September 11th, 2014 Edition

‘Purlie’ at the Black Rep offers Ossie Davis’ prescient perspective on Ferguson

A diverse, majority-black crowd thronged the Sept. 9 meeting of the Ferguson City Council, held at Greater Grace Church to accommodate greater citizen involvement

City Council hears from protestors

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

When Michael Brown was walking down Canfield Drive on the sunny Saturday of August 9 with his friend Dorian Johnson, surely he never dreamed his memory would one month later fill a Ferguson City Council with

“We will continue to protest until justice is met. We are not going to end this.”

– Rhea Willis, a school teacher from Normandy

young, engaged black men. But that is just what happened. The protest movement sparked by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson’s fatal shooting of the unarmed black teen on August 9 is still going strong a month later. This was evident Tuesday night, Sept. 9, when a passionate crowd filled Greater Grace Church in Ferguson to

Protests move to direct action

Attempt at I-70 shutdown intended to pressure McCulloch off case

By Rebecca Rivas

n “They are stopping the people from peacefully protesting.”

– Amir Brandy

president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis,

Rev. Larry Rice. About 100 police officers lined the on and off ramps to Interstate 70 at Hanley

several dressed in riot gear. When the protest began at 3

attend the first meeting of the Ferguson City Council convened since Brown’s death.

The public was greeted by a police line searching for weapons – and surprised to be told that people would be allowed to speak for three minutes

See COUNCIL, A6

Salute to Education 2014

Suggs Scholar is pursuing law degree

Maikieta Brantley keeps moving beyond masters in accounting

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

When Maikieta Brantley, 23, enrolled at the University of Missouri-Columbia’s prestigious School of Journalism, she had dreams of becoming a broadcast journalist.

Maikieta Brantley, a 2009 recipient of a Donald M. Suggs Scholarship at the University of Missouri Columbia, is now pursuing a law degree at the UM School of Law in Columbia.

“Mizzou is number one for journalism,” Brantley said in a phone interview. “I knew that this was where I wanted to go.”

She turned down two full-ride scholarships to attend Hampton University and Howard University, two HBCUs or Historically Black Colleges and Universities. To finance her education, she applied for the University of Missouri Columbia Donald M. Suggs Scholarship. In 2009, the then-senior at Rosati Kain High School was named a scholarship recipient.

“I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to receive higher education,” she wrote in 2009 for The St. Louis American. “I am blessed to have been awarded with such a lucrative scholarship.”

The University of Missouri Columbia Donald M. Suggs Scholarship is a four-year, $57,000 scholarship—the university provides $46,000 of the scholarship funds and the St. Louis American Foundation provides $11,000. It was the first of what has grown to become eight scholarships at Missouri schools named after the St. Louis American publisher and president of the St. Louis American Foundation.

Each year, the proceeds from the St. Louis American Foundation’s four Salute to Excellence events fund scholarships for minority students. This year, the foundation, together with its educational partners, will foster over $370,000 in scholarships for local minority students and community grants, as well as laptop computers

sparked by the Ferguson protest movement.

Photo by Jason Rosenbaum/St. Louis Public Radio

Organizers Eric E. Vickers and Brother Anthony Shahid led a chant as protesters assembled in an effort to peacefully shut down Interstate 70 on Wednesday afternoon. Organizers say they are starting a series of direct actions to protest St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch being allowed to handle the prosecution of the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teen shot at least six times and killed by a Ferguson police officer in broad daylight.

Of The St. Louis American More than a dozen people were arrested Wednesday during a protest that attempted to shut down Interstate 70 in what organizers called an act of civil disobedience demanding justice for Michael Brown. Michael McMillan,

Photo by Wiley Price

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

Did Teyanna Taylor have a part in Ray Rice elevator incident?

Rumors are swirling that Teyanna Taylor was at the center of the infamous beat down between former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and his wife Janay.

“Love and Hip Hop New York” rapper Joe Budden [and plenty of others] spilled the tea on social media without naming names but cryptically pointing out that the woman in question had beef with Tae Heckard. Taylor and Heckard sparre on social media last year over NBA star Brandon

Jennings. The tweets suggest that the incident that led to Ray knocking his then fiancée unconscious was the not-sosecret side relationship Ray had with Taylor.

Shantel citing abuse in suit filed against Floyd

As Floyd Mayweather gears up to defend his titles against Marcos on Saturday, his former Shantel Jackson filed a lawsuit against the WBC and WBA Welterweight boxing champ. She is accusing Mayweather of physical abuse, emotional abuse, theft and kidnapping.

The Daily Mail has offered an inside look at the abuse Jackson claims to have endured at the hands of Mayweather.

The court papers state that while Jackson was working in Los Angeles in August, Mayweather asked her for the security code for the home she owned in Las Vegas - which she had kept when she moved in with the boxer and used to store her belongings. The suit claims when she returned to the house all of her expensive clothing accessories and personal items’ had been taken. Mayweather then reportedly admitted he had taken her things as a ‘test to see how important these

possessions were to her.” He eventually returned the property in October and promised to change his behavior but problems in the relationship continued and Jackson decided to leave Mayweather in early 2013 and move to Los Angeles. Mayweather went to ‘great lengths’ to try woo Jackson back – but within days the couple began arguing and when she threatened to leave again. The papers claim an angry Mayweather launched a “terrifying and humiliating” attack on her at gunpoint - refusing to let her leave his house/

The suit revealed that the boxer grabbed his fiancee, ‘bent her arm, restrained her and pointed a gun at her foot, asking: “Which toe do you want me to shoot?”

Is Mariah after Nick’s millions?

Several sources say that Mariah Carey is trying to tap into Nick Cannon’s peronsal financial reserve, which is reportedly adding tension to an already bitter divorce.

According to OK Magazine, Cannon signed a prenup with the singer, who was then worth $510 million. The magazine reports that since they married in 2008, she’s burned through a lot of that cash amid a stagnating career.

Meanwhile, Cannon’s career has soared.

“Mariah thinks she deserves a piece,” a source told “OK”. “She claims that marrying her allowed him more opportunities than he

would have gotten before,” says the insider. “But Nick says she’s nuts. Mariah’s used to getting what she wants, but Nick will fight her tooth and nail for the money.”

Pharrell says President Obama should visit Ferguson

Pharrell had some strong ideas regarding the unrest in Ferguson during a recent interview with CNN’s Don Lemon.

After slamming the news network for putting too much of the spotlight on violent protesters and not enough on the majority of protestors who remained peaceful, the super-producer said President Obama should visit the area in an effort to ease the tension.

“The president needs to go down there,” he said. “When your parents come into the room, whether it’s you or your cousin that knocked the vase down, you all stand at attention.”

Though it’s been a month since18-yearold unarmed teen Michael Brown was killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, Pharrell believes the unrest is far from done. “If you thought this was gonna blow over, this is gonna be the longest hangover in race relations ever,” Pharrell said.

Sources: The Daily Mirror,

Webster University celebrates centennial

From five students to more than 20,000 in 100 years

By Rebecca Rivas Of The

St. Louis American

With 100 years under its belt, Webster University has many stories to tell – and most of them share the backdrop of people rising above adversity, said Elizabeth J. Stroble, president of the university.

“When the college was founded, it was started by women for women when they didn’t even have the right to vote,” Stroble said. “They knew there was a need for women to get degrees in order to serve the community.” Webster was also one of the first to admit and graduate African Americans.

“Being an inclusive community has always been Webster’s hallmark,” Stroble said.

Webster University will celebrate 100 years of global innovation and leadership with a yearlong series of free public events. The kickoff event for Webster’s centennial will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19 in downtown St. Louis’s Old Post Office Plaza. The street party will feature a live concert by Webster alumni Erin Bode and Samba Bom, food trucks, street chess and hoops, and other activities. Webster’s mascot, the Gorlok, will be on hand with a contingent of celebrity guests to entertain attendees.

Webster University will provide bus shuttles for the Centennial Kickoff Party on Sept. 19. Bus shuttles will run approximately every half hour. The pick-up/drop-off areas are Parking Lot D behind Winifred Moore and downtown on Ninth Street on the west side of Old Post Office Plaza, just past

Locust Street. Public parking is also available at the Syndicate/Culinaria garage, located at 945 Olive Blvd.

The Metrolink station is also located nearby at Eighth St. and Pine Ave.

The party continues that evening with a Homecoming “Garden Glow” wine tasting and beer garden event in the Anheuser-Busch Rain Garden on the Webster University campus.

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the east

n “Being an inclusive community has always been Webster’s hallmark.”

– Elizabeth J. Stroble, president of Webster University

side of Webster’s East Academic Building, located at 545 Garden Ave, will be illuminated with lanterns and lights. The public is invited to enjoy wine from Garland Wines in Webster Groves and St. Louis’s favorite beer company, Anheuser-Busch.

“Throughout the year, we will celebrate how far Webster has come in the last century and envision what lies ahead for the university in the next 100 years,” she said.

The university started as a small Catholic women’s college with five

“When the college was founded, it was started by women for women when they didn’t even have the right to vote,” said Elizabeth J. Stroble, president of Webster University. Webster was also one of the first local colleges to admit and graduate African Americans.

students in 1915, said Elizabeth Robb, a 1965 Webster alumna who is serving as chair of Webster’s Centennial Committee. Now it has more than 20,000 students and more than 170,000 alumni with campus locations on four continents, eight countries, 60 cities and 40 military installations around the world.

“Our centennial will celebrate not only our past, but our present and future as well,” Robb said.

Stroble agreed, saying that the most important part of the centennial celebration will be casting their eyes to the horizon.

“What does the world need Webster to be in the next century?” she said. “What do we need to do to be the leader we want to be?”

In addition to the Sept. 19 kickoff event, other activities planned include the “Century Through Cinema” series highlighting 100 years of cinema, with award-winning films that capture decades, define generations and evoke nostalgia.

There will also be the “Talks of the Century” faculty lecture series on topics from various academic disciplines. A worldwide “Toys for Tots” campaign at all Webster campus locations during November and December 2014 is also part of the celebration.

More detailed information on all Webster University centennial events can be found online at http://100. webster.edu.

Miles behind

Movie ignores Davis’ESL roots for ilming

The year 2014 will go down as the year of the biopic, with the release of movie on the lives of James Brown (“Get on Up”) and Jimi Hendrix, withAndre’3000 in the lead role.

Currently in production (in Cincinnati) is “MilesAhead,” yet another biopic, this time on the life of legendary jazz great Miles Dewey Davis, who will be portrayed by Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle.

Cheadle will also make his directorial debut in this passion project for which he raised $325,000 through an Indie Go-Go crowd fundraising campaign.

The “MilesAhead” project should be of interest to all present and former East St. Louis residents, given that Miles Davis’formative years were spent in ESL, where he learned to play trumpet, playing in the jazz band at the old Lincoln Senior High in ESL and was the son of an ESL dentist (father) and music teacher (mother).

have inhabited Cincinnati for over two months, with all of the “day player” actors, extras and movie musicians hired locally, according to producer Pamela Hirsch. That translates into a major inancial impact on the economy of Cincinnati, with caterers, local actors, restaurants, hotels and others earning income during the ilming and production.

James Ingram

Why, I ask, couldn’t ESL Mayor Alvin Parks, the ESL Chamber of Commerce, IL Governor Pat Quinn and other IL politicians provide similar tax incentives and “goodwill,” such that portions of the ilm could have been shot in ESL?

Couldn’t ESL residents, who are chronically unemployed, not have served as extras? Wouldn’t local ESL-area jazz musicians sufice? And with much of ESL in shambles, wouldn’t it have been easy to construct movie sets and facades for the purpose of producing this ilm?

It was Davis who put the “boogie” in “East Boogie” and has always been hailed as an international ambassador for jazz as well as for the city where, back in 2012, the U.S. Postal Service ceremoniously unveiled a stamp saluting the legacy of the ESLreared jazz icon.

Ironically, Davis’old childhood home remains in a dilapidated state and a movie which should prominently showcase his hometown is being shot 350 miles away in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The reasons for choosing Cincinnati as the production site are numerous.According to producer Daniel Wagner, places like New Orleans andAtlanta were considered, but Cincinnati was chosen because of a combination of location, tax incentives and the goodwill of the people. In fact, Cheadle and the crew

To have ilmed at least some aspects of the ilm (just for authenticity) would have honored Davis’roots and infused some badly needed cash into the economy of ESL and would have provided a positive story line, which is rare for East Boogie these days. But, once again, another golden opportunity has eluded ESL, due to a combination of politicians who are less than proactive and who lack the vision and the tenacity to seize viable opportunities.

At the very least, I would hope that ESL politicians and, perhaps, members of the Davis family would appeal to Mr. Cheadle to possibly arrange a premiere of the ilm in the East St. Louis area. That would assuage some of the sting and pain of ESL being relegated again to the status of irrelevancy and still shine a spotlight on the genesis of Miles Davis’ legend.

Editorial /CommEntary

Protest movement gains momentum

Now more than a month after the first protests sparked by the deadly police shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teen stopped by a Ferguson police officer for jaywalking, the protest has evolved into a movement that remains strong.

This movement was given new legs by legal advocates at Arch City Defenders and the Saint Louis University School of Law, whose efforts calling attention to abuse, especially of lowincome residents, by North County municipal courts helped produce sparkling investigative journalism by the Washington Post and others. Clear evidence that these municipalities use their police departments to harass and (in effect) tax the poor generated wide public support for the plight of low-income African Americans in North County, the grass roots of this protest movement. At a moment when we might be mired in debating the guilt or innocence of Officer Darren Wilson without unequivocal evidence to judge, instead we see a movement for social justice that is gaining momentum.

Some progress could be seen in the Ferguson City Council’s announcement of limited reforms of its municipal court policy in advance of Tuesday night’s council meeting, the first since the protest movement gave new momentum to legal advocates’ existing work to reform municipal courts. One legal advocate from the Saint Louis University School of Law said of the concessions, “The people did this,” even as he and his colleagues prepared to fight for more sweeping reform in Ferguson’s municipal courts and throughout the region. When a detailed, data-driven critique of flawed and abusive public policy gets a push from a protest movement, systemic change becomes a real possibility.

Ferguson also made a weak attempt to placate protestors with a toothless civilian review board, but here again the movement found itself strengthened by a sound policy framework. Behind the scenes in the protest movement are veteran activists who have pushed for police reform in the city of St. Louis for decades, and they have taught the young protestors what to demand in a civilian review board: financial and political independence, subpoena power and community representation. We expect much more substantial concessions from Ferguson government as the protest movement continues its push for justice. The community also has a wild card in the Department of Justice’s probe into abusive patterns and practices in Ferguson and other municipalities, which has almost unlimited

potential to reform police departments in the region. The St. Louis County Police Department – which also clearly needs reform, based on how Chief Jon Belmar handled the street protests in Ferguson – made its own proactive move in inviting federal officials to undertake a collaborative review of the department. Once again, the people’s determined action did this. Had the people not stood up – and stayed standing, despite a police response that had the force of the American military – these police departments would not be under federal scrutiny. Michael Brown’s death must not be in vain. He and his family deserve justice, regardless of what systemic progress this young man’s death may ultimately bring. We certainly believe there is enough evidence to arrest Officer Darren Wilson and charge him with second-degree murder in the death of Michael Brown. Officer Wilson deserves his day in court – in open court, not behind the veil of a grand jury process being managed by a dubious operator like County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch. While policy reform and social justice gain momentum, criminal justice should get started with the arrest of Officer Wilson.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Open letter to Ferguson police chief

Dear Chief Thomas Jackson, On August 30, we the angry and concerned citizens of the community had a National March on Ferguson, which started at the site where one of your officers, Darren Wilson, felled (and failed) a young man named Michael Brown. We walked approximately three miles through Ferguson back to the police station. During the time we were taunting your officers who stood fort at the yellow line of your police station, I observed some of their interactions with the crowd. While most managed to stand stoic and emotionless, some nodded as we shouted our grievances. One smiled, drew close and told me I had something in my hair, which was a flowering weed my daughter put there as we sat on the grass where our protest detoured into a park. Such small gestures had a great effect on people.

I shook hands with two of your officers and incurred the verbal wrath of one of my fellow protestors. This is apparently not a time to be getting friendly with the police who don militaristic-style gadgetry to deal with civilians, shoot us dead in cold blood, spray us with internationally banned substances and pepper us with rubber bullets.

My handshake was not an act of solidarity, but only a gesture that for a minute I thought they cared. For a minute, I thought they saw us as more than just an angry black mob.

Darren Wilson put a dark cloud over your department and made it rain, but you kept up an everlasting storm. Let

me highlight some of your misdeeds.

You failed to release the officer shooter’s name as soon as you were aware of Brown’s death. The officer was put on paid administrative leave, instead of unpaid leave, pending the investigation.

You failed to adequately address the concerns of the public. Once the officer’s name was released, it was offset by a characterassassination of the victim.

In response to civil protest being waged against your department, you and St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar responded in riot gear, waging war with methods reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement.

You do not seem to understand that we are grieving. We aren’t just grieving over Michael Brown, but also those who have yet to die but are liable to be killed and laid out in the streets, just like Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant and Aiyanna Jones. Our black lives are of little to no value, and whites control nearly every entity and institution that affects our lives.

One of my fellow protestors took notice that your officers now have personal video cameras. This is definitely a step in the right direction. In areas where lapel cameras have been employed, studies have shown a 63 percent reduction in police misconduct. This is a beginning, and we need to continue to dialogue for continuing solutions.

One solution that was brought up at our town hall meeting was a civilian review board (CRB) so that there is some accountability between police and the community.

Many police departments reject a CRB because they don’t want to be held accountable by the community, but we can’t trust the police to police their own

police officers. A department’s rejection of a CRB is exactly why they need one.

Departments also should look into diversity and sensitivity training. When a community has a changing demographic as Ferguson does, with the demographic going from all white to predominately black in just 30 years (or one generation), many white police officers cannot make the mental and emotional transitions to deal with the minority residents they view in some racist or negative light. That is why they often deal with us differently and in a harsher manner than they do their white contemporaries.

