communities across America. Prison conditions and collateral consequences are the one-two punch that creates needless roadblocks to success for people reentering their communities after incarceration. All of these critiques of our criminal legal system are true and valid, but upon deeper inspection, it becomes clear that Amber Guyger’s sentence is not a response to those critiques.

Rather, Guyger’s sentence highlights much of what is wrong with sentencing in America. It would be a travesty to confuse her sentence’s leniency - and the empathy showed to her by the court - as progress on the road to justice for people of color.

Jeffery Robinson is ACLU deputy legal director and director of the Trone Center for Justice and Equality.

Amber Guyger recieved a hug from the judge after her sentencing.

Why the city’s surveillance cameras are not where violent crime happens

Rebecca Rivas of The St. Louis American reported an investigative piece on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center, in partnership with Type Investigations, where she is an Ida B. Wells Fellow, and data reporting by Taylor Eldridge. This is part two. The map of camera locations in the City of St. Louis and 2018 homicides offers a striking visual. In North St. Louis, there is a seven-square-mile area that St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden calls “Hayden’s Rectangle,” because the area’s high crime rate requires his attention. The area contained 67 percent of the city’s homicides and 50 percent of all violent crime in 2018.

It is bounded by West Florissant Avenue to the north, Dr. Martin Luther King Drive to the south, Vandeventer Avenue to the east, and Goodfellow Boulevard to the west. This area’s population is 90 percent or more African American, is highly impoverished and, according to Alderman Samuel Moore, lacks resources and basic infrastructure. In 2018, there were more than 70 homicides within or just outside this 7.5-square-mile area, according to the map. There were about 78 city-owned cameras within these boundaries.

Downtown St. Louis has more than 215 cityowned cameras, the highest concentration in the city, according to public audits. There were six murders in this area in 2018. And with the help of a $3.8 million federal grant, the city will soon be installing another 121 surveillance cameras mainly in downtown and the central business district,

During a brief media tour of the center in May 2018, the Real Time Crime

its success. What is unclear is the kind of crime that the center has been successful in deterring or solving.

said they “do not track specific charges or break them down any further.”

which are meant to address traffic concerns. The grant was submitted about three years ago, St. Louis Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards said, which was before his tenure.

“I was really surprised that they were putting more cameras downtown,” Edwards said. We requested to speak with the police chief about the map, but Hayden declined. In a statement, a police

spokeswoman said, “The police department does not own a majority of the cameras in the City of St. Louis. This precludes, in many instances, where cameras are placed. The deployment of cameras by the police department has and continues to be focused on areas of violence.”

If a certain street or block is experiencing a high level of crime, the department

spokesperson added, they can temporarily place a surveillance mobile trailer there, even if there are no permanent cameras. That has helped the police make “great strides” in those areas, the spokeswoman said. “The mobile trailers include cameras and are highly visible with police logos and LED lights,” police stated.

Although Edwards did not review our map, he acknowledged the funding inequity for cameras in an October 9 phone interview. “I think that the onus is on the city to step up and to make sure that the cameras are in less-affluent areas so that the same protections and the same deterrents exist,” Edwards said. “One of the things that I vowed to make sure is that we have equitable policing and equitable deterrents all over the city of St. Louis.”

aspect of the RTCC has “and continues to play an integral role for our department in combating violent crime across the City of St. Louis.”

The police department’s “whole goal was never to buy cameras,” said Traffic Commissioner Deanna Venker, who has an office within the RTCC. “Their goal is to pull all these integrated networks from private cameras.”

While the Street Department is able to use Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) federal dollars to buy high-quality cameras for traffic purposes, she said the police department does not have extra pockets of funding to expand their camera system.

Why the map looks like it does

The police department built the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) around alreadyexisting cameras purchased by business districts. According to a police spokeswoman, the private/public partnership

The reason the police own so many cameras downtown, she said, is because they were donated to the department by the business association Downtown St. Louis Inc., formerly named the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis.

“Downtown Partnership used to have officers that they hired to watch cameras, and they had their own command center downtown,” Venker said.

Once the RTCC opened, Venker said the partnership’s center closed and the RTCC took over that function. Missy

Kelley, president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership, declined to answer questions about whether or not the cameras have helped to decrease crime downtown. The police department stated it does not have a budget to purchase a large number of cameras. Relying on its private partnerships and grant opportunities is more “fiscally responsible,” a police spokeswoman said in a statement.

“The SLMPD strives to have a strong public-private network,” the spokeswoman stated. “This approach is more affordable and sustainable for the City of St. Louis. Many cities, such as Chicago, have designed their systems in the same manner federating privately owned and maintained cameras.”

The Central West End Neighborhood Security Initiative (CWE-NSI) is a security center located within the city’s central business corridor.

“The RTCC started because of groups like mine and Downtown Partnership,” said Jim Whyte, CWE-NSI’s executive director. “So they’ve got all these cameras now, but they didn’t pay for them.” There are 33 city-owned cameras listed in the 2019 audits within the Central West End. However, when you include cameras owned and operated by the Central West End’s various taxing districts for the area, that jumps to 180 cameras connecting to the RTCC.

The Central West End Neighborhood Security Initiative was able to pay for its nearly 150 additional surveillance cameras through several revenue streams. It receives tax revenue from seven Special Business Districts and three Community Improvement Districts (CIDs). (Community Improvement Districts largely collect sales tax, while Special Business Districts collect property taxes.) The CWENSI also receives funds from Washington University Medical Center.

Although these cameras were primarily funded through tax dollars, they are not included in the annual camera audits — and the center declined to disclose their locations.

The original idea behind the RTCC was to expand in that same manner throughout the city, said Whyte. However, CIDs are mostly concentrated in developed, higher-income areas. According to the state auditor’s 2018 report of Community Improvement Districts, only three out of the city’s more than 60 CIDs were located in North St. Louis. All three of these CIDs are governed by people associated with the Green Street St. Louis development company, according to the city ordinances establishing the CIDs, and those revenues are going towards Green Street’s development project costs. Whyte, who served more than 20 years on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, said the police department needs to figure out a way to put cameras in areas that need it most.

“I worked almost my whole 20 years in North St. Louis,” said Whyte, who retired as a lieutenant in the police’s 7th District. “Those neighborhoods need cameras more than anybody else, as long as they’re used properly. And how do we get them there is a good question.”

Out of the 22 private camera systems that connect or “federate” into the RTCC, only three are located within Hayden’s Crime Reduction Zone, police said.

Alderman Moore doesn’t believe that any of his ward’s businesses have connected their cameras to the RTCC — and probably would never do so.

“A lot of people are skeptical about being connected with police,” Moore said. “Police are not so trustworthy that they would want the police in their business, even though it might help.”

To be continued next week.

Photo by Wiley Price

Center’s commander Lt. Brent Feig touted

Police

Trump deserved the boos at the ballpark

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

It is President Trump’s own fault that he got so lustily booed at the World Series game. When you publicly refer to people as “human scum,” they are likely to return the favor.

Trump looked surprised when his appearance at Nationals Park was greeted with catcalls and chants of “Lock him up!” After all, earlier in the day he had announced the killing of Islamic State monster Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a daring U.S. Special Operations raid. Surely, he must have felt, he deserved kudos for that. The problem is, though, that one battlefield success did not erase 33 months of presidential behavior that many if not most Americans consider outrageous and worthy of impeachment. The smile and wave that Trump offered those baseball fans did not rescind the vicious, snarling rhetoric he spews on a daily basis, including his recent description of Republicans who oppose him as “human scum.”

This is not a reality show like “The Apprentice” in which all is forgotten between episodes and alliances are formed or abandoned in the blink of an eye. Trump may not recall the abuse he heaped on

perceived adversaries last week, last month or last year. Those on the receiving end, however, definitely remember. The president himself must understand his relationship with the American people, which is one of service: He works for us. Every president I have met has spoken of how humbling the job is. Trump appears to see humility not as a gift but as a weakness. If the president will not humble himself, the people must do it for him. We have been here before. Back during the Nixon administration, it was possible to drive right past the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. As Watergate reached its crescendo, protesters would stand on the sidewalk holding signs that said, “Honk if you want him impeached.”

Motorists sent up such a cacophony that some were given $5 traffic tickets for “excessive noise.”

That’s the thing about democracy. People have a right to tell their leaders what

political rallies. It has been a long time since Trump exposed himself this way in hostile political territory, and it may be a long time before he does so again. My guess is that he will put it down to eternal hostility on the part of “the swamp” or “the deep state.”

And that is a shame.

“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,” says the King James version of the holy book Trump claims to read.

We’ve seen no evidence of self-awareness from Trump, but we must keep hope alive. There are those who will argue that treating Trump in this manner is a political gift to him – that it will fire up his loyal base by giving evidence to support his narrative of being unfairly victimized, in this instance by elite coastal baseball fans. My view is that Trump is going to inflame his base one way or another, no matter what his political opponents say or do. He obviously has no respect for the traditional boundaries of civic debate. Those who seek to defeat him will not do so while ever-so-carefully walking on eggshells.

More and more victims on No More Victims Road

By Michael Arjun Banerjee For The St. Louis American

I have been obsessing over a road—a road on which I have never travelled in a state to which I have never been.

In Jefferson City, Missouri, a strange road called “No More Victims Road” traces a rough “L” shape along the Missouri River, running only for about two miles. There are two prisons located on No More Victims Road: the Jefferson City Correction Center, a maximum-security prison, and the Algoa Correctional Center, a minimum-security prison.

The name “No More Victims Road” is, I think, creating victims. In this way, the name is a “declarative speech act,” which the law professor Stanley Fish helpfully defined in his 2016 book “Winning Arguments” as “a speech act that brings into being the entity to which it refers.” But the declarative speech act being performed by the name “No More Victims Road” is actually doing something a bit different. Upon inspection, it becomes clear that the name brings into existence the very thing that it claims to be doing away with: the name itself makes victims.

In this way, the name is a counter-declarative speech act of sorts, and this victim-making is done in at least three ways.

In a very famous 1989 law review article, the critical race theorist Richard Delgado described how viewers co-create what they view when they interpret and translate the object of their viewing into words. Delgado reminded us that “[w]e participate in creating what we see in the very act of describing it.”

In this way, those who

named No Victims Road and saw to it that prisons were built on the same road co-create those unnamed victims, of which it is declared there shall be no more, and in whose defense the road has been so named and the prisons have been so built. This is the first way in which the name creates victims.

they think of them. If your constituents believe you have betrayed their trust, they will let you know. If Trump was genuinely unprepared for the hostile reception, it might be because he is accustomed to the adulation of the crowds at his

Yes, it is a sad day when the president of the United States cannot attend a World Series game without getting booed. It is also a sad day when the president mocks the Constitution, bulldozes all political norms and commits a host of impeachable offenses. This may not be how we would like things to be, but it’s how they are.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

The issue here is that the co-creators (those who named the road) see people (unnamed victims) that, for example, a person driving on No More Victims Road would be unable to see themselves. The seeing, and therefore the co-creation of the unnamed victims, stops with these initial seers.

This takes us to the second way in which the road’s name creates victims. It is clearly designed to further punish and humiliate those who are held captive on No More Victims Road, along with their loved ones who visit them and the communities from which they are taken. Through this punishment and humiliation, yet more victims are called forth into existence. The name suggests that the road and the prisons that have been built thereon prevent further victimization by caging people who would, the argument goes, undoubtedly victimize people in the future as they have victimized people in the past.

This argument articulates

an almost impressively cruel condemnation that suggests the people behind the prison walls are pathological and fixed in their pathology. All this from only four short, tempestuous words. Our co-creators also co-create the identities of those who are implicitly positioned opposite the unnamed victims: those held in captivity behind the prisons’ walls. These people are the victimizers, who at once are positioned as the antitheses of the so-called victims and create the victims by differentiation. The identities of the people held captive by Missouri are created by reference to the victims. Of course, this is all designed to indicate that those held in captivity are not themselves victims; in fact, they are so far outside the realm of victimhood that their very existence is used to carve out the existence of the unnamed victims. These unnamed victimizers are stigmatized and emptied of their individuality by the four-word noun phrase “No More Victims Road.” This is the third way in which this name creates victims—by victimizing those who have been identified as victimizers. The name “No More Victims Road” creates itself the very thing it purports to end. One is left to wonder how many fewer victims there would be if No More Victims Road was itself no more. Michael Arjun Banerjee is a recent graduate of Harvard Law School. He is currently a Ph.D. student in Jurisprudence and Social Policy at the University of California— Berkeley. Email: michael_ banerjee@berkeley.edu.

Guest Columnist Michael Arjun Banerjee

n If the president will not humble himself, the people must do it for him.

President Trump looked surprised when his appearance at Nationals Park was greeted with catcalls and chants of “Lock him up!”

Self-examnination and breast cancer

Knowing what’s

normal for your breasts can save your life

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

a reliable method to teach in detecting breast cancer, women must know what is normal for them and then contact their healthcare provider when there is a breast lump or something out of the ordinary. Doing so has saved lives, including that

of Karel Woods, who through selfexaminations found cancerous lumps in each breast – 16 years apart – neither of which were picked up through mammogram screening.

“Self-examination is very important, first and foremost, along with getting the mammograms,” Woods said. “I think the first time, it was a pretty substantial size – between 1 and 2 centimeters – but the mammogram still didn’t detect it. It was by the grace of God that He led me to it both times.”

She discovered her first lump on one side at age 42 and the second lump in the other breast at age 58. Woods said she started getting mammograms at age 35 because of her mother’s medical history and said her two daughters started at age 30. Woods had lumpectomies both times and

By U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay For The St. Louis American

The Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic at Washington University School of Law recently published a report titled “Environmental Racism in St. Louis”. This report detailed that in St. Louis, blacks suffer from poor environmental regulations at a greater rate than their white peers. In summary, black families are more likely to visit the emergency room due to asthma, test positive for lead, and live in blighted communities. The study details how environmental injustice effects the quality of life, health and economics of St. Louis’ African Americans. Although many of the facts in the report support what we always assumed, there is no arguing with the research findings and the science. I believe it is also a call to action for St. Louis.

As your federal representative, I am committed to passing legislation to improve environmental regulations, specifically for minority communities. I am joining my fellow members of Congress, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-California), in sponsoring legislation recognizing that as the world gathers to combat climate change and pollution, it is communities of color and low-income communities that suffer first and, often, the most.

n This report detailed that in St. Louis, blacks suffer from poor environmental regulations at a greater rate than their white peers.

