September 15th, 2022 edition

Kemp has gone from ‘hustling’ to designing

Principal says ‘No excuses’

Eagles soar at Marion Elementary School in Ritenour School District

By Alvin A.

are Success Oriented.

Marion is one of the district’s most decorated schools, earning local, state and, national awards in recent years including being named: a 2018 Missouri Exemplary Professional Learning Communities School; a US News and World Reports top 25% rating among Missouri elementary schools in Missouri in 2020; and a 2021 recognition from St. Louis University

Can’t ask for anything Moore

at the opening of the St. Louis Metroplolitan Urban League’s Salute to Women in Leadership Gala Friday, Sept. 9, at the Marriott Grand Hotel downtown.

Set Sep. 19 date for the car dealers to take steps against car thefts

By Isaiah Peters

The St. Louis American

St. Louis experienced more than 1,200 Hyundais 2015-2021 and Kias 2011-2021 stolen in July and Aug. 2022 alone according to the St. Louis Police Department.

“We’re looking at ways to hold big corporations accountable for a design issue that has led to a nearly 1,000% spike in car thefts and turned breaking the law into a viral social

media challenge,” St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said. Jones said automakers must recall affected vehicles and install the immobilizing technology to avoid a lawsuit.

Hyundai and Kia have until Sep. 19 to take action in reducing the targeted carjackings, city of St. Louis City Counselor Sheena Hamilton said.

“I hope to get some damages, and everyone else who’s suffering because it is not ethical,” said Khadijah Amirah, a car theft victim. Amirah is a 33-year-old single mother with three children who works as a makeup artist and esthetician. Since May 2020, Amirah has worked on location, and depends heavily on her vehicle. She said her 2015 Kia Soul was stolen either Aug. 11 or 12 from her Benton Park residence. She described looking for her car out-

Dems

‘Schools are supposed to be safe havens’

She gets 53% of vote KSDK.com

While turnout for a special primary election held Tuesday Sept. 13, 2022, was low, Alderwoman Megan Green topped Alderman Jack Coatar in the first round of a two-round tussle for President of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.

Green received just under 54% (6,497) of votes cast, while about 46% (5,607) went to Coatar. Out of the 191,587 registered voters in St. Louis, about 6% cast an absentee ballot or visited one of 15 locations throughout the city “[Tuesday], St. Louis spoke clearly. We’re ready to build a city that works for everyone. Onward to November,” Green said on her campaign Facebook page. “I am heartened by the support I got, proud of the See GREEN, A7

Reid

Alvin A. Reid

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Song bird Melba Moore singing

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Principal Bilal Ewing chats with students during lunch at Marion Elementary School in the Ritenour School District Tuesday, Sept. 13.

St. Louis Public Schools Board member Alisha Sonnier (left) the political director for Megan Green (center) and 8th Ward Alderwoman Annie Rice have a group hug Tue.night Sept. 13, 2022 after Green defeated Alderman Jack Coatar.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Rapper PnB Rock murdered inside a LA

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles

PnB Rock, 30, was fatally shot Monday during a robbery at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles.

The slaying of the Philadelphia native happened at 1:23 p.m. at the Inglewood location of the popular chain. He was declared dead soon after at a nearby hospital.

Los Angeles police

Capt. Kelly Muniz

informed The New York Post the suspect waved their gun in the air and demanded Rock hand over his personal belongings. Rock’s jewelry was targeted.

“He shot the victim and ran out the side door to a getaway car and then fled the parking lot,” Muniz said.

Rock, born Rakim Hasheem Allen, was at the

restaurant with his girlfriend, who shared an Instagram post tagging the location they were dining at.

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles shared they are deeply saddened by Rock’s death in a statement on Monday night.

“His passing represents an enormous loss to each and every one of us. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers go to the Allen family at this difficult time,” the statement said.

“The safety of our employees and guests are our utmost priority. We have and will continue to keep our place of business as safe as possible.”

Rock rose to prominence in 2015 after his smash single “Selfish” reached No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

India Royale, Lil Durk break up following rumors of him cheating

Lil Durk has finally addressed what many fans have been waiting for, breaking his silence about he and his fianIndia Royale’s break up. He posted a photo and mes-

sage on Monday (Sept. 12) that said,

“That [cat emoji], mines 4ever welcome to death row [expletive].” Royale argued against his statement on her Instagram story uploading a cap emoji in response. The back and forth comes after Royale tweeted she was a “free agent” on Sunday (Sept. 11). Fans believe from her post and finding out she unfollowed Durk on Instagram add up to their relationship going downhill. They started dating in 2017 and share a daughter named Willow, they welcomed her in October 2018. Durk just proposed to Royale in his hometown Chicago at a concert last December.

Earlier this year Durk went viral for his interview with “Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast” after he said Royale’s bodycount made him most attracted to her.

Megan Thee Stallion slams critics who claim she suggested Nicki Minaj to get an abortion

Megan Thee Stallion disputes Nicki Minaj’s claims of her telling her to get an abortion.

Minaj not new to having rap beef went on her Queen Radio show discussing her rivals including an unidentified person believed to be Megan, who recommended she get an abortion.

On the epsiode she explained how the alleged person told her to terminate her pregnancy at an abortion clinic after she turned down a drink offer.

“Imagine telling someone you didn’t want a drink… you know, because you were, at the time, possibly pregnant, because you were actively trying to have a baby,” Minaj said.

“Imagine that person saying, ‘Oh girl, you can go to the clinic!’” Minaj also talked about how the unknown person attempted to send congratulation flowers to her house honoring the birth of her son after seeing Beyoncé sent her flowers.

Several of Minaj’s cult following fanbase, “The Barbz” accused Megan of being the culprit.

One of her fans tweeted “@theestallion Nicki Minaj is accusing you of encouraging abortion & child endangerment w/ alcohol.. This isn’t something to stay quiet on.”

Megan saw the tweet and responded back saying that’s a lie. “No names were mentioned but u were first to respond? Oh baby the shoe fits,” Megan replied. “So this person didn’t mention me?” “If someone @ you, you can respond right or that don’t apply for every user on twitter? If someone directly @ my name …why do they be confused when I reply lol?”

Sources: Billboard, Twitter, All Hip Hop, Hip Hop DX, Page Six, XXL, New York Post

“The

- Jonay Holkins, Business Roundtable senior director of policy

Adrian, Vernon Bracy named Charmaine Chapman co-chairs

United Way launches 2022 Community Campaign

St. Louis American staff

Adrian and Vernon Vito Bracy have been named the 2022 chairs for United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society [CCS], which has raised $59 million for the United Way’s Community Campaign since its inception in 1994.

“Vernon and I are so excited to be a part of this year’s United Way campaign to help inspire philanthropy and community with other Black leaders,” said Adrian Bracy.

“The Charmaine Chapman Society has long been an important component of United Way’s work in uplifting our St. Louis community and, as a former leader of one of United Way’s partner agencies, I’ve seen firsthand how critical United Way’s support is for its entire network of safety net partners.”

M. Suggs launched the Society to bring Black leaders together through philanthropy and recognize their commitment and passion for the St. Louis region.

“We are honored to have Adrian and Vernon leading our Charmaine Chapman Society as they have been longtime supporters and members with deep understanding of the impact United Way has in our community,” said Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Garnering support for this Society is key to helping people throughout our region live here and thrive.”

n During the past century, United Way of Greater St. Louis has raised nearly $3 billion to invest into the community, impacting millions of people.

The Society is named after Charmaine Chapman, the first woman and first African American to head United Way of Greater St. Louis as its president and chief executive officer.

In 1994, Charmaine and St. Louis American publisher Dr. Donald

Adrian Bracy is an author, business and personal coach, consultant, and motivational speaker. She spent 18 years in the National Football League working in financial management. Following her career in the NFL, Bracy transitioned to the nonprofit sector and served as chief executive officer of YWCA Metro St. Louis for nearly 12 years. She currently serves as the executive director of The Steward Trust. Vernon Vito Bracy is the chief

executive officer/president of a unified communications company called Renaissance Voice Communications (RVC). Prior to launching RVC, he held several other executive level roles in sales, finance, and data breach protection over the course of nearly 20 years.

The United Way has also launched its 2022 Community Campaign, celebrating the organization’s 100-year anniversary of helping the St. Louis region. Its campaign co-chairs are Penny Pennington, managing partner of

Edward Jones, and Rusty Keeley, CEO of Keeley Companies. Arica Harris, director of banking and payment operation at Edward Jones, is vice chair.

“United Way once again stepped up to serve as a critical leader as many in our region faced devastating and difficult impacts from flooding,” said Harris.

“This is an example of why having a strong United Way in our region is important. Because of its 100-year existence, it has the infrastructure, knowledge, and partnerships to

Arica Harris, 2022 vice chair of United Way of Greater St. Louis Community Campaign, Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis and Emily Pitts were on hand for a recent celebration of the campaign’s launch at Forest Park.

quickly mobilize and coordinate support, so response and relief efforts are available and efficient. A gift to United Way means that this support stands ready when there is a disaster like this.”

The annual fall fundraising campaign officially began Sept. 14, 2022 and runs through November. United Way of Greater St. Louis invests in more than 160 local nonprofits that create a solid foundation for our region through early childhood and youth success, jobs and financial mobility, health and wellbeing, essential needs, and community and crisis response.

During the past century, United Way of Greater St. Louis has raised nearly $3 billion to invest into the community, impacting millions of people.

“We are proud of how our community comes together during this special time of year and lends their generous support to helps those throughout our region who need it most,” said Tucker.

“We look forward to the support of our local businesses, partners, labor unions and individuals whose generosity will enable us to continue to support the St. Louis region into the next 100 years.”

Individuals can make a gift online or learn more about United Way’s impact at HelpingPeople.org/Give.

Photo courtesy of the United Way

Guest Editorial

Always remember, elected officials work for us

Labor Day has passed after again reminding us that elected officials in our city, county, state, the U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives work for us, the people.

We are the employer.

What guide or criteria should we use to determine who we should hire or rehire with our vote?

In the coming weeks leading up to the midterm elections, we will be bombarded by applicants. In addition to the many political messages dominating the airwaves — and in print and online media — many aspiring candidates will be making the rounds at public gatherings, political forums, and other venues.

But beware. Shaking hands, kissing babies, and making a few remarks should not be considered anything more than an initial application.

Most of us will have a lot of decisions to make about who we want to represent us in every level of our government.

For example: In Missouri we have Republican Eric Schmitt, Democrat Trudy Bush Valentine, Libertarian Jonathan Dine and Constitution Party Paul Venable being interviewed for the job of U.S. Senator.

All of the seats for the U.S. House of Representatives in Missouri are up for hire.

All 163 seats in the Missouri House, and half the 34 seats in the Missouri Senate, are on the ballot.

If a candidate has held the job before, and is seeking to be rehired, there is another set of questions to be asked.

What is their record of working and voting on the issues you care about? What successes have they had; what legislation have they sponsored, supported, and passed? Have they communicated with you while they held the job? What are they proposing to do about the issues that are important to you?

For a candidate seeking public office for the first time, it is fair to ask other questions. Why are they seeking office? What is their life or professional experiences that qualifies them to seek it? What have they done to impact the lives of others, their community, and the governmental office they want to represent?

While there are unique roles and responsibilities associated with each elective office, there are certain basic and prerequisite qualifications that they hold in common.

No doubt, voters have things they look for and require of someone they are going to vote for (hire). But here are a few qualifications that we should want in anyone seeking to be hired to lead and represent the interest of ourselves, family, community, state, and nation.

First and foremost, does the candidate believe in America, our form of democracy and how it should function at the national, state, and local level?

Does the candidate fully understand and embrace the responsibilities of the office they seek?

In carrying out the roles and responsibilities of the office, will the candidate perform their duties in a way that is consistent with — and promote — the stability and best results for the constituency the office represents?

When it comes to values, principles, and ethics, does the candidate have a history and reputation of being honest and functioning with high integrity, have a communication style that is unifying rather than divisive, and work in a collaborative way to achieve progress in solving issues?

Those should be minimum requirements to even be considered for office.

As much as we may not like or see ourselves as being employers, as much as we may feel that we are already overburden with the demands of trying to keep our personal lives together and moving forward, we must take the midterm elections before us just as seriously, more seriously, than we have taken any elections. We have applicants for important elective offices across every level of government who have divergent views, experiences and perspectives on how the role and responsibilities of the offices they seek should be carried out.

There are so many defining issues before us — election integrity, voting rights, sensible gun control, climate change, public education, immigration, the rule of law, law and order, health care access and others — that the policy decisions made will determine the quality of life in America in the near and long term.

Given these challenges along with the threats we face at every level of government in this democratic republic, we the public — the people — must rise and assume a more active and engaged role as the employer of elective government and hold who we hire accountable.

Let us pause and embrace the important role we must hire the right elected officials who have the right character, values, qualifications, and commitment to get the job done in a stellar and honorable way at every level of government.

It is not enough to hire the right mayor, county executive, state senator or representative, governor, the right U.S. Senator, or member of Congress. We need to hold them accountable to protect and promote a healthy, vibrant, and good America across the board.

Our future well-being as a nation, as citizens, depends on it.

Janice Ellis has lived and worked in Missouri for more than three decades, analyzing educational, political, social, and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age, and socio-economic status.

Commentary

An insurrectionist held accountable

A New Mexico judge has done the country a big favor.

Judge Francis Mathew upheld a little-known provision of the U.S. Constitution and removed a public official for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. I hope other judges have the courage to follow his lead.

The principle that no person is above the law—that powerful people have to obey the laws like everyone else—is essential to a democratic society. If this principle is not enforced, corrupt leaders will undermine the rule of law and democracy itself.

Judge Mathew ruled that a county commissioner who participated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol can no longer hold public office. The ruling was based on a section of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which was passed after the Civil War. It forbids anyone from holding public office if they had taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and then “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the country.

The judge found that Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin helped lead the mob that used violence to try to prevent Congress from affirming Joe Biden’s win in the presidential election. Griffin later bragged about his role and suggested that there might be another insurrection coming.

President Trump, members of his legal team, and his political allies. The committee’s investigation is continuing, and we can look forward to more public hearings this fall.

Members and staff of the committee have spent countless hours digging through emails and other public records and interviewing former Trump administration officials and lawyers, members of Congress, and far-right activists who promoted Trump’s lies about election fraud. They are still at it. Among the people they hope to interview this fall are former Vice President Mike Pence, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and far-right activist Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Truth is a first step toward accountability. But it cannot be the only step.

Thank you, students, of yesterday, today, and tomorrow for your courage, vision, and commitment to justice and equity for all within the academic landscape. We are better because you raised your voices and demanded truth with power.

It’s past time for Black curricular inclusion

By Emmett G. Price III

Afro-diasporic curricular inclusion within higher education has come only through the strong, courageous, and visionary activism of students. Without current students or former students in their capacity as alumni, the presence of Africana Studies, Black Studies, Afro-American Studies, or African American Studies as academic units on collegiate campuses, especially on primarily white institutions (PWIs), would not exist. Although phenomenal faculty and their noted achievements receive the spotlight, it is the students who remain unacknowledged, often matriculating without ever seeing or experiencing the fruits of their tremendous sacrifices.

The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 sparked a revival of momentum in student activism around the inclusion of Black cultural content within institutional curricula around the nation. Although met with confrontation and much ire, students at San Francisco State (1968) and subsequently at Harvard (1968); Cornell (1969); Yale (1969); Princeton (1969); University of California, Los Angeles (1969); Indiana (1970); Michigan (1970); University of Wisconsin, Madison (1970); the University of California, Berkeley (1970); and University of Pennsylvania (1971) were successful. Unfortunately, it took death to stimulate inclusion.