Many white police officers are disassociated from the minority communities they now serve. They need substantial training in racial and sexual sensitivity, diversity and proper communication skills.

If we want any trust, civil discourse and cooperation between police and community, you should recognize that this is also your fight and challenge, as well as ours. We hope the mistakes and failure of your department in this situation will serve as a reminder and catalyst for other police departments improve their conduct, behavior and community relations.

You or your officers who care should attend a town hall meeting or invite us to one you present. Many of us would just like to see you make an effort toward understanding and reconciliation. I think the lapel cameras are a start. Now you need to address an angry and aggrieved community as if we were one of your own – as if our dead child was one of your own. What would you say to us then?

LaWanda Wallace is a resident of Berkeley, Missouri, a community neighboring Ferguson.

Our challenge with Islam

Destroying, degrading or containing the Islamic State – whichever goal President Obama chooses – will be the easy part. Finding ways for fundamentalist Islam to express itself peacefully is a bigger, tougher and more important project.

In his remarks following the beheading of journalist Steven Sotloff, Obama offered a smorgasbord of options. “Our objective is clear, and that is to degrade and destroy” the Islamic State, he said, although it sounded like two different objectives. He added that the goal was “to make sure that [the Islamic State] is not an ongoing threat to the region.” Then he said the aim was to reduce the terrorist group to “a manageable problem.”

Keep in mind that Obama’s idea of managing a terrorism problem involves killing people, without warning, even in countries where we are not at war. Just last week he authorized an airstrike in Somalia in an attempt to kill the leader of al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda offshoot. Obama’s fondness for drones as instruments of surveillance and assassination is such that any terrorist leader is foolhardy if he ventures to take out the garbage.

But the Islamic State is

Letters to the editor Commentary

Boycott of county needed

I was born and raised in North St. Louis and can remember my brother and I being pulled over in Jennings as we headed to the River Roads Shopping mall and being slammed on the hot car hood of a black Newport when I was 15 years old. Racism by some police officers in North County, as well as racism in the county prosecutor’s office, has been a mainstay for decades.

Not only has Michael Brown being gunned down exposed injustice in the system, but it has also exposed the lack of leadership among AfricanAmerican politicians who have served these municipalities for decades. Election after election, we hear the same rhetoric, yet there has been no plan of action by any of our elected officials to offer proactive solutions to the plight of their constituents.

In studying previous acts of civil disobedience, I have come to the conclusion that we need some hardcore direct action to ensure that St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch be removed from the Michael Brown case and that St. Louis County municipalities that have a history of racial profiling be audited, overhauled or disbanded.

I believe that the AfricanAmerican community needs to institute an economic boycott of St. Louis County in the spirit of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. I am calling for all African Americans to do as much of your grocery shopping, purchasing gas, going to restaurants, and going to the movies as possible in the city of St. Louis. When St. Louis County begins to feel the pinch of declined sales tax revenue, maybe others will also join the movement to meet the demands of the Justice for Michael Brown Leadership Coalition.

Clifford Franklin, CEO FUSE

Black people rising up

As I young, black man growing up in North County, I had plenty of experiences with police harassment. As a black man in Missouri’s prison, I have interacted with many black men who have

clearly not “manageable” in its current state, flush with weapons, cash and eager recruits – and occupying a huge tract of land in Iraq and Syria. Obama will have to destroy or degrade, but all the focus on his decision misses the larger context: the fundamentalist political instinct that the Islamic State represents, or rather misrepresents.

We’re talking about 15,000 or so fighters – not much of a challenge for the greatest military force the world has ever known. Why not just smash this group and be done with it?

The U.S. military invaded Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, quickly routed the Taliban and eliminated the safe haven from which Osama bin Laden orchestrated his mayhem. Eventually, al-Qaeda was decimated and bin Laden was killed.

But jihad did not disappear, it metastasized. It turned up in Yemen, where an active al-Qaeda affiliate plotted attacks against the United States, including the failed underwear bombing. It emerged in Iraq, after the U.S. invasion and the toppling of Saddam Hussein created a vacuum for extremists to fill. It popped up in Somalia, in Libya, in Mali.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Westerners – mostly Europeans but some Americans as well – have gone to fight on the side of the Islamic State. The butcher who was shown executing Sotloff – and, earlier, fellow journalist James Foley

– spoke English with a British accent. “I’m back, Obama,” he said. The Islamic State’s vision of conflict in the Middle East as part of a centuries-old struggle between faithful Muslims and infidel crusaders is apocalyptic and insane. But there is a lesscrazy version of this narrative – involving colonialism and oil – that many people accept, especially in Arab countries. The dictators who held power in the Middle East for much of the 20th century, propped up by the West, were brutal in repressing the Muslim Brotherhood and other religiously inspired political movements. Yet even when they were outlawed and driven underground, these movements managed to survive and grow. There is much about fundamentalist Islam that is incompatible with – even abhorrent to – the modern world. I’m not talking about the Islamic State’s obscene and theatrical violence, which appalls and disgusts devout Muslims. I refer mostly to a set of attitudes about women that need to be aired, challenged and reformed. This kind of positive change can take place, but only in the open. Repression strengthens the hand of the hard-liners.

Political Islam cannot be bombed away. If it is not somehow allowed constructive expression, it will make itself heard, and felt, in more tragic ways.

suffered at the hands of police and the courts.

“Hands up, don’t shoot!” is the perfect slogan in action to expose police brutality in America. Even when surrendering, we are subject to being beaten, verbally abused or killed.

The world is finally seeing the segregated America where black people are constantly harassed in stores, ignored by cabs, beaten for complaining, denied due process, blocked from decent jobs and denied a quality education. We are rejected by society and don’t feel a part of it. This is the source of the anger and frustration that has now boiled over in the Michael Brown case.

St. Louis is being exposed to the world for a history of beatings, murders and theft of black folks’ resources. Young black men are not as stupid and violent as some people want to believe. All around the country, black people are rising up, refusing to be denied our rights.

Reginald Clemons

Potosi Correctional Center

Just the beginning in Jennings

The final 2014 LEA Annual Performance Report released by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shows Jennings earned a total of 109.5 points compared to 92 points in 2013, an increase of 17.5 points.

Seventy percent is needed for full accreditation, and Jennings far exceeded that goal this year.

Jennings lost full accreditation in 2008 and is one of 11 districts throughout Missouri that is provisionally accredited. Additionally, Jennings maintained 100 percent of our graduation points and increased in subgroup academic achievement.

The improvements reflect the dedication of many in our school community as we as we ensure we interrupt the generational cycles of poverty through high quality education. This is just the beginning of what we can expect from the schools here in Jennings. By putting students first, we are giving them the tools for a

successful future. We have made progress, but our work is not done, we will continue to strive for excellence.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson, superintendent Jennings School District

Columnist

LaWanda Wallace

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

A scene from the recent National March on Ferguson Photo by Wiley Price

COUNCIL

each but would receive no responses from the council, which includes Mayor James Knowles III.

The public comments made it clear why this protest movement remains strong a month after it erupted.

“It’s over with,” one young black man said, after reciting a litany of police abuses. “I’m tired of it.”

Another young black man talked about the trials of driving while black in Ferguson and North County, when during a brief drive one may be stopped and ticketed in several different municipalities.

“We know where the good jails are from being locked up so many times,” said another young black man.

Though the public was told to identify themselves by name, address and phone number, few complied. Most either spoke

PROTESTS

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 p.m., several young people lay on Hanley Road at the approach to the highway. All were arrested, as well as Rhea Willis, a special education teacher and former board member for the Northeast Fire Protection District in Normandy.

“We demand justice,” Willis said before the protest began. “This is the history of St. Louis. It’s always been discriminatory, and it’s time to stop. We will continue to protest until justice is met. We are not going to end this.”

As the protest started, police called over the intercom that people could not block the ramps to the interstate or the intersection at Hanley Road. After the first arrests, protesters moved to the sidewalks and Hanley median. However, police soon

anonymously or identified themselves as “Mike Brown” with the address “Ground Zero.”

One young white woman and one young white man each self-identified as “Mike Brown.” When the young white man did so relatively early in the three-hour meeting, protest chants got going throughout the church for the first time. Racial solidarity was a constant theme throughout the meeting. A black woman pointed out this is a matter of right vs. wrong, not black vs. white, and was cheered. A helpful white woman who offered pointers about researching city government and running for office received a round of applause. Statements of strong solidarity from white speakers really gave spirit to the majority-black crowd. John Chasnoff, a white man who has been organizing against police repression and brutality for decades, lectured the City Council on the provisions necessary

announced that everyone –including members of the media – had to leave the area or face arrest. When protesters refused to leave, police selected certain members from the crowd standing on the median and sidewalks, chased them down and arrested them.

Police chased a few people into the BP gas station at the intersection and tackled them in front of car owners pumping gas. People were screaming and running as police ran into the crowds, not knowing who was being targeted.

A reporter for The American had to leave the area at 4 p.m. to meet print deadline. While leaving the public parking lot by the North Hanley Metro Station, about five Missouri Highway Patrol officers were chasing a young AfricanAmerican man, who had been one of the loudest protesters. They finally caught him on the sidewalk near the Metro stop – far from the highway – and then tackled him to the ground

for a meaningful civilian review board, such as political independence and subpoena power. He received a mob of hugs from black activists as he stepped away from the mic.

The City Council had preemptively released a list of planned changes to appease protestors, including a weak version of a civilian review board and various changes to municipal court policy, presumably meant to ease the burden on residents suffering under what one speaker described as a “modern debtor’s prison.”

The City Council also was responding to legal pressure from attorneys at the Saint Louis University School of Law and Arch City Defenders, three attorneys who have been fighting injustice in area municipal courts.

When Attorney General Eric Holder spoke about the situation in Ferguson last week, his remarks reflected a detailed awareness of the Arch City Defenders’ work.

and handcuffed him.

Eric E. Vickers, one of the organizers of the shutdown, said at 4 p.m. that he expected the situation to escalate.

Amir Brandy wore his black T-shirt with “Peacekeepers” printed in white and watched police tear through the gas station.

“They are stopping the people from peacefully protesting,” Brandy said. “Nobody is going out on the highway, so up until that point they are within the guidelines of the law.”

Brandy has been out on West Florissant Avenue since the protests began, following Michael Brown’s death on Aug. 9, he said.

“You see a reflection of what we’ve been seeing in Ferguson continuously – law enforcement disallowing the public to peacefully protest,” he said.

At a press conference Monday, protest leaders said the shutdown was a response

The presence of Department of Justice investigators in Ferguson, which was ordered by Holder, was noted.

“It’s a shame that this child had to die before the federal government stepped in,” a black woman said.

If the City Council thought its advance concessions would placate the public, it was mistaken.

“We need municipal court change, not just here,” said state Rep. Kimberly Gardner, who represents part of the city of St. Louis.

Brendan Roediger, co-author of a stinging letter from SLU Law’s legal clinic to the City Council, said at a press conference earlier on Tuesday that the concessions did not go far enough.

“Our letter requested that all nonviolent convictions and warrants go away – that the warrants be lifted and there be no fines,” Roediger said outside City Hall. “We are looking to repair the relationship between the city and the community.”

to Gov. Jay Nixon’s “moral ineptness” and his refusal to remove St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch from Brown’s case when he had the power to do so.

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed submitted more than 120,000 signatures from people asking for a special prosecutor.

“Highway 70 is a direct result of their actions,” said Zaki Baruti, of the Justice for Michael Brown Leadership Coalition, “because they have refused to hear the pleas of the people.”

The coalition’s immediate demand is for the appointment of a special prosecutor in Brown’s case. Brown, an unarmed teen who had just graduated from Normandy High School, was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on Aug. 9.

St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch is responsible for bringing charges against the police officer, Darren Wilson. Vickers

That relationship is far from repaired, as the City Council meeting made clear.

For one, the process that produced the concessions was questioned. The City Council seemed to have agreed on new legislation without a public meeting, which would violate state law about open meetings.

“How can you propose a bill for a first reading?” one man asked. “Have you been meeting in secret?”

It did not help that council members sat through three hours of questioning and (at times) abuse from the public without offering any answers or explanations. A City Council being addressed by an entire church full of constituents without answering any of their questions ranks up there with riot cops pointing assault rifles at innocent people with their hands up among the bizarre images to emerge from Ferguson.

“It looks like a good job,” one black man taunted the council, “to sit up there and say

said McCulloch should recuse himself from the case, pointing to his past failures to charge police officers in other abuseof-force cases.

Express Scripts currently sits at the northeast part of the Hanley intersection. However in 2000, it was a Jack-In-TheBox where two unarmed black men, while in their vehicle, were gunned down by police officers. McCulloch took no action against the officers in that case.

“When that case was presented to him with an FBI investigation showing that those police officers lied, Bob McCulloch took no action,” Vickers said. “Consequently, there is no confidence at all that the community has that he will fairly prosecute this case.”

Vickers said they also hope to show young African Americans how civil disobedience can be used as a means to justice.

nothing and get paid.” A black woman derided the mayor for his lack of leadership. “Mayor Knowles, it has to be you,” she said. “And if it’s not you, it has to be someone else.”

Knowles, in one of his brief remarks to the audience, managed to refer to a constituent as a “customer,” when he called the next speaker to the mic by saying, “Next customer.”

A recall of the mayor was threatened. Another resident asked of Police Chief Tom Jackson, “Why is the chief still employed?”

The dominant spirit was renewed black political engagement, with support from white allies, moving toward change in Ferguson.

“We’re not fighting each other anymore,” one young black man said. “Those days are dead.” He pointed at the City Council. “Now, we’re going to be fighting you,” he said, “because you been fighting us.”

“I want to thank the youth leadership that has come to the forefront,” he said. “Our obligation is to support them, to use our experience in civil disobedience to help bring forward their desire to change the system.”

This is the first action in civil disobedience, Vickers said. Their actions will escalate if their demand for a special prosecutor and other demands for “social and economic justice solutions” are not met. Indeed, the shutdown action started to spread on Wednesday, according to numerous reports on social media. Many protestors from I-70 moved to the Ferguson Police Department, where they blocked off South Florissant Road, forcing a faceoff with police that was broken up by a thunderstorm.

There were also reports of brief highway shutdown on I-64 in the city of St. Louis near the Saint Louis Science Center.

Holder widens police probe

‘Patterns and practices’ investigated in Ferguson

By Rachel Lippmann, Jim Howard & Durrie

Bouscaren

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday that his conversations with residents of Ferguson during his visit two weeks ago influenced his decision to investigate the city’s police department.

Holder says he heard directly from residents and listening sessions “about the deep mistrust that has taken hold between law enforcement officials and members of the community…. People consistently expressed concerns stemming from specific alleged incidents, from general policing practices, and from the lack of diversity on Ferguson’s police force.”

An “extensive review of documented allegations and other available data” also contributed to his decision to investigate, Holder added.

A team from the Justice Department’s Civil Right Division will conduct the investigation, which Holder says will “focus on the Ferguson Police Department’s use of force, including deadly force; stops, searches and

BRANTLEY

Continued from A1

for elementary schools and scholarship recipients.

“Our Suggs Scholars have been a great addition on our campus,” said DeAngela Burns-Wallace, assistant vice provost for undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Suggs Scholars are typically “progressive young people” with a passion for education, Burns-Wallace said.

At Mizzou, Brantley

arrests; discriminatory policing; and treatment of detainees inside Ferguson’s city jail by Ferguson police officers.”

Justice Department officials met with Ferguson’s mayor, city manager and police chief, and “they have welcomed the investigation and pledged complete cooperation,” said Holder. He also says the investigation will be conducted “both rigorously and in a timely manner, so we can move forward as expeditiously as possible to restore trust, rebuild understanding, and foster cooperation between law enforcement and community members.”

While the investigation is focused on the Ferguson Police Department, Holder says it may not stop there.

“I want to make very clear that as this investigation unfolds and evolves, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they may lead,” Holder said. “And if, at any point, we find reason to expand our inquiry to include additional police forces in neighboring jurisdictions, we will not hesitate to do so.”

The investigation will likely takes several months, if not longer, to complete.

immersed herself in the college experience by joining several on-campus organizations. She became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the National Pan-hellenic Council, and the Mortar Board, a national honor society for college seniors. She also became involved with the nonprofit Dream Outside the Box, and joined the National Association of Black Journalists. Brantley comes from a community serviceoriented family, she said. She switched her major to accounting during her sophomore year at Mizzou and

Reform effort with county police

Holder also announced that the St. Louis County Police has agreed to participate in what is known as a “collaborative reform effort” and will work with the Justice Department’s COPS Office. COPS stands for Community Oriented Policing Services.

Holder says St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar voluntarily accepted the collaborative reform process and has asked for what is known as an “After Action Report” on the department’s response to recent demonstrations.

At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Belmar said, “I’m confident that we can withstand that review. But even if I wasn’t, I would ask for it anyway. Just because you don’t know the answer or are afraid it’s going to be a bad answer, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t understand the outcome if you’re a leader.”

The county police department is one of the largest in the state with more than 800 sworn officers. In addition, officers from many municipalities, including Ferguson, go through the county’s police academy.

“Already, with the cooperation of St. Louis County leaders, we have identified priority areas for intensive review and technical assistance, including racial profiling; stops, searches and frisking; the handling of mass demonstrations by police officials; and law enforcement training both at the police academy and at the continuing professional level,” Holder said.

signed up for an accelerated dual-degree program.

“I don’t think I had the same passion that a lot of my classmates had in those preliminary journalism classes,” she said. Her parents had a significant influence on her decision. Both of her parents are accountants and it’s a field Brantley always excelled in, she said. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s in accounting in five years. She was fortunate to

The attorney general emphasized that the reform effort is “a long-term strategy, focused on community policing, that will provide a detailed road map to build trust; to bolster public safety; to ensure accountability; and to change the way that law enforcement leaders make decisions, implement policies and forge community partnerships.”

