October 9th, 2014 Edition

Resistance and reflection in Ferguson

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The

By Chris King

The

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

FERGUSON, A6

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Mike Jones

Did Drake have exotic dancer drama?

Houston stripper Jhonni Blaze told Baller Alert that Drake plucked her from the strip club for a weekend long tryst then dumped her a week later for a different stripper from the same club. Jhonni claimed after she confronted Drake for making a fool out of her the rapper began barraging her with threatening text messages and even sent goons to her job, getting her fired.

“I took off a week from work and I’m the topic of my city, they’re laughing because I’m walking around with this fool” Jhonni told Baller Alert. “He was kissing me on my job, made the DJ switch the song to my name.”

After a group of unknown men showed up at her house Jhonni filed a police report.

Days later, went on Houston’s 97.9 The Box, to clear the air and ended up apologizing to Drake and his crew.

She said:

“I never called the police

on Aubrey. I actually called the police because my friend came home and she said that some guys said that they were looking for me. So, I documented that for my protection and for some odd reason people were calling me looney.

I’m not about to exaggerate the story. Me and him were just kicking it, being cool. I went to his concert, I watched him perform. [We] were just supposed to be friends and we had some disagreements, some things were said, some threats were being made as far as argument and that was it.

This man did not send nobody for me. I just felt that it was weird that it happened at the time me and him got into

I did what was right as a woman and just filed a police report for my safety, in case something happened to me. I apologize to the whole staff and whoever works with Drake.”

Big bucks from Bravo for NeNe’s RHOA return?

In the summer were rumors were flying that NeNe Leakes had been forced to take a huge pay cut from producers on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Several outlets are now

reporting nothing could be further from the truth – and that Leakes was able to command a $1.5 million pay check to appear on the show for one last season. According to Radar Online, Leakes was able to “broker the huge pay increase because she is the most popular housewife of any of the Bravo franchises

“Without NeNe, RHOA wouldn’t be the ratings blockbuster that it continues to be,” a source told Radar Online. “NeNe made it known she would need a significant raise to do the upcoming season, and Bravo had no choice but to agree to it.”

Tasha Smith says she thought Tyler Perry was ‘asexual’

No, seriously. He’s like an uncle that never has sex. I was just shocked and I’m so happy for him, he’s going to be a daddy. I used to think that he would just be the uncle-daddy, you know? I’m kind of mad at him; he beat me and my husband to the punch.”

Raven Symone reveals same-sex relationship to Oprah

Last year Raven-Symoné shocked her fans with a tweet that many interpreted to mean she had come out of the closet.

“I can finally get married. Yay Government! So proud of you,” Symone tweeted after Rhode Island legalized same sex marriage. She later said the tweet was misinterpreted.

In a conversation with talk show host Wendy Williams, actress Tasha Smith gave an interesting reaction to learning that her boss and sometimes co-star Tyler Perry would soon be a parent.

“Tyler Perry is going to have his first child,” Williams said.

“Can you believe it,” Smith said.

“No,” Williams exclaimed.

“Stop it Wendy! I used to think he was asexual,” Smith said. “I didn’t think he had sex…at all! No but seriously… Stop it Wendy!!

Over the weekend on Oprah Winfrey’s “Where Are They Now,” Winfrey questioned Symone about her gay marriage Tweet and she responded, “I’m in an amazing relationship with my partner — a woman. My mother and people in my family have taught me to keep my personal life to myself as much as possible so I try my best to hold the fence where I can. But I am proud to be who I am and what I am.”

Sources:

Noire,

‘This is a mothers’

Legal scholar Patricia Williams speaks on Ferguson

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Last week, legal scholar and author Patricia J. Williams delivered a series of talks at Washington University. The great granddaughter of a slave and a white Southern lawyer, Williams is known for her explorations of racism in America. She is a law professor at Columbia University, which refers to her as “one of the most provocative intellectuals in American law.” Williams sat down with The St. Louis American to weigh in on legal issues in Ferguson.

The St. Louis American: Currently in Ferguson, there are a lot of ordinances and legal issues in question. Arrested protesters are being charged the maximum bail amount. Police are enforcing a “five-second rule” against standing still while protesting. What is your opinion of these tactics?

Patricia Williams: The measures that the police have deployed to keep peace, as they put it, have been spectacularly wrongheaded. They seem almost designed to ramp things up. There are techniques that have been tried and true in terms of allowing people to burn off steam and express themselves. You saw a little bit of that the second or third day when the Missouri State Highway Patrol came in. They were using classic techniques in de-escalating confrontation. Poking people to keep them walking is not among those techniques. Hiding their badges is not

movement’

Photo by William L. Mathews

among those techniques.

I’d be interested to know why the police think they are doing something to keep the peace, when in fact, I think they need to be better trained to allow people their First Amendment rights. Not shaking up the bottle and then putting a cap on it.

The St. Louis American: The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has been in Ferguson for several weeks. What role can and should the federal government play in this situation?

Patricia Williams: The Department of Justice has an oversight rule. There is a lot of excuse-making. There is no question that these are bad policies and practices and police behaviors. I understand that you may be under staffed. I understand that you have a series of small towns with police departments that are thin in numbers and who may not be well trained. That is no excuse. So where there has been no

oversight, you need someone to perform the oversight, instead of delaying the policies that need to be instituted to make things better. All of this is before you get to the real provocation of having huge tanks and people absolutely untrained to use machines of war in the streets of small towns like this. That is stunning, both acquisition and lack of training.

The St. Louis American: What can we expect if the grand jury does not decide to bring criminal charges against Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson?

Patricia Williams: I’m sure there will be people upset, but usually there aren’t nearly the riots that white communities are afraid of – that there’s going to be a slave uprising. We are so afraid in this country of the next new slave revolt. I am less concerned about that. I am more concerned about the fact that if he’s not indicted, we will have yet another statistic of lack of accountability.

n “The measures that the police have deployed to keep peace, as they put it, have been spectacularly wrongheaded.”

– Patricia Williams

Why I love ALL of Ferguson

By Steven Hollis For The

St. Louis American

Again, it depends on the investigation and the evidence, but I think it will be perceived as the officers and those designed to protect are never held accountable for the deadliest of their actions, whether intentional or accidental. If someone hits someone accidentally with a car, they can still be prosecuted for manslaughter. The idea that this happens so frequently and carelessly is a statistical worry that far exceeds whether Darren Wilson is indicted.

The St. Louis American: One young male protester called this movement “a young black man’s war.” What do you think of that statement?

Patricia Williams: It’s a reference to the patrolling of public spaces. It’s about confining geographies. Public protest gets redefined as unrest. For the most part, this has been a peaceful demonstration. But I think this is a concern that affects all kinds of groups. A lot of people feel embodied as Michael Brown. People should not forget that these protests are quite integrated. This is a mothers’ movement. This is a family movement.

I love Ferguson and North St. Louis County. I lived in Ferguson from 1976 to 1984, and have lived and organized North County Neighbors from Bellefontaine Neighbors since 2002. My church, Greater St. Mark Family Church, has been a gathering place for meetings, and a safe space for protestors, before and after August 9. My wife and I worked with Latino and Latina members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in organic farming at Mueller’s before Earthdance took it over. I love ALL of Ferguson, not only the privileged few. The racial realities of Ferguson and North County are unacceptable. We live in conditions that resemble apartheid South Africa. It is not acceptable that the majority-black and brown population is dominated by a privileged white minority, super-exploited economically in numerous ways, and suppressed (often brutally) by a militarized police force.

I am pleased that the Ferguson City Council is making significant, if not yet adequate, changes to its dependence on revenue from traffic tickets and warrants that are collected through plainly discriminatory racial profiling. This needs to happen quickly throughout St. Louis County. I urge white folks in Ferguson to build real relationships with the African-American residents and work together for meaningful civilian review and community control of the police. The scab that was broken by the protests covers a deep wound that must be healed. We cannot love our black and brown sisters and brothers if we do not stand up, together, and fight for justice and equality for all.

Steve Hollis is a long-time labor leader with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFLCIO), and community organizer/ popular educator with The Justice Institute/Anti-Racism Collective.

Patricia Williams, law professor at Columbia University and author, spoke at Washington University on Sept. 30 on the topic of “Love in the Time of Identity Wars: Anatomy of Short Lives.”

Guest Columnist

Steven Hollis

Editorial /CommEntary

Open letter from Ferguson protestors and allies

A group of 20 Ferguson protestors and allies posted this open letter to the community regarding the upcoming Weekend of Resistance in Ferguson, signing their work only using their Twitter aliases. Out of respect for their courage and the forcefulness of their statement, we print their work as our editorial this week – in solidarity. Here in Ferguson, our community has come to know terror on American soil. A public slaying so gruesome it harkened images of the lynchings from the most heinous moments in history, for young and old to see.

Michael Brown’s bloodied, lifeless body, left to lay in the street for more than four hours, a glaring reminder of the value of black life. Peaceful protestors, attacked by waves of gas and bullets meant only for war. Daily, violent reminders that our black skin renders us unsafe in our own community. No human, no American citizen, no child could look upon this scene and not unequivocally know: enough is enough.

Civil disobedience is as American as baseball and apple pie. It was the tool of founders who changed the course of history in freeing America from Britain’s tyranny. Susan B. Anthony and hundreds of others employed the same tactic to secure women democratic access to the ballot box. Dr. King called upon this same tradition, shifting institutions and people in order to win the protections enumerated in our founding for African Americans and the poor.

Now, nearly 50 years later, after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, desegregation, and the election of the first black president, we find ourselves once again defending the value of black life and calling once again for a change in people and institutions to ensure the freedom of future generations right here in Ferguson.

But instead of the respect accorded those historical figures, we are reviled. Instead of the cloak of democracy protecting our participation, we, a diverse collective of peaceful protestors and allies, have repeatedly suffered and witnessed the violation of those same freedoms we won by way of this same tried-and-true American tradition.

Sixty days ago, unarmed, hands-up in surrender, Michael Brown Jr. was gunned down by Darren Wilson. Darren Wilson is still free. Michael Brown Jr. is still gone.

In the aftermath of Mike’s death, some have shown more outrage at the interruption of traffic and a night at the symphony or a baseball game than they have for the interruption of an innocent life that will now and forever go unlived, unfulfilled.

In the aftermath of Mike’s death, scores of people were rendered prisoners in their own homes. Unable to report to work, feed their children, attend school, access basic needs or utilize public transportation, some residents are now unemployed. We are all citizens deeply traumatized by the slaying of a young life and the horror that followed. The police and the politicians of Ferguson, of St. Louis, of Missouri: all must take account of this trauma and must make amends.

In the aftermath of Mike’s death, a police department’s unpreparedness quickly became our most dangerous nightmare. Night after night, hails of rubber bullets and tear gas were released on innocent, peaceful people, exercising our right to demand justice for Mike through free

assembly.

Over 200 baseless arrests – some now ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge – have attempted to silence our freedoms of speech and assembly. Unfounded church raids have assaulted our freedom of religion and have sullied sacred space. We do not yet know the physical and psychological toll this abuse will take on us, on the children and elderly who accompanied us by their own volition, searching for freedom.

We demanded respect and were met with attack; we searched for justice and were met with contempt. But in the aftermath of Mike’s death, the democratic spirit of self-determination and dedication to those certain unalienable rights for all human beings remains unbroken.

Gaza stands with Ferguson. Hong Kong learned from Ferguson. And this weekend, for the second time, hundreds of Americans from every life experience will come to walk in solidarity with Ferguson. We have sought human dignity in the companionship of the global community, and they have answered the call.

During a holiday weekend named for one of the most atrocious genocidal figures in American history, we will reclaim our collective voice and live fully as democratic citizens who believe all lives matter.

In the aftermath of Mike’s death, we will continue to push for the dismantling of systems founded on the racial targeting of American citizens, systemic denial of basic health care, quality education, and other essential community services, and the culture of police brutality that has invaded the institutions meant to serve and protect. We will not bow to those who demand that we happily accept order with no offering of justice. We will demand equal justice under the law.

In the aftermath of Mike’s death, we will continue to be led by our young, who most brutally feel the sting of the devaluation of their lives by the systemic and structural racism, but who, in their determined resilience, will continue to show us what democracy looks like.

And we welcome people of all ages to help build a better future, together. In the aftermath of Mike’s death, we will continue to be intentionally peaceful but will continue to unapologetically, forcefully proclaim that our lives matter, and we will be treated as such.

As you stand with us this weekend and in the long days and months ahead, we need your solidarity. Ferguson is a movement led by the people who live here. We need you to simply be here, peacefully standing shoulder to shoulder with us, respecting the trauma we have faced but determined to fight for freedom along with us. And your community needs you to take what you experience here back to your homes, to fight to build that beautiful day when there will not be a next Mike Brown.

We need you for that day. For Mike Brown. For the protestors. For the people who matter everywhere.

Signed: @bdoulaoblongata, @blackstarjus, @deray, @dlatchison011, @dreamhampton, @ Felonius_munk, @kfen73, @Misterbiceps, @ MsPackyetti, @nettaaaaaaaa, @patricialicious, @princebraden, @RE_Invent_ED, @ Search4Swag, @shear_beauty, @vcmitchelljr, @WyzeChef, @WesKnuckle, @zellie, @2LiveUnchained

Commentary

Choose, America: death or rebirth?

By Rev. Osagyefo Sekou Guest Columnist

America has a choice –death or rebirth. Will it be a nation where we kill unarmed black teenagers with their hands up, hogtie peaceful protestors and teargas pregnant women and children, or can we envision a nation that would give justice to all the Mike Browns of America?

The deadly option, it seems, is the preference. The police brutality embodied in the killing of all the Mike Browns of America and the blatant disrespect shown to his body and community are emblematic of a nation heading toward spiritual death.

At every level –governmental, religious and civic – our country has issued a death warrant on the lives of black youth. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder’s tepid response to Ferguson represents an inability to understand the existential crisis besetting the nation.

The very meaning of what America means to itself and the world will be decided in the streets of the now infamous hamlet. Religious institutions, particularly the Black Church, have been found wanting and wanton in their cooperation with the Empire by attempting to tamper the prophetic rage of youthful

protestors. And historic civil rights organization’s insistence on liberal methods of social engagement (voting) falls flat on its face every time a protestor is thrown to the ground.

The church’s writ-large complicity with the Empire is evidenced in their cozy relationship with the police.

The August night air saturated with tear gas revealed a simple truth: black youth had to go before one of the most militarized police forces alone.

It was on West Florissant filled with youth with prophetic black rage that I was born

n It was on West Florissant filled with youth with prophetic black rage that I was born again.

again. In their faces, and their faces alone, I saw the face of a just God standing with an oppressed people. Like Rachel, they would not be consoled because their brother, our son – Mike Brown – was no more.

Whilst the government has justified machine guns being pointed at them, the church condemns them and civil rights elders want to control them, young black folks have been forced out of traditional avenues of grievance.

For over 50 days, Lost Voices, Millennial Activists and Hands Up United (and many, many others) have taken

Letters to the editor

More reform, less overreaction

About a dozen people were held in a St. Ann jail after an apparently peaceful protest night in Ferguson. They were held on what some call excessive bail. We urge authorities to be reasonable and show mercy here. And we fear that as tensions drag on and outside scrutiny wanes, more hard-line tactics in Ferguson may be revived. What’s needed is more reform, transparency and discussion, not more harsh official overreaction.

Rev. David Gerth, executive director, Metropolitan Congregations United

His life matters

Jordan Davis was killed by the doctrine of stand your ground, the hand of stereotype and the gun of Michael Dunn. The first degree murder conviction of Michael Dunn, even in a second trial, makes clear that Jordan Davis was not a second-class citizen whose life could be taken with impunity. His life matters: to his family, to his community and to our nation of laws. The NAACP mourns the death of this young man—even as we commend the conviction of his murderer.

Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO, NAACP

Stalwart defender

Attorney General Eric Holder has fought fiercely to protect the human and civil constitutional rights of all Americans. Among his accomplishments at the Department of Justice, of particular note, is his emphasis on ensuring that all Americans can exercise their right to vote. Despite opposition from the Supreme Court and Congressional Republicans, Attorney General Holder and DOJ have been stalwart defenders of voting rights threatened by state legislative action.

to the streets. Their holy voices have cried out in the wilderness at town hall meetings, and they have gone before the thrones of power time and time again, yet have refused to bow down. Rather, the best of the democratic tradition has stood up in them.

In fact, it is these precious young people who sat in the street upon my recent arrest. Their engagement in civil disobedience not only set me free, but has broken open a new meaning of activism – remixing protest by building upon the best of what came before –infusing their chants with hiphop beats.