Some progress was made, however. Here at Berklee (Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee), the Africana Studies Division was created in August 2021 as a direct result of student and alumni activism supported by faculty and staff advocacy. Our Africana Studies Division houses our 16-year-old Africana Studies Center and our newly formed Africana Studies Department. Our goal is to emerge as the preeminent global hub where mastery in performance and academic excellence intersect to reflect the brilliance, resilience, and hope of Black culture.

The vicious murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, initiated yet another phase in the student movement for Black curricular inclusion. Students, more diverse than ever before, availed their physical presence in the midst of the deadliest pandemic of modern history to demand inclusion. In alignment with the Black Lives Matter movement, undergraduate and graduate students, stimulated by the death of yet another Black citizen, demanded accountability.

These students also demanded change from institutions eager to issue aspirational statements that were often tone deaf and had limited action steps beyond listening tours, town halls, and more activities that, in the end, left many Afrodiasporic and other students of color retraumatized and triggered.

Letter to the editor

The upcoming midterm election is imperative to the African American community. There is so much at stake, not the least being personal freedoms and protective rights for Black people and women. There also should be concerns that starting “anew” with Republican candidates would only imperil the gains of incumbents like St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and County Executive Sam Page. The latter is up for reelection and if I resided in his jurisdiction I would cast my ballot for him. During the COVID pandemic he worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe by mandating that public gatherings be

Judge Mathew’s ruling is a milestone in the effort to hold public officials accountable for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election. It should provide a road map—and some moral courage—to other judges considering legal efforts to hold state legislators and others accountable for trying to undermine democracy.

Another important effort to hold powerful people accountable for the insurrection is being conducted by the House Select Committee that is investigating the insurrection and the schemes that led up to it.

The committee’s public hearings this summer gave the American people a powerful dose of truth-telling about the lies and deceptions of

The committee’s efforts to get a full picture of the illegal scheming to overturn the election is essential. So is punishing wrongdoers and preventing future attempts to subvert our elections. There are plenty of wrongdoers who need to be held accountable, punished, and prevented from using powerful government positions to undermine democracy and the rule of law. And that includes former President Trump, whose lies about a “stolen” election fueled the insurrectionists’ anger. In our system of government, there are many people with roles to play in defending our democracy. Congress can use its oversight power to reveal the corruption within the White House. The Justice Department can prosecute criminals like those who attacked the Capitol Police—and those who broke other laws as they tried desperately to keep the defeated Trump in power. Judges can hold public officials accountable for violating the Constitution. And we the voters can defend democracy by electing local, state, and national officials who are committed to the democratic process—and rejecting those who seek power for the purpose of interfering with our elections and our ability to hold powerful people accountable.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For

Way

Berklee has made this new expansion a presidential priority, availing resources for administrative, faculty, and staff lines in order to recruit an exceptional team to aid in the success and thriving of this commitment. Our students will be the greatest beneficiaries of the new curriculum and co-curricular activities that will focus on the global reach and influence of Gospel Music, Hip Hop Culture, Afro-Futurism, and other Black cultural phenomena, that privilege music, theater, and dance as portals of study. Because of our students’ courageous activism and clear demands, it is only right that they should be the greatest beneficiaries.

As a former student who participated in student actions at the University of California, Berkeley in the early 1990s and who is now an academic dean at the world’s largest and most well-known college focused on contemporary, innovative, and improvisatory expression merged with one of the nation’s most prestigious conservatories, it is my goal that we no longer rely on Black death as a catalyst for cultural inclusion and realized experiential belonging. Thank you, students, of yesterday, today, and tomorrow for your courage, vision, and commitment to justice and equity for all within the academic landscape. We are better because you raised your voices and demanded truth with power.

Emmett G. Price III is the inaugural dean of the Africana Studies Division at Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

regulated. Dr. Page was a proponent of masking up in public places, including schools. He stayed consistent with medical recommendations that a virulent disease was among us and every eligible person should get vaccinated.

If sage advice is what young voters require, I would heartily suggest they register to vote and then get behind Democratic candidates like Dr. Page and Judy Busch-Valentine, who is embroiled in a critical U.S. Senate race. There simply is too much at risk to turn back the clock in an already woebegone state like Missouri. Kevin Boone St. Louis

Guest Columnist

Janice Ellis

FOCUS St. Louis, United Way to address community challenges

FOCUS St. Louis and the United Way of Greater St. Louis will host the first of three community forums addressing area challenges on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Sheldon Ballroom, 3648 Washington Blvd in Grand Center.

“Our region faces many challenges, from the ability to afford basic living expenses to unanticipated crises that arise on any given day, creating the need for poised and positioned leadership at all levels of our community,” said Michelle Tucker, United Way of Greater St. Louis president and CEO, said.

The United Way completed a study in 2020 that revealed the concerns ranked among the highest priorities in the region. They are affordable housing, jobs and transportation, and behavioral health.

The Sept. 21 forum, which is free and open to the public, will focus on affordable housing and will feature Nahuel Fefer, Policy and Development director for Mayor Tishaura Jones; Cristina Garmendia, URBNRX founder; Will Jordan, Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council executive director, and Wolf Smith, St. Louis Conflict Resolution Center

executive director.

“A healthy community is one where all residents have access to safe and healthy homes, economic mobility, reliable transportation, quality education, physical activity and nutrition, and quality health care, especially mental health resources,” said Yemi Akande-Bartsch, FOCUS St. Louis president and CEO.

“These are issues we explore every day in our civic leadership programs, and we look forward to bringing those discussions to our wider St. Louis community.”

Registration for the Sept. 21 forum is available at www.focus-stl.org/affordablehousing Participants are welcome to bring a lunch, or a pre-ordered boxed lunch from Hollyberry’s Catering for $17 will be available. This option is available when registering.

Behavioral Health, and Jobs and Transportation forums will be held respectively on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, and Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

“We are excited to launch this partnership with FOCUS and bring community leaders and changemakers together to find new and innovative solutions to address the community’s most pressing needs so our region can become stronger and more equitable for all,” Tucker said.

A healthy start for hungry children

By Marian Wright Edelman

Hungry child, I didn’t make this world for you. You didn’t buy any stock in my railroad. You didn’t invest in my corporation. Where are your shares in standard oil? I made the world for the rich And the will-be-rich And the have-always-been-rich. Not for you, Hungry child.

Langston Hughes, “God to Hungry Child”

No child chooses to go to bed and wake up and go to school hungry. As students across the country begin a new school year, children in California are returning to some good news: California is now the first state to provide free school meals to all students. This means every child in California will now have a better chance at a healthy start and head start all children deserve. It is a shining example of moral leadership to end child poverty, and other states must follow suit before the nationwide child nutrition waivers expire.

Child nutrition programs help our nation’s children get the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive, especially children in low-income households. The largest programs are the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. They provide nutritionally balanced, free, and low-cost meals to millions of children each day at school. Limited access, low reimbursements, lunch debt, and the stigmatization of children having to prove they are hungry and worthy of meals means millions of children lose out.

All schools across the country should use universal school meals — an intervention we know works. Research shows access to universal school meals boosts students’ attendance and improves academic performance and health outcomes. Providing healthy school meals for all children eliminates stigma associated with school meals and practices like “lunch shaming,” using embarrassing public reminders or tactics like giving children cold bread and cheese instead of a hot meal when their lunch accounts are low. Universal school meals are also an essential way to reduce longstanding and widening racial disparities in nutrition, health, and education.

Black and Latinx children are more than two times as likely as white children to live in households without enough to eat, and nearly 1 in 3 Black children and 1 in 4 Latinx children lack access to healthy food. When it comes to access to school meals, too many children of color live close to the edge: 10.8 million children live in households with incomes between 130% and 200% of the poverty line, earning too much to qualify for free school meals but too little to get by, and nearly 60% of children just above the cutoff for free school meals are children of color. This makes universal school meals essential for advancing racial equity.

During the pandemic, Congress took action to expand nutrition programs to help keep children fed, including expanding federal school nutrition programs to allow schools to serve free meals to all students regardless of age, income, or zip code. Just before the program was set to expire in June, President Biden signed the Keep Kids Fed Act to continue some of these federal protections through this school year. That was good news for now, for some children — but all children in every state need to know they will have permanent access to school meals. Last minute extensions can be great when students need more time on a paper or project, but no child should have to depend on someone to know whether or not he or she will be able to eat lunch. Access to universal meals is no longer guaranteed, millions of children on the edge will once again be left out.

We cannot afford to go backward and take meals away from our children. California is leading the way, but it shouldn’t stand alone. Congress can — and must — create a permanent solution to ensure access to universal school meals for all children across our nation. Children everywhere deserve the same healthy start.

Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

St. Louis American staff

Yemi Akande-Bartsch, FOCUS St. Louis president and CEO, is inviting the public to join her organization and the United Way of Greater St. Louis in the ongoing search for solutions to the region’s pressing challenges. A forum on affordable housing will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 21, at The Sheldon Ballroom in Grand Center.

Photo courtesy of Washington University

Marian Wright Edelman

Salute To Excellence co-chairs named

Three of the area’s most prominent elected officials have come together in support of the milestone 35th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala om Oct. 1, 2022, at America’s Center.

Darlene Green Tishaura Jones Sam Page

Serving as co-chairs for the event will be St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page. Proceeds from the St. Louis American’s four Salute to Excellence events are used for community grants as well as scholarships for local minority students. In 2021 alone, the St. Louis American Foundation distributed more than $3 million in minority scholarships and community grants, and since its inception, the 501c3 foundation, along with its higher education partners and individual donors, has distributed more than $11 million locally.

1994 would not be possible without the generous contributions of our corporate supporters and education partners who also share our appreciation and high regard for the value and critical importance of high-quality education in our community.

The incredible gala returns to America’s Center after virtual celebrations in 2020 and 2021.

The scholarships and grants that have been awarded since

St. Louis’ single largest sit-down banquet, which usually attracts more than 1,400 attendees and celebrates outstanding students and educators from throughout the region.

“I’ve worked really hard,” Khadijah Amirah, make-up artist and

said. “I had a lot of pride in that car.”

Thefts

Continued from A1

side on Aug. 13 and not being able to find it.

The next day, city towing told Amirah that the Kia was totaled by two teenagers on Wyoming Street, who fled the scene.

Amirah said she would have gotten a car club had she known about the steep uptick in carjackings. She also said she was frustrated with city government, and the police did not send a warning notification about the uptick in thefts and solutions.

“It feels like torture especially to communities where I live,” Amirah said. “I consider myself a working class person; I have two children, [I’m] a divorcee and a small business owner.”

For Amirah to work on her clients, she had to uber around for the first two weeks before being able to borrow vehicles from close relatives regularly.

Amirah said the Kia was the first car she purchased through financing in April 2021.

“I’ve worked really hard,” Amirah said. “I had a lot of pride in the car.”

Hyundai Motor America sent 100 steering wheel locks to the SLPD and a local Kia dealership donated 50.

“The city demands Kia and Hyundai mitigate the defective conditions providing thieves –including teenagers as young as 13 – the instrumentalities by which they are destroying property, endangering city drivers and themselves,” Hamilton said.

Through viral videos on YouTube and TikTok, teenagers have figured out how to start non-push-button ignitions with a USB Cord or phone chargers as keys, after ripping the columns off. Also back windows on many Hyundais and Kias are not connected to

Bush

Continued from A1

ensure our schools are safe for all students,” wrote Bush and fellow lawmakers.

“This requires thinking comprehensively about violence in our schools to ensure that we prevent violence – by resolving the root causes of conflict that can escalate into violence – not simply remedy its impact.

The legislators are requesting “a holistic review of any and all non-punitive, non-law enforcement preventative safety measures currently in schools, the health and safety impacts of such measures, and steps your agencies intend to take to meet the needs of our child and prevent the onslaught of violence we are currently witnessing in our schools.”

The request comes in the aftermath of the Uvalde, Texas shootings at Robb Elementary School which left 19 children and two teachers dead. It marked the deadliest U.S. school shooting in nearly a decade.

“Schools are supposed to be safe havens for children,

the car’s security system, avoiding the alarm trigger.

Hyundai announced its intent to offer an aftermarket Firstech/ Compustar security kit in Oct., which disables the starter.

“I have had great support even from my son’s school, Cardinal Ritter prep.” Amirah said. “They understood the issues about me getting my son’s fees paid. Because they knew the theft was a hardship for our family, they even checked up on us to see how we were doing.”

Amirah said the song she listens to daily and brings her

n “The city demands Kia and Hyundai mitigate the defective conditions providing thieves – including teenagers as young as 13 – the instrumentalities by which they are destroying property, endangering city drivers and themselves.”

– City Counselor Sheena Hamilton

peace when she feels anxious is “Jireh” by Maverick City.

Dasha Lyn, 30, owner of Soi STL, a newly-opened Blackowned day spa, had her 2019 Kia Optima stolen on Pershing Ave. on July 11 at her job in Central West End. She stepped out of the salon to get something from her vehicle and saw her Blue Kia making a U-turn.

When a neighboring business gave her its security footage, she said it took the thieves around three minutes to break the back window, start the car, and leave.

The following day, SLPD called her and told her the car was wrecked and abandoned.

Her insurance covered a

parents, educators, custodial and cafeteria staff, and communities. But for far too many people they are not,” the letter reads.

“We are deeply troubled by the inability to keep our children and communities safe, the bedrock on which any country rests. It is time to undo the harm and trauma tragedies like the Uvalde massacre leave behind in our schools and with our children.”

House lawmakers said federal, state, and local agencies have failed the American public by focusing school safety prevention efforts on hiring, retaining, and funding school resource officers, an approach they called “counterproductive and harmful.”

Representatives disparaged to the Community Oriented Policing Services in Schools Program (COPS), which has primarily supported community policing initiatives since 1995 but has also led to the hiring of 590 school resource officers (SROs) across 289 communities. For fiscal 2023, the Biden administration has requested increased funds for the COPS budget.

Armed officers in schools

rental car for 10 days, now she is depending on public transit and Lyfts.

Lyn said she was in the process of purchasing a home before her car was stolen, but had to put that all on hold.

“Now it’s just like getting rides, public transportation, and Lyft, which is expensive, but I have a business to run. I must wake up two hours earlier to ensure everything is situated.”

She said she spends twice as much on necessities related to not having a vehicle. She said work transportation through Lyft alone is $150 a week on average. Lyn said, “At the salon, hearing stories about car thefts feels commonplace.”

“Daily, we’ll have five people saying somebody stole my Kia, or Hyundai and having issues with SLPD’s with response time.” Amirah said she is working seven days a week due to the circumstances.

“I feel I just keep getting hit, and it hurts, but I’m very present with my mental health,” Amirah said. “I’ve suffered from anxiety. So, I have been fighting through that, building my courage to keep going.”

AAA recommends parking in a well-lit area; and removing any spare keys and valuables.

“I was upset because I’m like, why can’t I get ahead? and why am I going so uphill?” Amirah asked. “My faith has been what has kept me from losing it. And so definitely lots of meditation, prayer and reflection.”

Pierre Benoist, Commander of the Fourth District said the St. Louis Police Department is looking into a ‘give away’ of vehicle anti-theft equipment. To learn more about vehicle anti-theft services click here. Isaiah Peters of the St. Louis American was also a victim of a Hyundai car theft. He has yet to recover his vehicle.

are, at best, an inadequate response to violence that has already occurred, not a prevention strategy,” lawmakers wrote. Since the 1999 shooting at Columbine, school shootings have soared, reaching an alltime high of 251 last year, according to the K-12 school shooting database. Despite the rise, major gun control legislation was tied up until the first major federal gun control bill in decades was passed this year after the Uvalde shooting. Over the years, school shooting prevention methods have largely revolved around bolstering school security, including security technology and emergency plans.

Gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety says among the most effective ways to prevent school shootings is to address violence at its earliest stages and block access to firearms Lawmakers on Tuesday proposed more programs to support students, including mental health resources, but they requested the federal agencies to conduct a review of what is most appropriate.

car-jacking victim, 33,

Photo courtesy of Khadijah Amirah

PRiME Center as the only school in the St. Louis metro area to have a +10% growth in Math and ELA on MAP.

The accomplishments are the result planning, following the plan, and staying on course, according to Bilal Ewing, Marion principal.

“It is not the complex things. It is the simple things,” he said.

When you implement the best practices, the evidence will show that the best practices work. And you fully implement them, no excuses.”

For its academic achievement and student educational improvement, Marion Elementary School has been named the St. Louis American Foundation Bayer School of Excellence.

Bilal and Marion will be honored during the milestone 35th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 1, at America’s Center downtown.

“For 20 years – first as Monsanto, and now as Bayer – we have partnered with the St. Louis American Foundation to present the School of Excellence award to a school that have made substantial academic progress, implemented an innovative approach to education, and/or overcome a substantial barrier to academic excellence deserving school that has made significant,” said Al Mitchell, vice president, corporate engagement for Bayer.

“This year we recognize Marion Elementary in the

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endorsements that are powering this campaign, grateful to the campaign staff and volunteers, and determined to work even harder between Thursday and Election Day on November 8th.”

Her endorsements included backing from Mayor Tishaura Jones and Congresswoman Cori Bush.

In 2020, voters approved Proposition D, which eliminated the partisan primary election for certain offices, including aldermanic president. Instead of voting for one candidate, voters can select as many candidates as they approve of.

The election was held after

Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Ritenour School District for its outstanding progress in proficiency made in both English and Math by its students. This phenomenal achievement was recognized in an article published by STL Public Radio that linked to a December 2021 report by SLU entitled, Beating the Odds: Student Growth in Missouri’s High Poverty

the resignation of Lewis Reed earlier this summer. Reed, the longtime aldermanic president, was indicted on federal corruption charges for which he pleaded guilty under an agreement with prosecutors. Two other former aldermen— John Collins-Muhammad and Jeffrey Boyd—also accepted plea agreements. All three are scheduled to be sentenced later this year. Under St. Louis’ municipal code, an aldermanic president vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the term at the next general election. Reed’s term was set to expire in 2024. Prop D lets anyone who wants to run for the position to do so as a non-partisan candidate. The two candidates who receive the most votes advance to the general election.

Schools.”

Bilal, in his third year as Marion principal, said the school’s dedication to improvement and success of children

“began long before I got here.”

“People were all in, and they have stayed in,” he said.

“All the special training, all the seminars [teachers and staff attended] pays off because we

A judge ruled in early August that a third candidate, Mark Kummer, was ineligible because although he gathered enough signatures to appear on the ballot, he did not meet residency requirements. Coatar sent an email to

have kept those people in place.

Nothing will deter them.”

Bilal said he wanted to study journalism and become a sports videographer while attending Lindenwood University in St. Charles and playing football for the school.

The opportunity to volunteer at Jefferson Elementary School in the city changed his mind

supporters saying the «results weren›t what we hoped for,» adding «November 8 will be completely different.»

“This was a very unusual election at a strange time of year, with new rules and new polling locations that together

and his major.

“I really enjoyed that,” he said of his first opportunity to work with school children.

Ewing holds an undergraduate degree in social science from Lindenwood and earned his master’s degree and educational specialist degree there.

His first job was as a permanent substitute in the Pattonville

created a lot of confusion.”

The primary election on Tuesday was also the first in St. Louis under Missouri’s new voter ID law, which requires a government-issued photo ID. Voters without a photo ID can cast a provisional ballot on

School District and served as a teacher in the Pattonville and the Ferguson-Florissant School District between 1998 and 2006).

Ewing was the assistant principal at Iveland Elementary School before becoming Marion’s principal. He also spent five years (2013-2018) as an assistant principal at Ritenour High School after joining the district as an assistant principal at Hoech Middle School in 2006. The Ritenour School District, located in northwest St. Louis County, is one of the oldest districts in the metropolitan area. It is also unique. Ritenour is one of two districts in Missouri with no racial/ethnic majority over 50%. Its current demographics are 41% Black; 26% White; 25% Hispanic; and 8% Multi-Race. The district’s fastest-growing demographic is Hispanic.

Ritenour’s International Welcome Center serves students from Hoech and Ritenour middle schools, as well as Ritenour High School, who need intensive English Language Learner (ELL) support with accelerated English training. The program also introduces students to U.S. culture and school system and provides exposure to educational expectations and opportunities. The center gives students support needed throughout the school day in a small environment that values their home cultures. The district has students from nine municipalities in a 10-square mile area: Overland, St. Ann, St. John, Woodson Terrace, Breckenridge Hills, Charlack, Edmundson, Sycamore Hills, and Vinita Park.

Election Day. The provisional ballot would be counted only if the voter returns later in the day with a photo ID or if election officials can verify their signature with existing voter records.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Marion Elementary School second grader and budding photographer Christina Luviano-Linores greets principal Bilal Ewing in the hall

Ivory Perry, Lead Paint, and Environmental Racism in St. Louis

By Maggie Wald, Missouri Historical Society K–12 Museum Educator

St. Louis was a hotbed for activism in the mid-1900s. Much of it was based on racial equality, with organizations like the Citizens Civil Rights Committee organizing sit-ins and NAACP representatives putting St. Louis on the map with Supreme Court cases like Shelley v. Kraemer

One of the most visible civil rights organizations was the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Action and civil disobedience were at the forefront of the national organization’s demonstrations. The popular face of many of the St. Louis CORE chapter’s demonstrations was a straw hat–wearing, Arkansas-born young man named Ivory Perry.

Perry was known for his dedication to CORE, and he grabbed the public’s attention by lying down in front of police cars and blocking doors during the Jefferson Bank protests. As a Black man who moved to St. Louis after serving in the Korean War, Perry experienced the glaring injustices of discrimination firsthand. Through social activism, Perry felt he could best guide fellow Black citizens in amplifying their voices against injustice. By the end of the 1960s, Perry’s role in the city was growing. As a reliable and popular local figurehead, Perry was hired as a community outreach worker for the Human Development Corporation (HDC) in 1965. The HDC was established by President

Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his War on Poverty initiative, and Perry was responsible for going straight to St. Louis’s public housing quarters and evaluating their conditions. There Perry saw the intersection of racism and environmentalism.

These government-subsidized apartments were plagued by neglect now recognized as environmental racism. The Black families in these residences experienced deteriorating conditions, broken utilities, and rat infestations with no actionable help from the city’s landlords. While these egregious conditions sparked the 1969 rent strike in the city, they also helped Perry become aware of the large number of sick children who lived in these residences.

Many Black children appeared to be ill all year long. As Perry investigated, he learned that their apartments didn’t have working air conditioning. Children sat in their windowsills all summer long, with their mouths often resting on the painted window ledges. Perry sent paint samples from these ledges to Washington University in St. Louis biologist Barry Commoner, who found that conditions were worse than unsuitable—the samples were toxic.

Commoner confirmed that these residences were filled with lead paint, slowly poisoning the children who lived there. As a rising national figure in the environmental movement, Commoner encouraged Perry to bring this discovery to the Board of Aldermen. Perry

Ivory Perry leading marchers to City Hall, September 1965. Missouri Historical Society Collections.

could see that Commoner’s environmental philosophy that “everything is connected to everything else” held true in an urgent and dangerous way for local Black families whose health was intrinsically tied to their underfunded, neglected homes.

Lead paint had already been outlawed in Missouri for almost 20 years at this point, which proved Perry needed to speak even louder on the issue. He knocked on doors to make families aware of the possible dangers of lead paint and established testing sites for residents. He organized events to raise money and make alliances with other city organizations in hopes of actionable change.

In 1972 the federal government sent a grant to St. Louis to help screen for lead poisoning, but it didn’t address repainting and repairing the toxic residences. At this point, the City of St. Louis recognized the legitimacy of lead poisoning, but didn’t make the dramatic change Perry was advocating for.

While the issues of lead poisoning and unfit living conditions still exist today, Ivory Perry put the seriousness of the issue on the map with his dedication to change in the city. The story of lead poisoning in St. Louis reveals a greater understanding of the environmental racism still seen—and fought against—today. Perry taught St. Louis that the intersection of injustices is where the most damaging transgressions can occur, but also where the most powerful voices are needed.

+ Advisory Board in St. Louis

Members of the St. Louis LGBTQIA + Advisory Board appointed by Mayor Tishaura Jones were sworn-in on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at City Hall.

In June, LGBTQIA month, Jones issued an executive order to establish the council to address the disparities and rights violations that LGBTQIA+ St. Louisans face.

“I believe those closest to the problems are also those closest to the solutions,” said Mayor Jones.

Serving on the board are: Carsen Rhys Beckwith (they/ them) - Special Projects Manager for the Transgender Strategy Center, Shira Berkowitz (they/them) - Senior Director of Policy at PROMO, Jordan

When Mariah was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at only 4 months old, her pediatrician encouraged her mother to take Mariah to St. Louis Children’s – Missouri’s largest and most experienced pediatric sickle cell program. Today, Mariah is managing her sickle cell care on her own thanks to education from her medical team at St. Louis Children’s. Donate today and join us in helping more kids like Mariah. Scan to give

Braxton (she/her) - currently Prevention Specialist for Vivent Health, but has been an active member of the community in many capacities, Monica Del Villar (she/her) - Executive Director for the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency (CREA), Ex Officio member, Nick Dunne (he/they) - Mayor’s Office Public Information Officer, LGBTQIA+ & Arts Liaison, Vincent Flewellen (he/ him) Chief Diversity Officer & Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for Webster University, Tyrell Manning (he/him)

- Ending the HIV Epidemic Program Coordinator for City of St. Louis Department of Health, Samati Niyomchai (he/him) - Program Manager at Project ARK at Washington University School of Medicine, Gilberto Pinela (he/him)Communications Manager for Cortex Innovation Community, Joani Ward (she/her) - Financial Strategist & Insurance Broker for World Financial Group

sexual identity and orientation has not been passed and advocates for trans people in Missouri warned The Kansas City Beacon that trans people’s needs for safe housing, health care, health services aren’t being adequately addressed.

On the national front, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said last week that the U.S. Supreme Court was wrong in ruling in favor of Obergefell v. Hodges 2015 and will not support marriage equality’s codification by Congress which would legally prohibit limiting the definition of a “spouse” to a person of the opposite sex.

n Missouri Nondiscrimination Act prohibiting discrimination based on gender and sexual identity and orientation has yet to pass.

“The members of this advisory board will be tasked with collaborating, bringing together its resources, and helping my administration stay laserfocused on the issues directly affecting the LGBTQIA+ community and to pursue meaningful policy changes,” Jones said.

The board begins it’s work during as far-right state officials are proposing discriminatory bills targeting LGBTQIA plus people, public school teachers, schools and school districts who mention them and purportedly teach or espouse “critical race theory.”

The Missouri Nondiscrimination Act prohibiting discrimination based on gender and

“I’ve been a no on this,” Hawley said in reference to the protection and codification of marriage equality for people of all genders and sexual orientations.

“I don’t think the underlying Supreme Court decision was rightly decided.”

“The nine-person advisory board [was] appointed by the Mayor and is tasked with developing a report within its first year to highlight disparities still affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as action steps the City can take to ensure further protections,” explained Nick Dunne, Public Information Officer, City of St. Louis Mayor’s Office and an inaugural LGBTQIA + Advisory Board member. Board stipulations require that at least one of the nine members represents the transgender advocacy community; at least one board member represents LGBTQIA+ health advocacy, including HIV/AIDS or gender-affirming care; and one must be an LGBTQIA+ identifying City employee.

St. Louis American staff

Photo by Dawn Suggs | St. Louis American

The swearing in of the City of St. Louis LGBTQIA + Advisory Board on Friday, Sept. 9,

2022 at City Hall made it official. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed her first Executive Order of the year to establish the board at the beginning of Pride month, June 2022.

“Taking Care of You”

Community health clinics are crucial during a crisis

Dr.

Abbe Sudvarg cares for the disadvantaged and loves it

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

In July, Gov. Mike Parson signed off on Missouri’s 2023 state budget which included nearly $150 million in funding for primary care and behavioral health services. Joe Pierle, CEO of the Missouri Primary Care Association, applauded the effort because it underscored the importance of community health centers and workers who “were so vital in the pandemic response.”

Dr. Abbe Sudvarg, a Family Medicine Specialist in St. Louis, is among the community health center practitioners who heroically rose to the challenge of serving lower income individuals and marginalized communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the

n “Over the past few years, through each successive wave of the pandemic, state leaders have depended on community health centers to respond to emerging needs.”

– Joe Pierle CEO of the Missouri Primary Care Association

worst epidemics in 100 years.

Sudvarg, a 1985 graduate from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine,

has been a practicing family physician since 1988 and has been with Family Care Health Center in St. Louis’ Carondelet neighborhood since 1994.

Unlike other medical professionals who avoid politics and protests out of fears of damaging their careers, Sudvarg embraces the risks. She’s board chairman of the Peace Economy Project, an organization that publicly challenges unchecked military spending and advocates for the conversion from a military to a more stable peace-based economy.

She’s a member of “White Coats for Black Lives” (WhiteCoats4BlackLives or WC4BL), a social justice organization dedicated to

Benefits of time in greenspaces abound

It can improve physical, mental health

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz

As wonderful as summertime can be, there’s also something nice about the calendar – and the weather – turning toward fall. The light starts to soften a bit, and the crisp mornings and warm afternoons invite us to spend more time outside.

Maybe that’s walking the kids home from school, cycling to the grocery store to grab a few items, or just enjoying a talk with a friend on a coffee shop patio.

Spending time at a park is another great fall activity, and one that can have a surprising number of benefits. Whether it’s a ballfield down the street or a state or national park further away, research shows that spending time in open areas with grass, trees, and other plants can be good for both our mental and physical health.

n “Some of the benefits that can come from exposure to greenspaces include improvements in sleep, blood pressure, cognitive function and physical activity, as well as reduced risks of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.”

– Heather Eliassen

“Some of the benefits that can come from exposure to greenspaces include improvements in sleep, blood pressure, cognitive function and physical activity, as well as reduced risks of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer,” said Heather Eliassen, ScD, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She says other benefits include better mental health in both children and adults, improved infant birth weights and even a lower risk of dying prematurely. How do greenspaces provide such benefits? One key reason is that they encourage people

Polypharmacy treatment of mental illness reflects racism

“Medication will not fix brain changes caused by childhood trauma’

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

The current trend of polypharmacy – the simultaneous use of multiple drugs by a single patient for one or more conditions – reflects racism and discrimination in the treatment of Black, Indigenous, and people of color children and teens, according to Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, an intergenerational trauma expert and eating disorder treatment specialist.

“It has been documented in adults that Black patients with mental illness are more likely to receive substance care and more likely to be diagnosed with psychotic disorders than with depression and anxiety,” Dr. Ross stated. “The lack of access and availability of therapeutic options to treat mental

illness and the lack of understanding and acknowledgment that mental illness in teens and children may have their roots in trauma.

“Medication will not fix the brain changes caused by childhood trauma experiences and may not even fix the symptoms. Beyond this, medication use in children and teens is risky at best and dangerous at its worst.”

Dr. Ross’ comments are in response to a new report revealing that anxious and depressed teens are using multiple, powerful psychiatric drugs, many of which are untested in adolescents or for use in tandem.

In 2020, the journal Pediatrics reported that 40.7 percent of people ages 2 to 24 who were prescribed a drug for attention

Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, a board-certified addiction medicine specialist, is alarmed at the practice of treating mental illness in children and adolescents with multiple drugs. She notes that BIPOC children receive this treatment more than white ones.