In addition, I am supportive of implementing federal policies that would increase transparency on how environmental regulations—or de-regulation—would impact the health and well-being of minority communities. I have fought against environmental injustice and advocated for remediation my entire congressional career. My very first appropriation was for the $5 million cleanup of the former site of the St. Louis Army Ammunition Plant at the corner of Interstate 70 and Goodfellow Avenue in North St. Louis. I soon followed with funding totaling $30 million for the cleanup

Parents as Teachers targets ‘period poverty’

Partnership with Diaper Bank spares low-income women resorting to unhealthy alternatives

By Eric Clark For The St. Louis American

Realizing that one in five area low-income women cannot afford adequate menstrual products, the Parents as Teachers National Center teamed with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank to raise money to buy them tampons and pads.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Parents as Teachers raised money through an online donation drive called the “Period Project Drive” to purchase 35,000 period products being stockpiled at the Diaper Bank in Wellston. The products were transported to the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch hotel, where Parents as Teachers hosted its annual international conference October 14 – 17. Some 1,400 early childhood development professionals attended the conference and helped assemble individual menstrual kits for

n “Period Poverty occurs when there is a lack of access to an adequate supply of menstrual products, which forces women to use inferior or unhealthy alternatives.”

– Jessica Adams, St. Louis Diaper Bank

distribution to area needy women free of charge. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Parents as Teachers’ founding in St. Louis. The non-profit organization known for its effectiveness of strengthening families through its home visiting model, has been

See PARENTS, A13

Parents as Teachers President/CEO Constance Gully; Donna O’Brien, vice president of professional and program development; and Kerry Caverly, senior vice president, chief program officer, prepared feminine hygiene product kits for distribution to area low-income women at the St. Louis Diaper Bank.

Wm. Lacy Clay

Twice Karel Woods discovered a cancerous lump in her breast that was not detected by a mammogram.

Photo courtesy of Parents as Teachers

Photo by Wiley Price

AG attacked for seeking to undermine Affordable Care Act

Finneran: ‘Eric Schmitt isn’t following the law. He’s seeking to overturn it.’

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Newly announced Democratic candidate for Missouri Attorney General Rich Finneran came out swinging against the incumbent two days after he announced his campaign. He attacked Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt for his participation in a lawsuit that would eliminate insurance protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

“Eric Schmitt is now saying that the Affordable Care Act

Breast Exam

Continued from A10 is on a medication for five years.

“And I thank God that he allowed me both times to have good medical doctors, not only primary, but oncologists, radiologists, surgeons – I thank God for all of them as well. For Kristen Roethemeier, it was a mysterious bruise on her breast that appeared after a night out partying with friends.

“One morning after a fun night out, I was brushing my teeth, getting ready for my shower and I happened to look up in the mirror and I noticed something that looked similar to a bruise with a little indent,” she said. “And I thought, ‘Oh boy, it was a fun night last night.’” At 34 years old, she wasn’t thinking about breast cancer, Roethemeier said. She thought she had fallen or bumped into something, although she couldn’t recall that occurring. After texting her friends to find out what actually took place, her friends tanked that theory. And after some weeks, the bruise was still there. It wasn’t her menstrual cycle, stress, caffeine, alcohol or all the reasons she brushed it off before she became concerned. With the encouragement of friends, he had her health care provider check it out. A mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

is unconstitutional. I teach constitutional law, and I can tell you he’s dead wrong,” said Finneran, who teaches at Washington University School of Law, on Thursday, October 24.

“The Supreme Court has already upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, not once, but twice. This lawsuit is a waste of time and taxpayer money.”

Schmitt is using the resources of the Attorney General’s Office to participate in the Texas-based lawsuit,

which seeks to overturn guaranteed coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. The lawsuit is being heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

On October 23, Schmitt defended his office’s participation by claiming that he has “a duty to follow the law” as the state’s chief law enforcement officer.

overturn it. He still hasn’t answered the fundamental question that we’re asking in this campaign: how does this lawsuit help the people of Missouri? There’s a reason he can’t give a good answer: there isn’t one.”

“Eric Schmitt isn’t following the law,” Finneran said. “He’s seeking to

Finneran challenged Schmitt’s decision to keep Missouri in the lawsuit in a video released announcing his candidacy on October 22.

St. Louis attorney Elad Gross has been campaigning for the

n “The Supreme Court has already upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, not once, but twice.”

– Rich Finneran

Democratic nomination since November.

A former federal prosecutor and partner with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP in downtown St. Louis, Finneran transitioned to a role as Of Counsel with the firm to run

She shared her journey with hundreds of people who attended the open house of the new Siteman Cancer Center at Christian Hospital’s Northwest Healthcare last week.

Parents

Continued from A10 commemorating it with yearlong events across its national network of 1,036 affiliate partners.

“Earlier in the year we asked our affiliates how they wanted to celebrate our 35th anniversary and the overwhelming response was that they wanted to get involved in local projects where they could make a difference,” said Constance Gully, Parents as Teachers’ president and chief executive officer. “The Period Project represents one of those efforts here in St. Louis.” Diaper Bank Founding Executive Director Jessica Adams said the Period Project helps ensure that

Spotting a painless bruise on her breast that would not go away is how Kristen Roethemeier began her fight against breast cancer.

for office. Schmitt was not elected attorney general, but as state treasurer and appointed to the position by Governor Mike Parson after Josh Hawley left it to assume his newly elected post as U.S. senator.

n “Self-examination is very important, first and foremost, along with getting the mammograms.” – Karel Woods

“At this point, it was time to kick some cancer butt. I was not going to allow cancer to define who I was,” Roethemeier said. “I was one of the lucky ones, and my body tolerated the chemo fairly well.” That was followed with a double mastectomy this past summer, and Roethemeier just

individuals in need have access to essential period products required to fully participate in daily life with dignity and works to raise awareness about the causes and consequences of “period poverty” in the St. Louis region.

n “Research shows that 64 percent of lowincome women in St. Louis experience period poverty.”

“Period Poverty,” Adams said, “occurs when there is a lack of access to an adequate supply of menstrual products like pads or tampons, which forces women to use inferior or unhealthy alternatives like socks, rags, even diapers to address their monthly cycles.

– Jessica Adams

“It is an indignity experienced by thousands regularly. Research shows

Continued from A10 of the Carter Carburetor Superfund site on North Grand Boulevard. Finally, our coordinated efforts have led to the West Lake Superfund site being addressed. The responsible parties are undergoing settlement negotiations and engineering for cleanup is in progress to the estimated cost of $266 million

that 64 percent of low-income women in St. Louis experience period poverty,” Adams said. Parents as Teachers began partnering with the Diaper Bank about two years ago. As a nonprofit committed to strengthening low-income families, Parents as Teachers distributes emergency packs of diapers, it gets from the Diaper Bank to families through its Show Me Strong Families community engagement initiative, which serves families in the Normandy Schools Collaborative and St. Louis.

Donna Givens, Show Me Strong Families’ manager of community partnerships and

saw the tremendous support for action on climate change demonstrated recently by advocates who held rallies around the world. I cosponsored and supported H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act to place regulations

groups, said each participating family receives 50 free diapers a month and more if there is an emergent need.

“Many of our families tell us that it makes them happier, their children happier, and they are able to buy toiletries, and pay bills with the money saved by not having to purchase the products provided through this partnership,” Givens said.

Since 2014, Show Me Strong Families has served 745 families with 936 children through more than 6,000 personal visits in their homes. An additional 2,000 children in the NSD footprint were screened for developmental delays and health or vision concerns.

To donate to the Period Project, visit https:// parentsasteachers.org/periodproject-2019

Photo By Wiley Price

began radiation therapy.

“I know I am in the best hands, so I fear nothing,” Roethemeier said. “Breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are; it doesn’t care how healthy you are or who you are. But if you catch it soon enough, you will save your

Stand straight and look at breasts in the mirror with arms at your hips. Breasts should be their usual size, color and shape without any visible distortion. Bring to your doctor’s attention any dimpling, puckering, skin bulging, redness, soreness, rash, swelling or changes in the nipple position.

Do the same with your arms raised overhead. Look for any fluid coming out of either nipple.

Next while lying down, use closed fingers from the opposite hand, and go in small circular motions to cover the breast from top to bottom, side to side – from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, from your armpit to your cleavage.

Also, feel your breasts while sitting or standing in the shower, using the same motions as previously described and report a lump or anything unusual to your health care provider for further assessment.

Source: breastcancer.org

own life. You will get to be the person who you want to be – not the person this disease thinks you need to be. ” For information about breast cancer risk and prevention, visit the American Cancer Society’s page at https://bit. ly/2MGYT7U.

College of Pharmacy, Goldfarb partner on nursing degree programs

Students at St. Louis College of Pharmacy now have two new pathways to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College. In the “2+2” BSN Upper Division Option, students complete two years of undergraduate coursework at the college, followed by two years in the Goldfarb BSN Upper Division Option program. And in “4+1” BSN Accelerated Option, students complete a bachelor’s degree at the college and transition to the one-year Goldfarb BSN

Accelerated Option program.

“This new partnership will help expand the value of interprofessional education through which future nurses, future pharmacists and other future health professionals live, learn and grow together,” John A. Pieper, president of the college, said in a statement. The college and Goldfarb will also work together to establish a Nursing Scholars Program that will financially support outstanding students as they begin their nursing education at the college. For more information, visit stlcop.edu or barnesjewishcollege.edu.

Rich Finneran

Take Your T ime!

What Fits?

Nutrition Challenge:

It seems that all of us are usually in a hurry. But when it’s time to eat, sit down, relax and focus on eating. With each bite, set down your fork and chew your food completely before swallowing.

This allows your stomach to “catch

Exercise Challenge:

Is biking your thing? Or do you like to play basketball? The best “exercise” you can do is through an activity you enjoy. Make a list of 10 activities that you like to do, that are active enough to be considered exercise. Some possibilities include kickball, baseball, football, dancing, biking,

Standard Time

Healthy Kids Kids

up” with your eating, and you’ll know when you’re full. Eating slowly allows you to know when you’ve had enough and you can stop eating before you become uncomfortable from overeating… and you’ll eat less!

Try this Practice chewing each bite 30 times before swallowing.

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

running, skating, jump rope, walking or playing Frisbee. Make it a goal to do one of these activities each day of the week (at least five days a week). Exercise can be fun!

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

On November 3, Daylight Savings Time ends. What does this mean? Well, it means that it gets dark a lot earlier than it used to! So plan ahead when you have outdoor activities or if you have to walk or bike somewhere. You may want to leave a little earlier in order to get home before it’s too dark. Also, wearing light colored clothing and carrying a flashlight can help keep you safe.

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5

Apple Ladybugs

Ingredients:

2 Red Apples, 1/4 Cup Raisins, 1 TB Peanut Butter, 8 Thin Pretzel Sticks

Directions: Slice apples in half from top to bottom and scoop out the cores using a knife or melon baller. If you have an apple corer, core them first, then slice. Place each apple half flat side down on a small plate. Dab peanut butter on to the back of the ‘lady bug,’ then stick raisins onto the dabs for spots and eyes. Stick one end of each pretzel stick into a raisin, then press the other end into the apples to make antennae.

of Medicine and an MD and MPH from Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

What does a family medicine physician do? I take care of patients of all ages (newborns, children, teenagers and adults). I help with the medical conditions that patients have had for a long time such as high blood pressure and diabetes, but I also help with any new medical concerns that patients may have such as a sprained ankle or bad cold.

Why did you choose this career? I chose the field of family medicine because I enjoy making people feel better and I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages. I also meet different members of the family, both young and older, and help to make everyone healthier and have a better quality of life. I am also able to order labs and tests on patients, review their medical records, and refer them to specialists if needed. What is your favorite part of the job you have? I like getting to know patients outside of just their medical concerns which helps me to provide the best care for my patients. I also enjoy seeing a patient smile after we have worked together to successfully treat their medical concerns. Lastly, I enjoy practicing true FAMILY medicine and building a connection with my patients and their families as we see each other over the years.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Columbia Elementary 3rd grade teacher

Rebecca Weiss shows students Kaleze Doss, Armond Strother, Christopher Williams and Raniah Malone how to use the newspaper to find STEM lessons.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

African-American MD & Former US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin

SCIENCE CORNER

Your health has three main categories: physical (body), mental (mind), and spirit (social/emotional). It is important to have healthy habits in all three categories because all of the categories work together. For example, if your physical health is poor, it can affect your mental health or your social/emotional health. Strive to be healthy in all areas.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

To be physically healthy, it’s important to eat healthy foods for energy—fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and whole grains. It’s also important to drink plenty of water. Your heart and muscles need daily exercise. Strive to get a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Ideally, you should get 60 minutes. Your body also needs rest and relaxation and a good night’s sleep. Be sure you sleep for 8-10 hours per night.

Fatty Foods

Have you ever wondered how much fat is in the food you eat? In this experiment, you will get to see the fat first hand.

Materials Needed:

• Brown Paper Grocery Bags (cut into small squares)

• Different Foods to Test (Ex: french fries, potato chips, a baked potato, peanuts, peanut butter, an apple, a banana, a hot dog, and butter)

• Scissors

Procedure:

q Make a prediction—which foods do you think will be the fattiest? Rank them from most fatty to least fatty.

w Rub each piece of food onto a separate paper bag square. Count to twenty while you rub so that you test each food for the same amount of time. Be sure to label the

MATH CONNECTION

Apply your critical thinking skills to solve these problems.

z At a birthday party, you were told you could have .6, 60%, 3/5, or 6% of the candy from the piñata. Which 3 will give you the same size portion? ________

x 4/7 of the birthday cake was eaten at your party. The next day, your brother ate 1/2 of the leftover cake. You get to have all the cake that remains. How much cake is left? ________

For your mental health, you need to have strategies to help you cope with stress. Some might include yoga, art, music, talking to friends, etc. Social/emotional health is important, too. You need to have positive friends who support you and encourage you. Positive self talk is important, too. Can you think of three kind things to say to yourself?

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-self connections.

squares so you remember which food you rubbed on each one.

e Now you have to leave them overnight. The next day you’ll see which foods have the most fat. The foods that leave the greasiest spots are the fattiest food.

r Which foods had the most fat? Which had the least? Were you surprised by the results?