To be sure, this new drum major instinct plays upon the same rhythm that has haunted American democracy since its founding. The cry of these black youth is the cry of every generation that has seized history and bent it to their will. Will we have the wisdom to listen to the most vulnerable members of our society? America, will you be born, again?

A former St. Louis resident, Sekou is pastor for Formation and Justice at First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts and an activist in the Ferguson protest movement. Rev Osagyefo Sekou will be speaking at a Mass Meeting this Sunday at 7pm, at St. Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena, 1 S Compton Ave, alongside Dr. Cornel West, local and national activists and artists, interfaith clergy, musicians and poets in an evening

All letters are edited for length and style.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair, DNC

Effectiveness and commitment

Attorney General Holder has presided over one of the most forward-thinking and visionary Justice Departments in memory. Remembering only his historic confirmation as the first African-American attorney general would not do justice to his tenure over the past six years, which was one of the most successful in modern American history.

Under his leadership, the Department of Justice has put forth groundbreaking reforms to our broken criminal justice system, championed the right to vote, defended the Affordable Care Act, protected homeowners from predatory lending, defended the federal government from state overreach on immigration laws, and backed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

His tenure is even more remarkable considering that he was victim to an unprecedented witch hunt and abuse of power by House Republicans. Their attempt to stain the office by issuing the only contempt citation against a sitting cabinet member in modern history only validated Attorney General Holder’s effectiveness and commitment to promoting the civil and human rights of all Americans.

Wade Henderson, president and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Racial profiling is ineffective

Racial profiling, be it at the hands of law enforcement or ordinary citizens carrying firearms or in positions of authority, is ineffective and often leads to tragic consequences for communities of color. The NAACP continues to fight against racial profiling and stand your ground laws and advocate for real policy change.

Dr. Niaz Krasavari, director of Criminal Justice, NAACP

Guest Columnist Rev. Osagyefo Sekou

A close-up of an intimate moment of solidarity on the Ferguson front lines.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Open letter to fraters and sorors

By a Delta Soror Rho Beta Chapter

Dearest fraters and sorors of the St. Louis region undergraduate chapters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council,

The members of the Historically Black Greek Letter organizations have been forerunners of the Civil Rights Movement since its beginning. The belief that progress and knowledge go hand-and-hand has allowed us to dedicate time and energy to higher education and to advocate for positive change by way of strategic action. Each of our organizations prides ourselves on serving our community, upholding the values of education, and promoting brotherhood and sisterhood.

As an educator in the Ferguson-Florissant School District and as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I believe that there is a new mission for the historically black fraternities and sororities in 2014. At the wake of the killing of Michael Brown and the looming loss of accreditation for many of St. Louis’ predominantly black high schools, there is a new charge that is before us.

At a time like this, I ask what would our founders do? Where would they focus their efforts? And what change would they inspire?

Without a doubt I know our founders would not sit quietly on the sidelines nor would they be too proud to ask for help.

Thus, I am reaching out to the undergraduate chapters of the St. Louis region now at a crucial point in time. I understand that there is much for an undergraduate chapter to do, from implementing change on local campuses to strengthening the membership of our individual chapters. However, I ask for a new wave of programming that focuses on mentorship and academic achievement for the predominately black high schools in the St. Louis area, especially those affected by the Ferguson tragedy.

I realize that there are no easy answers in times of social inequality and civil unrest. However, I do believe that the presence of our organizations in the predominantly black high schools of St. Louis can cause a powerful change in our community. There is an undeniable lack of accessible role models of color that value education and serving the community.

Many of these young people are at risk of continuing a cycle of incarceration, unemployment and dependency on governmental aide that contribute to the negative stereotypes entrenched in the black community. As I work every day I bear the weight of looming defeat, but I realize I am a descendant of a people who are resilient and that I am not alone.

We know our Greek letters are outward symbols of high standards and dogmatic tenacity demonstrated by those who came before us. However, here and now, for the young people of today, our letters can represent hope, smarter decisions, better priorities and proof that they can, indeed, be more than that status quo.

While I am only one voice, I call for many. I call for mentoring programs, tutoring and visits to the black high schools of St. Louis. I call for fraters and sorors wearing all colors to find new ways to develop relationships and set examples for our young people. I call for us to teach these youth ways to combat discrimination and prejudice without compromising their dignity.

Most importantly, I call for the brothers and sisters of the National PanHellenic Council to be agents of change and uphold the legacy that our founders have so charged us.

A young peaceful protestor expressed her patriotism on the streets of Ferguson on September 29.

All-American protestor

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

NIXON

partnership will offer handson learning and volunteer opportunities for UMSL students. Funding will be provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services to UMSL’s College of Education.

“This is a solid investment that will have a huge return for students and families in this community and in the economy of this region,” Nixon said.

Nixon briefly touched on the unrest in Ferguson. He stated that the events of the past two months have been stark reminders of the significant challenges that have “vexed” both local and national communities for generations.

“While efforts continue on multiple fronts to address the many issues that have been raised,” Nixon said, “we’re here today to talk about one of the most important issues of all – education.”

Carole G. Basile, dean of UMSL’s College of Education, described Nixon as a champion for public education who works “across the aisle to make smart, fiscally responsible investments.”

“He’s increased access to early childhood education,

FERGUSON

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Continued from A1 Simmons said. It is the youth in the community who have stepped up, drawn a line and made the demand for real change, he said.

“What we’ve seen with the Ferguson uprising is that the community can’t take anymore,” he said. “It’s up to us, at this moment, to make that real. The way we do that is by putting our bodies on the line.”

The Weekend of Resistance will shed light on a long list of local and national

invested more dollars into our K-12 classrooms and partnered with higher education institutions, like ours, to keep college affordable,” Basile said. Nixon said every child deserves a quality education, which he said is an economic imperative in today’s competitive global marketplace.

“If our workers don’t have the skills today’s high-tech employers need,” he said, “those companies will go elsewhere and our economy

demands. Locally, Weekend of Resistance organizers and Brown family attorneys Anthony Gray and Benjamin Crump have called for Wilson’s immediate arrest and the appointment of a Special Prosecutor. Organizers are demanding that St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch step aside. McCulloch has refused. Organizers are also demanding the firing of Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson and de-escalation of militarized policing of protestors among other demands. Nationally, although President Obama has addressed ongoing unrest in Ferguson

will fall behind.”

Despite having made “solid progress” over the last five years, Nixon said too many children are still growing up without seeing a clear path to academic achievement and economic independence. And this is especially true for lowincome children.

“Some of those students are homeless. Many others come to school hungry,” Nixon said.

“It’s hard to focus on your next homework assignment when

following Brown’s death and sent Attorney General Eric Holder to Ferguson, organizers have demanded that the president personally visit Ferguson.

The Weekend of Resistance will feature a series of public events – marches, discussions and panels – to build momentum for the nationwide movement against police violence.

On Friday, the Justice Now: March on the District Attorney’s Office will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Buzz Westfall Justice Center, 100 S. Central Ave. in Clayton. That evening, a panel discussion entitled “War at Home, War

you don’t know where your next meal is coming from.”

Nixon said children from poor families have drop-out rates that are five times higher than children from affluent families. He said schools within the region are working to close that gap; however, it will take the entire community to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to succeed academically.

Nixon was joined by French, state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed,

Abroad: Militarization and Surveillance” will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Dar Aljalal Mosque, 8945 Dunn Rd. in Hazelwood. The Justice for All: National March and Rally will be held on Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The march kicks off at the Scott Trade Center, 1401 Clark Ave. in downtown St. Louis, and will conclude with a rally at Kiener Plaza.

Also on Saturday, a Law In Action Teach-In will be held from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at Saint Louis University’s School of Law, 100 N. Tucker 12th Floor Pavilion.

On Sunday, October 12,

Antonio French, Gov. Jay Nixon, Maida Coleman of the Office of Community Outreach and state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed at the announcement on Oct. 2 of a new partnership between North Campus and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

D-St. Louis, and Maida Coleman and Marvin Teer from the newly formed Office of Community Outreach.

Nixon recognized Coleman, who he said “hit the ground running” in her new role as director of the newly created office. Teer serves as the office’s deputy director and general counsel.

“There are so many positive efforts on the way – initiatives that are bringing St. Louis together and are helping our

Dr. Cornel West will keynote “Hip Hop & Hope” at Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., from 7-10 p.m. The mass meeting is being dubbed as an “Evening of Reflection and Resistance” that will feature St. Louis rapper-activist Tef Poe, poet and activist Suheir Hammad, Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation, Rev. Jim Wallis, Sojourners, and a broad interfaith coalition of speakers committed to justice for Michael Brown.

Also on Sunday, a music event will be held during the afternoon in the Ferguson area.

youth dissect difficult issues in our community,” Coleman said. She said leaders throughout the region are working strategically to identify key leverage points that can be used to change the region, like French’s #HealSTL. #HealSTL is a social justice project that focuses on political engagement, education and community development.

Regarding North Campus, French said there is no greater tool to reduce poverty and empower youth than education.

“When you see them in our after-school programs, they shine,” French said. “We see what they can be. Not only does it give them hope, but it gives us hope.”

Nasheed thanked the governor for his dedication to STEM throughout the state. She also acknowledged French for his commitment to youth who live below the poverty level in North St. Louis.

“Our children need our help more now than ever before,” Nasheed said. “Our children are below proficiency in a major way when it comes to math and science. And we’re going to get them where they need to be.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com.

For #MoralMonday on October 13, a series of yet to be announced direct actions throughout the Ferguson and St. Louis area will take place from 10 a.m.-noon.

“This is the moment for us to actually challenge patterns of abuse against black and brown communities,” Simmons said. For a full list of scheduled events, visit http:// fergusonoctober.com/, text 90975 Hands Up United for mobile updates, or follow #FergusonOctober on Twitter. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com.

Photo by UMSL/August Jennewein

WHITE

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confidante, Missouri Supreme Court Justice George W. Draper III.

Though Judge Draper mostly lightened the mood with golfing stories, he also provided sobering historical perspective. Only in 1961 was the first black federal judge with lifetime tenure appointed. The first black federal judge dates back only to 1937. Judge Draper even traced African-American judicial ambitions back to the Civil War era.

“It was dangerous to get together, back in those days,” Judge Draper said.

Wolff reminded a large, festive audience – which spilled over into courtrooms on two other floors, where guests watched the ceremony remotely – the kind of business Judge White is in. “In this great trial court,” Wolff said, “Judge White will be face-to-face with people facing great adversity.”

Wolff, who served alongside Judge White on the Missouri Supreme Court, gave his former colleague a judge’s highest compliment for another judge, saying on the federal bench Judge White will, as always, be

STREAM

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County Executive, Rick Stream, is more conservative and less progressive – less aligned with the self-interest of most African Americans – than his Democratic opponent, Rick Stenger. We know that Stenger aligned with St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch –a white Democrat who many black Democrats consider an enemy – to run a negative, slanderous primary campaign to defeat County Executive Charlie Dooley, a black incumbent Democrat. So, everybody gets the revenge motive that many black Democrats may feel for delivering a defeat to Stenger. But let’s set aside revenge as an ignoble motive with at best short-term gains. Please explain why it is in the long-term self-interest of African Americans in St. Louis County to cross over to the Republican side and elect the more conservative, less progressive Rick Stream as county executive on Nov. 4.

“looking for the justice in each case and deciding promptly.”

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who worked hardest on the appointment, gave the briefest remarks. She seemed to stop short due to a surge of emotion as she recalled the “unbelievably unfair” treatment Judge White received from Senate Republicans when John Ashcroft killed his first federal appointment.

President Clinton first nominated White for the federal Eastern District Court of Missouri in 1997, when Judge White was the first African-American justice on the Missouri Supreme Court. Ashcroft, then a Republican senator from Missouri, blocked White’s nomination, allegedly because of White’s decisions in some death penalty cases. Speaking on the Senate floor, Ashcroft said that a federal judgeship would give White a platform to “push the law in a pro-criminal direction.”

Missouri’s other U.S. senator at the time, Kit Bond, also a Republican, did not support White’s nomination either, despite his promise to do so when garnering campaign support from black Democrats. Ashcroft and Bond, who were not invited to the investiture ceremony, hovered

over it like ghosts. Wolff joked at Ashcroft’s expense and expressed the rage he felt when his friend was unfairly targeted for attack. He shared the amazing memory of later overhearing Ashcroft’s belated apology to Judge White on the steps of the state Capitol when Gov. Matt Blunt was inaugurated.

Judge White’s son, Ronnie L. White II, a newly licensed attorney, gave a heartbreaking child’s perspective of the spiked appointment. Confirmation of an Eastern District federal appointment would have meant his father

was coming home to St. Louis from Jefferson City, where the state Supreme Court has chambers.

“It would have meant my dad was coming home,” White said.

Judge White’s wife, Sylvia D. White, who helped their son robe the new federal judge, was often referenced in remarks at the ceremony, but did not speak herself. Their son, however, vividly described a very tight family.

“Raising me was the highest priority in his life,” White said of his father. “He was always there.”

Missouri Supreme Court Justice George W. Draper, Judge Judy Draper, Judge Ronnie L. White and Sylvia D. White at Judge White’s investiture ceremony as a federal judge on Oct. 3.

In Judge White’s own brief remarks, he thanked President Obama for risking the appointment of someone whose previous appointment to the same seat had been killed before. The U.S. Senate now has a Democratic majority, and Missouri’s current Republican Senator Roy Blunt did not work against Obama and McCaskill’s appointment of Judge White.

Judge White – defamed by Ashcroft as being “procriminal” – was supported in his current appointment by the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police. “As front line law

enforcement officers, we recognize the important need to have jurists such as Ronnie White, who have shown themselves to be tough on crime, yet fair and impartial,”

Kevin Ahlbrand, president of the state police union, wrote to the U.S Senate Committee on the Judiciary, which first considered the appointment.

Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Russell gave remarks that were both intensely personal and deeply informed by the needs and demands of the judicial profession. She spoke of how Judge White twice mentored her, at critical points in her own career, as she sought to become and then advance as a judge.

Judge Russell spoke of the “importance of diversity” in the judiciary, by recalling how audiences of black youth light up whenever Judge White speaks at public events, seeing a possible future for themselves.

She also gave her former mentor succinct and telling praise as a jurist and a person.

“All his opinions are respected widely,” Judge Russell said, “and Judge White as a person is respected widely.”

n This is a once-in-ageneration opportunity to change the game.

revenge for Charlie Dooley not only misrepresents FLHDC but also misrepresents the political relationship Charlie Dooley as county executive had with the African-American community. However, the manner of the white Democratic attack on him, led by the almost all-white construction trade unions, laid bare the one sided political relation between the St. Louis County Democratic Party and the AfricanAmerican community. White county Democrats have taken the investment of AfricanAmerican votes and have generated little to no return. In fact, they have actively worked against the interests of the AfricanAmerican community as defined by the African-American community.

committed to FHLDC that his administration will ensure that it’s representative of St. Louis County’s population. The reason this promise is creditable is because they really

don’t have much choice if they want to govern the county.

Now I’m sure Stenger will make the same promises, but Democrats haven’t kept them in the past and FLHDC would

Mike Jones: Thanks for the opportunity to clarify what the FLHDC is really trying to get done on behalf of the African-American community. This is not about revenge in any shape, form or fashion. Black candidates lose regularly to white candidates without so much as a loud “ah, man” from the African-American community. The loss of Charlie Dooley did not put at risk some larger African-American political agenda. Taking

To understand the FLHDC endorsement of Stream, you only have to know one thing: “The enemy of my enemy is my ally.” If you’re going into battle, you have to be armed with a weapon that will get the job done. The job in politics is always to take a shot that will kill, not wound. A vote for Rick Stream kills any chance Steve Stenger and his allies have of capturing the office of county executive. That removes them from power.

FLHDC is developing a second option for AfricanAmerican voters, who for very legitimate reasons can’t bring themselves to vote for a Republican. For the Office of County Executive write in the candidate of your conscience. This option cripples the Stenger campaign in a way that should be impossible to overcome.

The Stream camp has

be seen as soft and weak if they did that deal now. This is a once-in-ageneration opportunity to change the game, and FLHDC is playing with house

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Pays to be a player

Hollywood

Illinois State Senator James Clayborne is no Hollywood executive but

associates of the majority leader of the IL senate have found great success in landing jobs within IL state government as the result of being his “friend.” And it pays to be a friend of Senator Clayborne.

Take, for instance, Creola Davis of Alton, IL. She is a community and safety liaison for the IL Department of Transportation (IDOT). She was hired back in January of 2011 and makes $72,000 per year.

Davis’ connection to Senator Clayborne was widely publicized on the social networking site Facebook until questions from reporters appear to have made her take down her site.