Family Care Center physician Dr. Abbe Sudvarg performed a routine check-up on Jordee’ Bronner on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the center’s Holly Hills location in the city’s Carondelet neighborhood.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Dr. Ross / The Anchor Program

COLDITZ,

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

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fighting racism in medicine and health care. She was among WC4BL members who protested the police killing of George Floyd in 2020.

Does she worry that her political passions may clash with her professional obligations?

“No, I feel that what I do as a physician is very consistent with my political values,” Sudvarg replied.

“I am relatively careful not to bring my politics into the exam room. Because I work for an agency that takes care of people who have been historically low income, most of the people I work with share at least a fair degree of my perspective about the political world.” Politics aside, Sudvarg is one the community health center practitioners who’ve played crucial roles in the past three years. Pierle spoke to this in a recent commentary.

“Over the past few years, through each successive wave of the pandemic, state leaders have depended on community health centers to respond to emerging needs,” Pierle wrote, adding: “They’ve answered calls for help with testing across the state — showing up to assist schools, nursing homes, private businesses, law enforcement and homeless populations.”

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), among the roughly 28 million patients served by health centers, 91% are low-income and 63% are racial or ethnic minorities. The COVID-19 crisis has disparately harmed low-income households. Those concerned know these people suffered economic and health-related deficiencies disproportionately. What many may not know, as Pierle noted in his commentary, is how “extremely adaptable” community health centers were to the changing needs of marginalized communities throughout the pandemic. Sudvarg said this is what community health centers have done even before the pandemic.

“For the entire time I’ve been in this work, I’ve taken care of people who do not have the resources that folk with private insurance have,” Sudvarg explained.

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deficit hyperactivity disorder also were prescribed at least one other medication for depression, anxiety, or another mood or behavioral disorder.

Further, researchers found more than 50 psychotropic medicines prescribed in such combinations.

“These patterns should spark further inquiry about the appropriateness, efficacy, and safety of psychotherapeutic polypharmacy in children and young adults, particularly within subgroups where the use is high,” the authors concluded.

While the use of multiple psychotropic medications counts as concerning in such a young population, it is also not surprising given the lack

Colditz

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to be physically active - to walk, skate, kick a ball around or play frisbee. We know that being more active has wide-ranging health benefits.

However, that’s likely not the only reason parks and other greenspaces are good for us. They can also help decrease stress and anxiety, improve mindfulness, and provide an environment that may be cool-

“Taking Care of You”

“So, we are experts at finding resources and offering options to patients based on what resources we have. Because we are not always able to give our patients exactly what we prefer to provide, we’ve learned through the years how to provide what they can receive and the way we are structured allows us to evolve to address those needs.”

One of those needs addressed during the pandemic, Sudvarg said, “was free COVID testing sites open to any member of the community.”

Additional family care clinics offered virtual care for people who were not ill enough to be hospitalized but needed medical support. Being adaptable allowed community health clinics to provide services for essential workers like nursing

of other treatment options, Dr. Ross told the Washington Informer.

“Beyond this, however, is a lack of understanding about the root cause of many of the psychiatric conditions being diagnosed and treated with medications,” Dr. Ross asserted. She continued:

“Both during and before the pandemic, BIPOC children and teenagers are exposed to more trauma and adverse events than any white children and teens.”

Given that depression and anxiety have increased in recent years among youth, and young ones who have experienced trauma or childhood adversity (or ACEs – adverse childhood experiences) are more likely to experience depression and anxiety and other health and learning challenges, this is a significant health and social justice

er, quieter and have cleaner air than where we typically live. Greenspaces also offer opportunities for social interactions and community engagement. Each of these can have its own health benefits, Eliassen added. When planning a trip to a park, it’s good to keep a few things in mind that can keep your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible:

• Bring enough water, and if it’s going to be a longer visit, don’t forget snacks.

• Wear sunscreen and sun-

home staffers, bus drivers and meatpackers-people who had no choice but to report to work.

“So many who had higher-incomes or jobs with health insurance were able to stay home during those early days of the pandemic,” Sudvarg recalled.

“Well, people with lower incomes or were caregivers… they weren’t able to stay home. We even serve people who refuse to get vaccinated. We did a lot of virtual care and that made a difference in their lives.

The KFF report defined community health centers as “a national network of safety net primary care providers that fill an important role in national, state, and local responses to the coronavirus pandemic.”

The centers, KFF noted, contributed to response efforts by providing tests, triaging

conversation, added Sarah Marikos, the executive director of the ACE Resource Network (ARN)

“The issues on prescribing psychotropic medications for children, adolescents, and young people, and lack of access to behavioral health supports for youth who have an increasing need for mental health support is one of the biggest health challenges our country is facing right now,” Marikos wrote in an email.

“This is partly why the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health at the end of 2021. When diagnosing and treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD, as well as many more common health conditions, particularly among young people, it is important to have a trauma-informed approach.”

Marikos continued:

protective clothes and seek out shade when you can.

• If you’ll be walking, hiking, or playing a sport, wear a good pair of shoes and keep your effort in line with your fitness.

• It’s always safest to go with a friend or family member, rather than by yourself.

A quick search on the phone can often be the easiest way to find which city, state and even national parks are closest to us. While bigger trips to state and national

patients, and reducing the burden on hospitals.”

Sudvarg gave an example of how Family Care Health Centers served in this capacity.

“We provided Pulse oximeters [a testing tool that measures oxygen levels] to people in their homes so they could check their own oxygen levels and have a better idea when to call 911 and get to the hospital.”

If, or when, the pandemic ends, the work of community health centers will continue.

According to Human Rights Watch, since the start of the pandemic, 74.7 million people lost work; with the majority of jobs lost in industries that pay below average wages. The latest Census report states that 12.1% of Missourians live in poverty.

Based on her experience

“Giving children and young people, or anyone really, a psychiatric diagnosis with medication has serious, potentially helpful, and potentially harmful consequences. Diagnosis informs treatment. Therefore, if the diagnosis is not right, the treatment may not work, or worse, it could be hurtful.”

“Diagnoses can also impact how young people think and feel about themselves and perhaps define themselves.

Doctors and behavioral health providers who understand trauma and seek to understand their patients’ history and experiences, may mean a shift in diagnosis and treatment.”

The New York Times noted a nationwide study published in 2006 examined records of visits to doctors’ offices by people younger than 20 and found a sharp rise in office visits involving the

parks can be wonderful, it’s the parks closest to us that we’ll visit the most and get the most benefit from.

serving members of disenfranchised communities, Sudvarg is seriously concerned about the lack of resources and care for people with mental health challenges.

“Low-income people often struggle with mental health issues anyway whether it’s being poor-not having enough money or not having enough resources for the rest of their lives…this creates anxiety and depression,” Sudvarg said.

“This pandemic has hugely increased that. People have been socially isolated and that’s terribly affected children who are struggling anyway in households where resources are limited. With the population I care for, people are anxious, they don’t know how they’re going to pay their rent or get their kids educated, all this creates anxiety and depression.”

prescription of antipsychotic drugs — to 1.2 million in 2002 from 200,000 in 1993.

In addition, the drugs were increasingly prescribed in combinations, particularly among low-income children.

The newspaper added that between 2004 and 2008, a national study of children enrolled in Medicaid found that 85 percent of patients on an antipsychotic drug were also prescribed a second medication, with the highest rates among disabled youngsters and those in foster care.

“It’s a fact that our youth are experiencing more mental health concerns today than ever before,” offered Laura Tietz, a pediatric pharmacist.

She once worked at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital in Ohio.

“While I believe physicians and psychiatrists are probably

“Learn about opportunities in your neighborhood and which greenspaces are easily accessible to you,” Eliassen said. “If there are some that are a short or medium distance from home, try walking or biking to the greenspace to get the benefits of exercise while getting to the greenspace. Or find greenspace you could incorporate into your commute to and from school or work.” Spending time in greenspaces can have so many benefits that they’re sometimes referred to as a “public health resource.” That should give each of us a little extra incentive to regularly visit our neighborhood parks or plan a special trip to a state or national park. That may even inspire some of us to become advocates for greenspaces, working to make them a part of our cities’ plans so that even more people in our communities can have access

Sudvarg has spent 37 years in medicine; delivering outpatient and inpatient care, including adult medicine; she’s done obstetrics which includes labor and delivery, and she teaches at St. Louis University’s residency program. Thankfully, she boasted, there are aspects of her work as a community health center physician that still brings her joy.

“I love what I do. I’m an intimacy junkie so I love interacting one-on-one with patients. Healthcare is never, ever boring and my work is so broad-based. There’s always more to learn and I love being a life-long learner.

“I’m always learning. It’s fun.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

overprescribing these medications, I don’t believe they do so intentionally,” Tietz stated.

“Unfortunately, they are often left with little choice. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling have been shown to be an essential part of managing mental health conditions,” Tietz continued.

“However, there are few professionals in the medical field today who practice adolescent psychiatry and can provide this benefit to our youth. “This leaves prescribers with the task of trying to manage mental health concerns strictly with medication.

“I believe any physician would tell you that they want to help the patient to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, right now, physicians have few tools besides medication to do this.”

to the broad benefits they have to offer. For many reasons, try to get out and enjoy a walk in this park this fall. It’s your health. Take control.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention.

Dr. Abbe Sudvarg, a Family Medicine Specialist who serves Family Care Health Center, joined other members of the White Coats for Black Lives organization and health center staff in protesting the murder of the late George Floyd.

Photo courtesy of Family Care Health Center

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Dining Out.

Nutrition Challenge:

Nutrition Challenge:

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

Color Your World!

Staying

Once you’re out of school, many of you may have a lot of extra time on your hands to be snacking. Resist the urge to eat sweet, salty, fried and high-calorie non-nutritious snacks this summer.

Active (Naturally) DuringSummer!the Smart Summer Eating!

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

Think about how colorful your meals are. Is your plate usually filled with a lot of white and brown (e.g., breaded chicken strips, mashed potatoes and a roll)? Or do you have a rainbow of fresh, healthy vegetables?

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

Warm Up & Cool Down

How Healthy Are Your Lungs?

Do This. Not That!

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

Write

It Out!

Tech-Neck

for several different reasons.

Imagine a plate with grilled

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Kids

Healthcare Careers

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more

Create a Smart Summer Eating plan with your parents. Ask their help in finding nutritious snacks and meals for the

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to. Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

As the weather gets warmer, there are many ways that we can enjoy ourselves outdoors and stay healthy over the summer. Some naturally active things you can do include:

summer. Delicious juicy, ripe fruits are all around and are healthy for you too! Make it your goal to come back to school in the fall healthier and happier!

Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

red salmon, roasted red peppers and steamed green broccoli. In general, the more colorful… the better it is for you!

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Try this

After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

Review: What are some nutrition tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@stlamerican.com.

Shanequa Tolliver

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

Make it a goal to have at least three different colors on your plate each meal.

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

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice.

> Walking to the store when possible.

> Wash your parent’s car.

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, NH 3, NH 5

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

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

Staying active, getting your heart rate up and opening your lungs will help you start off next school year happier and healthier!

Where do you work? I am an EMT – B at Abbott EMS in Belleville, Illinois.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

Where do you work? I am the senior community outreach and inclusion consultant for BJC HealthCare.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.

> Help with yard work: planting, weeding, etc.

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

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

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lindbergh High School. I then attended the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where I studied biology.

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

One way to find out how “in shape” you are —is to see how long you can run (or hop, or skip) until you run out of breath. If it only takes a couple of minutes before you can’t breathe well, then you probably need to make some healthy positive

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

changes in your daily activities.

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

Review: What are some exercise tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@ stlamerican.com.

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

> Play, play, play outside as much as you can!

Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc.

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior?

Mental Health Tip — If you don’t already have one, start a journal today. This is a great way to express your feelings and think about ways to change/improve your life. You can use any kind of notebook or a computer. But journaling does not mean “blogging.” Always be cautious about revealing personal information online.

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl. Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

Exercising regularly strengthens the muscles around your lungs. This allows you to run and play longer before you feel tired or winded and will help you feel better too!

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

Discuss with your classmates different kinds of activities you could do every day.

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

Learning Standards: HPE1,

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

Learning Standards: HPE 1, NH 1, NH 5

Over the last 35 weeks we have discussed many smart choices that you can make to help you stay safe and healthy. Break into small groups and list as many Smart Choices that your group remembers. Now individually, choose one that you think is very important. Describe in your own words what that smart choice is, and how you can remember to make the right choice in the future. Name a new “smart choice“ that you will make this summer.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

Cracker-wiches

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 4

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH5, NH 7

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

PB

Ingredients:

> What other ice hazards are there?

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

1 cup blueberries 1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lutheran High School North. I then earned a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois, and a Master of Healthcare Operation from Washington University.

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

What does an EMT do? My day-to-day includes helping others when they aren’t feeling their best. I also assist getting them to the hospital when they can’t take themselves.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

What does a senior community outreach and inclusion consultant do? A major part of my job involves group work for a variety of projects. I get to meet with people inside and outside of my organization, chat with them in person or virtually to brainstorm with them, creating meaningful opportunities for our surrounding communities.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do?

What does a school nurse do? I love giving students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for example, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or manage established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city.

I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Facetime call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because it allowed me the chance to help make change from the very beginning of a great collaboration, event or event opportunity. I wanted to be able to use the skills I learned in the classroom to help make changes for people in St. Louis, creating job opportunities, creating trust for healthcare workers through volunteering and bringing healthcare to communities.

Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy helping others problem solve. Also, I have twin stepsons, one who wants to be a police officer, and the other who wants to be a doctor. I thought that being an EMT helped me to meet them both in the middle. And, back in 2018, I had my own medical emergency and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The paramedic that took care of me was so comforting and assuring that I realized that becoming an EMT is an honorable career. I now work with that same paramedic, at the same company.

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

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

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

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

Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that each day does not look the same.

Sometimes I am working behind a computer, some days I’m working out in the community, and some days I’m connecting with community partners.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy meeting and learning about new people and cultures every day. I also like the adrenaline of driving fast with sirens going to get to an emergency quickly.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Banana

Smoothie

Marnay Howard, EMT - B

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

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

Teachers Dr. Bouchard and Dr. Collier along with volunteer Shannon Hoolihan and peer leader Catherine Jackson look on as students attempt to identify a

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

African-American Chemist Jeannette Brown

SCIENCE CORNER

Preventing Disease

According to the American Heart Association, you can help prevent disease by following a healthy eating plan and adding more activity to your lifestyle. A healthy eating plan consists of lean proteins. Choosing fish as a source of protein also gives you omega 3 fatty acids to build brain cells. Consider meatless meals where your protein source comes from beans or other foods. Choose whole grains that contain a lot of fiber to help your digestive system and reduce cholesterol. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lower-fat dairy products. Add nuts and seeds to your diet to get more nutrients. Try to avoid sugary or fried foods.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you will observe the chemical reactions of yeast.

Materials Needed:

• A Packet of Dried Yeast • 16-20 oz.

Clear Water Bottle (empty) • 1 Teaspoon

Sugar • Warm Water • Small Balloon

Procedure:

q Add 1 inch of warm water in the water bottle.

w Add the entire yeast packet to the water and gently swirl the bottle to mix.

e Add the sugar and gently swirl to combine.

r Stretch out the balloon by blowing it up a few times and letting it deflate.

t Place the neck of the balloon over the neck of the water bottle.

y Place the bottle in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.

MATH CONNECTION

z Suzanne runs 3½ miles every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. How many miles will she run in a month that has 4 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, and 5 Fridays? ______

x If you have 4 members in your family, and each family member drinks 6 ounces of juice each morning for breakfast, how long will

Check out these fun chemistry facts.

