October 4th, 2018 Edition

million-dollar Salute

By Chris King

the $1 million mark in student scholarships and educator grants. The signature 2018 awardees — Lifetime Achiever Johnetta Randolph Haley and Stellar Performer Michael P. McMillan — offered admirably concise and powerful

comments near the end of the sold-out event at America’s Center on Saturday, September 29, but it was still a full evening. There were so very many scholarships to award.

“Service to others, that’s what my life has been,” Haley said to an adoring audience of more than 1,300. And service to others defines Salute: service to the next generation as universities, colleges and sponsors helped

DecemBer 6, 1929 – SeptemBer 30, 2018

Bishop Robert James Ward: ‘An anchor for our denomination’

Beloved Kennerly Temple pastor and COGIC leader passes at 88

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American

“Our church has lost a great hero in our lives and in our ministry,” Elder Edgar “Petey” Madison said of his spiritual father and mentor, Bishop Robert James Ward.

n “He was the father figure of the Church of God in Christ in this region, so there is a major void.”

Early Sunday, September 30, Bishop Ward – prelate of the Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and longtime pastor of the historic Kennerly Temple, a legend within the COGIC denomination – was called home to be with the God he so faithfully served. He was 88 years old.

–Bishop Elijah Hankerson III

“He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of millions of members of the Church of God in Christ throughout the United States and around the world,” said Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of COGIC Charles Edward Blake Sr., the official leader of the six-millionplus member organization that has representation in more than 83 nations.

“He was the father figure of the Church of God in Christ in this region, so there is a major void, said Bishop Elijah Hankerson III, president of COGIC’s International Department of Evangelism, pastor of Life

See WARD, A6

Beyond fear of the black male

By Curtis O’Dwyer For The St. Louis American

On August 15, 2014, the day after celebrating new beginnings by proposing to my wife, I returned to my city in turmoil. Many mourned the death of Michael Brown. The raw footage on the news and social media outlets depicted outrage and uprising.

Ferguson was in a state of emergency, and I was only

EPA to clean up West Lake Landfill

STL activist says of radioactive dump

By Rebecca Rivas

n “We have been waiting over a quarter of a century for a safe and permanent solution to the radioactive waste at the landfill.”

– Karen Nickel, Just Moms STL

Photo by Maurice Meredith

2018 Lifetime Achiever Johnetta Randolph Haley accepts her portrait from St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price.

Homegrown

BLAck mALeS

Curtis O’Dwyer

Bishop Robert James Ward

Cardi B charged with assault over alleged strip club brawl

Rapper Cardi B turned herself in to police on Monday (October 1) and was charged with misdemeanor assault and reckless endangerment the after allegedly ordering an attack on two bartenders at Angels Strip Club in Queens, New York, in August.

The 25-year-old rapper reportedly had her mug shot and fingerprints taken at the station before she was handed the arraignment date of October 29.

Joe Tacopina, the attorney for the alleged victims, told TMZ. com: “She [Cardi B] continues to threaten them and clearly thinks her celebrity status is going to get her out of this. But it doesn’t matter if her name is Cardi B or Carl B ... if she commits violent assaults she will be brought to justice.” It was previously claimed Cardi had a long-

standing issue with bartenders Jade and Baddie Gi because of Cardi’s mistaken belief Jade had slept with her husband Offset, with whom she has two-month-old daughter Kulture.

And when she came face-to-face with the sisters at the club, where Offset was performing with his band, Migos, she allegedly ordered her entourage to attack them with bottles, chairs and a hookah smoking device.

The women were reportedly both hurt, but declined medical attention.

However, insiders claim the attack was “spontaneous” and triggered after someone threw a drink.

Jade previously claimed that on August 15, five people close to Cardi attacked her by “grabbing her hair, punching her and hitting her with an ashtray”.

And on August 29, the sisters claimed Cardi’s entourage threw bottles and chairs at them both.

While they admit Cardi did not physically attack them, they have claimed that she yelled “I’m blood, I’ll [expletive] you [expletives] up!” Cardi has denied the allegations against her and previously accused the sisters of seeking publicity.

‘Captain America’ comes for Kanye

Chris Evans unapologetically called Kanye West for his

comments regarding the 13th Amendment.

The “Avengers: Infinity War” actor has fired back at the 41-year-old rapper after he posted on Twitter suggesting America should abolish the constitutional amendment that outlaws slavery.

In an angry and scathing response to the original post, Evans tweeted: “There’s nothing more maddening than debating someone who doesn’t know history, doesn’t read books, and frames their myopia as virtue. The level of unapologetic conjecture I’ve encountered lately isn’t just frustrating, it’s retrogressive, unprecedented and absolutely terrifying.”

His comments came as a direct response to a post from Kanye who posed in a red ‘Make America Great Again’ baseball cap alongside the controversial message.

the solution that heals.”

Katt vs. Kevin continues for yet another round

Last week, Kevin Hart accused Katt Williams of choosing drugs over his career after Williams spoke against Hart’s “Night School” co-star Tiffany Haddish during a radio interview with “The Breakfast Club”. Williams denies the claims and keeps the beef between the two comedians brewing by way of an Instagram Live video.

He wrote: “This represents good and America becoming whole again. We will no longer outsource to other countries. We build factories here in America and create jobs. We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment. Message sent with love.”

After facing backlash for his tweet, the star moved to clarify the tweet, which sparked outrage among.

“The 13th Amendment is slavery in disguise meaning it never ended,” West said. “We are

“Let’s not talk about Kevin Hart no more before y’all get me riled up and I end up back in jail for knocking the soul out of his plane. Y’all know I got anger management issues.

Then he goes on to take more jabs at Hart.

“For the past few years that [n-word expletive] has been pretending he’s been world touring. He’s been everywhere but here.”

He went on to accuse Hart of not giving his cohort of comedians known collectively as the Plastic Cup Boyz a proper platform to grow their own brand.

“You wouldn’t know that Plastic Cup Boyz if they all came in together wearing plastic cups,” Williams said, after referring to them as “paper cup boys.”

Sources: Instagram, Twitter.com, TMZ. com, Celebretatiment.com

Cardi B

Katt Williams

Nasheed objects to education board appointment

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) wants to know why Missouri Governor Mike Parson is so intent on appointing to the State Board of Education someone who testified as a character witness on behalf of a man who admitted to downloading 174,000 images and 4,800 videos of child pornography.

Nasheed led the effort in the Missouri Senate to block the appointment of Peter Herschend from moving forward, forcing the governor to withdraw Herschend’s name from consideration. However, days after the Senate adjourned, Parson re-appointed Herschend to the same post.

“Just like Greitens, Gov. Parson is using a legal loophole to manipulate the State Board of Education to the detriment of St. Louis schools,” Nasheed said. “I also

have grave concerns about Mr. Herschend’s values and judgment after he stepped forward as a character witness for a convicted pedophile.”

In fact, William M. Walker did not confess to pedophilia but to downloading and viewing masses of child pornography. In August, the Springfield News-Leader reported that Herschend –co-founder and co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation which owns and operates Silver Dollar City in Branson –testified as a character witness for Walker.

“Herschend said he and Walker have been friends for 30 years,” the News-Leader reported. “Herschend told the judge that Walker has been changed since his arrest and now exudes qualities of the Boy Scout Law, like trustworthy, brave and reverent.” Judge Doug Harpool sentenced Walker to five years

Amendment 1 offers protections for minority voters

By Yurij Rudensky For The St. Louis American

The federal government is no longer the voting rights watch dog it used to be. And it’s not hard to see things getting even worse as the U.S. Supreme Court becomes more conservative and hostile to race-based protections. Vital federal laws that African Americans and other communities of color in Missouri have long relied upon to ensure fair representation and a seat at the table may be further undermined, if not

completely eliminated. The good news is Missouri has a blueprint for a powerful state alternative. Amendment 1, a grass-roots initiative pushed by Clean Missouri, would require legislative and congressional districts to be drawn in a way that allow communities of color to elect preferred candidates. If the proposal survives a pending legal challenge by conservatives, voters could pass Amendment 1 this November and make Missouri a leader in guaranteeing voting rights to communities that have, with

in prison, plus 10 years of supervised release following incarceration, taking into account Walker’s age (75) and lack of criminal history, the

increasing frequency, been carved out of the political calculus.

Such protections are critical given recent trends. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act that had protected communities of color from discrimination in the political process. Since then, states have taken the Supreme Court’s decision as a signal that they can operate unchecked. A worrying new report by the United States Commission on Civil Rights found that restrictive voting laws that intentionally target or disproportionately impact communities of color are sharply on the rise. And if that weren’t bad enough, the U.S. Justice Department has done its best to smooth the path for states targeting minority voters. Under U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, federal

prison.

doesn’t think

n “If that’s the kind of sick criminal Mr. Herschend thinks is a good person, how can we trust who he’ll pick for education commissioner?”

– State Senator Jamilah Nasheed

someone who testified on behalf of a confessed consumer of child pornography should be sitting in judgment on public schools that educate youth.

“Some of those children that man was looking at could have been children in our schools,” Nasheed told The American Herschend, who is in his 80s, spent 26 years on the State Board of Education, including two terms as its president,

enforcement of voting laws on behalf of communities of color has all but ground to a halt. Restrictive voter ID laws, voter roll purges, and poll site closures have spread rapidly. Those looking to limit the political power of African Americans and other communities are only growing bolder. There’s good reason to expect an increase in race-based gerrymandering – the manipulation of district boundaries designed to weaken the political strength of black and brown communities. Redistricting forms the foundation of which communities get representation at all levels of government.

It has been used to break communities of color apart so they don’t have the strength to elect their preferred candidates. Or, conversely, to limit the number of seats that minority voters can influence by drawing a few districts to be packed with people of color, instead of distributing such voters across more districts. Amendment 1 would make such discriminatory actions illegal under state law. The proposal makes fair treatment of communities of color the first and most important consideration in drawing district boundaries. The amendment would, in fact, go beyond current federal law to protect not only so-called “majority minority” districts but also districts where African Americans can combine with other voters, whether white or some other community, to win political representation. All other considerations,

before then Gov. Eric Greitens removed him in July 2017.

“Children in my district struggle with poverty, hunger and crime on a daily basis,” Nasheed said. “To address these issues and many more, we need new leadership on the Board of Education.”

Herschend’s latest appointment will be up for Senate confirmation when the General Assembly reconvenes in January or if another special session is called by the governor during the interim. Nasheed will work against the confirmation.

“If that’s the kind of sick criminal Mr. Herschend thinks is a good person,” Nasheed said, “how can we trust who he’ll pick for education commissioner?”

Messages were left for Parson and Herschend, who were not immediately available for comment. Their responses will be added to this report when and if received.

such as partisan fairness and competitiveness, would be strictly secondary. Few states currently have protections for minority voters as strong as those that Amendment 1 would offer. In addition to protecting communities of color from race-based gerrymandering, Amendment 1 would also tackle many of the other pressing issues plaguing our democracy, limiting the influence of lobbyists and big donors. Missourians who signed petitions by the thousands to put Amendment 1 on the ballot must persist. In this era, federal protections are far from guaranteed. Missouri must step up and take matters into its own hands.

Yurij Rudensky is counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law.

News-Leader reported. Federal prosecutors recommended that Walker be sentenced to 10 years in

Nasheed

Guest Columnist Yurij Rudensky

Those who believe, as we do, that cannabis has legitimate medicinal purposes and should be legalized for medical use face three distinct initiatives to legalize and regulate medical marijuana in Missouri on the November 6 ballot. Two of the proposals, Amendment 2 and Proposition C, deserve support. Amendment 2, because it amends the Missouri Constitution, is preferable to Proposition C, which enacts a statutory change that could be undermined by the Missouri Legislature. Strategically, however, proponents of medical marijuana should approve both measures. The third initiative, Amendment 3, should be rejected. Amendment 3 is wrong for every reason. It would impose a 15 percent medical marijuana sales tax – more than double that of the next highest such tax of 7.25 percent in California. The initiative is funded almost entirely by medical doctor and personal-injury attorney Brad Bradshaw. It establishes a nine-member Research Board – initially appointed by Bradshaw – to control all aspects of marijuana. In that this board would collect taxes, issue bonds, regulate products, and grant and revoke licenses, it would be a sort of private governmental body. Further, the proposal would ban the retail sale of marijuana, except medical marijuana with a doctor’s permission at authorized dispensaries. If the Legislature later wanted to legalize marijuana for other purposes, the constitution would not allow it. Also, if both Amendment 3 and the vastly preferable Proposition C passed, Proposition C would be trumped by this bad constitutional amendment.

VotE No oN AMENdMENt 3. Proposition C – initiated by Missourians for Patient Care, an organization that includes lobbyists and activists – would impose a two percent sales tax on medical marijuana, paying equal portions for veterans’ health, public safety, drug treatment, and early childhood education and development. While this sales tax is half that (4 percent) provided by Amendment 2, Proposition C only changes state law, not the constitution, so its implementation could be delayed or undermined by the Missouri Legislature – which is not a legislative body that we trust to do the right thing. However, we urge a Yes vote on Proposition C, since its passage would be a good thing and, if Amendment 2 also passes, as a constitutional amendment it would take precedence. VotE yEs oN ProPositioN C.

Even if passage of both Proposition C and Amendment 2 enacted both sales taxes, “the

Editorial /CommEntary

America is traumatized by Kavanaugh

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

total of six percent would not tax marijuana so much as to keep the black market in business – which is what the Bradshaw Amendment 3 proposal, with its 15 percent tax, probably would do,” writes Michael A. Wolff, former Missouri Supreme Court chief justice, who advised us on this endorsement (and who defeated Bradshaw in court when he tried to get the competing proposals thrown off the ballot).

Amendment 2 – the New Approach Missouri petition organized by a group of political activists and endorsed by the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) – simply allows doctors to authorize patients to buy, and dispensaries to sell, marijuana for the treatment of a variety of conditions. It does not prohibit the Legislature from legalizing marijuana for other purposes, including recreation, as does the bad Amendment 3. The tax it imposes is reasonable – 4 percent on retail sales, with proceeds going to veterans’ health care (it would also be subject to local and state sales taxes). It would not create a new, shadowy branch of government, but rather rely on state government as we know it to manage the new tax revenues as provided by the amendment.

Also, Amendment 2 permits patients to grow a small amount of their own marijuana, which the other two proposals do not. “All medical marijuana proposals sound like governmentsanctioned cartels that control the market for their products,” Wolff writes. “The New Approach Amendment 2 model, with a little grow-your-own, offers some relief from this cartel feature.” Further, as Wolff assures us, “Its provisions would be in our well-cluttered constitution and, therefore, largely out of the reach of legislative meddling.” VotE yEs oN AMENdMENT 2.

When something like the Ferguson unrest hits, the entire community experiences symptoms of trauma collectively and individually.

That’s what Bruce Shapiro, executive director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, explained to me in a conference call last week. He was giving a handful of journalists throughout the country advice on how to work with sources who have experienced trauma and how to take care of ourselves as reporters.

When an individual goes through a traumatic experience, they can lose sleep, experience depression and fatigue, and lose the ability to concentrate, among many other symptoms. With Ferguson and the aftermath of the Jason Stockley verdict, that individual experience was multiplied by thousands, he said.

In short, it’s extremely intense.

The call with Shapiro came two days before Stanford professor Christine Blasey Ford tearfully told the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee that U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were both high school students more than 35 years ago. Kavanaugh denied the allegation.

Since then, I’ve witnessed several women and men become overwhelmed with emotion. They can’t sleep; they can’t concentrate. Some are angry; some are depressed; some are both.

Many in this country are experiencing symptoms of trauma.

They have been traumatized watching the manner in which the U.S. Senate has been investigating the alleged

sexual assault charge against Kavanaugh – a man who could go on to rule in the nation’s highest court for the rest of his life. Traumatized watching the way men at high levels of our government shame a woman for “waiting so long” to come forward. And traumatized by the way they then apologize profusely to the man being accused for the inconvenience and the pain he must be going through – even after this man displayed a disturbing amount of rage in his testimony.

For those who have been victims of sexual assault and harassment, the high probability that Ford’s charge will not get a proper investigation is all too real. Many have spoken about coming forward immediately and receiving worse treatment. And it extends beyond the investigation. Moments after Kavanaugh’s testimony, someone went on Wikipedia and changed the definitions of “Devil’s Triangle” and other terms that Kavanaugh wrote in his high school yearbook to reflect the definitions that he provided. When asked to explain the terms in the hearing, he stumbled and said it was a drinking game similar to quarters. Devil’s Triangle is not a drinking game, as many people will attest (along with the Urban Dictionary; it’s a threesome between two men and one woman.

This kind of cover-up is terrifying. It’s especially traumatic that Kavanaugh has the power and resources to try and bend reality to his

Letters to the editor

Has the police department been transformed?

nevertheless believes Ford.

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

If Brett Kavanaugh is eventually confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Republican senators will be sending a clear message to women who accuse powerful men of sexual misconduct: Tell your story if you must, then shut up and go away.

Kavanaugh’s histrionics and the parliamentary drama that followed do not lessen the clarity of Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony or weaken her credibility. The limited FBI investigation now underway may provide Republicans with enough uncertainty and unanswered questions to provide political cover. But everyone should remember that Ford was as certain as she could possibly be.

She has not an ounce of doubt, she told the Senate Judiciary Committee last Thursday, that it was a drunken Kavanaugh who pinned her to a bed, put his hand over her mouth and tried to rip her clothes off. Her recounting of that nightmare was vivid, detailed and specific. It was clear that she had not sought the public eye – she was “terrified” facing senators, she said – but felt she had a duty to report what Kavanaugh had done.

I haven’t heard anyone claim she was anything but believable. Which means she should be believed. Women who make such credible allegations of sexual assault deserve not just to be heard – or patronized, as the committee’s GOP majority did to Ford – but trusted to speak truthfully.

The minute Kavanaugh launched into his rage-filled denial, any hint of belief in Ford’s story that might have crept into Republicans’ thinking was immediately dispelled. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and others began acting as Kavanaugh’s defense team rather than as neutral finders of fact. Make no mistake: Women were being put in their place. Ford is a successful academic, a Ph.D. psychologist who tried to warn about Kavanaugh anonymously and only reluctantly came forward. She was an ideal witness –and still the GOP senators believed Kavanaugh. She said it happened, he said it didn’t, and they took his word over hers.

Republican senators lamented that Kavanaugh’s “life is being ruined” by allegations involving something he might have done when he was 17. I failed to hear similar concern about the fact that Ford’s life has been haunted by something done to her when she was 15. I’m not sure if the FBI could prove anything one way or the other, even if given a free hand. Mark Judge, whom Ford accuses of abetting the assault, can be expected to deny it took place. Others she says were present at the house have told investigators they do not recall such an incident, which is not the same as saying it never happened; one of them says she

What the FBI surely will find is that Kavanaugh lied repeatedly during his testimony. Most of the lies were about little things, such as the meaning of various misogynistic references in his prep school yearbook. No, “Devil’s Triangle” wasn’t the name of a drinking game. No, “Renate Alumnius” did not signify platonic friendship. Those were the puerile boastings of immature, sexually frustrated man-children. The question is why Kavanaugh couldn’t tell the truth about such trivia.

And a much bigger question is why he was so defensive about his drinking. I’d be very surprised if the phrase “I like beer” had ever before been said so often at a Senate hearing. Kavanaugh acknowledges a pattern of frequent binge drinking in high school and college. His categorical denial of ever drinking to the point of blackouts and memory lapses has been refuted by classmates. It has to be considered possible that he assaulted Ford without remembering it.

I believe that the lies Kavanaugh told and his hyper-partisan attacks against Democratic senators (no, this isn’t “revenge on behalf of the Clintons”) disqualify him from serving on the Supreme Court. But even if he had been respectful and told the truth, it would be wrong not to confront and fully investigate the charges made by Ford and two other accusers, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick.

“Believe the women” means nothing if followed by “until red-faced men proclaim their innocence.”

Has the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department been transformed as promised? September 1 marked the five-year anniversary of local control of the St. Louis Police Department. For decades prior, city officials and members of the city’s “Connected Club” pleaded for local control of the P.D. They purported that with city control special interests would be nullified and the department would be a squeaky-clean, well-oiled policing machine. Nepotism, favoritism and cronyism would be a memory of a bygone era. St. Louis’ “new” P.D. would provide fair and balanced policing to the citizenry.

Now it comes to light that the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has a list of 28 current and former city officers from whom they will no longer accept criminal cases! How did this happen? Why are officers whose credibility is that damaged still employed as police officers? The “new” P.D. seems to be as credible as the “Fair and Balanced” Fox News agency! State Senator Jamilah Nasheed is calling for the Board of Aldermen’s Public Safety Committee to investigate.

Apparently, the only thing that has changed with the implementation of city control of the P.D. is the quasiclandestine powerbase that controls the department. In five years, police management and city officials have done little to professionalize the department and improve the delivery of police services to the community. Brain surgeons and rocket scientists are not required in order to do the things necessary for St. Louis

definitions. On September 27, Shapiro published a piece in The Nation titled “Brett Kavanaugh and the Case of the Vanishing Rape Victim” that looks at Kavanaugh’s history of having a disturbing lack of empathy for rape victims. Shapiro wrote about Kavanaugh’s praise for the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist’s ruling in United States v. Morrison. In 2000 in a 5-4 ruling, the deeply divided justices, led by Rehnquist, gutted key sections of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.

“We may never know if Judge Kavanaugh was guilty of sexual assault,” Shapiro wrote.

“We do know that he is the latest in a line of ideologically driven, far-right judges who refuse to see sexual violence as a national problem, deserving federal civil-rights intervention. And we know that when it comes to discussing a real rape case involving a real woman, Judge Kavanaugh’s lack of empathy can fairly be described by one word: pathological.” In the conference call, Shapiro said journalists can play a powerful role in times when communities or the nation overall are sharing a roiling sense of systemic failure. When there might never be real justice, Shapiro said, “We can offer narrative justice.”