But prior postings described Davis as being “in a relationship” with someone referred to as “James.” A subsequent photo posted back in July showed Davis and Senator Clayborne looking cozy in what appeared to be a park.

In February, 2011 Davis posted a photo of she and Clayborne under a gazebo in a tropical location which she refers to as Jamaica. That same month, Davis also posted a photo of herself at a White House reception with President Barack Obama. Coincidentally, the White House visitor’s log

for the February 25, 2011 reception shows the names of both Sen. Clayborne and Creola Davis as being in attendance. Another female associate of Senator Clayborne, Vonetta Harris, was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to the IL Prisoner Review Board, back in November of 2013, and makes $86,000 per year and has a state vehicle and gas card. Of course, aside from “knowing” Clayborne, she comes amply qualified for the position. Her ex-husband, Korey Rush served a federal prison sentence for misusing a federal grant during his employment with SIUE. He pleaded guilty back in 2010. Harris’ relationship with Clayborne is less clear than Creola Davis’. However, the Belleville News-Democrat recently reported observing Harris’ SUV emerging from the garage of Clayborne’s home one morning at approximately 7:30 a.m. after, undoubtedly, updating the senator on the good work of the prison review board.

What Ms. Harris and Ms. Davis have in common is they both have, coincidentally, attended White House receptions at which Senator Clayborne was, also, present.

According to another White House visitors log, back in December 2013 Vonetta Harris and Senator Clayborne were recorded as having attended a reception for President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama. But, to be fair, even Senator Clayborne’s ex-wife, Staci Clayborne, may have been the beneficiary of Senator Clayborne’s political connections.

Staci, is the Vice President for Student Development at Southwestern Illinois College and is actually a very competent and qualified

professional, with an M.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision from SIUE.

However, the president of SWIC is Georgia Costello, who just happens to be the wife of former U.S Congressman Jerry Costello. Coincidence or hook-up? Whatever the case, one can’t argue that a gainfully employed ex-wife would create fewer headaches for Mr. Clayborne. Well, played senator.

If Senator Clayborne is just a serial “player” who uses his position of influence and power to reward his female associates, he would not be the first politician to do so. The fact that his colleagues in the state senate are silent speaks volumes to that point.

The problem is when such hook-ups are done at taxpayer’s expense; especially when Clayborne is seeking re-election in November, along with embattled Governor Pat Quinn, who is already at the center of an investigation by the state’s executive inspector general, Ricardo Meza.

Meza has revealed that over 200 political cronies were improperly hired at IDOT during the administrations of both Governors Rod Blagojevich and Pat Quinn.

So Senator Clayborne’s issues can’t be good for Quinn’s re-election bid and should be the death knell for Clayborne’s re-election.

Unfortunately, Clayborne is well financed and having a less than stellar opponent in Katherine Ruocco, a Swansea Republican, all but assures that Clayborne will be easily re-elected, which would send the signal to Clayborne that, on so many levels, it pays to be a player.

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

Find a place in your home or yard that will keep the worms out of direct sunlight but somewhere that isn’t too cold either. Drill or cut about 15 small holes on each side of a plastic storage bin, including the lid and bottom. Remove the lid from the second storage bin and place the four tin cans in the bottom. Now set the first storage bin, the one with holes, on top of the cans. This will allow enough air to reach the worms so they don’t get wet and smelly. Now you can drop in the worm bedding, the dirt, and the worms into their new home. Go ahead and feed them a little bit of food and always make sure they, and their food, are covered by bedding. A piece of cardboard kept on top of the worms will keep away flies and keeps the worms in the dark. Make sure the dirt is always moist but never dripping.

Feed worms your food waste as it comes in. Be sure to always cover the new food with more bedding. If worms are trying to escape then their home is too moist or too dry or you’ve fed something they really don’t like. The worms will not try to escape if the conditions are appropriate. If the bin gets smelly and you start to see flies then you’re adding too much food and not enough bedding. After a couple of months you can use the worms’ poop/dirt as compost for a garden! Collect the dirt by feeding them on one side of the bin for a few weeks prior so they’ll all squirm to that side and scoop the dirt from the other side. Take care of your worms, they are in your care.

James Ingram

What is community policing?

By Ben Jealous For The St.

Louis

American

In the wake of increased shootings in Ferguson and around the country, there has been a renewed public interest in the role of police, the extent of police brutality, and the prevalence of racial bias.

These are not new issues, and in fact a number of organizations have been working for decades to increase trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Among these is the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), a nonprofit leadership program headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1984, NCBI focuses on eliminating prejudice and resolving intergroup conflict. They work in cities across the U.S. and overseas to build the capacity of local leaders in schools, college campuses, police departments, and environmental organizations to lead prevention-oriented workshops and to intervene in the face of tough inter group conflict.

One of NCBI’s key programs, the Law Enforcement Community Citizen Project, focuses on building productive relationships between police and the communities they serve.

The NCBI Law Enforcement Community Citizen Project was initially funded in 2002 by a grant from the COPS office (the office of Community Policing at the US Department of Justice) to work in Bethlehem, PA and King County, WA. Since then the program has been implemented in Atlantic City, NJ as well as numerous communities throughout Pennsylvania, Missoula, MO, and Seattle, WA.

throughout her career she made a point to immerse herself in the community that she served. The neighborhood she patrolled was the same neighborhood where she attended church and raised her family. After 26 years on the job, she retired and joined NCBI so she could continue her passion for community policing.

The NCBI Law Enforcement Community Partnership project builds trust between law enforcement and community leaders by helping each side to understand the daily realities of the other. Each has a key story to tell. Each deserves respectful listening.

By teaching listening skills and conflict resolution practices and by helping each side see the humanity and legitimate concerns of the other, trust and partnership increases.

In addition, NCBI teaches specific skill sets that help each side to confront the biases they have learned about each other that get in the way of equitable treatment of the entire community – particularly the equitable treatment of people from different racial groups.

NCBI believes in practices that will bring about institutional change, not one-time trainings or quick fixes.

Columnist Benjamin Todd Jealous

NCBI is called on to bridge the divide between community members and police officers.

NCBI leads Train the Trainer programs, Welcoming Diversity and Inclusion Workshops, and Leadership Institutes for officers and community activists to educate them in skills to foster cooperative relationships. Some communities have contacted NCBI when there have been specific difficulties between white police officers and people or neighborhoods of color that have been singled out by police. From their experience, NCBI has learned that it is best to offer communities a prevention-oriented, trust building approach. This way, NCBI builds the ongoing capacity of law enforcement and community activists to work in partnership to increase safety for all citizens in the community.

I spoke with Fabienne Brooks, who along with Guillermo Lopez is co-director of NCBI’s Law Enforcement Program. Brooks is a retired Chief of Detectives for the King County Police Department in Seattle, WA. She was the first black female officer in county history to be hired as a deputy, and

As just one example of the outcomes of the NCBI’s COPS and Community project, consider what happened in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In 2005, a pool frequented by Latino young people had been closed for repairs and the young people went to another pool.

Within minutes, the mainly white life guards felt threatened by the presence of the Latino young people, called the police and the police, ignoring the pleas of the Latino parents for calm, called for increased back up. A huge altercation between the parents and the police continued for months.

The NCBI trained police/ community activist team was able to bring the parents and police together, and using their NCBI skills, bring about increased trust and understanding.

In Ferguson, former Chief Brooks sees an opportunity for an effective communitypolicing program to emerge from the chaos and violence of the past few weeks. “Now, there is a chance for police and the community to hear each other,” she said. “The focus needs to be on how people are treated. If you can train officers how to treat ALL people with dignity and respect - that is a victory.”

Brook’s co-director Guillermo Lopez explained that community policing cannot be accomplished with the wave of a wand. “You don’t go in trying to change a whole department; you go in trying to change a few people, who eventually come to change the whole department,” he said.

To reach NCBI, visit www. ncbi.org or call (202) 785-9400. Jealous is a Partner at Kapor Capital and former President and CEO of the NAACP.

Obituaries

Dauffus “Jack” Jackson, Sr.

Dauffus “Jack” Jackson, Sr. was born to Mary Hannah Sims & Rogers Jackson on February 16, 1916 in Portland, Arkansas. Five children were born to this union, him being the oldest. His mother, father and siblings, preceded him in death.

Dauffus received his early education in the Portland School System. He confessed his hope in Christ early on. He began his work in service at an early age.

Dauffus worked in many different occupations throughout his life. He was a hard worker from a farmer, and a laborer. He worked at City Ice & Fuel, Frisco Railroad, and the State of Missouri. Dauffus worked as a Greeter/Escort for a local Home Healthcare Business. He also was self-employed, as a Hauler for several years. He wore many hats.

Dauffus married Leathia Rogers in 1938. To this union, Flossie, Roger and Phillip, were born. Leathia and Roger preceded him in death. Five children also preceded him in death.

Wanting better for himself and his family, Jack moved to St. Louis in 1949. Joining Zion Wheel Baptist Church in 1952, he later became a Deacon. As an active member in the community, he always loved to help. His loving spirit, sage advice and willingness to give of himself made him a father figure to a host of friends, neighbors and younger relatives. He also transported many people to the church to hear the Word of God while actively serving as

a member for 45 years.

He married June Carrawell in the 1980s, and to this union, one child was born, Dauffus, Jr. Jack moved to Texas in 1995 to live with his daughter, Flossie. There once again he picked up a position at an Adult Daycare Center. He was so proud. Dauffus also continued to serve as Deacon, this time at Providence Missionary Baptist Church where he served for 15 years.

Moving back to St. Louis in 2010, Dauffus lived with his son, Phillip and daughterin-law Jackie and loved to go back to his original church home. He admired his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Everyone he touched was blessed with his caring, warmth and generosity. Not once did he complain.

Dauffus was called to his heavenly home on September 17, 2014.

He leaves to cherish his memory. daughter, Flossie Johnson (Travis), and sons, Phillip (Jackie), and Dauffus Jr. (Terneicesa); daughters: Brunette Haymon of California, Beatrice Brown and Mary Toliver both of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren: Kisha, Yamen, Stephon, Noelle, and Quentin; a host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and greatgreat-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, a first cousin (Geraldine Rowe), cousins, great nieces, great nephews, great cousins and a host of relatives and friends. Dauffus left us with such a beautiful legacy of love. You are forever in our hearts.

Mamie Zimmerman Dear

Mamie Zimmerman Dear departed this life on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014 at 5:35a.m. at the age of 101. She lived a full life. Born in

Conway, Arkansas, lived in Chicago, Illinois then moved to St. Louis where she lived the majority of her productive life.

Mamie used her musical talents and knowledge throughout her life. As a young girl she played piano and sang at many conferences and churches in Arkansas. While in Chicago she received a Masters in Music from the University of Chicago. After moving to St. Louis she joined the Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church and was heavily involved with the music ministry. She organized the first Gospel Chorus at Lane and the first Mattie E. Coleman Youth Choir. Mrs. Dear touched the lives of many as a pianist and soloist. She taught voice and piano to many young people and was very much in demand to sing and play at funerals and other programs. She was also a successful businesswoman and concerned community member.

Mamie was married to Laurence Dear and they had three children, Laura Lee, Laurence Jr. and Eddrana Renee Dear. All preceded her in death. Mamie is survived by her nephew Carl J. Bruce, his wife Rose, his son Carl lll and daughter Sheree Bruce. Other family members are Ann Benn of California, Attorney Lolita Jones, Therese Jones-Johnson and Billy A. Jones Jr. along with other relatives and friends.

Wilburt Harris, Sr. Wilburt Harris, Sr., who helped to integrate the police force in University City, Missouri, has died. He was 72. Harris died Sept. 21 at his home in Houston after a battle with cancer, said his wife of 53 years, Mrs. Evelyn Gassoway Harris. A native of St. Louis and a 1960 graduate of Sumner High School, Harris was honored in 1964 for helping to capture a criminal who had attacked a St. Louis police officer. Inspired by the experience,

Harris entered the city’s police academy and became its second black graduate. Harris joined the University City police force in 1965, and worked as an officer while attending Washington University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1972. Two years later, Harris completed post-graduate work at Washington University, and went to work for IBM in sales and marketing. IBM named him a marketing manager in New Orleans in July 1977. Harris returned to University City with his family in the 1980s, and after his retirement relocated to Houston in 2007. He served on the Board of The American National Red Cross, and actively supported the United Way, Junior Achievement and the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to his wife, Harris is survived by two sons Wilburt Jr. (Cecilia) and Aaron Harris; a daughter, Tracy Harris; eight grandchildren, Erin, Martel, Emily, Katie, Karen, Jordan, Tyler and Ethan; one greatgranddaughter, Emmarie; and a sister, Mrs. Margaret Lomax.

Attention St. Louis American Readers

As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican. com. AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com.

Dauffus Jackson, Sr.

Wilbert Harris, Sr.

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Ashland Elementary School teacher Karen Eason’s 4th and 5th grade students Brandy Dixon and Kenya White using the newspaper to find main ideas in nonfiction text. The school is in the Saint Louis Public School district.

SCIENCE CORNER

Math In Nature!

Did you realize math is represented in nature? You only need to travel out your backdoor or on the playground to find examples of math.

**Symmetry—when one half of the object mirrors the other half, this is symmetry. You might see symmetry in butterfly wings or flowers. Find an example of symmetry outside. _________________

• Sphere—a sphere is a round object. The sun is a sphere. What spheres do you see outside?_______________

Fibonacci Spirals—spirals are made when squares with equal lengths form a diagonal. The inside of a seashell and pinecones usually have a spiral pattern. What spirals do you see outside?______________

__ Measurement—this can apply to size, length, quantity, etc. You can measure the length of a garden or

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Background Information: In this experiment, you’ll use dice to experiment with probability, statistics, and number patterns.

Materials Needed:

• Two Dice (for Each Group of Students)

• Paper

• Pencil • Calculator

Step One: Throw two dice and add the score by adding the numbers on the faces. Can you get this number any other way by adding two dice? Subtracting? Multiplying?

MATH CONNECTION

the height of a flower. Write a measurement from nature.

• Meteorology—this is a scientific process used to predict, or forecast, the weather. Changes in wind patterns, clouds, and temperatures can help you make predictions about the weather. Name some things you see outside that help you forecast the weather. ___________________

sGeometry—this is the study of shapes. What shapes do you see represented in nature?_________________

For More Information About Math In Nature, Watch the Following Video: http://www.sciencekids. co.nz/videos/math/numbersofnature.html.

Learning Standards: I can read a nonfiction article for main idea and supporting details. I can make text to world connections.

Step Two: If you throw two dice together and add the score, what is the lowest possible score, the highest possible score, and the most likely possible score? Explain.

Step Three: To find the answer to step two, throw two dice together 108 times, add the scores together each time, record the scores in a tally table, and graph the results.

Not only is math useful in daily life, it can also be FUN! Complete this math puzzle and try to figure out how it works.

q Pick a number between 1 and 9 (including 1 or 9)._____

w Multiply your number by 2._____

e Add 5 to the number you created in step two._____

r Multiply the number you created in step three by 50._____

t If you haven’t had your birthday yet this year, add 1762 to the number you created in step four. If you’ve had your birthday, add 1764 to that number._____

y Subtract the year you were born (ex: 2002) from the number you created in step five._____

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

DID YOU KNOW?

It is possible

cut a cake into 8 slices using only 3 cuts. You cut in 4 using 2 cuts, then rearrange the pieces so they are lined up or stacked, so that one cut will split all 4 pieces in 2.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN INVENTOR: Evelyn Boyd Granville

Evelyn Boyd Granville was born on May 1, 1924, in Washington, D.C. Due to his job requirements as an apartment building custodian and a messenger for the FBI, Granville’s father did not live with them. Therefore, she was raised by her mother and her aunt, both of whom worked for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Granville spent many summers with her younger sister on a farm that belonged to a family friend. She attended Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., which was segregated.

Granville graduated as valedictorian, which means she earned the highest grades of anyone in her class. She received a lot of encouragement from her teachers and worked very hard to meet her goals.

Step Four: Analyze the results. What number is most likely to appear?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an assignment. I can analyze number patterns.

Granville earned a scholarship from Phi Delta Kappa, which is a sorority for black women. She attended Smith College, where she considered studying astronomy, but focused instead on mathematics and physics. In 1945, she graduated summa cum laude, which means she was top of her class. Next, Granville attended Yale to work on a master’s degree in math and physics. Her hard work and good grades earned her a scholarship to help pay for school. In 1949, Granville earned her doctorate degree in math and was elected to the scientific honorary society, Sigma Xi. She was the second woman to earn a PhD in mathematics from Yale University. After graduation, Granville went to New York University Institute of Math, where she worked as a research assistant and part time instructor. She really enjoyed teaching, so she began teaching mathematics at Fisk University. In 1952, she took a break from education to work for the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C., where she focused on the development of missile fuses. Four years later, she worked on a project with IBM and NASA, creating computer software that analyzed space orbits for the Project Vanguard and Project Mercury space programs. She also worked for the Computation and Data Reduction Center of Space Technology, the Apollo Project at North American Aviation, and the Federal Systems Division of IBM.