Kids should get 60 minutes of activity a day. Choose activities you enjoy—playing sports, jumping rope, walking around the neighborhood. At least twice a week, you should choose an activity that works on strengthening your muscles— such as push-ups, sit-ups, etc. Get your friends and family involved, choose some fun music, and you will be surprised how much you enjoy physical activity. For more information, visit: https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ or http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/diseases-conditions/. Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text and text-to-self connections.

Expand a Balloon

u Watch the balloon inflate.

How does it work? Yeast is a living microorganism. As it “eats” the sugar, it releases carbon dioxide, which is a gas. This gas causes the bottle (and the balloon) to expand.

Form a hypothesis:

1. Does room temperature affect how much gas is created by the yeast?

2. Does the size of the container affect how much gas is created by the yeast?

3. Does yeast respond the same to syrup and honey as it does to sugar?

Repeat the experiment and test your hypothesis as you change these variables.

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

a 1 gallon jug of orange juice last?

(Remember: One gallon = 4 quarts, and 1 quart = 32 ounces.)

c You are trying a new recipe for muffins. It calls for 2 1/3 cups of whole wheat flour. The only measuring cup you can find holds 1/3 cup. How many times will you need to fill the measuring cup with the flour? ______

v Anthony bought 6 boxes of grapefruit for $9/box. If he has to pay 8% sales tax, what was the total he had to pay? ______

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can make text-toworld connections.

About 78% of the average human brain consists of water. This is one of the many reasons it is important to drink plenty of water.

Jeannette Brown was born in 1934 in New York. When she was just 6 years old, her family doctor encouraged her love of science, specifically chemistry. Brown was a dedicated student and graduated in 1952 from New Dorp High School in Staten Island. After graduating high school, she attended Hunter College to pursue a chemistry degree. Brown was one of only two African-American women in the class. In 1956, she earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Next, Brown went to the University of Minnesota and became the first AfricanAmerican woman to earn a master’s degree in organic chemistry.

Brown then went to work for CIBA Pharmaceutical Company as a research chemist. She developed drugs for diseases, such as tuberculosis and coccidiosis (coccidiosis affects chickens). In 1969, she went to work for Merck & Co. Research to continue research of new drugs to make sure they are safe and effective. In 1986, she became chairperson of the Project SEED Committee for the American Chemical Society. Seven years later, she taught chemistry at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She also served as regional director on a committee to improve science education for local students.

In 2008, she shared the biography of seven chemists to the African American National Biography. Three years later, she published the novel “African American Women Chemists.” Hunter College and the University of Minnesota both have recognized Brown as an outstanding alumni. She has received other awards, including an Association of Women in Science fellow award in 2007. She was also recognized as an American Chemical Society fellow and a Chemical Heritage Foundation Ullyot Scholar. Brown has been active in professional organizations, such as the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) and the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Learning Standards: about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities — Good Citizen: What are the qualities of a good citizen? Use the newspaper to find examples of stories of people who display good citizenship. Share your examples with your classmates.

Target Audience: Writers must appeal to their target audience. In this activity, your classmates will be your target audience. Survey your classmates to discover their favorite sport. What is the most popular sport? Next, create a newspaper advertisement for a product that relates to that sport.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can find evidence to support my claim.

footprint on Forensics Day at the 2022 St. Louis American Summer Science Academy

Photo by Cathy Sewell

Takeaways from Tuesday’s aldermanic toe-to-toe

Maybe you knew, maybe you didn’t, but we had an election on Tuesday. If you didn’t vote, you didn’t miss much this time -- there was only one contest on the ballot, and that was for the nonpartisan primary between aldermanic board president candidates Alderwoman Megan Green and Alderman Jack Coatar. Both candidates move on to the November 8 general election. Tuesday’s election was “redundant,” meaning that it did not serve to narrow down the number of candidates. Due to a glitch in the drafting of 2020’s Proposition D (enshrined in the City Charter through the 2022 passage of Proposition R), no further guidance was provided for special elections when only two candidates collect enough signatures to run.

Rather, the election this week was a taxpayer-funded poll to see where Green and Coatar stand in the race for Board President. Typically, polling is not done by aldermanic president campaigns, so both candidates have been given the opportunity to see where their platforms land with voters before the November general.

ages to further criminalize cannabis, Green may have an advantage if voter turnout improves beyond this week’s nonpartisan primary.

While political insiders may have bet on Coatar prevailing in this (insignificant) primary, what cannot go unnoticed are Coatar’s connections to numerous local unsavory players and cartoonish villains and how the continued media exposure of those dubious connections has caused voters to turn their backs on Jack.

Coatar dumps some campaign coffers after criticism of shady donors

Absentee results showed Green ahead of Coatar by 8 points, and Green was able to maintain that same margin by the time the final, full results were released. A little less than 900 votes gave Green her edge at the end of the night. However, with slightly more than 6% of registered voters turning out, Green will need to widen that lead significantly if she wants to win in November.

Voter turnout perhaps spoke more volumes than the candidates’ performance, and voters overwhelmingly seemed unenthused by both candidates to fill the vacant President role of the Board of Aldermen. Maybe we could chalk up the abysmal voter turnout to the low-stakes nature of this particular race, or even voter fatigue - after all, we will have 9 elections across the City in 2022, with half of them being citywide. Of course, with a contested Senate race between (absentee) Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Democrat billionairessslash-nurse-by-training Trudy Bush Valentine, on top of a bad recreational cannabis bill that still somehow man-

For the last few months, the EYE has been researching campaign contribution records, aldermanic board bill resolutions, and other media coverage related to Ald. Coatar (D-Ward 7), and we have delivered several of those reports to you, our readers. These reports have included naming Coatar’s connections to the efforts to privatize Lambert Airport, which weren’t shared until a lawsuit forced the disclosure; recounting the alderman’s relationship with the Kelley Group and its most notorious clients; and even tracking down campaign donations made by shell corporations to line Coatar’s coffers. Some have dismissed our findings as unfounded political gossip. They have disregarded the details pulled from our surgically-extracted open public records requests and waved us off as disgruntled pundits.

This week, however, we report some of the very real consequences of our public record-supported coverage that cannot be brushed off:

Ald. Coatar has returned at least $12,500 in campaign contributions, according to his MEC report filed last week. These particular donations came from none other than Lux Living-owned real estate development projects with dubious names such as “Vinson One LLC,” “Vinson One MM LLC,” and “SOHO-EL Capitan One LLC.” Coatar then tried to claim that he returned Lux Living’s campaign contributions after a recent report on the mismanagement of the Ely Walker

Lofts, but to believe this line of reasoning would also require our readers to be born yesterday.

Believing Coatar would also mean believing that the hundreds of residents at Lux Living properties have not been raising the alarm about the abusive slumlords for years. We know this to not be the case, because this column previously has uplifted the tenants suffering under Lux Living management. We also recognize that Lux Livingregardless of what name it uses - has deliberately harmed its tenants since at least 2016 - but Coatar doesn’t want you to know that part.

We at the EYE do not believe that Ald. Coatar returned the campaign contributions because of one news report, two weeks ago.

Rather, we believe that the walls may be closing in around Coatar.

Exhibit 1: in emails obtained by the St. Louis Observer, an online local news publication, Coatar seems to ask for special treatment for a client at his law firm, Spencer Fane, from the previous deputy mayor for development, then Linda Martinez

In the email, sent from his law firm account, Coatar says, “My firm represents Cullinan Properties, the developer of the Iron Hill site at Grand and Chouteau. I know you’ve previously met with Cullinan and members of their development team. We’ve been working closing with SLDC and are preparing our TIF application. In advance of submitting our application, Brad and I are hoping for a few minutes of your time by phone to give you an update on the project, anticipated incentive requests, timing, etc.”

violate the Missouri ethical code of conduct for attorneys.

Specifically, the rule states “[a] lawyer who also holds public office, whether full or part-time, shall not engage in activities in which his or her personal or professional interests are or foreseeably could be in conflict with his or her official duties or responsibilities.”

Coatar’s email exchange with Martinez shows a pattern of disregard for the aldermanic ethics reform voted into law by St. Louis City residents. He has even launched a legal challenge against the implementation of Proposition R, which requires aldermen like Coatar to disclose conflicts of interest to the Board of Aldermen’s attorney.

Clearly, readers, Coatar does not like transparency or accountability or any of the other responsibilities required by a leader.

The shameful Schmitt Show in Cedar County

Last week, we discussed some pretty despicable allegations out of Stockton, Missouri, involving a Christian boarding school for “troubled youth” that had been accused of, among other things, abusing schoolchildren in every conceivable manner.

In our reporting, we shared that a(nother) Sunshine Law request had revealed Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s knowledge of slavery, child labor, and sex trafficking allegations at the school that were made in February 2021, and how Schmitt’s office failed to act once they had received this tip.

Setting aside (1) the blatant conflict of interest of an alderman leveraging his government relationships to advance a $60.6 million tax incentive package and (2) the likely Sunshine Law violation between two City officials (Coatar and Martinez) discussing official City business and not making a record of said meeting -- legal experts believe that Coatar’s solicitation may

A Cedar County judge had ordered the school to be closed last Wednesday, but later decided to “stay” the order to determine whether an Agape staff member on the child abuse registry was still employed at the school. However, because the employee was no longer at Agape, the Cedar County judge nevertheless found it appropriate to keep the school open. The Attorney General’s office feebly pledged to “continue to fight for the children at Agape.”

But by Monday, the Attorney General’s office appeared in court, wholly unprepared and apparently unwilling

to protect vulnerable children. Despite the Missouri Department of Social Services substantiating 100% of the child abuse reports that have been submitted against Agape, the assistant attorneys general fumbled through the State’s and DSS’s request for an injunction to close the school because of the repeated abuse occuring there. Needless to say, things didn’t go well for the state’s “top” lawyers.

Agape’s lawyer later bragged about the state failing to present witnesses for procedural reasons, while the Attorney General’s spokesman weakly suggested that Schmitt’s office “did everything possible to present evidence and witness testimony, including that of victims of alleged abuse, to prove the pattern of abuse at Agape Boarding School.” The state’s arguments imploded and little-to-no evidence of the ongoing abuse was presented to the court because of avoidable mistakes made.

If the Attorney General’s performance was “everything possible,” the EYE truly feels sad for the children living in Missouri, all of whom deserve a better advocate in their corner. In all likelihood, given the missteps taken by the Schmitt’s office, the Agape Boarding School will not be closed under the current legal action initiated by the state.

Once again, the Missouri Attorney General’s office has expected kid-glove, special treatment from the courts and their attorneys were treated like everyone else. The consequences for the Attorney General’s entitled behavior, however, is that more children are at serious risk for physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse because of that lapse in judgment.

And instead of demonstrating a semblance of leadership, Schmitt skipped off to Washington, D.C., for the week, to canoodle with Republican extremists who introduced an antiabortion bill. “Absent Eric,” as he has come to be known as in St. Louis, has yet to make a statement on the allegations against the boarding school.

As of today, Agape Boarding School - despite the increasing number of lawsuits and criminal charges being filed against its ownership and staffremains open.

Megan E. Green

Eric Schmitt

A Signature move

Kemp has gone from ‘hustling’ to designing

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Akia Kemp is no stranger to hard work, and he is busier than ever.

Kemp owns the signage business Signature Design Gallery, and clients include nationally known interior artist Derwin Scott. His work is on display at Scott’s DSD Paintings, and his signs grace LD’s Coffee Shop, and All Things Retro. He also has crafted work for UFC fighter Tyron Woodley

But being an entrepreneur wasn’t always on Kemp’s radar. He grew up on the west end of St. Louis, where the Sumner graduate said he “saw a lot and did a lot.”

“I started hustling when I was a kid,” said Kemp, who is also a co-owner of Guys with the Fries.

His street life days ended with a bit of divine

n “I know this may sound [like a] cliche, but I believe you can literally be anything you want to be,” said Kemp. “I went from street hustler to owning two businesses.”

inspiration as he sat on his mother’s couch. He had recently been home from prison after a drug charge conviction and was unemployed. He had two young sons and no way to provide for them.

“I asked God to give me something that’s mine so that I didn’t have to go back to the streets, ‘cause I was getting close,” he said.

The bible states “the Lord works in mysterious ways, and Kemp said he was told “go to

Hobby Lobby.

“It was the first time I ever heard God really speak to me,” said Kemp.

Filled with excitement, Kemp said he ran upstairs to tell his mother, told her about the vision and idea he had, and she gave him $100 to buy supplies at Hobby Lobby.

He bought foam board, an Exacto knife, paint, glue, and string lights.

He went back to his mom’s house, sat at the kitchen table, and got busy.

By 5 a.m. the next morning, his first project was completed. It was a silhouette of the late rapper 2 Pac Shakur. He attached lights to the silhouette and hung his work on the wall.

“It was the coolest thing ever,” he said. Kemp says he was so proud of his work, he paraded it around for everyone to see.

See KEMP, B2

Black entrepreneurs face tough adventure landing venture capital

Wash U initiative tackling problem

American staff

Finding more venture capital for minority and women-owned start-up firms could help bolster the region’s business community in many ways, says Doug Villhard, director of Olin Business School’s entrepreneurship program at Washington University in St. Louis. According to a Bloomberg report, Black/ African American and Hispanic/Latinx founders received just 2% or less of the total venture capital in 2021. Just 2% of venture capital money went to female business founders. “This funding gap shortchanges not only underrepresented founders but also the vitality of the entire innovation community,” Villhard said. Villhard and Wash U are partnering with the Brookings Institution, a nonprofit public policy think tank based in Washington, “to develop policy-based solutions for the historically lopsided funding support available to underrepresented minorities and women,” according to a release. A nine-member commission that includes See CAPITAL, B2

Akeem Shannon, CEO and founder of Flipstik, is a member of a nine-member commission examining the causes of a dramatic gap in venture capital going to female and minority business founders. Washington University is leading an initiative to develop solutions to the glaring difference in startup funding.

Lathon Ferguson is the new area executive director for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Missouri. Ferguson and his team help donors and volunteers in Missouri, fulfill their philanthropic goals through individual gifts, corporate activation and event-based fundraising, all in support of the world’s largest healthcare charity. He has been in his current role for six months, but credits his career in corporate America, higher education and non-profit as the catalyst to a truly fulfilling career, supporting an incredible mission. He holds a master of arts degree in management and leadership from the George Herbert Walker School of Business at Webster University.

McGhaw-Boure elected president of MWPC

Teona

Teona McGhawBoure

Boure has been a member of the National Women’s Political Caucus-St. Louis chapter since 2010. She was nominated to serve on the NWPCSt. Louis Policy Council by the late Honorable Cora Faith Walker. Ferguson named executive director

Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis has announced Joshua Smith as their new director of construction. Smith comes to Habitat Saint Louis after founding, owning and operating his own construction and rehabilitation company, SmithCo. Contracting & Consulting which opened in 2017. He has worked as a laborer, tradesman, and project manager in residential and commercial construction for over seven years before he started his own company. A graduate of Rhodes College, Smith exhibited a passion for environmental studies, urban planning and infrastructure which grew into his graduate

Maggie Stringer named account manager

Artist Akia Kemp with some of his work at the The Magic House MADE for Kids Markerspace Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the 5100 block of Delmar Blvd. in the city’s Visitation Park neighborhood.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Josh

Josh Smith

Maggie Stringer

Lathon Ferguson

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

joined Mayor Tishaura Jones in St. Louis to discuss Young’s vision of making the Mississippi River a national priority.

Capital

Continued from B1

entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and public policy experts will oversee and guide the project while providing input and insight from the perspective of innovation practitioners.

The goal is to address questions including: What are the root causes of this inequity? What impact does this have on the economy? What solutions can address it?

“Rather than simply talk about the past, this commission intends to identify meaningful public policy solutions to drive more equitable funding, unlock more potential and further spur our economy,” Villhard said.