Learning Standards: I can follow a sequential set of directions to complete an experiment. I can make predictions, and analyze results. I can make text-to-world connections.

c You are making homemade ice cream for 8 people. The recipe calls for 2¼ cups of cream for every 2 people. How much cream will you need ________

v There is 1/2 of a quiche in the refrigerator. For breakfast, you eat 1/3 of it. How much quiche is remaining________

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

Regina Benjamin was born on October 26, 1956, in Alabama. She was raised by her mother and grandmother. In 1979, she graduated from Xavier University in Lousiana with a BS in Chemistry. She served as an intern with the CIA and attended Morehouse School of Medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama in 1984, and her MBA from Tulane University. Benjamin is also the recipient of 22 honorary degrees.

Because Benjamin received help from the government to pay for her medical school, she had to work in a community that needed physicians. In 1990, she started the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic on the Golf Coast. She treated patients who had not been able to afford health care due to lack of insurance or money. She allowed patients to pay whatever they could afford, in whatever form they could. Sometimes, patients volunteered their services to pay for medical treatments. This clinic was rebuilt many times, due to Hurricane George, Hurricane Katrina, and a fire.

In 1995, Benjamin became the first African-American woman and the first physician under the age of 40 to be on the American Medical Association’s board of trustees. In 2002, she became the first African-American woman to become president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. In 2009, she became the US Surgeon General, nominated by President Barack Obama. As surgeon general, she stated that individuals should strive to be healthy, instead of simply waiting to treat a sickness. She promoted eating healthy foods, including MyPlate and exercising, as well. In May 2013, the Reader’s Digest ranked her as one of the “100 Most Trusted People in America.” She resigned in 2013. Benjamin was featured in many magazines, including Time, People, Reader’s Digest, and Clarity. She received many awards and honors, including: Time magazine’s “Nation’s 50 Future Leaders Age 40 and Under,” ABC World News Tonight’s “Person of the Week,” and CBS This Morning’s “Woman of the Year.” She was the United States recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights in 1998, and in 2000, she won the National Caring Award, inspired by Mother Teresa. She was awarded the MacArthur Genius Award Fellowship and was the recipient of the Chairman’s Award during the worldwide broadcast of the 42nd NAACP Image Awards.

Learning Standards: I can read about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. I can make textto-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One — Functions of the Newspaper: Different parts of the body control different functions—your lungs control your breathing, your heart controls the blood flow, etc. The newspaper has various sections that also have unique functions. Look through the newspaper. What sections does it include? What type of information can you find in each section?

Activity Two —

Food for Thought: —Look through the newspaper to find examples of food choices. Divide them into three categories: Green light foods (these are foods you are encouraged to eat often), yellow light foods (they are ok in small quantities), and red light foods (only to be consumed in small quantities on rare occasions).

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can make textto-text and text-to-self connections.

Photo by Wiley Price/St. Louis American

FELLOWSHIP & PHILANTHROPY

If a sense of community is important to you...

If you are driven by a culture of caring...

If you think that you can make a difference...

Then let us introduce you to the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society (CCS).

CCS was created to lift the voices of African-American leaders in the St. Louis philanthropic community.

Now, a quarter century later, CCS is not only a pillar in our community, but is the #1 philanthropic program for African Americans in the nation.

Deeply embedded in the St. Louis community, CCS is centered around a united community acting together to lift others. As a member of CCS, you can engage with key African-American leaders shaping our region through United Way of Greater St. Louis. Special invitations to exclusive events allow you to work and play shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other likeminded philanthropists.

Merge philanthropy and fellowship and consider becoming a member of the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society

To learn more about CCS, please contact Joyce Bogan at joyce.bogan@stl.unitedway.org.

Missouri History Museum observes Día de los Muertos

Celebration of Hispanic culture and the Day of the Dead this weekend

By Lindsay Newton For The St. Louis American

Honor the loved ones who have left us and celebrate Hispanic culture at the Missouri History Museum this weekend during Día de los Muertos.

This holiday, also known as the Day of the Dead, is celebrated widely throughout Mexico and in parts of Central and South America and the United States. It is based on a cultural belief that the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead is most transient from October 31 to November 2, allowing the spirits of the deceased to return for a brief visit.

However, this holiday is neither mournful nor spooky. Rather, it is a joyful celebration full of meaningful traditions rooted in the customs of the indigenous peoples of Latin America, influenced by Spanish and—in some regions of Mexico—African cultures.

The museum’s celebration this weekend will offer fun for the whole family. Traditional music and dances will be featured. Families can enjoy tamales, tacos, quesadillas, churros, pan dulce, and more from vendors on the museum’s north lawn. Margaritas, wine, beer, soda, and water will also be available for purchase.

Club Atletico Saint Louis will be outside practicing soccer skills from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Inside the museum, kids can have their faces painted to look like the traditional calaveras (skulls) and take turns in the photo booth. There will also be opportunities to hear stories in Spanish, meet Luna from PBS’s Let’s Go Luna!, and make paper flowers and other art projects. If you are remembering someone special this year, stop by the Central Print booth to make a free custom souvenir print with the name of your loved one.

Be sure to visit the museum’s ofrendas, perhaps the most meaningful of all traditions associated with this holiday. Ofrendas are home altars that families build to welcome back the souls of their loved ones, filled with special things the person who has died is sure to enjoy, such as favorite foods and belongings. Photographs, candles, papel picado (brightly colored cut-paper decorations), and a sugary bread known as pan de muerto (“dead bread”) are also important elements, as well as brightly colored flowers like marigolds.

This year the museum’s altars represent traditions from Mexico, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. A special altar honors the lives of three St. Louis educators: Katherine Dunham, an African American dancer and teacher; Susan Blow, the founder of America’s first public kindergarten; and John Berry Meachum, a formerly enslaved man who ran a secret school for African Americans in the 1820s.

Thirty-five local artists will display artwork inspired by the holiday, some of which will be available for purchase. Several traditional themes are present in the artwork, including calaveras, calacas (skeletons), dancing, musicians, flowers, and altars. Stop by the Meet the Artists table throughout the weekend to talk with the artists about their work.

Día de los Muertos and a Celebration of Hispanic Culture will take place throughout the Missouri History Museum on Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a special altar preview on Friday, November 1, from 2 to 5 p.m.

On Saturday evening, there will be a procession through Forest Park. Bring photos of your departed loved ones and gather at the Museum’s front steps for live music as the sun goes down. Beginning at 6pm the band will lead the procession, followed by dancers, and everyone is welcome to join in and walk along a quarter-mile path through Forest Park. Luminarias will light the path. After returning to the Museum, the band will continue to play festive music until the celebration concludes at 7 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, visit the storysharing studio to record your stories for the Missouri Historical Society’s collections. The Museum’s Teens Make History team will coach small groups of families and friends to interview each other, suggesting questions and giving helpful tips on what to do during and before the interview. During the sessions, people are welcome to talk about anything that is meaningful to them—whether it’s favorite traditions, personal role models, or childhood memories. By sharing stories, we can learn more about the past—and connect more closely with one another.

Día de los Muertos provides so many ways to make and maintain connections with our loved ones, both living and departed. The museum is honored to partner again with Hispanic Festival, Inc., for this year’s celebration.

Día de los Muertos and a Celebration of Hispanic Culture will take place throughout the Missouri History Museum on Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a special altar preview on Friday, November 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. Check mohistory.org/dia-de-los-muertos for more details.

Lindsay Newton is director of Community Engagement for the Missouri Historical Society.

St. Louis

CHARMAINE CHAPMAN LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

Foundation’s 2019 Corporate Executive of

the Year

Going to bat for Anheuser-Busch

Former ballplayer now A-B VP is 2019 Corporate Executive of the Year

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

William Bradley, vice president of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch, grew up playing baseball and had aspirations to play professionally.

“Baseball teaches you about teamwork,” Bradley said. “But the best thing about baseball, in my opinion, is that it really teaches you how to handle failure. The best baseball players hit .300, which is 3 hits out of 10 — which means you’re failing 7 out of 10 times, right? It requires a lot of hard work, a lot of repetition, if you are going to reach the highest level.”

n “You have to work hard every day. If you don’t, there’s someone else out there taking more ground balls than you, more swings than you, who is going to take your spot on the roster.”

– Bill Bradley

It’s a lesson that has guided Bradley throughout his professional career, he said. After

working 24 years at Anheuser-Busch in a wide variety of increasingly senior and responsible positions, Bradley became the vice president of community affairs in 2016. In this role, he administers the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, which has been around since 1975. His group focuses on charitable efforts in the areas of community enrichment, disaster preparedness and relief, environmental sustainability, education, support for military personnel and their families, and responsible drinking.

On November 21, Bradley will be named the 2019 Corporate Executive of the Year

See A-B, B2

Concordance Academy raises $1M at gala to serve ex-offenders

The Concordance Academy of Leadership, a non-profit that supports individuals as they re-enter society and the workforce after prison, raised $1 million through its 5th annual gala, “Big Top Bizarre,” held at The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis on Saturday, October 19.

Concordance said it has served nearly 500 participants since 2016, offering pre- and post-release services over the course of 18 months. The organization utilizes a holistic, evidence-driven approach to re-entry to individuals returning to their communities and the workforce after prison. It claims to have reduced reincarceration rates among the population it has served by more than onethird.

“Formerly incarcerated individuals face enormous obstacles when they are released,” said President and CEO Danny Ludeman. “Most have no jobs, no housing, no support system to help them get back on their feet, and the downstream impacts affect every citizen in our city, our state, and our country. For more information, visit www. concordanceacademy.org.

Darcella Craven was selected as a scholar in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. She is president of the Veterans Business Resource Center. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is program to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing greater access to education, capital and business support services. She was one of 152 scholars selected to the 12th cohort of the program, which is operated by Babson College.

Michael Thompson joined Kwame Building Group, a St. Louis-based pure construction management firm, as a Marketing Business Developer. Thompson’s responsibilities are to support KWAME’s diverse business goals and objectives by building and maintaining mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with prospective and existing clients. He has more than four years of marketing and digital media experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Maryville University.

Kimberly Cole RN, MHA will receive the Nursing Leadership Award at the Christian Hospital Foundation Gala on Saturday, November 2. She is manager of the neurology and orthopedics unit at Christian Hospital. Cole earned a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and bachelor’s degree in organizational management, and her nursing degree from Jewish Hospital School of Nursing. She’s been a nurse for 26 years.

Melvin Bell will be recognized for his longtime support of Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center at its Legacy Gala on November 15. He is a special deputy at large of the Prince Hall Masons. “The Legacy Gala is our way of paying tribute to those organizations and individuals that go above and beyond to advocate for and protect children,” said Sara Lahman Annie Malone CEO.

Tishaura O. Jones received the “Game Changer” Award at the NAACP East St. Louis Branch’s 65th Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet. She is treasurer for the City of St. Louis and founder of the Treasurer’s Office of Financial Empowerment. Last month she received the “Delester Mae Dixon Fierce and Fabulous” Award from the Missouri Association of Black Ministers and a DELUX Magazine “Women Who Inspire” Award. Trent Ball joined the Board of Directors of the Ferguson Youth Initiative. He is assistant vice president for Academic Diversity and outreach at Southeast Missouri State University. Founded in 2010, the

Michael Thompson

Melvin Bell

Darcella Craven

William Bradley, vice president of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch, is the St. Louis American

Trent Ball

Scouts from the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Beyond Bars program were honored at the Concordance Academy of Leadership’s October 19 gala.

Kimberly Cole

Photo by Wiley Price

Tishaura O. Jones

By Marissanne LewisThompson

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Save A Lot, the discount grocery retailer based in St. Ann, has opened a new store on the corner of Union and Page boulevards.

Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard, who represents the city’s 26th Ward, said the store will address the food desert in the city’s Hamilton Heights neighborhood.

“There wasn’t in this direct vicinity anywhere where we could buy fresh, healthy, good groceries at good prices,” Hubbard said at a grand opening for the store on Thursday, October 24.

“We were at a disadvantage. You had to buy groceries from places like convenience stores, gas stations,” she said, where the food was not fresh and overpriced.

The 17,000-squarefoot grocery store will sell produce and meat in an area where residents previously had to travel outside of their neighborhood.

“I love it,” Juanemi Haynes said. “I stay around the corner, and we don’t have a store near here. So I used to shop at Pete’s. I’m so grateful, and I thank the Lord for us having a Save A Lot.”

Save A Lot opens store at Union and Page

Fresh food comes to food desert In North St. Louis’ Hamilton Heights neighborhood

The lot housed Pete’s ShurSav Market until it closed its doors in December 2016. The new store, which cost $3.5 million, employs about 30 people. Reid Tuenge, the senior vice president of retail operations at Save A Lot, said the store was an opportunity to meet a need.

“Our commitment to our communities is to be that trusted grocer providing high-

quality products at incredibly competitive pricing,” Tuenge said. “And this was an area that was underserved when it comes to having those types

of opportunities, and it was a perfect place for Save A Lot to be present.”

Resident Bennie ValesAmmons agreed. She said she has had to drive out of her way to shop.

“We haven’t had one in quite a while, and we have to go a few miles to get to a largeenough store to get necessary food,” she said.

Vales-Ammons said the only thing that was missing from this Save A Lot is the bakery. She said she hopes that will be added down the line.

The new store is getting a personalized touch from two local artists. Local muralist Gonz Jove will design a mural

A-B

continued from page B1

at the 20th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon, hosted by the St. Louis American Foundation. While he is honored to receive the award, he said that his success is a reflection of all the great people he works with at Anheuser Busch and his business partners. But most of all, it’s a reflection of the support he receives at home with his wife, Tiffany, and four daughters.

“They really lay a foundation for me that keeps me grounded and really permits me to go out without a worry and work hard for AnheuserBusch every single day,” he said.

Bradley grew up in North St. Louis (“basically on the corner of Marcus and Labadie,” he said) for the first nine years of his life, before his family moved to Spanish Lake. His late father, William Bradley Sr., was a St. Louis city police officer for 35 years. His mother, Amanda Bradley, was a registered nurse for the City of St. Louis. Most of that time she worked at Homer G. Phillips Hospital.

“So I grew up in a household of civil servants, really,” he said.

He went to high school at Hazelwood Central, then earned his associate’s degree from St. Louis Community College – Forest Park, where he also played baseball. His bat and glove were critical to his transferring to Birmingham-

of the store based on a poem by Arthurine Harris. Harris said her poem incorporates elements that represent the community, including hope, healing and history. She said in the past, businesses have come in to take from the community, not give.

“I think it will be amazing for kids, elderly, for community members to see that they are a part of the process,” Harris said. “And the mural will show them that this is their store, this is still their community; Save A Lot is just here to provide a service on their behalf.”

Jove, the muralist, said

Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, where he graduated with a degree in business (with an emphasis in marketing).