An eight-month review of the Las Vegas police in 2012 resulted in 75 findings and

have received an accounting scholarship and took out a small loan to fund her final year of studies, she said.

In May, Brantley earned a Masters of Accountancy degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia’s College of Business. Her future career will be more “law-based,” she said, and will incorporate her love of language and international travel. She is fluent in Spanish and French and traveled to Ecuador during

what Holder called “concrete recommendations” on officerinvolved shootings and other uses of force. Holder says the review planned for St. Louis County Police Department will be similar to the Las Vegas review.

It’s not clear what the Justice Department review means for a federal civil rights complaint the Missouri NAACP filed against the county police last November. Belmar would not comment on that pending complaint, and the Department of Justice did not return a request for comment.

Organizers react

An expanded investigation was one of the demands made by local protesters following the Michael Brown shooting. St. Louis rapper and writer Tef Poe, who is also an organizer for Hands Up United, said he sees the justice department’s investigation as a small victory with the potential to make changes within the police departments.

“I hope it’s not a situation where Ferguson and the county police can wiggle out of their responsibility for what

high school.

“I know that the only way to grasp the language is to be dropped off where people only speak that language,” she said.

In her sophomore and junior year at Mizzou, she traveled to Costa Rica. The Suggs Scholarship allows an additional allowance of up to $7,000 for study abroad expenses. “I had never been to Central America,” she said. “It sounded exciting and fresh.”

This fall, she will continue

they did. I hope we can finally begin to get some answers,” Poe said.

St. Louis Alderman Antonio French, who has been active in the Ferguson protests, said he expects a strong push to establish a civilian review board in the city, despite past failures.

“One of the situations we have right now is broken trust between people and police,” French said. “A civilian review board, I think, will go a long way to re-establish the faith that complaints will be dealt with fairly, and even police are not above the law.”

Within the county, French said, the viability of small police departments should be looked at.

“Larger departments with more resources can provide better training to their police officers,” he said. “If you are a small municipality that can only survive as a municipality by giving tickets to 20,000 or 30,000 people a year, then perhaps we need to take a close look at whether you should exist.”

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

her studies at Mizzou, this time at the university’s School of Law. Again, she follows in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother initially wanted to pursue a law degree, she said.

“I told myself that I would eventually go to law school to finish what she started,” she said of her mother.

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

Attorney General Eric Holder

Floyd LeFlore, Jr.

Floyd Lelore, Jr., Jazz trumpeter dead at age 74

Jazz trumpeter and St. Louis Native, Floyd A. LeFlore, Jr., passed away Saturday, September 6, 2014. He was the son of Minnie Jarmon LeFlore

and Floyd LeFlore, Sr. LeFlore, a conirmed Catholic, attended Catholic and public schools in St. Louis, and was a graduate of Sumner High School, and attended St. Louis School of Music. In 1968, He, along with a group of local musicans, that included saxophonists Oliver Lake and Julius Hemphill, (poet) Ajule Rutlin, (actor) Robert “Malinke” Elliott. Shortly after, trumpeter, Bakida Caroll, saxaphonist, J.D. Parran, drummer, Charles “Bobo” Shaw, bassist Carl “Arzinia” Richardson, (actor) Vincent Terrell, (poet) Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore, (dancer) Barbara Richardson, (painter) Emilio Cruz would join. LeFlore and the BAG musicians, including a young trumbonist, Joeseph Bowie, spent more than a year in Europe touring, and recorded their debut album Black Artist

Group – In Paris, Aries 1973. LeFlore was also instrumental in the “free jazz” movement performing extensively from the 60s to the late 90s with fellow musicians that included, BAG alums, George Samms, Jerome “Scrooge” Harris, Ptah Williams, Freddie Washington, Daryl Mixon, John Norment, Robert “Happy Tooth” Edwards, Gary Sykes, Maurice Carnes, Blake Travis, and David Parker, to name a few. He was a local icon and mentor to various young musicians growing up in St. Louis during the late 60s and 70s that included The Bosman Twins, Bruce Purse, and Joseph Bowie. He also performed gigs with the likes of legendary blues guitarist, Albert King, and legendary pianist and bandleader, Sun Ra and his Arkestra. LeFlore was a board member of the New Music Circle, and in 1998 recorded his debut CD-EP “City Sidewalk Street Song Suite” LeFlore is survived by wife, renown poet and performing artist, Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore, daughters Lyah Beth LeFlore, Jacie Price, and Hope Price Lindsay; four grandchildren, Noelle Lindsay, Jordan Lindsay, Jullian Price Baez, and Bella Grace LeFlore Ituen; and one sister, Cynthia A. LeFlore. Memorial services to be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 at McClendon Mortuary, 12140 New Halls Ferry Road, St. Louis MO 63033. Floyd will be missed by family and friends and the global jazz music community.

Thomas Bryant, Sr.

September 13, 1927 –June 20, 2013

To my beloved husband, Thomas Bryant, Sr. Happy Birthday! Even though another year has passed, the pain will never go away. I miss you very much! My

love grows stronger! Hugs and kisses!

Love your wife Bernice, your children Thomas, Jr., Evelyn and Melvin, your greatgrandchildren and your great, great grandchildren

Joseph Sylvester McDufie, Jr.

Joseph Sylvester McDufie, Jr., affectionately known as “Tiny” to some and “Joe” to others, was born on January 31, 1948. He was the eldest of two children born to the union of Joseph S. and Ella (James) McDufie, Sr. Both his mother and father preceded him in death. Joe was baptized into the Catholic faith at a young age. He was educated by the St. Louis Public Schools at Ashland Elementary School and Beaumont High School, where he was a scholar athlete in the sports of baseball and basketball. After completing his junior year, he was transferred to Northwest High School as a gifted student where he graduated in 1965, the irst integrated graduating class of the school. Joe continued his education following high school at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

On May 29, 1971 he entered into holy matrimony with the love of his life, Jacquelyn Ann Hearn. To this union, two daughters and one son were born; Trina, Tracey and Joseph, III.

Joe began his career as a sales representative for Glazer’s Wholesale Drug Co., Inc., formerly Manhattan/Paramount Liquor, in 1972 and continued with Glazer’s in the liquor sales business for 40 years, retiring in 2012.

Joe truly enjoyed spending time with his family and especially adored being in the company and presence of his ive granddaughters. He was extremely supportive of his family and all their many activities. Joe was an avid fan of ALL sports, enjoyed highly intellectual conversation and loved a challenged.

On Sunday, August 24, 2014, Joe transitioned from his earthly life with his family and close friends by his side.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of over 43 years, Jacquelyn; two

daughters, Trina Claggett (Erwin), Tracey McDufie (Ali Wilson) and one son, Joseph S. McDufie, III (Kelley); ive granddaughters, sister, Judith McDufie; two nephews, two nieces, a special brother from another mother, Luther Maufas; and a host of other relatives and close friends.

A heartfelt farewell to a man who was so important to so many people… his easy going, laid back and just plain ole’ cool demeanor will be forever treasured.

Remembering Stella Virginia Robinson

July 4, 1930 –September 14, 2013

It’s been one year since Heaven received one of its feistiest angels. We miss you, Mama.

Stella Virginia Robinson was born Stella Virginia Davis in Utica, Mississippi. At the age of 18, she married Bennie Robinson and relocated to St. Louis, MO, where she remained until her homegoing. She was the mother of eight children, grandmother of 30 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 71 greatgrandchildren. She loved her family and was revered for her loving nature, advice, quick wit and comical demeanor.

Although life will never be quite the same, on this day we honor your memory and celebrate you.

In the words of a powerful spiritual: When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.

Until we meet again, rest in peace our dear, sweet Stella Virginia Robinson.

Brenda Cleere Warley

Brenda Cleere Warley was the second of six children born to the late Leo, Jr. and Lockytee Cleere. She was born on September 11, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri and departed her earthly domain on August 10, 2014. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Antioch Baptist Church in St. Louis. The family is at peace with the knowledge that she now rests forever with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Brenda received her early education in the St. Louis Public School District. After

graduating from Sumner High School she attended Harris Stowe Teacher’s College and Lincoln University, graduating from Harris Stowe in 1962. She earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of the District of Columbia in 1976 and was all but dissertation towards completing her doctorate degree. During her inal years at Harris-Stowe, Brenda traveled to a Tennessee State University Homecoming where she met the love her life, Elliott Warley, Sr. affectionately known as “Jet”. The two were married on August 4, 1963 and soon moved to Washington, DC to begin their lives together. To their union were two beautiful children, Elliott, Jr. and Erica, were born.

Brenda began her 30 year career in elementary education as a classroom teacher in the DC Public School System, and later retired as a media specialist. Her love for people led her to a second career as a pharmaceutical attendant at Giant Food, where she worked for 10 years after retiring from her career in education. Brenda loved her second career as much as she did her irst and found great pride in greeting customer with her warm and friendly smile.

Brenda enjoyed her retirement years and spent her tie traveling, shopping and spending time with her family. She was active Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and supported many service projects and initiatives sponsored by her beloved sorority over 50 years. Brenda loved the Lord and was an active member of Covenant Baptist Church of Christ for over 40 years.

Brenda was a sweet loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who cared deeply, gave freely, and had a kind and gentle spirit. By all accounts, she was the perfect combination of sass tempered with class, and her quick-wit and style punctuated every aspect of her life. The memory of her humorous anecdote and humble existence will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Elliott Warley, Sr; children, Elliott Warley, Jr, and Erica W. Cunningham(Thomas); grandchildren, Christopher Hicks, Chaise Cleere Cunningham; siblings, Leon Page, Patricia Allen, Veronica Rodgers, Lockytee Humphrey, Lavada Humphrey, and Leo Cleere (Dorrie); her mother-inlaw, Williams Warley (Alfreda); several nieces and nephews and a host of other family members and friends.

Thomas Bryant, Sr.

Joseph McDuffie, Jr.

Stella Robinson

Recall them all

Ferguson City Council meets for first time since killing of Michael Brown

By Lizz Brown

Louis American

For The St.

Maybe the weather had been waiting for an opportunity to express an emotional commentary on the killing of Mike Brown. Right before Ferguson’s City Council meeting on Tuesday night, the first since Brown’s death, angry winds prowled the streets. The sky heaved and then dumped down rain. As if single droplets were too puny of a vessel to contain its feelings. And then suddenly, the meteorological venting was over, the sky settled down into a dark murmur and people begin to take their places in line to enter Greater Grace Church. As folks stepped through the doors of Greater Grace, they seemed to be stepping into a Christian contradiction. Instead of smiling ushers in white gloves handing out programs, citizens were confronted by a force of all-white police officers demanding that they walk through metal detectors and empty their pockets. It was extraordinary. Appearing to cynically mock the Mike Brown protest movement, police ordered “hands up” and “pat downs” in a church foyer. While the church greeting

extended by the City of Ferguson was replete with profiling and disturbing, it was nothing compared to the relentless, ugly and dismissive treatment that came once folks settled in for the long-delayed council meeting. The meeting began with a prepared statement read by the Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III. His words followed exactly the content of the press release created by a media firm hired by the City of Ferguson. Problem is the statement Knowles breathlessly read word by word said nothing about why the entire council has been MIA and stone silent for nearly a month. Additionally, nowhere in this carefully crafted, mediamanipulative statement was a single word about the killing of Mike Brown.

this: the most powerful elected official in the nation and in the world, President Obama, made two statements on the crisis confronting Ferguson. The top law enforcement official in the U.S., Attorney General Eric Holder, made two statements and took a trip to Ferguson. The governor, U.S. senators, congressmen and politicians from all over the region weighed in by voice and body because they could not ignore their responsibility as elected officials.

And yet as the city burned, what was heard from the people who were elected to represent and govern Ferguson? –nothing.

And so, last night, in their first public appearance in over a month, the City Council had an opportunity to make their failure right. At Greater Grace Church in front of God, the generous pastor and hundreds of black folks, the entire City Council could have asked for forgiveness. They could have offered to make amends. They could have said they were sorry. They declined – choosing defiant indifference instead.

And perhaps most disturbing of all was the absence of a collective apology by the entire council for their mind-boggling failure to govern during the biggest crisis ever to confront their city.

To put this epic failure on the part of Ferguson elected officials into context, consider

Job and Resource Fair in Ferguson

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is partnering with St. Louis Community College to host a Job and Resource Fair 10 a.m.

– 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Florissant Valley campus, located at 3400 Pershall Rd. in Ferguson. The fair will provide

Given the fact that the makeup of the council includes an attorney, a former Ferguson cop, a city renovator, a diversity trained community volunteer and a councilman with over 15 years experience, the failure of the entire council to engage during this past tumultuous month can only be assessed as political malfeasance.

residents of Ferguson, Dellwood and North County with job and educational opportunities, free food and toiletries, as well as recreational activities for youth.

“We are excited to provide much-needed services and resources to distressed residents in North County,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of

This Bird Feeder is super-easy to make and only requires a cleaned ketchup bottle, scissors, bird seed, string, and a small dish. First, find the right dish or bowl: the ideal dish is plastic and easy to cut. Remove the lid from your ketchup and use the ‘mouth’ of the bottle to trace a circle in the center of the dish. Cut a hole in the shape of this circle. Next, cut a small triangle, about halfan-inch long, on both sides, near the mouth of the bottle - this triangle is how the seed spills out of the bottle and refills the dish after the birds eat. Now you’re ready for seed! Fill your bottle with seed, then slide the dish upside down around the lip. Finally, screw the cap down securing the dish onto the bottle. Carefully flip the whole thing over and your Bird Feeder is nearly complete. Cut two small holes near the top of the bottle and use a string to hang your Feeder from a tree branch.

Once they’re empty, the finished ketchup bottles still make excellent dispensers for almost anything. Paint, homemade BBQ sauce, and pancake batter will work great coming out of an empty ketchup bottle. For added fun, decorate the bottle to match the contents. With the bottle nozzle you can also cook your pancakes into awesome shapes!

Save all your ketchup bottles and paint them to look like bowling pins! With ten bottles and a ball you can have your very own bowling game in no time.

The mayor on the other hand, has made public statements during this last month. He has gone on television and granted numerous interviews. Problem is when he engages he exudes either happy ignorance or dunderheaded politics.

And it was no different last night when the mayor seemed very content to tell the crowd that he would allow statements but he would not entertain any questions. Needless to say, once the mayor told citizens who came to the council meeting for answers that there would be no answers, the meeting took an activist turn.

The crowd chanted, “We ain’t gonna stop until it stops” and “I am Mike Brown.”

Young people demanded the mic and spoke of the political Promised Land named “recall.”

Others described the failure of the council to answer questions as yet another reason why the community must continue the fight on behalf of Mike Brown.

At the end of the council meeting, after listening to hours of testimony by citizens, a couple of points became crystal clear. Elected officials in Ferguson are going to be taken out by recall or some other act of political extraction.

And the elected members of the Ferguson City Council who thought they answered no questions at the council meeting were wrong.

They did answer a question. In fact, they answered the most important question of the entire evening. They gave us the answer to why they all must be removed from office.

Metropolitan St. Louis.

The Ferguson Job and Resource Fair is sponsored by St. Louis Community College, Emerson, The Salvation Army, St. Louis Area Food Bank, Regional Business Council, USBank and America’s Job Center of St. Louis County. For more information, call 314388-9840.

Bird Feeder

Lizz Brown

Healthy Kids

Try New Foods— Adventure! Get Moving! Walk!

Nutrition Challenge:

When is the last time you tried a new food? Break into small groups and come up with a list of five fruits or vegetables that you have never tasted. Compare your list with those of the other groups. Now as a class, pick three of these that you

would like to try. Research to see which have some of the best nutritional content.

Write a letter to a few local grocery stores to see if one of them would be willing to donate the new, “adventure” foods for your class to

Exercise Challenge: Walk! Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and most of us can do it. While always keeping safety in mind, seek out opportunities to walk each day. Your goal should be

As the weather starts to turn colder, flu season can hit area schools. To avoid passing/or getting someone else’s germs, remember to:

Sneezing Season!

try. (Or perhaps your class could create another way to purchase these new foods.) If a store does donate to your class, be sure to take a picture of your class tasting the new food and send it to the store’s manager along with a thank-you letter. Adding variety to your diet helps you eat healthier. Give it a try!

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

to walk for at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, NH 1, NH 5

Healthy Snacks

Chocolate-Banana Grahams

> Sneeze into a tissue and immediately throw it away.

> If caught without a tissue, sneeze into your elbow (while turning away from your friends). Do not sneeze into your hands!

> Wash your hands frequently throughout the day and avoid touching your face: eyes, nose, and mouth.

Learning Standards: HPE 3, NH 1, NH 7

Ingredients: 1 graham cracker, broken into 2 rectangles, ½ tsp. Nutella or similar chocolate spread, 2 slices banana (about 2 inches long)

Directions: Spread each graham cracker with the chocolate spread and top with a banana slice.

Dr. Melaney Littleton-Phillips Chiropractor, Clinic Owner

Where do you work? Littleton Chiropractic Clinic. Where did you go to school? I graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Mississippi Valley State University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic. I was the first African American to receive the Student Doctorate Award. What does a chiropractor do? I perform sports physicals for those students who participate in basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, track, cheerleading and other sport activities. We also treat musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries related to acute personal injuries and chronic ailments such as knee, shoulder, neck, back, sciatica, whiplash, disc, scoliosis and torticollis diagnosis.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I wanted to help people! After being involved in a near fatal car accident, I was referred to a female chiropractor who was a graduate of Logan. After seeing numerous other physicians and healthcare providers, she was the only one who completely healed me of my sciatic nerve injury and pain. I was so impressed with her results! This is when I decided I wanted to be a chiropractor!

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of the job is when a patient becomes pain free from a chronic ailment, as a result of their treatment, and then they refer loved ones and friends to our office.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Investigate

and your

Investigate and explore over 700 interactive exhibits and take in a film on one of the world’s largest domed screens in our OMNIMAX® Theater. Come, play and exercise your brain! General admission is always free.