The project is the second backed by a $750,000 grant to Olin Business School from The Bellwether Foundation. The grant called for three separate annual commissions — formed jointly with Brookings — tackling “megatrend” issues affecting the quality of life in the region and across the country.

The first Olin Brookings Commission project concluded in April, and saw participants develop an artificial intelli-

Kemp

Continued from B1

However, three days later his younger brother kicked his prototype and broke it.

Kemp became very frustrated and pushed his dream to the side.

The setback didn’t stop him from improving his life. He went to truck driving school and got his commercial driver’s license (CDL), but he was unhappy.

“I hated being a truck driver.

gence-driven tool to flag suspicious shipments of prescription opioids and developed policy recommendations designed to empower the tool’s use among federal agencies, law enforcement and industry.

In November, the commission will host a national conference of researchers presenting work focused on unearthing the root causes for disproportionate funding and informing any potential public and private policy solutions to address the yawning gap. The conference will be held at the Brookings Institution. Daniel Elfenbein, professor of organization and strategy at Olin, will serve as chair of the conference.

In addition to Villhard and Elfenbein, the project will be led by WashU faculty members Dedric Carter, Olin’s professor of practice in entrepreneurship and WashU’s vice chancellor for innovation and chief commercialization officer; and Gisele Marcus, professor of practice.

A key component of the Bellwether funding calls for student involvement. Ming Zhu Wang, a fifth-year Olin PhD student in strategy, will organize related research, along with five entrepreneurship

I hated being on the road all those hours and being away from my kids. My heart and head just weren’t in it,” he said.

“I had to think differently, I’m fresh out of jail, I’m a felon, I haven’t had a real job in 20 years,” said Kemp. But, no matter how he tried to get leave his artistic passion, something always pulled him back in.

fellows pursuing master’s in business administration degrees, who will assist with planning, research, and feedback. Commission members include:

• Christine Aylward, founder and managing partner at Magnetic Ventures

• Charli Cooksey, founder and CEO of WEPOWER

• Lori Coulter, co-founder and CEO of Summersalt

• Morgan DeBaun, founder and CEO of Blavity and advisory board member for the Black Economic Alliance

• Gaurav Garg, founding partner of Wing Venture Capital

• Lisa Morales-Hellebo, co-founder and general partner at REFASHIOND Ventures

• Martin Hunt, CEO of Swanlaab USA Ventures

• Andre Perry, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution

• Akeem Shannon, CEO and founder of Flipstik Commission members will collect and distill data and industry input over several meetings — including the November conference — with plans to release a comprehensive report of its findings and recommendations by April 2023.

He showed a few people and soon had 10 orders.

“The orders just keep coming in, it has never stopped,” said Kemp.

The orders were pouring in, and his work shed became his sleeping quarters. In less than a year he was making as much money designing signs as driving trucks.

“It was a no-brainer, I quit the trucking business,” said Kemp.

Kemp went to a Home Depot, this time more knowledgeable on the material he needed to make a successful sign. He bought wood and a Dremel tool and made another sign which was better constructed. The creation paid homage to slain rapper Nipsey Hussle.

“When you’re in your purpose, it doesn’t always happen how you plan it.

“Many of the new businesses in St. Louis [established] in the last three years, I did their interior design sign.”

Akia Kemp originals can also be found in Atlanta and throughout Texas.

Kemp says when he is designing signs, “it doesn’t feel like work.”

“Most of my days are 10 to 12-hour days. I took the signage industry and made it my own. I’m adding my own artistic input to each piece,” he said.

“I know this may sound [like a] cliche, but I believe you can literally be anything you want to be. I went from street hustler to owning two businesses.”

Follow Akia Kemp on Instagram at: @signaturedesigngallery @ay2thak_signsandfries @guyswiththefries

Andrew Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, spoke during the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative meeting in St. Louis on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. The mayors from nine states with cities on the Mississippi River

Rollin’ on the river

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / UPI

A Signature move

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis

Why water?

Missouri American Water promotes inclusivity, safety, operating in excellence

By Samantha E. Williams Missouri American Water

Local heroes may not wear capes, but at Missouri American Water they wear safety yellow.

Thanks to Tony Richards, director of health and safety, more than 700 employees across the state work safely every day to keep water flowing for one in four Missourians.

He leverages his position at the largest investor-owned water utility in the state to keep safety at the center of everything the company does, from operating treatment plants and fixing main breaks to investing $400 million this year to upgrade aging water and wastewater systems across Missouri.

“Our leaders understand that being a world-class company means focusing on the safety of our employees so

they return home each night in the same condition that they came to work in that morning,” Richards said.

Richards joined the company at a critical point. As the company’s first director of health and safety, he implemented “taproot,” a process that brings employees, union representatives, and supervisors together to prevent future accidents and injuries. Richards is a self-proclaimed “safety guy,” with a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health and 10 years of experience in manufacturing safety.

Missouri American Water’s employees sometimes work in very challenging conditions, from heat waves to the bitter cold, to fix emergency water main breaks, install new pipes, and keep reliable water flowing. Richards has helped the company provide world-class pro-

grams and training for its employees to keep them safe as they work under these conditions.

“Our safety program has come a long way—now we’re not just looking at physical safety, but mental and emotional safety as well,” said Crystal Grant, senior manager of operations.

Crystal Grant Sr. Manager of Operations

In St. Louis County, Grant helps oversee the largest operations in Missouri American Water with 318 employees under her purview. In an industry without many women or

people of color, Grant and Richards are paving the way for future leaders of the water sector.

“There’s something to be said when you see someone that looks like you,” says Grant. “It gives you a bit more motivation that it is possible.”

At Missouri American Water, 15% of employees are ethnically and racially diverse and 17% of employees are female.

Grant has also seen the company focus on inclusivity in its succession planning. She began

Business Brief

By Sarah Fentem

St. Louis Public Radio

The St. Louis Port

Authority last week passed a resolution that could bring a major Mississippi riverfront development to north St. Louis.

The potential project could bring the city’s first marina to the riverfront. It would also add a hotel, waterpark and indoor trampoline park to a 70-acre plot of land north of Interstate 270, just within city limits.

The resolution allows the developer, Nashville-based M2 Development Partners, to pay

as an intern and moved through the company as a customer service representative, a trainer for new software, a front-line supervisor, a human resource business partner, and finally, one of the highest-ranking women of color. She commits the company to an ethos of operating in excellence.

Grant recalls how the company started offering a Roth 401k plan after two Field Service Representatives within St. Louis County asked for more retirement plan options. “We are a very responsive company. We’ve not only listened, we’ve taken action,” Grant said.

Grant and Richards are no longer exceptions in the water industry, they now represent a new wave of diverse leaders. Richards, who comes from a family of firefighters, remains

Developer’s ambitious plan would bring marina, resort to north St. Louis riverfront

the city to negotiate incentives that would help the company buy and develop the land. The company could seek tax abatements and other incentives and ask the city to prepare the property, St. Louis officials said.

“The resolution shows both city officials and the property developers are serious about the plan,” said Neal Richardson, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation.

The proposed Lighthouse Point development would be similar to planned projects in Nashville and other cities, said Tim Morris, managing

principal of M2 Development Partners.

The stretch of relatively quiet riverfront in north St. Louis is a similarly underestimated resource, he said. “I think this is a trend where people are going in and looking at the waterfront and how to best revitalize it,” he said.

St. Louis residents have called for a marina in the city. There are 21 marinas between St. Charles and Alton but none within city limits.

The site’s proximity to the future St. Louis Zoo WildCare Park is also a major draw, Richardson said.

committed to keeping people safe and inspiring young people like his boys Tony and Ace. He states that being a father and having a front-row seat to watching them grow “was a life-changing experience.”

For young people looking for a career path, Richards encourages them to enter the water industry. Grant believes the water industry needs to especially focus on connecting better with young girls and people of color to get them interested in the field. “We need to give examples of who we are,” Grant said. Both Grant and Richards are setting an example for all future water leaders. They encourage young people to explore what a career in water could mean for them.

An artist’s rendering of the planned

soon negotiate incentives for

Tony Richards Director of Health & Safety

Lighthouse Point development north of St. Louis. The city will

a Nashville-based developer to begin building on the plot of land north of the Chain of Rocks bridge.

Living It

Black women honored. History forsaken.

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

There is an often-recited African proverb that speaks to the Eurocentric vantage point of world history that says, “Until the lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter.”

Viewing The Woman King, which opens in theaters nationwide on September 16, compelled this reporter to propose an addendum to said proverb for the sake of allies who take it upon themselves to initiate the depiction of stories connected to the Diaspora. And that is, “Hunters who act as historians on behalf of the lions should always be mindful to prioritize conveying the lion’s actual history over their own imagined one.”

Inspired by the true story of the Agojie, Academy Award winner Viola Davis marvelously leads an army of women warriors committed to protecting the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the early 19th Century. In this particular era, the unrest between West African kingdoms were a by-

product of the brutal business of slavery. However, The Woman King presents the implication that warring kingdoms seeking to capitalize on their prisoners of war fueled the transatlantic slave trade as opposed to the truth – which is the other way around. To be fair, whitewashing isn’t the

Performances, action and imagery outshine inaccuracies of

‘The Woman King’

film’s only historical inaccuracy. The Dahomey’s role in the perpetuating the slave trade by selling prisoners of war is given a fairytale treatment. Not only are they completely absolved, they are

falsely lauded as trailblazers in enforcing policy as a method to dismantle the institution altogether.

As a cinematic experience, The Woman King is both heartwarming and disheartening. Filled with stunning imagery, the film –directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood – gives mainstream audiences context with respect to the beauty and culture of Africa, even though there are a few moments of “spontaneous” song and dance that feel inserted as opposed to organic. The performances are exceptional. The fight scenes are phenomenally choreographed, and the actors clearly committed themselves to the art of combat as the thrilling and brutally physical fight scenes will move audiences to cheer on more than one occasion. The concept of the strong Black woman is expressed in its truest sense – as a protector of her people as opposed to the “mad Black woman” myth.

The heartbreak comes in watching the film’s promise somewhat succumb to the mainstream

See Woman King, C8

Delayed but not denied

Inclement weather, technical difficulties caused major delays at Music at the Intersection

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

The streets of the Grand Center Arts District were alive with music, art, and good times in a celebration of St. Louis’ cultural richness Sept. 10-11.

Day one on the Washington Avenue stage began with a rough note, with technical difficulties, leading to shortened sets, and rescheduling.

Patrons of the R&B/soul group Rose Royce were forced to wait two hours for the beginning of the show. As a band member listed the group’s greatest hits, he added he told the audience they would not be hearing some of them because their show length had been trimmed. The challenges didn’t damper the crowd’s enthusiasm (which included all ages.)

Rose Royce’s stroll down memory lane included “Ooh Boy” “Wishing On A Star” “I’m Going Down” “Car Wash” and more.

A band member reminded the audience that

Olajuwon’s next act

Formerly incarcerated Ferguson activist finds purpose on stage

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

There are points in the life of actor Olajuwon Davis that play out like a Shakespearian tragedy – particularly the unfortunate series of events that led to him serving seven years in a federal prison. When he started to reflect on his incredible story, a line from the Tupac Shakur classic “Dear Mama” was the first idea that popped into his head.

“Who’d have thought in elementary, that I would see the penitentiary one day,” Davis recited. “That speaks to my own experience in a way that’s crazy when I think about it.” But what sets his story apart from Shakespeare’s tales of epic demise is that Davis is that he has been granted the grace to redeem himself – particularly by way of the stage.

n “Now, with going to prison and coming out, I have been reinvigorated and my spirit has been motivated to live for change as opposed to being willing to die for it.”

- Olajuwon Davis

“My story is filled with various ups and downs and climatic points of the human experience, from betrayal and imprisonment to love, grace and freedom – both literal and proverbial,” Davis said “I’m still living my story and it’s still unfolding. But as far as the things I am experiencing at this point – this next act – it’s about a comeback.” Ironically, he is among the ensemble of actors in the Black Rep’s presentation of Carlyle Brown’s The African Company Presents Richard III which opened last week at Washington University’s Edison Theatre. Davis plays William Henry Brown, a theater producer who is jailed along with his actors for being a Black theatrical troupe with the audacity to perform Shakespeare in New York City back in 1821. The play is inspired by the true-life events and opens The Black Rep’s 46th season.

Rose

performed the original versions of several songs that have been remade or sampled.

“There’s some bad rumors that’s been going on that I wanna clear up right now,” he said.

The production also stars Wali Jamal Abdullah, Coda Boyce, Cameron Jamarr Davis, Alex Jay, Dustin Lane Petrillo and Eric Dean White and is directed by Ron Himes. Davis is no stranger to the Black Rep stage. He appeared as a youth in The Black Rep’s 2008 production of Sarafina The African Company Presents Richard III is the third mainstage production performance for Davis since his release from prison in February of 2020. He arrived in Ferguson on August 9, 2014 to protest the death of Mike Brown after seeing a video of the teen’s body lying on the ground that was circulating on social media. “It wasn’t in Florida (referring to Trayvon Martin). It wasn’t in any other place. It was down the street,” Davis said. “And if I am who I say I am, then I have to answer the call to action. I threw my clothes on and went down there. I had to show up for me and my community – to

See Black Rep, C8

Royce

“You see, some of the young folks out there thought that Mary J. Blige did “I’m Going

The Woman King starring Viola Davis opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 16.

Photo by Ilze Kitshoff courtesy of Sony Pictures Publicity

Photo by Peter Spack

Olajuwon Davis on stage in The Black Rep season 45 finale, “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Gary Clark Jr. playing at the Washington Ave. Stage very late Sunday night Sept. 11, 2022 during the 2022 Music at the Intersection in the city’s Grand Arts Center neighborhood.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis hosted its 18th Salute to Women in Leadership Gala at the Marriott Grand St. Louis Hotel on September 9, 2022. The sold-out, elegant event honored 12 outstanding local women leaders who have contributed greatly to our community through their professional accomplishments and community service in addition to two Lifetime Achievement honorees. In addition to celebrating the Salute honorees, The Urban League also presented a special recognition award to The United Way of Greater St. Louis and President Michelle Tucker celebrating the agency’s 100th anniversary and partnership with The Urban League. US Bank President Tom Wind presented the Urban League with a mock check for $1.5 Million to support the new Regional Headquarters and programming for Save Our Sons, Save Our Sisters and other workforce programs.

The 2022 Salute to Women in Leadership honorees are: Marilyn Bush, President Bank of America St. Louis; Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President of Diversity and Social Responsibility at Emerson; Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the City of St. Louis; Dr. Gwendolyn Wilson Diggs, Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis (Urban League Woman of the Year); Nkenge Harmon Johnson President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of

Oregon (Urban League CEO

, Mayor, City of Ferguson Missouri;

Magnus,Consul of Canada, St. Louis, Partner Thompson Coburn LLP; Karen Morrison, Sr. Manager Advocacy, Community Outreach & Workforce Diversity at BJC HealthCare; Pamela Morris-Thornton, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Panera Bread; Dr. Tanya Patton, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, Riverview Gardens School District; Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, President Harris-Stowe State University; Dr. Kristin Sobolik, Chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

“These extraordinary women contribute greatly to our community in addition to achieving excellence in their chosen professions,” said Michael P. McMillan, President and CEO of the Urban League. “We are honored to recognize them for their stellar professional achievements and show our appreciation for all they do in our community.”

Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to actress Tichina Arnold and Areva Martin, an award-winning civil rights attorney, CNN legal analyst, author, advocate and Founder and President of Special Needs Network, Inc., one of the nation’s leading disability, children’s health and social

Each honoree received more than 75 commendations and gifts including, designer gifts from Versace, an exclusive commemorative plate from Buckingham Palace, a custom award with a framed letter from President Joe Biden honoring their community service and a personal tribute letter from Vice President Kamala Harris. The Lifetime Achievement honorees received additional items including a custom designed gowns from Neiman Marcus.

Guests were treated to special musical performances from the legendary Melba Moore and St. Louis native Angela Winbush who closed the event with a rousing performance of her chart-topping hits. The Coleman-Hughes Project entertained almost 1,000 guests during the pre-dinner reception. Other special guests included civil rights icon Xernona Clayton, gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones, and actor Richard Gant who is the official “Voice of the Salute to Women in Leadership”.

For more information on the Urban League, please see the agency’s website at www.ulstl.com

Portland,

of the Year); Hon. Ella Jones

Sonette T.

justice nonprofits. Martin grew up in St. Louis’ Carr Square neighborhood before attending the University of Chicago and then Harvard Law School.

Photos & Graphics by: Troy Swanson, Darian Jones, Marcus Allen, Michael Thomas, Cornelius Dotson, Richard K. Davis and DavisProject.com

Ebenezer Baptist Church honors MLK’s sister

By Donnell Suggs

The Atlanta Voice

The Ebenezer Baptist Church held a special church service to commemorate the 95th birthday of the longest serving congregant in the history of one of Atlanta’s oldest churches.

When Dr. Christine King Farris, a former Spelman College professor, Atlanta Public Schools teacher and author, entered the sanctuary, the congregation, Spelman College Glee Club and Ebenezer Church choirs greeted her with song and applause.

The eldest sister of the late Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Farris had been baptized in the church and thus is its longest continuous participant. A former member of the choir, Farris watched her grandfather, father, and younger brothers- Dr. King and the late Rev. Alfred Daniel Williams

King- preach from the very same pulpit as pastors of the church.

Her mother, the late Alberta Williams King, was the choir’s director for more than 20 years. Ebenezer Baptist Church is home and what better place to celebrate Farris’ birthday than home.

The Rev. Sen. Raphael Warnock (Ga.-D), the fifth pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, spoke of the big sister/little brother relationship between Farris and her brother “ML.”

“Thank God for big sisters,” said Warnock as he told the biblical story of the baby Moses being placed in a basket and sent down river by his mother only to be found by the King’s daughter and raised in the palace by his mother once again. Moses’ sister watched the baby float down river but never took her eyes off him, said Warnock.

“Thank God for Dr. Christine

Spiritually Speaking

Sealed with kiss

By James Washington

I

where I

this. But it is worth repeating for those of you who know what real pain feels like. A televangelist, whose name I can’t remember, reminded me of the powerful nature of words that sometimes strike at your very heart. He said, “In order for someone to really hurt you, he or she has to be close enough to you,

King Farris, the longest serving member of Ebenezer Baptist Church,” he said.

“If the folks that are 25 were as strong as Dr. Christine King Farris is at 95 the church would

honest with ourselves, has done just that when we feel safe with those around us. It is that vulnerability that gives the kiss of death the power to crush your very being.

to kiss you.”

Whoa! Now this immediately made me sit up and take notice as it should you. Beyond the biblical reference about Jesus and Judas, this is a pretty dynamic point of which people of faith should take note. Real pain comes from people and circumstances and issues that you really, really care about. Life does not always encourage you to live with your guard down. But each of us, if we’re

A special church service was held to commemorate the 95th birthday of Dr. Christine King Farris, Martin Luther King Jr’s only living sibling and the longest serving congregant in the history of one of Atlanta’s oldest churches.

Christine

King Center as vice chair and treasurer all those many years ago following the murder of her younger brother, the centers namesake.

“We are here today to obviously celebrate 95 years of life, a woman of strength, a woman of grace, a woman of dignity, elegance, resilience, faith and great integrity and inspiration,” said King. “A woman who served The King Center for some 51 years.”

King added, “We love you, happy birthday, May God bless and may you continue to live 95 more years.”

woman of few words by many in attendance, but her work as an educator and author continues to enlighten and entertain. She used to read her book, ‘My Brother Martin” to King Center visitors from time to time. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park Superintendent Judy Forte presented a crystal golden one to Farris as

be much better off.” Farris’ niece, Dr. Bernice King, CEO of The King Center, took the microphone next and spoke of her aunt’s work in setting up and helping run The

know we belong to the body of Christ.

There is no pain like unexpected pain deliberately aimed at you when you’re not looking. I find it ironic that as Christians we are supposed to reveal to the external world our internal souls. Those who see us should indeed see who we are and whose we are. It’s a very public declaration. Then, by how we live our lives, the world should

Irony might not be the best word to describe my example, but remember the ultimate kiss is the kiss of betrayal. The difference between you, me and Christ however, is that Christ knew it was coming. As a matter of fact, not only did He know it was coming, Christ needed it to fulfill His divine mission. It was a kiss that was part of a plan that saved the world. We are the ones who are blindsided by kisses we wish we could have seen coming.

Former U.S. Ambassador, City of Atlanta Mayor and MLK confidant Andrew Young took an opportunity to sing, I Love Everybody in My Heart, when he had the chance to speak. Young has been a friend of Farris and the King family for decades. Farris was said to be a

Think back for a minute about that devastating kiss in your own life and I’ll bet you today, that it gives you a reason to have particular insight and perspective about this thing called testimony—yours.

It certainly does me. Maybe your kiss was part of a plan intended to save you. I know this may be difficult to hear because of the pain it caused you, but if you can possibly reconcile the effect it had on you, with the life God planned for you, then perhaps the best is yet to come for you and me.

I don’t know about you, but because of past betrayal, I’ve learned that I cannot live a guarded life and expect God to heal my heart. Been there, done

that. It doesn’t work. A closed heart can neither give nor receive and that includes the love from and of the Lord; just like a closed hand can neither give nor receive anything. I want to believe I can see Judas coming these days and as Christ did, accept his effort, as but another failed attempt to destroy my joy. So, the good news for today is, “Been there, bless that!” Those closest to me today know this and my heart is open to them, as well as to you, should we ever meet. Everybody else can simply keep their lips to themselves. May God bless and keep you forever.

Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Voice

Columnist James Washington

GUARDIAN AD LITEM –FAMILY COURTJUVENILE

DIVISION

Family Court (Juvenile Division) of St. Louis County is seeking an attorney to serve as guardian ad litem (GAL) in the Family Court to handle juvenile matters/parent attorney. A GAL who serves the Court must commit to serve on various Family Court (Juvenile) cases on an as needed basis for a monthly retainer to be paid by public funds. The current retainer is in the amount of $2,300.00 per month. Payments for time expended in adoption, guardianship of minor, and termination of parental rights matters may be made over and above the retainer fee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, up to three (3) years of trial experience preferred; preferably in juvenile or family law (additional years of trial experience and guardian ad litem experience are highly preferred), and completion of necessary guardian ad litem training as required by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding.

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov or to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by September 30, 2022): Family Court of St. Louis County, Attn: Human Resources Department, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

ASSOCIATE

REGIONAL CAMPAIGN DIRECTORNORTH CENTRAL REGION

Organization: Sierra Club

Job description and application: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf01/ats/careers/v2/ viewRequisition?org= SIERRACLUB&cws=39&rid=2057

PRINCIPAL

Are you a strong, faith-driven leader prepared to lead a premier Jesuit high school in its third century of excellence? St. Louis University High is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Principal, one who will lead our academic and formational programs that challenge students to think critically, lead courageously, and transform the world as Men for Others. To learn more and apply, visit sluh.org/principal.

TREATMENT COURT ADMINISTRATOR

The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court seeks applicants for a Treatment Court Administrator. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate or Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Health Administration, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Sociology, Psychology or related field OR a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of three (3) years of closely related experience in court administration. Significant knowledge of administrative management, including all aspects of fiscal management, as well as experience in writing grant proposals and monitoring grant programs preferred, contract experience, knowledge of treatment court systems and best practices. Must be at least 21 years of age. Salary range is $64,844 –$103,159. Please email resumes to: stlca.resumes@courts.mo.gov See www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com and click on Employment Opportunities for complete job description. EOE.

SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FINANCIAL AID

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Student and Family Engagement, the Senior Assistant Director is responsible for providing financial aid counseling to prospective and current students and/or their parents to afford their Washington University education. Additionally, this individual is required to provide leadership, oversight, and perform critical duties in administering the financial education program. The position works in a service-oriented and fast-paced team environment that will actively support the department and the university’s student recruitment and retention goals.

To view the full job description and to apply visit jobs.wustl. edu and enter job JR69046.

ST. LOUIS AREA VIOLENCE PREVENTION GVRN CONSULTANT

The St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission (VPC) Gun Violence Response Network Consultant is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating special projects led by VPC including but not limited to, the Gun Violence Response Network. This is a full-time, 12-month consulting engagement. The ideal candidate is an independent contractor with strong project management experience.

A complete consulting position description may be found at https:// www.stlmhb.com/about-us/careers/

LOAN PROCESSOR - PROJECT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Non-profit seeks applications for FT positions for grant funded Healthy Home Repair Program. (This is not a remote position.)

• Loan Processor- PM Coordinator: Knowledgeable of HUD & SLFRF guidelines, verifies data, calculates income, & determines eligibility. Computer literacy required. Process invoices, track & report data, skilled in Excel/Office, handle calls, correspondence. Minimum 2 years work experience. Valid driver’s license, reliable, insured, licensed vehicle required. Submit cover letter & resume to hhrp. jobs@missionstl.org by 9/26/2022.

Mission St. Louis is an EOE. The position(s) may be financed (in part) or (wholly) through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the United States Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration.

ARBORIST

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Arborist $45,254 - 50,290. To apply go to https://richmondheights.applicantpro. com/jobs/

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To see the full job description of positions available and to apply online go to: http:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/ and click on “Careers at SLDC.” SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

SOLICITING BID

Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) requests qualifications for real estate acquisition and relocation services within GRG’s three-county district. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply by October 29, 2022.

AUCTION NOTICE

The following people are in debt to Gateway Storage Mall. The contents of their storage unit(s) will be sold at auction to compensate for all or part of that debt. Auction at Gateway Storage, BellevilleRoyal Heights location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, at 10:00am CST. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids.

Gateway Storage Belleville, Royal Heights: A17—Ineka Ferguson, A20— Glora Ratliff, B02—Tammy Williams, C03—Brandon Mckenzie, C04—Vernice Smith, E07—Yvette Peals, E10—Alexi Childs, E15—Lakesha Laprade, G11— Darrius Cash, G13—Herbert Newburn, G15—Marvika Ibarra, G16—Alesha Hopkins, G44—Emily Anderson, K08— Natasha Caldwell, K25—Jason Blair, K33—Danyaile Hopson, K37 Dontelisia Moore.

Auction at Gateway Storage Belleville, Tower Plaza and Mascoutah Avenue will be held online with www.Storageauctions. com Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, at 10:00am CST. A cash Deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids. Gateway Storage Belleville, Tower Plaza and Mascoutah Avenue: 14—Michael Gonzales, 18—Shereen Hicks (Kibria), 28—Gloria Casole, 217—Chris Ciszczon, 633—Rachelle Russell, 636—Jules Johanson, 638—Demetrius Thomas. For all rules, regulations, and bidding process, please contact www.storageauctions. com. All other questions, please contact (618) 233-8995 or mail: 17 Royal Heights Center, Belleville IL, 62226.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

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

SOLICITING BID

The Great Rivers Greenway District (District), the Developer, is soliciting sealed bids for Mississippi Greenway: Chain of Rocks Park (108A) in the City of Saint Louis, Missouri and hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award. Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state, and local requirements apply. Go to www.greatriversgreenwy.org/ jobs-bids to submit by October 11, 2022.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Jennings Station Road (North) ARS Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1604, Federal Project No. STP-5608(606), will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on October 12, 2022

Plans and specifications will be available on September 12, 2022, from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing will be held at 10:00 am, September 29, 2022, via Zoom (call 314.535.6964, ext 24 for information), at which time citizens may be heard on the property tax rate proposed to be fixed for the current year for the City of St. Louis Senior Citizen Services Fund. The tax rate shall be fixed to produce revenues which the budget for the fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 show to be required from the property tax.

For the City of St. Louis Senior Citizen Services Fund a rate of $0.05 on each $100 assessed property value was authorized by a vote of the people on November 8, 2016. The maximum tax rate permitted by Article X, Section 22 of the Missouri Constitution and Section 137.073 R.S.Mo for the City of St. Louis Senior Citizen Services Fund is $0.0497. This amount is proposed to be adopted.

ASSESSED VALUE

(by categories)

Current Tax Year 2022

Real Estate

$3,679,386,001

Personal Property

$1,161,226,894

TOTAL

$4,840,612,895

Prior Tax Year 2021

Real Estate

$3,669,164,398

Personal Property

$1,048,391,174

TOTAL

$4,717,555,572

For the City of St. Louis Senior Citizen Services Fund, the current year assessed values are projected to accrue property tax revenue of $2,302,167.

City of St. Louis Senior Citizen Services Fund September 16, 2022

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/DBE/ Veteran/SDVE for the following:

University of Missouri Project No. CP221951 University Physicians Medical Building- Ground Floor CHCC Clinic Renovation

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@reinhardtconstructionllc.com Phone: 573-682-5505

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ)

RFQ No: LU23012

Title: Security Sciences Building Renovation

Issue Date: September 11, 2022

Lincoln University of Missouri will be accepting Qualification Statements for professional design services to renovate an existing campus facility to include areas for specialized training. The spaces include EOTC (Emergency Operations Training Center), indoor firing range, office, and instructional spaces with advanced technology. The expectations will include refurbishing the exterior envelope of the facility to include window replacement, roof repairs, tuckpointing, waterproofing, and ADA access. The interior renovation will include new mechanical systems, interior upgrades, life safety and code compliance, new finishes, and modernizations throughout the building. The construction budget is approximately $1 million dollars.

To be considered for this role, provide your firm’s qualifications that demonstrate your experience in the above listed specialized training areas for review by our Selection Committee. Qualification Statements are due by noon on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Each qualification statement should include the following information for consideration.

• A list and brief description of similar projects designed during the past five years, particularly on higher education facilities.

• A client list and point of contact for previous projects.

• A list of proposed design team members and their experience on similar projects.

• The past record of performance of your firm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules.

• The capacity and capability of the firm to perform the work in question, including specialized services, within the time limitations fixed for completion of the project.

• A proposed list of all subconsultants.

Lincoln University is a diverse community and recognizes the importance of supplier diversity and welcomes the development and utilization of certified Minority, Women, Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE/VBE/ SDVBE). Lincoln University encourages the participation of MBE/WBE/VBE/SDVBEs in its vendor process both at the prime vendor level as well as at the subcontractor level. Please respect the University’s position regarding participation of MBE and WBE companies. This will be considered a priority during the evaluation of qualification statements. For design contracts overall participation goals shall be 10% MBE and 5% WBE, with desired participation goals of 20% MBE and 10% WBE. Please keep this in mind as you structure partnerships with key team members.

The university’s selection committee will review all qualification statements and select three firms to visit campus for final selection interviews. The selection committee will recommend a design firm to the Board of Curators. Once approval has been received by the Board, work will begin immediately after a signed contract is completed.

Please submit six bound copies and an electronic copy on a thumb drive to the address at the bottom. The electronic copies should be formatted for portrait printing with left side binding. Any questions or comments, please contact us at lufacilitiesplanning@ lincolnu.edu

Office of Facilities and Planning

309 Young Hall Jefferson City, MO 65101

$1,048,391,174

ADVERTISE YOUR BIDS, PUBLIC NOTICES, AUCTIONS, AUDITS, SUMMARY & LEGAL NOTICES DOCUMENTS

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ)

RFQ No: LU22017

Title: Elliff Hall Renovation

Issue Date: September 11, 2022

Lincoln University is planning to renovate Elliff Hall, the School of Nursing facility located on 709 E. Dunklin St Jefferson City, Missouri. The expectations will include refurbishing the exterior envelope of the facility to include window replacement, roof repairs, tuckpointing, waterproofing, and ADA access. The interior renovation will include new mechanical systems, interior upgrades, life safety and code compliance, new finishes, and modernizations throughout the building. The construction budget is approximately $3 million dollars.

Elliff Hall (709 E. Dunklin St, Jefferson City, Mo) is a 2-story education facility. The original design includes integrated lockers in the hallways, glazed block, and multiple classrooms on each floor.

To be considered for this role, provide your firm’s qualifications for review by our Selection Committee. Qualification Statements are due by noon on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Each qualification statement should include the following information for consideration.

• A list and brief description of similar projects designed during the past five years, particularly on higher education facilities.

• A client list and point of contact for previous projects.

• A list of proposed design team members and their experience on similar projects.

• The past record of performance of your firm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules.

• The capacity and capability of the firm to perform the work in question, including specialized services, within the time limitations fixed for completion of the project.

• A proposed list of all subconsultants.

Lincoln University is a diverse community and recognizes the importance of supplier diversity and welcomes the development and utilization of certified Minority, Women, Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE/VBE/ SDVBE). Lincoln University encourages the participation of MBE/WBE/VBE/SDVBEs in its vendor process both at the prime vendor level as well as at the subcontractor level.

Please respect the University’s position regarding participation of MBE and WBE companies. This will be considered a priority during the evaluation of qualification statements. For design contracts overall participation goals shall be 10% MBE and 5% WBE, with desired participation goals of 20% MBE and 10% WBE. Please keep this in mind as you structure partnerships with key team members.

The university’s selection committee will review all qualification statements and select three firms to visit campus for final selection interviews. The selection committee will recommend a design firm to the Board of Curators. Once approval has been received by the Board, work will begin immediately after a signed contract is completed.

Please submit six bound copies and an electronic copy on a thumb drive to the address at the bottom. The electronic copies should be formatted for portrait printing with left side binding. Any questions or comments, please contact us at lufacilitiesplanning@ lincolnu.edu

Office of Facilities and Planning 309 Young Hall Jefferson City, MO 65101

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: Missouri S&T General Services Building

PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for the Architectural Fitout, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Steel Erection, Misc Steel Fabrication for the Missouri S&T General Services Building located at 1701 Fraternity Circle, Rolla, MO. The project consists of the construction of a 1-story office with an adjoining storage and shop building. Total size of the facility is approx. 35,500 sf. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not received a bid invitation please send your company information to bids@paric.com.

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 @ 5:00pm

Send all questions to Nick Lange (nlange@paric.com).

Job will have prevailing wage requirements for Phelps County.

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise

• 10% Minority (MBE)

• 10% Women (WBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Veteran (VBE)

• 3% Service Disabled Veteran (SDVE)

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Wo o d R o o f and Gutters, Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, Project No. X2213-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 10/13/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t o b i d . F o r specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

9/15/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (“LCRA”) solicits bids from firms to demolish certain residential structures in Wellston, Missouri. The work generally consists of asbestos surveys for all structures, abatement of asbestos containing material as needed, demolition of structures, removal of demolition debris, site clearing, and grading. This activity is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. A MBE-participation goal of 20% will apply to this project.

Be advised that contracts over $200,000 trigger Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. Section 3 requires that economic opportunities generated by the expenditure of HUD funds be directed, to the greatest extent feasible, to low and moderate income persons via contracting, employment and training. All contractors and subcontractors working on this project will need to demonstrate compliance with Section 3 numeric targets and other applicable provisions. In cases where Section 3 compliance is not achieved, contractors and subcontractors must document good-faith efforts to comply.

LCRA will accept sealed bids for the work until Friday, October 7, 2022, at 3:00 PM, at which time all bids will be opened and read publicly via Zoom. Bid documents and bid opening details are available at www.stlpartnership. com. Electronic proposals and questions should be sent to hbean@stlpartnership.com

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Momentum Academy is looking to contract with a firm to provide Website Design and Building Services. All proposals due no later than September 15, 2022 @ 11am. Contact Antionette Bedessie, operations@ momentumacademystl.org, for more information.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Great Rivers Greenway District (GRG) requests qualifications for planning, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, and architecture services for a Prequalification List. Information at www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ Submittals due October 10, 2022.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Administrative Hearing Officer City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office www.stltreasurer.org/ request-for-proposals

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PRINCIPAL ARTERIALS TRAFFIC SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, September 23, 2022 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/ home?agency=true RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/public-service/,

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is hiring for a part-time, on call Outreach Specialist. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply by October 13, 2022.

Hollywood treatment of Africa thanks to Dana Stevens and Mario Bello’s flawed story. The narrative of the film is smothered with stereotypes, tropes, formulaic outlandish subplots and the overdramatization of a history that is compelling enough in its truth to retain the attention of its audience. The Woman King’s shortcomings are a cautionary tale. The missteps make a case for the importance of having Black voices at the table with an authentic voice with a clear sense of historical significance and tone from the inception of an idea that reflects the Black experience. Especially when the story involves subject matter as complex and delicate as the impact of transatlantic slave trade on Africa. Another disappointment comes in the dialect. Each

character seems to have its own interpretation of Africanized English as opposed to a uniform accent that is clear enough to not present any barriers to understanding. Lashana Lynch’s otherwise brilliant depiction of Izogie is the biggest casualty of this oversight. Fortunately for the audience – much like the warrior women portrayed in the film – the actors and director successfully conquer the failed story to protect the film’s purpose of displaying powerful, positive images of Black women united in sisterhood working together for the greater good of their people.

Viola Davis does not disappoint in the title role of Agojie general Nanisca. Her naturally commanding screen presence serves The Woman King well in articulating the role of the Agojie (and Nanisca’s leadership) as critical to ensuring the survival of the Dahomey. She portrays the character with a sense of responsibility – and

she and John Boyega’s King Ghezo create enchanting chemistry. Watching an indisputably and unapologetically Black woman of a certain age wield strength and power – and reflect the broad spectrum of African beauty –as the centerpiece of major studio film would have been inconceivable as recently as a decade ago. And with every line, every punch, each swing of the sword and every fallen tear, Davis (who, along with her husband Julius Tennon, is also one of the film’s producers) seems determined to open a door – and firmly prop it for others to enter behind her. And as they followed her lead, co-stars Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim and the rest of ensemble proved themselves ready to walk through.

The Woman King opens in theaters nationwide on September 16. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 135 minutes.

say I tried to contribute.”

Watching a biopic about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sparked a commitment to activism at the tender age of five years old. He became a protest leader in Ferguson as part of the New Black Panther Party. His visibility caught the attention of the FBI.

“I knew that the path that I had begun to walk as far as activism and speaking truth to power that the worst consequence could be death,” Davis said. “I had been constantly shown this example of when you stand up against oppressive systems the consequences can be very tragic. I believed that I would die moreso than going to prison.”

From incarceration to liberation

Davis was caught up in a sting that resulted in him serving seven years. Prior to his arrest – which was the result of his attempt to purchase explosives on behalf of individuals who turned out to be FBI informants – he had no criminal record.

“When you are in a mode of survival and you have that ‘ride or die’ mentality, it opens you up to make decisions that are not of your best interest – or the best interest of humanity,” Davis said.

But he was adamant that he never, ever planned on hurting anyone.

“As far as my case, participating in criminal activity wasn’t my original thought.

It wasn’t an organic thought,” Davis said. “It was something that was given to me. It was something that was suggested. And what you consume, you consider. I want to be clear that despite what has been said about me, I never had any intentions to commit acts of violence.”

Reading and exercise were his go-to coping mechanisms for mentally adjusting to the initial trauma of adopting the lifestyle of an inmate. But his saving grace was his strong support system – and his spirituality.

He connected with the Ifa religion of West Africa. According to Davis, it is a type of faith which focuses on character and walking in their destiny. He began to study it intensely and incorporate it into his daily life.

“Honestly, that was my primary source of strength,” Davis said. “Anytime I felt like I was discouraged – and I didn’t think I could make it – I thought about the tremendous sacrifice – whether it was through blood, sweat and tears – that my ancestors endured just so that I could even exist. If my ancestors could survive slavery and all of those things, I can do seven years.”

He was released just weeks before the world shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – and three months before the murder of George Floyd sparked international protest. His incarceration compelled him to explore activism from a new perspective.

“Now, with going to prison and coming out, I have been reinvigorated and my spirit has been motivated to live for change as opposed to being willing to die for it,” Davis said.

He considers the stage as

his primary vehicle for change and feels that a major selling point of The African Company Presents Richard III is in its demonstration that Black joy and Black excellence are nothing new.

“Just as we strive today to exemplify and demonstrate those attributes in our lives today, we have examples who have already done it 200 years ago,” Davis said. “This play takes place at a time when slavery was still booming – and they were considering us threefifths of a human. If you are finding it hard to identify with anything other than being oppressed, know that it’s not our whole narrative. It’s a fraction of it – and the smallest part.”

The same can be said of Davis’ own story as he points out that arts and culture are at the forefront of every revolution and are responsible for facilitating the transformation process of evolution in human consciousness.

“I am having the opportunity to channel the energy of this individual who even at that time sought to use the arts to define their experience and express themselves – and it was a form of protest,” Davis said of the upcoming play. “Ron Himes is the William Henry Brown of today, by keeping Black theater alive and living – and it’s making a place where a person like me can come in and liberate myself.”

The Black Rep’s presentation of The African Company Presents Richard III continues through September 25 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre. For tickets or additional information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www. theblackreporg.

Music

Continued from C1

Down” first. Y’all gotta know that it’s the OGs that did that song first. Some of the young folks out there think Beyonce did “Wishing on a Star” first. Y’all gotta let them know that it’s the OGs that did that song first.”

Music lovers of all genres were served entrees from artists who appealed to their preferred musical taste. Mainstream multi-platinum-selling artists including Erykah Badu and Gary Clark Jr. attracted many to the festivities including concertgoer Kianna Hill.

“I’m most excited to see Erykah Badu perform, because I’ve mainly seen her live on YouTube videos,” said Hill, a 2011 Hazelwood East High School graduate. “Next Lifetime is one of my favorite songs by her.”

While national artists brought many people to Grand Center, some hometown giants and rising local artists also graced one of three stages.

“I can’t even tell you how many people’s songs and albums I’ve downloaded just from hearing their music for the first time,” said North County resident Miya Anderson. “There’s a lot of good energy here [at the festival] and seeing the city support each other does something to my spirit.”

The St. Louis American caught a glimpse of BJ The Chicago Kid’s set on Sept. 10. His performance on the Field stage was R&B excellence. He sang his songs “Love Inside,” “Turnin Me Up,” “Perfect,” and “Close,” while also covering D’Angelo’s “How Does It Feel,” Usher’s “Nice & Slow.” He concluded his set with his chart-topping hit “Church.” Before exiting, he mentioned how losing close loved ones motivates him to go harder in his career.

“Every time I’m on this stage every song that I sing is for everybody who’s never been afraid to be alone for five minutes to be understood forever,” BJ said.

St. Louis’ own NandoSTL, Reggie Son, The Urge (Steve’s Hot Dogs owner, Steve Ewing is the band’s frontman), Lamar Harris’ Georgia Mae, funk band Super Hero Killer, and Jazz St. Louis Creative Advisor and Ferguson Native Keyon Harrold also performed on the Field Stage.

Harrold performed alongside Alex Isley, singer and daughter of Ernie Isley, hip-hop producer Black Milk, hip-hop drummer Chris “Daddy” Dave, and more. Harrold’s set unfor-

tunately didn’t get to finish due to lightning and a rain delay.

Kyjuan, Murphy Lee, Ali, and Slo Down of St. Lunatics also joined the Wash Ave stage for a medley of group hits, Lee’s solo hits, and his freestyles to other songs. It was a nostalgic, warm moment revisiting a lot of our early 2000s favorites from “Batter Up” to “Shake Ya Tailfeather” to “Air Force Ones.”

It took us back to those “Old St. Louis” days when those records played at The Palace Skating Rink, Saints Skating Rink, and the D.A.R.E. dances.

Nelly and City Spud reuniting would have made the performance even more golden, but as we see that won’t be happening anytime soon since he and the other members, primarily Ali, are at odds with each other.

Saint Boogie Brass Band

n “I just had tears falling from my eyes because we are about to honor a musical icon, a musical legend, but not only that she belongs to us. She’s from us. When they say St. Louis doesn’t have any musical talent, we don’t have any artists, we’re a flyover city, no we’re not. We got folks like the amazing Angela Winbush.”

- Rep. Cori Bush

also performed behind the Tics. They were originally supposed to be the openers for the Wash Ave Stage, but instead performed on the streets at Washington and Josephine Baker boulevards.

Seviin Li also performed on that stage tributing the iconic Tina Turner. The lady of the hour we all were waiting for Badu had a late start on her headlining set due to the rain and lightning. However, the wait was more than worth it.

She performed many hits from her 1997 Baduizm album, which she wrote while pregnant with her Seven Benjamin, who is now 24. The 90s babies held it down as the ones who were mostly represented in the crowd, she dedicated “Apple Tree” in honor of them.

The sweetest memory of her performance was the mashup between her and Angela Winbush for “Next Lifetime”

and “You Don’t Have to Cry.” St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Congresswoman Cori Bush also presented Winbush with the Legends Award. “I just had tears falling from my eyes because we are about to honor a musical icon, a musical legend, but not only that she belongs to us,” Bush said. “She’s from us. When they say St. Louis doesn’t have any musical talent, we don’t have any artists, we’re a flyover city, no we’re not. We got folks like the amazing Angela Winbush.”

Badu gave fans the option to choose her final song, either “Didn’t Cha Know” or “Tyrone.” Majority voted in favor of Tyrone. Hiatus Kaiyote and Foxing also graced the Wash Ave. Stage. The Big Top Stage included The Kasimu-Et, Jazz St. Louis tribute Celebrating Montez Coleman, Dylan Triplett, The Bosman Twins, The Henry Townsend Acoustic Blues Showcase, Peter Martin, and Kamasi Washington. For Day 2, The American covered Lydia Caesar’s performance at The Big Top, who was originally scheduled to play Wash Ave earlier in the day. Caesar tore the house down with a cover to Nelly’s “Ride Wit Me,” “St. Louis’’ [a song dedicated to her husband who is from St. Louis], a cover to Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody,” and more.

Robert Glasper’s multi musicianship and producer skills coupled with Terrace Martin’s vocals and saxophone impressed jazz hip-hop enthusiasts with “No One Like You” “Black Superhero” and more on Wash Ave. Glasper also mentioned his appreciation for many of the city’s beloved musicians.

“There’s a lot of dope cats in St. Louis,” Glasper said. “You got Shedrick Mitchell, Keyon Harrold, Marcus Baylor of The Baylor Project. I have a lot of ties to St. Louis.” Other artists who performed on all stages were Buddy Guy, Booker T. Jones, and more. Gary Clark Jr. was the headlining performer on the Wash Ave Stage.

Music wasn’t the only element incorporated into the festival, there were also live street art activations, artist talks, and mural wall and high definition projection mapping/immersive video art. Overall the festival was a success and vital to the city. With a few minor changes, and better luck with the weather, Music at the Intersection’s return on Sept. 9-10, 2023, should be another smash hit.

Black Rep

Continued from C1

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

One of many master of ceremonies 2022 Music at the Intersection Alonzo Townsend, founder of Townsend X3 Agency Artist and Event Agency, speaking to the crowd under the Big Top in the city’s Grand Arts Center neighborhood Sun. Sept.11, 2022.