In 1967, she went back to the classroom, teaching computer programming and numerical analysis at California State University, Los Angeles. Granville taught an 8th grade computer class at Van Independent School District and then taught computer science and math at Texas College. From 1990-1997, she taught math at the University of Texas. She wrote a college textbook and participated in the Miller Mathematics Improvement Program. After retiring in 1997, she continued to promote mathematics as a guest speaker. Learning Standard: I can read a biography about a person who has contributed to the fields of science, technology, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete these activities to strengthen your skills.

Activity One

Context Clues: Choose three stories from the newspaper. Select five words that you do not know and highlight them. Replace the highlighted word with a word that makes sense. Use the dictionary to find the definition for the highlighted word.

Activity Two — Rounding: Look through the newspaper advertisements for five three-digit numbers. Round each number to the nearest hundred, then the nearest ten. Write the rules for the process of rounding.

Learning Standards: I can use a newspaper to locate information. I can use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words. I can round numbers to a specified digit. Notches on animal bones prove that humans have been doing mathematics since 30,000 B.C. Different names for the number 0 include zip, zilch, nada, nil, naught, and many more.

Secure the people’s house

Put a taller fence around the White House complex and lock the doors. Then get rid of the dry rot in the Secret Service bureaucracy, restore staffing to reasonable levels, adopt the latest technology and develop new protocols to replace the ones that didn’t work. But don’t use the recent shocking lapses in presidential security as an excuse to further separate Americans from the symbols of their government.

entrance and make it all the way down the hallway to the ceremonial East Room before being stopped. Minutes earlier, fortunately, President Obama and his family had departed the premises by helicopter.

This case showed the world that the White House is vulnerable. Think of all the people who might want to harm the president of the United States or deface a building that symbolizes our democracy. Imagine what might have happened if there had been a half-dozen intruders coming over the fence simultaneously.

I still can’t get my mind around the fact a man could climb over the White House fence, run across the North Lawn, barge through the main

Prosecutors identified the man as 42-year-old Omar Gonzalez, and officials say he was tackled by an off-duty agent who happened to be nearby and noticed the commotion. According to reports by The Washington Post’s Carol D. Leonnig – who has owned this story – five rings of security should have kept the man from reaching the front door. Each failed.

This debacle alone should be enough to trigger a shakeup in the Secret Service. But we also know, thanks to Leonnig’s reporting, that the agency botched its investigation of a 2011 shooting incident, failing to realize that bullets fired from outside the grounds actually struck the mansion until days later when a housekeeper noticed broken glass. And just weeks ago in Atlanta, agents allowed a security guard with a gun and a criminal record to ride an elevator with Obama. Former Secret Service

Director Julia Pierson was less than forthcoming about all of these potential disasters when she testified last Tuesday on Capitol Hill. She tried the old Nixon-era “modified limited hangout” strategy with a panel of stern-faced lawmakers, whose outrage was a rare show of bipartisan consensus, and her resignation a day later was inevitable.

Pierson’s successor is Joseph Clancy, a respected Secret Service veteran who agreed to come out of retirement, on an interim basis, to right the ship.

The wrought-iron fence in front of the White House is only 7 feet 6 inches high. It should be replaced with a new fence around the whole complex – I’m including the Treasury and Old Executive Office buildings on either side – that is similar but considerably higher. There’s no need for concertina wire or anything like that, just pointed finials on top.

The new barrier could easily be designed to deny wouldbe climbers the footholds and handholds necessary to make it over. But it should be an elegant, black, wroughtiron fence with enough space between the bars to retain a feeling of access and openness. Setting up pedestrian checkpoints to cordon off the whole area would be a tragic

and needless surrender. Also, and it seems ridiculous to have to say this, the front door of the White House should be locked. At all times. According to the Secret Service manual, the door should have been locked as soon as someone got over the fence. But this is hardly the only protocol that broke down. A dog trained to knock down and hold an intruder was not released because the handler feared the dog might attack Secret Service agents who were running around the grounds. Either the plan is dumb or agents are not properly trained to carry it out.

Funding for the agency has been so neglected by the Obama administration that Republicans – Republicans! – insisted on adding money to the budget. Complacent management has done a disservice to the brave agents who put their lives on the line every day.

The off-duty hero who tackled the intruder had no idea whether he was carrying a vial of anthrax or sarin gas. The agent just did the job he is sworn to do. Unlike his bosses.

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

ABNA is 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year

Salute to Excellence in Business on November 14

By Rebecca Rivas

Louis American

Of The St.

It’s been 20 years since Abe and Nicole Adewale were a mom and pop operation. In June 1994, the engineering power duo opened their first ABNA Engineering Inc. office.

“It was really tough at first,” said Nicole Adewale, co-founder and president of ABNA. “We had a young family. Our first child was a toddler.” Since then, they’ve grown from two employees to more than 80, and they perform work in about 13 states. It’s one of the top 20 engineering firms and top 25

minority-owned businesses in the St. Louis area. And they now considered themselves a “professionally managed business,” though the Adewales are still highly involved in the daily running of the business.

“St. Louis has been a stable bedrock for our business,” said Abe Adewale, co-founder and CEO of ABNA Engineering. “We anticipate

that St. Louis will continue to be the headquarters of ABNA.”

On November 14, Abe and Nicole Adewale will receive the 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 15th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon. The event will be held at the Four Seasons

Hotel St. Louis, networking reception at 11 a.m., luncheon program at noon.

“We’ve gone from designing airports in St. Louis to designing much larger airports like Chicago O’Hare International Airport,” Abe said.

They’ve also gone from working on Missouri and Illinois departments of transportation projects to managing a multimillion-dollar interchange infrastructure in Illinois. Abe said it was “a four-year project that helped ABNA stand out as a phenomenal project manager on large infrastructure.”

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.

The National Park Service aims to employ five

Johnetta Elzie had her essay “When I close my eyes at night, I see people running from tear gas” published in Ebony on September 9. “I didn’t expect to go from a peaceful protester trying to attend a vigil for a young teen gunned down, to a modern day freedom rider,” she writes. She is a 25-year-old resident of St. Louis who has been documenting the events in Ferguson on Twitter: @nettaaaaaaaa.

Karlton Thornton Hazelwood School District Board of Education secretary, has achieved Master Certification in the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) Certified Board Member (CBM) program. The CBM program, established by MSBA, helps local school board members master the knowledge and skills they need to function as effective educational leaders in their communities.

Joycelyn PughWalker, director of state and federal programs for Riverview Gardens School District, was elected to serve on the executive committee of the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators, known as NAFEPA. She has represented the state of Missouri on the NAFEPA Board of Directors for the past three years, serving on the Communication and Conference committees.

Getinet Ayalew, MD, has joined SSM Cancer Care at DePaul Medical Center. Board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology, Ayalew is a member of the American Societies of Hematology and Clinical Oncology, as well as the American College of Physicians. He completed his residency and fellowship at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York, where he also served as chief fellow.

Cassandra ArroyoJohnson received a 12-month grant through the New Connections program at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine. The grant will allow her to work collaboratively with the St. Louis Department of Health and the Healthy Eating Active Living Partnership to conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of all publicly accessible playgrounds in St. Louis.

Troy Doyle was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the St. Louis County Police Department. Previously he was a Captain. As Captain he was commander of the Bureau of Drug Enforcement in the Division of Criminal Investigation and before that commander of the North County Precinct. He is a graduate of the 245th session of the FBI National Academy.

Karlton Thornton

Joycelyn Pugh-Walker

Getinet Ayalew

Cassandra ArroyoJohnson Troy Doyle

Johnetta Elzie

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Abe and Nicole Adewale, principals of ABNA Engineering Inc.

Flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits cut your taxes

By Jason Alderman

For millions of Americans, 2015 open enrollment for employer-provided benefits is right around the corner. While it may be tempting to simply opt for the same coverage you have this year, doing so could cost you hundreds – or thousands – of dollars in tax savings.

Have I captured your attention?

Find out if your employer offers flexible spending accounts (FSAs). They let you pay for eligible out-of-pocket healthcare and/or dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis – that is, before federal, state, local and Social Security taxes have been deducted from your paycheck.

Also look for a commuter benefit plan, where you can pay for certain workplace mass transit and parking expenses with pretax dollars. By contributing to an FSA or commuter plan to cover expenses you would have paid for anyway, you reduce your taxable income by that amount, which in turn lowers your tax bill.

Here’s how it can add up: Say you’re married, jointly earn $90,000 a year and contribute 5 percent to a 401(k). If you contribute $2,000 to a healthcare FSA and $4,000 for dependent care, your resulting net income, after taxes, would be roughly $1,700 more than if you had paid for those expenses on an after-tax basis. Use the FSA calculator at www.dinkytown.net to evaluate your own situation. And, with a commuter plan, you can use pretax dollars to pay for up to $130 a month in transit expenses (bus, train, vanpool, etc.) and $250 a month in qualified parking expenses and reap the same kind of tax benefit.

FSAs each year.

ABNA

Continued from B1

ABNA has worked on the Metropolitan Sewer District’s storm systems, the Interstate-64 construction, Cross County Metrolink extension, Interstate 55 reconstruction and IDOT for major interchanges and toll ways. They were involved in the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport expansion for 12 years, which got them heavily invested in aviation. With all of the talent and experience that they gained from working on Lambert, they wanted to seek out other opportunities in aviation.

Center and Rotary Club of St. Louis. They’ve been involved National Society of Black Engineers for many years and have raised ten of thousand dollars for college scholarships through the organization. They pride themselves in opening doors of opportunity for young people. For the last 10 years, they’ve made it a mission to have at least two interns.

“We’ve seen some of them grow in their professional careers and that makes us very proud,” he said.

Diversity is paramount for the company, Abe said.

“ABNA Engineering is what you would call the United Nations of engineering companies,” he said. “The reason for that is we have people from literally every continent in the world working at ABNA. We’ve gone to great extents to bring people together from all over the world, so we can utilize their experiences in helping our clients solve problems.” In addition to the thanking the St. Louis American Foundation for this honor, Nicole said they wanted to thank their family, particularly Abe’s parents – Dimeji Rashid and Olubukunola “Buky” Adewale, and her parents – Robert T. and Jane R. Hutcherson.

Dependent care FSAs let you use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses related to care for your child, spouse, parent or other dependent incapable of self-care. Eligible expenses include:

• Fees for licensed daycare and adult care facilities.

• Amounts paid for services provided in or outside your home so that you and your spouse can work, look for work, or attend school fulltime.

• Before- and after-school programs for dependents under age 13.

You can use a healthcare FSA to pay for any IRSallowed medical expenses not covered by your medical, dental or vision plans. This includes deductibles, copayments, orthodontia, glasses, prescription drugs, chiropractic, smoking cessation programs and many more. Note: Over-the-counter medications, except for insulin, require a doctor’s prescription to be eligible. (See IRS Publication 502.)

• Babysitting by relatives over age 19 who aren’t your dependent.

For some lower-income families, the federal income tax dependent care tax credit is more advantageous than an FSA so crunch the numbers or ask a tax expert which alternative is best. Note: You cannot claim the same expenses under both tax breaks. Keep in mind these FSA restrictions:

• The IRS limits employee contributions to healthcare FSAs to $2,500 a year.

• The dependent care FSA contribution limit is $5,000 if you’re single or married filing jointly.

• Healthcare and dependent care account contributions are not interchangeable.

• Outside of open enrollment, you can only make mid-year FSA changes after a major life or family status change.

• You must re-enroll in

You’ll also need to estimate planned healthcare FSA expenses carefully or risk having to forfeit your unused account balance.

Employers may choose to either: offer a grace period of up to 2 ½ months after the plan year’s end to incur expenses; or allow you to carry over up to $500 to use in the following year.

With commuter plans you can change contribution amounts throughout the year whenever your needs change; you can also carry over unused funds from month to month.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

They decided to shoot for projects in Chicago because Abe had 10 years with IDOT as a resident engineer for major roadway and bridge construction projects. The aviation contracts didn’t work out right away because they were seen as outsiders, he said. They established a Chicago office in 2003 and began working on transportation projects with IDOT. After a few years in Chicago, they established a strong rapport in the city and were able to secure contracts during phase two of the airport expansion. Within the last three years, they started a construction contracting division and now complete utilities construction work, including water lines, storm sewer lines, etc.

“Being engineers and working with contractors on a daily basis, the next logical step was to start a construction contracting division,” he said. In addition to some of the large public projects that they’ve been involved with, Nicole said, “We are also very proud of the work that we’ve been able to do in the community.”

The Adewales are actively involved in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) programs, where young people design robots. Abe is the chairman of the ACE Mentor Program at the Construction Careers Academy, which helps the city’s high school students learn about careers in architecture, engineering and construction. His leadership also extends to the Science

She also thanked her four daughters for excelling, even though “mommy and daddy” had to work late over the years. Their daughters are Adeola, a fourth-year masters of architecture student at University of Kansas; Shola, a freshman civil engineering student at University of Kansas; and Fumilola and Folake Adewale.

She said, “This is really for everybody who stands behind us and continues to support us.”

The 15th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Friday, November 14, 2014 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, networking reception at 11 a.m., luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for VIP/Preferred seating, $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

With a commuter plan, you can use pretax dollars to pay for up to $130 a month in transit expenses.

n “We’re definitely the best backcourt in the league.”

– Washington Bullets guard Bradley Beal, referring to he and backcourt partner John Wall

Ismael Sistrunk

Cards burst Dodgers

Red Birds advance to fourth straight NLCS

If there was such a thing as a NLCS dynasty, the St. Louis Cardinals surely qualify. The Redbirds earned a fourth consecutive trip to the National League Championship Series after sending the Los Angeles Dodgers back to Tinseltown for an early vacation on a flight piloted by “Big City” Matt Adams. The Cardinals entered the Division Series as a definitive underdog. The high-payroll Dodgers had home-field advantage, a merry band of All-Stars and two of the mostdominant starters in baseball in Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. The Dodgers also entered the playoffs on a hot

n The pride of STL rope-a-doped Kershaw – twice. The Cardinals scored eleven runs in two innings off the best pitcher in baseball.

streak, winning five games in a row and eight of its last 10. Meanwhile, the Cardinals had an inconsistent, underperforming offense, an ace (Adam Wainwright) battling a dead arm and a supreme power outage in the lineup. It’s clear however that the championshiptested Cardinals like the role of underdogs. The pride of STL rope-a-doped Kershaw – twice. In Game 1, likely Cy Young and NL MVP

looked like a pitching god for the first six innings. Then, out of nowhere, the Cardinals’ slumbering lumber awakened and pummeled the pitcher for eight runs in the seventh inning en route to an improbably 10-9 Game 1 victory. In Game 4, it was a similar story. Kershaw was a ninja master through six innings, but Big Bat Matt Adams made him pay dearly in the seventh with a three-run dinger that sent the Redbirds back to the NLDS.

Kershaw gave up only nine home runs the entire season, but Cardinals batters got to him three times in just two postseason games. Think about it. The Cardinals scored eleven runs in two innings off the best pitcher in baseball. The Redbirds offense is coming together at

See CLUTCH, B5

I used to watch this television show on Spike TV whenever I was bored or channel surfing; it was called 1,000 Ways To Die When I watched the St. Louis Rams lose to the Philadelphia Eagles 34-28, I could’ve sworn this was a spinoff series called 1,000 Ways To Lose. Only the music would be different from this show. For this new spinoff series, 1,000 Ways To Lose, the theme music would come from this old British comedy Benny Hill. It’s a perfect match when watching the Rams. Before the bye week, the Rams gave away a 21-0 lead to the Dallas Cowboys. Then they face an Eagles team that’s been ailing a little, struggling on offense and turning over the football, besieged by injuries themselves with a suspect secondary.

n The Rams are like amoxicillin for any ailing team looking for a win and most important feel better on the inside. No excuse for losing this football game.