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by

General admission is free. slsc.org/nie5

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

slsc.org/hbanie2

slsc.org/hbanie1

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program reaches more than 7,000 teachers and students throughout the school year.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Pershing Elementary School 5th grade teacher Shunetta Johnson,

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is Static Electricity?

Shuffling across the carpet, hand extended to open the door knob… zap! Did you know that is called static electricity? It’s called static because the charges remain in one area for a while, instead of flowing into another area. They are static. Static electricity is all around us—when our hair gets charged, sticks up and won’t cooperate or when our pant legs keep sticking together. How does static electricity work? Remember that everything is made of atoms. Atoms have a proton, neutron, and electron. The electrons spin around the outside. Static electricity is created when two surfaces touch each other

and the electrons jump from one surface to another—one object will have a positive charge, the other will have a negative charge. Similar to a magnet, items with different charges attract, while items with similar charges push away from each other. Want to see static electricity in action? Rub a balloon against your hair (this creates a charge) and see where the balloon will stick. Be sure to try the science experiment to see static electricity in action!

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATOR AND ENGINEER:

John Brooks Slaughter

John Brooks Slaughter was born in Topeka, Kansas, on March 16, 1934. His mother was a homemaker and his father worked several jobs to support the family. After graduating from Topeka High School in 1951, Slaughter enrolled at Washburn University, and then transferred to Kansas State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1956. Five years later, he earned his PhD in engineering from UCLA, and 10 years after that he earned another PhD in engineering sciences from University of California, San Diego.

In 1960, Slaughter began his career at the Navy Electronics Laboratory in San Diego. Fifteen years later, he became director of the Applied Physics Lab at the University of Washington. In 1977, he went to work for the National Science Foundation. After serving as Academic Vice President at Washington State University, he became chancellor at the University of Maryland, College Park. While there, Slaughter developed incentives to encourage and recruit African-American students and staff.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT Magical Electric Corn Starch

Background Information: In this experiment, corn starch will magically seem to jump.

Materials Needed:

• Corn Starch • Vegetable Oil • Mixing Bowl

• Large Spoon • Balloon • Measuring Cup Process:

q Pour ¼ cup cornstarch into the mixing bowl.

w Add ¼ cup vegetable oil and stir. Mixture will begin to thicken.

e Blow up a balloon and tie it closed.

r Statically charge the balloon by rubbing it against your hair.

t Place the charged balloon near a spoonful of the cornstarch mixture.

MATH CONNECTION

Electric power is measured in watts. If you know how many watts an appliance uses, you can calculate the cost to use the appliance. Electric meters measure usage in kilowatt hours (Kwh)

You can use the rate of electricity in your city to calculate the cost.

For example, if you have a 60 watt light bulb and you leave it on for 8 hours, it will use 480 watt hours of electricity. (60 watt X 8 hours= 480 watt hours).

To find the number of kilowatt hours, divide by 1,000. (480 divided by 1,000 = .48). To calculate the cost of electricity, you’ll multiply the rate of electricity in your area by the number

DID YOU KNOW?

Observations:

q As you get closer, what happens?

w As you pull the balloon away, what happens?

e What happens when you drip the cornstarch on to the balloon?

r Repeat step t to confirm your observations.

Analyze: When you generate static electricity with the balloon, it has a negative charge. The cornstarch has a neutral charge. When the neutrally charged item is light enough (like the cornstarch), the negative charged object will attract it.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results.

of kilowatt hours used. If the rate is 11.3 cents per kilowatt hour, then running a 60 watt light bulb for 8 hours would cost $.113 x.48=$.05

For more information on how to read your electric meter, visit: www.glps.net/meterread.htm.

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

From 1988-1999, Slaughter was president of Occidental College in Los Angeles, before transferring to the University of Southern California to accept his position as Melbo Professor of Leadership in Education. In the summer of 2000, Slaughter was named CEO and president of The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc.

For more information about John Brooks Slaughter go to: http://www. thehistorymakers.com/biography.

Slaughter holds many honorary degrees and awards. In 1987, he received the first U.S. Black Engineer of the Year Award. Two years later, he received UCLA’s Medal of Excellence. In 1997, he received Martin Luther King, Jr.’s National Award. In 2004, he received the Arthur M. Bueche Award from the Nation Academy of Engineering.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

Word Choice:

The newspaper is a great resource for building your vocabulary. Look through the newspaper and find 10 words you can use to quiz a friend. Write the word, the headline of the story, the section, and the page number. Have your friend use context clues to guess the meaning of the word.

Use a dictionary to verify the meaning of the word.

Activity Two — Energy

Awareness: Use the newspaper to find five examples of how you use electricity in your daily life. Are there ways to complete these tasks without using electricity?

Learning Standards:

I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can build vocabulary using context clues. I can make text to text connections.

Aejah Jackson,

French. The

University City School District.

Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Movement with many leaders –and many press conferences

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, which marked one month since the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown, no fewer than three coalitions associated with the Ferguson protest movement gave press conferences. This goes to show that a movement with many leaders will have many press conferences –indeed, the EYE went on a whirlwind press conference tour of Ferguson.

The tour started Tuesday morning in front of Ferguson Police Department headquarters, the site of a month of protests since Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson shot Brown dead in broad daylight.

“Either we need to redefine what probable cause means and say that the police are not subject to it – or we arrest him right away just as we would with any other person accused of committing a crime,” said Rev. Carlton Lee of Flood Christian Church and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Action Network.

Flood stood with the Brown family, a member of the family’s legal team and a few dozen concerned citizens to ask that Officer Wilson be placed under arrest.

“If I walk in somewhere and I shoot someone six times that is unarmed, the police would immediately arrest me,” Lee said. “They would take me into custody, they would take my picture, they would fingerprint me and I would be waiting until proper charges are filed against me. We are wondering why Officer Wilson has been granted immunity.”

The Brown family –including his parents and several cousins – and friends continued to nod in agreement as attorney Anthony Gray spoke.

“Michael Brown Jr. had his hands in the air, which is a sign of surrender, and was shot from this position,” Gray

said, holding his hands in the air. “We have upwards of six witnesses saying that, which distinguishes this case from any other case – and is why you have interest from around the globe.”

Ferguson police claim that Brown was rushing Officer Wilson, after trying to wrestle his gun away from him, when he was shot at least six times. But the Brown family’s version of events has captured public interest and spawned a nationwide “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot!” movement. “

“With known enemies, seconds before we are going to take their heads off, if you shot and killed one of them with their hands like this, you will be charged with a war crime,” Gray said.

“We think that Mike Brown Jr. should receive that same treatment in America – his country – where his arms were raised in surrender, yet he was still gunned down. When you get the accumulation of these types of killings, we can no longer turn our heads when Darren Wilson is somewhere peaceful and secluded while waiting for the grand jury to take action.”

St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch – whose father was a cop killed in the line of duty by a black man –is presenting evidence to the grand jury. McCulloch has a long history of siding with police and has been attacked for his handling of this case and many before it.

Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis branch of the NAACP, suspects that McCulloch will lead the grand jury to a non-indictment of Wilson.

“We are not going to be satisfied with a nonindictment,” Pruitt said.

“Let’s ask the Ferguson Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department what the use of force policy is. Has

anyone seen it? Let’s find out, release it, talk about it.”

“Our police departments need to understand they are here to serve and protect us – all of us,” Lee said. “When they commit crimes they need to be arrested like everyone else.”

Ferguson United announces itself

At 1 p.m. the press conference tour moved to Plaza 51 on South Florissant Road in Ferguson, where a new coalition of African-American elected officials who represent parts of Ferguson announced a new campaign of civic engagement.

State Rep. Courtney Curtis, St. Louis County Councilwoman Hazel Erby and Ferguson Township Committeewoman Patricia Bynes – all African-American Democrats – said they are starting weekly meetings intended to educate Ferguson residents about the political process and groom new candidates for elected and appointed office.

The group, calling itself Ferguson United, will meet with residents 6-8 p.m.

Thursday evenings at Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr., where the Rev. Tommie Pierson is pastor. Pierson also is a state representative and chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.

Curtis, Erby and Bynes told media their group also included Ferguson Councilman Dwayne James, state Rep. Sharon Pace and state Rep. Rochelle Walton-Gray, also black Democrats. That does not include the African-American state senator for the area, state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City), who has been working out of the HealSTL office in Ferguson. Bynes has accused HealSTL founder Antonio French, an alderman from the city of St. Louis, of “political looting.”

The group also does not include the U.S. representative for the region, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay, another a black Democrat. While they said they had not talked to Clay about their efforts, Bynes did say, “I am sure he would be supportive of what we are doing.”

They said their goals are long-range and bent upon empowering the community.

James is the only African American on Ferguson’s six-

member City Council, despite the city’s 67 percent black majority, and Mayor James Knowles III also is white, as is Police Chief Tom Jackson

Only three of the city’s 53 police officers are black.

“People keep asking, ‘Where is the leadership?’” Erby said. “We’re here. Anybody who would like to join us, we welcome that.”

Bynes said some of the new political activity generated by the protest movement sparked by the police shooting of Michael Brown is getting ahead of itself.

“There is this talk of recalling the mayor,” Bynes said. “We need to slow down and take a few steps first. First we should go to the City Council and ask for a vote of no confidence. We don’t want anybody to jump to conclusions. We need to start with very small steps.”

‘It’s

not enough’

The Ferguson press conference tour ended shortly thereafter at City Hall, where about 25 mostly younger people from the Ferguson protest movement peacefully assembled with not one assault rifle pointed at any of them.

Dhoruba Shakur (at the mic) and other activists from the Ferguson protest movement spoke at Ferguson City Hall on Tuesday afternoon in advance of the City Council meeting that evening.

The activists responded to policy changes proposed in an announcement made by the Ferguson City Council in advance of Tuesday night’s council meeting, the first since Brown’s death.

Qiana Williams, an activist with MORE’s bench warrant campaign who lives in the neighboring municipality of Jennings, said, “I’m happy to learn that Ferguson is taking steps in the right direction, but it’s not enough. Bench warrants impact people’s housing and stability.”

Dhoruba Shakur, an organizer with HandsUpUnited. org, said the roots of the protest movement lie in racial profiling by the police and a lack of economic opportunity for young African Americans in the St. Louis region. “Everybody is proud to be a part of St. Louis, but these issues cannot be ignored,” Shakur said. “It’s time for St. Louis to step it up and fix these things.”

Michael McPhearson spoke for the Don’t Shoot coalition on the weakness of the civilian review board proposed by the Ferguson City Council. “A civilian review board must be structured with financial independence and subpoena power and must represent all stakeholders, with the whole community involved,” he said.

Brendan Roediger, professor of Law at Saint Louis University School of Law and an advocate for the Ferguson community, said the proposed changes to municipal court policy did not go far enough, but they did represent “progress” – and a victory for the protest movement. “This,” he said, “is something that the people got done.”

Photo by Chris King

New political shop in operation in Ferguson

Healing STL by registering voters –and testifying about tear gas

By Chris King

Of The St. Louis American

“We are looking for people who have been tear-gassed,” state Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal said, looking up from a laptop. Lordell Rush, 27, was someone she was looking for.

“I was tear-gassed,” Rush said.

“I also had a sniper rifle pointed at me.” It turns out she was also looking for people who had sniper rifles pointed at them.

n “We discovered that people don’t know the political process.”

– Maria Chappelle-Nadal

An African-American Democrat from University City, ChappelleNadal was collecting eyewitnesses who were personally impacted by the militarized police response to the protest movement sparked by the police shooting of Michael Brown.

low-rate disaster relief loans

Staff at Ferguson Library through Sept. 17, application deadline June 2015

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

n “The SBA is offering a belowmarket rate. Terms can be as long as 30 years.”

She planned to read their testimony on the floor of the Missouri Senate on Wednesday when it convened for a veto session.

“The veto session starts at noon,” she said. “I’ll call a special point of order and get up and talk about

what my constituents and myself went through.”

Chappelle-Nadal certainly went through it, repeatedly on live television. A legislator known for her passion and fearlessness, she dropped everything to support the young protestors who rose up after Brown, an unarmed black teen, was shot at least six times and killed on August 9 by a Ferguson police officer.

But Rush is not her constituent, according to the division of Missouri

Art McCoy is the new Chief Academic Officer and Superintendent-in Residence of MIND Research Institute, an organization serving over 630,000 students, 25,000 teachers, and over 2,000 schools in 35 states and Africa and Australia. Most recently he was Lead Consultant for redesigning UMSL’s College of Education school leadership preparation and development programs. Before that he was Superintendent of the FergusonFlorissant School District.

Tiffany Byndom of Florissant joined the Hauser Group, a public relations firm, as intern for the fall semester. A senior at Webster University, she will graduate in December with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. She has serves as public relations assistant for Webster University’s Global Marketing and Communications department and is a member of Webster University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Bryan T. Scott, of St. Louis, was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon to the State Highways and Transportation Commission. Scott has been with the Boeing Company in St. Louis since 1988 and currently serves as Director of Quality and as a member of the Boeing management negotiations team. The commission works to preserve, enhance, and support the state’s transportation system. The commission makes and tracks transportation policy and has authority over all state transportation programs and facilities..

Aviana Brown earned a Master’s degree from New York University’s interdisciplinary program Visual Culture: Costume Studies, which examines the history of dress, textiles and the body as material culture and its relation to fine and decorative arts from antiquity until the present. She is a fashion historian, Abstract Expressionist painter and public relations practitioner from St. Louis.

Chauncey Granger, principal of Hazelwood Southeast Middle School, was recognized by North County Incorporated (NCI) as one of its 30 Leaders in their Thirties. Established in 1977, NCI is a regional development organization which says it “acts as a catalyst to advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting applications for low-interest disaster loans available from business owners and non-profit organizations in north St. Louis County that suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the events in Ferguson. Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for small businesses and 2.625 percent for private, nonprofit organizations

– Bill Koontz, SBA spokesman

‘Major’ support for scholarships

Niketta Dailey was named one of Thirteen Hospitality Super Heroes in the St. Louis region by St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, which honors front line workers who best exemplify the region’s ongoing commitment to great service. Dailey is a guest service agent at the Residence Inn by Marriott – Downtown. Nominations were solicited from management of hospitality industry companies and judged by a panel of customer service experts. On the move? Congratulations! Send your professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican.com.

Tiffany Byndom

Bryan T. Scott

Aviana Brown

Chauncey Granger

Niketta Dailey

Photo by Lawrence Bryant Art McCoy

Antonio French and HealSTL volunteers put in some early hours at the office on West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson on Saturday.

Left to right: Elson Williams,

McCollum, CEO,

M. Suggs, president of The St. Louis

Under 26? Should you stay on your parent’s health insurance?

By Jason Alderman

In their quest to land a job, any job, many young adults will sacrifice what used to be called “fringe benefits” to gain a foot in the door. But many entry-level jobs either offer no healthcare benefits, or the employee’s cost share is prohibitive for someone barely making minimum wage. Add to the equation that most twentysomethings are in good health and rarely visit the doctor and it’s easy to see why many will forego health insurance in favor of paying other bills.

But that’s a dangerous choice. One serious accident or illness can rack up thousands of dollars in bills. In fact, over half of all personal bankruptcies result from unpaid medical bills. Plus, there’s usually a tax penalty for going uninsured.

Fortunately, since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rolled out, young adults now have more health insurance options than before. In addition to buying coverage through their employer (if offered), people under age 26 may also choose to enroll in their parent’s plan, even if they’re married or no longer a dependent, or to buy an individual plan through the health insurance marketplace.

If you’re currently without coverage or want to explore better options, this is the perfect time to start researching what’s available. Here’s why:

For most employersponsored benefit plans, the open enrollment period to sign up for 2015 benefits happens in the next few months. Watch for communications from your own employer and ask your parents to do likewise

if their company provides dependent health coverage. ACA’s 2015 open enrollment period is November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015. With both employer plans and ACA, if you miss open enrollment you’ll have to wait until the following year to apply unless: you’re applying for Medicaid; you qualify for a special enrollment period because of a family status change (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of child); or you lose your current coverage.

Another good reason to enroll in a healthcare plan is the so-called individual mandate, an ACA regulation that says most people must maintain health insurance with minimum essential coverage for themselves and their dependents or be subject to a penalty for non-compliance. Certain people, like those whose income falls below the federal poverty line, are

exempt from the penalty. But keep in mind that even if you opt to forego insurance and pay the penalty, you’ll still be responsible for all your healthcare expenses. For more information, go to www. healthcare.gov/exemptions.

If your parent’s plan offers dependent coverage, they can add you until you turn 26, even if you are: married; not living with your parents; attending school; eligible for worse coverage through your own employer; or not financially dependent on your parent. If they’re already covering other dependents, there may be little or no cost to add you to their plan. Plus, they can generally pay the premium using pretax dollars if it’s an employerprovided plan.

Other coverage options include:

• Those under 30 can buy a catastrophic health plan designed to financially protect

against worst-case scenarios like a serious accident or illness. For information, search “catastrophic” at www. healthcare.gov.

• If you can’t afford your employer’s insurance and your income falls below certain levels, you may qualify for a tax credit that reduces the cost of ACA plan coverage.

• In addition, many states expanded eligibility for their Medicaid programs under the ACA, meaning you could earn more and now qualify for Medicaid. To learn more about subsidies and Medicaid eligibility, search “income levels” at www.healthcare.gov.

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

United Way of Greater St. Louis announces $72.5M campaign goal

United Way of Greater St. Louis 2014 campaign chair Scott Schnuck announced this year’s campaign fundraising goal is $72.5 million. The United Way’s campaign is underway and ends early November.

“Because of the generosity of our region, United Way is able to help one in three local people,” said Schnuck. “This year we’re committed to do more and we’re once again calling on our neighbors across the region to support United Way’s campaign, which makes a positive impact on the lives of so many people.”

United Way of Greater St. Louis invests more than $1 million each week in the community to help one in three people through more than 170 local agencies it funds.

“We are excited to begin this year’s campaign which will continue to help local people establish strong foundations in their lives that help them thrive and reach their full potential,” said Orvin Kimbrough, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Last year, more than 150,000 people and 2,600 businesses donated to United Way, raising more than $72.25 million. Individuals may pledge a donation by calling 314421-0700 or visiting www.stl.unitedway.org.

‘Links on the Links” golf tournament set for Sept. 20

The St. Louis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will hold its “Links on the Links” Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Eagle Springs Golf Course, 2575 Redman Rd. In its 10th year, the tournament is a fund-raiser for the chapter’s scholarship and youth mentoring programs.

Established in 1946, The Links, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The St. Louis Chapter was chartered in 1948.

Registration and breakfast will begin at 7 a.m., with shotgun start at 8 a.m. followed by lunch and awards presentations. Cost is $100 per golfer, $400 for four-person team. Deadline to register is Sept. 15.

For sponsorships and registration information, call Angela Brown at 314-724-1548 or visit www.eventbrite. com and type Links on the Links in the search bar.

SBA

Continued from B1

the declaration, and St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties and the City of St. Louis as contiguous counties that are also eligible for the same SBA assistance.

SBA representatives are now staffing a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Ferguson to issue loan applications, answer questions and explain the application process. Through Wednesday, Sept. 17, SBA representatives will be at the Ferguson Public Library, 35 North Florissant Rd., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

“The SBA is offering a below-market rate,” Bill Koontz, an SBA spokesman, told The American. “If you can qualify for a loan at a lower rate, of course that makes it easier. Terms can be as long as 30 years. We set the term based on the business owner’s ability to pay. Different business owners borrowing the same amount might pay a different amount over a different length of time.”

He said applicants who show up with all required paperwork can expect an answer within a week or 10 days, though depending on the complexity of the business and how many owners are involved, the wait for an answer could take up to 21 days.

“The SBA application process is streamlined compared to many banks,” Koontz said. “All this group, all we do is deal with people who have been through a traumatic event. We understand putting paperwork together is not something the want to do, it’s something they’re stuck doing. Our staff is experienced with working with people who have been through something hard.”

Now and after Sept. 17, applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via https:// disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba. gov. The filing deadline to return applications for economic injury is June 3, 2015.

Koontz said that some businesses with real estate might be asked for real estate as collateral, though loans are available to some businesses with no collateral. “Many banks will just say, ‘Nope’ if there’s no collateral,” Koontz said. He said the SBA will decline some applicants “with derogatory credit or who do not have enough revenue to repay the loan they are asking for.”

n “That man should be thrown out the NFL and thrown into jail.”

– Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, upon seeing the video of former Ravens player Ray Rice punching his then-fiancé, Janay Palmer

Career Academy starts out 3-0

Ladue’s Jarrod Smith makes his way past McCluer SouthBerkeley’s Charles Blackmon during the Rams’ 40-0 win over the Bulldogs on Saturday.

Standout running back Kevin Batt suffers a broken foot

this season with a 3-0 record. The Phoenix made a nice statement last weekend with a 38-12 victory over Ritenour, which is a good Class 6 team. The

n Senior quarterback Jaylen James and senior running back Marquis Stewart provided a crushing 1-2 punch for the Career Academy offense.

two teams battled to a 6-6 stalemate in the first half, but the Phoenix blew the game open with 32 consecutive points in the second half. Senior quarterback Jaylen James and senior

running back Marquis Stewart provided a crushing 1-2 punch for the Career Academy offense. Stewart rushed for 188 yards and one touchdown while James rushed for 174 yards and

N the ClutCh

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

With Palmer L. Alexander III

See PREP, B5 rams rouNduP

34-6 loss

The St. Louis Rams started off the 2014 season with a blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings, 34-6. I know there are 15 games remaining in the season; however, I got a bad feeling that we are in for another long, dreadful season.

What a horrible way to open up a season.

n It reeks like the funk of 40,000 years, as Vincent Price said in Michael Jackson song “Thriller.”

The Rams stunk up the Edwards Jones Dome. And it reeks like the funk of 40,000 years, as Vincent Price said in Michael Jackson song “Thriller.” The Rams lost every facet of the football game. The defense held as long as they could, but even they had issues – such as tackling somebody. The tackling looked so bad for a second I thought Steve Spagnuolo was still the head coach, or Scott Linehan. Minnesota Vikings’ best player, Adrian Peterson, was held in check. He was held to just 75 rushing yards on 21 carries. Their second-best player, Cordarelle Patterson, picked up the slack, rushing for 102 yards on just three carries. With the exception of a couple of bad snaps to quarterback Matt Cassel, the Vikings executed when they had to. Their offensive coordinator Norv Turner kept the Rams off-balance and kept his quarterback from having his cage rattled when the Rams sent extra defenders. But on the other side of the field, the Rams did a fine job of executing (as in, destroying) themselves. This team shoots itself in the foot so much they’re going to need a prosthetic foot soon. Thirteen penalties for 121 yards – yikes! The miscommunication between the quarterback and his receiver, the awful play calling. Wow. It was so exciting to see all the neat things that Brian Schottenheimer designed for Tavon Austin. He really had the Vikings shaking in their cleats, with three run plays out of the backfield and a couple of passes behind the line of scrimmage. The offensive line of the Rams failed big time. Left guard Davin Joseph didn’t have a good game at all. And it wouldn’t be a Rams game without Roger Saffold going off the field with another injury. He’s probably has more career injuries than the Rams have had wins since he’s been part of the organization. Surprisingly, left tackle Jake Long played the best on the line. He was definitely a concern going into the season opener, because (as mentioned in my last column) he looked rusty and rigid. Long was the one lone bright spot.

See RAMS, B5

Video forces Goodell, Ravens into action

When one of its star players, Ray Rice, was arrested for punching his then-fiancée (current wife) Janay Palmer into unconsciousness, the league turned a blind eye. Commissioner Roger Goodell slapped Rice on the wrist. The message was clear. To Goodell and the NFL, men slapping up their wives or girlfriends really wasn’t that big of a deal. After all, a quick scan of celebrity hot lists will show a long list of successful athletes and entertainers who have been accused and/or convicted of domestic abuse. Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Chris Brown, Charlie Sheen and Sean Penn are just a few names on the long list of offenders. Instead of being

H.

reviled or disgusted by news of domestic violence, it now occurs so often that many simply shrug it off as one of those things that just happens Some surmised that Palmer must have done something wrong. She must have said or done something to deserve the beating she received. When the NFL first conducted its investigation into the assault, it decided that only a two-game suspension was warranted. All the same facts were available at the time. The couple had a disagreement. Verbal conflict turned into physical contact by both parties. Palmer ended up unconscious at the hands of her husband. It wasn’t until TMZ obtained and released the video footage of the assault that the

NFL and the Ravens decided to take real and substantial action. The viciousness of the assault and the cavalier nature in which Rice treated Palmer’s limp, motionless body was hard to watch. It placed a despicable act that is normally brushed underneath the rug and put it in the forefront of the media. The clueless Goodell and Baltimore Ravens executives have been completely reactionary and out of touch. Before the outspoken protesters from fans, media and women’s groups, Goodell did not see domestic violence as a serious offense. Smoking a blunt was penalized more heavily than assaulting a spouse. It wasn’t until the NFL was placed in a situation where advertisers were certain to jump ship and

See CLUTCH, B5

Ishmael

Sistrunk

Earl Austin Jr.

Palmer L. Alexander

Roger Goodell and Baltimore Ravens executives have been complete-

reactionary and out of touch with the Ray Rice domestic abuse scandal.

Photo by Wiley Price

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

Time for good riddance to Goodell

Mike Claiborne

It’s bad enough that the product on the field continues to erode, but the leadership of the NFL is dissipating at a faster rate. The most recent debacle is the ongoing Ray Rice saga where we have now learned that there was a security tape of Rice actually delivering the knockout blow to his then-fiancée Janay Palmer on a casino elevator. This is sad on so many fronts, as the domestic violence issue has never received more exposure. In this ordeal, the time for the conversation should be in play, but there is some housekeeping needs to be done first. Let’s start with the National Football League and its leadership. Has there ever been a commissioner of a major sports league in this country that has endured more negative publicity for the acts of owners, athletes and the decisions he has made surrounding them? The credibility and integrity of the game has never been in question more than what we have seen with Roger Goodell at the helm.

Mind you, Bud Selig’ s steroid legacy in MLB will follow him, as will Gary Bettman’s penchant for locking out NHL players in a concerted effort to break the players’ union will follow him to his grave, but never has a commissioner had both feet planted in a fresh pile on a constant basis as much as Roger Goodell. His only savior here is the

support of some powerful owners, like New England’s Robert Kraft, and the league’s ability to extract large sums of money from those who want the association with the game.

Goodell has made this league billions since his watch started, and that is the sole reason he has a job today and why he will probably have one tomorrow. Goodell has fumbled his

opportunity to make things close to right in the NFL on too many occasions. You can go back to the New England Patriot “spygate” moment where they were caught redhanded cheating on more than one occasion, only to get let off the hook by Goodell with a minor slap on the wrist. The most recent episode involving Ray Rice has brought things to

The credibility and integrity of the National Football League has never been in question more than what we have seen with Roger Goodell at the helm.

tape they would have possibly destroyed the evidence like they did when they caught the Patriots red-handed.

Too many of my readers come back with the classic line “yeah, man, I know, but it’s the NFL, it’s football. What can you do?” We continue to turn a blind eye to a league that looks the other way to domestic violence, blatant racism (see the name of the Washington team), the concussion issue and rampant drug use, for starters. Did I mention bad overall play? That would be reserved for another column.

From this point on, I will no longer give this league any play when it comes to what happens on the field. I have no intention of attending a game or supporting the league and their efforts to promote it until changes take place at the top. Roger Goodell has proven he can make money for billionaires, but he has lost touch with reality and what is right with the world from the position he holds: commissioner of the most powerful sports league in the world.

the forefront unlike blunders of the past. Goodell has been silent on the Rice suspension since it was handed down on Monday following the termination of Rice’s contract by the Baltimore Ravens earlier that day. By the way, you don’t think Goodell and the Ravens had a chat on who was going to do what first, do you?

The Ravens sent head coach John Harbaugh out to face the music in addressing the issue of Rice’ termination. Harbaugh was quick to point out that Monday was the first time anyone from the Ravens had seen the tape released by TMZ showing Rice’s knockout blow. It was a game-changer for the team, as they had seen enough. My question is: Did anyone in the Ravens organization

n Goodell has made this league billions since his watch started, and that is the sole reason he has a job today.

know about this tape floating around? The NFL claim they had no idea the tape existed before TMZ released it. Funny how a league that spends millions on security and investigators did not know about this tape. The prosecutors knew about it, and by some accounts elected not to share it with the NFL. I find that hard to believe, as the NFL can reach out and touch just about anyone when they need to.

If the league claimed they had not seen it, they should have. They know everything else. They have gone out of their way in the past to cajole, discredit and intimidate others when they need to get their way Why this situation is no different is a mystery. Then again, if they really had the

For too long we have been made stooges for a league that has recently given us inferior football, been on the wrong side of major issues and gives less than a damn about doing the right thing without public pressure. The NFL has plenty of people who carry their water, and they do not even have to pay them. Just look at the free loaders who show up on Sunday with no real reason to cover the game.

As for those who make a living covering the games, I have great respect for what they have to endure, as the NFL is not what it used to be. There are a lot of good people who work for teams that I have come to know over the years and in most cases they are honest, hard-working people who deserve better when it comes to leadership at the highest level. I hardly expect any of the media types who have a connection with the league to speak out on this, as they have careers to maintain and families to feed. I can only hope they have the ability to shake their heads in disbelief and not be punished for it to severely.

So what is next as the NFL has been downgraded? Plenty. While college football has its demons, that house has started to undergo renovations. How much better will it be will be in question for a few years, but at least a change is coming.

RIP, Marvin Barnes

The greatest pro basketball player ever to play in St. Louis passed earlier this week. Movin’ Marvin Barnes, aka “Bad News” Barnes, was a story in his own right before he hit the basketball court. Clearly the most talented player we saw here in St. Louis, there was nothing Barnes could not do. While some would scoff at the notion that his numbers came in the ABA, I will remind you that he was handing out bad news to the best of the best of that league including guys who would also play in the NBA. To compare him to someone today in the NBA, a smaller version of Kevin Garnett in his heyday would be a good start. Barnes battled bad advice, bad crowds to hang with, drug and alcohol abuse, not to mention stints in prison. He truly was that guy who wasted his talent, but he had a good time doing it, by some accounts. When Barnes was right, few were better. Had he stayed clean, he would have been a Hall of Famer, as he had that kind of talent. He was the life of any party even up to the day he died. He left us too soon, but for those who had a chance to watch him play for the shortlived Spirits of St. Louis, you got your money’s

Continued from B3

Batt down

Hazelwood Central will be without the services of standout running back Kevin Batt, who suffered a broken foot in the Hawks’ 35-21 victory over Lafayette during Week 2. Batt rushed for 2,116 yards and scored 26 touchdowns last season as a junior. In two games, Batt has rushed for 347 yards and five touchdowns. In their first game without Batt, the Hawks edged Eureka 23-21 last Saturday in a battle of two teams that advanced to the Class 6 state semifinals a year ago.

Shout outs

University City’s Ronnell Perkins displayed some big play ability in the Lions’ 22-20 loss at McCluer North. A Mizzou commit, Perkins caught five passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Perkins had touchdown receptions of 93 and 80 yards, plus he had a 90-yard kickoff return.

Senior Cole Sigmund of MICDS enjoyed a big twoway performance in the Rams’ 20-14 victory at Lutheran

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 the league’s bottom line would be significantly affected that change began to happen. Had Goodell and/or the Ravens handled the situation appropriately in the first place, they would not be scrambling feverishly to disassociate themselves from Rice. At the initial discovery, the league could’ve doled out a suspension of at least 10-games (as suggested by The St. Louis American’s Mike Claiborne) or better yet, an indefinite suspension along with mandatory anger management and marital counseling for Rice. At least then a message would’ve been sent to players that such behavior is not tolerated. Rice would’ve been punished for his despicable acts and been forced to seek help for his anger problems before having a chance to be reinstated into the league. Instead Goodell has sent mixed messages all around. First, he treated it as no big deal. Next, he had a very public mea culpa moment and changed the policy to institute a six-game ban on first-time offenders and an indefinite ban on second-time offenders. Finally, he violated his own newly created policy by suspending Rice indefinitely. At the same time the TMZ video was being released, rumors floated around the sports world that media darling Wes Welker’s suspension could be reduced due to a possible change in leniency regarding the NFL’s drug policy. How can players, owners, or fans have faith in a commissioner who not only routinely makes wrong decisions, but changes

Continued from B3

Wideout Brian Quick caught everything thrown in his direction. He was one yard

South. Sigmund rushed for 198 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns on offense. On defense, Sigmund had 13 solo tackles and eight assists for a total of 21 tackles.

Senior Nate Strong of East St. Louis rushed for 290 yards on 29 carries in the Flyers’ 42-26 loss to Lombard Montini last weekend in Chicago.

Webster Groves quarterback Rob Thompson passed for 271 yards and four touchdowns in the Statesmen’s 49-33 victory over Parkway South. Thompson completed three of those TD passes to Mizzoubound wide receiver Cam Hilton.

Senior running back John Moten of John Burroughs rushed for 314 yards on 25 carries and scored five touchdowns in the Bombers’ 37-28 victory over Priory.

Top games of the week

The big game will take place in the metro east when Edwardsville visits East St. Louis in a Southwestern Conference showdown on Saturday at Jordan Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Both teams have started the season with some rugged competition. East Side is 0-2 with its two losses coming to Ohio state powerhouse Cincinnati St. Xavier and Illinois Class 5 state

contender Lombard Montini.

Edwardsville is coming off a 29-28 road overtime loss to Class 8 state runner-up Loyola Academy last weekend. There’s plenty of star power in this one from Edwardsville senior quarterback Dan Marinko to East Side’s All-American defensive tackle Terry Beckner, Jr. In other games, SLUH will visit Chaminade in a Metro Catholic Conference contest on Friday night. SLUH is off to a 2-0 start and playing well while Chaminade is coming off a 35-0 victory over DeSmet.

Eureka will visit Fort Zumwalt East in a battle of 2-1 teams while Ladue visits Parkway Central. Both games are on Friday night.

Other games of note

Pattonville at Ritenour, Friday, 7 p.m.

O’Fallon at Alton, Friday, 7 p.m.

Timberland at Fort Zumwalt West, Friday, 7 p.m.

Affton at Jennings, Saturday, noon

MICDS at Westminster, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Hazelwood East at McCluer North, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Priory at Lutheran North, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Bad day at the Dome

his decisions whichever way the advertising dollar blows? It’s become clear that Goodell, the NFL’s czar of discipline, doesn’t care about safety, rules, order, women, players, transparency, consistency or fairness. Fans should

shy of his first career 100-yard game, but he was flagged for one of the 13 penalties that pushed the Rams backwards. The Rams have got to do better. They have a ton of raw talent. The honeymoon period is officially over for Jeff

refuse to follow the lead of some shortsighted individuals who declare that Goodell “finally got it right.” All the commissioner cares about is the league’s image and bottom line. If he doesn’t become proactive and consistent regard-

Fisher, for the Rams’ fans who were on the fence jumped off and started watching baseball or waiting for the St. Louis Blues to start camp. For more Rams Roundup subscribe to youtube.com/ stlamericanvideo.

ing these types of issues, he’ll begin to damage both.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Ronald Clower

The viciousness of the assault and the cavalier nature in which Rice treated Palmer’s limp, motionless body was hard to watch. It placed a despicable act that is normally brushed underneath the rug and put it in the forefront of the media.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill attempts a pass Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Hill, who replaced the injured Sam Bradford at starting quarterback, was injured himself later in the game.

HEALING

Continued from B1 into Senate districts. A black man from the near south side of St. Louis city, his state senator is Jamilah Nasheed – another passionate, fearless AfricanAmerican Democrat who supports the protest movement.