He was recruited to Anheuser-Busch by Lincoln Scott, an African-American human rights professional (since retired), who exercised at the Vic Tanny health club where Bradley worked shifts while he tried, and failed, to make it as a professional baseball player.

“I think, candidly, it was at a time when AnheuserBusch, like many other corporations, were looking to expand the diversity of the pool of candidates they were looking at,” Bradley told The American

One of the first questions Scott asked him was whether he had a degree, because many of his peers working at the gym did not. Suddenly that business degree, which was not helping him get signed to a Major League Baseball club, came in handy. “I think that advanced the conversation,” Bradley said. “That was probably a qualifier.”

As Bradley the ballplayer already knew, getting a look was not the same thing as getting a job. After he submitted a resume to human resources, as directed, he went through 18 months of interviews for different job opportunities at A-B that he was not, in the end, offered.

“I just continued to do my due diligence, like you did back then – you know, persistence and follow-ups,” Bradley said. “Back then, it was thank-you letters. Then you just dealt with that

it’s important for community members to see the rich history in their neighborhood. He expects to begin the mural in the spring.

“I can see how our neighborhood is going to benefit from something that Save A Lot is doing,” he said. “But we need to keep on going forward and keep on growing, and the mural has to be an inspirational point of view for everybody to see it and be able to come and say, ‘Oh, let’s do some more.’”

Follow Marissanne on Twitter: @Marissanne2011. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

disappointment of not getting offered a position.” It was after Bradley had been promoted into management at the health club that A-B called him in about yet another position –this time, as a member of the contemporary marketing team, one in a class of 40 individuals, 20 males and 20 females.

“I’m just going to go down there, and it’ll be a waste of time,” Bradley thought. Then, he thought, “It never hurts to get some practice on your interviewing skills,” and he knew that working at the gym was not a career opportunity for him.

This time, he got the job at Anheuser-Busch. Now 28 years on the job later, he is a vice president of the company. But he always keeps in mind the lessons he learned in baseball that have transferred seamlessly into the business world.

“You have to find your processes that work,” he said. “You have to be driven; you have to work hard each and every day. And if you don’t, there’s someone else out there taking more ground balls than you, more swings than you, who is going to take your spot on the roster.”

The 20th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held November 21 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac, with a networking reception at 11 a.m. and luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for Preferred/VIP seating and $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Photo by Marissanne Lewis-Thompson / St. Louis Public Radio

Save A Lot opened a new store on Thursday, October 24 at the corner of Union and Page in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood. along the retainer wall

n “It felt great. First win in the Garden. It was electric. It was crazy.”

– New York Knicks rookie R.J. Barrett, after a victory over Chicago on Monday

Kelly Bryant isn’t the problem, but

Prep playoffs begin on both sides of the river

The postseason begins for teams on both sides of the river beginning this weekend. Here is a brief look at the upcoming district playoffs at Missouri, involving St. Louis area teams. For a complete look at the playoff brackets, you can visit the state’s website at MSHSAA.org.

Earl Austin Jr.

Class 6

District 1 Outlook: A powerful DeSmet team gets the top seed after a 9-0 regular season. They are looking for a long run towards a state championship, but there is quality competition in the field with No. 2 Francis Howell, No. 3 Hazelwood West and No. 4 CBC.

Earl’s Prediction: DeSmet

District 2 Outlook: The wide open field has a mixture of teams from St. Louis, MidMissouri and the Kansas City area. The top three seeds are Gateway Athletic Conference teams Fort Zumwalt West, Holt and Troy. Blue Springs and Rock Bridge also have solid teams in the district.

Earl’s Prediction: Fort Zumwalt West

District 3

Outlook: Top seed Joplin has enjoyed an excellent 9-0 regular season after making a run to the state semifinals a year ago. Rockwood School District rivals Marquette and Lafayette are right behind at No. 2 and No. 3 while a dangerous Kirkwood team

After years of fighting tooth and nail against allowing college athletes to earn any type of meaningful income, the NCAA is calling an audible. The NCAA Board of Governors announced that it will soon allow college athletes to earn a little lunch money.

“In the Association’s continuing efforts to support college athletes, the NCAA’s top governing board voted unanimously to permit students participating in athletics the opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model,” the organization stated in a news release. The statement reads as if the NCAA, in its infinite wisdom, is finally working to allow student athletes to capture the bag as an act of benevolence. In reality, a slew of lawsuits, legislation and widely-shifting social opinion forced the NCAA’s hand.

The first big chip to fall was former UCLA basketball standout Ed O’Bannon’s antitrust class action lawsuit against the NCAA. In 2009, O’Bannon sued after his image and likeness were used without his permission on the video game NCAA Basketball 09 The verdict landed in O’Bannon’s favor in 2014. Unfortunately, it was partially overturned on appeal the following year. However, even the amended ruling upheld that the NCAA is subject to federal antitrust laws. That opened the door for more lawsuits against the organization.

In March, the NCAA caught another legal “L” in Alston v. NCAA. U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken ruled that the NCAA cannot “limit compensation or benefits related to education.”

Neither ruling represented the watershed moment that will allow star NCAA student-athletes to make it rain in the locker room. They were more like vicious body shots

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Gateway STEM’s Erion Jackson (23) runs for daylight in the rain for 123 yards on 23 carries during Saturday’s game against Normandy Saturday, Oct. 26. The Jaguars of Gateway STEM went on to defeat the Vikings of Normandy 22 - 18.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Kelly Bryant isn’t the problem, but many Mizzou fans making him a scapegoat

It took two weeks for Missouri quarterback Kelly Bryant to go from a hero to a zero.

Many Missouri fans seem happier that his team has struggled recently, than they were when the team was ranked in the Top 25 and headed for meaningful showdowns with Georgia and Florida.

The heralded transfer from Clemson put up big numbers in the surprising loss to host Wyoming in the season’s opening game, and Bryant continued to be one of the SEC’s leading quarterbacks during a five-game win streak that followed.

But a loss to pitiful Vanderbilt and the Bryant haters began to surface. Last Saturday’s 29-7 road loss to Kentucky totally unleashed them.

Here’s a sampling:

“Perhaps we have to face the reality that this was going to be a rebuilding season before (Kelly) Bryant transferred in, and it looks like it may be anyways because Bryant isn’t quite the spark we expected.”

QBs do make a huge difference as they initiate each play offensively. Bryant’s issues are obvious and his ability is quite limited. It’s easy to see why Clemson demoted him and let him leave.

I won’t go into the detail that is apparent in his ability, or lack of ability, as it would require too much detail but I don’t see him as anywhere close to being a good division one QB. Bryant has an outstanding 147.2 quarterback rating. Has thrown 14 touchdown passes with five interceptions. He also

has a 62.2 completion percentage. Most colleges in America would be glad to have him. He is, without question, Missouri’s best offensive player. He doesn’t play offensive line or defense. He isn’t the coach, and he isn’t responsible for the idiotic decisions of Barry Odom and the crackpot play calling of offensive coordinator Derek Dooley. Fans take losses hard. As usual with Missouri, you get a sense that there is more to the criticism than just doubting Bryant’s ability.

It’s not all about race, but you best believe that it is a factor.

In Dallas, many fans refuse to believe Dak Prescott is an NFL caliber quarterback.

His numbers, just like Bryant’s, say differently. But the idea of a successful black quarterback just is not in some fans’ mindset. Sadly, I think this is true in Mizzou land.

Bowling for Lovie

When Illinois offered head coach Lovie Smith a contract extension last year, I was amongst the surprised. I wrote here that the deal was more about lowering his buyout figure than it was expected success in coming seasons. Smith has shut me up, and his team is doing the talking now.

The Illini shocked then No. 6 Wisconsin two Saturdays ago and followed that up with an impressive24-6 road win against Purdue.

At 4-4, Smith’s team just needs a home victory over hapless Rutgers on Saturday

After back-to-back losses to Vanderbilt and Kentucky despite being favored to win by more than 10 points in each instance, University of Missouri quarterback Kelly Bryant began to hear criticism from fans.

and a win against visiting Northwestern in the season finale to qualify for a bowl bid.

Illinois lost to Eastern Michigan and an underachieving Nebraska team early in the season. After a blowout loss to Minnesota, Smith preached patience.

His words were drowned out by the calls for his firing.

“With every team, you start off and you want to get better as the season goes along,” Smith said Monday in Champaign.

“Life tells you that you can’t live in the past. We knew we had a second half of football coming up. When you have disappointment early, it’s not the end of the game. I just try to make the comparison in a football game. If you’re behind at the half, what has been decided? Nothing, really.”

It has been 12 years since the Illini won three consecutive Big Ten games. That should change on Saturday. Smith’s team then travels to Michigan State for a winnable game. Up next is Iowa on the road, then the Northwestern game.

Smith is two wins away from a bowl-worthy season. I didn’t see this coming, not by a long shot.

Let the games begin

Last January, I penned an open letter to state Rep. “Chip” Price, extolling him to lead the effort to legalize sports wagering in Missouri. On Jan. 1, Illinois will begin reaping the financial resources from its

wise decision to cash in on the multi-billion-dollar industry.

The time is now for Price and other black legislators to back a sports gaming bill –Missouri is far from first, but will be silly to be near the bottom. Although it seems this state relishes in being amongst the bottom feeders.

Granted that it is his job to paint a rosy picture of the sports gaming industry, but Chris Krafcik, managing director for political and regulatory affairs for Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, told a legislative committee last week that Missouri is neglecting up to $289 million in wagers once fully operational.

If there were a 5 percent tax on these wagers, that would be almost $15 million in state revenues – not to mention the increase of local sales taxes from food, beverage and other purchases from sports gambles.

Krafcik didn’t pull these numbers out the sky. The $289 million figure was calculated based on sports betting in states that acted quickly.

Missouri analysts said the state could see just $48 million in sports gaming revenues during debate about a gaming bill last year. But this was before other states’ financial boom in gaming could be factored in.

Krafcik told the House Special Interim Committee on Gaming, the state’s proposed bill should allow college and professional games wagering. It should also legalize “prop bets” such as the number of strikeouts by a pitcher or the first team to fumble the ball in a football game.

It’s imperative that Missouri also legalize both mobile devices wagering and gaming at existing casinos throughout the state.

Krafcik told the committee that if Missouri limits sports betting to land-based casinos, it would generate about $95 mil-

lion annually in revenue.

“The second that Missouri allows sports betting at both land-based facilities and via mobile devices from anywhere within the state’s borders,” he said.

“And in this scenario, Missouri’s legal sports betting industry would generate approximately $289 million in revenue.”

I probably have very differing politics than state Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon), but he and I agree on this issue.

Either we get on board with sports gaming, or as Ross said, “We’re going to be missing the boat.”

NFL ratings rule TV

Two years ago, the National Football League was done.

Television ratings had taken a dip and the Trumped-up drama surrounding NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem was to blame, said NFL haters.

Some fans vowed to never watch another game. If you listened to the uninformed or blatantly racist football follower, the NFL would be filing for bankruptcy in the next few years.

It is now 2019, and the NFL remains the most dominant force on television – just like it has been for decades.

The Sunday night game between Green Bay and Kansas City recorded a 10.4 rating. This means the number of televisions tuned in was up 25 percent over last year’s game. Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn’t play, yet the number of actual viewers was up 30 percent.

Every game played last Sunday, with the exception of Cleveland at New England, recorded an increase in viewership over last year’s fourth weekend in October.

For the week of Oct. 14-20, the NFL proved once again

it runs the show. It placed six of the top 11 shows that week – and pregame shows outdistanced some of the most popular sitcoms and drama series. Philadelphia at Dallas, Sun. (NBC); Sunday Night Pregame (NBC); Kansas City at Denver, Thur. (FOX); NFL Postgame, Sunday (FOX); Football Night in America (the Cowboys-Eagles game after 10 p.m. central time (NBC); Thursday Night Football Pregame (FOX). Thursday Night NFL Pregame (FOX). If any sport needs to be concerned, it’s Major League Baseball.

According to Nielsen, MLB ratings were up 2 just two percent from March 28-Sept. 29, “while total households were flat across the 29 regional sports networks (RSNs) in the United States.”

This includes Fox Sorts Midwest, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Our region, and our team, are not immune from TV disinterest – even in the postseason.

Cardinals baseball recorded its lowest season TV rating in 20 years.

The five-game series against the Atlanta Braves in a NL Division Series match was the least

among

seven Cardinal appearances in that round. The skein continued in the

Championship Series against the

The

of

ances (7)

Last

Three of the

the NLCS

the

turing Houston at Washington went up against the Packers at Chiefs game – and lost. The NFL contest had an estimated 16.2 million viewers, which is a 5.1 rating. The World Series had 10.2 million viewers and a 2.4 rating.

The Reid Roundup Receiver turned quarterback Lynn Bowden of Kentucky proved he can handle the position against Missouri …You could tell Patrick Mahomes wanted to play on Sunday night against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers… I’m glad Chiefs coach Andy Reid took the conservative approach and kept him inactive… With Dusty Baker not getting the Philadelphia Phillies managerial position, it looks like MLB will go 0-for-8 in hiring a black manager… Washington fans at the World Series began a “lock him up,” chant for President Trump who was at the game on Sunday night… Every year at this time, I really wish St. Louis had an NBA franchise.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

Clutch

Continued from B3 their likeness and hire agents.

Faced with allowing schools in the nation’s most populous state to play by another set of rules, the NCAA was backed into a wall. The organization could either do an about face on the position it has held for decades or come crashing down with that wall. Before you get too excited that the NCAA is finally ready to play ball when it comes to athlete compensation, make sure you take note of the end of its statement: “in a manner consistent with the collegiate model.” That single line tells me that the NCAA will still try to shortchange student-athletes in whatever plan it ultimately puts together. Think about it. When has the NCAA ever embraced meaningful, sensible change on its own?

For decades, college football fans have clamored for a playoff style tournament to end any speculation on a true national

Prep

Continued from B3

checks in at No. 4 with its potent passing attack.

Earl’s Prediction: Joplin

Class 5

District 1

Outlook: The four team district consists of Jackson, Poplar Bluff, Seckman and Fox. Top seeded Jackson has a potent air attack while No. 2 seed Fox prefers the ground game. Both are very good at it.

Earl’s Prediction: Jackson

District 2

Outlook: No. 1 seed Eureka moves down from Class 6 to Class 5 and has a chance to be a big factor in the playoffs. Mehlville and Vianney are the top challengers.

champion. The NCAA finally relented in 2015 with a fourteam “playoff” that continues to shun mid majors and other teams outside the Power Five conferences. The only reason the NCAA has fought so hard against a true football playoff is because it would not be able to command as much cash without all the meaningless, sponsored bowl games. The NCAA also routinely punishes student-athletes with postseason bans for violations committed by corrupt, millionaire coaches. Meanwhile, those coaches generally resign, relocate and reestablish themselves without penalty.

According to a 2017 study by ESPN, college coaches are the highest-paid public employees in 39 of 50 states. Those numbers don’t even include college basketball’s highest paid coach. “Coach K” Mike Krzyzewski earns just under $9M per year but Duke is a private university. The University of Texas’ athletics program raked in more than $219M in 2018. The football program accounted for nearly $145M of the haul.

Earl’s Prediction: Eureka

District 3 Outlook: A very talented district that includes No. 1 seed Chaminade, along with McCluer North, Parkway West and Webster Groves. All four teams are capable of winning the district.

Earl’s Prediction: Chaminade

District 4 Outlook: No. 1 seed Fort Zumwalt North has put together another great regular season with a 9-0 record. They are the solid favorites in this field.

Earl’s Prediction: Fort Zumwalt North

Class 4

District 2

Outlook: A wide open district with several solid teams. No. 1 seed McCluer is enjoy-

You mean to tell me that the student-athletes responsible for bringing in all that money shouldn’t earn more than a “free” education?

After California’s monumental legislation, several other states, including New York, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and others, are considering similar laws. The NCAA’s recent statement is simply its attempt to get out in front of a movement that it has been woefully behind – seemingly forever.

It reminds me of big tobacco’s cancer warning and public service announcements regarding the dangers of smoking. Those companies knew all along that smoking was deadly. They didn’t take the steps to warn the public until lawsuits and court decisions forced them to do so.

Hopefully, states will continue to force the NCAA’s hand. I don’t trust the NCAA to make a decision that will truly benefit student-athletes on its own (especially as long as college sports are carried on the backs of black athletes). After all, its big vote was essentially

ing a big turnaround season, but also watch out for No. 2 Affton and No. 3 St. Mary’s from the South Side. No. 4 Hazelwood East is also capable of making some noise.

Earl’s Prediction: St.

Mary’s

District 3

Outlook: Defending state champion Ladue is the top seed are geared up for another deep playoff run. No. 2 seed Rockwood Summit is 8-1 with a young MICDS team at No. 3.

Earl’s Prediction: Ladue

District 4

Outlook: A wide open field with a number of possibilities to win the championship. Wentzville Liberty gets the No. 1 seed with Hannibal, St. Dominic and Warrenton is pursuit.

Prediction: Liberty

The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTeS of The Week

Journee

White and

Nia Cooper

MICDS – Girls Tennis

The talented young doubles team concluded a stellar season by advancing to the Final Four of the Class 1 state tournament in Nixa.

White, a sophomore, and her freshman partner Cooper defeated Sophia McLellan and Suzanna McLellan of Visitation to win the Class 1, District 6 championship at MICDS. They followed up with a victory over the Visitation duo in a rematch at the Sectionals.

At the state tournament, White and Cooper defeated teams from Bishop DuBourg and Pembroke Hill to advance all the way to the state semifinals. They finished the state tournament in fourth place.

During the regular season, White was also the No. 1 singles player at MICDS while Cooper played No. 2 singles for the Rams.

Local team wins Senior Softball championship

The is 50 Degree softball team owned and coached by Daryll Whitaker recently won a Senior Softball championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, competing against 63 other teams from around the country, as well as Guam and Mexico. The team – named in reference to its players’ ages –went undefeated in the four-day tournament. “We were the only black team to win a major white tournament,” Whitaker said. “It was big for us. The competition was great.” The team also went undefeated for the entire season.

a plan to develop a plan. And history has shown us that all the NCAA really cares about is

Class 3

District 2

Outlook: A good group of solid teams that feature No. 1 Roosevelt, No. 2 St. Clair and No. 3 Borgia. All three are contenders to win the title.

Prediction: Roosevelt

District 3

Outlook: Defending state champion Trinity is the top seed. The Titans have battled through some injuries, but they are a strong unit with many talented athletes. No. 2 Priory and No. 3 John Burroughs have enjoyed winning seasons.

Prediction: Trinity

District 4

Outlook: Top seeded St. Charles West got out of the gate quickly, but tailed off at the end with injuries playing a big role. Right behind West is No. 2 seed Lutheran St. Charles; a young a talented

Be sure to check In the Clutch online and also follow

team.

Prediction: Lutheran St. Charles

Class 2

District 2

Outlook: Undefeated Lutheran North is the No. 1 seed and one of the favorites to win a state championship. The Crusaders are loaded. Also in the field are excellent teams in 8-1 Lift for Life and 7-2 Duchesne, who should meet in the semifinals.

Prediction: Lutheran North

Eastside action

Illinois State Playoffs (First Round Matchups)

Class 8: St. Charles East at Edwardsville, Friday, 6 p.m.

Class 6: Morgan Park at

Ishmael on Twitter @ishcreates.

East St. Louis, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Class 4: Roxana at Columbia, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Breese Central at Effington, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Murphysboro at Civic Memorial, Saturday, 4 p.m.

Class 5: Mascoutah at Carbondale, Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Highland at Cahokia, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Triad at Marion, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Class 3: Alton Marquette at Fairfield, Saturday, 2 p.m.

West Frankfort at Mater Dei, Saturday, 1 p.m.

the Benjamins.

Arts and Education Council awards Diversifying the Arts grants

Black Rep, Griot Museum of Black History among nine awardees from $50K fund

American staff

The Arts and Education Council awarded nine grants to local arts organizations that, according to the council, “demonstrate diversity or seek to expand support of programs, leadership and access and that show promise for creative new directions in arts and cultural programming.”

The Black Rep, CAIRMissouri, Cinema St. Louis, Creative Reaction Lab, Gateway Korea Foundation, The Griot Museum of Black History, Intersect Arts Center, Metro Trans Umbrella Group and MindsEye all received grants from the Creative Impact Fund for Diversifying the Arts. funded by a $50,000 gift from local community leaders.

The Black Rep will perform the musical “Bubbling Brown Sugar.” CAIR-Missouri will present the Great Muslim Food Festival. Cinema St. Louis will produce its thirteenth annual QFest of LGBTQ+ films. Creative Reaction Lab will teach diverse youth to design healthy and equitable communities. Gateway Korea Foundation will curate a collection on Korean textile art. The Griot Museum of Black History will produce an illustrated booklet. Intersect Arts Center will studio sessions, mentorship and exhibitions. Metro Trans

Umbrella Group will curate an art exhibition, Transcending the Spectrum. MindsEye will create a safe space for artists, people with disabilities and community leaders to discuss improving accessibility. Applications were reviewed by a community advisory panel after an advisory committee was formed to guide the council in the program’s development. The committee members were Chris Clark of Cinema St.

Financial Focus

By Aaron Ezell

Students learn to screen print at Intersect Arts Center.

Louis, Carmen Dence of Grupo Atlantico, Jason Frazier of MindsEye, Ron Himes of the Black Rep, Sayer Johnson of Metro Trans Umbrella Group, Faizan Syed of CAIRMissouri, Solomon Thurman Jr. of 10th Street Gallery, and Sara Burke and Keith Tyrone Williams of the Arts and Education Council board. For more information, visit KeepArtHappening.org/grantprograms.

Take greater control of your 401(k)

If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan, you’ve got a powerful retirement-savings tool at your disposal. And yet, how well you do with your 401(k) depends greatly on your choices and actions. What steps can you take to maximize the benefits of your plan? For starters, be aware that your 401(k) may come with what might be called “standard” features, which you should review to determine their applicability to your situation. These features include the following:

• Default deferral rate –When you take a job, your employer may automatically enroll you in the company’s 401(k) plan and assign a “default” contribution rate –the percentage of your salary you will put in to your 401(k). Many companies choose a default rate of 3 percent, although, in recent years, there has been a move toward higher rates, even up to 6 percent. Unfortunately, too many people don’t question their default rate, which could be a problem, especially if it’s at the lower end. If you want your 401(k) to ultimately provide you with as many financial resources as possible, you will likely need to contribute as much as you can afford. So, be aware of your default

rate, and, if you can possibly afford it, increase that level. And every time your salary goes up, consider boosting your contributions.

• Investment mix – When you’re

Photo courtesy Intersect Arts Center

Salon professionals learn from the best in the hair business

26th

DaRico Jackson among speakers for CCG Consultant Group’s ‘The Chair’

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Twenty-seven years in this business and I’ve watched very talented hairstylists pass on and there has to be a GoFundMe page, because they never protected themselves or their investment,” said Stephanie Ballwin, a stylist who is also a financial professional with New York Life.

Ballwin’s remarks during the introduction of vendors were just a few of the gems dropped Sunday afternoon thanks to CCG Consulting Group’s presentation of “The Chair: Advanced Education for Salon Professionals.”

“I’m

n “The best hairdressers in the world come from right here,” Jackson said. “Even our worst hairdressers are better than what I’m seeing in my community in L.A.”

- DaRico Jackson

Some of the region’s top stylists, salon owners and product providers gathered to get down to business about their industry and learn more about marketing, finances and industry trends.

Kasi Lemmons finds her North Star in ‘Harriet’

Triumphant biopic of American hero by director from St. Louis

By Dawn Suggs Of The St. Louis American

Last year, Kasi Lemmons came to St. Louis dressed for the weather during our most bracing winter in 30 years to screen her masterful first film “Eve’s Bayou” and to promote “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” a new work for Opera Theatre of St. Louis for which she wrote the libretto. She is used to climate extremes, having lived here as a child and experienced the blistering summers and numbing winters of St. Louis.

n There are some revenge fantasy moments in “Harriet,” like when Harriet makes the sons of her former master pay for their horrid treatment of her sister’s children.

Shooting a film under such conditions can be brutal. Lemmons, her cast and crew had to contend with “grueling conditions” in an “uncharacteristically wet” Virginia in the fall of 2018, she said, when they shot “Harriet,” a biographical film about the great abolitionist and feminist Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman, as a conductor for the Underground Railroad, helped over 70 family, friends, and other enslaved people escape slavery. During the Civil War she led the raid at the Combahee Ferry, which liberated over 700 slaves. As the only woman in American history known to have led a military expedition, Tubman’s accomplishments are of such great proportion that it’s difficult to fathom how any human being could accomplish all that she did. She led around 13 trips to help

Cinematic accessibility

By Kenya Vaughn

Saturday, established and aspiring

sionals

organization that seeks to expand diversity in the field of media and media arts – will give locals an opportunity to get knowledge not typically afforded to those outside of the coasts and major film festivals.

The conference is really intended to bring together that’s in the production community, not only in St. Louis, but the Midwest region,”

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

Thur., Oct. 31, 7:45 p.m., Mildred Thimes Foundation 15th Annual Benefit Concert. Celebrating the male crooners: Tony Bennett, Teddy Pendergrass, and others. With comedienne Monique Marvez. Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents the No Limit Reunion Tour with Master P and Mystikal. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Nov. 2, 8 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Skizzy Mars: The Free Skizzy Mars Tour With Yoshi Flower and Grady. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. delmarhall.com.

Sat., Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Todrick: Haus Party Tour. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. delmarhall.com.

Fri., Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Fabulous Fox Theatre welcomes Commissioned Reunion Experience: An All White Affair. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Big Freedia & Low Cut Connie: Azz Across America Tour. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. delmarhall.com.

Sat., Nov. 9, 8 p.m., Sheldon’s Rhythm & Jazz Series presents Harlem 100 Feat. Mwenson & the Shakes with special guests Brianna Thomas, Michela Marino Lerman, and Vuyo Sotashe. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Wed., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., Brian McKnight. River City Casino & Hotel, 777 River City Casino Blvd., 63125. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., Black Violin: Impossible Tour. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

local gigs

Sat., Nov. 9, 6 p.m., SLACO Blues Off Grand Performances by Marsha Evans, Gene Jackson, Blue Lotus Revue with Roland Johnson, and many more. 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m., BeBe Creative presents It’s Alright! Feat. BeBe & The Neosouls, Maxa, Frankie DoWop & Asa. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 30, 8 p.m., A Smooth Evening with Jeanette Harris and Althea Rene. The Queens of Soul Jazz. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

special events

Sat., Nov. 2, 10 a.m., Community STEM Day. Students and families are welcomed to join us or a fun and interactive day of STEM engagement. O’fallon Park Rec Complex, 4343 W. Florissant Ave., 63115.

Sat., Nov. 2, 6 p.m., The Legendary Miss Fannie’s Ball. Hosted by the Vivacious Vicky Valentino. The

The Guide

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 2, 2 & 7 p.m., Enterprise Center presents The Original Harlem Globetrotters. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. enterprisecenter.com.

Sat., Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Delta Omega Chapter presents their Annual T-Shirt Dance Madison County Fireman’s Hall, 9510 Collinsville Rd., Collinsville, IL. 62234. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., Nov. 3, 5 p.m., Community Women Against Hardship 31st Annual Circle of Support Gala. CeCe Teneal pays a soul-stirring tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. For more information, visit www.cwah. org.

Nov. 5 – 6, 7:30 p.m., A Lovely Night of Muny Magic. Feat. Mikaela Bennett & Alex Prakken. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Thur., Nov. 7, 5:30 p.m., The Twillman House Legacy Social. 11840 Bellefontaine Rd., in Spanish Lake, MO. For more information, go to www. spanishlakecdc.org. RSVPs are appreciated to angela@ spanishlakecdc.org or (314) 733-9020.

Fri., Nov. 8, 6 p.m., The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. louis (BGCSTL) Annual Great Futures Gala. Chase Park Plaza, 212 Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.bgcstl. org.

Fri., Nov. 8, 6 p.m., The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) annual Great Futures Gala, Chase Park Plaza. For more information, visit www.bgcstl. org.

Sat., Nov. 9, 9 a.m., Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk. Soldiers Memorial, 1315 Chestnut, 63103. For more information, visit www.stpatrickcenter.org.

Sat., Nov. 9, 10 a.m., Black Business Saturday. Food, music, shopping, and guest speakers. 4240 Duncan Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Nov. 9, 6 p.m., Epworth Children & Family Services

River City Casino & Hotel welcomes Brian McKnight. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Volunteers will enjoy upbeat music, appetizers, and adult beverages while helping sort supplies. 1644 Lotsie Blvd., 63132. For more information, visit www. operationfoodsearch.org.

Fri., Nov. 22, 6 p.m., Show Me Classic. Lincoln vs. Harris Stowe, and a battle of the bands. There will also be an HBCU Experience Admissions, Scholarship and College Fair. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.hssu.edu/ showmeclassic.

Sat., Nov. 23, 6:15 p.m., Maryville University presents The Musial Awards. The show will be televised nationally on CBS in December. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. musialawards.com.

Tues., Nov. 26, 6 p.m., Generation Next presents HBCU Experience Tour 2020 – Skate Night Fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the HBCU bus tour. Skate King, 2700 Kienlen Ave., 63121. For more information, visit www.shalomccop.org.

hosts its 17th Annual Wine Dinner & Auction. Dinner and wine pairings, live and silent auctions, and performance by the Tim Cunningham Band. RitzCarlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, visit www.epworth.org

Thurs., Nov. 14, Girls Inc. 13th Annual Strong, Smart and Bold Luncheon, Ritz-Carlton. For more information, To register and purchase tickets: www.2019ssb. eventbrite.com

Sat., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., NAMI St. Louis presents the Unmasking Beautiful Minds Annual Gala & Award Ceremony. Chase Park Plaza, 212 Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.namistl.org.

Thurs., Nov. 21, 11 a.m., World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation present The St. Louis American Foundation’s 20th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business, Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. For more information, visit www. stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000.

Thur., Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m., Operation Food Search’s Holiday Rap ‘N Pack.

Saturdays, 8 a.m., The Ferguson Farmers Market Plaza at 501, 501 S. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Fri., Nov. 1, 7 p.m., The Power of Aesthetics. Larry Ossei-Mensah, Susanne Feld Hilberry Senior Curator at The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and co-founder of ARTNOIR. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Nov. 9, 5 p.m., Opening reception for A Solo Exhibit of Artwork by Linda S. Wilmes (runs Nov. 3-29), The Lillian Yahn Galler, 3028 Winghaven Blvd. O’Fallon, Mo. For more information, call (636) 265-1911.

Sat., Nov. 30, 2 p.m., Abstract Art by Black Artists: A Collector’s Journey. Art collector Ronald Ollie will discuss his influences and the individuals who have inspired him. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

comedy

Nov. 15 – 17, Helium Comedy Club presents Arnez J. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117. For more information, visit www. heliumcomedy.com.

Nov. 22 – 23, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., Helium Comedy Club presents Michael Blackson. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117.

theatre

Nov. 8 – 9, Ashoka presents Diwali 2019. Celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights. Edison Theater, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. edison.wustl.edu.

Sat., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Immigrant Song: The Stories and Music of American Arrival. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Nov. 15 – 17, Fox Theatre presents STOMP. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Nov. 20 – 21, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: Gift of Christmas Tour. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Nov. 21 – 24, Washington University Performing Arts Department presents For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf. A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.edison.wustl.edu.

Tues., Nov. 26, Fox Theatre presents The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Nov. 29 – 30, Cirque Dreams Holidaze. over 300 spectacular costumes and 20 of the world’s most astonishing acts. Fabulous Fox, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

lectures and workshops

Sat., Nov. 2, 10 a.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter and the Ivy Alliance Foundation presents Credit Asset Seminar. In partnership with Justine Peterson. 1124 Lumiere Place Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Wed., Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m., Financial Aid Basics. A free workshop to aid students and families in successfully navigating the financial aid process. The Scholarship Foundation, 6825 Clayton Ave., 63117. For more information, visit www.sfstl. org.

Sun., Nov. 10, 4 p.m., Speak Now: Claudia Schreier. The award-winning Artistic Director of Claudia Schreier & Company. COCA, 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www. cocastl.org.

Thur., Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m., The New Negro: From the Combat Battlefields of France to the Urban Battlefields of St. Louis:

The Colored Soldier and His African American Community of World War I. Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, visit www. maplewoodpubliclibrary.com.

Thur., Nov. 28, 7 p.m., John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics presents When Islam Is Not A Religion: Inside America’s Fight for Religious Freedom. A lecture by Asma Uddin, followed by a panel discussion. Knight Hall, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-9345 or visit www.rap.wustl.edu.

health

Sat., Nov. 2, 5:30 p.m., The Christian Hospital Foundation will host its Christian Hospital Foundation Gala. Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. For reservations, sponsorship benefits and additional information, visit www. christianhospital.org/Gala.

Sat., Nov. 16, 9 a.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter presents Caregivers Impact Day. Event is free and open to the public. Friendly Village

Apartments, 5521 Wells Ave., 63112. For more information, call (314) 550-2301.

spiritual

Sat., Nov. 2, 11 a.m., Fashion & Faith Experience. A luncheon to honor 10 women in ministry from various faiths who impact our community. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. fashionandfaithexperience. com.

Sun., Nov. 3, 3 p.m., 109th WMU Annual Day, Galilee Baptist Church, 4300 Delmar. Nov. 5 – 12, Church of God in Christ invites you to The 112th Holy Convocation:

Miracles, Signs and Wonders…It’s Getting Ready to Happen. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.cogic.org.

Sat., Nov. 9, 10 a.m., Emmanuel Temple Church of God’s Women Department presents Fall Bazaar. 4935 Union Blvd., 63115. For more information, call (314) 598-8187.

Sat., Nov. 9, 8 p.m., New Life Evangelistic Center Christmas Market, For more information, call (314) 4213020.

Sat., Nov. 16, 9 a.m., The Alzheimer’s Association presents Aging-Friendly Congregations Workshop.

Centennial Christian Church, 4950 Fountain Ave.,63113. To register, call (800) 2723900.

Sat., Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m., Third Presbyterian Church hosts its Annual Hustle & Show Expo. Shoe shining, automotive goods and services, food, travel, health and beauty and so much more. 9990 Lewis and Clark Blvd., 63137. For more information, visit www. thirdchurchstl.com.

Sat., Nov. 16, 1 p.m., 49th Church Anniversary Benefit Jazz Concert feat. Rod Tate. Christ Community United Methodist Church, 8841 Old Lucas Hunt Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 388-1211.

Fri., Nov. 1, Kasi Lemmons’ Harriet, starring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monae opens in theaters nationwide.

Nov. 7 – 17, 2019 Saint Louis International Film Festival. International films, documentaries, American indies, and shorts that can only be seen on the big screen at the festival at one of our many participating locations. For more information, visit www.cinemastlouis.org.

Sat., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Film Screening: The Rest. A story of refugees who have arrived in Europe, fleeing war, poverty, and persecution in the Middle East. Brown Hall, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.

Sun., Nov. 17, 2 p.m., Hidden Colors 5 Screenings & Discussion Part 1. A documentary about the real and untold history of people of color around the globe. Better Family Life, 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Black Violin: Impossible Tour. See CONCERTS for details.

“You need to put in the work as far as the business goes,” said Harris. “Because, if you don’t put in the work, the business will work you to death.”

She discussed developing income streams, managing expenses, and making their business make sense and profits as they attempt different services for multiple revenue streams.

“The first thing I think about with new ventures to make money, is, ‘How much does it cost me?’ and, ‘Is it worth my time?” Harris said. “Is it worth being on your menu? Can you take it off? Sometimes yes is the answer. For me, braiding was not bringing in enough money for me and it was killing my hands – so I took it off. If you spend eight hours in the salon and you’ve only made $300, that’s a problem.”

In addition to earnings, Harris kept it real about expenses, taxes and savings.

“There’s no one size fits all, but you don’t know what you need to save if you don’t know what your expenses are,” Harris said.

Jackson, who is currently a top artist for Clairol and has worked as a celebrity stylist in Los Angeles for nearly 20 years, used a portion of his session giving those in the room props for their work – and the work of the local cosmetology community for giving him the tools he needed for Hollywood.

“In everything I do outside of this city I am always representing St. Louis because this is where I came from and this is where I got my training,” Jackson said.

Though his days of working for 10-plus hours on end

Freddie J, world renowned hair stylist and shop owner known for her appearance in the Chris Rock film “Good Hair,” was among those who spoke to local salon professionals at CCG Consultant Group’s “The Chair” Sunday at Artist Art.

at Crazy Combs on Natural Bridge are over, he sees his hometown as a fertile breeding ground for the entire industry.

“The best hairdressers in the world come from right here,” Jackson said. “Even our worst hairdressers are better than what I’m seeing in my community in L.A.”

Jackson’s talk was as much about motivating, inspiring and empowering as it was about hair care trends that included lace front wigs, weaves, cuts and color.

He commended getting the necessary education to remain relevant in the industry as well as investing in acquiring more knowledge and protecting their profession as deregulations threaten the field of cosmetology.

“You’re not going to trust some nurse or some doctor without education to work on

you,” Jackson said.

During his talk, Jackson was presented with a resolution from Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard.

“I’m so honored to be able to present you with this because I’m a fan, “Clark Hubbard said. “I’m a stylist as well. I’ve been doing hair for over 20 something years. I remember you were so inspirational to us when we were in beauty school. We were like, ‘I want to be like Rico.’”

She told him that anyone who researches city records on November 1 will know his name, accomplishments and contributions to the city of St. Louis.

St. Louis loves you,” Clark Hubbard said. “We claim you and you continue to be an inspiration and a model for hairstylists, like myself, that look up to you.”

Michael Francis, producer for the In Motion Filmmaking Conference. “To give them a place where they can get the resources and the things that they need to take their careers, crafts and projects to the next level – and give them the access to the people that can help them get there.”

The all-day conference will take place at COVO and will include more than 200 filmmakers, 30 speakers and a pitch competition.

“The support for the conference has truly blown away our expectations, and we continually hear from filmmakers ‘Thank you so much for organizing this! Our region really needs it,’” explains Dan Parris, conference director of In Motion and executive director of Continuity.

Francis says In Motion is for everyone from beginning to professional.

“Whether they are trying to figure out how to shoot, whether they are writers or actors or people looking to get more work in the industry or people who are trying to figure out how to create their own stuff,” Francis. “They will learn more about how to find funding, how to get distribution, how you sell your project and everything in between. We have people who will be there and available to give them those pieces to move forward with what they want to do.”

Among the professionals that will speak at In Motion is St. Louis native MarKus Burns. He is one of the executive producers of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta – part of a franchise of another St. Louisan, Andy

Cohen – and a producer on the USA hit “Chrisley Knows Best.”

“He’s from St. Louis and producing multiple shows and has climbed the ranks from PA (production assistant) to producer and is looking to help grow people from St. Louis and bring people to St. Louis,” Francis said of Burns.

Others on the roster with roots in the region include filmmakers Damon Davis, Christopher Phillips, Bradley J. Rayford, David Kirkman, New York based Martisse Hill and L.A. based content creator Brittney Janae.

“She’s been doing content development for a-list celebrities and making her mark,” Francis said. “She’s trying to inspire and build pathways for young women to be able to find their space and get their voice out there.”

Francis helps run the three largest production groups in St. Louis – the St. Louis Production Team Facebook group, Film Everything St. Louis Facebook group and Film Everything St. Louis the meetup group.

Two of the groups have more than a thousand people and the third has 800.

He was approached by Parris about getting the people attempting to find their way in the filmmaking industry to acclimate them to the conference’s intention and get them on board for it.

He ended up as the producer of the first In Motion Conference.

“One of the great benefits of the what we are doing and the partnerships that have come out of this is that people right here are going to have access,” Francis said. “It will spur more people to do more things and create higher quality work –which is really key for the con-

ference.” Francis wants people to know how much more accessible the art of filmmaking has become thanks to technological advancements.

“Technology has made it a lot more affordable for people to start creating things,” Francis said. “Doing film – we call it film, but we really shoot on videos these days – but film [back when it was actually film ] was very, very expensive to produce anything because you needed so much stuff.

“You can shoot things on phones and you can actually get decent pictures on phones. And if you really know what you’re doing, you can make a phone look like a real camera.”

Francis says the beauty of what’s happening with technology and the beauty of what the conference will provide is that it will give people in the region – including people who have felt historically that they aren’t seeing themselves on screen or on the production credits, or feel that they don’t have access – the opportunity to see how they can go about creating space for themselves within the industry.

“It is totally possible to achieve their production dreams right here in this part of the country- right here in St. Louis specifically,” said Francis. “It is totally possible, doable and there are people already doing it.”

The In Motion Filmmaking Conference will take place from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 2 at COVO. For tickets or more information –including to purchase tickets, a full schedule and complete list of speakers and programming –visit www.inmotionconference. com.

for Lemmons whose role as a filmmaker was akin to being a conductor. To gain access to the means of production as a black woman and make feature films is no small feat.

“Harriet” is film geared toward a broad audience, yet it stays true to its mission of evoking the spirit, character and unique power and character of Harriet the woman and giving homage to the breadth of her historical achievement.

In the first scene, we see Harriet laid out on the ground. We learn that she is unusual because she has spells which give her visions. An injury to the head when she was 13 almost killed her and caused her to have spells, or blackouts, which led to visions. Harriet is immediately relatable in this scene because we see that she is loved by a man, her husband,

a free man, and her family, with whom she lives on the plantation. The camera hovers and languishes over Harriet’s body lying on the ground. She moves agitatedly as she has a vision and then wakes from it. Her husband sweeps her up into his arms and tenderly kisses her.

This first spell that we witness as an audience is a spell which brings up agonizing memories of her sisters being sold, conveyed cinematically with de-saturated footage representing the past. She also sees water, sparkling pixelated footage of this life source, which will help guide Harriet in her escape. Another image introduced, which will return during her many spells throughout the film, is that of hundreds of feet running. The full significance of this particular image isn’t revealed until the end of the film. Some audience members might find these montages a bit disconcerting at first. The director makes us

Kasi Lemmons, writer-director of the film “Harriet.”

feel disoriented, like Harriet experiencing a spell.

In collaboration with her cinematographer, John Toll, Lemmons aptly evokes a feeling of closeness to Harriet’s character by the way they film the actress, Cynthia Erivo, who plays her. Over-the-shoulder shots, which seems to place the camera squarely at the

nape of Erivo’s neck, simulate Harriet’s perspective. A feeling of proximity to the character is also created by extremely tight close-ups capturing the slightest expression on her face, even the most guarded grimace or involuntary wink.

Lemmons’ direction and Toll’s cinematography are spoton in this regard, and a lesser

actress than Erivo would not withstand such scrutiny by the camera. We feel Erivo as an incarnation of Harriet Tubman living and breathing as she would during every one of her scenes. This is a testament to her talent and having a talented writer-director like Kasi Lemmons, an actor herself, setting her up to make that leap.

“Harriet” was edited for mature audiences due to the violence. We never see slaves being whipped at the hands of the overseer, though huge keloid scars up and down some characters’ backs indicate past violence. In one scene, a free black woman and abolitionist, Marie Buchanan (played convincingly by Janelle Monae) is chased by a slave hunter and then tortured.

There are some revenge fantasy moments in “Harriet,” like when Harriet makes the sons of her former master pay for their horrid treatment of her sister’s children, which allows the audience to release some of the built-up tension.

The film also is peppered with moments of comic relief, such as a slave tracker’s confession that he has never been introduced to God. These moments help the audience pace themselves for the harrowing moments throughout. Terence Blanchard has composed a noteworthy score which strikes the right pitch and has some interesting flourishes, which seamlessly expand the aural universe, punctuating the narrative of the film. The filmmaker has her last say in a small moment, one of my favorites in the film. Harriet’s abolitionist friend William Still (played by Leslie Odom Jr.) is taking a picture of her. He tries to adjust her hand so that she will strike the pose that he wants. She brushes his hand away and holds her hand as she sees fit with a stern look on her face as if to say: “I will control my own image and determine how I will be portrayed and remembered for the ages.”

Anniversary

Jr. is their Pastor. James serves as a Deacon and President of the Male Chorus and Kimerly serves as a Deaconess and a Group Captain on the Senior Usher Board.

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Central High School Class of 1970 is in the process of planning its 50-year reunion

in 2020. We are trying to locate former classmates. If you would like to receive additional information as we plan this momentous occasion, please provide your contact information to either Lillian McKinney at mamajoyce314@ icloud.com or (314) 335-9760, Eric Armstrong at elarmstr@ yahoo.com or (918) 6503385, Sabra Morris-Pernod at Saboots@centurytel.net or (314) 703-0812.

Calling all students of the Katherine Dunham Dance

Celebrations

Birthdays

Career Cheers

Apostle Arlene B. McClendon, Pastor/Founder of Chronicles Christian Center Church in Florissant, Mo will celebrate her birthday on November 3. She worked for 17 years as a barber, 20 years as an instructor and was the first black woman to serve on Missouri’s state professional board for her industry. She has been married for 46 years to Elder Kenneth W. McClendon and is the proud mother of Dr. Ingrid D. Carter (Antonio) and Iris K. McClendon and the grandmother of Toni D. Carter.

Happy 1st Birthday to Aiden Barsh on November 8. He is such a bundle of joy. From waking up with a smile on his face to laughing out loud and enjoying life, he has really brought more love and happiness to our family. Love, Mommy & Daddy

Technique, as well as lovers of the arts. Sylvester “Sunshine” Lee and Valerie Adams will be celebrating over 40 years of working with E. St. Louis’ Youth. The Royal Wakanda Ball is Saturday, October 26, 219 at 5pm at 603 North 59th Street-E. St. Louis, IL 62208. For more information text Ms. V. Adams at 618-420-9926.

Vashon-Hadley Old School Reunion 1960-67, October 19, 2019, 2-6 pm at The Atrium in Christian Hospital. For more

Congratulations to my awesome son, Robert Whitfield, for completing the Missouri Real Estate Brokers examination! Way to go, son! Robert was also named as one of the top real estate sales agents for the month of September 2019, for Coldwell Banker Gundaker Corporate Centre in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

details text (only) Brenda Mahr at 314-580-5155 or email at: brendamahr@att.net.

Vashon High School Class of 1969 Alumni Committee is planning its 50-year reunion: October 18 and 19, 2019 at the Renaissance Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road, Berkeley, MO. Meet and Greet will take place Friday night from 6-10 p.m. Reunion Banquet is Saturday, 6-11 p.m. Contact Genies Jordan 314448-6658, Yvonne Clemons 314-620-0551 for additional

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,

information or email Liz35206@yahoo.com to register.

Vashon High School Class of 1974 is planning for its 45-year reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-640-5842, Jordan Perry 314-7244563, or LaVerne JamesBady 314-382-0890.

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

James and Kimerly Moody will be celebrating their 10th Wedding Anniversary on November 14, 2019. They are longtime members of Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. Earl E. Nance,

Mt. Zion Baptist Church celebrates pastor’s anniversary

Rev. Curtis E. Levingston and First Lady Michele Levingston honored Nov. 2-3

By Pamela Bolden

For The St. Louis American

Mt. Zion Baptist Church will celebrate its pastor, the Rev. Curtis E. Levingston, and wife Michele Levingston’s sixth anniversary during morning worship services at 10:40 a.m. Sunday, November 3, at the church, located at 2235 Bond Ave. in East St. Louis.

Special guest Michael Runnels, president of the Congress of Christian Education for the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, will speak from the occasion’s theme, “A Servant Who Knows-With God All Things are Possible,” taken from Matthew 19:26.

Levingston, who earned a doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, in 2015, became the twelfth spiritual leader of Mt. Zion in 2013. His visit to the Holy Land in 2011 made a profound impression on his spiritual journey and came to define his ministry. He is a strong proponent of the importance of discipleship, worship, education and stewardship. Learning and training are encouraged at the church to live out the pastor’s vision for “an effective, liberating, biblical and educational institution.”

Since becoming pastor,

he immediately launched the church into the 21st century with the development of a website and social media platforms. Among other initiatives, he began a Layman’s Ministry for members who are not clergy, or ordained, to cultivate the Christian life through study, worship, fellowship and service. He has engrossed himself in spiritual leadership opportunities and community outreach. Among his involvements are roles as chaplain for the local Fairview Heights and East St. Louis police departments; assistant general secretary of the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois and 2nd vice moderator of the local New Salem Baptist District Association. In addition to serving as president of the Congress of Christian Education for the state convention, Runnels is pastor of Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois. He has pastored the church for 23 years. The church’s motto, “Building relationships to build up people to build the Kingdom,” guides the work of the 92-year-old church. After services, all members and guests are invited to dine together in the church’s fellowship hall to continue anniversary festivities.

The anniversary committee is led by Bessie B. Peabody. Recognition of first lady

Mt. Zion will host a celebratory brunch in honor of Michele Levingston’s sixth

anniversary as the church’s First Lady. The brunch is free of charge and will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 2 at the church’s Mission East location, 425 N. 88th St. in East St. Louis.

The Message Salvation is found in no one else

Sometimes I have the audacity to think that I know just what it takes to guarantee salvation, only to discover with minimal soul searching how wrong I really have been. Time and time again I’m reminded that I had nothing to do with my own salvation. No matter how hard I try, I cannot earn my way into heaven. Hell is a different story

The more I read and the more I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, the more I understand that I just need to get over it.

Scripture reinforces the fact that I need to stop fooling myself into believing that I’ve got it like that, when in fact I really don’t. I am powerless in this regard. I am naked and clearly vulnerable when it comes to realizing that Christ is the way the truth and the light of my salvation.

believe He is coming back with a purpose?

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

James

That may sound trite to some of you, but my struggle is not to read anything into this simply fact. God has given all of us, not just me, the only guarantee possible to secure eternal life. His name is Jesus. We can come up with all kinds of scenarios about works and lifestyle and love and various other points of reference because the Bible is full of examples, along with the importance of each. However, in the final analysis, the answer is still Jesus.

The question is: Can you accept that? Can you accept and do you believe? Can you internalize His crucifixion as absolution for sin? Do you

The entire Bible rests on this one set of principles that should guide us in the development and maturing of our faith. As such, my focus must change from trying to earn the right to enter eternity to rejoicing in a job well done by Jesus. He definitely did what I couldn’t and you can’t. It makes sense then to honor God by honoring His child. I can do that by expressing thanks and sincere appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice on my behalf. That expression of appreciation can, and indeed should, manifest itself in an attempt to copy His style, emulate His ways, live according to His Word, never questioning His motive. This is not hard to understand. This is the gospel. The question is: Can you handle it? The answer requires a relationship between you and the God you claim to serve. He knows what is deep down inside and so do you. For me, it can often be a struggle, one that I am certainly willing to undertake. I must. I have to. “However I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24.

Rev. Curtis E. Levingston is celebrating his sixth anniversary as pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis.

Columnist

Washington

ACCOUNTANT

Leveraged Resources Management, Inc. (LRM) a subsidiary of ARCHS is seeking a full- time Accountant. The ideal candidate will have experience in digital payroll processing, EFTPS and MODR on-line tax payments, and quarterly/annual payroll filings. Duties include A/P Processing, General Ledger Closes (monthly) and Payroll Processing. Experience with Abila MIP payroll software desirable. Accounting/Business degree required. No Phone Calls Please. Send resume and cover letter to careers@stlarchs.org or Fax to HR 314-289-5670.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Responsible for oversight, performance, quality of work and compliance with department policy and procedures of all assigned staff and their corresponding support functions.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

LARGE CASUALTY WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS MANAGER

Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as provide assistance in various administrative functions associated with the primary WC LOB. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/ JANITORIAL -

BENEFITS MANAGER

Responsible for planning and managing operations of group benefits programs. Performs tasks in line with practices and objectives that will provide an employee-oriented, high performance culture that emphasizes empowerment, quality, productivity and standards, goal attainment and the ongoing development of a superior workforce. Participates in the development of processes and metrics that support the achievement of the organization’s business goals. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

OFFICE MANAGER

The Office Manager is responsible for overall supervision and coordination of office operations to advance the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter. Key responsibilities for all three office locations include office volunteer management, donation processing, technology operations support, landlord relations, inventory controls, and facility maintenance. Please apply online at our website: www.alz.org

CITY OF JENNINGS JOB OPENINGS

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Code Enforcement Inspectors, Correctional Officers, Public Works Street/Park Laborers, P/T Bus Driver, P/T Site Monitor, Permit Clerk, Court Clerk, & P/T Prosecuting Attorney Clerk. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org. Applications are available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website at www.cityofjennings.org.

The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for  employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

STARRS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for the STARRS Executive Director position. Starting salary is $83,652 annually. Resumes will be accepted October 29, 2019 through November 12, 2019. Please follow the link to view the post at http://www.ewgateway.org/careers/. An Equal Opportunity Employer

RECEPTIONIST

Responsible for all duties and functions of Safety National’s reception desk including the telecommunication system and welcoming visitors, under the direction of the AVP Facilities.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

JOB OPENINGS!

The Missouri Historical Society has position openings for the following:

• Epsilon-Dalzell Premier Film Preservationist

• Objects Preservation Administrator

• Special Projects Photographer, Lindbergh 100

Please visit www.mohistory.org under the “Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

CASUALTY CLAIMS ANALYST

Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as provide assistance in various administrative functions associated with the Automobile and General Liability LOB.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

CITY OF ST PETERS, MO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you a team player? Work for an employer who values and supports teamwork for their employees.

St. Peters Rec-Plex and Golf Course offer their employees competitive pay and a chance to work in a fun atmosphere.

To view current openings and to apply please visit: https://mo-stpeters.civicplushrms. com/careers/ AA/EOE

STAFF RN

Nurses for Newborns (NFN) is an independent non-profit organization that serves prenatal, postpartum women, infants and families in St. Louis City and County. NFN nurses work with families in their homes with a goal of nurturing infants and strengthening families. If you are looking to make a difference in the lives of these families NFN is looking for you! NFN nurses independently provide in-home nursing visits following Clinical Guidelines in planning care, assessing client needs and utilizing screening tools to identify potential risks as early as possible in the lives of infants. Nurses work with hospitals, physicians, managed care and community agencies to provide care for clients and refer clients to community agencies to meet identified needs. Qualified candidates must possess an active RN license to practice in the state of Missouri as well as have their own vehicle, a current driver’s license and automobile insurance. 5 years experience in maternal/ child health OR 3 years experience in NICU/Special Care Nursery is required as well as a Bachelor’s degree. Please provide a cover letter, resume and salary history to hr@nursesfornewborns.org

DIRECTOR

MERS Goodwill is looking for a Director of the STL Youth Jobs Program located in at the Aftergut Center in downtown St. Louis, MO. This position is full-time with great benefits. MERS Goodwill prides itself on offering excellent working conditions to its employees including professional development, flexible work arrangements and competitive pay. Job Duties: (1) Hire and train job coaches in agency and program policies and procedures; (2) Develop and maintain active partnerships with funding sources on both a programmatic and administrative level; (3) Demonstrate ability to negotiate relationships, provide leadership, and motivate staff, supervisors, and make decisions; (4) Work with partner staff and designated job coach(es) to ensure that a sufficient number of youth are recruited to meet the expected number of youth to be served and that there is a sufficient number of employer work sites; (5) Monitor data in CSS to manage program progress and participant case notes; (6) Report program progress to supervisor(s) on a regular basis; (7) Monitor program quality throughout the year, working with agency and partner staff to ensure that goals are met for each funder; (8) Utilize program evaluation results for ongoing improvements to individual participant and programmatic planning; (9) Develop budgets for component programs, effectively manage staffing patterns and other expenses to remain within budgets; (10) Monitor for youth eligibility; (11) Complete all program and grant financial and program reporting to meet deadlines.

Qualifications: HS/ GED required; Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Degree in Social Work, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field. 2+ years’ experience in serving a diverse population in a social service setting preferred; 2 years’ supervisory experience and experience working with youth required; experience in grant management preferred. Valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and independent transportation required. With MERS Goodwill, you will end your day knowing that you changed lives for the better. Join a great team that makes a real difference. To apply, please visit www.mersgoodwill.org

COORDINATORCLAIMSCLAIMS MAINTENANCE

Responsible for various administrative tasks related to: support for the Medical Management team, reinsurance reports, location reports and claim maintenance.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

JOB VACANCY

The Board of Directors of Better Family Life, Inc. seeks a proven leader with strong management and relationship-building skills to serve as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

This position leads a highly respected 37-year-old social service agency with a mission to help children and families achieve a lifetime of success.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) oversees an $11 million budget, with supervisory responsibility for five organizational Vice Presidents and support for a team of 126 FTEs.

To apply send resume to CEOJOB@betterfamilylife.org www.betterfamilylife.org NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE Better Family Life, Inc. EOE

MUNICIPAL SERVICE FOREMAN II

The City of Clayton is now accepting applications for the full-time position of Municipal Service Foreman II. To apply, go to www.claytonmo.gov/job.

EOE.

MASTER PLANNING TEAMS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAMS

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualifications for Master Planning Teams and Community Engagement Teams for its Regional Plan Update. Check greatriversgreenway.org/jobs-bids/ and submit by November 26, 2019.

PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATOR III

East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for a Public Safety Administrator III position. Starting salary is $59,316 annually. Please follow the link to view post at http://www.ewgateway.org/careers/. An Equal Opportunity Employer

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Senior level professional position which contributes to the accomplishment of project/ program management practices and objectives that will achieve business goals and objectives. Works without immediate supervision and direction. Leads and mentors others within Program Management. Demonstrates advanced working knowledge and concepts of Information Technology.

To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

CLOUD SYSTEM ANALYST

Bayer U.S. LLC’s St. Louis, MO, office seeks Cloud System Analyst to perform the design & build, continued feature development, daily operational support, & project management/SCRUM Master duties that support the advancement of our public cloud platforms. Apply at https://career.bayer.us, #65638.

EVENTS MANAGER

Forest Park Forever Currently has an opening for the position of Events Manager. Interested applicants should visit the following URL site for the job description and to apply online:

https://www.cbizems.com/extranet/ recruiting.aspx?id=2A2725CB-7BD640E1-9E12-4BEC3B92A10E&src=stlamerican&rqid=19A778B0D2E4-4A66-ABEB-FAFA9EAB78A3?id=2A2725CB-7BD6-40E19E12-4BEC3B92A10E&src=stlamerican&rqid=19A778B0-D2E4-4A66-AB EB-FAFA9EAB78A3

An Equal Opportunity Employer

PUBLIC NOTICE

U.S. Magistrate Judge vacancy, Eastern District of Missouri. Current Salary is $194,028.00 per annum and term of office is eight years. Full public notice and instructions on how to apply are posted on the court’s website at www.moed.uscourts.gov. Applications due by 11/15/2019. EOE

BIDS

HBD Construction, Inc. is soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/SDVE/DBE subcontractors and suppliers. This is an Historic Renovation of the existing 10 story, 163,530 sf YMCA into a 21c Museum Hotel with 174 guest rooms, bars, restaurant, ball rooms and meeting spaces. Plans are available on line at this link https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6pgty79huufe79y/AADMkD17yUKhiFO4bZE_ TNnWa?dl=0 or at HBD’s office plan room. Bids are due November 25th, 2019 at 5:00 PM in HBD’s office. Email bids to bids@hbdgc.com or fax 314-781-5214. Site will be open for walkthroughs on November 6th, 13th & 20th between 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Contact HBD at 314-781-8000 for more information.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Responses for St. Louis Community College on B0003897 for Syllabi Software will be received until 10:00 A.M. (local time) on Friday, November 19, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5227. EOE/AA Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: FOXBORO SERVER UPGRADES. R. E. PEDROTTI CO INC is the only known available source for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Responses for St. Louis Community College on B0003801 for Photography and Videography Services will be received until 10:00 A.M. (local time) on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website atwww.stlcc.edu/ purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5227.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: FLYGT EFFLUENT PUMP.

VANDEVANTER ENGINEERING is the only known available source for these parts. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN

ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 4th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Janitorial Services for Bissell Pump Station.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10207 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN

ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on November 21st, 2019 to contract with a company for: Janitorial Services for Lemay Treatment Plant. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10181 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The Molly Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center, Columbia, Missouri RFQ 82-2019 for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: earthwork, excavation, paving, utilities, landscape, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, roofing, doors, glazing, painting, drywall, flooring, conveying equipment, specialties, furnishings, metal bldgs., fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, communications, electronic security. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Joe Mischler or Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 11/27/2019@ 2:00 PM. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of low responsive bid received. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:

1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com

2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: SUBSCRIPTION FEE FOR ONBOARD AND PERFORM FOR TERM: 11-07-2019 TO 11-06-2020: NEOGOV was used for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS

The St. Louis County Port Authority Community Reinvestment Fund is now accepting grant applications through December 15, 2019 for economic development projects that benefit St. Louis County. The application and detailed funding information are available at https://stlpartnership.com/whowe-are/our-teams/real-estate-community-investment/port-authority/ reinvestment-fund-application/

BIDS

Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/SDVE/ DBE subcontractors and suppliers for work on the AP Green Building MUHC Lab, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. Bids are due Tuesday, October 22, 2019 by 1:00 pm and can be faxed to (573) 3924527 or emailed to shawn@cms-gc. com. For more information, call Shawn @ (573) 392-6553. CurtissManes-Schulte, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

electronic bidsforNew OutdoorFiring Range,Missouri StateHighway Patrol,Jefferson City,Missouri, ProjectNo.R180601willbereceived byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/24/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificproject informationand orderingplans, goto:https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.

SEALED BIDS

Services,Central Region,State

ZASIDIQ-0023, willbereceived byFMDC,Stateof MO,viaMissouri BuysUNTIL1:30 PM,Thursday, N

vember 21,2019.For specificproject informationand orderingplans,go to:http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for TILLES PARK, LITZSINGER AND PARKRIDGE I/I REDUCTION (LITZSINGER RD AND S MCKNIGHT RD) under Letting No. 12230-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2019, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic 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 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LETTING #8705

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 3rd, 2019 to contract with a company for: Janitorial Services for Bissell Point Treatment Plant. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10206 RFQ.

BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway District is seeking qualifications for project controls consulting services in connection with the district’s design and construction of capital projects. Check www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by November 8, 2019.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure the services of WaterISAC in an effort to support the IT Technology Plan. The District is proposing single source procurement for this service because of the recognized expertise of WaterISAC in securing the nations wastewater infrastructure. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Raingarden construction with Native Landscape Solutions, Inc. Any inquiries should be sent to ltreat@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking Proposals from parking facility operators. Check greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by December 2nd, 2019.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS (ICS) RISK ASSESSMENT, ST. LOUIS CITY -WATER DIVISION, ST. LOUIS, MO. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org under On Line Plan Room, Professional Services, or call Helen Bryant at 314-589-6214. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

METER & TAP BUILDING DEMOLITION

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. until 1:45 PM, CT, on November 26, 2019, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps(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, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). 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 (Announcements).

INVITATION TO BID

Bids will be received by the Construction Manager, S. M. Wilson & Co. at their office at Pattonville School District Learning Center, 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074, until 2:00 p.m. on November 7, 2019 for the Work Package described herein for the project known as the Pattonville School District Proposition K. Bids MUST be hand delivered to the above address no later than the date and time noted.

Pattonville School District Proposition K BID PACKAGE 3B

Contractors are not allowed to visit the site unless prior arrangements are made with the Construction Manager.

The bid package will be available for viewing after April 18, 2019 at BuildingConnected.com.

https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/ 5913928fce945d0a00d28943

You can view the project by logging into the BuildingConnect site by setting up a free account on their Website.

The Construction Manager for this project is S. M. Wilson & Co. and the Project Manager is Mr. Brian Mee, Project Manager, 314-633-5756, brian.mee@smwilson.com

S. M. Wilson & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pattonville School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003882 for Janitorial Polyliners will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.

INC.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting proposals for Event Services. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids and submit by November 8, 2019.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 20 603, Renovation for Nursing Simulation Lab, St. Louis Community College at Meramec, until p.m. local time, Monday, November 4, 2019. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Pre-Bid Meeting Monday, October 28, 2019, 9:00 am, Meramec Science West Building, SW108

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

Applicants may find the online submission page through the following link: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/youth-at-risk/ For questions please contact Morgan Williams, Department of Public Safety, at WilliamsMor@stlouis-mo.gov . Proposals must be received by 4:00pm CST Monday, November 18, 2019.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HOUSING RESOURCE COMMISSION FY2020 GRANT

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services - Homeless Services Program is seeking proposals for the Housing Resource Commission FY2020 Grant. The total funding available is approximately $508.995.00. Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on November 7, 2019. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on October 25, 2019 from 9:00 -10:00 a.m. @ the Department of Human Services, 500 Northwest Plaza, 1st floor training room, St. Ann, MO 63074. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at http://www.stlouisco.com/ YourGovernment/BidsandRFPs

BIDS forWater &Wastewater SystemsUpgrade, W.E.Sears Youth Center,Poplar Bluff,Missouri, ProjectNo. H1610-01will bereceivedby FMDC,Stateof MO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 11/7/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecific project informationand orderingplans,go to:http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

House of Soul in full swing. Nichol Stevenson should be giving herself and her crew plenty of props as the second week of House of Soul was just as cracking as the grand opening festivities the week before. I made sure I stopped through the first Café Soul I’ve attended in a couple of years Friday night, and saw some familiar and fresh faces – including new co-host Briana Elise. Briana and Tendai got things started off right for the live music open mic with a duet of Erykah Badu’s “On and On.” Over the course of the night we heard everything from Mary J. Blige, to Usher and Daniel Caesar from folks brave enough to take the stage. I had too much lined up to roll through on Saturday, but I was met by a line going out the door when I hit up Trap, Soul & Paint as part of my Sunday rounds. When I tell you the folks dropped it like it was hot in the name of Halloween while in full costume. You had to be there to fully grasp the energy. Trap, Soul & Paint selling out and turning up is nothing new. But when the folks are ready to twerk the spot down and not let it stop their creative process and in full costume, it does something to your spirit. Speaking of costumes, House of Soul is having a Halloween Night Costume contest with $500 on the line Thursday night. If you don’t have a costume yet, it’s worth the scramble for a chance to get that much coin. While y’all playing, that’s somebody’s car note.

Cognac, Bars and Cigars was too cute. Now you know when Larry Blue, Cash Cohnes and Lisa West are involved, that’s it’s gonna be a win. But even with my expectations, I was blown away (Like smoke – get it? You know what? Never mind) by the experience the trio teamed up to present with Cognac, Bars and Cigars Sunday at Bar Napoli. It was a mood and vibe rolled into one. All of the who’s who was on deck to the point where the party was spilling out onto the sidewalk. And folks were downright shook by how much life Love Jones The Band was serving with their two sets like I haven’t been telling y’all they are about that life for the past several years. But, y’all know how I love to say I told you so. And I did. If I started naming all the influencers who were on deck, there would be no room for the rest of Partyline. Just know that everybody with the slightest delusion that they are anybody was at Bar Napoli. Can somebody tell me who that handsomely dressed, gorgeous and charming man in the suit walking around with the gentleman of a certain age that was giving me Pauly Sorvino from “Goodfellas” fame with his charm and realness? I only asked because he promised to find me a boyfriend and make him a suit like the one the young Ray Liotta looking dude was wearing. Costume and Cocktails remains consistent. Listen, if you are good and grown and want to have a good time for Halloween and feel free to live your best life in costume, be sure to support Arika Parr and Korey Johnson’s annual Costumes and Cocktails Party. Once again it was on and went all the way down Saturday night at the Jewel Center. And every single year, Costumes and Cocktails guests raise the stakes as far as the innovation and creativity of their looks. The Laniers are still in the Hall of Fame for their Bob Ross combo that had Kevin as Bob Ross and Ellicia as one of the late painter’s masterpieces. But 2019 didn’t disappoint. Who was that woman who killed the game with her portrayal of Martin Lawrence’s undercover character as the pizza delivery man with the jacked up grill in “Blue Streak?” Girl, you did that! And using the Imo’s box was the perfect touch – and showed how we go out of our way to rep the STL in every single thing we do. The pair that came as Detectives Olivia Benson and Fin Tutoula (Ice T’s character) from “Law and Order SVU” took a second to get for the casual crime drama television watcher. But us SVU Heads thought it was pure genius. The winners of this year’s contest came through as Princess Imani Izzi (a.k.a. Vanessa Bell Calloway’s “whatever you like” character) and Prince Akeem. It was so much fun as usual and I hope that Costumes and Cocktails continues to get the support and enthusiasm that has become standard operating procedure over the past seven years.

A St. Louis daughter stole the A Night of Soul Searching show. As usual I made my way to the Ready Room to support my girl Angel’s A Night of Soul Searching Concert Series Saturday night. Let me start with the good. Amber Bullock and her secular slayage was the highlight of my night. Every time I see her I think to myself, “I forgot how good that girl can saing (yes, I said saing).” She was serving fashion and vocal goals thanks to that glorious catsuit I would never have the nerve to put on this shape of mine. Isis Jones was too cute as well as she stepped on stage as the hostess with the most. There was a lag and Elle Varner’s grand entrance was foiled by the lack of awareness that there was no cordless microphone, but that band was so dope that we forgave the hiccup. Elle Varner sounded good too and looked great in that sequined camo dress that hugged her killer curves. As much as I loved show closer Case’s personality, I can’t say that I was getting any life from his vocals. I will say that I thought he was hilarious and cackled at the flirtatious banter between him and Tasha B. That’s all I have to give as far as props for his performance. And why did he threaten the crowd with a Pastor Wilson midway into his set? Those of you who don’t consume disgraceful social media content won’t know who Pastor Wilson is – and for me to describe it would be NSFP (Not Safe For Partyline) just know that it was raunchy. Oh, I do have another positive note. And that’s how whenever Case and Elle asked for audience participation, the crowd sang like somebody’s award winning show choir. On a literal sour note, when Case and Elle performed together, she was searching for a key to harmonize with Case as he did some R&B throwbacks – a segment that the folks loved. I wanted to say, “sis, don’t waste your time or the note, because Case is in his own key and it cannot be matched.”

Zayn Blitz Jamecia of Jack Manson and Q “Ambition” unveiled their latest designs Sunday @Beyond Broadway

Costumes and Cocktails presenters Arika Parr and Korey Johnson always go above and beyond with their own Halloween attire @ Jewel

Performing artist KV The Writer and Foxylafeelion gave the city something to talk about during Ladies Take The Night @Gaslight Lounge Friday

Cash and Lisa West who joined forces with SOMETHINBLUE for Remy Martin’s presentation of Cognac, Bars and Cigars @ Bar Napoli Sunday

The weekend was just getting started for Satin, Kawana and Lesha as they celebrated with the sights and sounds of Café Soul Friday @ The House of Soul

Costumes and Cocktails grand prize winners Dallas and Keith were representing for Zamunda Saturday night @Jewel

Carryn as The Cat and The Hat being photo bombed by Ted as Chucky Saturday @ Privilege Lounge

Carlos and Nicole nailed it as Woody and Jessie of ‘Toy Story’ Saturday for Costumes and Cocktails @ Jewel

Rashandra as Jordan Sanders of the movie Little and Princess as Harry Potter of Hogwarts Saturday @ Costumes and Cocktails

Corey Black was in town from NYC to host Poetic Justice and Asha showed her support Sunday @ The Ready Room

Angel Shields Patterson with national recording artists Case and Elle Varner just after both artists rocked The Ready Room crowd along with St. Louis’ own Amber Bullock for Angel’s latest presentation of A Night of Soul Searching.

Photos by V. Lang