The Rams are like amoxicillin for any ailing team looking for a win and most important feel better on the inside. No excuse for losing this football game, none whatsoever. You can’t blame this on offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The Rams offense generated 466 yards of offense, they were 7/14 on third down, quarterback Austin Davis completed passes to 10 different Rams receivers and did a great job of using his mobility to extend plays. The play of the offensive line was dreadful, and Austin Davis was fortunate not to leave the game on a golf cart or, worse, in an ambulance. Left tackle Jake Long is a liability he looks stiff like the rusty tin man in The Wizard of Oz or The Wiz, take your pick I love both movies. On one of the Rams’ three fumbles, all Jake Long has to do is extend his tall six-footsix frame over a rolling football near his own end zone, but that sounds too much like right. He’s not athletic enough. He can’t block in space – when the Rams attempted a screen in the red zone, Long got pushed backwards by an Eagles linebacker and the play went for naught. How does this happen? This offensive line is suspect all the way

RAMS, B5 pRep FooTball noTebook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Rams on roll, Ladue Rams, that is

The Ladue Rams have been on a roll this season with a 7-0 record. The Rams maintained their undefeated record with a 39-3 victory at Parkway West last weekend. Ladue’s closest call of the season came during Week 6 when they rallied from 22-6 deficit to defeat Cape Girardeau Central in a battle of undefeated teams at the time. The Rams have been led by quarterback Jack Fox, who has passed for 968 yards and nine touchdowns. Fox is also an excellent kicker with 10 field goals to his credit, including five in a thrilling victory over Jennings last month. Running backs Daylon Edwards and James Scott have scored six touchdowns each while

Earl Austin Jr.

receivers Paul Flynn, Chuck Burton, Jerrod Smith and James Ball are all averaging at least 12 yards per reception. Ladue will close the regular season with University and St. Charles West. After being Class 4 for several years, the Rams are now in Class 5. They are in a very competitive District 2 with the likes of Webster Groves, Pattonville, Chaminade, McCluer North and Hazelwood East. Ladue is currently atop the District 2 rankings after seven weeks. Three-way tie

The highly competitive Metro League ended in a three-way tie with Lutheran

Jallon Johnson (15) and the Soldan defense attempt to stop Miller Academy’s Javon Collard (1) during their game two weeks ago. Miller is still undefeated after beating Roosevelt this week 28-14.

n The Rams have been led by quarterback Jack Fox, who has passed for 968 yards and nine touchdowns.

North, Westminster and John Burroughs sharing the conference championship. Last weekend, John Burroughs upended Westminster 28-7 to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season. Lutheran North grabbed its share of the league crown with a 37-35 victory over MICDS in a wild one.

Shout outs

Deon Lewis of Fort

See PREP, B5

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Palmer L. Alexander

With Palmer L. Alexander III

The St. Louis Cardinals celebrate the Divisional Series in four games over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The victory earned the Red Birds a trip to the National League Championship for the fourth straight year and the ninth time in the last 15 years

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Photo by Wiley Price

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

Gold in them there NBA hills

Mike Claiborne

If you are one of those obsessed parents who likes to brag on what little Johnny and Jane are doing with their private instruction and intensive training programs and you are spending every red cent so they can play at the big private institutions, STOP what you are doing. If your son is not an elite basketball player deemed that way by others who have no ulterior motive, then it should be about the NBA for them as Christmas has arrived. In case you have not heard, the NBA has struck a mega TV deal that will see everyone get paid. The new deal is with ESPN and Turner Sports for an estimated $24 BILLION dollars over 9 years. To break it down even more, the current NBA salary cap is roughly $63 million for money a team can pay its players next season. Starting in 2016 if the cap formula stays the same, that salary cap number will jump to $91 million. Yes, there is gold in them there hills. Hopefully, this seismic leap in money will quiet the uninformed and just plain stupid of the notion that no one watched the NBA and it would never work in St. Louis. The ratings annually prove that the NBA playoff outdraws any sport locally with the exception of the Cardinals, who have post-season success behind their name. Not even the beloved St. Louis Blues nor the NHL can raise their hand on this one. As for your youngster, the

average salary in the NBA this season will be north of $4 million. Let’s say he is not average but below, that salary is $507,000 as the minimum. While we all think our youngsters could be the next LeBron, Kevin Durrant or Kobe, the numbers are mindboggling when it comes to salary. In case you are wondering just how good are your kid’s

chances of going from playing on his high school team to going to college and hopefully the NBA, the NCAA breaks it down and the numbers are staggering. Men’s basketball: 1.2% of college players play professionally,

n Yes, your son has a real chance of being part of the 98.8 percent of players who never make it to the NBA.

Starting in 2016 if the cap formula stays the same, the salary cap number will jump from $63 million to $91 million. Stars like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant will see their their salary skyrocket.

0.03% of high school players do high school players: 545,844

College players: 17,500 Draftees: 48 For those who are not ready for the NBA, they find themselves in the Developmental League or perhaps overseas where the money can be ok, depending on what country, and the expectations on a player producing are much higher.

As for the current stars in the league, now you know why LeBron took a short-termed deal. He knew the big payday was coming, as if he needs more loot. For the others who just took the money and ran, they will be stuck will just being a current-day millionaire. James was quick to point out it is now time to pay the players, and he is right as the ownership value of teams has gone through the roof, with two teams recently selling for more than a billion dollars.

There I go with that “B” word again. It seems like today in sports and TV deals that is where things start at … BILLION.

There is a challenge here for both players and owners, and it’s not killing the golden goose of providing a quality product, sound marketing approaches that allows fans to see the games and its players, and making sure that the player lives up to a quality standard on and off the court.

Major League Baseball would fit that bill, as they have enhanced their game somewhat and the fans are supporting it, especially since they have taken a more firm stance on the performance-enhancing drugs issue. The National Hockey League is making strides to get there as well.

Only the NFL has a firm grip around the golden goose and by all accounts continues to choke harder, to the point where there are little signs of life. The players and owners have to come together in making sure their code of conduct is upheld.

As for little Johnny, my advice is be a good parent.

The select teams and special instruction are nice, but perhaps an investment in a tutor to make sure they can read, write, add and subtract may be more beneficial for all in the long run.

Yes, your son has a real chance of being part of the 98.8% of players who never make it to the NBA and even less of a chance to make the LeBron, Kobe or Durrant money or any other soaring salary to be that the NBA will soon provide. Who knows, they may have a skill set that will someday put them in an ownership position because of the other successful business decisions that were made because he had a real education. The NBA has a real challenge in front of them as they have to find a way to live up to the expectations of fans and the TV networks who have invested so heavily in them. How that will work will be interesting as they will certainly see its ups and downs as the talent pool is provided. I am sure that Commissioner Adam Silver is already hoping that the next LeBron is not far off in the making, as this league is built on star power on and off the court: see Dr. J, Magic, Bird, Michael, Kobe, etc. There will be others who will be charged with keeping the NBA in good shape. They now have 24 billion reasons to do that, and more.

ESL duo flying high at Jackson State

Former East St. Louis Flyers standouts Daniel Williams and LaMontiez Ivy are both doing quite well at Jackson State University.

In his second season at Jackson State, Daniel Williams is doing his thing both on and off the field.

Williams’ efforts in the classroom at Jackson State has earned him honors on the Dean’s List. On the field, Williams played 10 games last season for the Tigers as a true freshman. So far this season, Williams has receptions for 377 yards and four touchdowns. The 6’3 200

n There have been some whispers, comparing Ivy to the late former Alcorn State and NFL star Steve “Air” McNair.

Daniel Williams and LaMontiez Ivy excel for Tigers

sophomore is a key weapon in the Tigers’ offense. Throwing Williams the ball has been Ivy, who is quarterback of the Tigers, who are currently 3-3 this season. The 6’3 230-pound redshirt sophomore is starting to make opposing coaches pay close attention to the athletic Ivy. He is currently one of the best quarterbacks in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. There have been some whispers, comparing Ivy to the late former Alcorn State and NFL star Steve “Air” McNair with his strong arm and athletic

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

RAMS

Continued from B3

the right time. All-Star Matt Carpenter hit three home runs in the NLDS. Jon Jay is batting .455. Both Matts (Adams and Holliday) have gone yard and the team offense has been very opportunistic. For the second season in a row, the Cardinals have sent Kershaw, Don Mattingly and the $253 million dollar team packing from the playoffs. National media can talk about sign-stealing conspiracies, hit batter syndrome, strike zones and more, but the fact of the matter is the St. Louis Cardinals outplayed the Los Angeles Dodgers. Maybe if the Dodgers had invested some of that quarter billion dollars in a serviceable bullpen, they might be still alive. Then again, if the team is making it rain down the line. They spring leaks. Had it not been for the athleticism by Davis, the Rams have no chance at coming back in the game. The Rams’ defense is offensive. Second straight week the Rams offense puts up gaudy numbers, and again this vaunted defense that I once considered to be the heart and soul of this team is still searching for a pass rush.

PREP

Continued from B3

Zumwalt North rushed for 288 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Panthers (7-0) to a 32-20 victory over Holt.

Bobby Sanders of Jennings rushed for 160 yards on 19 carries and caught four passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns and had six tackles on defense in the Warriors’ 48-22 victory over McCluer South-Berkeley.

Travon Wadlington of Soldan had three receptions for 112 yards and rushed for 149 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Tigers’ 38-0

on Kershaw to the tune of $22 million for this season and $30+ million for the next six seasons, he probably should be able to pitch complete games every time out. Heads will roll in Los Angeles. It’ll be interesting to see who dodges the gauntlet.

Going back to Cali

Now that the Dodgers have been dispatched, the Cardinals will have another chance to conquer California by the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS. The Cardinals will have homefield advantage in the series. Clearly that doesn’t guarantee success as Cardinals, Giants and Kansas City Royals all advanced despite starting out on the road. As the shift goes from five games to seven however, home-field advantage is more important. Wainwright’s arm is not at full strength, but one has to

What’s an episode of 1,000 Ways To Lose without penalties? How about 10 penalties for 82 yards? No excuse. No excuse. No excuse. This is Jeff Fisher’s third season as head coach, and the Rams still can’t stop doing harm to themselves. They keep this up, they’ll be the only team in the NFL with a wheel-chair lift on charter flights and team bus. I mean the whole right side of the bus comes down so they can board safely. What makes the Jeff Fisher and Les Snead era different from what we’ve

victory over Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC.

Will Pratt of St. Mary’s returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the Dragons’ 49-11 loss at Borgia. It marks the sixth consecutive week that Pratt has returned a kick for a touchdown.

Drew Lauer of St. Charles West rushed for 182 yards and had two receptions for 45 yards and had three touchdowns in the Warriors 35-14 victory over Fort Zumwalt South.

Top Games of the Week

Undefeated CBC will get a visit from the South as Christian Brothers College High in Memphis pays a visit

From the eASt Side

By Maurice Scott, Jr.

imagine he has enough heart and willpower to provide some quality starts in this series. Anyone who thinks Wainwright will only last four innings and give up six earned runs on a regular basis is a fool. Even if he’s not himself, the team has shown it can score runs when it has to. After the two amazing comebacks against Kershaw, the Cardinals now have the advantage of knowing they are never truly out of a game. The team’s confidence goes all the way back to 2011 when David Freese spurred one of the most improbable comebacks in baseball history. Now the team has an October aura. On paper, the two teams are similar. Both have strong starting pitching, solid bullpens and outstanding catchers. Neither offense will make opposing pitchers tremble, but both are scrappy enough to get the job done when it counts.

been witnessing prior to their arrival? The Rams keep losing. They pushed all the chips in the middle of the table on two players recovering from an ACL injury, Sam Bradford and Jake Long. They re-signed oftinjured Roger Saffold, and then they used the number two pick in the draft on Greg Robinson, who had issues pass blocking. You draft him anyway hoping he’ll catch on and insert him into the lineup. What a glaring gaffe by the Rams. In today’s NFL, if you drafted that high you should be ready to plug in and play. But, you know what?

to St. Louis. CBC (7-0) won the Metro Catholic Conference title with a 49-16 victory over SLUH. The Cadets have outscored their opponents by an average score of 54-7. Festus will visit St. Charles West in a battle of Class 4 contenders. Festus is currently 6-1 while St. Charles West is riding a five-game winning streak. Chaminade (5-2) will host Cape Girardeau Central (6-1) in a big nonconference game.

Other games of note

Alton at East St. Louis, Friday, 7 p.m. Summit at Webster Groves, Friday, 7 p.m.

Daniel Williams has receptions for 377 yards and four touchdowns.

At the end of the day, the Cardinals are at home, in a city that badly needs some good vibes. The team’s confidence is through the roof right now, whereas the Giants have to be feeling lucky in how they advanced past the Nationals. Call me a homer if you want, but I’m rolling with Red October and picking the Cardinals in six games to advance to the World Series once again.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clench on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+.

Pull

Now that the Dodgers have been dispatched, the Cardinals will have another chance to conquer California by the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.

This may no longer be a St. Louis Rams problem.

On 97.5 ESPN The Fanatic in Philadelphia, I was asked by host Phillip Allen about the Rams possibly moving and I put to him this way: The St. Louis Rams are very fortunate to have such a loyal fan base. They owe them an explanation. They’re still drawing 50,000 on Sundays while putting this product on display.

For more Rams Roundup, subscribe to youtube.com/ stlamericanvideo.

Highland at Waterloo, Friday, 7 p.m. Lafayette at SLUH, Friday, 7 p.m.

Parkway Central at Fort Zumwalt North, Friday, 7 p.m. Kirkwood at Pattonville, Friday, 7 p.m.

ability to run the football when needed. Through six games, LaMontiez currently has 1,407 yards passing and 11 touchdowns.

Ivy had a coming out party a few weeks ago when he threw for 407 yards and four touchdowns against Grambling State University. In that same game, Williams had eight receptions for 171 yards The duo also hooked up for a 61-yard touchdown last week in a loss to Prairie View. This week, the Tigers face a familiar foe on a couple of fronts. This week’s opponent for homecoming is Mississippi Valley State. The Delta Devils’ quarterback is Patrick Ivy, who is LaMontiez’ brother. Patrick, a 6’4 senior, was a multi-sport star at Cahokia High School.

Ivy

are former teammates at Cahokia.

Another story line in this game will be the coaches.

Jackson State hired former NFL player Harold Jackson, which started a controversy among some alumni. And across the side line will be the head coach at Mississippi Valley State in Rick Comegy, who was the former Jackson State coach. Comegy was 50-35 in eight seasons for the Tigers. He was fired in December despite finishing 8-1 in the SWAC. It will be a bittersweet return for Comegy, who recruited most if not all of the players on Jackson State roster, including Ivy and Williams.

Cameron Scales

Lafayette – Football

The senior quarterback enjoyed a big performance in leading the Lancers to a 42-13 victory at Parkway South last Friday night. The 6’4” 195-pound Scales completed 18 of 24 for 308 yards and five touchdowns. His touchdown passes were 51, 20, 36, 15 and 16 yards. He completed two of those scoring passes to his brother Brendan Scales. For the season, Scales has completed 82 of 135 for 1,192 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Lancers have won four consecutive games after a 0-3 start to the season. Scales has thrown 10 touchdown passes during the Lancers’ four-game winning streak.

in a nonconference game on

Patrick

and current Mizzou wide receiver Jimmy Hunt

Monsanto commits $1M to Ferguson

United Way, Urban League, Rebuild North County and Legal Services to deliver programs

American staff

Monsanto Company has committed $1 million in new support for several collaborative efforts in Ferguson, Missouri, and surrounding communities in North St. Louis County.

Over the next two years, Monsanto’s commitment will go to local non-profit agencies to support a variety of immediate and long-term community development initiatives benefitting residents and communities. In addition, Monsanto employees are continuing to volunteer with a number of organizations in the community.

“From educational programs to food drives that make a balanced plate accessible to everyone, Monsanto recognizes that no one company or organization can do it alone and is proud to join hands with others to help strengthen the place we are proud to call home,” said Hugh Grant,

chairman and chief executive officer for Monsanto.

“The St. Louis region is home to more than 4,000 Monsanto employees and we take seriously our role in helping make our community the very best it can be.”

Monsanto’s funding will go to four local nonprofit agencies supporting job development, education and economic vitality in the community, including:

United Way of Greater St. Louis. The local United Way will receive a donation of $500,000 for its newly established Ferguson Fund The fund was developed to help people who are affected by unrest in Ferguson by providing a coordinated approach with partner organizations to address community building, mental health needs, basic needs and long-term strategies.

Monsanto’s donation to the Ferguson Fund is in addition to its annual support to United

Way’s campaign. Last year, Monsanto donated $4.1 million to the United Way of Greater St. Louis to help those in need.

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Monsanto will expand its longstanding partnership with the Urban League by committing $200,000 to support the launch and implementation of the “Save Our Sons: Workforce Development Initiative.” The new initiative aims to reach young men, between the ages of 21 and 34, in the Ferguson and surrounding North County communities to help them pass General Educational Development (GED) tests, receive workforce training and secure job placement.

n Monsanto is committing $200,000 to support the Urban League’s launch and implementation of the “Save Our Sons: Workforce Development Initiative.”