He also gave these coping tips: Shut down your news feeds after 8 p.m. Get lots of exercise. Talk to someone. Spend time with family or friends because feeling isolated can worsen the symptoms. Please, take care of yourselves and each other. Rebecca Rivas is the senior reporter for The St. Louis American and a 2018 Ida B. Wells Fellow with the Investigative Fund.

to have a good P.D. But good leadership is required.

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

End Citizens United thanks McCaskill

Judge Kavanaugh’s record indicates he would give megadonors and secretive special interests even more undue influence over politicians and would oppose transparency in political spending, making it harder to keep foreign money out of our campaigns. That’s the exact opposite of what

Missourians want. Missouri has seen the damage that disastrous Supreme Court decisions, like Citizens United, have caused, and the dysfunction they create in Washington. We need a justice who will stand up for Missouri families and give them a real voice in our democracy. End Citizens United thanks U.S. Senator McCaskill (D-Missouri) for her leadership and commitment to reining in the influence of unlimited, undisclosed money in politics.

Tiffany Muller, president End Citizens United Washington, D.C.

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Columnist

‘Assistance’ with beads and shoes at the zoo

Ballwin resident Verleana Moore, a volunteer with the Assistance League of St. Louis, recently helped two students with newly created bead bracelets. Volunteers also helped find the right fit for these students who are among the 120 Dunbar Elementary School children to be fitted for new athletic shoes and socks at an event at the Saint Louis Zoo. At Assistance League’s Discovery Day, the children received new books and healthy lunches and participated in a fun dance exercise. They also learned about the conservation of cheetahs at the zoo. New athletic shoes are fitted on approximately 3,500 St. Louis-area school children each year by Assistance League volunteers who also travel to elementary schools to fit children in grades K through 4.

Hazelwood seeks input on thematic school

Hazelwood School District will incorporate its third thematic school beginning in 2019-2020 and wants to hear from the community as it plans what this new school will offer students. The school will be located at Northwest Middle School, 1605 Shackelford Rd., and feature a curriculum geared toward gifted and talented students. All parents and community members are invited to share their feedback on a brief survey the district launched September 27 that closes Thursday, October 18. The district also invites parents to serve on a committee with the goal of developing options for curriculum, programming, and admission criteria. Information on joining the committee is contained in the survey; parents have until October 5 to apply for committee consideration. The survey is available at https://goo.gl/s8uJXW and www.hazelwoodschools.org.

Young Composer’s Competition open through October 19

The Community Music School (CMS) of Webster University will accept submissions for its Young Composer’s Competition through Friday, October 19. A panel of judges comprised of area published composers review each submission and evaluate works based on melody, harmony, rhythm, style, form, instrumentation, labeling, notation, and musicality. Each submission receives feedback from the panel of judges. It is an open competition which has received submissions nationally and internationally. Winners receive a professional concert recording of their work for their portfolio and a written critique and personal conference with guest composer Niloufar Nourbakhsh. Interested composers should visit https://tinyurl.com/composer-competition for more information.

Amendment 1 puts voters before lobbyists in Jefferson City

By Tishaura O. Jones For The St. Louis American

You’ve heard me say it before: We have been disenfranchised and flat-out ignored for way too long. The rich and well-connected call the shots in Jefferson City. Meanwhile, regular folks and families in our neighborhoods struggle to pay the bills. But this November, we have a chance to take power away from the big money forces who run Jefferson City, and take it back for regular folks, by voting YES for Amendment 1. Here are the facts on what Amendment 1 will do to clean up state politics: stop big money in the legislature by lowering campaign contribution limits; require state government be more transparent and stop any legislative fundraising on state property; eliminate fancy lobbyist gifts; stop the revolving door of legislators becoming lobbyists with a two year waiting period; require fair state legislative maps to protect minorities’ political power and to ensure neither party is given an unfair advantage when new maps are drawn after the census.

Amendment 1 enshrines the Voting Rights Act into the Missouri Constitution to protect our right to vote in majority-minority districts. Amendment 1 puts working families first, instead of lobbyists and big money. The strong, commonsense policy is why it’s been endorsed by the NAACP, Organization for Black Struggle, Rev. Starsky Wilson and Deaconess Foundation, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Metropolitan Congregations United, Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould and Missouri Faith Voices, Rasheen Aldridge, and Missouri Jobs with Justice. It’s also been endorsed by the League of Women Voters, former U.S. Sen. John Danforth, and many others because it will increase integrity, transparency, and accountability in state government.

Don’t be duped by the lobbyists and a small group of politicians in Jefferson City opposing Amendment 1. They are the same people who took away the wage increases the people of this city won fair and square. They are backed by the same forces who pushed SB43 to legalize discrimination. They have tried every way they know how to make it harder to vote. When is the last time they cared about our families and our communities?

Amendment 1 will make our voices matter more in Jefferson City. And that’s exactly what they’re afraid of.

We’ve been kicked out of public hearings. Government meetings have been held in back rooms of country clubs. The legislature keeps their records secret, yet expects others to follow open government laws. It’s time for Amendment 1 to bring it all into the open for the people to see.

Getting big money out of politics means legislators have to listen to the folks back home, who have been left out of the conversation in the Capitol. Ensuring fair legislative districts means our voices cannot be diminished in Jefferson City.

It’s time to give every community a seat at the table. To learn more, visit CleanMissouri.org. And then join me in voting YES for Amendment 1 this November to clean up Missouri politics.

Tishaura O. Jones is the treasurer of the City of St. Louis and former assistant minority floor leader in the Missouri Legislature.

Tishaura O. Jones

the foundation invest $1 million in their futures.

“Our mission as a foundation is based on the wisdom of our esteemed leader, Malcolm X, who taught us that ‘education is our passport to the future … for tomorrow belongs to people who prepare for it today,’” said Donald M. Suggs, president of the foundation and publisher and executive editor of its namesake newspaper.

Two new colleges offered foundation scholarships in 2018: the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College and Vatterott College. A community partner offered a major new investment: the Regional Business Council committed $12,500 in scholarships to students in business-related fields in honor of McMillan. An existing scholarship partner, Maryville University, offered its second annual foundation scholarship. And the naming sponsor of the annual School of the Year, Monsanto, now has a new name: Moline Elementary School in the Riverview Gardens School District became the foundation’s first Bayer School of Excellence.

WARD

Continued from A1

Center International COGIC Church and president of The St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition.

Born December 6, 1929 in Fitzhugh, Arkansas, Bishop Ward knew he was destined to preach as a child when he heard the voice of God tell him so. His pets and playmates became his first congregation. For the next several decades, he remained committed to the call on his life and became an internationally renowned leader in COGIC through his pastoral

Other than that, the foundation’s established partners – starting with its first partner, the University of Missouri-Columbia – did what they do at Salute: invest in the future of striving youth. It’s become a long list of partnering universities: Mizzou, Southeast Missouri State University, Harris-Stowe State University, Missouri State University, Webster University, St. Louis Community College, Fontbonne University, Maryville University and University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Wells Fargo Advisors also gifted 18 laptops or iPads to scholars. And longtime Salute partner Anheuser-Busch contributed $35,000 in “Better World” Scholarships. Since 1994, the foundation, together with its education partners, fostered over $6 million in scholarships and community grants, Suggs reported.

Along with the scholars, a number of area educators were lauded and awarded grants before the signature awardees were given a chance to speak. Andrea Scott received the 2018 PNC Bank Early Childhood Educator award, and Kurly Taylor was named SEMO Counselor of the Year. Eight area educators were recognized for their contributions to the

service – including leading Kennerly Temple Church of God in Christ for 53 years, nearly half of the church’s history. In July, the street for which the church is named was renamed in honor of Ward.

“So much can be said about Bishop Robert James Ward,” said Bishop Edwin C. Bass, chief operating officer of COGIC. “First and foremost, he was extraordinarily gifted and anointed preacher with the ability to convey the complex in a way that had great impact on people. For years, he captivated the St. Louis community, preaching on a weekly, Sunday night radio broadcast.”

learning community: Chauncey Granger, Kim Haywood, Bernard Long Jr., Dorthea B. Nevils, Raymond K. Robinson, Dr. Leslie ThomasWashington, Tamara D. Wells and Rhea M. Willis.

With everyone in the audience concerned about the future of the U.S. Supreme Court, it was powerful to hear Lifetime Achiever Johnetta Randolph Haley remember hearing of the Court’s 1954 ruling in Brown v. the Board of Education and taking on the enormous challenge and risk of integrating public schools in the St. Louis region. In Kirkwood, 1,500 people signed a petition that “they didn’t want me or the others,” Haley said of being in the first cohort of black teachers to teach white kids.

Her former student, Stan

It was the very broadcast he later came to host that drew him into the COGIC faith in what the saints refer to as “a call to Holiness.”

At 19 years old, not long after he arrived in St. Louis, he heard pastor and radio minister Elder F.J. Hayden preach in April 1950. He was so moved by the message that his family became devoted members of Kennerly Temple Church. The immediate leap of faith upon hearing that broadcast set Bishop Ward on a path to greatness within COGIC and the faith community in general. By 1955, he was appointed assistant pastor of Kennerly Temple. He served in that

2018 Stellar Performer Michael P. McMillan received two standing ovations from the capacity crowd of more than 1,300.

Ford, now a professor of Piano at Universitat Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, gave insight into the tough woman who overcame those obstacles.

“Mrs. Haley made it clear that my purpose was much greater than the obstacles,” Ford said. “So: get over it.”

Haley would go on to teach music at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, which has a scholarship in her name, and to direct the SIUE East St. Louis Center.

Stellar Performer Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, walked onstage after video remarks by the founder and chairman of one of the most lucrative blackowned business in the United States, David L. Steward of World Wide Technology (who co-chaired the gala

capacity for six years. In 1961, he organized the St. Paul Church of God in Christ at 4363 Lee Ave. in St. Louis, where he served as senior pastor.

Bishop Ward returned to Kennerly Temple when he was appointed senior pastor by Bishop M. H. Norman in September 1965. He served there in that capacity for the rest of his life.

Through his work at Kennerly Temple, one of the historic “mother churches” within COGIC that has been a staple congregation for well over a century, Bishop Ward’s influence stretched to the very top of the denomination’s international leadership.

“Anyone who is someone in the Church of God in Christ nationally, it is because of his recommendation,” Bishop Hankerson said.

Bishop Ward had a hand in the relocation of the Holy Convocation from COGIC headquarters in Memphis to St. Louis after more than a century.

“He served for decades as an anchor for our denomination,” said Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, secretary for the COGIC General Board.

with Michael F. Neidorff, chairman and CEO of Centene Corporation).

Steward said that McMillan’s work in early childhood education and workforce development at the Urban League shows “what is possible in these very challenging communities.”

Steward helped warm up the crowd to stand for McMillan’s first ovation, though he would earn his second standing ovation all on his own.

“We in St. Louis are at the epicenter of a new civil rights movement, and the eyes of the nation turn on us every August” – at the anniversary of the Ferguson uprising — “and ask us, ‘What have you done?’” said McMillan.

McMillan boldly told the gala audience what we should do.

“I challenge all of us in this room to commit to education,” he said.

And: “On November 6, I want each person in this room to get people out to vote as if you were on the ballot yourself. When we vote, when we mobilize, we can make a difference.”

Platinum Sponsors: Anheuser-Busch, Bayer, Centene Charitable Foundation, Maryville University, Wells Fargo Advisors. World Wide

Bishop Daniels said that when the COGIC General Assembly made the determination for the convocation to be hosted in St. Louis, Bishop Ward was a stabilizer and “transformer” who assisted greatly in ensuring that it was a seamless transition.

“St. Louis became a second home for many of the critical and pivotal areas of our church,” Bishop Daniels said. “The first convocation not held in Memphis was held in St. Louis.”

A family man committed to education

“He was a simple man –a man of the people,” said Bishop Ward’s daughter, Marilyn Ford. “He loved the people and he loved his church – and he was a family man.”

Last month, Ward and his wife, Mother Dorothy Ward, celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Ford said that he used his platform as a fierce proponent of education.

Technology and The Steward Family Foundation.

Gold Sponsors: BJC Healthcare/Barnes-Jewish Hospital/St. Louis Children’s Hospital, PNC Bank, Southeast Missouri State University, The University of MissouriColumbia.

Silver Sponsors: Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing, The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Bronze Sponsors: McCormack Baron Salazar/ Urban Strategies, Missouri State University, SAK Construction, Washington University in St. Louis.

Corporate Sponsors: Advantage Capital, Edward Jones, Enterprise Holdings, The Regional Business Council, St. Louis Community College. Patron Sponsors: Ameren Missouri, A.T. Still University, Harris-Stowe State University, Saint Louis University, School District of University City, TriTec, Vatterott College, Webster University.

Educator Grant Sponsor: Missouri Lottery.

Attendance Prize Sponsors: Bubbling Brown Sugar Productions, the official travel partner of the Salute to Excellence, and Vincent’s Jewelers, the official jeweler of the Salute to Excellence.

“Growing up in the South during the Jim Crow era, he wasn’t able to get that college education that is so essential to success,” Ford said. “Dad always stressed education. And although he didn’t have the opportunity, he wanted to make sure others had the opportunity. He preached that in the church and at home to his only child and his two grandchildren.”

Ford went on to become an attorney. Her children, Kishka-Kamari McClain and Gary L. Ford Jr., received their undergraduate degrees from Harvard University and respective law degrees from Yale University and Columbia University. Gary L. Ford earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and is the author of an acclaimed biography on civil rights leader Constance Baker Motley.

“He preached the power and importance of education in the church, in the community and in his family,” Marilyn Ford said. “He was awesome.”

‘The end of an era’ As a preacher, Bishop Ward could shout, but he could also tell a story rooted in scripture that would reel you in.

“He could really illustrate a gospel message,” Bishop Hankerson said. “I would almost say it’s the end of an era for that type of preacher. The storytelling preacher has pretty much passed on. It’s a different style of preaching in 2018.” He was a fervent prayer warrior too.

“He’s known for saying, ‘Ain’t nobody mad but the devil,’” said Elder Madison, who grew up in Kennerly Temple and has held leadership positions within COGIC’s international music ministry, including the role of vice president. “People who listened to the broadcast and heard him preach loved when he said that – and they loved to hear him pray.” He served as a spiritual father for Elder Madison, Bishop Hankerson and countless others over his lifelong service to COGIC.

“Our church has lost a great hero in our lives and in our ministry,” Elder Madison said. “But it is our endeavor to continue – and carry out his legacy.”

Bishop Ward is survived by Mother Dorothy Ward, his wife of 72 years, his daughter Marilyn Ford and grandchildren Kishka-Kamari McClain and Gary L. Ford, Jr. A public viewing for Bishop Ward will take place from noon – 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 8. A local and jurisdictional celebration will follow at 7 p.m. The national celebration will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 9. COGIC

Photo by Wiley Price

LANDFILL

Continued from A1

“We have been waiting over a quarter of a century for a safe and permanent solution to the radioactive waste at the landfill. A remedy at this site was long overdue.”

While Just Moms STL members are enthused that this site will finally be addressed and cleaned up, Nickel said their attention is now set on securing relocation for those living closest to the radioactive dump, starting with Spanish Village.

“Viable relocation options must be available to residents before even one shovel sinks into this landfill,” Nickel said.

In December 2010, an underground chemical reaction was detected in the north quarry of the inactive 52-acre Bridgeton Landfill. This landfill is adjacent to the West Lake Landfill, and they are located northwest of the I-70

MALES

Continued from A1 of the messages reinforced a stigma too commonly known –the fear of the black male. This fear has blinded and biased many, even people within the black community. It has resulted in black males being seen as problematic, predetermining us as deviant, defiant, defensive, destructive, disruptive, and disrespectful. This portrayal distorts the image of black males, causing us to be seen as a liability in classrooms, communities, and many corners of society. The grips of these limited narratives are so strong that many adult black men, regardless of personal accomplishments, question our place in America or feel pressured to prove themselves.

My connection with this deceptive reality led me back to St. Louis to pursue a master

and I-270 interchange. The chemical reaction is particularly dangerous because over the years, it has been getting closer to the wastes from 1940s atomic bomb production that are buried only an estimated 700 feet away in West Lake Landfill.

“EPA made a commitment to the people of Missouri to finalize a cleanup plan for the West Lake Landfill Superfund site, and today we are delivering on that commitment,” said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The improvements we’ve made in our final remedy will speed up construction time by a year and reduce exposure to the community and cleanup workers while still removing virtually the same total amount of radioactivity.”

The landfill’s owners, Bridgeton Landfill, LLC, said they are opposed to the proposed excavation because it creates “unacceptable risk with no proportional benefit.”

“EPA’s decision today

of arts in Teaching degree at Washington University. Frankly, I never considered applying to Wash U. because of its status as a globally prestigious institution. I did not believe I was qualified, coming from Jennings. It was only after some encouragement that I applied, was admitted, received a full-ride scholarship, and went on to graduate as student marshal to represent my class. Yet, during my time at Wash U., anxiety emerged. I questioned my academic capabilities, and it took a toll on my health. Physically, I knew how to work hard, but psychologically my mind raced. I lost 20 pounds, had daily migraines, and experienced tingling, numbness, and hot and cold sensations in my feet. I received multiple tests from doctors; all the results came back normal.

Counseling became my source of relief. Through sessions with a counselor, we got to the root of the debasing

to excavate is arbitrary and capricious,” according to the owners’ statement. They intend to “engage vigorously” with the EPA to ensure protections for the community and for onsite workers performing the remedy, the owners stated.

State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City), who has been a strong advocate for full excavation of the radioactive waste, said local and federal authorities need to work together to protect the public during excavation and removal of the waste.

at companies near the West Lake Landfill are experiencing the same illnesses as families living in close proximity to the landfill and Cold Water Creek.

n “There are whole neighborhoods in the 14th District, downwind from the landfill, that have multiple residents on single blocks with cancers and autoimmune diseases.This is not normal.”

– Chappelle-Nadal

In a statement, ChappelleNadal said she has spoken with area doctors who have found that patients who work

stigmas plaguing my identity as a black man and identified common stressors and healthy practices to work into my weekly routine. Through this process of healing and learning about the rich history of beauty, strength, and greatness I come from, I received a truth that cannot be taken away. This truth is a gift I now give to my students: embrace your culture and heritage of excellence. I believe if black students are educated to love and to appreciate what blacks have done, rather than learning narrow mainstream perspectives, then they would be on course to flourish. These teachings would serve as a defense against oppressive mindsets that bind us. For example, code-switching would be less about blacks giving up who we are so others feel comfortable around us, but more for others to acknowledge life from our perspective. Using proper grammar wouldn’t be associated with

“This corresponds with my own research that has found a larger than normal number of employees who work or have previously worked in close proximity to the landfill who have developed brain tumors,” she said.

The senator has conducted her own research and held town hall meetings and hundreds of in-person interviews, she said. Based on her findings, she believes the landfill contamination by air and water far exceeds a onemile radius.

“talking white” or AfricanAmerican vernacular with talking ignorant. Also, the expression of black joy and our desire to learn kinesthetically wouldn’t be misunderstood as an indicator of a problem to be diagnosed as ADHD. Every teacher’s practice should reflect a philosophy of culturally relevant teaching. Until the assets black and brown students bring into the classroom are affirmed, then the fear, lies, and division in our society will persist. The barriers upheld by institutional and structural racism, stereotypes, and generalization of mainstream media must be removed and replaced with outrageous love demonstrated by protecting the potential in our students of color.

For me this involves compiling supplemental learning resources to design a curriculum that is engaging and responsive to the cultural realities of my students. After school, I lead a cultural

“There are whole neighborhoods in the 14th District, downwind from the landfill, that have multiple residents on single blocks with cancers and autoimmune diseases,” Chappelle-Nadal said. “This is not normal.”

Ed Smith, policy director at the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, participated in the EPA briefing in St. Louis on September 27 with stakeholders.

“The impacted community has worked tirelessly to engage the public and elected officials about the harms at West Lake and should be proud of what they have accomplished to move the EPA,” Smith said.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) said he was the first congressman to call for the removal of nuclear waste from West Lake landfill. Clay has been alerting the EPA of constituent concerns about the site for years.

“Today’s final announcement by the EPA of a cleanup is a huge victory

enrichment program for black boys that reinforces and brings out their strengths, while also providing them more positive connections to the school setting. With teachers, I’ve facilitated professional development sessions stimulating courageous conversation that work towards the cultural consciousness needed to identify, to understand, and to respond to students’ needs.

Teachers are change agents by the nature of our work. We not only transfer information, we share views that shape our student’s perspective on the world. This mindset becomes the grid they use to navigate life. By teaching them to check their rearview, they can learn from the past. By peering through the peripherals, they gain understanding from the marginalized. By looking ahead towards a more liberating future, they can see what needs to be done.

No teacher comes into this

for our long-suffering community,” Clay said, “and it is a giant step towards longdelayed environmental justice. I especially want to salute the courage and sacrifice of Just Moms STL, the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, and the many citizen environmental advocates whose dogged determination and faith have led us to this landmark decision that will keep our community safe.”

U.S Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) said she is currently examining the details of the final proposal but at first glance believes this appears to be a significant step forward in achieving that goal.

“We consider the removal of any waste a victory and step in the right direction,” said Dawn Chapman of Just Moms STL. “This has been a long, heartfelt battle. We commend this EPA administration for stepping up and going the extra mile to ensure a safe and permanent solution. We are a community worth saving.”

profession to fight injustice; that’s done out of survival. No teacher comes into this profession to create injustice; that’s done out of neglect. All teachers can be a part of the solution that creates greater access, opportunity and empowerment for all, by teaching to and through students, cultural experiences, or they can be a part of the problem. So what kind of teacher will you be?