Indeed, Nasheed called the HealSTL office on West Florissant in Ferguson, where Chappelle-Nadal was working, while her constituent was contributing to future Senate testimony about police tactics.

“Don’t curse at me, senator,” Chappelle-Nadal said politely to Nasheed. “I have to vote my district. What’s-hisname put that language in there – it has a negative impact on my district.”

“What’s-his-name” was state Sen. Kurt Schaefer, a Republican from Boone County, who added to a noise violation bill a totally unconnected liability clause concerning a landfill in Bridgeton where radioactive waste has been burbling since the Manhattan Project of World War II. ChappelleNadal politely described her objection to that liability clause and the danger of radioactive waste festering in a pit near residential neighborhoods. That conversation attracted a volunteer from the voter registration table, Jessie Geahlen. “Do you need a cancer researcher?” Geahlen asked.

Chappelle-Nadal nodded that she did not.

“I’d be happy to help,” Geahlen said. “That’s actually what I am most qualified to do.” A white woman who lives in the city of St. Louis, she has a PhD in cancer research from Washington University. “I’m just between jobs,” she said, explaining her presence in Ferguson, “and I wanted to help.” HealSTL is the brain child of Antonio French, the St. Louis alderman, citizen journalist (who could go pro, if he chose) and now world-famous broadcast and

social media commentator.

An African American who was pursuing an MBA at Washington University when Ferguson exploded, French was huddled in a back office, door closed, though visible through a Plexiglas window. He’s still on schedule to graduate in December, in spite of losing a month now to constant organizing and reporting in Ferguson.

On this Friday afternoon, first French was huddled with Glenn Burleigh, a white progressive political organizer from the city, and then with an intent, professional-looking white couple who had the appearance of a possible funding source.

When Burleigh left the conference to rejoin the volunteers, he said he was accepting a modest wage to help professionalize the voter registration operation that

French and colleagues are building in Ferguson. “I’m helping to make things more systematic,” Burleigh said, “for when we do go bigger.”

Voter education starts the moment one steps inside the HealSTL office, located in a strip mall next to the now-iconic McDonalds, whose golden arches loom like a beacon in warzone photographs of the protests’ most violent nights. The demographics of Ferguson are hand-printed in black Sharpie on a placard right inside the door: 14,297 African Americans and 6,206 whites (more than a two-to-one margin) – plus 103 Asians and 597 “others” – in a city with

n “Any time you register people to vote in minority communities, for whatever reason, you put a target on your back.”

a white mayor, white majority on the city council, and white police chief – all of whom spectacularly botched their response to a protest movement that put their inadequacy before the entire world.

Burleigh thinks like an organizer, not a protestor –he is bringing the needed method to the movement.

– Glenn Burleigh

“Once the rage is gone, how do we keep the energy focused and moving toward systemic change?” he asked. Informing the community and empowering it to vote its strength is one place to start, French and others decided, but that involves a complex process guided and restrained by law.

“Voter registration is a

HealSTL is the brain child of Antonio French, the St. Louis alderman, citizen journalist and now worldfamous broadcast and social media commentator who also is pursuing an MBA at Washington University.

voters. “They” could also be white Democrats, who would face tougher primary opposition if more blacks voted. But French was also sniped at on Twitter by a fellow African-American Democrat, Patricia Bynes, an elected Democratic committeewoman in Ferguson. She accused French of “political looting.” However, it’s difficult to see how French could “loot” voters, since he represents the 21st Ward in the city of St. Louis and HealSTL is registering voters in St. Louis County – where French has no intention of relocating. Nor is French an advocate of the city merging with the county to pool voters –especially now that he has seen first-hand what a mess county government and police can be. French has pledged for HealSTL to work with elected officials in the county, including Bynes, County Councilwoman Hazel Erby and state Rep. Courtney Curtis.

“And you can see that Maria is working out of the office,” Burleigh said, “and she is a county elected.”

legally complicated matter,” Burleigh said. “You need somebody who did it before. You don’t want to mess up in a way that puts you or your volunteers in trouble.”

How can you get in trouble just by registering people to enjoy a constitutionally provided liberty like voting? By doing so in black communities.

“Any time you register people to vote in minority communities, for whatever reason, you put a target on your back,” Burleigh said. “I want to make sure when they pull the trigger, they don’t hit anything.”

“They” could be the Republican Party in Missouri, which loses ground whenever more African Americans vote.

Missouri Republican leaders said it was “disgusting” that protestors were using the death of Michael Brown to register

Perhaps it’s just that anyone who is managing to get elected the way things stand now could be intimidated by an upstart political shop like HealSTL, where change is in the air and on the white boards and getting into young people’s heads.

“We discovered that people don’t know the political process,” ChappelleNadal said. “They don’t know that their elected leaders are supposed to be experiencing the same things as the people they represent.” And then she was out the HealSTL door, looking for more people who had been tear-gassed or had sniper rifles pointed at them, just like their state senator.

HealSTL is on Twitter @ HealSTL. Chappelle-Nadal also hopes to organize all Ferguson protest efforts under the rubric @ EyesonFerguson.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

‘American Travels’

Dr. Denise on a mission to Malawi

By Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D.

I vividly recall my irst trip to Africa. I was part of a 117-person mission group traveling to the nation of Zambia during Holy Week 2006. Upon landing in the capital of Lusaka, women from the various local churches greeted us with the

most beautiful singing I had ever heard in my life. I could not stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks. I felt as if they were saying: “Welcome home, my sister. It has been too long.”

This trip was different because it was much smaller, with only six

See TRAVEL, C4

Staging a movement

‘Purlie’ at the Black Rep offers Ossie Davis’ prescient perspective on Ferguson

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“We’ve got a community looking for that leadership and wanting to follow somebody and be a part of some movement, but not necessarily knowing what movement or who to follow,” said Ron Himes, producing director of the Black Rep. “That’s the dynamic of the play, and that’s the dynamics of the times we are experiencing right now.”

Himes was leaving the final dress rehearsal of “Purlie” – a play he is also directing – which opens this weekend at Washington University’s Edison Theatre and continues through September 21. He feels the 1970 musical written by Ossie Davis is a perfect form of protest art that speaks to the current situation in Ferguson.

“He was one of the greatest activist artists of his generation – who gave us great social commentary on the Civil Rights Movement,” Himes said of Davis. “That’s what the play deals with – it deals with civil rights, with bigotry, with Southern white privilege and a

The Black Rep’s production of ‘Purlie’ is currently underway and continues through September 21 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre.

community with an attitude that is resistant to change.” The musical grew out of the Davis’ 1961 play “Purlie Victorious,” which was adapted into the 1963 film “Gone are the Days.”

Purlie Victorious Judson is a traveling preacher who takes it upon himself to return to his Georgia hometown and use the pulpit as a platform to help usher his community into a new era and out of Jim Crow. He preaches the theology of liberation and hopes to emancipate the cotton pickers who work under the oppressive hand of Ol Cap’n Cotchipee. Purlie appoints himself the leader of this

REP, C5

Season of late summer weddings and Maya’s ‘Amazing Race’

By Jami Ballentine Dolby

For the St. Louis American

National media outlets have been focused on the St. Louis area for a month now, and while most of the cameras have left the conversation

Tribute concert for Dr. Kenneth Brown Billups

Dr. Kenneth Brown Billups

Legendary Sumner music teacher honored Sept. 14 at Antioch Baptist

American staff

The A’Cappella Reunion Choir Concert , under the direction of Dr. Doris Jones Wilson, will lead a tribute to Dr. Kenneth Brown Billups at 4 p.m. Sunday, September 14 at the Antioch Baptist Church, preceded by a Dinner Dance at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 13 at the Renaissance Airport Hotel.

The tribute will feature several former choir directors and student directors of the Sumner A’Cappella Choir, as well as melodious voices coming from far and near representing Sumner High classes of the fifties through the eighties. Participants have been rehearsing all this summer, filled with an abundance of anticipation and aspiration to sing the songs formerly taught, arranged and directed by Dr. Billups. His work in music included his service as Minister of Music and director of the Chancel Choir at Antioch Baptist Church and as choral director and music teacher at Sumner High School, 1949 – 1976, before becoming Superintendent of Music for St. Louis Public Schools for the school year 1975/1976. The choir won many awards while he was the director. He also was a visiting professor of voice, composition, and choral technique at Northwestern University, Lincoln

BILLUPS, C4

Young voices continue to share Ferguson experience

about Ferguson has continued. And young leaders are continuing to show that they are dedicated to a real change and are accepting the charge given to them fueled by social media support.

Johnetta Elize, who gained national attention for her Twitter updates (from @ Nettaaaaaaaa) about Ferguson, is one of the many young adults who have stepped up and used their power in the social media world to bring attention to injustice. Elize, 25, shared her pain through a national media platform when the article

“[Ferguson Forward] When I close my eyes at night I see people running from teargas” was featured on Ebony.com. She has not slowed down and continues to make her voice heard at community forums and related events.

Let’s hope the momentum and support for Ferguson continues. Fairytale ‘Friendly’ wedding. Standing room only has become ordinary protocol for Sunday service over at Friendly Temple, but the church was bursting at the seams on a Saturday August 30 when senior Pastor Michael Jones

and his lovely wife Phyllis saw their eldest son Michael marry his college sweetheart, KMOV reporter Brittany Noble – who also emerged as one of the young leading voices in the Ferguson movement, and was one of the first media professionals on the scene of the Michael Brown tragedy. The two, who met and started dating in 2007 while Brittany pledged AKA and Michael received his membership to Omega Phi Psi, had a fairy tale wedding and classy reception at Norwood Hill Country Club.

Of The St. Louis American

See SUITE, C4

Jami Ballentine Dolby

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

Sept. 12 – 13, St. Louis Symphony presents Opening Weekend. Music Director David Robertson will be at the podium for the opening weekend of the St. Louis Symphony’s classical subscription season. Works will include; Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending, and Nielsen Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable.” Soloists will include; David Robertson (conductor), Yefim Bronfman (piano) and Erin Schreiber (violin). 718 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. stlsymphony.org.

Sat., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., United Way of Greater St. Louis presents Concert with a Cause feat. Howard Hewett Celebrating 20 years of African American philanthropy in our region through the Charmaine Chapman Society. Special guest comedian Darius Bradford. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.helpingpeople.org/ gala.

Sun., Sept. 21, 9 p.m., Fubar presents Coast 2 Coast Live, St. Louis Edition. Coast 2 Coast Live is an Interactive Artist Showcase that brings together artists, DJs, Models, Media and more for a professional networking event. Artists in the showcase are judged by a panel of celebrity judges via the exclusive Coast 2 Coast Live judging system on iPads, and the winner walks away with a huge prize package to take their career to the next level and join Coast 2 Coast in Miami for the 2015 Convention. 3108 Locust St., 63101. For more information, visit coast2coastlive.com/ events.

Thur., Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Kwame Foundation, TBeats, K&LG Enterprises present Intimate Birthday Bash

feat. Chrisette Michele. Also performing will be Brianna Elise and Souls of Liberty. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information call (314) 726-6161 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Thur., Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Divas for a Cause 4. A celebration to beneit Beyond Housing. Three St. Louis artists will come together for one night only. Enjoy the Jazz, Rhythm and Blues of Jeffery Hardin and the versatile stylings of Cheryl Brown. The show will close with the spectacular voice of Grammy nominated Theo Peoples. Beyond Housing is a community development organization that works in deined geographies like the Normandy Schools Collaborative in order to focus our resources where we can have the greatest impact. 3648 Washington ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. sheldonconcerthall.org or call (314) 533-9900.

Sat., Oct. 4, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela. Two of South Africa’s renowned musical icons come together to honor twenty years of democracy and the official end of Apartheid in their native country. In a collaborative performance, Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela pay homage with a collection of “freedom” songs, including many of their own, on their first-ever joint tour. For more information, visit www.sheldonconcerthall.org.

local gigs

Sat., Oct. 4, 10 a.m., FarFetched presents End’ter’im. This musical event spans multiple genres including rock, funk, soul, hip-hop, and more to relect the city’s wide range of talent.

PXSTL has transformed a vacant lot across the street

Mrs. Independent the stage play. Starring Robin Givens, Dottie Peoples, Trisha Mann-Grant. For more information, see SPIRITUAL.

from the Pulitzer building into a destination in the heart of Grand Center with the temporary pavilion lots. 3713 & 3719 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.pulitzerarts.org.

special events

Fri., Sept. 12, 5 p.m., Anheuser-Busch presents The St. Louis American Foundation’s 27th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Sept. 12 – 14, Forest Park hosts St. Louis World’s FareHeritage Festival and games. All are welcome to experience this unique celebration of St. Louis history, present, and future as the magical energy of the 1904 World’s Fair is rekindled. Join us as we celebrate the 110th anniversary of the World’s Fair and Olympics held in St Louis in 1904, and the 250th Birthday of the City Of Saint Louis. See, hear, savor, and feel what made this city great, what makes this city great today, and what will make this city more magnificent in the future. For more information, visit www.stlworldsfare.com.

Sept. 12 – 14, Fair U City. Enjoy great food; hear fantastic music including the U City Jazz Festival; take a spin

on some old-fashioned carnival rides; marvel at some classic cars brought to the fair by the Just Us Street Rod Club; a Fun Run to benefit the U City High School Girls’ Track Team; take your puppy to the Puppy Pool Party and more. Admission is free and all are welcome. Heman Park, 7000 Olive Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 5058696 or visit www.ucitymo. org.

Sept. 12 – 14, Lou City

Creative presents 3 on 3 Tournament. We are in search of the best 3 person basketball team. Starting Friday night at 3:30pm we will begin team registration and hand out team jerseys. Friday will also kick off the dunk contest, 3 point shootout and cap the night with live music. At the event we will have beer tents, our favorite food vendors and each night will have good local music on the event stage. Don’t miss this event it will be a blast form the past packed with vendors, entertainment, and all your neighborhood friends. Old Post Office Plaza, 815 Locust St., 63101. For more information, visit www. loucity3on3.com.

Sept. 12 – 14, The United Black Drag Racers Association presents 20th Annual Black Sunday. Gateway Motorsports Park, 700 Raceway Blvd., Madison, IL. 62060. For more information, call (618) 5934226 or (314) 863-8058.

Sept. 13 – 14, WOW National Outdoor Recreation & Conservation School.

Discover how much fun the great outdoors can be at a day of outdoor skill classes and overnight camping experience in St. Louis’ most famous park. Events include archery, camping, fishing, and more. For more information, call 1-800-334-6946.

Sat., Sept. 13, 10 a.m., The National Urban League and The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. present Job and Resource Fair. This event is for residents of Ferguson, Dellwood, and North St. Louis County. Event includes resume writing seminar, voter registration, college fair, HISET/GED information, and more. St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 3889840 or visit www.ulstl.org.

Thurs., Sept. 18, 8 p.m., Gateway Arch Riverboats presents Blues Cruise. Experience the sounds of live local blues bands as you cruise down the Mississippi River and enjoy the beautiful St. Louis skyline. Includes cruise and music. 21 and over. Cash bar and concessions are available. Reservations are required. 50 S. Leonor K Sullivan Blvd. 63102. For more information, call (877) 982-1410 or visit ticketsforthearch.com.

Fri., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., St. Louis Community College Forest Park presents STLCC “It’s a Small World After All” Trivia Night. Make your “travel” plans to attend St. Louis Community College’s Trivia Night to raise funds for student study abroad scholarships. Soda and bottled water will be available for sale. Alcohol is not permitted on school property. Participants may bring snacks as well as table decorations to the event, which includes 10 rounds of questions plus a silent auction. 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. stlcc.edu.

Sept. 19 – 21, Chesterield Amphitheater & Chesterield Village host Budweiser Taste of St. Louis. Voted St. Louis’ Best Food Event by St. Louis Magazine’s A-List Readers’ Choice Poll, the 10th annual Budweiser Taste of St. Louis is The Ultimate Food Experience. 30+ Restaurants, The Art & Wine Walk, the all new Amphitheater Shows with national culinary celebrities, the Chef Battle Royale, Kid City and much more. 631 Veteran’s Place Dr., 63107. For more information, visit TasteSTL.com.

Fri., Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., The Gallery 400 presents Bridging the Gap 2014. This year’s theme, “Classic St. Louis,” will be carried out in the look, the feel and the taste of the event. In addition to that perennial favorite, the Wine Ring Toss, guests will enjoy entertainment and food that falls into the local “favorites” category like toasted ravioli from Bartolino’s. Shop for the holidays from among the many items available in both a silent and live auction. Enjoy a drink from the wonderful bar in this year’s venue, Gallery 400. Free valet parking for the evening. Dress for the evening is open to your own interpretation of “Classic” – St. Louis style, so get creative and join this evening of fun, food and fabulous to beneit The Bridge. 400 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.bridgestl.org.

Sept., 25 – 28, Disney on Ice presents Princesses and

Heroes. Enter a world of wonder where heroes and hearts prevail. Join Ariel as she years to explore the world about the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his one true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleicent to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin. Watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true. One S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000.

Sept. 26 – 28, Stacy Park hosts Olivette on the Go. The City of Olivette welcomes fall with an all-out festival. The festival features a wide array of live music, local food, games and carnival rides. Olivette’s Got Talent and the Classic Car Show return for the second year. The 5K and Fun Run will be held on Sunday. Attendees can look forward to the big Friday night kick-off with interactive DJ Reggie and hip-hop dancers. Don’t forget to get wristband crazy for the carnival rides. 9750 Old Bonhomme Rd., 63132. For more information, visit www. OlivetteOnTheGo.com.

Fri., Oct. 3, 12:30 p.m., Crescent Farms Golf Club hosts Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Program (IRWP), 1st Annual Golf Tournament. Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Program volunteers provide one-onone in-home English tutoring for isolated immigrants and refugees throughout the St. Louis community.745 Lewis Road, Eureka, 63025. For ticket information, call (314) 771-1104. For registration information,www.irwp.net.

Fri., Oct. 3, 8 p.m., Wine Press presents An Evening of Wine, Food, and Javier Mendoza. Tickets include, Buffet dinner, glass of wine and Concert. 4436 Olive St., 63108. For more information, visit www.javiermendoza.com.

Sat., Oct. 4, 7:30 a.m., Majic 100.3 and Hallelujah 1600 present 5th Annual Sista Strut – Walk to End Breast Cancer. A portion of the proceeds beneit the Breakfast Club, Inc., an African American breast cancer support group; The Black Women Breast Cancer Survivors Project, a community based project at UMSL; and the Siteman Cancer Center. Soldiers’ Memorial, 1315 Chestnut St., 63103. For more information, visit www.sistastrutSTL.com.

Sat., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council hosts Skinker DeBaliviere Homecoming feat. Javier Mendoza. A delightful evening of food, music, and lots of fun. Share good times with neighbors while grooving to the eclectic sounds of St. Louis favorite Javier Mendoza and enjoying delicious BBQ from Salt & Smoke. We’ll have the famous, fabulous silent auction with goodies at a range of price points. All proceeds benefit the SDCC. Buy tickets in advance and be included in an exclusive raffle for a chance to win a special, secret prize. Joe’s Café Gallery, 6010 Kingsbury Ave., 63112. For more information, visit www.skinker-debaliviere. com.

literary

Thur., Sept. 11, 3:30 p.m.,

Under one Flag: A Journey from 9.11 to the Heartland Book Launch. 3:30-Meet & greet, 5:30-Authors speak, 6:00-Book sales & signing, 7:30-Ceremony to honor the book’s fallen heroes, Michael & Zach. Statute Plaza atop Art Hill, Forest Park, 5595 Grand Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 6041926.

Thur., Sept. 11, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Katherine Pickett, author of Perfect Bound: How to Navigate the Book Publishing Industry Like a Pro. This book takes aspiring authors through the complete book publishing process, detailing who they will work with at each stage of production, what they can expect along the way, and what is expected of them in return. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

theatre

Sept. 19 – 20, Willi Ray Productions and Foundation of Truth Church presents Tears of Resentment. A look at what happens when victimization breeds retaliation. You will laugh, you will cry, you will feel, you may even hate…but most of all, you will have to deal with your own tears of resentment. The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan Ave., 63111. For more information, call (314) 276-4879 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Through Sept. 21, The Black Rep presents Purlie. Traveling preacher Purlie Victorious Jones returns to his small Georgia hometown to save the community church in this spirited, spiritual, sensational music. Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www. theblackrep.org.

Sun., Oct. 5, 3 & 7:30 p.m., Mrs. Independent the stage play. Starring Robin Givens, Dottie Peoples, Trisha

Mann-Grant, and others. A true story about a woman determined not to be the wife who needs a man, but to be the wife who a man needs. A husband’s struggle to be the head of the household his wife’s salary has always supported. Will love save their marriage or will money be their demise? Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. mrsindependenttheplay.com.

Sat., Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Fubar hosts Rock n Art Show Fundraiser for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Help raise money for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. This will be a free all age show but there will be a minimum $1 dollar donation at the door, 100% going to children’s diabetes research. 3108 Locust St., 63101. For more information, call (618) 210-4160.

lectures

Wed., Sept. 17, 7 p.m., The Missouri Bar presents Mini Law School for the Public.

The more you know about the laws that affect you, the easier it is to make good decisions about your life, your family, and your finances. The only requirement to attend these series of lectures is a curious mind and a desire to become better informed. There’s no homework, no tests just some of the most fascinating lectures you’ll ever hear from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable lawyers, law professors and judges. For more information and location, call (866) 366-0270.

Sat., Sept. 20, 12 p.m., Power Up Your Power Women’s Conference. Are You Ready... Set...to grow both in your personal and professional life. Join us for a POWERful Experience with POWER Speakers & Teachers. STL welcomes Former Pro Athlete Angela R. Lewis as VIP Keynote Speaker. JC Penney Conference Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd.,63121. For more information, visit www. iamawomanirst.com

Sat., Sept. 27, 4:45 p.m., PSG’s 2014 Self Saviors Lecture Series presents Wayne B. Chandler. Mr. Chandler will be speaking

See Chrisette Michele at The Pageant. See CONCERTS for more information.

on the topic of Fear of a Free Planet: Humanity’s trials and tribulations as we journey towards new frontiers in consciousness. Better Family Life Cultural, Educational, and Business Center, 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (618) 9608751 or visit www.eventbrite. com.

Mon., Sept. 29, 9 a.m., Missouri Career Center hosts Starting and Managing a Business. Starting a Business in Missouri is a 3-hour workshop created for those considering going into business for themselves. In just 3 hours, you will learn how to assess the industry, market and competition, discuss legal and regulatory requirements, identify sources of funding, and more. This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds, education and experience – regardless of the type of business you want to start. 26 N Oaks Plaza, 63121. For more information, call (314) 657-3547.

health

Through Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.,

Living with the Loss of a Parent: A Special Program for Young Adults. This 6-week bereavement group, facilitated by Kathy Bearman, LCSW, includes education, information sharing, and an opportunity to connect with other young adults who have lost a parent to cancer. Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis, 1058 Old Des Peres Rd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 2382000.

Sat., Sept. 13, 7 a.m., CHIPS Health and Wellness Center 14th Annual Run/Walk. The Run/Walk is followed by a Community Health Festival which includes activities of interest to young and old –free health screenings, vendor displays, refreshments, games for children, rafle prizes, and a lot of entertainment from local performers. 2431 N. Grand Blvd., 63106. For more information, visit www. chipsstl.org.

Sat., Sept., 13, 6 p.m., Lumiere Theatre hosts Knight of Smiles Gala. Step into a magical medieval evening at our Knight of Smiles Gala. Cocktail attire or Medieval attire is encouraged and welcomed. Guests will enjoy dinner, music, and an ultimate dance competition“Dancing for Smiles”. This is a fundraising event for the Delta Dental Health Theatre. For more information, email info@ ddhtstl.org, or call us at (314) 241-7391.

Sun., Sept. 14, 8:45 a.m., Creve Coeur Park hosts ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk. Lace up your sneakers and join St. Louis Urological Surgeons/Arch Cancer Care. The aim is to fund research and providing free testing and education. 13236 Streetcar Dr., 63043. For more information, visit www.zeroprostatecancerrun. org/stlouis.

Wed., Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m., SSM Weight Loss Institute presents Active in Style Fashion Show. Meet local people dedicated to health

and wellness while enjoying the latest fashion and fitness trends. May Community Education Center, De Paul Hospital Campus, 12303 Depaul Dr., 63044.

Sat., Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Fubar hosts Rock n Art show fundraiser for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Help raise money for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. This will be a free all age show but there will be a minimum $1 dollar donation at the door, 100% going to children’s diabetes research. 3108 Locust St., 63101. For more information, call (618) 210-4160.

Sat., Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m., Leukemia & Lymphoma Society presents Light the Night Walk. A fundraising campaign which brings together families and communities to honor blood cancer survivors, as well as those lost to the diseases, and shine a light on the importance of finding cures and providing access to treatments for blood cancer patients. The funds raised will help advance more breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients. Forest Park, Central Fields, 63112. For more information, call (314) 590-2265 or visit www. lightthenight.org.

spiritual

Fri., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Rev. Dr. F. James Clark presents “Simply Amazing” Live Recording. Shalom Church City of Peace, 5491 Highway 67, 63034. For more information, call (314) 6532300.

Oct. 3 – 4, First Baptist Church of Chesterfield Marriage Enrichment Ministry invites you to Cruising for Christ Overnight Retreat. Oct. 3 – Riverboat dinner cruise. Oct. 4 – Marriage enrichment sessions. Registration Deadline is Sept. 28. For more information, visit www. firstbcc.org or call (636) 5378748.

These two are a lovely couple. And did I mention the groom blessed his bride with a new car as her wedding gift? Oh, I need to have a talk with my husband right now. Anyway, Ms. Brittany is already back from vacation and on the air with her new last name. Loving It! Island nuptials. While everybody was getting the grills ready for Labor Day I had to pleasure of enjoying an island getaway, thanks to the Terrence Brownlee, who exchanged vows in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The son of Mary Brownlee and Clifford Brownlee is a St. Louis native now living in Los Angeles with his new bride Sherise (Watson)

As many folks from the Lou that traveled to this wedding – including yours truly – they really could have had it back in his hometown, but for the sake of my “mini vacay”surroundings I’m glad he didn’t. It was a tropical who’s who guest list, typical of anybody who has truly adopted the Cali lifestyle. My husband Boogie D (of Hot 104.1 FM) was there as well and did his throwback at noon set on the beach, and the guests and resort randoms loved it. I also had the pleasure of meeting “Let’s Stay Together” actress Erica Hubbard at the ceremony –whose newest project “Black Coffee” recently showed at the St. Louis Black Film Festival. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee currently reside just outside of L.A., where the bride just received her masters from USC and the groom is working on several projects with his media production company. His best

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University and Texas Southern University. He loved music throughout his life. He sang in the choirs at Antioch Baptist Church where he was baptized by the late Dr. William L. Perry and went through every department of the Sunday School from Cradle Roll to Adult.

Dr. Billups wrote six original pageants: “Rolling Along in Negro Song,” 1945; “NOAH”; “Alpha to Omega,” 1974; “Sumner High School 100th Anniversary Festival,” 1974; and “The Magic of Black Music” presented at Westport Playhouse in 1982. He wrote and arranged “Cert’ly Lord,” “I Stood on the River of Jordan,” “I want Jesus to walk with me,” “Cain and Abel,” “My Soul is a Witness,” “New Born Again” and “Stand the Storm.”

Dr. Billups states that his trademark has been coming forth with unusual musical ventures such as the Legend

man and business partner, Eric Warren, who is a childhood friend, will also be tying the knot to a California native. His big day is set for June 2015. Maya’s ‘Amazing Race.’ While in Punta Cana I tried to play detective and get the details about Maya Warren, who will be on the upcoming season of the CBS hit show “Amazing Race.” Maya, who is the younger sister of Eric and daughter of Eric Warren Sr. and Dr. Alice Price, can be seen on the reality show which airs on CBS September 26 at 7 p.m. She is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and will appear on the show with her lab partner Amy as they race across the world completing

Singers; God’s Musical World, which is a KTVI Channel Two weekly musical program; the Wings Over Jordan Choir; and guest choral director for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on more than 20 occasions. He was recognized by and received awards from the City of St. Louis, National Urban League, Northwestern University, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, St. Louis American newspaper, St. Louis Argus newspaper, National Association of Negro Musicians, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Missouri Music Educators, National Guild of Community Music Schools, and the Antioch Baptist Church. Lincoln University conferred on him the Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1978 of which he was most proud. Dr. Billups, a native of St. Louis, was born April 15, 1918, the second son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Louis Billups. He was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from Sumner High School. His college training began at Lincoln University, where he

challenges, competing for the $1 million grand prize. Now I’ve done my best to try to get some details early, but Maya isn’t talking. But you can keep up with her progress in the show by following the hashtag #SweetScientists.

TeaAndCrumpets. I have my eye on a few new bachelors that have relocated to St. Louis. Word on the street that these well-educated, well paid and well paid (yes, that’s worth a double mention) gentlemen have been seen around town, making moves in business and with the ladies. They don’t have any strong connections to St. Louis but hey, I’m betting somebody changes that very soon.

played varsity basketball and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees at Northwestern University, 1945-47. Further graduate work was done at Washington University in St. Louis.

Born to the union of Kenneth and his wife, Florence White Billups, were four children, Kathleen, Karla, Karyl and Kenneth Jr.

This tribute concert is one of several “Kick Off “ events leading toward the 140th Anniversary of the Charles Sumner High School to be held in June of 2015 at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. Charles Sumner High School, founded in 1875, was the first AfricanAmerican high school west of the Mississippi. These tribute events were organized by Elaine Smith, Sumner High School alumna. For more information on A’Cappella Reunion Choir, email esmith@tabcstl.org. For more information on the 140th Sumner Anniversary , email jvanderford63@att.net.

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participants: two doctors, a deacon, a pastor, a minister, and someone with HIV/ AIDS experience. Half of the group had been to Africa previously, and the other three were just as excited as we had been during our initial trip to Mother Africa. Instead of crying, a few people actually kissed the ground to show reverence to the land that bore our ancestors.

Each of us possessed different talents and experiences and brought unique contributions to the mission. We stayed in a modest hotel in Blantyre, Malawi (in in southeastern Africa) and worked in a village outside of the city about 45 minutes away.

Our trip began a year ago when my local pastor asked for volunteers to accompany him to an impoverished country in Africa. He approached me because of my prior experience and encouraged me to seek other like-minded individuals. As the months passed, we began collecting needed items such as medical supplies, medicines and (believe it or not) reading glasses. During that irst trip, I was amazed at the number of people who could not read ine print.

Upon arriving in Blantyre, I was greeted by cold weather, temperatures in the sixties. Although I had researched the weather, I still expected it to be fairly warm weather. I was freezing. I actually needed a sweatshirt in Africa!

n Within three and a half days, we saw over 200 patients.

We arrived to Malawi on a Tuesday, and on Wednesday we began our mission work. The drive to Chidradzula was on one of the most treacherous dirt roads that I have ever traveled. There were deep craters, it was narrow, and it always seemed like we were going to hit the numerous people walking on the sides of the roads. The van in which we traveled graciously allowed us to experience each and every crater. My body became accustomed to being jostled up and down like popcorn!

Seeing pictures of African women in National Geographic magazines carrying baskets on their heads is nothing as compared to witnessing these graceful people accomplishing such tasks in person. Even when they were not supporting items on their heads, their posture

remained upright, as if they were princesses walking through a ballroom. I don’t think they realized how in awe each of us were every time we passed them. The place where we worked was known as PIM, Providence Industrial Mission. Malawians take great pride in sharing the historical signiicance of PIM. Once a hiding place for slaves, it soon became known as the site where John Chilembwe, a local pastor, fought against the white colonials in 1915. He eventually was captured and no one has ever uncovered where he is buried. Because of his bravery, Chilembwe’s face adorns the 500 Kwacha, Malawi’s form of currency. Just as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. every January 15, Malawians commemorate Chilembwe on that day. Within three and a half days, we saw over 200 patients. We treated chicken pox, enlarged thyroids, malaria, HIV and a host of other diseases in our makeshift waiting room. For some patients, I had a pill that could help. For others, we prayed and asked God to heal them. Because of prayer, one little mute boy started to speak. Mission complete. We at least made an impact on one life. Visit www.sharinghopeim. org for future life-changing missions to Africa.

Michael Jones and KMOV’s Brittany Noble recently wed in a lavish ceremony at Friendly Temple, where Michael’s father Rev. Michael Jones is senior pastor.

uprising.

“When people look at Ol’ Captain, the man who runs the plantation, you can very much see the attitude of the Ferguson mayor or the chief of the police,” Himes said.

“And there is not a monolithic black person in the play. Purlie has his way of going after liberation. Get Low has another way. Lutiebelle is young and innocent and is the promise of the future. I think that all of the players of the movement in Ferguson are on this stage.”

The Black Rep production stars Alicia Like and Kelvin Roston Jr. and is under the musical direction of Charles Creath.

“Purlie” was selected as the Black Rep’s fall show several months before the tragic death of Michael Brown on August 9, which precipitated the Ferguson protests.

“Any season that we’ve have had over the years, if there is a moment or an issue or a crisis, there is something in our season that speaks to it,” Himes said.

“That has historically been the power of the work that

we’ve done at the theatre. We produce work that deal with issues that are very, very relevant to our community and that speak to issues that give people a way to discuss them by looking through the lens of the theatre.”

The season continues with Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” and follows with “Paul Robeson” this fall and winter at Harris-Stowe’s Emerson Performance Center. Himes encourages participants in the Ferguson movement to come see the show in the hopes that the production offers a sense of

direction.

“For so many people –especially young people – that is the piece that is sort of missing: people are not really operating from a base of knowing where we come from, understanding where we are and using both of those to help us better figure out where we are trying to get to,” Himes said.

“And the play could offer that perspective. This play could give this conversation a historical context. You are talking about a man [Davis] who not only marched with Martin Luther King Jr., but

who also eulogized Malcolm X. His take on the movement, his historical base and knowledge, is something that we still can all learn from.”

The Black Rep’s production of ‘Purlie’ is currently underway and continues through September 21 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre. A post-show discussion will take place following the September 18 performance. Visit www. theblackrep.org or call (314) 534-3810 for a full schedule of performances, tickets or more information.

Guitar society donates instruments to Normandy

Several members of the St. Louis Classical Guitar Society visited Normandy High School recently to present 16 new guitars to the school’s music program. The instruments will be used by the students in Adam Yanick’s classical guitar class. This is the irst time the high school has offered the class. The guitars and accessories, which cost a total of $2400, were purchased with donations from Margaret Gilleo, board member of the society’Chris Krehmeyer, CEO of Beyond Housing; Midwest Bank Centre and the St. Louis Community Foundation’s Papendick Fund. Last school year, the society donated 12 guitars to Normandy Middle School.

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Celebrations

Birthdays

details or send questions to beaumont64alumni@gmail. com.

Beaumont High School class of 1969 will host its 45 year reunion on Sept. 19-20, 2014 at the Renaissance Hotel Airport and alumni picnic August 16 at Hudson Park. For more info contact LaDonne at 314-277-5095 or Pat at 314517-9632.

Beaumont Class of 1964 (January and June classes) will hold its 50-year reunion October 3–5, 2014 at the Embassy Suites at the Airport, 11237 Lone Eagle Drive. Current addresses and contacts are needed for alumni. For more information, please contact John Jackson at 314640-5978. Find out more

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. Please contact Essie Harrison at essie. harrison@att.net or call (314) 400-4602 with your name,

Sovereign Cadence Wilford turned two years old on Sept. 10. She lives in Okinawa, Japan. Grandma Sheilah wishes you the best birthday ever! Japanese translation: “tanjoubi omedetou”!

address, phone number, and email address.

Lincoln Sr. High School (East St. Louis, IL) Class of 1964 50th Class Reunion, 6 pm, Friday, September 26; 6:30 pm, Saturday, September 27, St. Louis Airport Marriott, 10700 Pear Tree Lane, St. Louis, MO 63134; 10 am, Sunday church service at Southern Mission M.B. Church, 2801 State Street, East St. Louis, IL, 62205. Contact persons: Carolyn Leggs Curry at 314.385.6305 or Ruby McSwain Akins at lottie840@yahoo.com.

Kinloch High School Alumni presents the 3rd annual All School Picnic, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 at the Bella Fontaine

Happy Birthday Osiris Jerome Brown. He will celebrate his 1st birthday September 14! Love, Nana (Phillis Owens)

Happy 100th Birthday to Mrs. Carrie Barnes on September 16! We love you! From: Agnes, Kim, Dacia, Nathan and a host of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren

Byron Lovett, Pam Taylor and Rashad Van—September 8

Cortez McDowel Jr.—September 10

Tamara L. Dean—September 13

Mariah E. Boler—September 15

Picnic Ground on Zellweger and Bellefontaine Rd. Bellefontaine, Mo. Cost $10 per person age 12 and over. Children age 11 and under $5. For more information, contact Arlene Owens Davis at 314792-0659, Reuben Melton at 314-239-5202, Lester Wilson at 314-863-2180, or MC McKinnies at 314-524-0126.

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.

Vashon High School Class of 1964 has planned its 50th reunion weekend for Sept.

19-20, 2014. Friday, Sept. 19, 2014 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Vagabond House, 4315 Westminister, St. Louis, Mo. 63115. Sat., Sept. 20, 2014, 7 p.m., dinner at Christian Hospital 11133 Dunn Road. Please visit Facebook page: Vashon Class of 1964 for more information, or contact Brenda Mahr at 314-993-5155, email brendamahr@att.net.

Normandy Class of 1979 picnic: Sunday, August 3, 1-6 p.m. at Jackson Park in Pine Lawn, Mo.

Northwest High School Class of 1979 reunion dates are set for August 23-24, 2014. Please contact Duane Daniels at 314568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 to purchase tickets and any needed further information.

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

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

Happy Birthday to my beautiful twin girls, Kamille and Kellsy, and gorgeous wife Kelly on September 16! Love, Dad/Darius S. Daniel Sr.

Religion

‘The Politics of Jesus’

Rev. Starsky

Wilson parallels Christianity and Ferguson protests

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“To be clear, to be church is to proclaim the politics of Jesus,” said Rev. Starsky Wilson, pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ.

“Over the last few weeks in our city we have been afforded the opportunity to proclaim Christ’s politics in public. We have proclaimed that we should be a community undivided.”

The pews of the church were filled with guests who came from around the nation to demonstrate with the people of Ferguson for the sake of justice for Michael Brown by way of Black Lives Matters rides two Sundays ago.

“We got a glimpse and a chance to see what it’s it is like to be God’s beloved community in the streets and in the sanctuaries,” Wilson said.

He was speaking of the diversity among those who continue to protest for justice in the wake of the shooting death of unarmed teen Michael Brown.

“We’ve had a chance to see the politics of Jesus played out in it’s radical, revolutionary and realistic form,” Wilson said. “The real deal is that no matter what people tell you, no matter what church looks like and how it usually feels, Jesus’ politics are both radical and revolutionary.”

The Black Lives Matter

riders had come to experience and practice what Wilson described Jesus’ politics to be – an attempt to overturn systematic oppression and replace it with a community structure that is beneficial for all.

In a sermon that felt as much like a history and political science lecture as it did a spiritual message, Wilson gave the Black Lives Matter riders a back story on the political climate in the life and times of Jesus and laid out how Christ’s ministry coincided with the current situation in Ferguson.

“He lived under Roman occupation and there were militarized forces in his neighborhood,” Wilson said.

“Jesus lived under an elite priestly system that turned the temples over to Rome to exact taxes on people that kept them oppressed. These priests were in bed with the Roman establishment to keep people poor.”

Wilson used Luke 4:14-18 as his scriptural frame of reference for his message.

“We don’t call it taxes today,” Wilson said. “We call it profiling and being ticketed for driving while black. Somebody got here today and didn’t know that there were three arrest warrants for every household in Ferguson. We are also talking about ticketing that targets people disproportionately and has them under the burden of warrants.”

Wilson also spoke of the element of crime that came as a result of the social climate in the time of Jesus.

“It was noted that there were people who were so poor, that they decided to act out against the system by looting people

who came down the pathways in Galilee,” Wilson said. “Crucifixion was an execution reserved for insurrectionists and rebels. Jesus was not killed between two thieves, but between two looters or ‘social bandits.’”

The context of the sermon seemed to suggest that the intention of Christ’s ministry was as much to free a people from being targeted by those in power as it was to provide spiritual cleansing and renewal through faith.

“There are those who have attempted to forget in what Dr. Obery Hendricks calls ‘political docetism’ – denying the political nature of Jesus’ life, so that you may deny the political nature of his ministry,” Wilson said. “They suggest that Jesus was more concerned with individual morality than he was with social justice – that he was more concerned with inward evil than systemic than systemic evil and oppression. Jesus’ political climate is

our political climate, and therefore we must not forget the revolutionary reality of our religious roots.”

Open House at Second Presbyterian

An Open House will be held

Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Place (at Taylor) in the Central West End, to mark the beginning of the new church year of Christian Education for both children and adults.

Leah Gunning Francis of Eden Seminary will preach during worship, and a Dixieland jazz trio will play during and after worship. Immediately following 11 a.m. worship, an ice cream social will be held in Niccolls Hall at the church. Members of Second Church will also offer tours of the historic sanctuary, designed by renowned architect, Theodore Link, who also designed St. Louis’ Union Station.

The Message

Time for ‘relieforiented’strategies

By Bishop Jesse Battle For The St. Louis American

It is time for all people of goodwill to seriously commit to alleviating the cancer of racism and ill-will that has ravaged the streets of North County during the past weeks. An element of calm has now come to that small piece of geography we call Ferguson, Missouri, where an unarmed black teenager was shot multiple times by a white police oficer.

The late Thaddeus Golas, Columbia University philosopher, wrote, “What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.” It’s now time to set past reactions aside and move toward strategies that will heal past and present hurts.

to plan “relief-oriented” strategies. Such strategies must encompass the needs of all of our diverse citizens. Failure to do so is not an option. To fail at healing the debilitating disease of bigotry and racial indifference will ensure success in the destruction of us all.

As the episcopal leader of the churches afiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America, the local arm of the International Bible Way Church, I have summoned our pastors and parishioners to unite with all persons of goodwill, white, black and other, to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at breaking down the barriers of racial polarization and it’s resulting disrespect of the minority group and distrust of the majority group.

I encourage all leaders in Ferguson and the 92 selfgoverned municipalities surrounding St. Louis, along with St. Louis city and county, and the State of Missouri, to come together with open minds and hearts

The Michael Brown shooting has caused a great groundswell at the bottom. But if these effects are to result in any meaningful change, there must be “cloud-swell” at the top. Suficient “rainfall” from the top must cultivate the bottom ground to produce positive growth at all levels of our communities.

Governor Jay Nixon must be willing to meet with future Mike Browns and Brother Woo together. Woo is a positive young white brother from Ferguson whom I met last week at a meeting of black, white and Jewish community leaders. The governor must be willing to meet with black and white leaders from all aspects of the community. Those meetings must be held in the spirit of “listening to heal” as opposed to “listening to explain.” Hurting people need hope, not excuses! Hurtful people need understanding, not justiication!

Bishop Jesse Battle is Diocesan, Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America. Email bishopjessebattle@gmail. com.

The Rev. Starsky Wilson recently hosted riders from Black Lives Matters at St. John’s United Church of Christ when they visited Ferguson.

Bishop Jesse Battle

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Sherral and Porcha were two of the lucky winners who had the chance to meet with rapper T.I. Monday night at The Marquee. Hot 104.1 FM and The Marquee helped a select group of fans get a sneak preview of his ninth studio album entitled “Paperwork,” which will hit the streets on October 21.

Happy Salute Eve! As you are reading this I am getting sewn into my Body Magic and in the middle of my Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala dry-run/dress rehearsal. I’m still deciding on whether or not I will go through the trouble of an after party wardrobe change. Either way, this year’s festivities will be absolutely glorious from start to finish and I can’t wait for the who’s who of The Lou to get suited and glammed up as we celebrate the best and brightest in the field of Education. There will be some heavy hitters in the building at America’s Center tomorrow night, y’all – you really don’t want to miss it if you don’t have to. But if there is an extreme circumstance that prevents you from attending, trust and believe we will have recap action like you wouldn’t believe in print, online and via social media. And, after we are done celebrating awardees and scholars, we are going to tear the club up at the Bud Light Rita Fiesta after party featuring DJ Kut. Anybody who has seen him spin already knows how it’s going down. If you don’t have a ticket, say a prayer and then call us up at (314) 533-8000 and we might be able to squeeze you in somewhere. I can’t stress enough (well maybe I have) that Salute is the place to be and be seen. More than 1,200 folks already have their tickets this year! I said 1,200 y’all! And for those of you who love to do so on a major scale, Salute is probably your best bet to get yourself seen in your most glamourous attire by the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of eyeballs that check for us in print, on the web and through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. I’m just sayin’. Having a ball at Envy. Friday night I made my first visit to Envy at the Ballpark since I stopped through for its grand opening late in the spring (or early in the summer…who can remember with this body magic cutting into my side). It’s petite when one considers the standard size of a club, but it was still bananas as folks piled in to wish Los a happy b-day. The night was hosted by Tiffany Foxx and Ms. Bling, and I must say that I can remember that Tiffany brings out the masses every time she is in the building. I ran into a host of STL Stars that I will get in trouble for naming because I will forget someone. Just know that it was ______________ (insert new slang for poppin’ like dynamite).

A flat Ciroc party. While I was overjoyed with Niddy and them at Envy, I was quietly underwhelmed with the release party for Diddy’s Pineapple Cîroc set Saturday night at the Rustic Goat. The size of the crowd was fine and dandy, but I was expecting to see more of a tastemaker scene. Some folks would say it was a cool little set, but I can’t say that if Diddy popped his head in he would have been especially pleased. Oh well, I’m sure pineapple won’t be the last Cîroc flavor to hit these streets. Perhaps the influential folks will be compelled to come out for Cîroc mango?

A blast with OutKast. I must give the organizers at LouFest props for giving its audience what I hate to admit just might be one of the final performances of legendary ATL hip-hop duo OutKast. And though I have not had my personal space invaded in such a manner since a certain popular (now defunct) weekend in Atlanta that I almost always deny ever being a part of, OutKast was everything I dreamed they would be. It’s safe to assume that Sunday night at Central Field had Forest Park looking as close to Woodstock as it ever could – but these were hip-hoppies instead of hippies. And the minute Andre 3000 came out in that Estelle Getty wig (i.e. Sophia from “Golden Girls”) and Big Boi scooted out in what appeared to be some kind of Cross Colours tribute attire, LIFE ensued from start to finish! They knew every word to EVERY song. And the young lady who got up there to “shake it like a Polaroid picture” restored my faith in general population twerkers. Miley Cyrus wishes she could hang with that girl in the tan Daisy Dukes –who had a full-on routine that she had clearly practiced since it leaked that LouFest was bringing OutKast several months ago. And even though OutKast looked like they really can’t stand each other, they were great sports about it on stage and gave the audience everything it could have ever desired. OutKast and their funky band were a lethal combination (in the best way possible). Even that yawn-singing Sleepy Brown managed to give me a taste of life over the course of the evening. I tip my fresh pre-Salute up do to LouFest and hope that hip-hop stays a main course on their menu.

Tip’s secret “Paperwork” submission. My weekend carried on into Monday thanks to a top-secret stop to the STL by T.I. to promote his upcoming album “Paperwork” – which drops next month – and give some inside scoop about the project to lucky winners and industry insiders thanks to Hot 104.1 FM. I’m gonna have to use T.I.’s words and say “I rocks with him.” True to form, he kept it real when my boy A-Plus chatted it up with Tip at The Marquee on Monday night. They hit everything from his affiliations with Young Thug and Iggy Azalea to his “New National Anthem” cut that speaks on police violence against black men and has special significance in the wake of the Michael Brown tragedy. I loved him even more for going from a track laced in tragedy right into some trap music. I caught all of my life! He played five or six songs from “Paperwork,” and there were some real bangers in the mix. If the rest of the album is anything like the cuts he played it’s going to be up there with some of his classics.

Finesse of the Cash Crew an “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta” co-star Bambi were in the building for the Young Dolph show Saturday night @ The Coliseum

Tiffany Foxx, Los , and Ms. Bling in VIP for his birthday party Friday night @ Envy

Nicole and Jasmine stayed around until the night fell for the final Day Ja Vu Sunday @ Harrys

Lee Haynes and Raqelle Wallace enjoy a calm evening with live music Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Lafayette and Vanisha were among the lovely ladies in the house for the Little Black Dress Party Friday night @ The Marquee

Raphael Umbrella, of the Umbrella group, Fred, and Tye helped keep things popping @ Ciroc Pineapple launch party and DJ Reminisce birthday party Saturday @ the Rustic Goat

Tajh receive a chance to meet St. Louis Rams player Janoris Jenkins before the Season opener Sunday afternoon @ Edward Jones Dome

St. Louis Surge’s Neosha, Khalia and Deanna were on the sidelines of the Rams home opener Sunday afternoon @ The Edward Jones Dome

Antonio and Angie took a moment to unwind as they started their weekend off @ The Little Black Dress party @ The Marquee

Wootie, Tara, and Shaki were among the STL stars hanging out for Los’ b-day party hosted by Tiffany Foxx and Ms. Bling @ Envy

Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

GRAPHIC MANAGER

The

This

Illustration and

follow

and

ITskills, especially with design and photo-editing

excellent time management and organizational skills; accuracy and attention to detail; professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

The position provides vision, creative solutions and delivers high-quality designs for all assigned tasks; manages all aspects of print design projects; assists with website graphics; maintains archives and file history; works with vendors in delivering files; works with Marketing Director to assure on-target design and messaging; enthusiastically promotes the Marketing Directors goals and priorities; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and SLPL information; at times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

St. Louis Public Library offers a comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and resume to:

St. Louis Public Library Human Resources 1415 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103 Fax: 314-539-0335 Email: employment@slpl.org EOE

PROJECT MANAGER

CITY COUNSELOR

CALLS

COORDINATOR/ COMPLIANCE

proposals for a Video Feed Share Proposal. Apre- proposal meeting is scheduled on October 1, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the MoDOT St. Louis District Traffic Management Center, Room 211. The address is 14301 S. Outer Forty Road, Chesterfield, MO. 63017. Sealed proposals must be received no later than 1:00 p.m. local time, October 14, 2014. Acopy of the proposal documents and more information may be downloaded at the following: http://www.modot.org/business/contractor_resources/gs_bidding/D6/D6 commodities.htm Or requested from Teresa ( Terri) Mount at 314- 301-1431 or Teresa.Mount@modot.mo.gov

PM, CT, on October 7, 2014, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order11246, “Notice of Requirement forAffirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT

TO: NEALR. SCHMIDT, Case No: 201202269

An Administrative Complaint to revoke your license and eligibility for licensure has been filed against you. You have the right to request a hearing pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, by mailing a request for same to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Post Office Box 3168, Tallahassee, Florida 32315-3168. If a request for hearing is not received by 21 days from the date of the last publication, the right to hearing in this matter will be waived and the Department will dispose of this cause in

ATTENTION:

MBE/WBE Contractors and non-minority contractors

Insituform Technologies USA, LLC , 17988 Edison Ave. Chesterfield, MO 63005, is seeking subcontractor quotes for The Metropolitan St. Louis SewerDistrict (District), Lemay Public I & I Reduction (2015), Contract B, Letting No. 11927-015.1, Bidding September24, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Potential subcontracting opportunities available for consideration on these projects include : Lab testing services, closed-circuit television inspection and cleaning of existing sewer lines, interstate hauling with a reefer truck, manhole location, manhole cover remove and replace, cementitious manhole rehabilitation, CIPPlateral connection repair, and point repairs all in accordance with project specifications. IMPORTANT: QUOTE LINE ITEMS ON A TURNKEYBASIS AND INCLUDE PERMITS, TRAFFIC CONTROL, SEWER BY-PASSING, ETC, IF REQUIRED. All MWBE and nonminority contractors should contact Greg Patton or Mark Reeves in writing (certified letter, return receipt requested) to discuss bid opportunities. In lieu of a certified letter, contact can be made by e-mail to gpatton@insituform.com and mwreeves@insituform.com. Acknowledge in your quote your company will meet the workforce per trade minority requirements per the project specifications. A pre-bid conference for the bid will be held at Insituform Technologies USA, LLC’s Training Center , 580 Goddard Avenue, Chesterfield, MO 63005 on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 9:00 AM. Quotes must be completed and submitted to Kenny Pipitone at kpipitone@insituform.com by 11:00 AM, Monday, September 22, 2014, along with a copy of your current MWBE Certification. All quotations will be evaluated for overall compliance with the project specifications, scheduling availability and pricing.

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis SewerDistrict (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for PROVIDENCE PUBLIC I/I REDUCTION under Letting No. 11933-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Wednesday, October15, 2014. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILLBE PUBLICLYOPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELYAFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKETSTREET, ATAPLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The work to be done underthis contract consists of rehabilitation of approximately 29,400 lineal feet of pipe, 125 manholes and 411 service connection repairs. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis SewerDistrict Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of Cities of WebsterGroves and unincorporated St. Louis County in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid. This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

SEALED BIDS

State

MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/18/2014. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to http:// www.oa.mo. gov/fmdc/dc/ list.htm.