Beyond this contribution, the company also supports the Urban League’s Head Start program, which offers professional development to teachers and hands-on opportunities for children, including those in North County communities.

Reinvest North County Fund. The Fund, recently developed by the St. Louis Regional Business Council and North County Inc., will receive $200,000 to provide immediate assistance to area businesses recovering from the loss of products and damage to their stores. The Fund also will support area school districts by providing additional resources as they work to ensure the long-term success of local students.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM). LSEM will receive $100,000 to support its efforts in providing free legal assistance to local residents who are experiencing personal hardships that the recent events in their neighborhood have brought to light. In addition, the Monsanto Fund has long supported LSEM’s Children’s Legal Alliance Program that provides legal services for children with disabilities and homeless children to ensure that their educational needs are met.

“We are grateful to Monsanto for their support of this worthy initiative to help young African American men and others in North St. Louis County find employment,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. about the “Save Our Sons: Workforce Development Initiative.”

“These organizations have put together a comprehensive

set of initiatives to help the greater North County community to rebound,” added Kathy Osborn, executive director of the Regional Business Council. “They will provide immediate assistance at the point of the community’s greatest need.”

Monsanto has a long history of support in the St. Louis community. In 2013, Monsanto and the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the company, donated $9.2 million locally. Additionally, Monsanto employees in the St. Louis region have logged more than 100,000 hours since 2010 volunteering in the community.

“The needs of our area are very real and are not unlike the challenges facing other communities,” said Grant.

“Addressing those needs will require continued support for a strong network of local organizations and agencies. We are committed to being part of those efforts.”

Ferg-Flor student wins Entrepreneurship Challenge

American staff

Jordan Harden, a student at McCluer South-Berkeley High School in the FergusonFlorissant School District, took first place June 27 in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)’s St. Louis Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Jordan will compete in the NFTE’s National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on October 9, in Mountain View,

Competes in national youth competition

Calif. (Silicon Valley), with a chance to win up to $25,000 in prizes.

Jordan was one of 34 area students who attended the St. Louis Start It Up BizCamp June 16-25, which was offered through funding from MasterCard and partnerships with Saint Louis University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, the St. Louis Science Center, College Bound, InspireSTL, the St. Louis Urban League, Ferguson Youth Initiative

and the Riverview Gardens School District.

Jordan took first place honors and won $500 with his idea, NeoStrings (magnetic shoelaces). He is one of two area semi-finalists who will advance to the national challenge in October, all expenses paid, where he will pitch his idea to a panel of business

Oct. 9 in California

leaders and investors. McCluer SouthBerkeley teacher Raghib Muhammad was an instructor at the NFTE BizCamp at Saint Louis University. Muhammad notes that Jordan competed against students from Metro, St. Louis University High School and McKinley Classical among others.

“Mr. Muhammad, McCluer

n Jordan took first place honors and won $500 with his idea, NeoStrings (magnetic shoelaces).

South-Berkeley High School and the entire FergusonFlorissant School District take great pride in Jordan’s impressive accomplishment,” said Lawrence Larrew, acting superintendent for the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

“We are excited about his participation in the upcoming national NFTE Entrepreneurship Challenge. His dedication, hard work and industriousness demonstrate the high standards of excellence that our teachers work to inspire in all of our students.” NFTE instills hope and improves students’ lives through entrepreneurship education, teaching skills relevant in the real world and motivating students to stay in school and learn. NFTE’s innovative and relevant program courses inspire them to graduate, go to college and embark on successful careers.

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green walkway.

The 40 percent on smallbusiness hiring is a federal goal, said NPS project manager Raymond Prazak. However, in its contracts with contractors, the park service is mandating that 35 percent of the contract value goes to small businesses.

“That will ensure that small businesses get a piece of the pie,” he said.

In federal procurement, minority-owned businesses are called “small disadvantaged businesses” (SDBs). Prazak said the federal government sets a goal of hiring five percent SDBs, but the park service aims to exceed that amount.

public can request the progress of the minority business numbers through Thomas’ office, but the numbers will not be publicly posted on the NPS or Great Rivers Greenway websites.

n As far as boots on the ground, the federal government sets a goal of employing 14.7 percent minority and 6.9 percent women workers.

On Sept. 30, Great Rivers Greenway, the local nonprofit that is facilitating the project, held a pre-bid meeting for the North Gateway project. About 80 people attended.

David Thomas, contracting officer with the park service, said the contractors will be required to report their small disadvantaged business numbers with every invoice. If the contractor does not meet the five percent SDB goal, then he will send out a warning that their contract could be “liquidated,” he said. The

As far as boots on the ground, the federal government sets a goal of employing 14.7 percent minority and 6.9 percent women workers. Contractors are required to produce a report to the Department of Labor regarding hiring minority employees. By federal regulations, the project leaders are not allowed to hire a thirdparty monitor to review the numbers on minority participation on workforce and subcontracting, Prazak said.

The St. Louis City ordinance that requires contractors to hire 25 percent minority-owned businesses and 5 percent women-owned businesses gets trumped by federal regulations, he said, because the project is on federal land.

The National Park Service issued a solicitation for proposals on the project on Sept. 22. More details on the project and instructions on how to submit a proposal can be found at: http://www.fbo.gov Solicitation No. P14PS02494. Responses are due October 22, 2014, 5 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Jordan Harden

Requiem for Mike Brown

Demonstrators

‘disrupt’ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in protest

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Just after intermission, about 50 people disrupted the St. Louis Symphony’s performance of Brahms’ “Requiem” on Saturday night, singing “Justice for Mike Brown.” As symphony conductor Markus Stenz stepped to the podium to begin the second act of German Requiem, one middle-aged African-American man stood up in the middle of the theater and began to sing, “Which side are you on, friend, which side are you on?” which was written by Florence Reece during the bitter labor struggles of Harlan County, Kentucky, and taken up by the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Another woman located a few rows away stood up and joined him,

Rebirth of jazz

Harold & Dorothy Steward Center primes area for future as music epicenter

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“I was thinking about what I would say when I came here because questions were asked ‘what do you say about this venue’ and ‘how do you describe it in words,’” David Steward said Thursday night in an elaborate, posh tent connected to the space that was once known simply as Jazz at the Bistro.

“I can’t,” Steward said. “I can’t describe in words what this really means to me and my family and the unity of this community.” He could hardly contain his excitement as selected guests from throughout the city, state and nation eagerly anticipating filling the inaugural of the newly refurbished Ferring Jazz Bistro. They were gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz.

Former Missouri Governor Bob Holder, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and Wynton Marsalis, the inaugural headliner, were among the people who joined Steward family and friends as they prepared to showcase the world-class comprehensive jazz center to the world.

About 50 people, from college students to college professors, disrupted the St. Louis Symphony’s performance of Brahm’s Requiem on Saturday night with what they called a “Requiem for Mike Brown.”

Collective art response to Ferguson opens Oct. 17-18

By Nancy Fowler Of St. Louis Public Radio

An upcoming exhibit responding to the killing of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer won’t be your typical art show. The “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” exhibit will open Oct. 17 and 18 in more than a dozen galleries — and one entire city. The Ferguson Public Library and the city of Ferguson as a whole are listed among the exhibition spaces. That’s because the burnedout QuikTrip and the monuments to Michael Brown can also be seen as living works of art, according to curator Freida Wheaton.

“The city of Ferguson is ‘ground zero’ for the Aug. 9, 2014, killing of Michael Brown Jr.,” Wheaton said. See ART, C4

By Jami Ballentine Dolby For

classic glam makeup with long nude and black gown I’m sure she made her father (Joe Anderson) very proud. Rev. Traci Blackmon switched her entire style game up that night when she accepted her award for outstanding work in the Health & Wellness in a floorlength red gown with a shoe that should have been on Wendy Williams’ shoe cam. Rev. Blackmon is surely one to watch as she becomes a prominent leader whose movement goes above and beyond Ferguson.

Brown Baby goes National. I was online searching for my baby boy

“Hands Up Don’t Shoot” art by Anna Asche

Jami Ballentine Dolby

Top left: David Steward Above: Wynton Marsalis

Left: Dorothy Steward cuts the ribbon Photos by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Sun., Oct. 19, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Jason Derulo. 6161 Delmar Blvd., St Louis, MO, 63112. For more information, call (314) 7266161 or visit www.thepageant. com.

Thur., Oct. 23, 7 p.m., The Mildred Thimes Foundation presents 10th Annual Cancer Benefit Concert feat. Denise Thimes. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 773-0337.

Sat., Oct. 18, 8 p.m., Tamar Braxton, The Ambassador. 9800 Halls Ferry. For tickets visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sat., Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Live Entertainment presents Bootsy Collins with special guest Shock G (a.k.a. Humpty Hump). The Concert will feature a full band complete with horn section—with many members of the original Rubber Band. Concert-goers can expect to hear hits from Bootsy’s Rubber Band, as well as favorites from his days in Parliament/ Funkadelic. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 869-9090 or visit www. liveentertainmentworld.com/ shows.

local gigs

Fri., Oct. 10, 10 a.m., St. Louis OASIS presents More Stories of the Blues. Join KDHX radio personality and musician Ron Edwards for an entertaining history lesson on blues music. Ron will play his guitar and share stories and music based on his vast knowledge and unique insights of the blues. Clayton OASIS, 50 Gay Ave., 63105. For

more information, call (314) 862-4859 ext. 24 or email mgholson@oasisnet.org.

Fri., Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m., Mo E All-Stars Live EP Session feat. CoCo Soul, Mario Pascal, and Thelonius Kryptonite. Since 2010 Mo All-Stars has served as the vehicle for Egeston’s original music. With a core of likeminded musicians and friends – Grover Stewart Jr. on drums and Duane “Jingo” Williams on percussion –Egeston is able to merge all of his influences into a cohesive sound. Creating a vibe that borrows from house music, jazz, Latin, drum and bass and underground soul. For this special event the All-Stars will also feature frequent collaborators Matthew Von Doran on guitar and Teddy Brookins on bass. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5330367.

special events

Fri., Oct. 10, 10 a.m., St. Louis OASIS presents More Stories of the Blues. Join KDHX radio personality and musician Ron Edwards for an entertaining history lesson on blues music. Ron will play his guitar and share stories and music based on his vast knowledge and unique insights of the blues. Clayton OASIS, 50 Gay Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 862-4859 ext. 24 or email mgholson@oasisnet.org.

Sat., Oct. 11, 10 a.m., Jaguar Association of Greater St. Louis hosts Annual Concours d’Elegance. Jaguar has long captivated the motoring public with its curvaceous frame, impressive mechanics and ierce competitive edge. The

Calendar

show, though narrowed to the Jaguar marque, always boasts stylistically diverse cars. Prewar examples will be great in number and joined invariably by sports racing cars, a series of luxury saloons and a contemporary crop of coupes, convertibles and E-types. Kemp Auto Museum, 16955 Chesterield Airport Rd., 63005. For more information, call (636) 537-1718.

Sat., Oct. 11, 2 p.m., Community Women Against Hardship Community Shopping Day, Community Women Against Hardship, 3963 West Belle Pl, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, call (314) 2897523.

Sat., Oct. 11, 7 p.m., Sistahs Entertaining U presents Uptown Saturday Night Music provided by DJ Mike Mingle and special guest comedian, Davey Dave. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Graphic Arts Conference Center, 105 Progressive Pkwy., 63043. For more information, call (314) 749-3803.

Sat., Oct. 11, 11 a.m., Imani Aisha Creations presents The Art of the Head Wrap: The Pink Edition. Join us for this fun and interactive occasion and learn how to style a headwrap. In recognition of Cancer Awareness Month, come learn different techniques and styles. Bring a scarf and let’s wrap. Grand Center Creative Arts Building, 3617 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, call (314) 6436067.

Sun., Oct. 12, 7 a.m., The Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race. Join us for St. Louis’ Most Festive Race. More than 8,000 participants

The Chaifetz Arena presents Mike Epps. See COMEDY for details.

of all ages and fitness level will compete for pumpkin pies and fun. A post-race costume contest, a live band, chocolate treats and finisher’s medals for all participants. This race features a 5K, 10K, half marathon and a 1-Mile Fun Run. Soldiers Memorial Plaza, Chestnut St. and N. 15th St., 63115. For more information, call (314) 727-0800.

Sat., Oct. 18, 9 a.m., The Professional Organization of Women Scholarship Breakfast in honor of Frankie Muse Freeman. This scholarship breakfast is to support non-traditional, female students who are interested in improving their lives by pursing their educational goals. We will award four non-traditional female undergraduate students with a scholarship. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 7750 Carondelet Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 963-5287 or visit www.powincstl.org.

Sat., Oct. 18, 8 p.m., All-N-1 Entertainment and Mike B present 2nd Annual Where Are They Now Old School Reunion Party. Old School Reunion Party for the retired & current workers of Ford, GM, Chrysler, Bi State, Electrical workers, Postal Service Workers, Boeing-McDonnell Douglas, Union Paciic, St Louis City & County workers, Fed Ex, UPS and the general public. Its time to come out and celebrate and have fun like we used too with music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today’s music hosted by the Real J.R. This will be a B.Y.O.B Affair, food will be sold. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 690-3660 or visit www. allin1entertainment.com.

Sun., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Diversity Gallery & Natural Beauty Luxe Present “Super Soul Sunday” Be Your “Natural” Self A Day of Empowerment Friends A Meeting Place, 716 N. Compton (at Delmar). For more information and vendor inquiries, email diversitygallery@gmail.com.

Tues., Oct. 21, 6 p.m., Christian Hospital Foundation Legacy Leaders 2014 Recognition Dinner. This event is held to celebrate our community by honoring those who make a difference. As a member of our community, we invite you and your organization to join us. The foundation will be presenting three awards during our event. Paul F. Detrick Atrium, Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 653-4410 or email jayme. brown@bjc.org.

comedy

Thurs., Oct. 9, 5 p.m., Ramada Plaza Hotel presents Little Black Dress Affair: A Night of Shopping & Comedy. Tickets are on sale now for the Ultimate Ladies Night Out – networking, shopping, & comedy show. Vendors Reserve Your Table Today. Shop til you Drop then Laugh til it Hurts. 811 N. 9th St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 480-0311 or email Ladiesnightoutentertainment@ gmail.com. For ticket information, visit ladiesnightoutentertainment. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Oct. 25, 8 p.m., World Wide Technologies, Inc. presents An Evening with Cedric the Entertainer and Friends. Inaugural event beneiting the Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. cedricandfriends.org.

Thurs., Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, The Pageant welcomes Dave Chappelle, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Fri., Nov. 7, 8 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Mike Epps. One S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.thechaifetzarena.com.

literary

Thur., Oct. 9, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Teri Griege, author of Powered By Hope. This book reaches across boundary lines and speaks directly to our humanity, touching upon some of the most universally relevant subjects in society: addiction, alcoholism, cancer, death, and faith. Discover how faith, perseverance and determination propelled Teri Griege from a dire diagnosis to the finish line at the Ironman Triathlon and how she continues to inspire millions around the world. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731 or visit www.left-bank. com.

Oct. 10 – 12, Saint Louis Literary Consortium presents Lit in the Lou. A three-day book festival celebrating

“all things literary” in St. Louis. Friday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.: kickoff party with the opportunity to mingle with authors, and the mayor of University City will bestow upon a noted writer the first annual Traditional of Literary Excellence Award (6801 Delmar Blvd., 63130). Oct. 11 & 12: outdoor activities begin in University City’s Ackert Park, Loop Shops and U. City Library with author readings, book signings, writing workshops, vendor displays, family activities, music, and food more. For more information, call (314) 862-6767 or visit http://stllit. blogspot.com.

Sun., Oct. 12, 2 p.m., Black Authors Book Fair, 15 local black authors will be sharing their published books, This interactive book fair will bring together a plethora of St. Louis’s most accomplished black authors, as a way of saluting their contribution to the literary arts world. The Regional Arts Commission (6128 Delmar Blvd) from 2pm to 5pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the book fair, please contact Aja La’ Starr at 314281-3968.

Oct. 9 – 12, University of Missouri St. Louis Department of Theatre presents In the Red and Brown Water. The play is set in mythical San Pere, Louisiana and loosely draws on West African myths. The story is of Oya, a track star who must make dificult choices on her journey to womanhood. The play is sure to make audience members relect on their own lives and the importance of seizing the moment. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 443-7599 or visit www.touhill. org

Oct. 11 – 12, 2 p.m., Metro Theater Company presents Unsorted. A fun-illed, imaginative play exploring themes of personal identity, belonging, acceptance and self-worth. Activities include crafts, a participatory traveling art project, music/dancing and information tables. Entrance to performance is free. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 932-7414 or email yaunah@ metroplays.org.