Curtis O’Dwyer is a 7th grade science teacher at Nipher Middle School in Kirkwood.

“Homegrown Black Males” is a partnership between HomeGrown STL at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and The St. Louis American, edited by Sean Joe, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor and associate dean at the Brown School, and Chris King, managing editor of The American, in memory of Michael Brown.

National protests of senators over Kavanaugh launched at Blunt’s office

Activist Pastor Cori Bush has fought off two violent attempted rapes in her life – both started off as dates. Alderwoman Megan Ellyia Green was molested at age 3, but no one believed her after she came forward, Green said.

“We are not asking you to feel sorry; we are asking you to be compelled to move,” said Bush, a Ferguson frontliner who has run for both houses of Congress. “So then people won’t say, ‘Don’t ruin someone’s life for something that happened so long ago.’ But what about the victim’s life? We remember it at 40. We remember it at 60.”

This weekend a group of about 100 people – from elected officials to Ferguson frontliners – started organizing the #OccupyThe100 movement to urge U.S. senators and the country overall to oppose the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh They launched the campaign in front of Republican U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s office in Clayton on Tuesday, October 2. They are urging Blunt to vote against confirming Kavanaugh. Blunt has not yet responded to The St. Louis American’s request for comment regarding the press conference.

“It went amazing,” Bush said. “Now we are getting ready to set up the tents. We’re staying.”

For those who can’t physically sit-in or camp out, the group is encouraging people to occupy Blunt’s phone lines, email inbox, Twitter feed, and Facebook page.

While the press conference was going on outside, two women dropped a “Stop Kavanaugh #OccupyThe100 banner” inside the building from a second-story balcony. They were told to leave after several minutes, and they did so immediately.

State Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Clayton) said that Kavanaugh has shown that he will not be nonpartisan after the way he slammed Democrats during the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week. There, Stanford professor Christine Blasey Ford told the committee that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were both high school students more than 35 years ago. Kavanaugh denied the allegation.

Kavanaugh has failed to release all his documents regarding his now multiple allegations of sexual assault, Newman said.

11 years of this, I finally took a step toward dealing with it, but I didn’t step far enough.”

He said he went online and filled out the VA forms, but left boxes unchecked to dodge his true symptoms. “I knew I needed help and yet I still stopped short. I was afraid of the stigma. I was thinking about what it could mean for my political future if someone found out,” he wrote.

Last Tuesday, he wrote, though riding high as a mayoral candidate and successful author, he found himself on the phone with the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line – “tearfully conceding that, yes, I have had suicidal thoughts. And it wasn’t the first time.”

So he decided to drop out of the race, leave day-to-day operations of the organization he founded, Let America Vote, and focus on getting well.

“So after 11 years of trying to outrun depression and PTSD symptoms, I have finally concluded that it’s faster than me,” he wrote. “That I have to stop running, turn around, and confront it.”

Bush said they wanted to use St. Louis’ influence and experience in organizing to push the vote to a “no.”

“People do recognize St. Louis as a place where activists are, a place where movements happen, where things are shaken up,” Bush said. “The fact that we are going to give them the tools to do this, I think that will give people some comfort because they’ve seen us in actions.”

Groups in New York, Dallas, Houston and other places were watching St. Louis’ launch to see how it went, Bush said.

“We know that if Brett Kavanaugh is confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, there will be discrimination and we know exactly who will suffer,” Newman said.

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) told the 30 people standing behind her, “Thanks to every one of you for fighting for women’s rights.”

At that moment, a middle-aged, light-haired woman driving a convertible yelled expletives at the crowd, as she drove past on Hanley Road.

Victims of sexual abuse experience paranoia, post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks, anxiety and other symptoms that can continue

throughout their lives, Bush said.

“We didn’t ask for any of that, but that’s what we walk with,” Bush said. “And people want us to push it away and get over it. It was just some type of sex you didn’t like. We say, ‘no.’ It was violence.”

Green said that women are told at a young age that even if they do tell, nothing will change.

“As an adult, I found myself in an abusive relationship and it took me years to tell anyone, because I had experienced that we don’t trust the experiences of sexual assault victims when they come forward,” Green said. “That’s why the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh is so scary to many of survivors of sexual assault. His confirmation tells us that our stories don’t matter.”

Bush cited a statistic that six out of 1,000 rapists go to jail, leaving 994 to walk the streets.

“If a white, married blonde middleaged woman from the suburbs with a Ph.D. gets treated and dismissed this way, what do black women get?” Bush said. “What do women of color get? What do children get? What do we have to look forward to?”

Bush urged people to get involved now, at whatever level they can.

“We have to make sure that we

do this because it not only affects us, it affects our children’s children’s children,” Bush said. “This is a lifetime appointment. We need to make sure our voices are heard.”

Kander awes Missouri with courage

Jason Kander – who ran a strong campaign against Blunt and barely lost in 2016, after honorable service as Missouri secretary of state and state representative for the 44th House District – shocked Missouri’s political community on Tuesday, October 2 when he announced he was getting out of the Kansas City mayor’s race to deal with his PTSD and depression. Kander is a U.S. Army veteran who served four months in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer 11 years ago.

“So many men and women who served our country did so much more than me and were in so much more danger than I was on my four-month tour. I can’t have PTSD, I told myself, because I didn’t earn it,” Kander wrote in a powerful commentary. “But, on some level, I knew something was deeply wrong, and that it hadn’t felt that way before my deployment. After

Admiration for his candor and courage was unanimous. Even Blunt tweeted, “It’s important to talk about mental health like all other health. When people like former Secretary of State Kander are willing to do so, it moves the entire discussion in the right direction.”

Senator Kamala Harris endorses Kwame Raoul

U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) – a rising star in the Democratic Party and former California attorney general – endorsed Kwame Raoul, Democratic candidate for attorney general of Illinois and currently a state senator from Chicago. She said Raoul “is already a great leader in Illinois for commonsense sentencing reform, justice for the wrongly convicted, and programs that help juvenile and adult ex-offenders stay out of trouble. He’ll be able to accomplish even more as attorney general, and I can’t wait to see the innovations that come out of Illinois with Kwame as its top lawyer.”

New York also has a black Democratic nominee for attorney general, Letitia James, currently New York City’s public advocate, who must be eager for her own endorsement from Senator Harris.

Photo by Wiley Price

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) rallied protesters in front of U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s office in Clayton on Tuesday, October 2 in opposition to the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court nominee in light of several sexual assault allegations against him (which he denies).

The St. Louis roots of employment discrimination

Civil rights era hardly changed protections for black workers, says professor

By Shakia Gullette For The St. Louis American

The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green was greeted as a potent addition to the fight against employment discrimination. On Tuesday, October 16, professor Charles Henson of the University of Missouri’s School of Law will review the case’s history. Henson is an experienced trial lawyer whose primary emphasis is on employment litigation, most specifically, employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. What inspires you the most about McDonnell Douglas v. Green? Why is it important?

Charles Henson: Percy Green’s case against McDonnell Douglas is the most important and enduring of all of the Supreme Court decisions about Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and, therefore, the entire civil rights era. I believe that Title VII is the heart of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Although it was heralded as a great achievement, the 88th Congress intended to do as little as possible to change the existing management and union prerogatives to include or exclude for any or no reason, including race. One might say that the main impact of Title VII was to drive overt discrimination underground in the South and to protect the covert discrimination in the North and West – and to prevent federal employment discrimination law from becoming a vehicle for restitution.

The story we are given – and that is unfortunately still taught – is that McDonnell Douglas was to make it easier for plaintiffs to prove discrimination when none of the evidence was an explicit statement that, for example, a person didn’t get the job because he or she was black. The main source of this view of the case is the Supreme Court, by the way.

Between the general belief that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 conferred special benefits on African Americans and the Supreme Court’s signal that it was making it easier for a black plaintiff, Mr. Percy Green, today it is generally understood that African Americans got more than their fair share and that white people are being discriminated against because of it.

Few people remember that – after the Supreme Court decided McDonnell Douglas Percy Green lost his case. The lower court found that McDonnell Douglas did not discriminate against Mr. Green because of his race. It took from 1968 to 1976 to learn that Mr. Green’s civil rights activism would keep him from succeeding on his claim of employment discrimination.

Professor Charles Henson will discuss the meaning of McDonnell Douglas Corp v. Green on Tuesday, October 16, at 6 p.m.

When it seemed that courts might look at Title VII as a way to change the status quo by requiring employers to hire, promote, or fire on the exclusive basis of ability to do the work, the Supreme Court issued the McDonnell Douglas decision and put a permanent end to a short-lived effort to give Title VII a truly expansive employee-friendly reading. Although it did not appear to at first, the McDonnell Douglas decision forever limited the ability of the primary beneficiaries of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to receive the benefit of the equal opportunity we were all told to expect.

Over time, later Supreme Court decisions clarified McDonnell Douglas and showed that an employer could even lie about why they refused to hire a black person and the employer would win the case. One of the most significant ramifications of McDonnell Douglas is how hard it is for people to win their individual claims of employment discrimination – particularly when they are people of color – and the impact of these losses on whether people believe that employment discrimination still plagues this country.

What do you hope people will learn from this presentation?

Charles Henson: I hope that my lecture will help people understand just how little actually happened as a result of the civil rights era and Title VII when it comes to black unemployment and underemployment. Yes, the “We Don’t Hire Coloreds” signs are gone, but race discrimination remains the reality. I hope attendees understand that McDonnell Douglas expressed the limitations Congress intended to place on changes to how employers make their hiring and promotion decisions. Finally, I hope to explain McDonnell Douglas’ role in confirming the mistaken belief that the country cured the problem of employment discrimination for people of color.

Professor Charles Henson will discuss the meaning of McDonnell Douglas Corp v. Green on Tuesday, October 16, at 6 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. The event is free and open to the public.

at the Missouri History Museum.

Amanda Harmon

Registered sex offenders gone missing

State auditor reports law enforcement lost track of more than 1,200 statewide

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Local law enforcement officials in Missouri don’t know the whereabouts of more than 1,200 registered sex offenders –including almost 800 offenders that would be classified as the most dangerous – according to a new report from State Auditor Nicole Galloway. Galloway released her audit

of Missouri’s sexual offender registration (SOR) program on Monday, October 1. State law requires those convicted or found guilty of sexual offenses to register their name, address and other information with the chief local law enforcement official, who is most often the sheriff. That information is made public through a database and website maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Offenders must verify the information at regular intervals and notify the appropriate law enforcement officials if they move.

Due to inadequate enforcement of the registration requirements at the local level, 1,259 registered sex offenders failed to follow the law. That number represents 7.9 percent of the almost 16,000 offenders required to register. Auditor Galloway said in several counties, the locations of over 10 percent of registered sex offenders were unknown to law enforcement.

In the City of St. Louis, the whereabouts of nearly 20 percent of registered sex offenders – 244 out of 1,265 – are not known to law enforcement.

“For the last nine months, due to manpower issues, the Sex Offender Unit has been operating with one detective and one clerk who are tasked

with updating the registrations and conducting investigations. The non-compliant numbers change almost on a daily basis,” said Sgt. Keith Barrett of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

“In June of this year the Sex Offender Unit, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, conducted over 544 compliance checks within the City of St. Louis. This week-long sweep was successful in locating some offenders and bringing them into compliance while also gathering information for other non-compliant offenders. Over the last three weeks an officer was detached to the Sex Offender Unit in an effort to raise our compliance rate by attempting to locate noncompliant offenders and/or applying for warrants on those who cannot be located.”

Missouri’s sex offender registration law took effect in 1995, and the law was updated this year to classify sex offenders into three tiers based on the severity of the offense. Those who commit Tier III offenses – including rape, sodomy or child molestation in the first or second degree – must register with local law enforcement every 90 days for their lifetime. The audit found that at least 794 of the 1,259 non-compliant offenders

statewide met the criteria for Tier III classification.

Although failure to comply with registration requirements is a felony, the audit found that less than 10 percent of offenders identified as noncompliant had an active arrest warrant for noncompliance. The failure to obtain arrest warrants prevents other law enforcement agencies from taking noncompliant offenders into custody on that charge during traffic stops and other interactions. It also means sex offenders can live indefinitely in locations unknown to law enforcement and the public with little risk of apprehension or prosecution for noncompliance.

“Law enforcement can’t track the location of registered sex offenders if sex offender laws are not enforced,” Galloway said. “This also takes away the ability of Missourians to effectively use the sex offender registry when making decisions to protect themselves and their families.”

The audit also pointed to the need for the Missouri State Highway Patrol to improve its procedures for maintaining the SOR database and supporting local law enforcement efforts to enforce registration requirements. Those include updating the compliance status of offenders in accordance with internal policy, and establishing agreements with other state agencies to perform batch data matches to locate absconders or determine if sex offenders were actually deceased.

Finally, Galloway said the Legislature should make revisions to strengthen state law, both on allowing the State Auditor’s Office to access necessary court records when auditing the sexual offender registration program, and on requiring background checks for school volunteers.

The full audit of the sexual offender registration program can be found at https://tinyurl. com/MO-sex-offenders.

Fastest 38-year-old man in the state

Patrick Johnson (center) was recognized at the Ferguson-Florissant School District Board of Education’s September meeting by Board Vice President Rob Chabot and Superintendent Joseph Davis for his track and field accomplishments during the summer.

Patrick Johnson, a sixthgrade teacher at Walnut Grove Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, has set the state record for 38-year-olds in the two-mile run. Johnson set the record of 13:16 during the 2018 Sweatfest sponsored by the Strafford School Foundation in Strafford, Missouri this past

July. Johnson supported the Strafford School Foundation through his participation in the event.

Johnson, a role model at Walnut Grove who encourages students to stay fit, went on to demonstrate his speed and skill on the track by placing first in seven other events at the ShowMe Games also held in July

in Columbia. He placed first in the 200m dash, 400m dash, 800m run, 1500m run and 3000m run, as well as first in the short and long hurdles.

Johnson’s seven-first place finishes in the Show-Me Games qualify him to compete in the State Games of America in Lynchburg, Virginia next summer.

Missourians who changed their mailing address may not be registered to vote

Missourians who changed their mailing address on driver and non-driver licenses with the Missouri Department of Revenue between August 1, 2017, and September 26, 2018 may still need to change their voter registration before October 10 in order to vote in the November 6 election.

A federal judge found that the Missouri Department of Revenue violated the National Voter Registration Act by not providing all Missourians who changed their mailing address on driver or non-driver licenses an opportunity to also change

their voter registration. Around August 1, 2017, the department revised its change of address process, effectively eliminating the step through which customers could update their address with the secretary of state’s office or local election authority. To assist the department in complying with the judge’s order, the Missouri secretary of state’s office mailed 22,404 notices, which included a voter registration application, to Missourians who changed their mailing address while the department was in error.

If individuals used the department’s driver or nondriver license change of address procedure online or on Form 4160, they will receive a notification with instructions to check their voter registration information or register to vote. The deadline for registering to vote in the November 6 General Election is October 10. Mail-in voter registration applications must be postmarked by October 10. You may also access a voter registration application at https://tinyurl.com/ MO-register-vote.

Deltas, West Side MB Church to co-host Voter’s Education Forum

Guest panelists will include Rita Heard-Days, community liaison for Missouri Housing Development Commission and former state senator; Denise

The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Social Justice Ministry of West Side Missionary Baptist Church will host “Remember November, a Voter’s Education Forum” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the church, 2677 Dunn Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126. The forum is free and open to the public. The forum is designed to help inform members of the community about the November 6 midterm elections, the issues on the ballot, and voters’ rights at the polls. The event will consist of a panel discussion followed by a question and answer period.

Lieberman, senior attorney and co-director of the Power and Democracy Program at the Advancement Project; Margo McNeil, Hazelwood School District board director and former state representative; and Nancy Price, secretary of the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis For more information, email dstwsremnov@gmail.com.

Lori Weatherspoon has joined Christian Hospital as vice president and chief nursing officer.

Lori Weatherspoon

She is moving back to her hometown of St. Louis from Florida, where she has served as the chief nursing officer at HCA Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, the only Level II trauma center in its tri-county area. Weatherspoon has also held nursing senior leadership roles at HCA Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas, and HCA Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Altogether, Weatherspoon has two decades of experience in emergency medicine, intensive care, patient safety, healthcare informatics technology, and acute care settings.

By Chris King Of The

St. Louis American

The students from Gateway Elementary, Gateway Middle, and Gateway Michael schools were very clear about their healthy expectations for the new Carr Square Walking Trail behind their schools that was opened on Wednesday, September 26.

“It gives me a safe place to walk.”

“It gives me a chance to be outside with nature while I walk. Walking brings me peace.”

“Walking is good for my heart. Walking makes my heart strong and increases blood flow.”

“It gives me a place to exercise. Also, by walking the sun gives me Vitamin D.”

“Walking makes my lung stronger and helps me breathe.”

These insights – written on signs, prompted by teachers – show that the health benefits of

n “It gives me a chance to be outside with nature while I walk. Walking brings me peace.”

the new concrete walking trail are evident to the students who will be walking on it.

They will be doing more than walk on it.

“It is important to me because I like to run with my friends on the trail,” one student wrote on a sign.

And many students will be riding on the trail. It was designed by Civil Design Inc. and built by B & P Construction – both companies donated their materials and labor – to be wheelchair-accessible. Indeed, students in wheelchairs led the first lap around the trail when it was opened.

Some of those students lack language

skills. The signs they made about the trail were drawn, rather than written. Their drawings, full of color and energy, reflected their own insightful feelings about this new opportunity to go outside and get moving.

The trail – funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health and organized by BJC HealthCare as part of their Healthy Schools Healthy Communities partnership – offers an expansive view of Downtown, a ball field, the schools’ garden, the three schools themselves, and a neighboring charter school, KIPP Inspire Academy.

By design, the trail connects with Jefferson Avenue and the surrounding communities, and it’s named for the neighboring community to the north.

“We want the community to use the trail, too,” said Roger CayCe, deputy

A13

Students and staff from Gateway Elementary, Gateway Middle, and Gateway Michael schools – along with representatives from community partners Missouri Foundation for Health, BJC HealthCare, Civil Design Inc. and B & P Construction –took the first lap around the new, concrete Carr Square Walking Trail behind their schools on Wednesday, September 26. State reports improvement on air quality near landfill

(DHSS) input on its Bridgeton Landfill Health Consultation document, which is available at health.mo.gov/bridgeton and the St. Louis County Library’s Bridgeton Trails Branch, 3455 McKelvey Rd. in Bridgeton. The document is based on an evaluation of air data collected near Bridgeton Landfill to determine the impacts of landfill gas emissions on people’s health. The data were collected

by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2013 to 2016. Bridgeton Landfill is a solid waste landfill located within the boundaries of the West Lake Landfill. Sub-surface smoldering at the landfill, which was first reported in December 2010, resulted in increased gas and odor emissions from the landfill. Today chemical and odor emissions have been substantially reduced, according to DHSS. Currently, DHSS reported, fugitive

emissions from the landfill have decreased significantly, and breathing sulfur-based compounds in the air near the landfill is unlikely to harm most people’s health. However, the odors of low concentrations of sulfur-based compounds may occasionally affect the health or quality of life of people living or working near the landfill.

Breathing other (i.e., non-sulfur based) chemicals that have been detected in the air is not expected to harm people’s health,

Weatherspoon holds a master’s degree in health administration from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rockhurst University. She is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders, Greater Kansas City Black Nurses Association, and American College of Healthcare Executives, among others. She replaced Gilbert Harding, who has served as Christian Hospital’s interim chief nursing officer since last fall.

Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine invites parents of qualified children between the ages of 3-13 to attend the 13th annual Give Kids A Smile Day from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, October 8 at the school’s main clinic in building 263, 2800 College Ave. in Alton.

n A parent or guardian must accompany each child in order to be treated. Fun activities for children will take place throughout the event.

Children qualified to participate in the event are those eligible for free and reducedpriced meal programs. Preregistration is not required. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the gym, building 281, located on Annex Street off College Avenue and closes at noon. A parent or guardian must accompany each child in order to be treated. Fun activities for children will take place throughout the event. As the wait and treatment may sometimes take several hours, parents are encouraged to bring a healthy snack with them for young children. Firstyear dental students from the SIU School of Dental Medicine will host a variety of “Smile Stations” featuring fun, educational activities and games to help children learn the importance of a good diet and oral hygiene. Give Kids a Smile Day offers free comprehensive dental care, including examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions. All dental services will be provided by SIU SDM faculty, students and staff, and Lewis and Clark Community College dental assisting and dental hygiene faculty and students. Professionals and volunteers from the community also participate.

For more information, contact Valerie Donahue from the School of Dental Medicine at (618) 474-7200 or vdonahu@siue.edu.

Photo by Wiley Price

See TRAIL,

LANDFILL

Continued from A12

according to DHSS. Current cancer risks from breathing volatile organic compounds near the landfill are similar to those in other urban environments in the United States, according to DHSS. Because occasional offensive odors may trigger asthma or affect quality of life, especially for sensitive individuals living or working near the landfill, DHSS continues to recommend:

• When odors are objectionable, stay indoors as much as possible and avoid outdoor exercise. This is especially important for sensitive individuals: children, elderly adults and people with chronic respiratory conditions.

• Seek immediate medical advice for any acute respiratory symptoms such as difficulty

breathing. Offensive odors may cause changes in breathing or trigger an asthma attack.

• Seek medical advice for any persistent symptoms that do not subside when the odors dissipate, including symptoms associated with stress.

• Always practice good health-protective measures, such as following recommended nutrition guidelines and getting regular exercise. Individuals at risk of chronic stress are advised to develop a comprehensive stress management plan.

Public comments may be sent by email to BridgetonComments@ health.mo.gov or postal mail to Lorena Locke, Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. Comments need to be submitted or postmarked by November 20.

Backpacks and your child’s back

Back-to-school spine health for students

Logan University

Backpacks and laptops are required for most students, but together they contribute to back pain and long-term joint problems. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. Several decades ago, backpacks were used solely for carrying a few books to and from school. Today, some schools don’t offer lockers or there’s a lottery system to earn one. This forces children to carry every book and school supply to and from school each day. Additionally, schools have adopted shorter passing periods, not allowing students enough time to stop at their lockers to drop off and pick up books. Because of all this, more students are carrying their backpacks with them throughout the entire day.

backpack. The ultimate goal is to decrease the effects of carrying such a heavy load.”

Dr. Harvey said.

“Additionally, I always ask kids to bring their loaded backpack to me to help determine if they are at risk for shoulder and back problems. It is recommended that backpacks account for no more than five to 10 percent of the child’s body weight.”

n “It is recommended that backpacks account for no more than five to 10 percent of the child’s body weight.”

It’s not uncommon for children to start experiencing anterior, or forward, head carry to counteract the weight of a heavy backpack. This can result in humps at the base of the neck, headaches, neck and shoulder pain and a forward trunk lean.

– Allison Harvey, doctor of Chiropractic

Using just one strap of a backpack can irritate joints and cause shoulder pain, which is a gateway for a potential strain. In extreme cases, it can worsen scoliosis or even cause functional scoliosis.

Allison Harvey, doctor of Chiropractic and senior clinician at Logan University, works especially with young children under the age of 18.

“I’ve had a lot of conversations on the proper mechanics of carrying a backpack and what to look for when you’re buying a

Dr. Harvey has some helpful tips for parents and students about the importance of posture and spine health as the school year gets underway and backpacks get heavy. What parents and teachers need to know:

• Find a backpack that offers plenty of compartments and side zippers. This forces more equal weight distribution

• Look for a backpack with wide shoulder straps, as opposed to thin, unpadded

straps

• A backpack with a leather bottom will better hold the weight of backpack contents

• Ask teachers what your student can leave at home or at school, so they don’t have as much to carry back and forth

• Consider a separate tote for carrying laptops and tablets

• Use the provided waist clips and chest clips on your backpack to help distribute

weight more evenly

• Backpacks should be snug, not tight and not sagging. The base of a backpack should fall no more than four inches below the belly button

• Put the heaviest items in the back of the backpack and in the lowest compartments

• Always use both shoulder straps to carry a backpack

• Schedule a weekly

backpack clean-out to ensure your child is not carrying unnecessary weight.

Laptops and electronic devices can also create a range of other problems, including text neck and wrist strain from rollerballs and touch pad use. To preserve joint and eye health, ensure proper posture and limit screen time of electronic devices.

Overall, improper backpack carrying, or heavy backpacks can cause a multitude of acute and chronic pain the neck, shoulder, hips and lower back. As young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, it is important to use proper posture and limit the everyday weight your child totes to and from school.

Visit MoBap Childbirth Center, donate diapers to family in need

Missouri Baptist Medical Center will donate one pack of diapers to the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank for every Childbirth Center tour it gives between Labor Day 2017 and Labor Day 2018. The hospital made the same commitment last year, donating 1,600 packs. With an anonymous match, that total increased to 3,200. When the order was placed with Huggies Diapers, they also matched for a donation of 6,400 packs.

TRAIL

Continued from A12

superintendent of Operations for Saint Louis Public Schools.

The first lap around the one-mile trail was introduced by Erica Oliver of BJC

“Clean diapers are essential to a child’s overall health and wellbeing, from newborns to toddlers,” said Joel Koenig, M.D., chief of pediatrics at

School Outreach and Youth Development. “Let’s walk, run, jog, roll, dance,” she said, and the students did all of those things. They walked with arms slung around a friend’s shoulder, or elbows locked, sometimes in a wide chain of locked elbows that spanned

n “Clean diapers are essential to a child’s overall health and wellbeing.”

– Joel Koenig, M.D.

Missouri Baptist. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in

three families in the United States is affected by “diaper need,” or the lack of a

n “We want the community to use the trail, too.”

– Roger CayCe,

Saint Louis Public Schools

the width of the trail. One classroom of students pumped fists and chanted, in unison, “Power!” A. Michael Shaw, principal of Gateway Middle School,

sufficient supply of diapers to keep their baby clean, dry and healthy. Diapers cost about $1,000 per year for one child, which can place a significant strain on low-income families.

“There is virtually no public assistance provided to help families in need purchase diapers, and we see that need

finished the lap towards the end of the pack. As he passed the school garden near trail’s end – and the trail has an offshoot that loops around the garden – he was thinking of ways to use the trail for education, in addition to exercise.

first-hand in our community,” said Jessica Adams, founder and executive director of St. Louis Area Diaper Bank. To schedule a tour of the MoBap Childbirth Center, visit MoBapBaby.org/ Tour4Diapers or call 314996-5433.

“I’ll have my P.E. teacher integrate it into his classes,” Shaw said. “I’ll use it for our Rumination Periods. That’s when I ask the students to think deep about life and what they want to do in the future. We will do some Rumination Walks. Walk and look at life and try to get a little clarity.”

Photo: Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Bridgeton Landfill (above) is a solid waste landfill located within the boundaries of the West Lake Landfill.

Dividing Your Plate!

Nutrition Challenge:

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids

For years kids were taught the proper variety of different categories of food by the use of a “Food Pyramid.” The tip of the pyramid represented the small amount of fats a child should consume and that was followed by the five food groups (Milk/Cheese, Meat, Vegetables, Fruits and Grains/Breads). Now the more common image is a plate divided up into portions, showing how much room vegetables, fruit, meats and breads should fill.

Play Tag!

A fun way to run around, get your heart rate up and have fun is to play good old-fashioned tag. One person is “it” and they must tag someone else who is now the chaser. This game has many variations including:

Freeze Tag — Once you are tagged, you are frozen until a friend crawls through your legs to un-freeze you. Game continues until everyone is frozen. When this happens, the first one frozen is now “it.”

Don’t Share!

The image also includes a side of milk.

Seeing the different kinds of foods on a plate can help you see how much of each type of food you should eat. Notice that the fruits/vegetables portion fills half of your plate. And remember to include whole grains in the “bread” section of your plate.

For more information visit: http://kidshealth. org/kid/stay_healthy/food/pyramid.html.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 1, NH 5

Partners Tag — Two people hold hands and chase the others.

Once they catch another player, that player joins their chain. Once two more partners have joined the team, they can split into two teams of two, and so on. (Teams must always have at least two players.)

Most of our childhood we are taught to share. But there are some things that should never be shared! These include eating utensils such as forks, spoons, straws and even napkins. But some other items to keep to yourself are your brush, comb, toothbrush, headbands and make-up. Germs, allergens and even living organisms (such as lice) can be passed through sharing these items. What are some other things that should not be shared?

Learning Standards: HPE 3, NH 1, NH 7

Flashlight Tag — Instead of tagging other players, “it” must simply shine a flashlight on another player, who then becomes “it.”

What are some other ways to play tag? Share your ideas with your classmates.

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

Fruit Roll-ups

Ingredients:

1/3 Cp No-sugar-added fruit preserves (any flavor) 1 Tsp Cornstarch

Directions: Mix the fruit preserves with the cornstarch until dissolved. Spread into a 12-inch by 2-inch rectangle onto greased parchment paper. Bake at 225 degrees for 45 minutes and cool. Cut around the rectangle and roll up.

Healthcare Careers

Jessica Neal, RN Case Manager

Where do you work? I work at Humana.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Clayton High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.

What does an RN case manager do? Every day, I talk to patients and help them develop healthy habits so that they can feel good and live their best lives. I listen to them, then we develop a plan that is manageable for them. I then hold them accountable to make sure that they are eating, exercising and following the plan we developed.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy helping others by giving them tools and resources to help themselves. When people know to do better, they usually do better! Being a nurse is a very rewarding career because you are applying your knowledge to educate patients about health conditions that could really shape their lives for the better!

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of my job is that I get to have a long-term relationship with my patients. I get to see how the application of the education I am giving them is helping prevent diseases.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Our summer programs offer something for every budget, schedule and interest. From our ever-popular summer camps to programs tailored for little ones, adults and the whole family, we have the adventure for you. Mail-in and online registration options are open now!

Visit stlzoo.org/education for the complete list of summer programs and detailed registration information.

Questions? Please contact the Zoo’s Education Department at (314) 646-4544, option #6.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Elementary School 6th grade teacher

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEER AND EDUCATOR:

Akintunde Akinwande

Akintunde Akinwande was born in Nigeria in 1957. He was born in Offa in Kwara State, which is located in the southwestern region of the country. Akinwande attended St. Marks Primary School, then the Government College Ibadan, and the University of Ife in Nigeria. It was at this university that he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering in 1978. Akinwande then moved to the United States where he attended Stanford University and earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering.

SCIENCE CORNER How Do Flat Screen TVs Work?

Akintunde Akinwande is credited with improving the resolution and clarity of flat screen televisions. Have you ever wondered how flat screen TVs work? This particular type of TV was developed because the earlier models of televisions used cathode ray tubes, which projected the images inside the screen. Although they were effective, they were big and bulky, sometimes almost as wide as they were long. The flat screen design not only takes up less space, but it allows for different options, such as hanging on the wall like a picture. There are two main subcategories of flat screen televisions: plasma and LCD.

regulates the precise mixture of lights to ensure the image is clear. Since plasma TVs must light every individual cell within their matrix, they use more power than other TVs which use a single lamp to light the screen.

Plasma televisions use xenon and neon gas in their screen, which glows when connected to electricity. Thousands of tiny plasma cells on the screen contain these gases. They provide a mixture of red, green, and blue lights when lit by electricity. The inside of the TV contains software which

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Computer scientists use codes when working with the computer. In this experiment, you will use a mirror to create a code to communicate with your friend.

Materials Needed:

Pen or Pencil • Paper • Mirror • Partner

Procedure:

q Think of a secret message you’d like to send and write it on a piece of paper.

w Next, hold a mirror up to your message. Place the mirror on its edge on the paper right next to your message.

e Now look in the mirror, and copy what you see onto a new piece of paper. This will be the secret message that you send.

MATH CONNECTION

If you are going to study computer science, you will learn about the binary number system.

The binary number system is a base-2 number system. This means it only has two numbers:

0 and 1. Binary numbers are very useful in electronics and computer systems. Digital electronics can easily work with this number system.

1000000= 10000000= 1 = 20 = 1 10 = 21 = 2 100 = 22 = 4 1000 = 23 = 8 10000 = 24 = 16 DID YOU KNOW?

LCD stands for “liquid crystal display.” A series of cells is filled with liquid crystal and pressed between two pieces of clear material to form the screen. Film transistors send power, which cause them to filter light in a precise wavelength. A white-light lamp projected behind it works with the transistors to perfect the image. By shifting the wavelengths of the liquid crystal, the light is filtered into different colors, which creates the image onscreen. LCD TVs weigh much less and consume considerably less power than a plasma TV.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to find the main idea of a reading passage.

r Give the message to your friend and see if he/ she can figure out what it says. To read your secret message, your partner will have to hold the message up to a mirror and then look in the mirror to see what it says.

Think About It: Mirror writing makes a great secret code because the message looks really different in the mirror than it does in real life. Most letters look like they got flipped inside out — but some letters, like “O,” look exactly the same as their mirror images. You can see an example of mirror writing on ambulances. The word “ambulance” is often written so that drivers can see the word the right way around when they look in their rearview mirrors.

For More Computer Science Activities, Visit: http://csunplugged.org/activities.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete a task. I can analyze results.

Complete the rest of the chart.

Binary numbers only use the numbers 1 and 0. In a binary number each “place” represents a power of 2. See the examples to the left. Use the binary number system to solve these problems.

Ex: 10+10 = 4, if using the binary number system.

According to “Computing in the Core,” exposing students to computer science education in grades K-12 gives them critical thinking skills needed for their success in the 21st century, and for strengthening the workforce.

In 2011, 19 percent of Advanced Placement (AP) computer science test takers were women, even though women represented 56 percent of all AP test takers. In 2011, only 25 percent of computer scientists were female and only 3 percent were female and African American.

After earning his PhD, Akinwande moved to Bloomington, Minnesota, to work at Honeywell Technology Center as a staff scientist. While there, he developed thin-film-edge field emitter arrays. In 1995, he joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) faculty in the Computer Science department. He was a visiting professor at the Cambridge University engineering department. In 2002, he held a fellowship at Churchill College in England. Akinwande has worked as a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), with research focusing on flat panel display technology and wide bandgap semiconductors. He is known for his techniques to increase brightness and resolution in flat panel displays.

Akinwande earned Honeywell’s H.W. Sweatt Award in 1989 for his technical work on the DFT processor chip. In 1996, he received the National Science Foundation’s Career Award. He has written over 100 journal publications and is chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nanotechnology Council.

Discuss: What was the most interesting thing you learned about Dr. Akinwande? Flat panel displays are becoming more common in society. If you could make an invention that would improve on an already existing appliance (such as TV or radio), what would you enhance, how would you make it better? Name another appliance or tool that has been upgraded in recent years. How has it been changed? What new features does the improvement bring? Are there any disadvantages to the changes?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made an impact in science, technology, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete these review activities to sharpen your skills for the MAP test.

Activity One —

Local Economy: Find a newspaper story about, or an ad for, a new business in the area. Identify the goods/service it will provide and the effects it will have on the local economy. Then, find a newspaper reference to an area business that is closing. Who will the closing impact and what effects will it have on the local economy?

Activity Two —

Advertising: Find the advertisements in your newspaper. Identify the adjectives in an ad. Next, come up with a list of other adjectives that could have been used. Mark out the adjectives in an ad and see how it “reads” without the adjectives and draw conclusions.

Learning Standards:

I can use the newspaper to find information. I can identify goods and services offered by local businesses. I can identify adjectives and use them effectively.

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

Hanrahan

Ms. Sylvia Coleman uses the newspaper’s NIE page to show students Carlos McKay, Akira Davis and Jayden McLarren how

projects. Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy MIT.

Business

‘Sounds like there’s a problem’

Black

realtors push for policy changes to bolster black homeownership

By Hazel Trice Edney Of Trice Edney News Wire

Despite the fact that the Fair Housing Act was passed by Congress more than 50 years ago, evidence now reveals that governmentsupported racial discrimination in home buying remains rampant across the U.S. – yet, with little legislative remedy or recourse.

This is the reason that members of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), a 71-year-old organization of black real estate professionals, are pushing for Congress and policy influencers to take action after a NAREB-issued report and a panel of independent housing experts confirmed pervasive discrimination in homeownership.

“Trends leave us today with a black homeownership rate of 41.6 percent – merely the

n “Not only have we not put into place remedies, but we’re still having federal policies and actions that further drive us into a financial abyss.”

– James H. Carr, a co-author of the 2018 State of Housing in Black America report

same as it was just two years after the signing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968,” said NAREB President Jeffrey Hicks. “There has been decades of federal, state and local government-supported discriminatory housing and housing finance

policies, disparate lending patterns, redlining, and exploitation, resulting in unimaginable losses of wealth.”

Hicks gave opening remarks to an audience of hundreds of people assembled at a two-hour NAREB forum during the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

“We are here today assembled in this room to begin down a road to solutions identifying the key areas where policy changes can have a measurable impact and create a space for true democracy in housing allowing all people of our nation to climb up the middle class ladder to build wealth through home ownership,” Hicks said.

Following Hicks’ remarks, a string of policy

See REALTORS, B6

‘You are worthy of ambition’

Tech entrepreneur Rachel Simon-Lee works with BioSTL and Institute for Women’s Policy Research

By LaShana (Shan) Lewis

For The St. Louis American

Rachel Simon-Lee, founder of Heartworks Videos, uses video to capture the most intricate surgical procedures for pediatric heart surgeons and surgeonsin-training. She participates in BioSTL’s Bioscience & Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, which has worked to increase diversity in the bioscience technology industry in the St. Louis region. According to the website, it “partners with other organizations and companies to host seminars and workshops in addition to working one-on-one with innovators to connect them with resources and individuals to help them commercialize their innovations.”

The Inclusion Initiative is part of a program designed by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). The institute conducted and communicated research that has prompted public dialogue, shaped policy,

and provided opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. IWPR conducted this research to help women close the gender gap – the discrepancy in opportunities, status, attitudes, etc., between men and women – in the patenting, innovation, and commercialization realms.

IWPR started 30 years ago as a think tank – a body of experts providing advice and ideas on specific political or economic problems – founded by feminist economist and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Heidi Hartman. Hartman decided to focus IWPR on policies that affected women and men differently, particularly in economics, occupational segregation, and women in nontraditional jobs. The program also looked at the politics surrounding issues crucial to women like paid family leave and sick leave.

Lisa D’Souza was selected to serve as the staff attorney for the new Honorable Richard B. Teitelman Chair at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. The Teitelman Chair is an endowed position named for the late Missouri Supreme Court Judge Richard Teitelman who also served for 18 years as executive director for Legal Services. The named position will focus on legal advocacy that addresses systemic issues affecting low-income families.

Michael W. Noble received 100 percent of the votes from the 20 members of the Missouri Judicial Performance Review Committee that he meets overall judicial performance standards. He is circuit judge on Missouri’s 22nd Circuit Court, which covers the City of St. Louis. Appointed to the bench in 2015 via the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan, he will stand for retention on the November 6 ballot.

Lakiea Sidney was elected to a two-year term as president of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. – Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter. The organization’s mission is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. Sidney joined the organization in 2014 and her leadership role within the organization includes 3rd VP of Membership.

Jimmie Edwards was recognized by Citizens for Modern Transit for his exemplary commitment to championing transit in the St. Louis area. He received a New Initiatives Award for his work on a new collaborative effort to help further the safety and security of MetroLink on both sides of the Mississippi River. He is Public Safety director for the City of St. Louis.

Erika Flowers will play a lead character in both “Into the Breeches!” and “A Most Outrageous Fit of Madness,” produced by Shakespeare Festival St. Louis October 28 through November 24 at the Grandel Theatre as part of its inaugural “In the Works” program of new work. A graduate of Missouri State University and Francis Howell North High School, she is an actor, director and teaching artist.

Shadrack Msengi is serving as the project director for the Great Stories Club at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is an associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning in SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. SIUE will partner with St. Vincent Home for Children in the Great Stories Club program, which provides opportunities for children to read books, with related themes, based on their real life situations.

cking@stlamerican. com

Lisa D’Souza

Lakiea Sidney

Shadrack Msengi

Erika Flowers

Michael W. Noble

Jimmie Edwards

Jeff Hicks, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, spoke on the “2018 State of Housing in Black America” report recently in Washington, D.C.

Elyse Shaw

Photo by Imagine Photography

Rachel Simon-Lee

United Way funds local civic organizations

Kimbrough to become region’s only black bank CEO

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Orvin T. Kimbrough will leave the United Way of Greater St. Louis, where he is president and CEO, to lead Midwest BankCentre (and its holding company, Midwest BankCentre, Inc.) as CEO, effective February 1, 2019. He will remain a member of the bank board, on which he has served since 2015, and stay in his current role with United Way until then.

Kimbrough will become the region’s only AfricanAmerican bank CEO.

Will leave United Way to lead Midwest BankCentre and its holding company

In a release, the bank said his appointment “affirms the transformation begun by Midwest BankCentre in 2011, when it enlarged its vision of service to the community. About the same time, the bank entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, which expired in mid2016. The bank committed to open a bank branch in an area of St. Louis populated primarily by African-American citizens; invest in a special financing program to expand loans to St. Louis area neighborhoods with majority African-American residents; allocate funding for consumer financial education and credit repair; and expand marketing.” “As a direct result, we

transformed our culture and perspective in ways that enable us to be an even stronger partner to clients and communities, now and in the future,” Midwest BankCentre CEO and Chairman Jim Watson stated.

Watson will continue in his current role until Kimbrough joins the bank, and then serve full-time as executive chairman of Midwest BankCentre while remaining vice chairman of Midwest BankCentre, Inc.

officer of Midwest BankCentre.

Orvin T. Kimbrough

Dale Oberkfell continues as president and chief financial

“Our geographic reach has extended to include neighborhoods overlooked or shunned by our competitors. We’ve opened fullservice branches in Pagedale and at Friendly Temple in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood and acquired a location on North Broadway in the near north riverfront area north of downtown St. Louis,” Watson stated.

“Our efforts have spurred economic development and vitality, changed the trajectory of lives for generations by removing barriers and building opportunities, and forged relationships that led us to our new CEO. We are grateful for the inspiration and for the difference it has made in the bank we’ve become for our community.”

Midwest BankCentre was recently selected as a national award recipient by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for the 2018 National Community Bank Service Awards. ICBA selected the bank from among more than 100 nominations for its high-impact service and economic empowerment programs that have brought mainstream banking services to more than 1,200 previously unbanked or underbanked families in the St. Louis metro area.

Watson stated that bank employees contributed more than 4,700 volunteer hours in 2017 to help hundreds of immigrants, minorities and economically disadvantaged citizens gain access to financial services, and spur community redevelopment and reinvestment.

Kimbrough, 43, joins

LEE

continued from page B1

Elyse Shaw, senior research associate at IWPR, connected with BioSTL by cold-calling Cheryl Watkins-Moore, its director of Bioscience & Entrepreneurial Inclusion. She said Watkins-Moore wanted for BioSTL “to be part of the program right away.”

Shaw said that BioSTL’s approach was unique, in that its Inclusion Initiative did more than just work on the target audience – women looking to patent, start their own businesses, and participate in the innovation community –but also established a network of businesses and resources that helped to ensure that participants in the initiative were successful and supported. Shaw has worked for IWPR for about six years. She has touched on just about every issue that has been addressed by IWPR. She has co-published several articles on these

Midwest BankCentre after a nearly 20-year career leading entrepreneurial, community-focused nonprofit organizations. As president and CEO since 2013 of United Way of Greater St. Louis, it has advanced from the fifth to the third largest United Way in the country, generating more than $82.5 million annually in private and public funding.

The agency recently announced a $76 million campaign goal for 2018. The 2018 campaign – co-chaired by Mark S. Wrighton, chancellor at Washington University, and Jeff Fox, chairman and CEO of Harbour Group – runs through early November.

“The St. Louis region is at a critical crossroads,” Kimbrough said. “United Way will forever be a part of my life. I am excited to join Midwest BankCentre, which has demonstrated the depth of its commitment to community at every level. I look forward to working with the bank’s outstanding team to fulfill and advance its demonstrated commitment to financial success for all citizens in the region.”

Kimbrough’s entrepreneurial approach has been shaped by his educational background in social work, business and theology. He graduated from the University of MissouriColumbia with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. He earned his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Kimbrough also graduated from Aquinas Institute of Theology with a master of arts in theology. He currently serves as adjunct professor in Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work, designing a post-graduate course on teams and leadership.

subjects, becoming an expert in her field. When asked about issues that block women from being successful on their own, Shaw said, “Monetary [support] and sponsorship seem to be the biggest barriers, as well as knowledge, experience and connections.”

IWPR was first funded by Qualcomm, the telecommunication company, to research the gender gap in Washington, D.C.’s patent community. The findings led to a one-day workshop, which posed a bigger question: Who else is working on this disparity issue? The organizers of the event reached out to their attendees, and landed on several around the country, including BioSTL. Shaw indicated that an additional drawback with women with succeeding was self-doubt.

“Many believed their idea has to be perfect or polished, or that it needs someone that is knowledgeable in a way you’re not,” Shaw said. “It

“We are deeply grateful to Orv for his decade of service and leadership with United Way of Greater St. Louis,” said Rich McClure, board chair.

“Orv has made a lasting impact in the St. Louis region during his time with United Way. As CEO, he led the community through five successful campaigns, raising more than $370 million to help others live their best possible lives. In addition, Orv has guided the organization through a strategic transformation in how United Way engages with stakeholders and supports our community. United Way’s board and staff remain focused and committed to the important work of our agencies and partners, and we look forward to continuing a strong relationship with Orv in his new role with Midwest BankCentre.”

McClure said United Way has convened a search committee of the board to conduct a national search for Kimbrough’s successor. The committee expects to have a president and CEO named and in place before Kimbrough’s departure.

“Orv’s lifelong passion for the United Way’s mission, which is helping people live their best possible lives, connects deeply with our community banking focus of helping our community rise together,” Watson stated.

“Through our bank’s volunteer and leadership engagement in United Way, we’ve witnessed Orv’s talent for strategically building relationships and teams through integration, collaboration and alignment. The successful digital transformation he led at United Way parallels the revolution now underway in banking to serve customers in ways that best suit their needs across all platforms.”

actually needs to have a team of people.”

Shaw said that some women think they need to do the whole patenting process by themselves, or don’t know who to go to for help. So IWPR has decided to take on this mantle. For future entrepreneurs and women seeking to make their ideas a reality, Shaw advised, “Don’t listen to the people who tell you that you can’t, because you can. Find your passion, figure out what it is. Don’t listen to the people who are going to tell you that it’s really hard.”

Simon-Lee, who got her love of the film industry from her father, provided further insight.

“You are worthy of ambition,” Simon-Lee said. “I knew that I was a hard worker and it was expected of me. It takes a certain amount to be an entrepreneur, to think big, and outside the box. It can be daunting. The sooner that young girl can accept that and embrace that, the better.”

Representatives of the Girls Scouts of Southern Illinois, Nu Chi Foundation, Greater St. Louis Area Council Boy Scouts of America, Christian Activity Center, and Sinai Family Life Center each received a one-time grant of $25,440 from the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Lutheran North to host open house for new middle school

Michael Starks, who will be the director at Lutheran North Middle School, with James Mitchell, its administrative support coordinator.

Lutheran North plans to open a new middle school it for the 2019 school year. Applications for admission open October 1.

Michael Starks, a former instructional coordinator for Saint Louis Public Schools, will serve as the director at Lutheran North Middle. He noted that there is no existing 6th-12th grade private school option in North County.

There are currently 250 students enrolled at Lutheran North High School, representing 26 elementary and middle schools. More than 60 percent of the students who attend the high school are not Lutheran.

“There are families in North County and North City who are looking for different educational options,” said Lutheran North Principal Tim Brackman. “We want to provide another neighborhood option.”

Lutheran North plans to utilize some of its existing high school classrooms and programming for the middle school. The tuition will average $8,000, and financial aid will be available. Contact Lutheran North at 314-389-3100 or bkammeier@ lhsnstl.org.

U. City Library to offer free moviemaking and movieediting classes

University City Public Library received a grant from the Commission on Access and Local Original Programming (CALOP) to provide additional technology access to the community. The $68,000 grant will cover movie-making and movie-editing classes for kids, teens, and adults, as well as video equipment and editing software.

The CALOP grant will also allow the library to hire a parttime technology trainer to teach classes on coding, robotics, and 3D modeling for younger children and teens. Other classes will be taught through partnerships with local organizations, such as Cinema St. Louis, which presented the three well-received workshops for teens this summer. While the classes are still in development, all will be presented free of charge.

“The popularity of our teen video camps this summer shows that there is a demand in the community for more creative technology experiences,” said University City Public Library Director Patrick Wall.

The library has previously received grant funding from several local and statewide sources to create a technology makerspace that includes a 3D printer and scanner, robotics equipment, a studio for video recording, audio recording equipment, video cameras, and software to edit video and audio creations. All are available for free at the Library. For more information, visit http://www.ucpl.lib.mo.us.

CHOICES

Nu Chi Foundation awards scholarships

Nu Chi Chapter of East St. Louis Illinois and the Nu Chi Foundation, its non-profit affiliate, recognized six local students during their annual Scholarship Night Program in August 2018.

Recipients receiving $1000 scholarship awards were: LaRynn Lang (O’Fallon Township High School) is attending the University of Missouri - Columbia; Huey

Dunomes (Belleville East High School) is attending Florida Southern College; Amber Armstrong (East St. Louis High School) is attending Philander Smith College; Jaida Felton (East St Louis Senior High School) is attending Illinois State University; and Kamojah Parram (East St. Louis High School) is attending Philander Smith College (not pictured).

McCaskill joins push to expand funding for HBCUs

Last year, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill spoke out against Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ inaccurate statement that “HBCUs are real pioneers when it comes to school choice” – citing their true founding as the only higher education option for black students in the Jim Crow South.

‘This legislation is significant,’ says Warmack of Harris-Stowe

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is supporting an effort to permanently extend and increase mandatory funding levels for minority-serving institutions, like Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The Strengthening Minority-Serving Institutions Act will help ensure the continued growth and success of HBCUs and minority-serving institutions of higher education by increasing mandatory funding levels from $255 million to $300 million. Most of this funding is set to expire in Fiscal Year 2019, although some funding expired in Fiscal Year 2014, placing financially troubled schools at-risk.

“Missouri’s HBCUs are cornerstones in our state, with long histories of providing a world-class education – preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed for

the future,” McCaskill said. “It’s critical we support these institutions with the resources they need to continue growing,

n “We applaud Senator McCaskill for co-signing this bill.”

– Dwaun Warmack, president of Harris-Stowe State University

bolstering their strong traditions of academic excellence, community-service, and leadership.”

Dwaun Warmack, president of HarrisStowe State University, said this legislation is “significant.” “Historically Black Colleges and Universities serve a critical role for our communities and our country, from workforce development to the realization of dreams,” Warmack said. “We applaud Senator McCaskill for co-signing this bill.”

McCaskill has been a strong advocate for Missouri’s HBCUs during her time in the Senate. Earlier this year, she joined a bipartisan push calling for funding in support of HBCUs – including HarrisStowe State University in St. Louis and Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City – in upcoming government funding debates. Last year, McCaskill spoke out against Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ inaccurate statement that “HBCUs are real pioneers when it comes to school choice” –citing their true founding as the only higher education option for black students in the Jim Crow South.

Representing Nu Chi Foundation are Bro. Carl Dean, the Scholarship Committee Chairman; Bro. George McClellan, vice basileus of Nu Chi Chapter; and Bro. Benjamin Trotter, basileus of Nu Chi Chapter.

Photo by Brother Andrew Bailey

Anheuser-Busch funds Better World Scholars

Julio Suarez, senior director of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch, congratulated the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2018 Anheuser-Busch Better World Scholars at the 2018 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala at America’s Center on Saturday, September 29. Anheuser-Busch partnered with the St. Louis American Foundation to fund $35,000 in scholarships for college juniors and seniors from the St. Louis region. The scholars are Zak Abud of UMSL, Jazmyn Ferguson of Mizzou, Caiymen Fountain of SEMO, Amber Ingram of UMSL, Donella Johnson of UMSL, Xavier Payne of SEMO, Derrius Plair of Alabama A&M, Kyla Robinson of the University of Central Missouri and Cayce Sloan of Missouri State University.

An affordable way to earn your degree and advance your career

WGU Missouri

For those looking to get ahead at work or jump into a new career field altogether, not having the right education or skills can often lead to roadblocks in the path to success. But for many adults who are busy working and raising families, finding the time and money to go to class and complete coursework can seem impossible.

Luckily, there are affordable and flexible high-quality educational options for those who want to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in less time and for less money.

WGU Missouri, for instance, is leading the charge in making affordable, challenging, nationally recognized degree programs available to Missourians who have some college experience but no degree and are unable to attend traditional colleges and universities.

The university was created in 2013 by Gov. Jay Nixon as a state affiliate of Western Governors University and is Missouri’s only state-endorsed, accredited, nonprofit, online university. It offers more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the areas of business, education, IT and health professions, including nursing. These degree programs are career-focused and relevant to the needs of Missouri employers.

WGU Missouri allows students to balance work and family obligations while they complete their studies. The

university’s industry-leading, competency-based structure lets students earn credits based on previous education, training and on-the-job experience instead of time spent in the classroom. This allows them to move quickly through material they already know and focus on what they still need to learn so they graduate faster and with far less debt.

WGU also offers affordable, flat-rate tuition of about $3,500 each six-month term, allowing students to take as many courses as possible each term without any added costs.

This model is becoming an attractive option for students who recognize higher education as a worthy investment but need options that fit their lifestyles. Since its

establishment five years ago, WGU Missouri’s enrollment has grown to 2,800 and 2,000 degrees have been conferred, 50 percent of them in the past 12 months. Graduates are seeing a difference in their lives as doors open to more career opportunities, with many earning an average of $10,600 more within a year or two of graduation. WGU provides tuition discounts to employees of its many partners around the state and has awarded over $1 million in WGU-funded scholarships since 2013. To learn more about the university, its programs or scholarships, visit Missouri. WGU.edu or call 855-9488493.

New Scholar Athlete Program in the Metro East

Memorial Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with Memorial Rehab and Sports Medicine and BJC Medical Group (formerly known as Memorial Medical Group) Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, has established a Scholar Athlete Program for the 2018-2019 school year. Memorial’s Scholar Athlete

Program will recognize senior athletes – one male and one female athlete of the month –culminating with a male and female

Photo by Wiley Price

n “I am in

11 now. I tore my ACL in my third year. Most guys would have retired.”

— Derrick Rose

Sports

Teams widen winning streaks

The Fort Zumwalt North Panthers were Class 5 state semifinalists a year ago and they look the part of a team ready for another deep postseason run this season.

The Panthers are currently 6-0 and featured a talented group of versatile skill position players who can make big plays. Junior Izaiah Hartrup has rushed for 381 yards along with 182 yards receiving and eight touchdowns.

Earl

Senior Cairo Payne has 247 yards rushing, 290 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Quarterback

Joel Hilliard has passed for 907 yards and seven touchdowns in his first year as a starter.

Senior 6’1,” 260-pound two-way performer Jaylin Vaughn is a bulldozer at fullback and a defensive leader at linebacker. Vaughn has 53 tackles and two sacks for the season. Linebacker Cerry Watson has 48 tackles, one sack and one interception while defensive end Max Martin had 56 tackles and three sacks.

Fort Zumwalt North had a big game with district rival Fort Zumwalt East (5-1) on Friday night at North. Roughriders on a roll

After dropping their first two games of the season, Roosevelt High has been on a surge with four consecutive victories. The Roughriders are one of the top contenders in the Public High League under the guidance of second-year coach Trey Porter.

Sophomore quarterback Tabraon Neal is a talented dual-threat with 1,127 yards passing and 14 touchdowns. Senior Terrell Cannamore is a prime target at wide receiver. The 6’3” Cannamore is a two-sport standout in football and basketball.

Wilder vs Fury officially signed

The worst kept secret in boxing is finally official. WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will face off against Tyson Fury in a spectacular heavyweight showdown on Dec. 1. Though he does not currently possess a title around his waist, Fury (27-0-0, 19 KO), is the lineal heavyweight champion of the world. What exactly does the term “lineal champion” mean? The first heavyweight title fight under the Queensbury Rules occurred in 1892 between John L. Sullivan and James J. Corbett. Corbett won, becoming the first lineal heavyweight champion. The man who beat him (Bob Fitzsimmons) became the second lineal champ. The guy who beat Fitsimmons (James J. Jefferies) became the third and so forth. Though mythical, the lineal championship is important in a time where there are seemingly as many sanctioning bodies and title belts as there are fast food

chains. Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to win the lineal title, as well as the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, but was later stripped by all organizations due to inactivity. While Anthony Joshua now owns all of Fury’s former trinkets, he never technically “beat the man that beat the man.” Since Joshua (22-0-0, 21 KO) has expressed a desire to face the winner of Wilder vs Fury, we could be one step closer to seeing the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

Considering that Fury and Wilder (40-0-0, 39 KO) possess two of biggest personalities in the sport, the promotional tour leading up to the fight should be as entertaining as the fight itself.

Fireworks have already kicked off during the opening press run to promote the bout.

“I promise you I’m gonna knock out the ‘Gypsy King,’ ” Wilder told attendees at

Parkway North’s Mel Woodson (35) tangles with Ladue’s Andrew Hunt (8) as running back Dale Chesson (7) turns up field during Thursday’s Sept. 27, 2018 game at Kirkwood. The Rams of Ladue went on to defeat the Vikings of Parkway North 47-14.

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder ham it up during the press conference to announce their Dec. 1 fight. The bout will feature the lineal heavyweight champion of the world versus the WBC heavyweight champion of the world.

Austin Jr.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Ezekiel Elliott rounding into shape just in time for desperate Cowboys

Remember the game show “To Tell the Truth?”

Will the real Ezekiel Elliott please stand-up.

The NFL never saw the real Elliott during last year’s controversial season that included a six-game suspension. It saw an emotional wreck carrying the football and too many pounds.

Fans who followed Elliott’s career from John Burroughs to Ohio State to the Dallas Cowboys saw a 2017 version that wasn’t physically or mentally prepared to deal with football or all the never-ending legal maneuvers.

I doubt he’ll play postseason football for Dallas Cowboys season this year, but the old Elliott is just about back. Through four games for the 2-2 Cowboys, Elliott has 426 yards rushing. He blasted for 152 on 25 carries last Sunday against Detroit. It should be noted that the Lions sport the worst defense against the run in the NFL.

a lackluster season for the Cowboys.

“I’d been trying to get that play for a while,” Elliott said.

“Once I saw they were playing man-to-man and I was going to have a linebacker on me, I was telling them, ‘Give me the inside fade.’”

Elliott added 88 receiving yards in his team’s 26-24 victory – and he did it while dealing with knee and ankle soreness.

“I was already sore in the first quarter,” Elliot told DallasCowboys.com.

“I knew what type of game it was going to be. But I had to grind through it. Little bit of a sore ankle. Little bit of a sore knee. Nothing big.” Elliott’s game was certainly big. His over-the-shoulder, 34-yard reception late in the fourth quarter set up the game-winning field goal and possibly saved what had been

He leads the NFL in rushing yardage by a comfortable margin over the L.A. Rams’ Todd Gurley, who has compiled 338 yards. At his current pace, Elliott would rush for 1,704 yards, topping the 1,631 he gained as a rookie. In 29 games with the Cowboys, Elliott has averaged 104.8 yards per game. Hall of Famer Jim Brown holds the NFL record with a 104.3 yards per game mark. It’s still early in his career, but Elliott is certainly on a Hall of Fame pace. Elliott could continue at this impressive rate and the Cowboys still won’t make the playoffs if quarterback Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing game continue to struggle.

Both he and Elliott had a lot to say about protests during the national anthem. It drew scorn from some fans – including me – and praise from many.

But all that bold talk about standing up hasn’t helped Prescott overcome the fact that the Cowboys have a sorry set of receivers. Nor has it helped him overcome how own poor passes and decision-making.

Former St. Lois Rams head coach and current Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is on the hot seat for his play calling. He’ll be owner Jerry Jones’ first scapegoat if the offensive woes continue. Next up will be head coach Jason Garrett

Following the game, Jones said of Elliott: “I’ve never seen him play as well as he did today.”

Elliott was a mess last year. In 2018, the rookie the football world was enamoured with in 2016 has returned. It’s good to see that guy back out there.

Along comes Jones?

The only red the St. Louis Cardinals are experiencing this postseason is caused by embarrassment. The Redbirds were scuffling along before one of the best August records in the history of the franchise turned the season around.

But September rolled in and the Cardinals began to slow down. However, with 10 games left in the season, the Cardinals held a one-and-a-half game lead in the NL Wild Card race. It evaporated when the NL

Central champion Milwaukee Brewers swept a three-game series last week.

The Cardinals lost last Friday to the Chicago Cubs in a game littered with errors and misplays. When the Dodgers won on Saturday, the Redbirds were officially eliminated from the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

There’s plenty of talk about all the great young pitching, the second half surge under manager Mike Shildt and the spirited play of the speedy Harrison Bader

But the bottom line is that it wasn’t good enough. I guarantee you that the Brewers and Chicago Cubs will improve their respective teams in the offseason, regardless of how well they do in the postseason.

Depending on the price, the Cardinals should kick the tires of veteran free agent Adam Jones

He’ll be entering his 14th season, but he hit .281 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI for the woeful Baltimore Orioles.

A four-time Gold Glove winner in centerfield, if the price is right and he approves a move to right field, he could be the Cardinals answer to a lot of questions. He and Bader would make quite a pair in the Cardinals outfield.

As for leftfielder Marcell Ozuna, I think he came here as damaged goods and the

Miami Marlins got over on the Cardinals for at least one season. As for Dexter Fowler, the Cardinals need to eat a sizable chunk of that salary and send him elsewhere for the best for both parties.

Monday Fun Day

Monday Night Football doesn’t draw the audience it did in its glory days, but it remains the NFL’s biggest stage.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II continued his amazing 2018 season by rallying his team from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the host Denver Broncos 28-23.

Mahomes orchestrated a nifty 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a with a 2-yard TD throw to tight end Travis Kelce. The Chiefs quickly added a 60-yard touchdown drive, with Mahomes handing off to Kareem Hunt for the 4-yard score with 1:39 remaining.

Mahomes rushed for a touchdown, threw for another and finished with 305 yards passing. He had just 65 at halftime and MNF analyst Jason Witten wondered aloud “How will he handle adversity?”

He handled it brilliantly. His fourth-quarter comeback included a left-handed pass that

picked up a crucial first down and a dizzying array of plays that left the Denver crowd in shock.

On the left-handed pass, Mahomes said “I didn’t think [about] it at all. It just happened.”

“I was just scrambling left, I felt (Broncos end) Von Miller on my back and I knew I couldn’t throw it with my right hand. I knew we needed the first down and so I kind of just like shot-putted it to Tyreek (Hill).”

He also zinged a cross-hisbody, cross-the-field pass to Kelce for another important completion.

You never want to throw across your body as a quarterback, especially in this league, because guys can make plays on the defensive side of the ball. It kind of just naturally (happened).”

Chiefs’ fullback Anthony Sherman summed it up best when he said of Mahomes, “Everything he does is amazing.”

The Reid Roundup

Patrick Mahomes turned down endorsement deals as a rookie last year because he wasn’t playing. USA TODAY reports he is still turning down deals as he concentrates on football…One thing rarer than a black NFL head coach is a black NFL punter. Broncos coach Vance Jospeh is fed up with punter Marquette King, who shanked a 35-yard punt on Monday. “He’s got to perform better. We’re at home and it’s his job to flip the field. It ain’t happening.”… Mizzou beats South Carolina this weekend to set up the showdown with Alabama … N.Y. Giants receiver Odell Beckham got a $90 million contract extension but isn’t getting many passes thrown his way. He through a mini temper tantrum on the sideline last Sunday in the Giants loss to the Saints … Safety Eric Reid signed with Carolina this week. He said in March that he didn’t plan on protesting during the national anthem this year. He will continue with Colin Kaepernick on the collusion grievance they filed against the NFL . David Tepper, Carolinas’ new owner, has blasted the POTUS over his remarks on anthem protests Demaryius Thomas and Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall both stood with their teammates during the national anthem. Since the preseason, both players had remained in the tunnel.

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

Through four games for the 2-2 Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott has 426 yards rushing. He blasted for 152 on 25 carries last Sunday against Detroit.

Belleville West basketball

star E.J. Liddell has given a verbal commitment to The Ohio State University.

A 6’7,” 230-pound forward, Liddell is rated among the Top 50 players in the country in the Class of 2019. He was selected Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois after leading the Maroons to the Illinois Class 4A state championship last season. He was also the St. Louis American Co-Player of the Year in 2018 with former Webster Groves star Courtney Ramey.

Liddell made his official announcement on Monday evening at a local restaurant

Continued from C5

it though, while they have vastly different styles, both men can scrap. They also both want to win to set up a lucrative bout with Joshua (assuming he and his promoter Eddie Hearn are done playing games).

Despite the fact that HBO is getting out of the boxing business (more on that story next week), the future of the sweet science is extremely bright thanks to fights like this.

Eric Reid signs with Panthers

Shout out to the Carolina Panthers for signing Eric Reid to a one-year contract, worth up to $2M. The 26-year-old former Pro Bowl safety had been without a job solely because he was the first player to kneel alongside Colin Kaepernick. After suffering injuries in the secondary, the Panthers made the wise decision to sign an elite player rather than dusting off some random, unsigned scrub. It was also refreshing to see Reid show up unapologetically black at his opening press conference. Draped in a black #IMWITHKAP t-shirt,

Continued from B3

Darrius Jackson is a talented running back and cornerback with a team-high four interceptions.

Lift for Life

Hawks are soaring

The Lift for Life Hawks have been enjoying a breakout season with five consecutive victories after their season-opening loss to a strong Lutheran-St. Charles team.

The Hawks feature a potent backfield combination in sophomore Rico Singleton and junior Antonio Gines.

InsIde sports

With Earl Austin, Jr.

Liddell goes with the Buckeyes

in Belleville while surrounded by many family members and friends. Liddell’s final decision came down to Ohio State, Missouri and Illinois.

“It was a hard decision,” Liddell said. “I had a lot of great options, a lot of great opportunities. People gave me a lot of chances to play basketball in their program. I felt this was the right decision for me, in my heart. And my family felt the same way.”

The recruiting battle was close and intense with Illinois, his home state school making a strong push and Mizzou, a program that already has some top metro east Illinois

talent in the program in Jeremiah Tilmon (East St. Louis), Mark Smith (Edwardsville) and Javon Pickett (Belleville East). But in the end, it was Ohio State for Liddell, a lifelong fan of the Buckeyes.

“I loved Ohio State since I was a kid,” he said. “I thought the best of Ohio State for a long time because I thought I was going to play football and they always had a top five football program every year. When I realized I could play basketball, I kept that in con-

sideration.”

As a junior, Liddell led Belleville West to the Illinois Class 4A state championship, the first in the school’s history. Liddell averaged 20.8 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the field, 35 percent from 3-point range and 78 percent from the free throw line. He is also a dominating defensive player with a school-record 200 blocked shots last season.

Jameson Williams is headed to OSU Cardinal Ritter College Prep football standout Jameson Williams also gave a commitment to Ohio State. The 6’2,” 175-pound Williams is a tremendous wide receiver and one of the top prospects in the state of Missouri. Williams also considered Alabama, Oregon, Nebraska and UCLA before choosing the Buckeyes. Williams is currently enjoying a big junior season in leading the Lions to a 6-0 record. In six games, Williams has 26 receptions for 576 yards and nine touchdowns. Williams

Reid explained why he will not shy away from activism. “Next year will be 2019. It will mark 400 years since the first slaves touched the soil of this country. That’s 400 years of systemic oppression,” Reid stated. “That’s slavery, Jim Crown, new Jim Crow, mass incarceration, you name it.” Reid continued to give a brilliant, in-depth explanation of why knelt alongside

Singleton has rushed for 959 yards and 13 touchdowns while Gines has rushed for 527 yards and eight touchdowns. Lift for Life will try to extend the winning streak to six on Saturday when it visits Principia.

Standout Individual Performers

• Vicario Upchurch caught four passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Rockwood Summit.

• Jar’Vion Harmon of Hazelwood East caught four passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over McCluer North.

• Taj Butts of DeSmet rushed for 165 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns in a

Kaepernick and why he intends to continue speaking out against injustice and oppression. His final words at the press conference? “I’ll keep speaking up for my people.”

Hopefully, a team will eventually bring Kap back so I can finally tune in to check out this Pat Mahomes kid that’s tearing up the league in Kansas City.

victory over Chaminade.

• Kevion Hampton of Hazelwood West had four receptions for 120 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in a victory over Riverview Gardens.

• Mekhi Hagens of Cardinal Ritter passed for 447 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over St. Mary’s.

• Cortez Brown Jr. of Cahokia had five receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown in a victory over Centralia.

On Tap this Weekend

Friday, October 5

Cardinal Ritter (6-0) at Borgia (6-0), 7 p.m.

Eureka (6-0) at Kirkwood

Jimmy Butler still in limbo

It’s pretty clear that Jimmy Butler will not be wearing a Minnesota Timberwolves jersey when the NBA regular season begins. Butler wants out and the T-Wolves owner Glen Taylor has instructed his front office to deal the unhappy star as soon as possible. Rumors have linked Butler to the Clippers, Knicks, Rockets,

(5-1), 7 p.m.

Marquette (4-2) at Pattonville (5-1), 7 p.m.

Fort Zumwalt East (5-1) at Fort Zumwalt North (5-1), 7 p.m.

CBC (5-1) at Vianney (5-1), 7 p.m.

Hazelwood Central (4-2) at Ritenour (3-3), 7 p.m. East St. Louis (5-1) at Massillon (OH), 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 6

Fox (6-0) at Hazelwood East (4-2), 1 p.m. Parkway West (4-2) vs. Ladue (6-0) at Kirkwood, 1 p.m.

MICDS (5-1) at Westminster (3-3), 2 p.m.

The Carolina Panthers signed Eric Reid to a one-year deal worth up to $2M. The 26-yearold former Pro Bowl safety had been unsigned due to the fact that he was the first player to kneel alongside Colin Kaepernick.

Heat, 76ers and Nets. At this point though, it seems like anyone’s guess where Butler ultimately lands.

is also a standout in track and field for Cardinal Ritter. He led the Lions to the Class 3 state championship last season.

Amorey Womack to TSU

Webster Groves basketball standout Amorey Womack has given a verbal commitment to Tennessee State University. The 6’0” Womack was a valuable offensive threat for the Statesmen, who won the Class 5 state championship in 2018. Womack enjoyed a productive summer while playing for the Bluff City Legends (TN) in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.

A report by Yahoo Sports suggested that the Milwaukee Bucks declined an offer from the Timberwolves involving Butler for Khris Middleton Butler playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo is a scary and intriguing prospect.

However, the Bucks front office probably figures that there is a much greater chance at re-signing Middleton than Butler after the season (both will be eligible for free agency in 2019). Plus, Middleton already provides the Bucks with almost identical production to Butler, but will likely command less money on the free agent market.

Coach Tom Thibodeau still has dreams of convincing Butler to stay in Minnesota, but that seems like nothing more than a pipe dream. Don’t expect to see Butler in a Timberwolves jersey, or even on the sidelines. It appears that he will keep his distance from the team until his trade demand is fulfilled.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ishcreates.

Singleton rushed for 197 yards on 24 carries and scored five touchdowns in the Hawks’

Earl Austin Jr.

REALTORS

continued from page B1

experts – including U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) –agreed that the matter is dire. Startling findings documented in the 2018 State of Housing in Black America report, commissioned by NAREB, undergird their sentiments. According to the report, the gap in homeownership between blacks and nonHispanic Whites remained at 30 percentage points between 2015 and 2016, with homeownership rates of 42 percent and 72 percent respectively. This 30-percentage-point gap in homeownership is the highest it has been in the new millennium. Black homeownership is more than 7 percentage points below its peak, achieved in 2004, of just under 50 percent.

In the 10 cities with the largest black populations, segregation remains extremely high with dissimilarity rates ranging from a low of .60 in Detroit to a high of .83 in Chicago. Washington, D.C. stands at .70. The dissimilarity index measures the extent to which blacks would have to move to different census tracts in order to achieve an even geographic distribution of households by race throughout the city. Dissimilarity indices over .60 are generally considered high.

Since the peak year of black homeownership in 2004, black gains have been eviscerated due largely to the failure of federal financial regulatory agencies to prohibit predatory loan products that were disproportionately peddled to affect black consumers, as well as insensitive federal policies that provide less assistance to black households facing foreclosure than to nonHispanic white homeowners.

Federal housing regulators have aggressively pursued lending practices that make access to homeownership

more challenging than necessary for lower- and moderate-income and black households.

More than twice as many of black applicants (50 percent) applied for FHA-insured loans in 2016 compared to white applicants (23 percent).

Conversely, fewer black applicants (32 percent) sought conventional financing, half the rate of non-Hispanic white applicants (64 percent) seeking conventional financing.

Meeks, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, promised that black homeownership will

n In the 10 cities with the largest black populations, segregation remains extremely high with dissimilarity rates ranging from a low of .60 in Detroit to a high of .83 in Chicago. Washington, D.C. stands at .70.

not be continually overlooked or purposely ignored by lawmakers. If Democrats win control of the House, Meeks hinted that the continued housing crisis in the black community will be high on the legislative agenda.

“We’re going to fix it so that this will never happen again,” said Meeks, whose congressional office sponsored the forum.

Roosevelt Institute Senior Fellow James H. Carr, a co-author of the report, illustrated, in a nutshell, how discrimination is embedded throughout the process by which most African-Americans seek homeownership.

“If we’ve been racially discriminated against such that we don’t have the wealth, then how can we all of sudden have the down payment of 15 and 20 percent? And if we don’t have that down payment when we go for a loan, we then pay

almost astronomical amounts of insurance and fees to compensate for the fact that we don’t have the 20 percent down payment,” Carr said.

“Sounds like there’s a problem. Not only have we not put into place remedies that are as powerful as the negative forces that have driven blacks into this precarious financial state, but we’re still having federal policies and actions that further drive us into a financial abyss.”

Hicks concluded that NAREB would be moving forward with a vigorous push for democracy in homeownership.

“We started this conversation by saying we do not see ourselves as just wallowing and discussing the problems and the history, but also talking about solutions,” he said. He outlined policy principles to pursue:

• Promote homeownership as a highpriority public policy with support for the mortgage interest tax deduction, creation of a tax-advantaged first-time homebuyer down payment savings vehicle, and preservation of the affordable 30-year fixed rate mortgage

• Create “loan level equality,” or the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions, to prevent biases or privileges in the mortgage origination process, and to ensure consistent pricing and terms for similarly situated borrowers, with no penalties or higher prices based on neighborhoods, zip codes or census-tracts

• Create a federal accountability structure for the expanding nondepository lender market that will monitor their origination, pricing and lending practices to ensure practices are fair, equitable and non-discriminatory.

Financial Focus

By Aaron Ezell

When you see a financial professional?

It can be challenging to achieve your financial objectives. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone – but when should you seek help? Here are some of the key life events in which you might be able to benefit from the services of a financial professional:

First professional job – Eventually, you will land that first job, which will offer benefits and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. Since you may not have any experience with a 401(k), you may have several questions: How much should I contribute? What sorts of investments should I choose? When should I change my investment selections? A financial professional can help you review your plan and explain the aspects that may affect your investment choices.

Marriage – When you get married, you and your spouse may decide to merge your finances, including your investments. But if each of you brings similar investments to the table, you might create some redundancies. A finan-

Prison ‘Chef’

Marianne de Pury directs the play by award-winning UK/Egyptian playwright and poet Sabrina Mahfouz, which plays through October 14 at The Kranzberg Arts Center.

Upstream’s onewoman show captures the anguish of female incarceration

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Mentally I’m trying to convey to them what just happened and how I ended up here,” Linda Kennedy said about her starring role in Upstream Theater’s current production “The Chef,” which is con stage at the Kranzberg Arts Center through October 14. Her character was a gourmet chef and highly regarded member of her community. Then she is sent to prison. That’s about it for the backstory Kennedy offered – other than she uses her culinary skills as an expression of endearment for her fellow inmates. She was especially mindful of not subjecting the audience to any spoilers. However, she did want them to prepare for an emotional roller coaster that gets underway during her character’s swift fall from grace. One decision takes her from the top rung of society to the very bottom.

n “A lot of times, we as women do that. If I nurture you, I generally nurture you through food. This is her way of trying to do that – trying to find a way to put love into people.”

- Actress Linda Kennedy

“It’s allowing them to see this sort of self-examination,” Kennedy said. “It’s not hard for me, but it may be hard for the audience to accept the shift.”

Internationally renowned director Marianne de Pury helms the U.S. premiere of the play by award-winning UK/ Egyptian playwright and poet Sabrina Mahfouz. “Chef” is loosely based on a true story, though. Up until the Netflix television phenomenon “Orange is the New Black,” Kennedy said the female incarceration experience has been virtually absent from being explored creatively.

“We take a very large look at what happens in male prisons, but we don’t look at women’s prisons often,” said Kennedy. “We don’t think about those emotional journeys women go through when they are incarcerated.

Sometimes those incarcerations happen because of relationships they are in – not just romantic relationships. Nobody seems to ask, ‘okay what exactly happened in this person’s life that they are here?”

Because of her character’s former life, she is given a certain amount of privilege in prison as well. She uses that leverage to improve the lives of her fellow inmates through food.

“She essentially says, ‘if we have proper nutrition, that may help with some of the other ills these people are suffering from’,” Kennedy said. “A lot of times, we as women do that. If I nurture you, I generally nurture you through food. This is her way of trying to do that – trying See

Countdown to Kehinde

St.

Louis-inspired exhibit of historymaking visual artist to debut October 19

By American Staff

In two weeks, one of the most anticipated visual arts experiences will arrive in St. Louis, courtesy of the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis will be unveiled on October 19 at SLAM. It will be displayed through February 10.

The free exhibition will run from October 19 – February 10, 2019 and feature 11 commissioned portraits Wiley painted of people he met while visiting our region. Wiley studied the Saint Louis Art Museum collection to identify works he would reference in the exhibition and invited people he encountered in neighborhoods in north St. Louis and Ferguson to pose for paintings. He is known for using large-scale oil paintings to depict his African American

Poll dancing

Unique partnership uses choreography as campaign for voting, civic engagement

By American Staff

Dancers from across genres and organizations will team up and get moving this Saturday to encourage the city to get excited – and informed – about heading to the polls. The Dance the Vote campaign will return for a special performance a few days ahead of the October 10 Missouri voter registration deadline for the Nov. 6 General Election.

The program will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Missouri History Museum. Ahead of the formal program, guests can come early to learn choreography set to the music of Michael Jackson on the steps of the History Museum at 1 p.m. Voter registration will be provided at the event in partnership with St. Louis Voter Registration Group. Non-

Grand diva Denise Thimes

partisan voter registration opportunities will be available on location to interested voters.

“The history of our region and country is made up of choices that were made at the polls, as well as the struggle to be included in those choices,” said Emily Underwood director of community programs for the Missouri Historical Society. “Regardless of which candidates you support, voting is an important way to play a part in the continuing story of our community.”

Joan Lipkin, theatre artist, social activist

Ashley Tate, artistic director of Ashleyliane Dance Company, helped spearhead the Dance the Vote campaign along with Joan Lipkin, artistic director of That Uppity Theatre Company. Dance the Vote will hold a special performance on Saturday afternoon, October 6, at The Missouri History Museum.

and artistic director of That Uppity Theatre Company, spearheaded the Dance the Vote initiative, along with Ashley Tate, artistic director of Ashleyliane Dance Company. Previous performances of Dance the Vote include outside of Vintage Vinyl in the Delmar Loop, St. Louis Black Pride and Left Bank Books.

“As this is arguably one of the most impor-

See VOTE, C4

Photo by Colin Lovett

Representative of works in the exhibition.

Kehinde Wiley, American, born 1977; After Sir Joshua Reynolds’ “Portrait of Doctor Samuel Johnson”, 2009; archival Inkjet print on Hahnemuhle fine art paper; 30 x 24.5 inches; courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles, California © Kehinde Wiley

Veteran actress Linda Kennedy stars in the Upstream production of the U.S. premiere of ‘Chef.’

Photo by Wiley Price/St. Louis American

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

Through October 7, Jazz St. Louis presents the Kenny Barron Trio. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Fri., Oct. 5, 7 p.m., FarFetched presents Somi. Vocalist and songwriter, Somi, blends influence from jazz standards and African music. Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. somi.brownpapertickets.com.

Fri., Oct. 5, 6 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Ms. Lauryn Hill. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. chaifetzarena.com.

Fri., Oct. 5, 8 p.m., Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Black Violin. UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Sat., Oct. 6, 6 p.m., Family Arena presents Smokey Robinson Live in Concert 2002 Arena Parkway, 63303. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Oct. 7, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Tech N9ne 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Wed., Oct. 10, 8 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Lupe

Fiasco. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.delmarhall.com.

Thur., Oct. 11, 7 p.m., Fubar presents SOB x RBE – 2018 Global Gangin Tour. 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.etix. com.

Fri., Oct. 12, 8 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. thesheldon.org.

Sat., Oct. 13, 6 p.m., Black Radio Hall of Fame presents Uvee Hayes and The Dreams and special guest. Givens Auditorium, Harris Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Oct. 13, 9 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Robbie Montgomery Live in Concert. With special guest Lady Re. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108.

Sun., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., The Fox Theatre presents 4U – A Symphonic Celebration of Prince. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Oct. 19, 8 p.m., The Fox Theatre presents Gladys Knight with special guest Peabo Bryson. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Sat., Oct. 20, 8 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Jon Batiste. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108.

Tues., Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents The Legendary Melvin Turnage Band Feat. Tonya Poynter. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108.

Wed., Oct. 24, 7 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Julia Bullock, Soprano. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108.

Thur., Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., Mildred Thimes Foundation 14th Annual Benefit Concert A tribute to Luther Vandross and Chaka Khan featuring Denise Thimes. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

local gigs

Sun., Oct. 7, 4 p.m., Philly Soul. The music of Grover Washington Jr. and Phyllis Hyman performed by Montez Coleman’s Jazz All-stars and The Coleman Hughes Project ft. Adrianne. Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 496-

7751.

Sun., Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m., Twangfest presents Respect – A Tribute to Aretha Franklin. Off Broadway Music Venue, 3509 Lemp Ave., 63118. For more information, visit www.etix. com.

Sun., Oct. 14, 3 & 6 p.m., JPEK Creative Works Theatre presents Aretha & Donny “Songs for You” Musical Tribute. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

special events

Thurs., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Brainchild Events presents 10th Annual Pins and Needles Emerging Designers Showcase, Boo Cat Club, 812 N. Union Ave. For more information, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/pins-andneedles-x-tickets-48980943320

Oct. 5 – 7, Fox Theatre presents The Illusionists. Audiences will witness stunning acts of grand illusion,

levitation, mind-reading and disappearance. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Sat., Oct. 6, 11 a.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Theta Omega Chapter presents the HBCU Awareness College Fair. Emerson Performance Arts Building, Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, email henscsc@gmail.com or ncaldwellaka08@gmail.com.

Sat., Oct. 6, 1 p.m., That Uppity Theatre Company presents Dance the Vote Experience dance companies, poets, singers, and more all in the name of getting out the vote. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Sat., Oct. 6, 2 p.m., 13th Annual Grove Fest. Featuring a kid’s zone, live music, and amazing food and drinks from local Grove businesses, local artists and vendors, and more. The Grove, 63110. For more information, visit www. thegrovestl.com/grove-fest.

Thur., Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m., The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County presents Doors of Opportunity. Enjoy entertainment and auction activities while raising funds to move people from poverty. 2709 Woodson Rd., 63114. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Oct. 13, 1 p.m., 6th Annual Brew in the Lou. A showcase of St. Louis’ best beer, wine, spirits, coffee and good eats. Lilypond at Francis Park, 5399 Donovan, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www.lesastl. org/home/6th-annual-brew-lou.

Sun., Oct. 21, 1 p.m., Bride to Bride Flea Market. We provide the opportunity for those just married to directly sell their wedding items to new brides. Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Oct. 21, 2:30 p.m., United Nations Association of St. Louis hosts the United Nations Day Celebration – Human Rights, Close to Home. The Sun Theatre, 3625 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Oct. 24, 6 p.m., The Missouri Humanities Council presents the 2018 Missouri Humanities Awards & Gala Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., Oct. 26, 7 p.m., Ola Style Survivor Fashion Show Fellow survivors walk the runway in pink & white Ola brand designs. Proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen Missouri. Hilton St. Louis Frontenac, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Oct. 26, 7 p.m., 2018 Harris-Stowe State University Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40 Awards. The Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., Oct. 5, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Charlene Carruthers, author of Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Tues., Oct. 9, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Justin Driver, author of The Schoolhouse Gate: Public Education, The Supreme Court, and the Battle for the American Mind Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Tues., Oct. 9, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Justin Driver author of The Schoolhouse Gate: Public Education, The Supreme Court, and the Battle for the American Mind Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Oct. 5 and Oct 6, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., The Laugh Lounge welcomes King Keraun, The Laugh Lounge St. Louis, 11208 West Florissant Ave. For more information, call (314) 3481884 or visit https://www. thelaughloungestl.com/ Oct. 24, 8 p.m., Helium

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Delmar Hall presents Lupe Fiasco. See CONCERTS for details.

presents Ryan Davis. Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street. For more information, call (314) 7271260 or visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

theatre

Through Oct. 14, Upstream Theater presents CHEF. The story of how one woman went from being a head chef to a convicted inmate running a prison kitchen. Starring Linda Kennedy. The Kranzberg, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Oct. 11 – 14, UMSL Theatre presents Chasing the White Rabbit. An adaptation of Alice in Wonderland with a focus on the opioid epidemic that is currently ravaging our country. Touhill Performing Arts, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Oct. 18 – 21, Variety Theatre presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Sing, dance and swim along as we follow Ariel’s journey to walk on land and find true love. Touhill Performing Arts, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121.

Fri., Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., City/Cité St. Louis. Amala Dianor will perform his solo work “Man Rec” alongside a performance by poet Treasure Shields Redmond. Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

Fri., Oct. 19, 8 p.m.,

Je’Caryous Johnson and Snoop Dogg present The Redemption of a Dogg Tour with Snoop Dogg and Tamar Braxton. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103.For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Oct. 26 – 27, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Performance. Proceeds benefit PROMO. The

Monocle, 4510 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

art

Oct. 6 – 7, The Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association presents the Historic Shaw Art Fair. Featuring 135 artists and includes food, music, art demonstrations and kid’s activities, and more. 4100 & 4200 blocks of Flora Pl., 63110. For more information, visit www.shawstlouis.org.

Wed., Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m., RE: Black Visual Mourning. Panelists explore ways that black artists use visual culture to memorialize black bodies in response to Sanford Biggers. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., 63018. For more information, visit www. camstl.org.

October 19 – February 10, Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis, Saint Louis Art Museum. One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 721-0072 or visit http:// www.slam.org/exhibitions/ kehinde-wiley.php

Through Oct. 27, The Griot Museum of Black History presents Civil Unrest in Review. Explore recent civil rights protest and activism in St. Louis through art. 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www. thegriotmuseum.com.

Sat., Oct. 27, 10 a.m., Contemporary Art Museum presents Halloween Family Day. Enjoy art activities and performances to entertain all ages. 3750 Washington Blvd., 63018. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., The

Kenya Vaughn recommends

League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis presents Missouri Ballot Issues. Come to hear explanations from experts – pro and con - for the November ballot issues. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Oct. 6, 9 a.m., STL Leadership Summit: Empowering Leaders and Building Relationships. Connect with business and community leaders, hear from inspiring speakers, and more. Deaconess Center, 1000 N. Vandeventer Ave., 63113. For more information, call (314) 580-9353.

Sat., Oct. 6, 10 a.m., SCORE presents Grants in Plain Sight. Explore sources of grants and the components that go into a proposal. Anheuser-Busch Hall, Fontbonne University, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

The Fox Theatre presents Gladys Knight with special guest Peabo Bryson. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Links, Inc., St. Louis Chapter presents Increasing Minority Engagement in Alzheimer’s Disease Research. Eric P. Newman Education Center, 320 S. Euclid Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. alzheimer.wustl.edu.

Oct. 12 – 14, Williams and Associates, Inc. presents The Forum 2018: Get on Up! Discussing HIV and other health disparities that affect the AfricanAmerican population. JC Penny Building, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Oct. 13, 8:30 a.m., Autism Speaks Walk St. Louis. Walk and fundraise together to enhance the lives of people living with autism. Upper Muny Parking Lot, Forest Park, 63112. For more information, visit www. autismspeaks.org/site-wide/ st-louis.

Mon., Oct.8, 10:30 a.m., Maryville University hosts Women & Leadership Seminar: A Conversation with Jackie Joyner-Kersee Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Rd., 63132. For more information, visit www.maryville.edu.

Mon., Oct. 8, The Lee Institute Speaker Series welcomes Michael Sandel, author of Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? Sandel discusses, The Lost Art of the Democratic Argument. Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Rd., 63124. For more information, visit www.leeinstitute.net.

Wed., Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Whitaker Jazz Speaks: 1950: The Year Jazz Changed on Two Coasts. Marc Myers explores the impact of outside factors on the genre. Ferring Jazz Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Fri., Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

Ron Stallworth, a retired black police detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the late ‘70s. Spike Lee’s latest film BlacKkKlansman is based on Stallworth’s autobiography. He will speak at Webster University, Grant Gymnasium on the Webster Groves Campus. The event is sponsored by Webster University Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs. For more information, visit www.webster.edu.

health

Sat., Oct. 6, 8 a.m., 9th Annual Sista Strut Breast Cancer Awareness Walk 2018. Increase awareness about the issues of breast cancer in women of color, learn about resources and celebrate survivors. Gateway Arch, 11 N. 4th St., 63102. For more information, visit www. thebeatstl.iheart.com.

Tues., Oct. 9, 4 p.m., The

Sat., Oct. 13, 9 a.m., Shalom Church City of Peace presents HealthFest 2018. Hazelwood East High School, 11300 Dunn Rd., 63138. For more information or to register, call (314) 6532322 or email healthfest@ shalomccop.org.

Sat., Oct. 27, 9 a.m., Annual Community Health Fair & Fun-K. Free health screenings, giveaways and door prizes. Truelight Baptist Church, 1535 Tudor Ave., East St. Louis, IL. 62207. For more information, visit www. truelight-estl.com.

spiritual

Oct. 4 – 6, Daughters of the King Women’s Conference: Equipping Holy Women Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually to Fulfill Their God Given Purposes. Nazareth Temple C.O.G.I.C., 3300 Marshall Ave., 63114. For more information, call (314) 429-8800.

subjects as regal beings that exemplify power.

The artist talk that is taking place on the same day that the exhibit opens, sold out almost as quickly as it was announced.

One of the most buzzedabout names in visual arts, Wiley was the first African American artist commissioned to create an official presidential portrait – naturally of the first African American president of the United States.

He is known for creating large-scale oil paintings of contemporary African-American subjects that address the politics of race and power in art. Recalling the grand traditions of European and American portraiture, Wiley depicts his models in poses adapted from historic paintings. Wiley studied the museum’s collection to identify works he would reference in the exhibition, and – during a 2017 visit to St. Louis – he invited people he encountered in neighborhoods in north St. Louis and Ferguson to pose for the paintings.

“It’s really important to talk about the heroic in my work,

visit to St. Louis. “The confusion between what we receive and what we want to see in art and popular culture has to be my subject matter.”

Wiley became the first African-American artist to paint an official portrait of a U.S. president for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The portrait of Barack Obama was unveiled in February.

“The style that I’m painting in refers almost directly to the center of power in aesthetic terms to Europe,” Wiley told St. Louis Public Radio. “All of the major developments and depiction of power and the depiction of majesty and grace come from Western Europe and the grand traditions of Western European easel painting. I’m a fan of painting and it makes a lot of sense for me to find a way for paintings to still matter in the 21st century.”

because so much of the image of the black male in American society focuses on the pathetic, the downtrodden, the beleaguered. What I what I wanted to do was draw a psychological line between the pathetic and it’s opposite,” Wiley to St. Louis Public Radio during a

Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis will open October 19 and will be on display through February 10, 2019 at the Saint Louis Art Museum. One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 721-0072 or visit http://www. slam.org/exhibitions/kehindewiley.php

tant elections of our lifetime, we have to come together as artists to offer our talents, vision, and passion to actively participate in promoting voting and voter registration,” said Lipkin.

The event will feature local choreographers and dancers from Ashleyliane Dance Company, Karlovsky and Company Dance, Beyond Measure Dance Theater, SkyStone Contemporary Ballet, Washington University Dance Theatre, Imagine Dance Project, Las Rumberas, Madco 2, KYPEKuumba Youth Performance Ensemble, Better Family Life and more. Joining the lineup of various dance

CHEF

to find a way to put love into people.”

It’s a challenging role both physically and emotionally –which is compounded by the verses and rhymes that are woven into the play. But Kennedy, who considers

companies will be spoken word artists, poets and singers, including Pam Garvey, Susan Spit-Fire Lively, Roseann Weiss, John Blair, MK Stallings, Ana Jennings, Sahara “Sista Sols” Scott, and Kim Furlow, among others.

Performances will be held within a three-hour time slot and each piece will be performed more than once. The choreography will be based on various themes of the voting experience, including the experience of African Americans, women, Latinx and people with disabilities around voting, voting rights, voter suppression, voting in other countries, among other themes.

“The range of participating artists reflects much of the diversity in the St Louis community and offers creative and exciting perspectives on why voting is crucial and a precious

herself one of the most blessed artists in this town because of her longevity, found the story compelling – and is excited about the conversations she hopes will come about among those who come see “Chef.”

“I want people to talk about the “These are the facts as we heard them from her, but what if,’” Kennedy said. “I want them to say, ‘If this hadn’t happened, what would the other choices have been? You can

Ashley Tate, artistic director of Ashleyliane Dance Company, performing during a 2016 Dance the Vote campaign performance outside of Vintage Vinyl. Dance the Vote will return on Saturday, October 6 at the Missouri History Museum for a special performance ahead of the October 10 Missouri voter registration deadline for the Nov. 6 election.

right,” Lipkin said. The event will also offer free ice cream and an all-ages selfie station, where attendees can take photos with signage that documents their commitment to voting.

“Dance the Vote provides an opportunity to showcase the skills of St. Louis choreographers and dancers in service of community involvement,” Tate said. “We are excited to create pieces tied to the history of voting to remind the community how important it is to exercise this fundamental right.” Dance the Vote will take place from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 6th from 2-5pm (with Michael Jackson community dance at 1 pm) at the Missouri History Museum MacDermott Grand Hall, 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO 63112.

spend days just talking about it.”

Upstream Theater’s production of “Chef” continues through October 14 at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand (at Olive). Tickets are available at Metrotix outlets, metrotix.com or by calling (314) 534-1111. For more information about the play and Upstream Theater, visit www. upstreamtheater.org.

Photo by Colin Lovett

Photo by Brad Ogbonna.

Kehinde Wiley, 2018; courtesy of the Artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles.

‘The Voice’ continues to spotlight STL talent

Resident Audri Bartholomew advances on top-rated NBC vocal talent series

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis shined for a second time during the 15th season of NBC’s “The Voice.” That powerhouse of a high note that opened the second week of auditions belonged to St. Louis resident Audri Bartholomew.

The season premiered with a bang last week thanks to John Burroughs School 8th grader Kennedy Holmes. On Monday night, all eyes were on Bartholomew.

She was a student at Ft. Zumwalt West High School when she beat out hundreds of talented youth as a finalist for the 2016 St. Louis Teen Talent Competition – and sang her heart out on stage at The Fox Theatre.

The Bartholomew family moved here from Pasadena, California following her freshman year in high school when her father was promoted at work.

“When I first moved to Missouri, high school was definitely a difficult transition,” Bartholomew said in the pre-audition interview.

“No one was accepting of me. I ate in the bathroom on my first day and I came home, and I was crying, and I said “Mom, nobody likes me. I can’t do this,’” she confessed. “Then I joined a choir and I immediately felt at home because I found a group of people that loved music and just wanted to share that joy with the other people. The power of music is so strong.” Bartholomew, 19, is currently an honor student at Milliken University in Illinois, where she studies musical theater.

“I envision your name on a plaque [like this] one day,” Her father said as he observed the gold and platinum records that lined the waiting area as the family was captured just before her blind audition.

“Not one day,” she said. “Soon. All I need is a chair to turn.”

She proved just how strong the power of music is with her audition. She sang “Never Enough,” from the musical film “The Greatest Showman,” starring Hugh Jackman.

The song was originally recorded by Loren Allred – who appeared on “The Voice” way back in season three.

“Look what happened. She was cast as the voice for a huge movie,” Bartholomew said. “[And] I think the message of the song is that no matter what others think, you are always enough for yourself, which is something that I’ve dealt with growing up.”

It’s a message she seems to have embraced. “I can’t leave without having a chair turn – at least one,” Bartholomew said. “I have no other option.”

The reaction from Jennifer Hudson was instant. “I love this song,” Hudson said. “It’s a big song,” fellow celebrity coach Kelly Clarkson said.

With her huge curls tucked into a black beret

St. Louis resident and Milliken University student Audri Bartholomew made it to the next round of the hit NBC vocal talent competition, “The Voice.” The show airs Monday nights at 7 p.m.

and matching caped jumpsuit, Audri belted her heart out – and gave the song all the drama it deserved. Getting a chair to turn didn’t happen as quickly as most viewers who heard her sing would have imagined. She had to wait until the last two words of the last line of her song before someone spun around in her direction. It was Hudson.

“I’m so glad that Jennifer’s chair turned, because that’s where you need to be,” Clarkson said.

She joins Holmes on “Team J-Hud.”

“Anybody who sings that song needs to be on team J-Hud,” Hudson responded. “I want to sing that song.”

“We can sing it together,” Audri said

Just as she did with Holmes, Hudson hopped out of her seat and the two belted it out – with Audri making the most of her moment by holding on to that last note.

“Sing girl,” Hudson said as she took her seat.

“I love that Audri was brave enough to take on a song like that,” Hudson said.

Because Hudson was the only one to turn, she joined her team by default, and will share a coach with Holmes. After Bartholomew’s encore duet – other potential coaches clearly wished they had followed suit.

Her performance was so compelling that she garnered praise from “The Voice” host Carson Daly, who tends to leave the feedback for the judges.

“You are going to soar on this show,” Daly said. “Congratulations to you – and welcome to ‘The Voice.’”

NBC’s “The Voice” airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. CST. Check local listings for channels. For more information on the show, visit https://www.nbc.com/the-voice.

MEANING OF McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green

The Supreme Court’s 1973 decision in the case of McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green determined the course of every Title VII case for nearly 45 years. Professor Charles Henson (pictured) discusses how this decision continues to limit equal opportunity.

Welcome to ‘The Neighborhood’

Rhone family celebrates premiere of CBS sitcom starring Cedric The Entertainer

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Where’s the executive producer?” Angela Rhone asked from the backyard of their Ladue mansion. The full-sized basketball court was temporarily transformed into an outdoor theater with plush leather couches and tables so invited guests could comfortably enjoy the series premiere of “The Neighborhood” on CBS Monday night in style.

As she waited for her husband Eric Rhone to come to the front, Angela thanked all of those who helped her put on the viewing party. And thanked him for the hard work he has put in over the past 30 years helping his “brother” and business partner, Cedric The Entertainer, become a household name. Eric and Angela wore

matching “The Neighborhood” t-shirts. A sign that said “Welcome to The Neighborhood” at the backyard entrance let guests know they were heading in the right direction for the party. A red carpet with a cutout of Cedric The Entertainer allowed everyone to get their picture taken with Cedric – who lives in Los Angeles and couldn’t get away for the party due to the show’s filming.

“Thank you to my wife and my family for allowing me to do what I do,” Eric Rhone said, after Angela talked about how hard he works going back-andforth between Los Angeles and St. Louis – and the sacrifices he has made over the years, in the name of building Cedric’s brand as a talent and his own as an entertainment mogul.

The remarks were brief and culminated with a quick video

Angela and Eric Rhone hosted a watch party for the series premiere of ‘The Neighborhood’ at their Ladue home Monday night. The show, which is executive produced by Rhone and Cedric’s Bird and a Bear Entertainment, airs at 7 p.m., Monday nights on CBS.

call from Cedric. Rhone and Cedric both were all smiles – like children who knew they were getting their entire Christmas wish list, and only had moments to wait before tearing into the giftwrap. They had come a long

way from working day jobs and pooling resources to help elevate Cedric’s career as he played the St. Louis comedy club scene. Even in their wildest imaginations, its hard to believe they could have envisioned what was about to hap-

pen on this night – even after the Kings of Comedy explosion. Cedric The Entertainer is starring in and executive-producing a show on CBS by way of their production company, Bird and a Bear Entertainment.

“It feels great to be on the number one network in the world,” Rhone said after mentioning that he had secured a two-year deal with CBS. He kept the details of the deal close to the chest.

The network was decidedly number one in 2017, but according to Nielsen CBS is less than 100,000 viewers behind NBC as the top network of what is commonly referred to as “the big three” so far for 2018. The lead is undoubtedly attributed to the smash success of a show starring another St. Louis native – Sterling K. Brown in “This is Us.”

CBS betting on black by way of “The Neighborhood” to anchor their Monday night lineup is major. The last comedy series introduced to CBS viewers that featured a black family was “Family Matters.” Let that sink in.

The show originated on ABC in 1996 but moved to CBS in 1997 – 21 years ago. A person was born, grew up and became an adult without seeing a black family on a CBS sitcom. But this past Monday night marked the beginning of

a new era. And CBS is going “black-to-black” by following up Cedric’s show with Damon Wayans Jr.’s “Happy Together.”

“The Neighborhood” explores racial dynamics in a predominately-black neighborhood when a white family moves in. Tichina Arnold is among the show’s co-stars. Rhone sat in the back of the crowd and observed them viewing the show as he puffed on his cigar. After the credits rolled – including his own name – there was a brief toast.

“Be sure to keep tuning in,” Eric said. “And tell your friends to tune in.’

There was also a lengthy prayer that mostly thanked God for the blessings bestowed upon Eric, the Rhone family and Cedric. There is much to be thankful for. At the moment it’s “The Neighborhood,” and the message it conveys. “We’re so divided, but at the end of the day we are 99 percent the same,” Eric said. “I hope that through this show people see that we are more alike than we are different –and we can come together.”

The Neighborhood airs Monday nights at 7 p.m. on CBS. For more information, visit https://www.cbs.com/ shows/the-neighborhood/.

Scholarship Foundation awards $4.7M in interest-free loans and grants

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis awarded $4,709,700 in interest-free loans and grants to 501 area students in 2018.

American staff

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis awarded $4,709,700 in interest-free loans and grants to 501 area students in 2018. That’s an increase of 20 percent over 2017. This year not only has the Foundation awarded more dollars to students. Since its founding in 1920, the Scholarship Foundation has assisted 11,500 students with over $84 million in direct financial support to pursue postsecondary education.

Just over one year ago, the foundation closed ScholarShop after 57 years of operation, and many in the community was concerned about the future of the nearly 100-year old organization. A groundswell of community support has fortified its work in response to these significant changes, the foundation stated.

The foundation promotes educational access and degree attainment for St. Louis area residents through a combination of financial support, advising services, and student-led

advocacy. Diminishing state grant aid and increasing tuition costs places higher education out of reach for a growing proportion of area students. The cornerstone of the foundation’s work is to close the financial aid gap. Each year, the foundation provides last-dollar aid to 500 students and counsels more than 6,000 students and family members on navigating the complex college admissions process. For more information, visit www.sfstl.org.

Celebrations

Boys State

McCluer High School seniors Alphonso Martin and Jalen Walker-Wright were among 960 students from throughout Missouri to participate in the prestigious American Legion Boys State of Missouri, held this past summer. Staff members nominated the students to attend Missouri Boys State based on their merit and ability. Established in 1937, The American Legion Boys State of Missouri is a highly interactive educational program that teaches young men the duties, privileges, responsibilities, and rights of American citizenship.

Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50 year reunion on Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Main Street Brewing Center, 6435 West Main Street, Belleville, IL. 62223. For more information contact Linda Ward Spencer (618) 830-8221 or laws50@aol.com.

Beaumont Class of 1978 40th Reunion Extravaganza Save the Date: October 5-7, 2018. Call or text Marietta Shegog Shelby at 314-799-5296 for further details.

East St. Louis Sr. High

Northwest Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and would love for you to join us! Date to sail is set for July 20, 2019 and you can feel free to contact: Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further information. Please don’t miss the boat!

O’Fallon Tech Class of 1968 Reunion will be held on Nov 2, 2018 from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Hollywood Casino Buffet, Maryland Heights, Missouri. The cost will be $18 per person which will include the buffet, taxes, and gratuities. All classes and PHL graduates are invited to attend.

Birthdays

Birthday wishes are in order for grandmother and grandson, Rose Wilson and Geovonnie Wilson (age 7). They share October 16 as their special day of celebrating another year. Heartfelt wishes! Love, the Wilson/Battle family Happy Blessed 6th birthday to Julianna Brooks on October 3, from your Memaw with love!

at: soldanclassof1979@gmail. com or call Barbara at 314 456-3391.

Sumner Alumni Association presents it’s Maroon & White Homecoming Week Oct. 8-13, 2018. Bowling Mon. 7-9pm at Crest Bowl ($10), Alumni Happy Hour Wed. at Dejavu II Cafe, Old School Sock Hop Fri., 6-10pm at Sumner ($5/$7), Tailgate/Block Party noon, Sumner’s Homecoming Football Game at Sumner’s Tuskegee Airmen Field at 1pm Sumner vs. Vashon. Contacts: Ms. Prissy at 314.556.3944, Michelle Elgin at 314.452.1275 or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo. com. All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Soldan Class of 1979 is planning its 40th year reunion for the weekend of August 2-3, 2019. Yearlong reunion activities will begin with a kickoff at Soldan High School Homecoming on Saturday, October 13, 2018 prior to the game at 1 p.m. For more information or to assist with reunion activities, please email

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

2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@stlamerican.com

Sumner Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact

information to sumner1979@ ymail.com or call 314-4064309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79.

just a few of the guests at his home for the return of the Architect House Party

A Splendid Salute 31. Can we please take a second, okay, a minute – okay, maybe a few minutes, to talk about the abundant life that was gifted to all those who attended the St. Louis American Foundation’s 31st Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala Saturday night at the soon-to-be-made over America’s Center? At this point, we are batting 1,000. Isn’t that the perfect score for baseball? Anyway, let’s get into the $1 million dollars in scholarships that were awarded to worthy students. Yes, y’all, seven figures! Shout out to all the students who worked hard to have those GPAs looking like the gas prices a few years back that nearly forced me on somebody’s MetroBus! And I also want to serve up a slow clap to all eight of the wonderful educators who were recognized by the foundation for making an educational environment that breeds student scholars. Was it me, or did SEMO Counselor of the Year Kurly Taylor and PNC Early Educator Award recipient Andrea Scott look like scholarship recipients instead of educators? Anyway, shout out to all the awardees, especially Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Johnetta Randolph Haley and Stellar Performer Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

The Salute get-down. After the formal gala concluded, folks were on the dancefloor living their best lives all night long thanks to DJ Kut, who was absolutely murdering the tables and helped make the afterparty for 2018 absolutely legendary. I feel like this was the best one we’ve had in years! There wasn’t enough room on the dancefloor to hold all the folks, and because Kut was killing it with his mix of songs the people were dancing in the lounge part of the after party space. Meanwhile on the other side of America’s Center, Denise Thimes tore up her Jazz Cabaret. Seriously, it was the best I’ve seen her. Girl, thanks for taking my suggestion and working the late, great Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin classic “Dr. Feelgood” into your set. You probably already had it in there, but you know I’m quick to take the credit! Hey, at least I’m honest. And regardless of whose idea it was, you put your ankle into that song!

Salute slayage. Dr. Haley had the AKAs dressed in all black, like the Omen while she was giving solid-gold realness and ageless glamour at 95 years of age. Based on how they got creative with blending pink and green with their black attire, I’m giving the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha a collective best-dressed award. It wasn’t an easy win, because Darlynn Bosley gave me my whole entire life with her Wakanda-esque off-theshoulder print gown. And Jami Ballentine Dolby’s glorious magenta gown deserves a nod. Aside from usual fly male suspects, like Darius Chapman and The American’s own Melvin Moore, the guys didn’t bring the thunder for me this year, which was rare. Michael Whitley’s red velvet cake jacket would have been extra on anyone else, but it worked for him. Now I’ve kept it cute and positive, but I do have a note for the few men who were old enough to know better and wealthy enough to do better than to come to our black tie event wearing a banquet suit. You got a pass for 2018. But if you are a repeat offender for year 32, you will be called out by name in my annual Salute Partyline rewind. So be sure to come through with Black James Bond realness so I can shout you out in the positive bunch instead for being so fresh and so clean.

Sophisticated cigar social. You know it’s a poppin’ party if I am willing to brave a quietly severe allergy to come kick it. But I had to be in the place for the Midwest Cigar Social fall finale at the Budweiser Brew House in Ballpark Village. If there was still a hint of Weezy Jefferson in my voice at Salute, Larry Blue and his crew are to blame, because of that cigar smoke! I must say that it was worth the hacking and brief case of follow-up hives that may have just been in my head. It was one of the best grown folks chill sessions I’ve hit up in a minute! Since it was a cigar set, I just knew my boy Mr. Boss Livin’ was going to be in the building – and I was absolutely right. There he was with his display set up as soon as I stepped off the elevator. He wasn’t alone. I didn’t know there were so many cigar vendors – and smokers. I hadn’t been to cigar party since the Pi in Central West End was known as Posh. Remember that? Anyway, Blue and his crew of fellow Nupes pulled off a chill vibe with top-shelf guests. I will get in trouble for leaving folks out if I start to name them all, so I won’t bother. Just know that if you had the thought “I wonder if so-and-so stopped through,” the answer was more than likely a “Girl, yeah!”

Return of the Architect House Party. I danced out of Salute just in time to catch the triumphant return of Anthony Robinson’s storied house party. Listen, his house is so bomb – even for an architect. It’s even more fly than I remember. So, you just gonna have a whole convertible house, huh Anthony? … And for some reason, people feel instantly comfortable up in there – so much so that they dance like nobody is watching and drink like they all have designated drivers. It was so much fun to be in the mix. Shadzilla and DJ Reminisce where on-task as far as hyping the crowd. And no pressure Anthony, but you might have to buy the house next door and expand based on the welcome back crowd that had the house busting at the seams with the old regulars and some fresh faces in high places. One in particular didn’t want to be mentioned because of his line of work, but I have to at least shout him out as my broadcast journalist bae. R&B at BB’s. Believe it or not, I still had time after I turned up with Anthony Robinson to hit up BB’s for the 13th Annual Funkfest. By the time I got there, most of the crowd had hit it – which is to be expected when the clock strikes 2 a.m. I had already turned into a pumpkin. But I jammed in my pajamas to that glorious band that was a hybrid of The Usual Suspects and The Love Jones Band. And I got a double-dose of funky soul by way of Justin Hoskin and The Movie. Their Earth, Wind and Fire tribute show was funky sho’ nuff! Excuse the tired slang, I was trying to be nostalgic like the music. Unlike my lingo, Justin and the crew, which included Katrina Reese, Kiwanee and Tish Haynes-Keys on background vocals – they tore the roof off the sucka with the sounds. And had the nerve to be extra cute in their matching dashikis.

The family of superstar intern and St. Louis American Foundation Scholar Ashley Jones (right) joined her for celebration Saturday night

Amy, Felice and Lyah were among the tastemakers @ the 31st Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Saturday night @ America’s Center

Socialite Lee and her beautiful friend Brittany were among the most stylish at this year’s Salute Saturday @ America’s Center

Singers Tish Haynes-Keys, Justin Hoskin, Katrina Reese and Kiwanee after they threw down during a tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire Sunday night @ BB’s

Anthony Robinson (center) paused for a moment to pose with

Saturday night

Patrick the photographer took a moment to pose with Cedric The Entertainer likeness at the premiere watch party for ‘The Neighborhood’ Monday night

Minga and Susan sat back and chilled as part of the celebration of ‘The Neighborhood’ at the show’s premiere

Eric Easter and his wife Mary, a veteran staffer of the St. Louis American family, made a date night of Salute

Charles and Hope caught late night grooves as the 13th Annual Funkfest carried on Saturday @ BBs

Marquetta and Anthony got their party on @ the 31st Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala Saturday @ America’s Center

Usually the swag snap is reserved for celebrities who stop through STL. But the more than 1300 local stars who made their way to the St. Louis American Foundation’s 31st Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala and partied all night long are more than worthy of this week’s distinction.

Photo by Wiley Price

INTERIM PASTOR

Missionary Baptist Church is seeking a Interim Pastor. Please submit resumes to Johnsonc1625@yahoo.com

Contact Person

Cynthia Johnson 314-922-8396

Provide catastrophe risk modeling and reporting in support of the Chief Risk Officer.

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

HIRING PART-TIME

PERSONAL CARE AIDES

For St. Louis and St. Louis County Area

Call Karen at 314-298-7002

PARAMEDICS

Mehlville Fire Protection District

is accepting applications for the position of CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC

Starting $56,294; $60,294 w/CCP-C $84,344 after 4 years Benefits

or

LEARNING CONSULTANT

Trinity Catholic High School has an immediate opening for a full-time Learning Consultant.ABachelors Degree in Special Education, Cross-Categorical Mild/ Moderate is required, Masters preferred. Experience working with Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances and Intellectual Disabilities is desired. Additionally, there is an immediate opening for a full-time math teacher, as well as a long-term substitute position for ELA/Media. Please send cover letter and resume to Kristen Shipp, Principal at kshipp@trinitycatholichigh.org.

HANDYMAN NEEDED

Handyman needed for city apartment complex. The job pays $10 per hr. Carpentry, plumbing, painting and drywall experience preferred. To inquire call Tim 314-319-8597

COORDINATORCLAIMS-EDI PROCESSING

Responsible for various technical support tasks related to: processing data into the Data repository, Claim Center and scorecards.

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

CCC&C INC. ARMED AND UNARMED

SECURITY NEEDED APPLY IN PERSON, EXPERIENCED OFFICERS 6000 W. FLORISSANT AVENUE, STL 63136 NO PHONE CALLS

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

WestEnd Clinic, Inc. has an opening for a full time, Substance Abuse Counselor. Masters Degree preferred

Qualifications a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work Counseling or Psychology must have current valid Certification as A Substance Abuse Counselor from the Missouri Substance Abuse Counselor from the Missouri Substance Abuse Certification Board

Three years of experience in out patient treatment or rehabilitation. Excellent benefits If interested please contact:

Program Director WESTEND CLINIC, INC. 5736 West Florissant St. Louis MO 63120 Or Fax (314) 381-2747

Westendclinic45@yahoo.com Or 314 381-0560 ext. 202 Fax #(314) 381-0202

DAYCARE HELP WANTED Full & Part time Experienced Needed Wee Care Childcare Call Mrs. Simone 314-868-9909

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Webster University currently has severalAssistant Professor positions open in the School of Communications. Please visit our website at https://webster.peopleadmin.com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

FIREMEDIC

Pattonville Fire Protection District is accepting applications for a FIREMEDIC position. Must meet minimum qualification, please see website www.pattonvillefd.com for details. Apply at 13900 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, Missouri, 63044; from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., October 1st through October 12th, 2018.

REINSURANCE PLACEMENTS & CONTRACTSANALYST

Responsible for preparing and analyzing all Treaty, Facultative, and Captive Placements and Renewal Submissions by gathering applicable data from various departments and assembling multiple exhibits and presentations for the reinsurance market. Also responsible for accurate tracking of the reinsurance placements. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/

CITY OF JENNINGS SPECIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR

Responsibilities include managing purchasing, inventory, safety and risk management, fleet management overseeing information technology and social media programs. Starting salary of $38,825 (GS15). Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in related fields or equivalent experience, plus two years of municipal government/ public administration of similar duties.

Applications are available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave., or online at www.cityofjennings.org. NO RESUMES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A CITY OF JENNINGS APPLICATION! Applications are accepted at Jennings City Hall or can be emailed to jobs@cityofjennings.org until Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 4:30 p.m.

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

WestEnd Clinic, Inc. has an opening for a full time LPN.

Qualifications: Graduate from an accredited School of Practical Nursing, Preferable with one year of general nursing practice. Possession of a license to practice nursing in the State of Missouri. Good physical and mental health. Ability to make nursing judgments independently with moderate amount of direct supervision. Experience in substance abuse treatment preferred.

One year of experience in out patient treatment or rehabilitation. Excellent benefits If interested please contact:

Program Director WESTEND CLINIC, INC. 5736 West Florissant St. Louis MO 63120

Westendclinic45@yahoo.com Or 314 381-0560 ext. 202 Fax #(314) 381-0202

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

COUNSELOR

The State of Missouri is accepting applications for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the St. Louis area. Starting salary is $38,808-$40,776. View job description, benefits and application instructions at https://dese.applicantpro. com/jobs/application instructions at https://dese.applicantpro.com/jobs/

BOARD ADMINISTRATOR

The Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) is seeking a Board Administrator. This position provides administrative & technical support to the MOSERS Board of Trustees and the Executive Director as it relates to the Board of Trustees; plans and prepares logistics and materials for board meetings; coordinates travel for board members; composes board meeting minutes; assists with writing and ensuring compliance with administrative rules; tracks board members’ compliance with educational requirements; coordinates annual filing of board members’ Personal Financial Disclosures Statements; ensures all Board of Trustee meetings and records comply with the Sunshine Law and record keeping requirements; and performs many other duties related to the MOSERS Board of Trustees. This position requires the ability to multi-task, maintain confidentiality, proficiency with Adobe, and proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook. Minimum requirements include bachelor’s degree and 2 years of highly responsible administrative experience OR a high school degree and 5 years of highly responsible administrative experience and the ability perform duties with a high level of tact and professionalism. Administrative experience should include experience working with a board, commission, or similar group taking official meeting minutes or report on the outcomes of the meetings. MOSERS offers competitive pay and the same benefit packages as state of Missouri employees. Visit www. mosers.org, click “Careers” to find out more about the position including anticipated starting salary and to apply. Deadline is October 15. EOE: M/F/V/D.

ENTERPRISE PROGRAM MANAGER

The Enterprise Program Management Office at Safety National is growing! If you know someone who has experience managing projects, programs, and portfolios and is looking to join a top rated company where they can make an immediate impact, with tremendous professional development opportunities, please pass the word along! Safety National is recognized as a Best Place to Work in Insurance by Business Insurance Magazine and as a Top Work Place in St. Louis, MO by the St. Louis Post Dispatch! To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/.

COORDINATOR

The Communications team at Safety National is looking for a recent college graduate to help create content, track performance and facilitate various thought leadership activities. If you are organized and deadline driven, but want to work in an environment where innovative ideas are celebrated, this is the job for you! There are so many opportunities to contribute as we grow. You bring the basic understanding of communications and marketing principles and we will train for the rest. Don’t miss this opportunity to work at a recognized Best Place to Work in Insurance and Top Workplace in Saint Louis. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/.

TEACHER

Building Futures needs design and build teacher for grades K-12 to teach model-making, wood-working, design, computer programs and problem solving. Full time; 35- 45K. Must love working with young people and learning new skills.

Call: 314 – 518 – 5279 or info@building-futures.org.

Notice

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

BIDS

Ross Group Construction is hereby soliciting bids for the renovation of the existing Beaumont Building, located at 2654 Locust Street.

Bidding documents may be obtained by submitting an email request to travis.magers@ withrossgroup.com and bobby.spurlock@withrossgroup.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

City of St. Louis Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Grants Administration

Starting Monday, September 24, 2018, The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease - Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide the following services: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Housing to people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis Transitional Grant Area and portions of Illinois.

A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained from Regina Smith, Contract Compliance Officer, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 4027, by either calling 314-657-1581 or via email smithre@stlouis-mo.gov.

Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/govemrnentlprocurement.cfm. If interested parties who have downloaded the proposal from the website, must register with Ms. Smith in order to be notified of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. The deadline for submitting proposals is 4:00 p.m., Monday November 19, 2018, at the address referenced above.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2017 South County ITS Segments, St. Louis County Project No. AR-CR-1645, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 17, 2018. Plans and specifications will be available on September 24, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on St. Louis County’s 2018 Seal Coat Program

Project No. AR/CR-1783

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: N.B. West Contracting Company, Inc. 2780 Mary Ave., Brentwood, MO 63144 314/962.3145

The meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m.

October 11, 2018

SITE Improvement Association Office, 2071 Exchange Drive St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from St Louis County. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, contact SITE Improvement Association at 314/966-2950.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Bellefontaine Road ARS Infrastructure project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1558, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 24, 2018

Plans and specifications will be available on October 1, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for North Hanley Road (E) Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1738, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 31, 2018.

Plans and specifications will be available on October 1, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

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 8th, 2018 to contract with a company for: Workforce Development Grant Program Services. 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 9586 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.

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on St. Louis County’s 2018 CRS Collector Rehabilitation Program

Project No. CR-1766

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: Pace Construction Company 1620 Woodson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63114 314/524-7223

The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. October 11, 2018 SITE Improvement Association Office, 2071 Exchange Drive St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from St Louis County. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, contact SITE Improvement Association at 314/966-2950.

BIDS

Services, Central Region, Missouri, P

N o . ZASIDIQ-9014, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Thursday, November 1, 2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partner-

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. The Partnership reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Any questions should be directed to Howl Bean II at (314) 615-7663 or hbean@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

Sealed

Until 1:45 PM, CT, on NOVEMBER 13, 2018, then publicly opened and read. Drawings and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

The prime contractor must have a fully responsive contractor questionnaire on file with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission at least 7 days prior to bid opening date in order for MODOT to concur with the award of this project. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including DBE policies).

There will be a pre-bid conference for this contract on October 30, 2018, 9:00 a.m., City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri Room 305. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting.

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).

The City of St. Louis hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Contractors and sub-contractors who sign a contract to work on public works project provide a 10-Hour OSHA construction safety program, or similar program approved by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, to be completed by their onsite employees within sixty (60) days of beginning work on the construction project.

The DBE Goal for this project is 5%

LETTING #8675

EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT FENCE AND GATES INSTALLATION AT CITY OF ST. LOUIS WATER DIVISION

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 6, 2018, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (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). A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on October 23, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at the Water Department Pipe Yard Office at 4600 McRee, St. Louis, MO 63110. Attendance to this meeting is a requirement for bidding.

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 9:00 a.m. on November 7th,

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 9th, 2018 to contract with a company for: Landscape Maintenance Services for the Horseshoe Retention Basin. 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 9605 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.

BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking bids for two 48” walk behind lawn mowers. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/jobs-bids/ and submit by October 12,

Riverview Gardens School District seeking bids from contractors for RTU Replacement Project

Sealed proposals for RGSD’s Highland Elementary School rooftop unit replacement project will be accepted at the district offices of Riverview Gardens School District, Attention: Patrick Lanane, 1370 Northumberland Drive, St. Louis, MO 63137 until 2:00pm Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

A mandatory pre-bid conference and project visit will be conducted on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 3:30pm at Highland Elementary School, 174 Shepley Dr. St. Louis, MO 63137.

The project consists of the following: The replacement of three RTU units and associated equipment and accessories for Highland Elementary School. One unit serves the gymnasium, one serves the cafeteria and one serves some classrooms. For complete bid information and project specifications, visit www.rgsdmo.org.

Religion

Rev. Wil Gafney to speak at Eden

Seminary, preach at Christ the King

Womanism is reshaping seminary education, churches and lives

By Sonya Vann

For The St. Louis American

In the fall of 2014, people from across the world followed the events happening in Ferguson after Michael Brown was killed. Rev. Wil Gafney wrote in her blog, “A black man STRANGLED (lynched?) by a police officer on a city street on video. The flower of black manhood has been shot down in the street like a dog. Left to lay in his blood for hours. Followed by a police response straight out of the manual of Bull Connor. Riot gear more up-armored than US forces in Iraq.” She would later say that she had been stunned into silence amid the summer of horror.

Gafney is just one of the clergy scholars who observed the events of the fall of 2014 and used their scholarship to address the injustice they saw. Evoking her womanist biblical interpretation Gafney addresses the issues that affect the black community because “whiteness is invisible like the wizard in the Oz or the emperor’s [new] clothes has meant that bible readers and hearers have not seen the ways in which interpretations they normalize and sanctify are steeped in white and often white supremacist values, like the white Jesus that still adorns many black churches.”

To continue this dialogue and shed more light on womanists who are shaping the world,

Eden Theological Seminary has introduced a series of womanist scholars. Gafney will speak on the subject of “Womanist Biblical Translation & Hermeneutics” at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves 1:30-3 p.m. Friday, October 5 after worship service at 10 a.m. and a lunch break.

In late August, Rev. Jennifer Leath, assistant professor of Religion and Social Justice at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, addressed the Eden community. She expressed her concern that the “black church has traditionally been organized around a single male leadership model even where women make up 80 percent of the black congregation. Yet, the womanist voice and interpretation of the biblical narrative that pay interest to women is absent much, if not most, of the time.”

This is changing. People of color are attending seminary in higher numbers, from 16.7 percent to 28.1 percent over a 10-year period (2003-2013), and more than half of them are black women, according to the Association of Theological Schools, which provides accreditation to most schools of theology. This growth is representative of the need for theologically educated clergy and leaders who are poised to do justice on the fly. Their ability to speak to the fragmentation and disengagement of the traditional biblical text to their situation is

Rev. Wil Gafney will speak on the subject of “Womanist Biblical Translation & Hermeneutics” at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves 1:30-3 p.m. Friday, October 5.

helped by the uptick of womanist biblical interpretation and scholarship.

Gafney reflected upon the journey of her mentor, the Rev. Katie Cannon, who alongside Delores Williams helped to break the glass ceiling of biblical interpretation in seminaries.

Womanists have been a strong presence throughout the fight for civil rights in this country, going back to Sojourner Truth, Mary Bethune McCleod, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisolm and including today’s leaders, such as Patrisse Cullers, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, Tarana Burke, U.S. Rep. Maxine Clark and Eden graduates Rev. Cassandra Gould and Rev. Traci Blackmon. These women of color have proven to be great orators of womanist thought. These seminary graduates, and others like them, are also leading

nonprofits, health systems, foundations and in civil service as elected officials. The voices of Leath and Gafney come at a critical time in the movement to transform this country from what it was to what it someday will be.

Gafney lecture at Eden Theological Seminary on October 5 is free, and everyone is welcome. Register at www.eden. edu/events/schmiechen-lecture.

Gafney also will preach at Christ the King United Church of Christ, 11370 Old Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant, at 11 a.m. Sunday, October 7. For more information see www.ctk-ucc.org.

Sonya J. Vann is director of the Master of Community Leadership at Eden Theological Seminary and associate minister at Christ the King United Church of Christ.

The Message

The time of your life

As I get older I have become even more fascinated with the concept of time. I’ve always found time as it is talked about in the Bible to be an awesome concept if we can just grasp it and apply time and its value to our own lives. What is time, and what are the consequences of actively experiencing time?

At its simplest, time is the reality we experience between life and death. One’s consciousness is the sum total of time spent in the body you now inhabit. We neither control when we are born, nor when we die, unless one chooses to commit suicide. But to a certain degree, we do have some control over how we spend our time.

The older you get, the more value you place on time and the less value you put on things. Spending time wisely becomes much more than just a phrase used to explain how time actually does fly by when you’re not paying attention.

Scripture teaches us that God is the progenitor of time. “I am the Alpha and the Omega who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty,” Revelations 1:8. Did you ever think about Christ as being the epicenter of how we measure human existence, time? You have B.C. and then A.D. The human embodiment of God is also modern man’s calendar reference.

Scripture also tells us that the best use of our time should be spent searching for, finding and then honoring the Almighty by trying to mirror the life and values put forth by His Son Jesus Christ. If anything that I’m saying has any merit, then wasting time must be viewed as one big unacceptable sin, one in which the devil takes great pleasure in having you indulge. Do nothing with your time and he’s a very happy fella.

The mystery of life is easily solved by using and spending God’s most precious yet fleeting gift wisely. That’s probably why unconditional love is so rare. What are the most valuable memories that you have? I’ll bet you they involve an appreciation for time spent in the presence of a lost loved one or being around people you love or who indeed loved you. That time becomes more precious as you age and understand the great gift of simple time. I guess it all boils down to, if you really put time into perspective, God, family and everything else, time is not money, but, like money time should not be squandered. It should be nurtured. If you waste money, bankruptcy is the end result. If you waste a life of time, it is even more devastating because you’ve bankrupted the whole point of living.

Columnist

James Washington