Sat., Oct. 18, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m., Prince of Peace Church presents A Raisin in the Sun. One of the first and most famous plays in the history of American Theater that explores the agonies of the Black community. The title of the play was taken from a poem entitled Harlem by Langston Hughes. 9350 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 669-2419 or email marketingministry@ princeofpeacembc.org.

Oct. 21 – Nov. 2, The Fox presents Dirty Dancing the Musical. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678 or visit www.fabulousfox.com.

arts

Sat., Oct. 11, 12 p.m., Artica 2014: Rites of Passage – The

Space In-between. Artica is an outdoor, multi-disciplinary, participatory arts festival and parade that brings the whole world together in a celebration of creative expression. Artica Festival Grounds, 1321 Lewis, 63102. For more information, call (314) 503-6220 or email articafest@gmail.com.

Sat., Oct. 11 – 12, Lindendale Park presents Highland Arts Council’s 11th Annual Art in the Park. You will be able to enjoy free art demonstrations, dueling desserts food competition, kids creation project station, and an art gallery for kids. Fantastic awards will be given for all artists totaling up to $10,000 in prizes money and the purchase pledges prior to the show guarantee sales for the artists. Park Hill Drive and Lindenthal Ave., Highland, Illinois 62249. For more information, please contact Lynnette Schuepbach at 618-558-0054, email lynnette@highlandartscouncil. org or visit highlandartscouncil

Oct. 17 – Oct. 18, The Alliance of Black Art Galleries present, The “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” exhibit, the exhibition will take place in more than a dozen galleries — and one entire city. For more information, e-mail: allianceofblackartgalleries@ gmail.com.

lectures

Thur., Oct. 9, 9 a.m., Missouri Business Development Program presents Selling to the Government: The First Steps. The federal government awards more than $400 billion dollars in contracts annually to small business owners. Are you ready to market yourself to the world’s largest customer?

This three-hour seminar offers an overview of the critical irst steps to becoming a government contractor, how to identify opportunities and understanding the contracting process. The seminar will also cover MO PTAC services available to assist Missouri

businesses in all aspects of government contracting. 10650 Gateway Blvd., 63132. For more information, visit missouribusiness.net.

Sat., Oct. 11, 10 a.m., 8th annual Child Safety Day. Fun & free community event in St. Louis’ Delmar Loop. Bring all your friends and family. Check out these activities: Ride with Fredbird on MetroLink, tour the St. Louis Fire Department Smokehouse, storytelling, free & itted child sized bike helmets, cyber bullying information, free lu shots, free health screenings, and more. 6100 Enright ave., 63112. For more information, visit www. stlchildsafety.com

Sat., Oct. 11, 3 p.m., PSG’s 2014 Self Saviors Lecture Series presents Sara Suten Seti: Strictly for my Warriors – The Blueprint for Universal Power. The Better Family Life Cultural Educational and Business Center, 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Wed., Oct. 15, 2 p.m., The Center on Urban Research and Public Policy presents Race and the Politics of

School Choice. Mary E.

Pattillo, Harold Washington Professor of Sociology and African American Studies at Northwestern University will deliver the lecture. Danforth University, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-6241 or visit www.urbanstudies.wustl.edu.

Wed., Oct. 15, 6 p.m., Suspicion Nation: Race Relations in St. Louis followed by Supporters Dessert Reception. Join us for a conversation on race relations and action steps for our community, in the aftermath of the tragedy in Ferguson – featuring NBC News legal analyst and NY Times best-selling author Lisa Bloom and St. Louis community leaders. After the presentation you can attend the dessert reception with distinguished honorary co-chairs Judge Jimmie Edwards and Rabbi Susan Talve. No ticket is required for the discussion, but you must purchase a ticket for the dessert reception. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 913-9339 or email info@

The Pageant presents Jason Derulo. For more information, see CONCERTS.

meetmestlouis.org.

Thur., Oct. 16, 1 p.m., St. Louis Small Business and Technology Development Center and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri present The Legal Clinic. Come for a oneon-one 30-minute session with a business attorney at no cost. Legal Clinic is held twice a month on Thursday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. An appointment is necessary, no walk-ins.

SLATE – Missouri Career Center, 1520 Market St., 63103. For more information or to make an appointment, call (314) 657-3547 or email toddti@missouri.edu.

health

Sat., Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m., Creve Coeur Park hosts Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association will host their signature Walk to Stop Diabetes for the St. Louis region. Participants commit to walk 1 or 3.7 miles around lovely Creve Coeur Lake and raise money. Every dollar raised will support the ADA’s mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The event also

includes music, food, kids’ activities, local entertainment, and the company of hundreds of people who truly understand the impact of diabetes. Take the irst step to making a difference in the lives of millions. 13725 Marine Avenue, 63146. To register, visit www.diabetes. org/stl.

Fri., Oct. 17, 8 a.m., Touchette Regional Hospital hosts Mammothon Breast Cancer Screening. Held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Touchette Regional Hospital Mammothon ensures any woman, regardless of her ability to pay or her insurance status, can receive a mammogram at no cost. Mammograms are offered on a irst come, irst served basis. 5900 Bond Ave. in Centreville, Ill., 62207. For more information, call (618) 332-6130.

Fri., Oct. 17, Myrtle Hiliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers, Inc. invites you to their Serving the Underserved 2014 Annual Luncheon Meeting. Chase Park Plaza, 232 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-5820.

Oct. 18 – 19, The Quinn Family Foundation presents Rungevity Rock ‘n’Roll St. Louis Marathon and ½ Marathon. The event now includes two days of running in the new Running Festival. With distances from a 5K to full marathon, anyone can participate. Anyone can register to run the race following these age guidelines: You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Marathon, 12 years old to participate in the Half Marathon or 2-Person Half Marathon Relay. There will be a pre-race celebration on Saturday at ballpark village, starting at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, the races will begin at 5:30 a.m. and there will be a face day inish line tent at Market St and S Tucker Blvd., 63190. The post-race headliner concert is open to the public. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is the ‘World’s Largest

Running Series’ with more than 500,000 people taking part in 26 North American cities each year. For more information, visit runrocknroll.competitor. com.

Sat., Oct. 11, 6 p.m., That’s Why I Don’t Go to Church Now. Gospel stage play which deals with both sides of church hurt – the validity but also those who play the excuse card that they were hurt in the church one time and excuse themselves eternally and forsake the assembly forever. Featuring some of the most electrifying vocalist/actors/ artist in the Midwest. From the explosive band to the versatile and multi-talented cast, this production will take you on a theatrical flight unlike anything you’ve ever seen. HarrisStowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 3403366.

Sun., Oct. 12, 1:44 p.m., The Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) headed by long time social and human rights activist, Zaki Baruti have issued a call for an International Day of Prayer and Meditation. This call is in response to the gravity of the Ferguson crisis, nationwide police killings, brutality, racial profiling, and legal cover-ups, Black on Black violence, the Ebola epidemic in Africa and a host of other social/economic issues impacting Black people in this country and throughout the world. Available individuals are asked to join a group Prayer/Meditation atop Cahokia Mounds located 30 Ramey, Collinsville, Illinois.

Fri., Oct. 24, 8 p.m., The Peace & Love Tour. Featuring gospel stars Mary Mary, Kierra Sheard and Isaac Carree, Chaifetz Arena. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster outlets, and at the Chaifetz Arena Box Office.

(because I’m a new mom and that’s what we do) and I spotted Brown Baby USA on Zulily.com and was too proud of owner Diana Hopper for her growth with the line. Someone gave me Brown Baby products as a birthday gift for my son and I loved it and was pleased to find out that the owner Diana is from St. Louis. Be sure to check her products out on Zulily who have featured them as a product of the week and offering the entire line at a great discount. Oh and I see they have something called Brown Lady now as well, so if you’ve check it out before contact me on facebook. com/theSTLsuite and let me know how it is. Goodbye and congratulations. Daffney Moore, a longtime Community Development Planner, is saying goodbye to the City of St. Louis and taking her talents to Berkley, where she will now serve as the Economic Development Director for Berkeley. Ms.

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“Ferguson stands as a place of reverence, for inspiration for artists and hope for a positive future.”

Wheaton encourages St. Louisans and visitors to work their way around to all the exhibition locations.

“Pretty much like the 250th birthday cakes. Go to each one of them because, otherwise, you might not get the full experience,” Wheaton said.

Several of the exhibition spaces belonging to members of the Alliance of Black Art Galleries, the Regional Arts Commission in University City and the Saint Louis University Museum of Art. Wheaton hopes people will visit spaces they might not normally frequent.

“We want people to interact with each other, to interact with other neighborhoods and to venture out from their perhaps safer zone,” Wheaton said.

The exhibit will include paintings, drawings, collage, photography, sculpture and new media. The works will explore issues including civil rights, voting, racial disparities, police brutality, community empowerment and the right to assemble.

The co-owner of 10th Street Gallery, a member of the Alliance, stressed the importance of responding to the events of Ferguson using art.

“We are taking advantage of an opportunity to document history,” Pat Thurman said.

Moore will lead economic initiatives aimed at attracting new business and provide support and grow Berkeley’s business community, and improve the infrastructure of commercial and residential areas. Moore who has served as past president National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Metropolitan St. Louis, and has received numerous awards including one from President Bush. Daffney Moore has been making moves for well over a decade.

A leading lady of mental health awareness. Andrea Purnell, an actress and North County native, was recently recognized by North County Incorporated Regional Development Association as one of the 30 Leaders in their Thirties at Norwood Hills Country Club. Purnell works with Missouri Institute of Mental Health at UMSL and has been using her talents to help bring awareness to Mental Health. Her passion to help others deal with mental health in a positive way goes beyond her 9-5. She has been an advocate for mental health for almost a decade and continues

to use her passion for the arts, and social skills to help others learn how to cope with various forms of mental illness.

Tea & Crumpets. And while the majority of men and women at the 100 Black Men Gala looking stunning there were a few that only associate gala with prom. It’s my duty as professional tea sipper to let you know that Prom fashions should be reserved for those still in high school. I’m low key over men being able to get away with wearing faded black suits to galas and throwing a bowtie on and calling it formal attire. If I have to buy a gown the least you could do is rent a tuxedo. Rant over.

On another note, we’ve all seen the footage of the beautiful demonstration in support of Justice for Mike Brown at Powell Symphony Hall but one thing the video didn’t show was … BAPS. That’s right I didn’t spot one cast member of the now cancelled St. Louis-based reality show. I know that they said the Symphony was one of the many of activities they did, but besides social media they haven’t been spotted.

“If you look back to what was going on in the ‘60s and the early ‘70s or any era in the United States, it’s always been documented through some sort of media.”

The work of 101 artists are featured in the exhibition, including pieces from several Alliance gallery owners. Each exhibit opening will also feature a selection of performance art, including spoken word and dance. The show runs through Dec. 20. The art will be shown again at three venues during February, Black History Month. For more information, visit http://www.10thstreetgallery. com/#!abagalleries. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

SLSO

Continued from C1

the singing.

Those in the balcony lowered white banners about 15 feet long with black spraypainted letters that said, “Requiem for Mike Brown 1996-2014” and “Racism lives here,” with an arrow pointed to a picture of the St. Louis Arch. Another banner said, “Rise up and join the movement.”

Stenz stood stoically and listened to the demonstrators’ performance. Some onlookers were outraged and start spewing expletives. Others stood up and started clapping. Most seemed stunned and simply watched.

The singing only went on for about two minutes before the demonstrators started chanting, “Black lives matter.” They pulled up their banners and dropped red paper hearts over the edge of the balcony onto the main floor orchestra seats, which stated “Requiem for Mike Brown.”

Then they all voluntarily marched out together and left the theater. As they marched out, they received a round of applause from many of the audience members – as well as the musicians on stage.

Outside, symphony administrators huddled together discussing the demonstration, expressing dismay. When asked if they wanted to comment, they said no.

The St. Louis American tracked down and interviewed the organizer of the event –Sarah Griesbach, 42, a white woman who lives in the Central West End. She said that the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed teen who was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, has opened her eyes to the inequalities that exist in St. Louis. She has been protesting since Brown was shot on Aug. 9.

“It is my duty and desire to try to reach out and raise that

awareness peacefully, but also to disrupt the blind state of white St. Louis, particularly among the people who are secure in their blindness,” Griesbach said.

Two weeks ago, she and another “middle-aged woman who wear our mom jeans pulled up way too high” held up a sign at a Cardinals game that said, “Racism lives here.” A pivotal moment for her was when people around them started chanting in response, “Hands up, don’t loot.”

She and her fellow protester Elizabeth Vega decided to try again at the symphony, when they received a much warmer response. She believes that is because the audience was fairly diverse in ethnicity and age.

“There is an inclusivity that comes with that intellectual culture,” she said.

The group of demonstrators – who purchased tickets to the concert – was also a mix of African Americans, Latino and white residents –from college kids to college professors, she said. There were “representatives” from Clayton, Webster Groves, South St. Louis, Central West End and Ferguson.

Although she lives in the Central West End, her children attend school in Clayton. As a mother, she has been deeply affected by Brown’s death.

“This cannot be just a Ferguson issue,” she said.

The St. Louis American got in touch with Erika EbsworthGoold, publicist for the St. Louis Symphony, on Sunday afternoon. She said the musical piece that the demonstrators chose was appropriate because it is meant to “lift up the people who were left in time of tragedy.”

She did not feel the group interrupted the performance but “delayed” it, she said.

“The people audience had respect for what we do at the symphony, and we are appreciative of that,” she said.

Organizer Elizabeth Vega said the group prefers to call it a “disruption,” rather than a delay.

“Many of us are artists ourselves, so we were very cognizant to not interrupt the performance after it had already began,” Vega said. “But we still wanted it to be a disruption that left people with a seed of thought.”

“44 Magnum Mandala” by linda Lighton

The photo of this couple, who were visibly appalled by the demonstration, has gone viral on social media as the poster child for white privilege.

Several attendees stood up and started clapping during the two-minute demonstration, which meant to bring awareness to the case of Michael Brown, an unarmed teen who was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on Aug. 9.

with David’s mother Dorothy Steward.

“She is here with us tonight.”

As a culmination of the kick-off of the 20th season of the Jazz at The Bistro concert series, St. Louis was presented with the realized vision of David Steward and Jazz St. Louis and the $10 million capital campaign that they began just last year.

“I pushed him to have a big vision, a global vision for what this would look like,” Steward said of Jazz St. Louis Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford.

“And I think we’ve done that – and I think we’ll do that even more as we start to use technology and start streaming this to the world.”

Thanks to the generosity of the Stewards – as well as Alison and John Ferring IV, Centene Corporation, Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, Emerson and Josephine and Richard Weil – jazz lovers, learners and artists now have the rarest of resources via the center.

Along with the totally redesigned performance venue comes two rehearsal studios, six practice rooms, a resource room and a recording studio.

“I told her about a year and a half ago that we were going to open this center in her name and she was going to cut the ribbon and that she would be the first one into the new space,” Jazz St. Louis Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford said, sharing a bit of a conversation he shared

The opening was indeed a family affair, as all of Steward’s seven siblings were on hand celebrating their parents in a way that will forever tie the Steward family with the genre of jazz music – a legacy which started with David’s parents taking the entire family from their hometown in Clinton, Mo. to Kansas City for the annual jazz festival when he was a youngster.

“I remember that to this day,” Steward said. “It was a uniting experience and a very, very special time for us.”

David’s son David II helped his grandmother cut the ribbon.

David’s younger brother Robert illustrated the family’s love for the musical genre as he took to his trumpet for a jazz remix of one of his mother’s favorite gospel songs, “He Knows How Much You Can Bear.”

The resounding message was that the center will become the anchor for the St. Louis area to reestablish itself as one of the jazz epicenters of the world.

“Harold and Dorothy and their vision, it comes through David and Thelma, the concept of family and bringing together of generations,” Marsalis said. “These are things that our music represents, and the mythology of our country. Let’s remember that two ages in American history were named for Jazz – the Swing Era and the Jazz Age.”

The history and future of jazz now intersect in the heart of Midtown St. Louis.

“You have brought jazz to a new place in St. Louis and you have helped jazz reach more people in more places than it ever has,” said Marian Nunn, board chair of Jazz St. Louis, “and we thank you.”

The diverse audience who prepared to celebrate and take a first look at the center echoed Marsalis and Steward’s sentiments that the music serves as a unifying force.

“Let’s not forget that jazz was integrated long before baseball,” Marsalis said. “Let’s remember the forefathers of jazz came together at a time when it was not allowed to come together – and they came together with substance, which is what we have come together tonight to do.”

Even as guests filed into the Bistro and took their seats, eager to hear Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra ensemble, he couldn’t keep to himself how excited he was.

“This is such a great thing for the jazz community,” Marsalis said. “I just wish so many of the ancestors that I knew were around to see it. I’m gonna be talking about y’all everywhere I go – saying what’s happening with jazz in St. Louis.”

For more information on the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz or the currently underway 20th anniversary season of Jazz at the Bistro, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Rev. Greg Maggi and wife Christy

Photo by Fred Sweets Wynton Marsalis and Dorothy Steward

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Bosman Twins and band

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Thelma Steward congratulates her mother in law

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Donald M. Suggs, Alison Ferring and John Ferring IV Photo by Fred Sweets

Gena Avery and Mathew Knowles Photo by Fred Sweets

Celebrations

Anniversaries

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1968 meets on Oct. 25 and Nov. 22, 2- 5 p.m. at St Louis County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge, to organize and plan the 47th Class Reunion. For more information email bhsco1968@att. net or call (314) 869-8312.

Beaumont High School Class of 1970 is looking for team

members to plan its’ 45th year reunion. Lets’ avoid the rush, plans are underway to celebrate starting with you. Interested? Please email Beatrice Palmer (Vanzant-Smith) at bvanzantsmith@yahoo.com or bsmithrealtor@att.net.

Beaumont High School Class of 1984 can stay updated via our Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984” for class information. The class meets the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri District 3 would like to invite you to an Alumni Event. We are looking for anyone who worked in or was a member of

Girl Scouts in St. Louis City. If you would like to participate, please contact Essie Harrison at essie.harrison@att.net or call (314) 400-4602 with your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Sumner High School Class of 1965 is planning a 50th year reunion for June 12-14. 2015. Please join us via Facebook: Class of ‘65 Sumner High School St. Louis, MO. You may provide your contact info and/or attend our next planning meetings on Monday, September 8 & 22, 2014 Lower Level Ronald L. Jones Funeral Chapel at 7:00 p.m. 2161 E. Fair Ave. Luther Maufas, chairperson (314) 541-4556. St. Louis Community College

Birthdays

Delali Maxine Suggs Akaffu turned 6 years old on October 7! Delali is the only grandchild of American publisher Donald M. Suggs. She lives in Los Angeles with her mother, Dawn Suggs.

has created a districtwide Alumni Association, and needs your help identifying the 1.5 million STLCC alumni. An alum is anyone who has completed at least one course at STLCC. Alumni are encouraged to visit the website: www. stlcc.edu/foundation/, to become members or update information. For more information, contact Ashley Budde, coordinator of alumni relations, at abudde6@stlcc. edu, or 314-539-5145.

Sumner High School Class of 1965 is planning its 50th Reunion on the second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lower Level of Ronald L. Jones Funeral Chapel. For updates and/or to leave your contact info--visit our Facebook group Sumner Class of ‘65.

Sumner High Class of 1975 has started planning its 40th reunion. Please provide contact information to sumnerclassof75@gmail.com

or C. Jackson 314-477-6785 for more information.

SumnerAlumni Association presents a Maroon and White Homecoming Week Oct. 1318, 2014 for all alumni. Bowl with us Mon. at Crest Bowling Alley, All Family Skate Party Tues. at Skate King, Alumni Happy Hour Wed. at Dejavu II, Alumni Hoop-Fest Basketball Game(s) Thurs. at Vashon, Alumni Dance Fri., 8 pm – 1 am at the Machinist Hall; $15 Advance/$20 Door (Vendors welcome $50/request appl.). Parade Sat. 10 am (Cars, loats, SUV’s, Marching Bands, etc. are welcome; Tailgate Party at noon at Sumner High. Sumner’s Homecoming Football Game at Sumner’s Tuskegee Airmen Field at 1:30 p.m.Sumner vs. Vashon. For tickets or more info, contact Ms. Prissy @ 314.556.3944, Michelle Elgin @ 314.452.1275, Sheila Goodwin S.H.S. 314.371.1048 (Parade) or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned.

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:

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

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us.

Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Tim and Arlene Major marked their 22nd wedding anniversary on October 3. “Happy Anniversary to the very best friend, companion and wife ever! I love you Arlene!” Your husband, Tim

Happy 21st Birthday to Danielle N. Brown on October 9! Granny loves you!

Dr. Katie Harper Wright turned 91 on October 4! Happy Birthday to this extraordinary lady!

Rev. J. J. and Joyce Shields celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on October 7. Together they have four children and three grandchildren. “We love God, and most of all, we love each other. Looking forward to the next chapter in our marriage.”

Rev. Rice tries to keep homeless shelter open

City will consider petition to shutter shelter in Oct. 21 board hearing

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Among the first people arrested on live television during Ferguson protestors’ attempted shutdown of I-70 on Sept. 10 was the Rev. Larry Rice of New Life Evangelistic Center in downtown St. Louis.

“I got arrested with the folks in Ferguson so our issues can come together,” the Rev. Rice told The American – “so I can stand in solidarity with them and they will stand in solidarity with us on Oct. 21 when the Board of Public Service issues its determination.”

At 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, the St. Louis Board of Public Service will meet in Room 208 of City Hall to decide whether it will continue or revoke a hotel permit issued to New Life, which runs an open-door homeless shelter, with some permanent residents, at 1411 Locust St. Rice said more than 200 homeless people sleep in the shelter at night and more than 50 individuals “who want to better their lives” live there more longterm as participants in various training programs.

In filings with the Board of Public Service, New Life claims the effort to revoke the hotel license and evict the homeless was brought by Brad Waldrop, a resident of St. Louis County who owns properties surrounding the shelter. New Life claims that Waldrop organized a petition effort against the shelter claiming it creates a public nuisance, though people who signed the petition and testified before the board could not prove that various apparently homeless individuals who caused

homeless, she said, she called the city hotline every day but was turned away “because I’m not pregnant or disabled.” Police finally brought her to New Life.

David Williams said he has been unable to find steady employment as a chef or caterer since the economic downturn. “After I exhausted my unemployment benefits, I tried juggling friends and cousins” for places to stay, he said, “but that gets old. You’re another mouth to feed.” Now he stays at New Life and works in its renewable energy program, educating people about sustainability and selling solar panels for New Life.

“We’re the last major walkin shelter in mid-America for homeless men and women, children, veterans, sick and the elderly,” Rev. Rice said. “The Salvation Army does not provide such shelter at 3010 Washington anymore, there’s no walk-in shelter. This is the last one, and we’re fighting to keep it open.”

place I have to live.”

a nuisance were connected to New Life.

Rev. Rice told The American that his shelter does not invite people to downtown, but rather takes in people no other facility will take and is often a dumping ground for the unwanted.

“Many people are dropped off by hospitals,” Rev. Rice said. “We had a hospital drop a woman off in a wheelchair the other night –just dropped her off here. Police brought Roger to us.”

Roger McClure is a blind man confined to a wheelchair. McClure said he became homeless after his wife died and their house went into foreclosure. He said he tried the city’s homeless hotline (314-802-5444), which the Slay administration touts as the alternative to New Life’s shelter, “but I didn’t get very much response.” He said police found him staying in front of a vacant house and took him to New Life.

“New Life has been good to me,” McClure said. “It’s the only

Many people interviewed at New Life told similar stories of an abrupt downturn in life circumstances, inability to find shelter through the city’s hotline, and being directed to New Life, where they were taken in without question.

Rita Sharratt said she lost her home after her husband passed away. She ended up living in a vehicle with three grandchildren, one of whom was present at New Life on Thursday. “I called the city hotline, I even went down there, and they kept telling me they had no room for me,” Sharratt said. “I came here and they told me, ‘Come on in.’” Sharratt said her biggest fear is that New Life will be forced to evict her and she will lost custody of her grandchildren if she can not find another home.

Vanessa Jennings said she moved to St. Louis from Arkansas to live with a man, but his family rejected her. When she ended up

In its filing with the city, New Life points out that many agencies that assist the homeless and needy are located in the city, but they close their doors at night. At that point, New Life is the best alternative to the streets. That’s why New Life claims, in a pleading to the city, that nuisances associated with the homeless will only worsen if its shelter is shuttered.

“To the extent nuisance activities occur, the alleged nuisance activities will not stop (and will in fact increase) if New Life is closed,” New Life argued to the Board of Public Service. “Logically, if closing New Life will not reduce the alleged nuisance activities, then New Life is not detrimental to the neighborhood.”

For more information, visit www.newlifeevangelisticcenter.org. The city’s homeless hotline 314802-5444.

T

he Message

Boasting about my weaknesses

James A. Washington

I remember reviewing the letters of Paul in Bible study. In doing so I was constantly reminded that one cannot look at Paul without really seeing Jesus’ amazing handiwork. A very large part of the Bible is devoted to Paul’s building of the early church at a time when who you worshipped was a life and death decision. Paul himself says in his letters to the church in Corinth, there was indeed a point to his suffering and persecution and the basis for most, if not all, of what he went through was his faith in Jesus Christ. It’s another perspective of one of my favorite scriptures. “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I (Paul) will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.

This kind of thinking and belief led to the eventual proliferation of the church worldwide. It also makes the point of how the lives of so few have impacted and influenced so many in the world. Paul is who he is because of his unique one on one encounter with Christ. That encounter changed him and ultimately the world in which we live.

It is not unusual for new Christians to come under attack by old friends. It is also not unusual for new Christians to come under the attack of the world, since it is in the world that Satan has some degree of power. I think Paul’s good news is there is a place of refuge for all of us. Life, the Christian life, is funny that way. It places a bulls-eye on your back, designed to distinguish you from those non-believers around you. It, your faith, also sets you up and apart to do great things in the name of Jesus Christ In the eyes of God, one’s weaknesses are welcomed opportunities for God to show up and show out. Have you ever wondered why those who have been through so much are able to stand and witness mightily for Christ? Reexamine the reality of God’s grace and you just might get your answer.

The New Life Evangelistic Center takes in some 200 homeless people every night at its open-door shelter at 1411 Locust

St. On October 21, the St. Louis Board of Public Service will decide whether to revoke its hotel permit that makes the shelter legal. Photo by Chris King

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Hip-hop star Common blessed the mic on the Eastside as the main attraction for the EastWay GateWay PeaceFest Sunday afternoon at Malcolm Martin Memorial

The show also featured Arrested Development,

Bullock and Murphy Lee for a full day of music and fun that promoted unity within the community in the wake of the Michael Brown tragedy and Ferguson unrest.

Sista Strut grows to Soldier’s Memorial. I remember when the folks at the media company formerly known as Clear Channel (they are now known as iHeart Media) announced that Sista Strut was moving to Soldier’s Memorial for year five. I quietly thought they were getting ahead of themselves and that the location might accidently make this year look like a bust. Don’t get me wrong, the 5,000 people (mostly of color, but not totally) that gathered at the History Museum to raise awareness about breast cancer in our community last year was an absolute win. But my fear was that they would be swallowed up in the downtown streets. Well y’all shut me up and sat me down, didn’t you?!

This year almost twice the number of folks showed up, as a sea of black faces in blue (supporters) and pink (survivors) took command of the downtown streets. I remember how thrilled everyone was when 2,000 came out the first year. Saturday that number was said to be above 8,000. At that rate, I’m predicting an easy 10-12K for Sista Strut 2K15. It would be silly to try to name all of the people that I saw down there this year, but just know that a whole host of folks that reflected every aspect of Black St. Louis were in the mix. Tammie Holland’s pink glasses and overall swag were absolutely sickening! I loved it! It was especially encouraging to see the folks walking and running in honor of loved ones and fellowshipping as they lifted up those currently on the breast cancer battle field.

A jazzy commercial interruption. Now I know we don’t talk about ‘Jazz’ in Partyline too often. But I feel like I would be out of order if I didn’t tip my tree braids to the Steward family for working to bring forth an absolute world-class center – to be shared with our city, and the world, the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz. You know it’s a big deal if Beyoncé’s daddy Mathew Knowles shows up with some mysterious, yet regular date. Anyway, I feel like this is relevant for y’all because if people come from around because of an investment in the music scene, the nightlife scene has a strong chance of seeing an upgrade – and significant investment – as well. And, I’m willing to bet we will get some of the finest jazz music the world has to offer – like season opener Wynton Marsalis – and that’s worth expanding your horizon. The posh Pineapple Ciroc party. The soulful folks celebrated Diddy’s newest vodka flavor a few weeks back at the Rustic Goat with the Umbrella Group. Well on Friday night, the _________________ (insert new slang for young, black and fabulous) took time out of their progressive and upwardly mobile schedules to have a taste of their own at EXO thanks to Free Time.

I saw more than a few of my favorite folks, like Kira Van Niel, Shadzilla, new parents Roy and Brittany Robinson as well as Janae from “Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s.” Oh, and A.I., Fred Finley and Robert Hughes, too. It almost felt like I was in the middle of filming a club scene from one of those “successful black woman looking for love” romantic comedies. You know, the ones where the single black female meets up with her uber successful, yet desperately seeking male companionship at all costs, girlfriends meet up to swap dating horror stories. It was a cute look as the folks sipped…and sipped. Common rocks East Boogie. Now there are probably still some folks a bit salty that the lineup of talent for the Eastway Gateway Peace Fest outdoor concert Sunday afternoon seemed to have the script flipped as the acts were in an order opposite of anybody’s expectations. But the people came out apparently determined to turn Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park into a party regardless. First at bat, Common performed to an opening actsized crowd. But as usual, he put it down like he had the same size crowd as OutKast at LouFest. He sang my two Common favorites and, as usual, managed to boost the self-esteem of the ladies in the crowd by seeming to be performing to all of us individually and giving one-on-one eye contact. I almost missed my much-needed dose of Common because of an auxiliary ESL police officer. They had the main street to the park blocked off because of all the cars and when I asked for directions he simply said “follow him.” Little did the officer know that this man got lost and headed back to the bridge. The gag was I kept getting lost and this same officer acted as if he had never seen me before the four times I circled back. He would say “hello, how may I help you” in the most unfamiliar of tones. I finally had to get on the highway and head there from the way that I know. I thought Arrested Development would be knee deep into “Mr. Wendell” When I arrived, I had to hit it early in order to make it to Uhuru’s hair show, but I had a great time from what I experienced. And the Uhuru winner is…who? Now as much as I love Erica and the whole Uhuru Salon crew, their 3rd Annual Natural Revolution Sunday night at the Four Seasons was my least favorite thus far. Aside from that man kissing that albino boa constrictor in the mouth, Uhuru’s “Walk Like an Egyptian” presentation was cute enough even with all the lights on. And I don’t know what epic novelist wrote the script and bios, but they had to be giving Staci Static and Tony J the absolute blues. I must say that I feel like Beauty By Design wasn’t the clear winner. I mean, Phillip Johnson Salon brought forth such a glorious ornithological (that’s bird study for those who slept through science class) display. Beauty by Design’s LED pants were creative, but aside from the buff brotha’s broken wing, Phillip Johnson was best in show by far…that is if we are basing it on hairstyles, over all presentation wow factor. Shout out to Everett Johnson for taking home the Trailblazer honors. I’ll still support Uhuru, though I’m hoping there will be a winner that everyone can agree upon for year four.

David and Thelma Steward with renowned jazz ambassador Wynton Marsalis, who served as the inaugural performer in the Ferring Jazz Bistro within the all-new Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz Thursday night

Keith Fishback joined Kim Steward and the rest of her family as they celebrated the grand opening of the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz Thursday night

T-Luv of Star Power Entertainment and Ill Will Fitz were in the building @ Soho Saturday for The Libra Society party

MPAC CEO Mo Spoon and Eye Candy Model’s Miss March Danii Marie catch good vibes @ Indulge Friday night @ The Marquee

Dawn and Kevin joined Free Time for a taste of the all-new Pineapple Ciroc Friday night @ EXO

Tammy Rivera of ‘Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta’ stopped through STL to kick it thanks to Niddy Saturday night @ Envy

Kela and Krysta came out to the Marquee Friday to Indulge with Mo Spoon, Koncepts, and Hella Fly Promotions

Jordan and Tate choose Indulge for some quality time Friday @ The Marquee

Ella and Precious were among the pretty faces in the mix for Element Saturdays @ The Marquee

Tanisha Brown and her Beauty by Design salon crew were crowned winners of Uhuru’s 3rd Annual Natural Hair Revolution hair show Sunday night @ The Four Seasons

Park in East St. Louis.

Amber

Photo by John Scott

Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott