September 19th, 2019 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

‘Our children deserve our rage’

Mothers mourn youth lost to gun violence, issue call to action

By Kenya Vaughn

Three pieces of white poster board gave perspective to the alarming rate in which our region’s children are being tragically lost.

After the crowd of nearly 300 marched through Fairgrounds Park on Saturday, September 14 for the Mother’s March to End Gun Violence, volunteers prepared to individually recognize the children who have died as a result of gun violence in 2019. Organizers pointed out why a few of the signs were different than the others.

Cbabi Bayoc donated his time and talent by drawing the majority of the children’s names in poster-sized graffiti art. But Marty K. Casey and Mariah Richardson had to add their own artwork to include the three additional young people that were killed after he sent his posters to them for the march.

The majority of the program following the march consisted of Cori Bush reading the names of the 24 deceased children – who

n “I’m a pastor. I’m not talking anything I’m not willing to do. What if we came together and provided safe spaces?”

– Rev. Traci Blackmon

ranged in age from toddler to teens – followed by the ringing of a bell. The last of the names to be called was Clifford Swan III. His name was one of the three written on white poster board. The 13-year-old was killed on Thursday, September 12. When Cori Bush read his name, there was a wail from the crowd that caused a chain reaction of raw emotion. That initial cry came from Swan’s mother, Trina Houshmand.

City Garden Montessori to train anti-racist teachers

‘The inequity in our region is literally killing our children’

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.

Louis American

City Garden Montessori, located in the Shaw neighborhood, is a preK-8 charter school committed to anti-biased, anti-racist (ABAR) practices. Finding Montessoritrained teachers is a national problem in general, said Christie Huck, executive

director City Garden Montessori.

“Then when you add in our ABAR commitment and our deep commitment to equity, there just really are not training centers that prepare teachers to do Montessori in the public sector with an equity lens,” Huck said.

“We are part of a national movement of folks trying to do this work, and there’s a deep need nationally.”

FebruAry 18, 1932 –September 17, 2019

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Norman R. Seay, a longtime civil rights leader, educator and advocate for Alzheimer’s disease research, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in St. Louis. He was 87.

“He was a true warrior for freedom, equality and civil rights whom I stood with many times as we confronted the bigotry and oppression of segregation in St. Louis,” said William (Bill) Clay, retired U.S. congressman. “He was a true hero in this community who suffered and sacrificed much for the cause of civil rights and equal opportunity.”

n “Norman R. Seay and St. Louis civil rights will forever be synonymous.”

Seay was a high school student in 1948 when he helped organize the Committee of Racial Equality, which ultimately became the St. Louis arm of CORE, the Congress of Racial Equality. In 1963, Seay helped lead the protest at Jefferson Bank & Trust Co., which refused to hire African Americans for white-collar positions. Seay spent three months in jail for participating in those protests that resulted in jobs for African Americans in St. Louis banks and financial institutions.

– Virvus Jones

“Whatever task Norman would volunteer for, he would be highly organized, timely, and professional,” said St. Louis civil rights icon Percy Green II.

Because of Seay, St. Louis is credited with being one of the first cities to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a municipal holiday. In 1970, two years after Dr. King’s death, Seay organized the MLK Holiday

‘He was a true

By William (Bill) Clay

The recent demise of Norman R. Seay is another great loss to our communities’ legendary civil rights leadership team. He was a true warrior for freedom, equality and civil rights whom I stood with many times as we confronted the bigotry and oppression of segregation in

This summer, City Garden will launch its own training institute to prepare teachers to lead anti-biased, anti-racist Montessori classrooms in St. Louis and across the nation. The first pilot cohort of 15 to 25 participants will be about half City Garden teachers. The other half will mostly likely be

CITY GARDEN, A6

Of The St. Louis American

Norman R. Seay

Cathy Daniels comforted Pashance Harrell, 14, a student at Hazelwood Northwest Middle School, during remarks at the Mother’s March Against Gun Violence rally in Fairgrounds Park on September 14.

Photo by Wiley Price

William (Bill) Clay

Photo by Wiley Price

Trina Houshmand, the mother of gun violence victim Clifford Swan III, was comforted after speaking during the Mothers March To End Gun Violence in Fairgrounds Park on September 14.

Whitney Houston hologram tour hitting the road in 2020

Whitney Houston will tour as a hologram in 2020. A digital version of the late star - who passed away in 2012 at the age of 48 - will embark on a world tour next year as part of the ‘An Evening With Whitney: The Whitney Houston Hologram Tour’.

The world tour will kick off in Mexico in January 2020 before heading to Europe and North America later in the year.

“Whitney Houston was a talent beyond words, and her influence and artistry transcended all boundaries,” Brian Becker, chairman and CEO of BASE Entertainment and BASE Hologram, said in a statement. “What we are creating here is a new type of theatrical concert experience designed to capture that magic.”

The tour will feature a live band and backing singers and dancers.

Whitney was first introduced as a hologram in May 2016 for a duet with Christina Aguilera on “The Voice.”

However, her family axed the performance after deciding the hologram wasn’t up to standard. Whitney Houston’s cousin Dionne

Warwick has previously branded the hologram tour a “stupid” idea. “I haven’t a clue as to what that is. It’s surprising to me,” Warwick said. “I think it’s stupid, but whatever it is that’s what it is.”

Lil Wayne dusts St. Louis leg of tour with Blink 182

Rap star Lil Wayne announced via Twitter that he wouldn’t be performing for the St. Louis leg of his co-headlining tour with Blink 182, just hours before he was set to take the stage on Saturday, September 14.

“Sorry not doing the show tonight in St Lou kuz I was just kik’d out the ritz and 12 got involved so I gotta slide. Tht y’all f w me out here. Dam slime. It’s all luv tho,” Wayne tweeted.

According to KMOV.com, the Clayton Police Department said that Lil Wayne and his entourage were receiving calls and complaints about the smell of marijuana coming from their hotel room. Hotel staff reportedly asked them to open the balcony door to air out the room, but Lil Wayne was upset by the calls and argued with the staff. When officers arrived, Lil Wayne and his crew were in the

lobby and voluntarily left the hotel and were not kicked-out, police said.

Gizelle and Jamal Bryant are an item again

Rumors ran rampant that Real Housewives of Potomac co-star Gizelle Bryant and her ex-husband, New Birth Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant, were dating again after they were spotted in the audience of Dave Chapelle’s latest Netflix comedy special. During the RHOP reunion, she confirmed that they’ve been something of item since last year. She also said that she’s enjoying the fact that he’s “heavily pursuing” her.

The two were married from 2002 to 2009 and share a 14-year-old daughter and 13-yearold twin daughters. There was speculation earlier this year that the two had reunited. At that time Gizelle denied that the two were dating again during an appearance with Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live.”

Kevin Hart tryst partner said to be filing suit over sex tape

In 2017, Kevin Hart admitted via social media that he had been unfaithful to his new wife, Eniko Hart, while claiming that blackmailers were threatening to release a sex tape that featured Kevin and the woman he cheated with.

According to TMZ.com, the woman from the tape is reportedly suing Kevin for intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy.

TMZ says the woman is claiming that Kevin and his friend conspired to record her liaison and leak the sex tape.

The friend was later charged with trying to extort Kevin over the tape. Kevin’s accuser is seeking $60 million in damages.

Case dismissed for one Usher accuser

Two years ago, a female Usher fan filed a lawsuit against the R&B singer accusing him of exposing her to the herpes virus during a sexual encounter following one of his concerts. According to the Blast, the female accuser filed for the dismissal through her attorney Lisa Bloom, and the case was officially tossed out. Two other cases against Usher that make similar claims are still ongoing.

Sources: TMZ.com, Twitter.com, KMOV. com, The Blast

Gizelle Bryant

‘It was a

clear abuse of my human rights’

Visitor from Uruguay alleges assault by St. Louis police at Greyhound station, police deny

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

A 59-year-old Uruguayan woman, who does not speak English, alleges that she was kicked and assaulted into unconsciousness by two male St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers while on a Greyhound bus on August 28.

“When I’ve seen the news reports on TV, I thought it was exaggerated,” Anna Villella told The St. Louis American in Spanish on August 29. “But now that it’s happened to me, I know it’s not exaggerated. They hit me. I’m an older woman and should not be treated this way.”

The incident occurred at the downtown Greyhound station at about 9 a.m. on August 28, according to the police report.

n “Now that it’s happened to me, I know it’s not exaggerated. They hit me.”

– Anna Villella

Villella, who works in public relations and cultural management in Uruguay, is visiting the United States on a six-month tourist visa. She was on her way from Chicago to Topeka, Kansas to visit her daughter and newly born grandson. St. Louis was meant to be just a stop, but her bus was delayed, she said. While she waited, Villella gave the bus attendants her bag and they put it on the bus to Topeka. Greyhound officials later her told that it was not her bus, she said, but in broken

English she tried to explain that she had already put her bag on the bus. No one at the station spoke Spanish, and Villella alleges that the staff made fun of her when she tried to speak to them in English. A police spokesperson said that Villella initially spoke to Greyhound officials in English, but “then suddenly stopped and only spoke in Spanish.” In a statement emailed to The American, Greyhound officials said that the company “takes allegations of discrimination very seriously as we have a zero tolerance policy for this type of behavior. After reviewing records of the incident, we found staff attempted to translate by using their mobile devices and using the assistance of fellow Spanishspeaking customers.”

In a panic, Villella seated herself in the bus, she said, and Greyhound officials threatened to call the police if she didn’t get off. According to a police spokesperson, officers received a call for “general peace disturbance” shortly before 9 a.m. at the Greyhound station, located at 430 S. 15th St. The responding officers were Thomas C. Streckfuss and Jeffrey Charles Gavin, according to the police report.

The officers did not speak Spanish or attempt to get a translator, Villella said.

“The call was relative to a female who was yelling and pushing other passengers while attempting to get on the bus,” the spokesperson stated in an email to The American Greyhound officials first attempted to remove Villella, the police spokesperson stated, but then called the police.

“Our officers responded and asked the female several times

to exit the bus,” according to police. “When the female continuously refused to exit the bus, officers had to physically remove her.”

The spokeswoman did not comment on the allegation that the officers kicked Villella so hard in the side that she was rendered unconscious and defecated herself.

“I thought they called the police to solve the situation, so I could get on my way,” Villella said. “It was the exact

opposite. They mistreated me so badly. I wouldn’t wish this situation on anyone.”

The police gave Villella a citation for “general peace disturbance.” However, the police report states she is also being charged for resisting arrest. Villella must appear in court on October 16. On the citation, the police stated that Villella was “homeless.” In response to this, the spokesperson stated, “If it was a U.S. Passport, they do not

have addresses listed.” The police report states that Villella is an Italian resident because she has an Italian passport as a descendant of Italy.

Villella was transported to Barnes-Jewish Hospital after “complaining of unknown injuries,” according to police. Friends connected Villella to activist Leticia Seitz, of Latinos en Axión. When Seitz found Villella at the hospital, Seitz told her that she was there to support her.

“And she started crying,” Seitz said. “She couldn’t even stop.”

Villella’s leg was badly injured and she couldn’t walk, so Seitz helped Villella to a hotel until her daughter could come and get her.

Seitz, Villella, and others returned the next day to try and reclaim her luggage — which was central to the conflict and confusion. Although Villella has a baggage claim ticket they were told that Greyhound had no record of the bag.

The American obtained surveillance footage from outside the Gateway Transportation Center. It shows two white officers entering the bus at 9:18 a.m. Three minutes later, the officers carried her out unconscious by the arms and legs and laid her on the sidewalk. She was crying out in pain, rubbing her leg for at least 40 minutes as police wrote her at ticket, and no one administered medical aid. She had to use a baggage cart to walk back into the station. In response to the incident, Greyhound stated, “If a customer does not comply with instructions, they may be denied service.”

Villella does not believe that her actions warranted being assaulted by police and then hospitalized.

She said, “It was a clear abuse of my human rights.”

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Activist Leticia Seitz helped Uruguayan resident Ana Villella try and reclaim her bag from the downtown Greyhound station on August 29. The day before, Villella claimed she was assaulted by police on a bus, after boarding a bus to Topeka, Kansas to visit her daughter. Greyhound told them that they have no record of the bag.

Editorial /CommEntary

New fuel has been thrown on the dumpster fire of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s unconstitutional policing of Stockley verdict protests this time two years ago, in particular the notorious and brutal kettling arrests on September 17, 2017. The new fuel comes in two civil suits, timed around the twoyear anniversary of the night when then-interim police chief Lawrence O’Toole boasted that his officers “owned the night” while Krewson smiled approvingly. However, these suits read like criminal indictments, with the main difference being that, at the end, plaintiffs ask for monetary damages rather than a prosecutor asking for a guilty verdict.

In one of these new civil suits, Mayor Lyda Krewson is named as a defendant – she is accused of participating in a conspiracy to cover up an alleged police beating of a black undercover cop who was arrested in the kettle. In the other suit, every single police officer on duty the night of the kettling arrests – 343 of them, including O’Toole – is named. Had these been criminal charges, this week we would have seen the mayor, along with 343 police officers, arrested. Perhaps that would have been the shock that the Krewson administration and her police leadership need to jolt them out of an unconstitutional and dangerous status quo.

Luther Hall is the black St. Louis police detective working undercover who was caught up in the kettling arrests and allegedly brutalized by his own colleagues. (Three of them face federal trial on December 2.) In his new suit, he makes a series of charges against seven named police officers on duty that night, as well as several unnamed officers, Krewson, O’Toole and the City of St. Louis. The 11 charges range from false arrest, excessive force and unconstitutional arrest to racial discrimination (Hall’s white undercover partner was arrested but not beaten) and civil conspiracy. That civil conspiracy could, with the same set of facts, be charged as criminal conspiracy – with the mayor as one of the defendants.

Let’s the review the facts on Sunday, September 17, 2017, according to Hall, who was taken to police headquarters once his identity as a police officer was discovered by other officers on the scene. “After Hall was treated for his injuries,” the filing states, “Defendant Krewson’s driver transported him back to headquarters. Hall rode up the elevator with Defendant Krewson, who knew Hall was working in an undercover capacity because of surveillance footage he

By State Senator Jamilah Nasheed

Second chances are lifelines.

We may think of second chances as quick, little do-overs; however, for some they’re much more than that. For some, they can have a major impact on the rest of their lives. You see, second chances are the realization that people change, that your past shouldn’t define you. They give individuals a lifeline. A new path forward. The expungement process is one of those lifelines.

It allows certain arrest or conviction records to be sealed and can lead to greater opportunities for some ex-offenders who have served their time and meet certain requirements. Expungement can reduce barriers to success for ex-offenders by no longer requiring these individuals to list certain convictions on job or housing applications. By removing the stigma surrounding a conviction, the odds of finding a good job or putting a roof over their head increase.

St. Louis police in riot gear on September 17, 2017, the night of the notorious kettling arrests that sparked federal indictments of four police officers and a flurry of civil suits

had provided on Saturday and a briefing he had given on Sunday morning. While Hall was riding up the elevator with Defendant Krewson, she said to him, ‘Oh, they messed up your cute face.’”

Krewson’s city counselor, Julian Bush, said that the city would not respond to the filing since it is now a pending legal matter, but KMOV got Krewson to comment. “She said she recalls seeing Hall in the Real Time Crime Center that night,” KMOV summarized, “but did not recall riding in an elevator with him. The mayor also does not deny making the remark but said she cannot recall saying it. She remembers that he was injured, but said on the night of the protests, she was unaware he had been injured by fellow officers.”

Two comments on Krewson’s judgment and possible culpability.

First, it’s amazing that a sitting mayor would not deny that she said to an active-duty police officer who had just been beaten up, “Oh, they messed up your cute face.’” The memes mocking the mayor for allegedly saying something this appalling must be on their way. If Krewson stands for reelection – and you would have to think that those who helped to put her in office must be looking for a less damaged statusquo candidate – then she can expect to hear this comment on the campaign trail.

Second, if the mayor’s driver brings a police officer to police headquarters who claims he was just beaten up by cops bad enough to require medical attention, that trip to headquarters can only be an act of damage control. If Krewson really had not been told who messed up Hall’s “cute face,” then she must be almost unbelievably out of touch with her own police leadership, not to mention her own common sense. Or, of course, she could have been lying to KMOV to cover up her own criminality in participating in a criminal cover-up. It is not a crime to lie to the news media, but it most certainly is a crime to lie to federal investigators. If Krewson has not been interviewed by the FBI yet about what she knew that night and when she knew it, surely she will be soon. What will she say she knew? What will others who were in police headquarters that night say she knew? Does the civil conspiracy alleged in Hall’s filing outline a criminal conspiracy that will eventually be charged? If so, will the mayor become a criminal as well as a civil defendant for her actions on the night of September 17, 2017?

Expungement opportunities benefit the whole community What did Krewson know and when did she know it?

Assembly in 2007. Luckily, I’ve found allies throughout the Missouri General Assembly who share my passion for reforming Missouri’s criminal justice system.

In 2016, the General Assembly passed a bipartisan legislative overhaul of state law regarding criminal code, county and municipal courts. Many non-violent, non-sexual offenses are now eligible for expungement. Previously, misdemeanor offenses could only be sealed after a decade had passed following the original conviction. However, individuals can now request the expungement of such convictions after three years. Similarly, felony records are now available for expungement after seven years instead of the previous requirement of 20 years.

During the 2019 legislative session, we managed to improve upon this work by passing Senate Bill 1. This bill, which the governor signed into law earlier this year, expands expungement opportunities even further for those convicted of nonviolent, non-sexual offenses including first-degree stealing.

By Fred P. Pestello For the St. Louis American

In “Before the Mayflower,” a classic black history text by Lerone Bennett, he writes: “Few ships before or since have unloaded such a momentous cargo.” The ship in question was an English pirate ship. That ship, in the summer of 1619, had stolen its “cargo” from a Portuguese vessel. The Portuguese vessel, in turn, had acquired its “cargo” of 350 Africans who had been stolen for a trade which aimed to sell them into slavery in the Western Hemisphere. Now, 400 years later, we are still grappling with what this important point – what this landing – ultimately wrought. Out of this event grew a global economic system that predated the Enlightenment, the Great Awakening and the Revolutionary War. It also outlasted the Industrial Revolution and the American Civil War. As slavery grew in the United States, it affected every sector of American life and no sector of the economy was left untouched by slave labor. That includes many of our nation’s oldest and most prestigious colleges and universities.

Saint Louis University was one of those colleges. Three years ago, with the Jesuits of the USA Central and Southern (UCS) Province, we formed the “Slavery, History, Memory, and Reconciliation Project.”

We embarked upon this project because Saint Louis University’s history with slavery extends back to 1823 when the Jesuits brought their mission to Missouri. They came with six enslaved people from White Marsh, Maryland. In 2016, we knew little about those six people beyond their first names: Thomas, Mary (Polly or Molly), Moses, Nancy, Isaac, and Succy.

From there we enlisted faculty, archivists, graduate students, and others to help us uncover as much as we could about their conditions, families, lives, and descendants. Today we know

CORRECTIONS

Brian Phillips is the executive director of the Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corporation, not of the Washington University Medical Center, as a business story last week wrongly stated. The email to reach Saint Louis University’ Slavery, History, Memory and Reconciliation Project is SHMR@Jesuits.org, not SHMR@Jeusits.org, as a news story on September 5 wrongly stated.

We regret the errors.

Wolf in sheep outfit

I am concerned that the letter “Balance between access and protection” by D. Lynn DeVault did not have a disclaimer when printed. The Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSAA), of which DeVault is chairman, is no more than a financial wolf in sheep’s clothing. DeVault and the CFSAA have a long history in defense of predatory lending, some rates of which are as high as 900 percent.

The ideas purported by DeVault that “balance” is needed in legislative protections pertaining to “small-dollar loans” and that these loans are “often the least expensive option” for consumers are absolutely ludicrous. In reality, consumers forced to use the small-dollar loan industry for quick cash might incur less cost of interest by borrowing from Vito at the local Mafia office.

much more about Thomas and Mary Brown, Moses and Nancy Queen, and Isaac and Susan Queen-Hawkins and their descendants. As this work continues, we keep learning more about their lives and what that meant for them and to the university before the end of slavery. From the outset, everyone who worked on this project has been committed to uncovering and honoring the stories of such people as Matilda Tyler, Henrietta Mills-Chauvin, and Peter Queen, whose labor was essential to the building and sustenance of both Saint Louis University and the Jesuit mission in Missouri, Kentucky and Louisiana. They were just the first in a long line of African Americans who made essential, unsung contributions to the life and health of Saint Louis University. As the university has now entered its third century in St. Louis, we commit to doing the work necessary to tell those stories. We invite you to help us in uncovering this history, identifying descendants, and together charting a path forward that brings healing and reconciliation to our communities. If you want to know more, please visit http:// shmr.jesuits.org.

Five years ago, when Michael Brown was killed, patience expired as pain and frustration spilled out here and across the nation. The Ferguson Commission report documented what those who live it well know: we still have considerable work to do in combating the inequities that linger from the system of oppression that was institutionalized through slavery.

As a university, we will continue to partner with others in the region and beyond in addressing these and related issues. We consider the work on the “Slavery, History, Memory, and Reconciliation Project” as an important contribution to this effort.

For more information or to help identify a descendant, please visit http://shmr.jesuits.org. Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., is president of Saint Louis University.

ramifications.”” What are the legal ramifications? Could everyone just say, “No, I am not a citizen,” no matter what, and clog up the process? In the spirit of “If hijabs are forbidden, I will wear one.”

Lissa Klein, St. Louis

Crying out for a better relationship

Why us? Are we a threat to society? Does the color of our skin threaten your well-being? We reach for something, and we’re shot. We turn and walk or run away, and we’re shot .We put our hands up, and we’re shot.

Our black men are dying at the hands of policemen without the benefit of a doubt. Our white counterparts can be in a shoot-out and walk away alive.

You’re shooting us in front of our children, our families, our friends and our neighbors. We are given no respect and/ or consideration. We are crying out for a better relationship

between the police and black people, especially our black males. We are running fearful and scared for our lives. Help us to help ourselves and let us live. PEACE!

Diann Buckley, St. Louis Gethsemane and the border

The cruel separation of children from their parents at the border and the inhumane treatment of these children have to stop. And for people who say that treating parents and children like this will keep people from trying to enter our country, I would like to remind them that, in the Garden of Gethsemane, when one of Jesus’ followers cut off the ear of the soldier, Jesus didn’t say that that served the soldier right for arresting him. Jesus compassionately healed the soldier.

Linda Caravelli Florissant

But these second chances help more than just ex-offenders. They benefit entire communities by reducing recidivism and repeat offenses within it. Without a second chance, without a job or place to live, it’s easy for someone to find themselves right back where they started – struggling and making the same mistakes they made before. Expungement provides a lifeline and a path forward.

Expungement has been an issue I have been passionate about since entering the General

Expanding expungement opportunities is a step in the right direction. After all, we shouldn’t be putting up roadblocks to finding a good job or safe, stable housing. People deserve a second chance to live law-abiding lives. No one should be defined by their past and be prevented from having a safe, successful future. This is how you reduce crime: it starts with a hand up and not a hand out.

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) represents Missouri’s 5th District in the Missouri Senate

The fancy name (CFSAA) is no more than a governmentsounding name designed to suggest to small-dollar-loan consumers that some official organization is watching out for their financial wellbeing. Don’t be fooled by the wolf wearing the sheep outfit.

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Of the census and hijabs

In your article on the importance of census, an advocate says, “You really must answer. There are legal

For The St. Louis American

Guest Columnist Fred P. Pestello

Guest Columnist Jamilah Nasheed

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Jennings dedicates basketball court to Mayor Austin

The Jennings City Council recently passed a resolution naming the new basketball court at Koeneman Park in honor of Mayor Yolanda Austin. The resolution cites Austin’s “tireless work on behalf of the City of Jennings, Missouri and her efforts to develop and open the court to the residents of the City.” In 2012, then-Councilmember Austin worked to have the old handball courts altered to include a new half-court for basketball. In December 2017, Mayor Austin announced new improvements to the park. Upgrades to the park included a new basketball court, a fishing bridge, and a pavilion. The park is also home to a lake, playground, and gazebo.

National Black Political Leadership Conference in Ferguson

The 5th National Black Political Leadership Conference will be held , September 27-28 in Ferguson.

The conference will open 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, September 27 with a Meet & Greet featuring black elected officials at the Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave. with entertainment: from Assata Storm and Chad Evans.

It will continue with an all-day session 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, September 28 at Greater St. Mark Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr. Issues to be discussed include candidate in 2020, proportionate political representation and developing a politically conscious movement.

Registration for both days is $35 or $25 for students. Call 314477-4629 or 314-833-4151.

Griot Museum seeks interns and volunteers

The Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Ave., is seeking undergraduate and graduate interns and volunteers for the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. The Griot provides a fantastic learning opportunity for students interested in African-American studies, public history, museums, the arts, the non-profit sector, and event planning. There are many ways to contribute, and students of diverse skills and backgrounds are needed. For more information, email info@thegriotmuseum.com or call (314) 241-7057

Where do you hurt?

By Rev. Traci D. Blackmon

For The St. Louis American

On a 2017 segment of “On Being with Krista Tippett,” civil rights icon and mentor to many Ruby Sales recounts the moment she learned to look beyond physical devastation and ask a deeper question that, when answered, has the ability to cut to the source of brokenness and pain: Where does it hurt?

It’s odd to me that in the midst of our conversations about how to stop the violent death of black children in St. Louis, this question is rarely asked of those best equipped to answer. Where does it hurt?

When I moved to North St. Louis County from Birmingham, Alabama 31 years ago, the area was markedly different than it is now. Arriving then, as a young married couple with our first child in tow, North County was filled with family restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys, skating rinks, local grocery and retail shopping options, and other familyoriented gathering spaces, all designed to foster a caring sense of community.

Over the years such locations for respite and recreation have been replaced by liquor stores, pawn shops, and payday loan locations, just as they have been in the city. Family restaurants have decreased as drive-through fast-food options have increased. Safe recreational options for children are scarce and often nonexistent. School systems supported by property taxes create a geographic inequity in educational resources that cannot be ignored. Our communities are suffering and, while we must maintain order, we must also sustain hope.

The cries of our families must be heard as cries to be fully seen and cared for in community. Most parents bring children into this world with hopes and dreams for their futures. There is no difference between the love and aspiration of a white mother in West County and a black mother in North City for their children. The difference is the environment that nurtures those aspirations and the resources that support them.

We must fight for responsible regional gun legislation and we must fight for collective investment in black children beyond heavier policing and crime prevention programs.

Who is asking our children, all of our children, the ones who live in fear and the ones who we have been conditioned to fear, Where does it hurt?

Thích Nhất Hạnh, a Vietnamese Buddhist and peace activist, is quoted as saying: “When another person makes you suffer, it is because they suffer deep within themselves and their suffering is spilling over. They do not need punishment; they need help.” The pain of our communities is spilling over and the blood is filling our streets.

The cries of our children, and of mothers who have been organizing and crying out on behalf of our children in our communities for years, compel us to renew our commitment, presence and support until our children’s laughter replaces our lament, freedom to play replaces fear, and our streets are once again safe to dwell in.

Rev. Traci D. Blackmon is senior pastor, Christ The King UCC in Black Jack, and associate general minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ.

Rev. Traci D. Blackmon

City Garden

Continued from A1

a mix of other St. Louisans and people from other states. The training will span three summers and two school years and include in-person sessions, a self-guided teaching practicum and virtual weekend seminars. Someone without teaching experience can take the training, and participants will receive Montessori certification through the program.

In July, Amira Mogaji joined City Garden as its chief academic officer to lead the teaching institute, as well as strengthen curriculum and instruction throughout the year. Mogaji’s role as a board member for the American Montessori Society is a high value for the school, said City Garden Principal Nicole Evans. “It assures us that we are doing Montessori at a high level,” Evans said. “This is a really hard thing to create. We’ve been saying that for years — what we are creating here at City Garden doesn’t really exist.”

The institute’s mission is not only to prepare ABAR Montessori-trained educators in public school environments. It is also to “increase access to Montessori training among people of color and other historically marginalized groups,” according to the school’s strategic plan.

The institute is one step in the school’s 10-year plan to expand from the current 278 students to more than 2,300 and to open three new schools.

In 2019, City Garden received 60 kindergarten applicants for 30 slots. This

Clay

Continued from A1 citizenship rights.

coming fall, the school will expand to accepting 90 kindergarteners and opening two new classrooms at its current location on 1618 Tower Grove Ave. City Garden purchased a warehouse on Folsom Street, near the school, which will be converted into a campus for grades 1-8. In 2021, those grades will move to the new building and the current location will just be for preschool, kindergarten and the teaching institute, Huck said. They are currently raising $10.8 million over the next

Norman was there for the many marches, sit-ins, prayer vigils, anti-war demonstrations. He was always in the lead brigade, exerting experienced leadership in every battle fought to improve the quality of life for those discriminated against.

five years for this part of the expansion -- and they already have a $2-million commitment from a funder, she said.

City Garden only accepts applications from families who live in the surrounding neighborhoods, or catchment areas. These include Shaw, Botanical Heights, Forest Park Southeast, Tiffany, and Southwest Garden neighborhoods. This fall, school leaders will be analyzing whether or not their boundaries need to expand and change, Huck said.

“From the standpoint of demographics, we have a very particular mission here and want to make sure we serve a diverse population,” Huck said.

“We’ve had a lot of changes in our catchment areas in the last decade since we opened.”

Huck was among a group of parents who realized in 2006 that she was not content with her sons growing up in a neighborhood where the white and black children did not attend the same schools.

“We were living parallel lives side by side, but still not

n He was always in the lead brigade, exerting experienced leadership in every battle fought to improve the quality of life.

Norman was fearless, and his courage inspired others, including me. Few St. Louisans have given so much, and paid such a terrible price, to make our community and our nation better. St. Louis has lost a civil

City Garden to ensure that the neighborhood children learn and grow together, she said. Now in its 11th year, the school has enticed high-income families to move into the area, thus spurring development and gentrification in the zip codes it serves.

Over the years, City Garden has brought in national leaders to address racial and economic integration at community events it hosts. That’s why their expansion also includes opening up a Center for Equity to drive forward City Garden’s work on community organizing and policy advocacy, Huck said.

“Deep connection to our neighborhoods and advocacy and equity work have been part of our DNA since the beginning,” Huck said.

interacting in each other’s lives in meaningful ways,” Huck said.

In 2006, Huck was part of a group of preschool parents in St. Louis city who decided they didn’t want to make the typical exodus to St. Louis County for quality public schools.

“We became keenly aware of the deep racial and economic segregation that continues to exist in our schools—and the tremendous inequity that goes along with this,” she said.

That’s why Huck and the group of parents founded

rights champion, and I have lost a dear friend.

Norman R. Seay epitomized an unshakeable belief that minorities had a unique and manifest destiny to force the fulfillment of the “All men are created equal” concept. I can honestly say that

The first step will be to hire the center’s director in 2020. Over the next three to five years, the City Garden Center for Equity will help the community to build the knowledge it needs to organize and advocate for themselves around several issues — such as housing and development, maintaining economic and racial diversity, financial literacy and political power, according to the strategic plan. It will also act as a convener of like-minded individuals and help build coalitions, the plan states.

“The inequity in our region is literally killing our children and our community members,” Huck said at the school’s 2016 conference on equity in housing and education. “It is time for us to commit, collectively, to radical action for change.”

Norman R. Seay’s life is a metaphor of what a life of dedication and determination can be for others to follow and imitate. William (Bill) Clay is a retired U.S. congressman from St. Louis and civil rights activist.

Photo by Wiley Price

Dr. Evans works with 4th-grade students Shannon Seals and Maya Gante’, both age 9, on how to do fractions.

SEAY

Continued from A1 Committee. The federal holiday observance didn’t exist until 1986.

“Norman R. Seay’s life was the embodiment of an unselfish life of purpose. He was an unrelenting champion for change, as well as a valued personal friend,” said Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American and president of the St. Louis American Foundation. “Norman was a stirring and dignified leader who leaves a legacy of sacrifice and the pursuit of increased opportunity for others.”

Virvus Jones, the city’s first African-American comptroller, was in high school when he met Seay.

“I was sophomore at Sumner High School in 1962,” Jones said. “He enrolled me in a program that the Ford Foundation ran. I got a part time job at the People’s Hospital that helped me and my family survive. He understood the nexus between poverty and crime.” He also understood some-

Mothers

Continued from A1

How she had the strength to come out and march with the group less than 48 hours after her son was gunned down was beyond everyone. She constantly wept over the course of the march and the short program that followed. But she had the fortitude to address the crowd – even though her voice was so faint that Rev. Traci Blackmon had to repeat her remarks.

“Did you hear her? She wants everybody to work together to take the guns from our kids,” Blackmon said. “If you see something, you’ve got to say something. Even if you are saying it in your own house.” Hearing her son’s name called out amongst the fallen

thing that younger activists today have taken up as their cause: the need to change the way the black community is policed, as Green recalled. “Norman will be remembered for attending nearly every St. Louis Police Board of Commissioners’ meeting in an effort to correct police brutality against black people,” Green said.

Political strategist and American columnist Mike Jones remembered Seay for more than his contributions to the movement and dedication to the community he loved so dearly.

“If asked about Norman R. Seay, my first thought wouldn’t be his lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice,” Jones said. “It wouldn’t be his life of service on behalf of the black community.” Rather, what first came to mind when Jones heard Seay had passed was “his intelligence, his integrity, his generosity of spirit. I can truthfully say something about him that can be said about very few people: I never heard him say a harsh word about anybody, and I’ve never heard anybody speak ill of him.”

was too much for Houshmand to bear. She put a towel over her face and wept while being consoled by a group of women. Her body shook, but they held her up. They pulled a folding chair for her to sit in as they rubbed her shoulders and put their arms around her neck.

Houshmand made her pain public in the hopes that it would spur the community into action.

After her son’s name was called, Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need of Love Today” played through the speakers.

“What our children need most is to be reminded of who they are,” Blackmon said. “They need to be reminded that they descend from greatness. That they are greatness. They need to know that the depravity of some of our neighborhoods is not because of who they are, but because of what hasn’t

Photo by Maurice Meredith

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri), whose earliest memories include seeing Seay and his father standing side by side at the Jefferson Bank protests in 1963, concurred. “Norman R. Seay was an exceedingly kind man with a brilliant intellect and a strong and courageous heart,” Clay said.

Seay was born on February 18, 1932 in St. Louis, the oldest of three children born to Mary Webb. A proud product of Saint Louis Public Schools, Seay was a graduate of Vashon High School and Stowe Teachers College.

Seay was a lifetime member of the NAACP and Alpha Phi

been deposited.”

Blackmon called on the faith community to be proactive in providing outlets for youth before they become perpetrators – and victims – of gun violence.

“We don’t have recreation centers in our neighborhoods, but we have churches that are empty most of the week,” Blackmon said. “What if we stopped visiting the neighborhood and joined the neighborhood? We have churches on every block. The only thing we have more than churches are liquor stores – and it’s close.”

She proposed that neighboring churches team up to offer outlets to wrap their arms around the young people who live in the communities where their congregations worship.

“I’m a pastor. I’m not talking anything I’m not

Jefferson Bank protest veterans Norman Seay (right) and Percy Green II participated in a reenactment of the historic 1963 protest to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2013.

Alpha Fraternity. Seay was also a lifelong member of the Urban League movement as a board member, president of the Federation of Block Units, volunteer, donor and partner.

“His legacy of service and leadership will live on for generations,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, who was first mentored by Seay as a student activist at DuBourg High School. “The AfricanAmerican community of St. Louis continues to benefit from the lifetime of service that he provided as a role model.”

From 1987 to 2000, Seay directed the University of

willing to do,” Blackmon said. “What if five churches took one weekend to open their doors to provide recreational activities for our children? What if they didn’t have to be in the alley or on the corner? What if they could be in our sanctuary, our fellowship halls and our basements? What if we came together and provided safe spaces?”

After losing her son to gun violence 28 years ago, Jeanette Culpepper teamed up with Williams Temple Church of God In Christ. Each New Year’s Eve she uses the sanctuary to pay homage to individuals lost to violence that particular year.

“Those names have not been forgotten – and, as long as I am above ground, they will not be forgotten,” Culpepper said. “I know what it is to pick out a waterproof casket when you’re supposed to be picking out

Missouri St. Louis’ Office of Equal Opportunity, where he started programs for Asians, Native Americans, women and women faculty. Seay received an honorary doctorate from UMSL in 2010.

In 2015, Seay received the Rosa L. Parks Award from Washington University in St. Louis. Seay was a longtime memory study participant at WUSTL and led the AfricanAmerican advisory board of the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. He helped the center steadily attract a more representative participant group that allowed researchers to investigate the roots of racial differences in Alzheimer’s disease. The School of Medicine at Washington University has an annual lecture series named in his honor, which brings together health professionals, researchers and others involved and interested in topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and minorities.

There is also a street and a park named in his honor in the JeffVanderLou neighborhood.

Seay resided in his family’s home at 3032 James Cool Papa Bell (formally Dickson)

graduation clothes.”

Several civic and community leaders and elected officials from the city and the county were on hand, for the event was a collective effort of nearly two dozen organizers that crossed city and county lines.

St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones served as mistress of ceremonies for the postmarch programming, while Blackmon, senior pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant, provided the call of action and other remarks.

“We are asking you to show up,” Blackmon said to elected officials. “If they don’t show up, you are going to have to vote them out. Do you feel me? I’m not voting color anymore. I’m voting ‘show up.’ If you can expand stuff on the south side of Delmar, but I can’t find a grocery store

Ave. from 1937 until his death. He was a dedicated lifelong worshipper at True Light Missionary Baptist Church. The church is located two blocks east of his home.

For so many individuals who crossed his path and greeted him, they will remember Seay’s warm smile and response, “I shall not complain.”

Seay is survived by his sister Barbara J. Webb; his brother Kenneth (Maggie) Webb; nieces Janelle M. Nichols, Karen Webb and Kimberly Webb; nephews John A. (Nicole) Nichols Jr. and Norman C. Walker; and a host of family and friends. Seay donated his body to Alzheimer’s research at Washington University St. Louis. A memorial service is being planned. As Virvus Jones said, “Norman R. Seay and St. Louis civil rights will forever be synonymous.”

As Bill Clay said, “I can honestly say that Norman R. Seay’s life is a metaphor of what a life of dedication and determination can be for others to follow and imitate.”

on the north side of Delmar, you’ve got to go.” Blackmon told the crowd that she hopes to leave the march angry.

“Our children deserve our rage,” Blackmon said. “Not self-destructive rage, but rage that changes things – tableturning rage. I want us to leave this park thinking about how long it took to read the names of our babies, just from this year. Don’t allow our suburbs to soothe us. Don’t allow our house outside of the city limits to soothe us.” In her closing prayer, Blackmon told the crowd to go in “disturbed peace” before she dismissed them.

“Propel us, God, into a mighty army – each working where you have assigned us,” Blackmon prayed. “And give us no peace until that bell does not ring again.”

Heat-Up St. Louis RaisesAlmost $4 Million

in the Dough During Rise & Shine

Ameren Missouri’s Mark Schlake (left) double checks distribution list.

Volunteers come from throughout the Ameren Missouri system, including Patrick Brown. The Today Show and the Weather Channel featured Cool Down St. Louis and its partner St. Louis Fire Dept.,

Ameren/Cool Down officials join board member Michael P. McMillan,presidentoftheUrbanLeagueofMetropolitanSt.Louis.

Radio One staff joins as celebrity greeters,

with

Ameren Missouri’s volunteers Christine Terry and Mykinna Howard at a Hardee’s.

Good Neighbor honoree Candace DaSilva of DOH, City (center) with officers Melanie DiLeo, Denise Liebel and Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson; and Dr. Fredrick Echols, Director, Department of Health, STL City.

Good Neighbor honoree Tishaura Jones, City Treasurer accepts from Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page and Denise Liebel, newly installed board president.

D-Lori Newsome Pitts, board member and also an Ameren Corp official presents $100,000 for the charity’s operating expenses for 2019.

KSDK’s

Treasurer Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., CAASTLC’S CEO Cenia Bosman and St. Louis

Ameren Missouri’s Eric Allen works with St. Vincent DePaul’s VarriettaAnthony.

KSDK’s Meteorologist Chester Lampkin chats with County/City attendees.

Constance Taylor (center) works with a client and SVDP volunteer.

Focus on Impact of Incarceration on Women & Children

CURE, Mayor

Tommie Pierson host free annual conference on Sept. 28

The conference theme is the Impact of Incarceration on Women & Children when Missouri Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) host its annual conference from 10 am to 4 pm. Saturday, September 28 at the Bellefontaine Recreation Center, 9669 Bellefontaine Rd.

CURE especially invites former prisoners, loved ones of someone incarcerated, and members of society concerned about justice. Admission is free, and lunch will be provided. The keynote speaker will be Andrea James of Boston,

Massachusetts. A defense attorney for many years, James went to federal prison for two years in 2015 for wire fraud. Since her release she has dedicated herself to advocating for imprisoned women and girls. Founding CEO of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, James has launched a campaign to free women lifers, survivors

Andrea James, founder of National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls.

of abuse, and those with serious or terminal illnesses.

Judy Henderson and Stacey Lammert, both pardoned by Gov. Greitens, will be on hand. Henderson heads up the campaign in Missouri. Lammert is now an attorney with the St. Louis Public Defenders’ Office.

The event is co-sponsored by Bellefontaine Neighbors Mayor Tommie Pierson Sr.

The conference will feature workshops, entertainment, and award presentations. No reservation is needed, but organizers do need names and a head count to provide food. Call 314-730-2873 or email Hedy (Edna) Harden, Missouri CURE chairperson, at hedyharden995@gmail.com

‘Roll & Read’ with Parents as Teachers at St. Vincent Greenway

Parents as Teachers National Center will offer Roll & Read at the Great Rivers Greenway Life Outside Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, September 21, at the St. Vincent Greenway Park, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd. Roll & Read features the reading of select children’s books along a one-mile walk and stroller roll. At three learning stations, a stop every one-quarter mile, children will gather with their parents or guardians for someone to read a designated book to them. The festival will offer a variety of outdoor activities related to active living, camping, cycling, mind and body, nature and conservation, paddling and running. Local

food and beverage trucks will be on hand to sell their wares. Last year, more than 5,000 people attended the event. It is free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events or more information, visit www. LiveLifeOutside.org., and www.parentsasteachers.org.

Register to vote at 54 area libraries on September 28

The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis is planning a massive voter registration effort, with volunteers at 54 area libraries from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, September 28. Sites include all county and consortium libraries in St. Louis, most libraries in St. Louis city and St. Charles County, and a few libraries in Jefferson, St. Francis and Warren counties.

As part of National Voter Registration Day, more than 100 volunteers from the league, Project Power to the People, and Delta Sigma Theta will help area residents register to vote, update their address or

change their name. “Every eligible American deserves the chance to

“Voter registration is the first step to ensuring your voice is heard,” said Louise Wilkerson, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis.

participate in next year’s pivotal elections,” said Louise Wilkerson, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis. “Voter registration is the first step to ensuring your voice is heard.” For more information, visit www.lwvstl.org.

Community College to offer free courses for dual credit students

Starting with the spring 2020 semester, St. Louis Community College will offers a new scholarship for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch within its existing dual credit program. These students, Jump Start Scholars, will receive the Jump Start to College scholarship that covers full dual credit tuition. Students participating in the program can take up to six credit hours (the equivalent of two classes) per semester. The college’s tuition rate for dual credit is normally $25 per credit hour.

The dual credit program allows high school students

n These students, Jump Start Scholars, will receive the Jump Start to College scholarship that covers full dual credit tuition.

to take qualifying high school classes for college credit. Students apply and enroll through STLCC, but attend classes at their high school.

To qualify, students must demonstrate participation in a free or reduced lunch program;

receive written permission from an advisor and a parent or guardian; demonstrate readiness for college courses by submitting ACT or SAT scores or by taking a placement test; and be a junior or senior with a 2.6 grade point average or higher or a sophomore with a 3.0 grade point average or higher. More than 24 school districts, public charter high schools and independent parochial schools participate in STLCC’s dual credit program. For more information, contact Elizabeth Perkins at dualcredit@stlcc.edu.

Class action suit filed against all 343 St. Louis cops who worked Stockley kettling arrests

More than 340 St. Louis Metropolitan police officers –343, to be exact – are named as defendants in a class-action lawsuit filed on Tuesday, September 17 against the individual officers and the City of St. Louis, alleging the unlawfully pepper spraying and beating in the kettling arrests of more than 120 people on September 17, 2017.

The protests occurred two days after then-St. Louis officer Jason Stockley was acquitted of first-degree murder by Judge Timothy J. Wilson after a four-day bench trial. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of St. Louis residents Fudail McCain and Nicole Warrington, St. Louis County residents Alicia Street and Ronald Harris, and St. Charles County resident Ashley Theis

The class action lawsuit was filed by Khazaeli Wyrsch LLC a year after the law firm joined the ArchCity Defenders in filing 12 lawsuits relating to this incident.

However, the class-action lawsuit represents all 123 people arrested on September 17, 2017, including selfadmitted protestors, residents who merely lived in the area, people visiting businesses in the area, reporters, documentarians, a homeless person and an undercover cop, the suit states.

Attorney Javad M. Khazaeli, of Khazaeli Wyrsch LLC, said their clients had no choice but to name each officer – a total of 343 – individually in the suit.

“It has been two years since the fateful events of September 17, 2017,” the lawsuit states.

“Despite an alleged, ongoing investigation by the City of St. Louis and a publicly announced investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, the City of St. Louis still has not produced an accurate list of the officers involved in the kettling.”

the plan to arrest everyone present, the suit states. Lt. Col. Gerald Leyshock, who was commanding all of the supervisors, allegedly approved the plan.

Sgt. Brian Rossomanno and Sgt. Randy Jemerson allegedly directed the officers to kettle people to the intersection of Washington and Tucker. That night officers marched in lines towards the protestors from all four sides, banging their batons on the street. Leyshock, Sachs, Rossomanno, and Jemerson should have known that their plan “would result in arrests without probable cause and unjustified use of force,” the lawsuit states.

Lt. Scott Boyher and Sgt. Matthew Karnowski allegedly commanded officers to use force against the peacefully assembled people and supervised the unlawful arrests. Video shows that Karnowski instigated the pepper spraying, it states.

“Almost instantly and in unison, the other individuals in the kettle put their hands in the air as a sign of peaceful surrender,” it states. “Many individuals laid prostrate on the ground. Others sat down. And others, who could not fully get to the ground because of the mass of people inside of the kettle, got as close to the ground as possible. Even though video evidence shows that none of the individuals inside the kettle were acting violently or aggressively, the individuals in the kettle were indiscriminately and repeatedly doused with chemical agents without warning by defendant officers.”

During and after the arrests, the suit states that officers were observed high fiving each other, smoking celebratory cigars, taking selfies on their personal phones with arrestees against the arrestees’ will, and chanting “Whose Streets? Our Streets!”

The list that that city provided the law firm doesn’t include officers who attorneys know were present based on several testimonies, documents and video footage, Khazaeli said. And evidence shows that some officers purposely took off their name tags and wore riot gear to hide their identities, Khazaeli said.

“We know based on text messages that the FBI published in their investigation that the officers were planning on using the military garb for anonymity,” Khazaeli said.

One of those text messages was from Officer Dustin Boone, who awaits trial on December 2 for federal charges for allegedly beating Officer Luther Hall, who was working undercover during the protests that night.

In the text, Boone stated, “It’s gonna get IGNORANT tonight!! But it’s gonna be a lot of fun beating the hell out of these sh-theads once the sun goes down and nobody can tell us apart!!!”

The lawsuit lays out what roles several of the commanders played in the plan to “kettle” the people into the intersection of Washington Avenue and Tucker Boulevard and then arrest them.

As then-interim police chief, Lawrence O’Toole is the lead defendant. Lt. Timothy Sachs, who was in command of the officers in tactical gear, allegedly came up with

During a press conference afterwards, O’Toole said, “I’m proud to say the city of St. Louis and the police owned the night,” while standing next to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson

“Krewson further validated the illegal actions of defendant officers when she thanked the officers ‘for the outstanding job they have been doing over the last three days,’” the lawsuit states. “She added that she fully supported the actions of the officers.”

Here is the list of “defendant officers” named in the lawsuit:

Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole, Lt. Col. Gerald Leyshock, Maj. Kenneth Kegel, Captain Eric Larson, Captain Steven Mueller, Lt. Kimberly Allen, Lt. Scott Boyher, Lt. Daniel Chitwood, Lt. Donna Garrett, Lt. Darla Gray, Lt. Bill Kiphart, Lt. Christi Marks, Lt. Michael Mayo, Lt. Timothy Sachs, Sgt. Christy Allen, Sgt. Keith Barrett, Sgt. Ronald Bergmann, Sgt. Michael Binz, Sgt. Michael Boll, Sgt. James Buckeridge, Sgt. Joe Carretero, Sgt. Anthony Caruso, Sgt. James Clark, Sgt. James Clark, Sgt. Adam Duke, Sgt. Kelly Fisher, Sgt. Brandt Flowers, Sgt. Nicole Gentilini, Sgt. Samuel Gilman, Sgt. Patrick Haug, Sgt. Richard Hellmeier, Sgt. Rodney Hickman, Sgt. Randy Jemerson, Sgt. Justin

Johnson, Sgt. Matthew Karnowski, Sgt. Robert Lammert, Sgt. Joe Lankford, Sgt. Robert Laschober, Sgt. Tom Long, Sgt. Kyle Mack, Sgt. Mike Mandle, Sgt. Michael Marks, Sgt. Orlando Morrison, Sgt. James Murphy, Sgt. Dennis Neal, Sgt. Patricia Nijkamp, Sgt. Kenneth Nizick, Sgt. Donald Re, Sgt. Brian Rossomanno, Sgt. Bradley Roy, Sgt. John Sabin, Sgt. Daniel Schulte, Sgt. Brian Seppi, Sgt. Timothy Turner, Sgt. Scott Valentine, Sgt. Donnell Walters, Sgt. Scott Weidler, Sgt. Nicholas Weite, Sgt. Carolyn Wiener, Sgt. Anthony Wozniak, Det. James Bain, Det. Kevin Bently, Det. Jason Brandhorst, Det. Matthew Burle, Det. Daniel Chamblin, Det. Mickey Christ, Det. Tracy Cole , Det. Gaston Coleman, Det. Deandre Davis, Det. Jesse Dyson, Det. Bruce Edmond, Det. Richard Edwards, Det. Amon Figgs, Det. Shaviste Grandberry, Det. Tracy Hallquist, Det. George Henry, Det. Janika Humphrey, Det. Marilyn Johnson, Det. Deneane Jones, Det. Paul Kosednar, Det. Douglas Mcclean, Det. Terron Murphy, Det. Michael Shaw, Det. James Stagge, Det. Thomas Strode, Det. Keaton Strong, Det. Kelli Swinton, Det. Jarred Thacker, Det. Stephen Walsh Iv, Det. Brandon Webb, Det. Nijauh Woodard, Det. Marquise Wren, Det. Brandon Wyms, Off. Gerald Adams, Off. Alfred Allmon, Off. Jon Amesquita, Off. John Anderson, Off. Erica Anderson, Off. Kevin Bambrick, Off. Jermaine Banks, Off. Bryan Barton, Off. Bryan Barton, Off. Benjamin Bayless, Off. Matthew Bedell, Off. Jacob Bias, Off. Marcus Biggins, Off. James Binder, Off. Anna Biondolillo, Off. Timothy Bockskopf, Off. Matthew Boester, Off. Tamarris Bohannon, Off. Dustin Boone, Off. Christopher Bramley, Off. Brian Brewer-moore, Off. Lucas Brockmeyer, Off. Ryan Buscemi, Off. Michael Calcaterra, Off. Benjamin Cehic, Off. Benjamin Cehric,

Off. Michael Cheli, Off. Brian B Cheli, Off. Kristin Chelucci, Off. Paul Chester, Off. Russell Christian, Off. Marco Christlieb, Off. Brandon Clark, Off. Daniel Clauss, Off. Thearn Clements, Off. Kanisha Coleman, Off. Anthony Coll, Off. Bailey Colletta, Off. Julius Conner, Off. Robert Cooper, Off. David Crocker, Off. Ian Csapo, Off. Nadja Curt, Off. Kevin Dang, Off. Steven Daugherty, Off. Patrick Daut, Off. Jeremy Davis, Off. Emily Davis, Off. Roland Degregorio, Off. Brian Dematteis, Off. William Douglas, Off. Nathan Dresch, Off. Jodie Eaton, Off. Richard Eaves, Off. Sam Edwards, Off. Matthew Eernisse, Off. Steven Fanz, Off. Brent Fincher, Off. Steven Fischer, Off. Zachariah Foltz, Off. Sean Fortune, Off. Glennon Frigerio, Off. Gregory Frost, Off. Aaron Gaddis, Off. Luis Garibay, Off. Adam Garibay, Off. Jazmon Dominique Garrett, Off. John Gentilini, Off. Ryan Gibbons, Off. Edward Gonzales, Off. Brian Gonzales, Off. Dereck Green, Off. Shawn Griggs, Off. Kathleen Gutjahr, Off. Jonathan Haire, Off. Tom Halfhill, Off. Joshua Hall, Off. Nicholas Harbaugh, Off. Thomas Harger, Off. James Harris Iii, Off. Zeme’z Harris, Off. Benjamin Hawkins, Off. Amber Hawkins, Off. Henry Hayden, Off. Nicholas Hayden, Off. Brian Hayes, Off. Randy Hays, Off. Andrew Heimberger, Off. Erin Hein, Off. Nick Henderson, Off. Eric Henry, Off. Michael Hines, Off. Timothy Hollman, Off. Nicholas Holt, Off. Dustin Hoskins, Off. Taylor Hosna, Off. Carlus Ingram, Off. Matthew James, Off. Jeremy Johnson, Off. Reginald Jones, Off. Courtney Jordan, Off. Michael Joyner, Off. Josh Kamper, Off. Joseph Kerth, Off. Zohaib Khan, Off. Daniel Kim, Off. David King, Off. Austin King, Off. Jeremiah Koerper, Off. Steve Korte, Off. Ryan Kotaska, Off. Francis Koziacki, Off. David Krapf, Off. Abby

Krull, Off. Jared Krumm, Off. Steven Landers, Off. Amy Laz, Off. Lawrence Lazewski, Off. Trenton Lee, Off. Nicholas Lee, Off. Brian Lemons, Off. Ryan Lindhorst, Off. Jeffrey Long, Off. Jeffery Long, Off. Ronald Ludwig, Off. Alan Malone, Off. Joseph Marcantano, Off. Joshua Martin, Off. Sean Martini, Off. Nicholas Martorano, Off. Kevin Mataya, Off. Damon Maxwell, Off. Collin Mcanany, Off. Joshua Mcbee, Off. Matthew Mccomy, Off. Luke Mcdonnell, Off. Jane Mckibben, Off. Timothy Mcnamara, Off. Alexander Mesnage, Off. Michael Missel, Off. Joseph Morrell, Off. Joshua Morrison, Off. John Moton, Off. Nicholas Muehlheausler, Off. Aaron Muendlein, Off. Sean Murphy, Off. Ryan Murphy, Off. Brian Murphy, Off. Bianca Myers, Off. Christopher Myers, Off. Edward Napier, Off. Christopher Narez, Off. Courtney Nash, Off. Perrin Newman, Off. Michael Niethe, Off. Carianne Noga, Off. John O’brien, Off. Michael O’callaghan, Off.

Uzoma Onwumere, Off. Nicola Orlando, Off. Stephe Ortinau, Off. Daniel Osorio, Off. Eric Parrish, Off. Jamie Partee, Off. Austin Patton, Off. Keith Paulitsch, Off. Mark Pfieffer, Off. Joseph Pierce, Off. Laquan Pierce, Off. Jaimie Pitterle, Off. Oliver Poggioli, Off. Christina Powderly, Off. Jack Randolph, Off. Ahman Rasool, Off. Patrick Riordan, Off. Cornell Robinson, Off. Megan Rodgers, Off. Joseph Rodriguez, Off. Stephanie Rogers, Off. Rosa Rojas, Off. Michael Ronzio, Off. Geoffrey Rose, Off. Michael Ross, Off. Joseph Ross , Off. David Rudolph, Off. Gary Ruffin, Off. Terrence Ruffin, Off. Trevor Russell, Off. Ronald Rust, Off. Steven Saito, Off. Ohmed Samih, Off. Kyle Santa, Off. Joseph Scalzo, Off. Gregory Schaffer, Off. Richard Schicker, Off. Andrew Schmick, Off. Joseph Schmitt, Off. April Schnetzer, Off. Stephen Iv Schroeder, Off. Christopher Seger, Off. Jonathan Selbert, Off. Jonathan Senf, Off. Matthew Shaw, Off. Keith Shelton, Off. Matthew Shoults, Off. Quincy Silver, Off. Tawanna Simms, Off. Kori Simon, Off. Mitchel Simpher, Off. Elijah Simpson, Off. Sisavath Singharath, Off. Ashley Smith, Off. Quincy Smith, Off. Jacob Stein, Off. William Stevenson, Off. Samuel Stewart, Off. Joslyn Stone, Off. Thomas Streckfuss, Off. Brian Strehl, Off. Nathan Strickland, Off. Steven Strohmeyer, Off. Robert Stuart, Off. Joseph Tate, Off. Solomon Thurman, Off. Anton Treis, Off. Robert Trim, Off. William Triplett, Off. Chad Tullock, Off. Anthony Valenza, Off. Jonathan Vanarsdale, Off. Philip Vonderheydt, Off. Erich Vonnida, Off. Nhong Vorachack, Off. Paul Wactor, Off. Charles Wall, Off. Ramelle Wallace, Off. Martinous Vashon Iii Walls Iii, Off. Bradley Walworth, Off. Jeanine Waters, Off. Matthew Welle, Off. Duane Wells, Off. Randall Welsch, Off. Lindsey Wethington, Off. Andre White, Off. Cristina Widbin, Off. Joann Williams , Off. Darnell Willis, Off. Louis Wilson, Off. Andrew Wismar, Off. James Wood, Off. James Wooten, Off. Samuel Zouglas, Off. Richard Zurmuehlen, and Off. James Zwilling.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Hundreds of city cops named in class-action suit stemming from “kettling” arrests during Stockley verdict protests

Single payer could work in the U.S.

The United States per capita healthcare spending is more than twice the average of other developed countries Healthcare costs per capita (Dollars) SOURCE:

$12,000

0

By Sandra Jordan

Doctors want

to focus on patient care, not bureaucracy

Of The St. Louis American

Whether it’s described as Medicare for All, universal health coverage, or single payer, the organization Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) advocates for a single-payer system to provide health care in the United States.

Claudia M. Fegan, M.D., chief medical officer at Cook County Health in Chicago, is one of those PNHP advocates. As a government employee, Fegan said she and other doctors there have the privilege of taking care of every patient that comes in their door, regardless of their ability to pay – and for people who really love medicine, Fegan said, that’s what they really like to do.

“They don’t like to have to figure out who qualifies for what benefit and who can see what

n “They don’t like to have to figure out who qualifies for what benefit and who can see what specialist. They want to see the patients.”

– Claudia M. Fegan, M.D.

specialist,” she said. “They want to see the patients, figure out what the problem is and give them the best care that’s available. That is the strength of a single-payer

system, whether it is a single public or quasipublic agency that organizes health care financing, according to the PNHP – with health care delivery remaining largely in private hands.

Fegan said the U.S. is already spending enough money to get it done. Fegan said it would merely involve reallocating current costs and eliminating bureaucracy so that the system is more seamless for patients and doctors.

“We already spend enough on healthcare in the United States. We just allow too many people who are not involved in the delivery of care to take profit from it. And that’s the complexity,” Fegan told The American

“That’s why the United States spends more per capita on healthcare than other

By Denise Hooks-Anderson Of The St. Louis American

As many of you are aware, practicing medicine is more than just providing prescriptions and advice. The health of the community is a result of many factors, such as neighborhoods, health insurance, race, ethnicity, gender, and educational attainment.

These factors contribute to what scholars have labeled the “social determinants of health.” Social determinants of health are the conditions under which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They play a pivotal role in exacerbating health inequities.

The infant mortality rate is more than double among infants born to non-Hispanic black women compared to infants born to nonHispanic white and Hispanic women.

LGBT individuals are more likely than cisgender or heterosexual people to experience violence, victimization, harassment, and discrimination.

n Social determinants of health are the conditions under which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They play a pivotal role in exacerbating health inequities.

There is more than a 20-year gap in life expectancy between U.S. counties with the highest and lowest life expectancy, and this gap has continued to grow since the 1980s. Life expectancy gaps of up to 25 years have also been identified between different neighborhoods within the same city.

Income inequality is associated with greater health care expenditures, health care use, and death from cardiovascular disease and suicide.

Healthcare providers typically view our roles as limited to morbidity and mortality, access to care, living conditions, and behavioral risk factors. However, a

Oct. 31 deadline to register for Future City Competition on clean tap water

Middle schoolers have until October 31 to register for this year’s Future City Competition with its theme “Clean Water: Tap Into Tomorrow.” During this coming school year, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will be asked to identify an urban water system threat and then research, design and build a futuristic solution to ensure a reliable supply of clean drinking water. Working as a team with an educator and STEM mentor, students will present their vision of the future through a virtual city design (using SimCit software); a 1,500 word city essay; a scale model of their city (built with recycled materials); and in a short presentation to a panel of STEM professionals.

Teams will present their ideas at regional competitions in January. The Missouri regional final will be held on Saturday, January 11 the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The Missouri regional winners then face off at the Finals in Washington, D.C.

One team will take home the grand prize of a trip to U.S. Space Camp and $7,500 for their school’s STEM program.

from February 15-19, 2020. The competition culminates with one team taking home the grand prize of a trip to U.S. Space Camp and $7,500 for their school’s STEM program.

Future City has ongoing opportunities for engineering and technical professionals to volunteer in a number of different roles, including team mentors and regional coordinators. For more information about Future City and volunteer opportunities, visit www.futurecity.org. The deadline to register is October 31. Register at www.futurecity.org.

During this coming school year, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will be asked to identify an urban water system threat and then research, design and build a futuristic solution to ensure a reliable supply of clean drinking water.

A12

ST.

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

New report outlines ‘environmental racism’ in St. Louis

Reinvesting in vacant structures in North City touted as one way to address health inequity

By Jeremy D. Goodwin Of St. Louis Public Radio

Environmental hazards in the neighborhoods of many black people in St. Louis put them at a higher risk of health problems than white residents, according to a new report.

“Black St. Louisans are exposed to considerably greater environmental risks than white residents, contributing to stark racial disparities regarding health, economic, and quality of life burdens,” wrote the authors of “Environmental Racism in St. Louis.” The report is by the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic at Washington University School of Law and the Environmental Justice Roundtable. The coalition includes Action St. Louis, ArchCity Defenders, Dutchtown South Community Corporation and Sierra Club

It compiles brief case studies and previously available statistics to highlight a pattern of health indicators in which residents of predominantly black neighborhoods in St. Louis fare worse than residents of other areas.

Black children are more likely than white children to be treated in the emergency room for asthma and to suffer from lead poisoning, according to the report. It also notes that black St. Louisans are more likely to suffer from exposure to dangerous mold and other forms of residential and industrial air pollution.

“It definitely connects some issues that are impacting folks in a framework that is really helpful to understand what’s exactly wrong, so that we can figure out a way forward,” said Kayla Reed, co-director of Action St. Louis.

Of the five city wards with the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning as of 2017, four are majority black.

n Beyond the risk posed by crumbling buildings containing pollutants, vacant properties are also more likely to be the sites of illegal dumping of hazardous materials.

federal census.

Beyond the risk posed by crumbling buildings containing pollutants outlawed by current building codes, vacant properties are also more likely to be the sites of illegal dumping of hazardous materials. According to the report, the six neighborhoods with the most complaints about illegal dumping — Baden, Dutchtown, Greater Ville, Penrose, Walnut Park East and Wells-Goodfellow — are all majority-black.

The report also cited higher energy bills paid by residents of older housing stock, and less access to grocery stores stocking nutritious food.

“Some of the issues around vacancy continue to be a very persistent and deeply troubling issues,” said Amanda Colon-Smith, executive director of Dutchtown South Community Corporation. More investment in under-developed neighborhoods will help ease some of the disparities outlined in the report, she said.

Black children in St. Louis are 2.4 times more likely than white children to test positive for lead in their blood. Overall, St. Louis children are twice as likely to have lead poisoning than children living elsewhere in Missouri.

Single Payer

Continued from A12 countries in the world, and yet we are the only industrialized country –we’re the only member of the OECD [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development] – that does not guarantee access to healthcare.”

The U.S. spends more than twice the average for healthcare costs in developed countries, according to 2018 OECD data from the nonpartisan Pete G. Peterson Foundation (https://www.pgpf.org), which examines fiscal challenges to the economic future.

The Commonwealth Fund reported that the U.S. spends 8 percent of total national health expenditures on activities related to planning, regulating, and managing health systems

Anderson

Continued from A12

complicated web of events and situations have occurred prior to that patient entering our exam room. Therefore, it is our responsibility as leaders to help others in authority understand the importance of social determinants of health so that

As of 2015, black children in St. Louis were making 10.8 times more emergency room visits for asthma than did white children.

“The environment in areas

and services, compared to an average 3 percent spent among all high-income countries.

And it does not achieve better outcomes. Fegan said that outcomes need a closer look.

“We have problems with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and our approach may be different if we weren’t so focused on the financing,” she said.

“If we could make sure that people had access to care, then we could spend more time looking at the care we deliver.”

The single payer national health plan Fegan envisions would include anyone who lives here.

“Not based on your citizenship, but based on who lives within our borders – and that’s an important distinction, because we spend a lot of money on bureaucracy, trying to decide who is and who is not entitled to care,” Fegan said,

collectively we will not ignore those circumstances that are influencing the overall health status of the patient. With the help of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), there are resources that can help assist providers in asking those sensitive questions, such as, “Do you worry about your food running out before the end of the month?” A few

health. As a catalyst for change, the

that are predominantly black produce worse outcomes for families and children than other areas,” Reed said. “So if you live by O’Fallon Park in North City, your child is more susceptible to things like asthma versus a child that grows up in the Shaw neighborhood.”

Many of the negative health

impacts cited in the report relate to substandard housing and proximity to vacant properties and industrial sites. Such buildings often contain pollutants including asbestos, lead-based paint and industrial chemicals.

More than 90 percent of the city’s vacant properties are located in majority-black

n “We already spend enough on healthcare in the United States. We just allow too many people who are not involved in the delivery of care to take profit from it.”

– Claudia M. Fegan,

M.D.

who added that it is cheaper to take care of everyone who comes in instead of having to establish that bureaucracy to figure out who is and who isn’t a citizen.

“If you want to be busy excluding people, do you ride public transportation? Do you know if the person coughing next to you just has a cold or has tuberculosis? Do you eat out in a restaurant? Do you know who washed the dishes in the back or prepared the food?” she asked.

“So, we all have a stake in

years ago the AAFP rolled out the “Everyone Project.” Per the AAFP’s website, the vision for this project is “to transform health care to achieve optimal health for everyone.” One of the resources associated with this project is a social determinants of health screening tool addressing issues such as food scarcity, violence in the home, transportation, etc. There are

knowing that everyone in our community is healthy and when we start excluding people, we expose ourselves to things that we may not realize.”

Rather than the registration desk being the first thing patients see when they go to an emergency room or clinic as the entry point to determine how they are going to pay for the health services they need, single payer removes that barrier to care.

“How about having someone come in and tell you what their problem is,

provider forms and forms for the patients. For more details, visit https://tinyurl.com/ yyd3zw3v.

Information from social determinants of health screening tools can help guide providers in obtaining the correct resources for their patients. This information can then be used as evidence of the obvious needs within certain communities. Legislators, city

neighborhoods, according to an analysis of figures maintained by STL Vacancy Collaborative. About a quarter of vacant properties in St. Louis are located in three neighborhoods — WellsGoodfellow, JeffVanderLou and Greater Ville — whose populations are at least 97 percent black as of the 2010

so you figure out, prioritize what they need and deal with that?” Fegan said. “That would be rewarding for the patient; that would be rewarding for the people who work in the doctors’ offices, the clinics and the hospitals; and it would be rewarding for the people who deliver that care.”

Fegan said how single payer could work in the U.S. would include a card (in France, medical records are embedded into such a card) that a patient would present when visiting a health care provider.

“You would hand the card so they identify of you, then that’s the end of any exchange about compensation They determine what your needs are, you receive treatment, and at the end of a time interval the provider submits that information to the government,” Fegan said.

“You’ll see decreases in illegal dumping. You’ll see more quality, safe housing conditions that will be leadfree and mold-free,” ColonSmith said. “There are so many benefits to reinvesting into the vacant structures in our neighborhood that, if done intentionally and thoughtfully, will help to undo and combat the decades of disinvestment in redlined neighborhoods.”

Reprinted with permission from https://news. stlpublicradio.org.

“There’s not a concern about exchange of money or financing; there’s really the interaction between the patient and the physician. It’s about: ‘What’s your problem? How can we help you today?’ So that doctors can be trying to teach patients how to take care of themselves and how to be healthy and how to feel well.”

planners, school officials, and business leaders respond best when presented with actual data about the situations in which their constituents live and work.

Claudia M. Fegan, M.D. will have a public presentation in St. Louis about a single-payer health plan 7-9 p.m. Thursday, September 26 (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the Communication Workers of America Hall, 2258 Grissom Dr. in St. Louis. She also will meet with members of Mound City Medical Society and the Missouri Chapter of Physicians for a National Health Plan. For more information, email pnhpmo@ gmail.com or visit https:// pnhp.org.

Providers are on the frontline and must serve as the patient’s number one advocate. But physicians cannot act alone in pushing an agenda that promotes social equity. Tackling social determinants of health is not a one-entity job but one in which collaboration is crucial. What are you doing to tackle these issues?

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., FAAFP, is associate professor at SLUCare Family Medicine and the medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American. Email yourhealthmatters@ stlamerican.com.

Neighborhood volunteers in Hyde Park clean garbage from the street. Black neighborhoods in St. Louis are more likely to be subject to illegal dumping of potentially hazardous materials, according to the “Environmental Racism in St. Louis” report.

Fall Foods!

Nutrition Challenge:

Next week brings the first day of fall — and with that comes fall fruits and vegetables! Some things in season now are pumpkin, apples, squash and pears. “In season”

Fall brings cooler temperatures. It’ll no longer be too hot to enjoy the outdoors!

So put on your shoes and jacket and go out and enjoy the weather. Choose activities that raise your heart rate and increase your breathing for at least 20 minutes.

One fun fall activity is to have a leafcatch race. Stand behind a specific line

Studies show that one of the easiest ways to stay healthy and extend your life expectancy is to not smoke. Smoking affects your lungs, your heart and many other parts of your body. And smoking is very addictive. So it’s way easier not to start, than to stop later!

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

Healthy Kids Kids

generally means that the food is extra flavorful and yummy this time of year, but also easier to find and less expensive!

As a class, plan a Fall Foods Feast. What foods would you include, and what are nutritious, healthy ways that you could prepare them? What are ways that these foods might be served that aren’t so healthy?

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

(using sticks or a sidewalk to mark your starting point). When you see a leaf fall from a tree see who can catch it before it hits the ground. The first one to catch 10 leaves wins!

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

Healthier

Cheese Stix

Ingredients: 6 Mozzarella String cheese sticks ½ Cp. Panko breadcrumbs 1 Large Egg (mixed with a fork)

Dipping Sauce — Low-fat ranch, marinara, etc. (optional)

Directions: Preheat oven to 425º and spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Toast the Panko breadcrumbs in a warm pan til browned, then cool and place in a small plate. Cut the cheese sticks into small 2-3 inch pieces. Dip in the egg mixture, roll in the breadcrumbs and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake until warm and cheese starts to soften (3-4 minutes).

Dannie E. Williams, MD, MPH

West Mesquite High School in Dallas, Texas. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, a Master of Public Health and International Health and Development from Tulane University and a Medical Degree from UTMB in Galveston, Texas.

What does a primary care physician do? I give injections in the joints of my patients suffering from chronic pain from osteoarthritis to relieve their discomfort. I also do some things as simple as flushing ears for impacted ear wax which can cause pain and affect hearing, and we give B12 shots which help with fatigue and chronic deficiency.

Why did you choose this career? I grew up in a household where the importance of social service was stressed, so I knew that giving was going to be a part of my career path. I had a natural affinity for science and health fields, so medicine just became a natural choice for me.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I like talking to the patients on a regular basis, forming relationships, and they appreciate someone that cares about them and their overall health. I enjoy when patients actually follow the advice that I give and they have some successes and improvements in their health.

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

Soldan International Studies High School teacher

Ms. Conners

Neurobiology is the study of the brain and nervous system of humans and animals. This study allows scientists to understand how the brain functions when it is healthy and how to cope when there are different disorders or injuries that affect brain function. MRI machines allow doctors to see the brain in action and to learn more about it.

Scientists believe that the brain is not fully developed until age 25. Different areas of the brain develop at their own pace. For young teens, the frontal lobe of the brain that impacts decision making and impulse control

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

In this experiment, you will see how smell affects your taste buds.

Materials Needed:

• Small Cups • Cotton Swabs or Q-tips • Different Foods With Similar Textures (ex: ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and maple syrup)

• Pen and Paper for Charting

• Partner for the Experiment • Blindfold

Procedure:

African-American Neurobiologist Erich Jarvis

is slowly developing. That’s why many adults exclaim, “What were you thinking?” when they are frustrated with teens. Because the brain develops until the age of 25, it is especially important for young people to avoid drugs and alcohol because it easier for this age group to get addicted and substance abuse will have a very severe and devastating impact on permanent brain development.

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

Taste vs. Smell

q Draw a chart for your results. Write the name of each food you are testing in separate rows along the left side. Draw two columns for each taster. Label each column with the taster’s name and “unplugged” and “plugged.”

w Make some predictions about which foods will be easier and harder to identify by smell. Will it be easier or harder to taste the foods with your nose plugged or unplugged?

MATH CONNECTION What is Neurobiology?

Did you know that you can find math in music? Time signatures tell how many beats per measure. Each note has a different numerical value. Many songs involve patterns in the music or lyrics. In honor of Jarvis’ songbird research, today’s math review is musical.

z A whole note is worth 4 beats, a half note is worth 2 beats, a quarter note is worth one beat. If a measure has 4 beats, how many different combinations can you create with these notes? ________

x Janice practiced her clarinet for 20 minutes on Monday, 35 minutes Tuesday, 10 minutes Wednesday, and 60 minutes Thursday. What is the average number of minutes she practiced each night? ________

DID YOU KNOW?

e Blindfold the taster as the tester puts a little bit of one food on the taster’s tongue with a cotton swab.

r The taster tries to identify which food they are tasting as well as whether it is salty, bitter, sweet or sour.

t The tester records the taster’s answers on the chart for each food they taste.

y When the taster has tried all the foods blindfolded, they will taste them each again but with their nose plugged as well. (Make sure you have them taste the foods in a different order.)

u Once the taster has tried each food with his/her nose plugged, switch who tastes and who tests and go through it all again. When you’ve both had a chance to taste, compare your results.

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the conclusions of the experiment and make deductions.

c In the fifth grade classroom, each student plays an instrument. 6 students play the saxophone, 8 students play the trumpet, 3 students play the drums, and 5 students play guitar. How many students are there total? ________ Write a fraction that represents the number of guitar players. ________

v A popular R&B song is 3 minutes and 50 seconds long. If the chorus is 20 seconds and is played 3 times in the song, how many total minutes of the song are devoted to the chorus? ________ Write a fraction that represents the portion of the song that is the chorus? ________

Learning Standards: I can use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve a problem.

Erich Jarvis was born on May 6, 1965, in Harlem. Both of his parents were musicians. At an early age, Jarvis was interested in music, dance, and the arts. He attended the High School of Performing Arts. After graduation in 1983, he attended Hunter College. While working on his degree, Jarvis worked as a Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Fellow and studied bacteria while he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and biology. From 1988-1995, he attended the Rockefeller University where he earned his PhD in molecular neurobiology and animal behavior. He specialized his research in the study of songbird vocalizations.

Once Jarvis earned his PhD, he stayed at Rockefeller University as a professor, and he lead the Science Outreach Program of New York, going to inner-city schools to teach them lab skills. His goal was to inspire students to pursue education, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and to seek a STEM-related career. In 1998, Jarvis left Rockefeller and became a professor for the Department of Neurobiology at Duke University. He also worked for the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

In 2005, Jarvis led a team of 28 neuroscientists who proposed a new classification system for the bird brain as they researched the similarities between the brain of a bird and the brain of a mammal. Three years later, he received the honor of becoming an Investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He has published more than 50 journal articles and has been a contributor to numerous books.

Jarvis’ success in his field as a pioneer in the study of songbird neurobiology has won him many awards, including the National Science Foundation Alan T. Waterman Award, the Dominion Award, Strong Men and Women of Excellence, African American Leaders and the National Institute for the Humanities’ Director’s Pioneer Award. Also, Jarvis has served as the director of the Neuroscience Scholars Program for The Society of Neuroscience, he is a member of Duke University’s Council on Black Affairs and a founding member of the Black Collective at Duke University. Jarvis followed his passion for music and learning and it has led him to a successful career. Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

Plural Words: Find 10 plural words in the newspaper and cut them out. Glue them to a piece of paper and write the root word next to each (or circle the word in the newspaper and then write it on a piece of paper).

Activity Two —

Sports Team Travels: Keep track of a sports team’s travels. Find distances between cities on a map. Measure the distance between each city they visit. How many total miles did they travel?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify root words. I can read a map and use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve a problem.

shows students Taiwon Oliphant, Richard Walters and Tayla Ricks how to use the newspaper to do assignments in her Advanced Microsoft Applications class.

Photo by Wiley Price/ St. Louis American

Business

SEPTEMBER 19 – 25, 2019

“As a coach, it is your responsibility to pay close attention to your students’ overarching and underlying needs,” said Shakiyla Hughes, one of the college coaches for the College Bound STLCC program. “As you notice voids that can be filled by resources you aware of, a students’ comfort accessing those resources should be assessed.”

Helping SLPS students succeed at SLCC

‘Feeling engaged on campus and like you belong in college’ is goal of new program

By Pat Matreci For The St. Louis American

A group of freshmen attending St. Louis Community College-Forest Park is finding that life as a first-time college student is not as overwhelming as they might originally have thought. The college has partnered with College Bound St. Louis (www.collegeboundstl.org) to develop a well-rounded program to help these students navigate not just college, but also the adult world. College Bound STLCC (formerly known as Be STLCC) is a free program that currently serves nearly 130 first-time college freshman at the Forest Park campus. Each student is assigned a college coach. Coaches follow up with students about classes, financial aid, registration and many other aspects of college life.

n “For the populations we serve, making good grades is only a small part of the enormous endeavor of managing life outside of the classroom.”

– Mariah Opager

“Feeling engaged on campus and like you belong in college are two major factors that impact whether students return,” said Mariah Opager, assistant director of innovative projects at College Bound St. Louis.

“Having a physical space on campus filled

with people committed to your growth and success – where you encounter other students like you, and where you feel seen and valued – can ground students in their academic experience. Our room becomes a home base for students in many ways.”

STLCC-Forest Park entered into the partnership in 2017 after discussions with representatives from College Bound St. Louis and Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS).

According to Scott Baier, executive director of College Bound St. Louis, it took about a year to learn about each organization then lay down a plan for engagement and support of first-time SLPS students attending STLCC-Forest Park.

The pilot program from fall 2017 to fall 2018 has yielded promising results. During that

See COLLEGE BOUND, B2

An open letter to the business community

We need your help framing a strategic, regional crime reduction strategy

By Rev. Rodrick K. Burton

St. Louis city is experiencing a renaissance of economic activity, which is constrained by our sustained violent crime epidemic, denoted yet again by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. In international finance, investors avoid pouring capital into failed or failing states – Somalia or Syria, for example. Just as failed states destabilize neighboring countries, the same goes for our city. The problems of failed neighborhoods in St. Louis are affecting neighboring communities. Flight to distant suburbs is no longer viable as disaffected, unemployed residents of failed city neighborhoods expand their reach to include distant suburbs and the once no-go zones of sports, tourism, and academic venues. Therefore, a new solution is required for the metropolitan

Rev. Rodrick K. Burton

area’s sustained economic viability: a strategic, regional crime reduction strategy developed with area business leaders. Such a plan would be coordinated from an Office of Coordinated Response, whose efforts would be overseen by a Coordination czar. That individual would be responsible for overseeing a law enforcement response – already led by U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen – to include more technology (e.g. shot spotters, license plate readers, cameras, etc.) in areas where cooperation with police is limited owing to a number of social and community dynamics. As illustrated by the law enforcement history during the crack epidemic of the 1990s, an

n The proposed Coordination Office would mobilize a surge of mental health and social service providers such as the St. Louis United Way, among others, such as Better Family Life.

onslaught of police activity destabilizes fragile families and inflicts moral injuries on civilian bystanders. The proposed Coordination Office would mobilize a surge of mental health and social service providers such as the St. Louis United Way, among others, such as Better Family Life, The Demetrious Johnson Foundation, and

See LETTER, B2

Melanie Adams was honored as a Pioneer in Education by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for her service on the Special Administrative Board (SAB) for the St. Louis Public School District. Under the SAB’s guidance, the district improved student and district performance, stabilized leadership and regained full accreditation. She is now the director of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, D.C.

Kolby Davis participated in a rite of passage at the Kappa Beautillion, National College Signing Day, and Awards Ceremony. The event was the culmination of his affiliation with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., St. Louis Alumni Chapter’s Guide Right/Kappa League Program. Kappa League is a mentoring program for young males in grades 6 – 12. He is a graduate of Hazelwood Central High School now attends Howard University.

Cara Vonner joined Crown Center welcomes in the position of controller. Responsibilities are to maintain the effective functioning of the agency’s financial systems, ensure regulatory compliance, analyze all financial data and serve as staff liaison with the Crown Center Board’s Finance Committee. Previous work experience includes Spire, COCA (Center of Creative Arts) and the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) was recognized by the Missouri Charter Public School Association for his exemplary leadership in the charter school sector. He has been an advocate for high-quality charter schools since his integral role in creating Missouri’s charter school law. He chairs the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development & Insurance, a subcommittee that fights to restore consumer protection and fair housing.

Donna A. King joined the Board of Directors of ARCHS (Area Resources for Community and Human Services), which funds and strategically enhances initiatives that improve the lives of children and families facing disparities and disadvantages in St. Louis’ most resource deprived communities. She is regional administrator in the Division of Probation & Parole, Eastern Region of the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Rance Thomas was awarded the Community Partnership Award by Hazelwood School District for being an outstanding community partner by serving as an advocate and overall champion for students by supporting the purchase of uniforms, personal care items, food, and scholarships, as well as for promoting STEM programs, oratory contests, and annual youth awards. He is president of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice. On the move? Congratulations! Send your professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican.com

Donna A. King

Kolby Davis

Wm. Lacy Clay

Melanie Adams

Cara Vonner

Rance Thomas

Photo by Pat Matreci

For The St. Louis American

Beyond Housing unveils affordable housing in Pine Lawn

Chris Krehmeyer: ‘Our work is about building buildings, but it’s really about serving families’

By Marissanne LewisThompson

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Families are nearly settled into 41 new three-bedroom homes recently completed in Pine Lawn.

The $10.5 million Pine Lawn Manor, developed by Beyond Housing, is bringing more affordable housing to the North St. Louis County municipality. The community development corporation also built a $7 million development that includes 31 single-family three-bedroom homes in 2017.

Beyond Housing President and CEO Chris Krehmeyer said affordable housing is critical for families that live in Pine Lawn and around the region. He said turning vacant lots into new homes helps bring communities back to life.

“It leads to higher property values, which leads to higher tax base, which leads to more resources for schools and police and all the other things,”

College Bound

continued from page B1 period, the 58 participants achieved a grade-point average of 2.35, and averaged 15.55 credit hours earned. Of the 58 students, 81 percent (47 students) enrolled for classes in fall 2018, and 74 percent remained in good academic standing. In comparison, only 43 percent of identified SLPS graduates not enrolled in the program returned for fall 2018, and averaged 15 credit hours earned. And only 40 percent of them remained in good

Krehmeyer said. The new homes sit along Beachwood and Oakwood avenues.

Beyond Housing owns more than 500 affordable housing units throughout St. Louis County, most of them singlefamily homes and almost all within the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Krehmeyer said helping families get into an affordable, safe place to live gives them the “power of home” and helps fuel better things.

“So our work, yes, is about building buildings, but quite frankly it’s really about serving families,” he said, “about serving single moms with kids and then offering them a variety of services and supports to allow them to live their best lives possible.”

That’s especially true for Mary Harris. She and her family recently moved into one of the new homes. Harris said receiving the home was “surreal,” and with the help of

academic standing. “This is an excellent program, with committed staff who possess great coaching and mentoring skills,” said Franklyn Taylor, Forest Park’s vice president for student affairs. “They are making every attempt to adopt best practice in working with college students and continue to collaborate well with our academic and student affairs offices.”

Opager said understanding students’ motivation, commitment and determination open the door to helping them succeed. But other factors may impede their progress.

“For the populations we

the organization she was able to get back on track.

“Beyond Housing gave me that support,” she said, “and

serve, making good grades is only a small part of the enormous endeavor of managing life outside of the classroom,” Opager said.

“Between financial barriers, obligations to family, mental and emotional challenges – and even things like violence, housing insecurity, or food insecurity – students experience an onslaught of potential academic disruptions to deal with.”

That’s where the college coaches intervene.

Coaches are AmeriCorps service members who have up to six required one-hour meetings with students each

me achieving my goals as far as financial education, goals, business mindset, the whole nine. To have that support

semester. They discuss topics such as balancing work, home and school, using academic support services, and dealing with personal concerns. If things seem overwhelming, coaches connect their students with on-campus professionals who can help.

“Sometimes our students are unlearning more detrimental habits of mind before learning new ones, and being able to provide ongoing feedback and developing a student’s awareness of self can help build momentum in this process,” Opager said.

“Pursuing a college degree is as much an internal dialogue about who you are and what you can achieve as much as it is taking tests and passing classes. We help facilitate that internal dialogue.”

Shakiyla Hughes, one of the college coaches, said students are generally very receptive of the one-to-one relationships that exist between themselves and a coach.

“As a coach, it is your responsibility to pay close attention to your students’ overarching and underlying needs. As you notice voids that can be filled by resources you aware of, a students’ comfort

Letter

continued from page B1

countless other groups that are rarely acknowledged. Coordination would enhance the operation of the programs we have and prevent wasteful spending on programs such as Cure Violence, which duplicates ongoing working already taking place.

The Coordination czar would also liaise with health care community, faith-based communities, legal, arts and philanthropic. Additionally, the celebrity would be solicited to lend their voices to this new effort.

To be successful, two critical things are required.

just within a community is phenomenal.”

Newly elected St. Louis County Councilwoman

accessing those resources should be assessed,” Hughes said.

“A coach’s ability to make this interaction more of a conversation and less of a referral to a resource makes a huge difference, and this can be seen in their willingness to seek out and utilize resources such as our mental health services.”

Carnell Johnson, who attended Soldan High School, is now in the general transfer studies program at Forest Park.

A friend provided the tip about College Bound STLCC, which helped Johnson get off to a good start. He now is in his second year with the program.

“Since it was my first year when I joined, I figured that it would help me get used to college,” Johnson said. “The program has helped me learn to manage my time, keep me updated with my financial aid, register for classes each semester, and teach me how to build up my credit score, just to name a few.”

Opager noted that many students come in academically underprepared – the vast majority place into at least one remedial course in their first semester, and many of those

First, funding must be provided across the crimeimpacted areas of St. Louis city and county. Since this is a regional problem, all stakeholders in the region must contribute through a variety of options such as: a fee attached to all municipal infractions imposed by courts; a variation for felony infractions featuring a sliding scale; an increase in parking fees; a fee on outside visitors to our free attractions (which would sunset at the conclusion of the crisis); as well as dedicated budgetary appropriations. Second and most importantly, there must be a public announcement and commitment to full implementation of the

Rita Days also spoke at the unveiling on September 12. Days, previously the community liaison for the Missouri Housing Development Commission, said in her current role she wants to bring more affordable housing to the region.

“I think that because you need affordable housing does not mean you live in squalor or communities that are not conducive for raising a family for healthy living and for a fantastic environment,” Days said.

The Pine Lawn Manor development was funded through low-income housing tax credits from the Missouri Housing Development Commission, as well as St. Louis Equity Fund, Enterprise Bank and Trust and an anonymous private foundation.

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

are being entirely remediated in their first term. The transition from high school to college is never easy, she said, but for low-income, minority students who are entering a complex and under-resourced institution at a limited level of preparedness, the jump from high school to college classes may seem impossible.

“Our conversations usually focus on helping them find a balance between coursework and life at home – we push them to achieve high standards, but we individualize the standards to each particular student,” Opager said.

“Ultimately, our goal is for students to achieve high completion rates, meaning that students are able to complete the coursework they sign up for each semester. If we are able to find a way to increase the number of credits that students are able to successfully manage, that would be our aim.”

College Bound STLCC’s office is located in Room B-013 on the ground floor of the B Tower. For more information about College Bound STLCC, visit https://www. collegeboundstl.org/bestlcc/ or call 314-372-7856.

coordination plan. Our demand to Jefferson City should be for tailored supportive legislation or policies to aid the biggest economic engine in the state to bring public safety to its residents and businesses, thereby insuring future increased growth and better future for everyone. To do anything less is to ensure a slow decline during economic boom times and a rapid decline during slowdowns. No one wins during this status quo. In fact, people are dying. And, tragically, as this summer broadcasted to the nation, children are dying. Rev. Rodrick K. Burton is pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church.

Financial-services firm Edward Jones and its associates have contributed more than $1 million to the Arts and Education Council for the third consecutive year. The donations will support the Arts and Education Council’s programs and services that benefit more than 70 arts organizations and connect 1.6 million adults and children in the bi-state region with the arts each year.

About 2,400 Edward Jones associates donated more than $655,000 during the firm’s annual two-week campaign

at the firm’s headquarters.

The campaign, the largest in St. Louis, was led by Edward Jones associates including partner chair Patty Carter and associate co-chairs Nathan Hoffman and Mike Woerner. Edward Jones then made a corporate gift of $355,000, bringing the total campaign giving to more than $1 million.

“Art brings us joy and provokes new thoughts and ideas in ways few other endeavors can provide,” said Edward Jones Managing Partner Penny Pennington. Edward Jones branch

teams across the St. Louis region currently are raising additional funds for the Arts and Education Council with a second campaign.

“St. Louis’s arts and culture industry plays a major role in our quality of life,” said Cynthia A. Prost, Arts and Education Council president and CEO, and provides significant economic impact for our region.” For more information about the Arts and Education Council, visit KeepArtHappening.org.

41 single-family three-bedroom homes were unveiled in Pine Lawn on September 12.

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

n “This might be the worst NFL team I’ve ever seen.”

— ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith in the 0-2 Miami Dolphins

Sports

CBC-DeSmet game on ESPN this week

The bright lights of national television will be shining on the St. Louis area this weekend at Friday night’s powerhouse showdown between DeSmet and host CBC.

The CBC-DeSmet clash will be televised nationally on ESPN as part of Geico’s ESPN Game of the Week Series. Both Metro Catholic Conference teams are 3-0 and are considered to be the best in the state heading into Friday’s night’s game, which will kickoff at 8 p.m.

Host CBC appears to have reloaded after winning three of the past Class 6 state championships as well as the past nine MCC titles. The Cadets are explosive on offense as they average 55 points a game. They feature super sophomore quarterback Ayden RobinsonWayne, who already has more than 1,000 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns.

The Cadets have also displayed new offensive weapons in running back Jordan Clay and receivers Zach Hahn and Chevalier Brenson. All-State offensive lineman Brady Freeney is back to anchor the Cadets up front. The defense is led by two-way standout Ray Lingard, defensive end Michael West (four sacks) and linebacker Jordan Marshall.

Visiting DeSmet comes in with one of the most talented teams it has had in several years. The Spartans are loaded at every position with senior wide receiver Jordan Johnson, who has committed to Notre Dame. Fellow receivers Ra’Shod Smith-Harvey and Jakalin

The writing was on the wall. As NBA stars lost interest in the FIBA World Cup, it was evident that Team USA’s chances for bringing home the gold were questionable at best. Injuries forced some former FIBA stars to sit out the 2019 competition. Kevin Durant Klay Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins spend their summers recuperating from surgery and rehabbing serious injuries. Other established superstars such as LeBron James Steph Curry Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook Kyrie Irving and Paul George decided to skip the 2019 World Cup long ago. Several of these players either switched teams this offseason or saw big personnel changes to their teams, so many gave them a pass – for taking a pass. As the competition approached, Team USA was still expected to flourish. James Harden Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis and Bradley Beal were expected to lead the team to glory. Then came the mass exodus. One by one, each player withdrew from the competition. Next, Zion Williamson, Kevin Love Tobias Harris and Paul Millsap withdrew from consideration. (Note to Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball’s managing director, if you can’t get Harris and Millsap on board, you might need to fire yourself.) In the end, Team USA’s roster looked more like a No. 8 seed in the East than a team built for international domination. Here was the final 12-man roster for Team USA: Kemba Walker, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton Jayson Tatum (who suffered an injury vs Argentina), Brook Lopez, Myles Turner Jaylen Brown Harrison Barnes, Marcus Smart, Joe Harris, Mason Plumlee and Derrick White If

Earl Austin Jr.

Hazelwood West runningback

Joseph Fuller (3) is pulled down by Melville’s Raphel Brown (1) and Gerald Burton (21) during their game Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. The Wildcats of Hazelwood West went on to defeat the Panthers of Melville 30-0.

Khris Middleton, Donovan Mitchell, Harrison Barnes and Joe Harris hang their heads after

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis owners could improve MLS grades on TIDES race, gender report card

St. Louis’ successful bid to land an MLS franchise, with an ownership group led by Carolyn Kindle Betz and other female members, will help the league raise one of its lowest grades on 2019 The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports report card.

While I’m not a fan of MLS Commissioner Don Garber, his league office received an A+ for racial hiring and a B+ for gender hiring. During the 2018 season, people of color held 38.6 percent of the jobs in the league office (up from 36.7 percent in 2017) and women held 40.9 percent of the jobs (up from 39 percent.)

TIDES Director Richard Lapchick said the report card, which was released in January before St. Louis was awarded an expansion franchise, “displays mixed performance regarding racial and gender hiring practices overall.”

agement, team senior administration, team professional administration, physicians and athletic trainers.

The number of owners (which thanks to St. Louis will now have one female), head coaches and general managers for the 2018 Report Card was updated through December 21, 2018.

The listing of grades on positions held by people of color, which all increased from the previous year, include:

Hiring of MLS head coaches (B+, 22.7 percent); Hiring of assistant coaches (A+, 40.3 percent); Hiring of general managers (A, 29.2 percent); Hiring of senior administrators (C+, 15 percent); Hiring of professional administrators (B+. 21.5 percent.)

“The League’s weakest area with great need for improvement continues to be in team senior administrative positions where MLS teams earned a C+ for race and a D+ for gender hiring,” he said.

Like other U.S. sports leagues, with the exception of the NBA, the MLS office does a better job of minority and gender hiring than individual franchises.

“The teams need to follow the League’s example more closely,” Lapchick states in the report.

With data provided by MLS, the grades were assigned based on management in the MLS League Office and at various levels within each MLS franchise such including top man-

MLS’ lowest grade was a D+ for gender hiring for senior administrators, with 26.5 percent of the jobs being held by women. It was an increase from the previous year.

MLS received a C for gender professional hiring because its 3.6 percent was a decline from the 2017 season.

According to the TIDES report:

The Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers, Chicago Fire, NY Red Bulls and FC Dallas were coached by men of color when the 2019 season started.

Assistant coaches of color increased dramatically for the second year in a row by 14.4 percentage points from 25.9 percent in 2017 to 40.3 percent in 2018.

Only one person of color held a CEO/president position - Alex Leitao of Orlando City Soccer.

There were seven men of color holding a position MLS classified as general manager in 2018, an increase of three from 2017. They were Manny Lagos, Minnesota United FC; Jimmy Smith, FC Dallas. Peter Vagenas, LA Galaxy; Claudio Reyna, NYCFC; Nelson Rodriguez, Chicago Fire; Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta United and Denis Hamlett, NY Red Bulls.

MLS also received an A+ for its numerous diversity outreach efforts and work in the communities which are home to franchises.

Included is MLS WORKS, the league’s community outreach initiative “dedicated to addressing important social issues and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs.”

To find the full MLS report card, and other TIDES report cards for other sports leagues, visit https://www.tidesport.org/.

More soccer slurs

A Utah Royals fan has been banned from all games at Utah’s Rio Tinto Stadium and all National Women’s Soccer League games, after yelling racist taunts at Portland Thorns’ black goalkeeper Adrianna Franch during a game last week.

Franch, a member of the USWNT that won the World Cup title, stated on Twitter that racist taunts of black players are an ongoing problem.

“The situation surrounding

“RACISM is NOT okay in any form!! We as a HUMAN RACE can be better and should be better. We as a SPORT can help show the way.”

The NWSL Players Association released a statement saying, “the NWSL would like to publicly state that we will push to make sure there are League- and teamwide policies to eradicate any racist behavior from our stadiums.”

“As players, we have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who is not operating with a spirit of inclusion.”

Upon announcing the fan’s ban, the NWSL posted a statement the closed with, “NWSL will not tolerate inappropriate behavior. Racism has no place in our sport.

Meg Linehan, a writer for The Athletic, chastised the NWSL for not having a leaguewide policy on conduct of fans – especially when racial taunts are involved – and said MLS could do more as well.

“How this investigation is handled will define the league’s approach to a code of conduct,” Linehan wrote.

“There’s little desire for a copy and pasted version of the MLS rules for stadium conduct, but there is potential for the NWSL to set itself apart and create a policy that reflects its fan base while still protecting those in the stands and on the field.”

California Dreamin’

For the first time in U.S. and NCAA history, college athletes’ images and names will become something they can earn money from, thanks to the The Fair Pay to Play Act — which passed through both the California State Senate and State Assembly last week . The bill would allow stu-

dent-athletes in California to profit from the use of their own name, image and likeness, and pursue similar endorsement opportunities provided to Olympic athletes.

Sounds fair, doesn’t it?

The NCAA does not think so, and is feverishly trying to convince Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto the bill – which received heavy b-partisan support.

Supporters of the bill include LeBron James and Democratic presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Of course, coaches fearing that the bill will give California schools a recruiting advantage, are speaking out. In the case of gadfly Washington State football coach Mike Leach, insults and ignorance are the basis of his argument.

“The state of California has trouble keeping their streets clean right now, so my thought is that they probably ought to focus on that,” Leach said Monday.

“That’s just one guy’s opinion and I’m sure that I’m probably wrong, but at the rate that California is handling their infrastructure and some of their other problems, you know, I think that we’ll see how they do with that before I really think it would be that beneficial for the legislature of California to enter into college football.”

ESPN college football analyst and former Florida star Tim Tebow ripped the bill last week, saying it would destroy many reasons fans support college football. During his tirade on ESPN’s First Take, he forgot to mention that he wore and sold shirts licensed to him during press conferences and other events. He cashed in on his collegiate success while he was in college and on the Gators football team.

Some legislators in North Carolina and South Carolina are sponsoring similar bills,

American-born Luchi Gonzalez of Dallas FC discusses strategy with an AfricanAmerican soccer player during the Dallas Cup youth tournament in 2018. He is one of five MLS coaches of color, and has his team battling for a playoff spot in the league’s Western Conference. MLS secured decent grades in its TIDES annual review on racial and gender hiring and equity. St. Louis’ franchise will join MLS in 2022.

and, if passed, it could steer other states in that direction. Once a state with a team in the SEC passed a similar bill, how long would it be for Alabama coach Nick Saban to demand his state legislature to do the same?

Missouri could be among the first states to lead the SEC into this uncharted territory. In return the state’s best high school athletes would have more reason to stay home than hit the road for college athletics.

The Reid Roundup

Don’t worry, the St. Louis Cardinals will hang on … Le’veon Bell is with the New York Jets, Antonio Brown is with the New England Patriots and Ben Roethlisberger is out for the season with an elbow injury. What a difference a year makes for Steelers fans … I mentioned on the Charlie Tuna Show last week that New England should be worried that another woman will claim that Brown assaulted her. It has happened … Dak Prescott’s value is soaring right now after two great performances to open the season. Dallas should have signed him before the season began … I listened to KTGR, the sports voice of Columbia, earlier this week. Lots of talk about continuing fan apathy and empty seats at games … The Tigers should tackle South Carolina on Saturday – a loss would be a major blow to the program and coach Barry Odom … After countless defections, the U.S. basketball team had no chance to win a gold medal at the World Cup in China. Look for Team USA to win the gold at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2020 … Here we go again. The Washington Wizards brass says it has no intention of trading guard Bradley Beal – for now.

Alvin A. Reid

our game Friday night is not a NEW issue, nor is it a first for me,” she wrote.

Former Incarnate Word star Napheesa Collier 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year

Among WNBA rookies, Collier was second in scoring and rebounding

Clutch

Continued from B3 USA’s previous worst finish came in 2002 with another underwhelming NBA roster.

Luckily for Team USA, despite the embarrassing seventh-place finish, the team qualified for the 2020 Olympics as the second-best team in the Americas zone. Now Colangelo will have to put on his recruiting hat and hope that the world’s best American players will take the 2020 Olympics more seriously than the 2019 World Cup. Curry has already committed to play in the 2020 Olympics. Shockingly, Curry has never suited up for Team USA in Olympic competition. He was forced to withdraw from consideration in 2016 due to injury and was cut from the 2012 team.

“[I] definitely wanna go,” Curry told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols. “I’ve never been on the Olympic team. I’ve been on two World Cup championship gold-medal teams. But the Olympics is the experience that I want. And next year will hopefully be it.”

Draymond Green, Curry’s teammate in Golden State, has stated on the record that he hopes to be on the court with

Curry in Tokyo. Expect Curry to take a page from Green’s notebook and start shooting his shot to recruit other star players to the squad. Green famously started the recruitment of Durant to the Warriors, via text message, after Golden State fell to James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals. Much of Team USA’s embarrassing result can be attributed to the wackness of the roster. Let’s keep it real, if Gregg Popovich can’t coach up a team beyond a seventh-place finish, you know the squad is garbage. However, the lack of consistency and continuity, compared to other nations, also played a role. Spain, the 2019 World Cup champion, featured five players from its 2016 Olympics Team, including MVP Ricky Rubio (Utah Jazz) and Willy Hernangómez (New

York Knicks). Marc Gasol (Toronto Raptors) did not play in the 2016 Olympics due to injury, but did participate in the World Cup months after winning an NBA title. Despite featuring zero current NBA players, runner-up Argentina fielded seven players from its 2016 Olympic team. All five starters from the World Cup roster also suited up in Rio. Compare those numbers with Team USA. Only Barnes represented the stars and stripes in the 2016 Olympics and he was the worst player on the team.

If the NBA’s best American players don’t want to take the FIBA World Cup seriously, it might be time to turn it back over to the nation’s best college kids. Before the 1994 Team USA’s World Cup teams were comprised of the nation’s top

Gregg Popovich coaches Team USA during the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Absent the NBA’s biggest American stars, the team floundered to its worst finish ever.

By Earl Austin Jr. Of the St. Louis American

Former Incarnate Word Academy girls basketball star Napheesa Collier was named the 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year this week.

Collier just completed her stellar rookie campaign by leading the Minnesota Lynx to the WNBA Playoffs. She received 29 votes from a national panel of 43 sportswriters and broadcasters. Guard Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings finished in second place. The 6’1” Collier was terrific in all facets of the game throughout the season. She averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals and nearly a block a game while averaging a league-high 33.3 minutes a game. She also shot 49 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from 3-point range and 79 percent from the free throw line. Collier became the fourth player in WNBA history to record at least 400 points, 200

n Collier shot 49 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from 3-point range and 79 percent from the free throw line.

rebounds, 75 assists, 50 steals, 25 blocks and 25 3-pointers in a single season. Among WNBA rookies, Collier was second in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage, first in steals and third in assists and 3-point shooting percentage. Collier was the No. 6 pick in the WNBA Draft after her tremendous collegiate career at the University of Connecticut. In her very first game, she scored 27 points against the Chicago Sky on May 25. She was also selected to play in the WNBA All-Star Game. In her final game of the season, Collier had 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Lynx’s loss to the Seattle Storm in the WNBA Playoffs.

Johnson are also dangerous offensive weapons.

B3 back Kameron Clay and receiver Marquis Watkins. The Comets have a big game on Saturday afternoon as they host rival McCluer North. Duchesne is off to its excellent start thanks to the addition of several talented young players in the program. Freshmen Antwon Hayden and Terrell Peete have combined for 11 touchdowns. Hayden has also rushed for 353 yards. Sophomore quarterback has

Senior transfer A.J. Fraser is a talented quarterback while Rico Barfield, Taj Butts and Darez Snider form an excellent trio of running backs. The defense is packed with talent as well, led by senior linebacker Lanell Carr, who has committed to West Virginia. Defensive linemen Mekhi Wingo, Armon Wallace and linebacker Carter Edwards are also defensive stalwarts.

Quick starts at McCluer and Duchesne

The programs at McCluer and Duchesne are experience nice turnarounds so far after several years of losing. Both teams are currently 3-0 while restoring confidence in their football programs. Both teams have won 11 games each in the past five seasons. McCluer is led by first-year coach Howard Brown, who had a great run of success at McCluer South-Berkeley. The Comets were 0-10 last season, but are off to a great start in 2019. They have a nice dualthreat quarterback in Jaylen Garner and a pair of talented offensive players in running

rushed for 237 yards and passes for 278 yards with a combined six touchdowns.

On Tap This Weekend

Eureka (2-1) at Lafayette (3-0), Friday, 7 p.m. Fort Zumwalt North (3-0) at Wentzville Liberty (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

St. Mary’s (2-1) at Borgia (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

Alton (2-1) at Edwardsville

Macon East St. Louis – Football

college athletes. None of those teams (the World Cup began in 1950) finished lower than fifth. Two teams (1954 and 1986) brought home the gold. There was a time when even a third-tier American players would wipe the floor clean against international competition. With the globalization of the game, those days are long gone. I’d much rather watch the nation’s best and hungriest college players seek to prove themselves on the international stage than the players Team USA dragged onto the court in this year’s competition. Wouldn’t you rather watch the stars of tomorrow than the pedestrian pro players of today?

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch online at stlamerican. com and on Twitter @ishcreates.

(2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

McCluer North (2-1) at McCluer (3-0), Saturday, noon MICDS (3-0) at Priory (3-0), Saturday, 1 p.m.

Hazelwood Central (1-2) at Hazelwood West (2-1), Saturday, 1 p.m.

The standout junior quarterback had a big performance in the Flyers’ victory at Neuqua Valley in Suburban Chicago last Friday night. Macon amassed 402 yards and four touchdowns in the Flyers’ exciting 50-48 road victory. He completed 14 of 17 passes for 332 yards and The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTe of The Week

three touchdowns. He added 70 yards rushing and another score. For the season, Macon has passed for 810 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns. As a sophomore, Macon had 3,580 total yards and a combined 46 touchdowns last season.

Trump’s housing plan is misguided

I look forward to educating officials when they come before the committee

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

As this country continues to experience a crisis in affordable housing and homelessness the Trump Administration’s release of its proposal to reform housing finance falls short of many of the important principles outlined by the Democratic Caucus for fair, balanced, and comprehensive housing finance reform.

I will reiterate that the GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac did not cause the financial crisis, as the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission and others have also made that clear.

The financial crisis was driven by predatory lending, the private market packaging those toxic, risky loans into securities, and then selling those securities to confused investors.

• providing stability and liquidity so that we can withstand any future financial crisis

• ensuring a smooth transition to a new finance system

• requiring transparency and standardization in a way that ensures a level playing field for all financial institutions, especially credit unions and community banks

Wm. Lacy Clay

Consistent with principles promulgated by the Democratic Caucus, I will continue to advocate for core principles that I believe should be part of efforts to address the future of housing finance reform, which include:

• maintaining access to the 30-year fixed rate mortgage

• ensuring sufficient private capital is in place to protect taxpayers

• maintaining access for all qualified borrowers that can sustain homeownership and serving homeowners of the future

• and ensuring access to affordable rental housing.

Again, I believe the Trump Administration can do better and should come up with a more realistic housing finance proposal that will lower costs in the housing markets, embrace principles of fairness, and help increase homeownership.

To say this plan is misguided is an understatement, though I look forward to engaging with, and educating officials when they come before the committee that we may work to achieve common ground.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) is chairman of the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development & Insurance.

NACA homeownership event September 19-22 at Lumiere Place

NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America), the nation’s largest HUD-certified, nonprofit housing counseling and community advocacy organization, is hosting homeownership event September 19-22 at the Lumiere Place Hotel, 999 North 2nd St. in St. Louis. NACA counselors and underwriters will be on-site at the event to approve many homebuyers in one day for the NACA Mortgage. The NACA interest rate is 3.25 percent APR for 30-year fixed and 2.75 percent APR 15-year fixed (as of September 10). As Forbes magazine noted, NACA is unique in charging “the same rate regardless of the credit score.”

“With more than 60,000 NACA homeowners and one

Financial Focus

By Roger Macon, AAMS

of the lowest foreclosure rates, we have demonstrated that working people with limited savings make their mortgage payments,” said Bruce Marks, NACA’s CEO and founder.

The St. Louis Achieve the Dream event runs 8 a.m.-8 p.m. each day. NACA services are free of charge and walkins are welcome. For more information, visit NACA.com.

Living It

Salute to opulence

By

The St.

By Kenya Vaughn

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis native Ronald Maurice Ollie and his wife, Monique McRipley Ollie. Price and other members of the media engaged with the art a day ahead of the exhibition’s September 17 opening. When co-curators Gretchen L. Wagner, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow for Prints, Drawings and Photographs and Alexis Assam, the 2018-19 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow, encouraged questions or comments following their gallery talk for the exhibition, Dickson Sonbeall made a bold proclamation. According to him, the Ollies with their gift – and the Art Museum with their public display of the work that was donated in memory of Maurice’s parents, Thelma and Bert Ollie –have inserted a chapter into art history. Patrons and guests will now have an opportunity to dialogue regarding African American artists’ contribution to abstract art.

Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Yvette Cheaney, Melissa Grannum, Marie Holmes, RJ Holmes, Carrie Hughes, Larry Hughes II, Jovita Oruwari, Carla Pace, Jaylen Pace, Monique Richard, Jaycob Tatum and

Awards Gala.

Photo

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Thurs., Sept. 19, 8 p.m., The Ready Room presents Lee Fields and The Expressions, The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com

Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., Fox Theatre presents Boyz II Men. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Sun., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., The Pageant presents Chrisette Michele: The Self Love Tour. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., A Night for Life with Michael McDonald, Brian Owens, and Kennedy Holmes. 3 generations of Ferguson take to the stage for a unique community celebration. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Thurs., Oct. 3, 6;30 p.m., Chris Brown – Indigoat Tour 2019, Enterprise Center. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Fri., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Tyler, The Creator, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

Sat., Oct. 5, 8 p.m. The Sheldon Welcomes Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www. thesheldon.org or call (314) 533-9900.

Sat., Oct. 5, 8 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Erykah Badu with special guest Goodie Mob. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. chaifetzarena.com.

Wed., Oct. 9, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) TrapStar Turnt Rockstar Tour starring PNB Rock, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com

Tues., Oct. 15, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), 85 to Africa Tour starring Jidenna. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), From The South With Love Tour starring BIG K.R.I.T. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sun., Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., Chaifetz Arena welcomes The Sketchbook Tour starring Fantasia and featuring Robin Thicke, Tank and The Bonfyre Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m. A Night of Soul Searching presents The Elevation Tour with Case and Elle Varner, The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.

Tues., Oct. 29, 8 p.m. Immortal Technique’s The Middle Passage Tour, The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.

Thurs., Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m., Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly, St. Charles Family Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

local gigs

Sun., Oct. 13, 5 p.m. ( 4 p.m.) Chuck Flowers & Acoustic Soul, BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups 700 S. Broadway St. Louis.

The Guide

Kenya Vaughn recommends

special events

Thurs., Sept. 19, 11 a.m.

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County and CityDesignGroup will host a hiring fair, CAASTLC main office, 2709 Woodson Road, Overland, MO 63114. For more information, call (314) 446-4431.

Thur., Sept. 19, 5 p.m., YWCA of Metro St. Louis presents the 7th Annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. An international men’s march to speak out against rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, www. ywcastl.org.

Fri., Sept. 20, 10 a.m., St. Louis Union Station Job Fair. Walk-ins welcome. 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. paycomonline.net.

Fri., Sept. 20, 4 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter presents the HBCU Party with a Purpose. Proceeds benefit their scholarship fund. Marquee, 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information,

call (314) 282-8018.

Fri., Sept. 20, 9 p.m., Blaze the Stage STL Live. An evening of poetry, comedy, art, music, and more. Special Tymes Event Hall, 5950 Natural Bridge Rd., 63120. For more information, call (314) 656-7558.

Sept. 20 – 21, 47th Annual Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race. Central Field, Forest Park, 63112. For more information, visit www. greatforestparkballoonrace. com.

Sept. 20 – 22, Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival. Soulard Park, 7th St. and Lafayette Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www. hispanicfestivalstl.com.

Sat., Sept. 21, 11 a.m., South Grand Fall Fest. Featuring more than 70 retail vendors and community organizations, craft activities, and more. Ritz Park, 3147 S. Grand Blvd., 63118. For more information, visit www.southgrand.org/ events.

Sat., Sept. 21, 3 p.m., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Xi Zeta Chapter Countdown to Centennial. Troy’s Jazz Club, 4519 Olive Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www.

The Sheldon welcomes Cecile McLorin Salvant. See CONCERTS for details.

eventbrite.com.

Sat., Sept. 21, 4 p.m., 2019 Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival. 124 W. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, visit www. oldwebsterjazzfest.com.

Sat., Sept. 21, 6 p.m., St. Louis American Foundation 32nd Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, America’s Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. stlamerican.com and click on Salute to Excellence, or call 314-533-8000.

Sat., Sept. 21, 6 p.m., Affinia Healthcare Foundation invites you to the Boldly Inspired 2019 Starburst Gala & Auction. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. affiniahealthcare.org.

Thur., Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., Marian Middle School invites you to their 12th Annual Girls Night Out. A fundraiser and networking event featuring Olympic Legend and Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Charles F. Knight Center, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For

more information, visit www. marianmiddleschool.org.

Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m., Gateway Arch National Park Celebrates National Public Lands Day, Yoga under the Arch, the Great MonArch Migration Event and Mississippi River Cleanup lead day of free, family friendly activities. For more information, visit www. gatewayarch.com.

Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m., Independent Schools of St. Louis and Mocha Moms, Inc. invites you to an Elementary Schools Fair for Families of Color. Central Christian School, 700 South Hanley Rd., 63105. For more information, visit www. independentschools.org/events.

Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., St. Louis Housing Fair. Discover everything you need to know about buying and keeping your home. Friendly Temple, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Sept. 28, 11 a.m., The Village Resource Fair and Education Summit. O’Fallon Park Rec Complex, 4343 W. Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 465-8360.

Sat., Sept. 28, 4 p.m., Artscope’s Family Picnic and Fun Fair. Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. artscopestl.org.

Sat., Sept. 28, 6 p.m., Secondary and High School Info Night. MICDS, 101 North Warson Rd., 63124. For more information, visit www. independentschools.org/events.

Sun., Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m., American Foundation for Suicide Prevention presents the Out of The Darkness Community Walk. Tremayne Shelter, Creve Coeur Park, 13725 Marine Ave., 63043. For more information, visit www.afsp.donordrive.com.

Fri., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Village Aglow: A Gala to Benefit STL Village featuring the music of Motown. Proceeds benefit our mission to enhance the quality of life of people age 50+. Mahler Ballroom, 4915 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. stlvillage.org.

Fri., Oct. 4, 8 p.m., Hollywood’s Greatest Game Show hosted by Bob

Eubanks. River City Casino, 777 River City Casino Blvd., 63125. For more information, visit www.rivercity.com.

Sat., Oct. 5, 2 p.m., Grove Fest STL 2019. Food village, merchant village, street performers, and concerts. Manchester Ave. between Tower Grove and Sarah, 63110. For more information, visit www.thegrovestl.com.

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

literary

Sat., Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m., BookFest St. Louis. Attendees will enjoy author presentations, panel discussions, activities, and more. McPherson & Euclid, 63108. For more information, visit www. bookfeststl.com.

Thur., Sept. 26, 9 a.m., Workers’ Rights Board hosts author Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. Rothstein will discuss housing segregation and inequality 5 years after Ferguson. Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr., 63136. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Fri., Sept. 20, 5:30 p.m., Opening Reception for Adornment. This exhibition explores the artist, the creative process, and the art, with a focus on the human form. Exhibition Runs through Dec. 15. COCA, 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl.com.

Sat., Sept. 21, 11 a.m., Black in the Abstract: Meditations on Black Artists Working With Abstraction From the 1950s to the Present. Lecture by Valerie Cassel Oliver. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Oct. 5 – 6, 2019 Historic Shaw Art Fair. Featuring 135 artists, food, music, art demonstrations and kids activities, and more. 4200 Flora Pl., 63110. For more information, visit www. shawartfair.org.

Oct. 12 – 13, 10 a.m., The

Kenya Vaughn recommends of America’s National Educating America Tour. Student Center, Saint Louis University, 20 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.alzfdn.org/event.

Highland Arts Council hosts the 16th Annual Art in the Park. Lindendale Park, 2005 Park Hill Dr., Highland, IL. 62249. www. highlandartscouncil.org

comedy

Sept. 19 – 21, 8th Annual Compass Improv Festival. See local and national performers including local improv troupe, U People. The Improv Shop, 3960 Chouteau Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. compassimprov.org.

Sept. 19 – 22, Helium Comedy Club presents Deray Davis. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117.

theatre

Through Sept. 21, Slaying

Dragons Theater Troupe presents A Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neill, The Chapel, 6328 Alexander Drive, Clayton, MO 63105. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ SlayingDragons1/

Through Sept. 22, The Black Rep presents Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. theblackrep.org.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m., The Legacy of the Annie Malone Children’s Home. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For

more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Fri., Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m., AGAPE Reentry Program presents the Successful Second Chances Employer Panel. Millennium Student Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 3810401 ext. 100, or (314) 5165748.

Fri., Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m., AGAPE Reentry Program presents the Successful Second Chances Employer Panel. Millennium Student Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 3810401 ext. 100, or (314) 5165748.

Sun., Sept. 22, 1 p.m., Beyond the Climate Crisis: From the Failure of Eden to Eden Once Again. Central Reform Congregation, 5020

Sat., Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m., Black Women, Depression, and Suicide: It’s Time to Heal. A panel comprised of professionally licensed Black Female therapists and everyday Black Women who will share their experiences. Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Thur., Sept. 26, 6 p.m., The Right Time for Medicare for All. CWA Hall, 2258 Grissom Dr., 63146. For more information, call (314) 2653412 or visit www.facebook. com.

Sun., Oct. 6, 8 a.m., The National Children’s Cancer Society Golf Classic. The Courses at Forest Park, 6141 Lagoon Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. thenccs.org/golf.

Sun., Oct. 6, 3 p.m., The Gateway Illinois Chapter of the Links, Inc. invites you to the Salute to Our Survivors Breast Cancer Awareness Tea. 1 Norwood Hills Country Club, 63121. For more information, email gatewaylinksinc@gmail.com.

Mon., Oct. 7, 6 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Metropolitan St. Louis Chapters Breast Cancer Awareness Impact Day Normandy High School, 6701 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63133. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Waterman Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. CentralReform.org/Waskow.

Wed., Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., The Scholarship Foundation presents a FAFSA Workshop Completion assistance available by appointment. 6825 Clayton Ave., 63139. For more information, visit www. sfstl.org.

Sun., Sept. 29, 4 p.m., COCA presents Speak Now: Amari Marshall. Marshall is a commercial hip-hop dancer and choreographer for Janet Jackson and many others. A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre, Washington University, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. cocastl.org.

health

Thur., Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m., Alzheimer’s Foundation

Sun., Oct. 6, 8 a.m., The National Children’s Cancer Society Golf Classic. The Courses at Forest Park, 6141 Lagoon Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. thenccs.org/golf.

spiritual

Sat., Sept. 21, 9 a.m., Truelight GEMS Annual Giveaway. Free items to be given away include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and shoes and household items. Truelight Baptist Church, 1535 Tudor Ave., East St. Louis, IL. 62207. For more information, call (618) 874-0812.

Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., Touhill Performing Arts Center presents CeCe Winans in Concert. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents Boyz II Men. For more information, see CONCERTS.

“It closes a gap and is very necessary,” Sonbeall said.

The Thelma and Bert Ollie Memorial Collection includes significant works by such American artists as Terry Adkins, Benny Andrews, Robert Blackburn, Chakaia Booker, Ed Clark, Nanette Carter, Adger Cowans, Herb Gentry, Sam Gilliam, Bill Hutson, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Lewis, James Little, Al Loving, Jack Whitten, Stanley Whitney, Frank Wimberley, and William T. Williams. Works by British artists Winston Branch and Frank Bowling also are included in the gift.

“The Ollie Collection does far more than enhance the Saint Louis Art Museum’s existing strength in postwar abstraction,” said Brent R. Benjamin, the Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum. “It places the museum squarely within an expanding field of exploration, as the narratives around the history of abstraction grow more inclusive and heterogeneous.

“My life has been so greatly enriched by the arts,” Maurice Ollie said in a conversation with Simon Kelly, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Saint Louis Art Museum and Elizabeth Wyckoff, the Museum’s curator of prints, drawings and photographs.

The exhibition’s title was inspired by a poem written for Ron by fellow St. Louis native son Quincy Troupe. The famed poet and author will visit his hometown next month with another St. Louisan, Grammy Award-winner Keyon Harrold as part of the programming framed around “The Shape of Abstraction.”

oppression – and the resilience of a people who have persisted in spite of the odds. The musical from the early 1970s broke new ground on Broadway as the first musical to be written and directed by black women. With its treatment of maintaining the original format, The Black Rep reminds audiences that the play was also trailblazing in its expression of black culture – and how art

The gift is a full circle moment for Maurice Ollie. The New Jersey-based collector developed a love for the visual

was informed by the unique challenges and additional roadblocks to the American dream within the African-American community.

From the opening number “I Gotta Keep Movin,” which pairs the rich male voices of Herman Gordon, Keith Tyrone and Drummond Crenshaw with the stunning movement of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater alum Antonio DouthitBoyd, “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” introduces audiences to black people’s ability to power through. And with the next number “Harlem Streets,” reminds them what the com-

arts when his parents brought him to the Saint Louis Art Museum as a small child.

He was never shy about his love for visual arts, even if it meant him getting teased by his fraternity brothers for taking dates to there during his college days.

His love for art led to voracious research and study and eventually the acquisition of his

munity is up against – which is essentially the ebb and flow for the entire musical. There is no dialogue and the approach to the telling of the story of the unnamed characters within the ensemble is a nonlinear one that covers a range of emotions through music of the time with influences of funk, R&B, blues, soul and calypso. And while Grant and Carroll are credited for kicking down the door on behalf of black women on Broadway, the pair should also be recognized for introducing the first elements of rap and hip-hop to the Broadway stage. More than

own collection and fellowship with black artists.

When his beloved parents passed away, he used his inheritance he received from them to purchase additional art.

His generosity in sharing his passion and championing African American abstract visual artists provides a special opportunity for the Saint Louis Art Museum.

40 years before Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” became a cultural phenomenon by setting the story of an American founding father to beats and rhymes, Grant and Carroll created the blueprint with the lyrical expression of the black struggle relatable to all who have experienced it – then and now.

As with most pioneering work, there is a bit of room for fine tuning – particularly with how some of the selections labor on – but “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” has earned its rightful place in musical theater history. For the Black Rep production, a talented team of performers give the musical a restaging that the original creators would be happy to see. The 11-person ensemble is packed full of a wide range of well blended voices that reflect different generations.

“This gift illuminates the diverse body of abstract work made by black artists, whose profound contribution in this mode of expression have begun to receive greater recognition,” Benjamin said. And allows Maurice Ollie to share the transformative experience that comes with exposure to the arts with a broader audience – for generations to come.

Black Rep veterans Drummond Crenshaw, Herman Gordon, Denise Thimes, and Keith Tyrone are paired with newer performers Sieglinda Fox, Amber Rose, Camille Sharp and Tyler White. Douthit-Boyd, Robert Crenshaw and dancer Alison Brandon-Watkins are making their Black Rep debut with “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope.”

Between Ron Himes’ direction, Kirven Douthit-Boyd’s choreography and Charles Creath’s musical direction, each ensemble member gets an opportunity to showcase their strengths over the course of the show – with Tyler White and Robert Crenshaw showcasing themselves as the newest double threats within the Black Rep’s roster of players through dance and vocal solo performances.

White, a young actress

“ I can’t imagine my life without the arts – and it was my parents who gave that to me. That’s one of the reasons I’m dedicating this to them. The Saint Louis Art Museum’s exhibition of “The Shape of Abstraction: Selections from the Ollie Collection,” is currently on display through March 22, 2020. For more information or programming related to the exhibition, visit www.slam.org or call (314) 721-0072.

who was introduced to the stage through the Black Rep’s Summer Performing Arts Program as a 9-year-old, showcased the company’s ability to identify and nurture talent.

The scenic design of Margery and Peter Spack and costuming of Andre Harrington recreate the urban landscape of the fast-talking, funk-driven elements of the musical that offers context on the continuum of a strength of a people despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Black Rep’s presentation of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” continues through Sunday, September 22 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth. For tickets or additional information, visit www.theblackrep. org or call (314) 534-3807.

Alexis Assam, Saint Louis Art Museum 2018-19 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow and cocurator of “The Shape of Abstraction,” discussing Stanley Whitney’s “Out into the Open” painting during a press preview of the exhibition that opened Tuesday and continues through March 22, 2020.

Photo by Wiley Price

Free after-school meals at seven County Library branches

St. Louis County Library and Operation Food Search are providing after-school meals to children at seven branches that will serve a healthy grab and go light meal along with activities for kids and teens MondayFriday during the school year. Meals will be available free of charge for children ages 5-18.

The after school meals program is offered 3:304:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at Florissant Valley Branch (195 New Florissant Rd.), Jamestown Bluffs Branch (4153 N. Highway 67), Lewis & Clark Branch (9909 LewisClark Blvd.), Natural Bridge Branch (7606 Natural Bridge Rd.), Prairie Commons Branch

(915 Utz Ln.), and Rock Road Branch (10267 St. Charles Rock Rd.), and 2:30-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Weber Road Branch (4444 Weber Rd.). Kids and teens can participate in a variety of activities following meal service such as LEGOS, coloring and crafts.

SLU Prison Education Program receives third grant to host NEA Big Read

The Saint Louis University Prison Education Program has received a $15,000 grant to host the NEA Big Read. The initiative supports dynamic community reading programs, each designed around a single selection. The Prison Education Program’s NEA Big Read project will focus on “In The Heart of the Sea” by Nathaniel Philbrick.

Members of the SLU Prison Education Program’s community chose “In the Heart of the Sea” because of the wide range of topics for discussion that arise from book’s themes: the life of animals and the depiction of labor in literature; environmental issues, especially around the ocean; and Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick,” the novel inspired by the events recounted in Philbrick’s book. The Prison Education Program looks for books whose themes are also relevant to the prison experience, including disaster, perseverance and survival. Activities will take place from January through May of

2020. Starting in January 2020, the SLU Prison Education Program will engage readers at their partner facilities, FCI (Greenville) FCI-Camp (Greenville), the ERDCC (Bonne Terre) and in the greater St. Louis community through a kickoff event, book discussions and special events with speakers focused on the book.

The SLU Prison Education Program is one of only 78 nonprofit organizations to receive an NEA Big Read grant to host a community reading program in the coming year. This is the third NEA Big Read grant awarded to the SLU Prison Education Program. Previous

projects focused on Edwidge Danticat’s “Brother, I’m Dying” and Emily St. John Mandel’s “Station Eleven.”

The Saint Louis University Prison Education Program is a Jesuit-inspired initiative that provides access to liberal arts educational opportunities for incarcerated people and prison staff in the greater St. Louis region. Since 2008, the program has brought education to incarcerated people and prison staff in Missouri and Illinois and is the only program in the nation offering on-site, credit bearing college courses to both populations. For more information, visit https://www. slu.edu/arts-and-sciences/ prison-program.

Trooper Nicholas Hopkins and the hardest funerals to attend

By James T. Ingram

For the St. Louis American

Fate is often a cruel and ironic two edged sword. I witnessed such, along with area TV viewers, as Illinois State Trooper Nicholas Hopkins was killed in a shootout as his SWAT team attempted to execute a search warrant in East St. Louis recently.

It was a cruel and needless end to the life of the 10-year Illinois State Police veteran, husband and father of 4-yearold twins and an infant daughter, making him an instant hometown hero in Waterloo, Illinois and among the local law enforcement community.

And it concurrently ended the freedom of 45-year-old Christopher Grant, a felon with an extensive list of convictions, ranging from gun and drug possession to obstruction of justice, making him an instant hometown and area villain. He has been charged with firstdegree murder.

My cousins Tracy and Terrence Hargrove Sr., the parents of freshman Saint Louis University star hoopster Terrence Hargrove Jr., live on the same block where this

horrific spectacle took place.

As fate would have it, their home was spared from the danger of flying bullets. Terrence Jr. was safely away on the campus of SLU after a summer of workouts and earning a 3.7 GPA in his summer classes.

In East Boogie, the blessing of an educational escape to a college campus or military career is often the difference between life and death. I can count on two hands the number of associates and friends who were either shot, killed or incarcerated after I was blessed to matriculate to the safer confines of Boston University.

Little did I know at the time that it may have been the very thing, along with great parents and a spiritual upbringing, that shielded and buffered me from a possible stray bullet, unseen danger or simply guilt by association.

I’m sure that those from the ghettos of St. Louis, Harlem, South Central L.A., Chicago and Detroit can relate.

It’s the family of Trooper Hopkins and others who probably question fate when their loved ones seemingly have done all the right things, yet the wrong thing happens. The hardest funerals to attend are those when a person or child who causes no trouble for others loses their life needlessly. Yet Biblical scripture admonishes us, for those who believe, that God “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” In this recent tragedy, two lives were lost: the life of a budding law enforcement officer, as well as the life of a black man who, God knows, could have accomplished greatness with the proper mentors, family circumstances and opportunity. May God grant peace to the families of both Trooper Hopkins and Christopher Grant as they grapple with their legacies and fates.

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

Columnist

James Ingram

from C1

Saturday, September 21 will

mark the 32nd year that the best and brightest of black St. Louis – and the region at large – get dressed to the nines and head out on the town for the sake of pouring resources into and honoring the work of those within the field of education. Student scholars, educators, individuals as well as institutions that have contributed to the field will be celebrated by the guests who file in by the hundreds. More than $1.2 million in scholarships will be awarded at the 2019 gala. Yes, you read that correctly. More than $1.2 million, this year alone, will be bestowed to worthy students. Sowing into them will ultimately benefit the region – and the

nation in ways that are beyond measure. The tireless and often thankless work of educators will be praised and honored. And to top it off, it’s a good time both in the fellowship of the gala, the looks served and the fun had through the jazz cabaret and after-party night caps.

“Salute is one of those nights that make you proud to be black, from St. Louis and within the field of education,” said Jami Ballentine Dolby, development director for Maryville University.

Guests get dressed up, step out to enjoy the program and get down during the after set activities.

This year, The Coleman Hughes Project featuring Adriane will be making their debut at the J. Hawk Jazz Cabaret. And DJ Sir Thurl will return to the tables as the official DJ of the Old School

Party presented by Premiere Production Choice.

“For it to be done on the level that it is each year and consistently bring people out looking their best when they go in and feeling their best when they leave out – I don’t know what else to say except that it’s special,” Dolby said. “It’s something on my social calendar that simply cannot be missed.”

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 32nd Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 21st at America’s Center. The old School Party and J. Hawk Jazz Cabaret will commence immediately following the dinner and formal program. For tickets or additional information, visit www.stlamerican.com or call (314)533-8000.

Diving into genealogy at the Missouri History Museum

St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society meets Sept. 28

By James Vincent For The St. Louis American

In 1976 Alex Haley’s book and wildly popular television miniseries “Roots” spurred national interest in African-American family history. James Dent Walker, one of the few AfricanAmerican researchers at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., in the 1970s, helped Haley with his family research but was criticized by his managers, who believed black genealogy was an exercise in futility. Genealogy is certainly a challenging undertaking for anyone. But due to African Americans’ unique history, it can be exhaustingly difficult.

The St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society (STL-AAHGS) was formed in 2008 as a chapter of the national organization. We have about 180 members and welcome everyone. People from various ethnic backgrounds attend our monthly meetings. Our specific demographic is people of African descent between the ages of 30 and 60 who are currently living within the St. Louis geographical area and have an interest in African-American history and family history research. Ancestors do not need to have lived in the St. Louis region, however.

We work with many organizations to promote African-American family research. Recently we have agreed to work with the Slavery, History, Memory, and Reconciliation Project at Saint Louis University to research black families who were enslaved by the Jesuits and the university. Whether you have no knowledge of genealogy or are a seasoned researcher, you are welcome to attend our meeting. We will help you assess your goal and guide you step by step. We try to present a program that can give you information and new skills to use immediately. Our meetings are open to all, but registered STL-AAHGS members have the benefit of having regular access to experienced people who can answer specific questions.

Our next meeting will be on Saturday, September 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This workshop is prompted by the facts of history. Slaves were taxable property and, like any property during that period, slaves were sold, given away, transported, transferred,

traded, and even rented out. At the owner’s death the law required an accounting of all of his or her property. The meeting on September 28 will offer hands-on tips and techniques that help hone research skills to locate, analyze, and glean clues from slave owners’ deeds and wills, probate records, and other tools in AfricanAmerican family research. Attendees can expect step-by-step instruction accessing familysearch. org, a free website with major tools for resource information. Beginning is easy and exciting, but newbies often expect too much too soon. It is important to be patient and persistent.

Some other tips are:

• Make accurate notes the first time you find useful information (e.g., source of the information, date you found it, location of the source, summary of what question the information answers).

• Maintain good and easily accessible files.

• Create a binder for each family surname. Divide the binder according to family individuals.

• Create a research plan.

• Limit your research to one branch of the family at a time. You may alternate between ancestors.

• Be persistent. Just because you don’t find information on the first attempts does not mean that it doesn’t exist. Take a break from that aspect of your research and come back to it a week, a month, or even years later.

• Never ignore facts. Simply because some information makes you uncomfortable is no reason to reject it (“Oh, he/she would never have done that”). How do you know? What objective evidence do you have that supports your conclusion?

• Search for more than one source to verify what you have found.

• Spelling changes. Older writings, even by educated people, may be filled with different ways of spelling the same word.

• When you join a genealogy society like STL-AAHGS, you’ll have access to collective help and decades of experience. Generally speaking, studying genealogy unleashes a curiosity about where we come from and to whom we are connected. The trick is how to find the answers by asking the right questions and carefully applying efficient sleuthing skills. Clearly, anyone who steps into African American genealogy is sure to find it intellectually stimulating, psychologically reaffirming, and emotionally exciting.

The next meeting of the St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society will take place on September 28, 2019, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, visit stl-aahgs.com. James Vincent is president of the St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society.

Courtesy of the St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society

The next meeting of the St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society is Saturday, September 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum.

Salute

Continued

Legacy Jackson recently was crowned “Miss St. Louis” in the National American Miss Pageant, Junior Preteen Division and was 1st Runner up for the entire state of Missouri. At 10 years old she is a published author, competition dancer, Girl Scout Bronze Award Recipient, the founder of Little Legacies, a 501c3community service organization.

Reunions

Beaumont High Class Of 1969 will celebrate its 50-year reunion Sept 20-22, 2019 at Embassy Suites St. Charles. Come join us as we celebrate these golden years, “Living Life Like It’s Golden.” For more information contact Dennis Hayden 314 276-6188 or beaumontclassof1969@ yahoo.com or send your questions to P.O. Box 155, Florissant, MO 63032.

Beaumont High Class of 1979 is planning its 40-year reunion. All activities are scheduled for the weekend of September 27-29. The location is The Airport Marriot at 10700 Pear Tree Drive, St. Louis 63134. For more information, contact Milton Jackson at 314-2764392 or Yolanda Lockhart at lockhartyo08@gmail.com.

Soldan High Class of 1970 “Reunion Committee” is sponsoring a “Bazaar” Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 7 am-12 noon at The

Celebrations

Birthdays

On September 20, Larencia Hubbard graciously celebrates her 90th birthday. Our matriarch is well deserving of flowers, balloons, songs, acclamations and gifts as her children, Family and friends honor and commemorate her at the end of the month. Her legacy is instilling love throughout her family. We love her so much!

Happy 7th Birthday to Michael Sample Jr. on September 19. He’s a first grader at Jackson Park Elementary. I am proud of you, son! Love, Dad

Heritage House Apts. 2800 Olive Street, St. Louis, Mo 63103 (between Harris Stowe College and Wells Fargo). Plenty of parking in back of building. “Stop on by, surely you will find something you like.” For more information please call (314) 707-9221.

Soldan High Class of 1974 Alumni Association is planning its 45-year reunion. Please get your contact information to dhblackjack@ charter.net or call 314-7493803.

Sumner High Class of 1957 Annual Dinner Buffet, September 21, 2019 at 5pm, Lombardo’s Restaurant, 10488

Anniversary

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Henderson, who celebrate 11 years of marriage on September 20!

Natural Bridge Rd. (next to Drury Inn) For more information call Martha Ballentine at 314-456-2051.

Vashon-Hadley Old School Reunion 1960-67, October 19, 2019, 2-6 pm at The Atrium in Christian Hospital. For more details text (only) Brenda Mahr at 314-580-5155 or email at: brendamahr@att.net.

Vashon High Class of 1969 Alumni committee is planning it’s 50-year Reunion: October 18 and 19, 2019, at the Renaissance Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road, Berkeley, MO. Meet and Greet will take place

Friday night from 6-10 p.m. Reunion Banquet is Saturday night from 6-11 p.m. Contact Genies Jordan 314-448-6658, Yvonne Clemons 314-620-0551 for additional information or email Liz35206@yahoo.com to register.

Vashon High Class of 1974 is planning for its 45th reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-640-5842, Jordan Perry 314-724-4563, or LaVerne James-Bady 314-382-0890.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will

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

Miss St. Louis

Happy Salute 32 eve! I am sitting here in foam rollers as we speak with cucumbers on both eyes in full prep mode for Saturday’s festivities at America’s Center. If I can get the swelling down from crying like a fool upon getting the tragic news about Victor Newman, I will be the baddest belle of the ball. Oh, so I’m the only one that was reallife shook? Yeah, right. Anyway, back to Salute. In 48 hours it will be going all the

way down at America’s Center and I can’t wait … especially after seeing the Coleman Hughes Project featuring Adrianne tear it all the way up at Twilight Tuesdays night before last. They will be making their Jazz Cabaret debut at Salute 32 and it’s going to be life more abundantly. And you already know DJ Sir Thurl is going to tear the tables up in the Old School Party. If you don’t have tickets, be sure to hit up stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000. You do not want to be reading the recap and be like, “I should have been there.”

Love Jones at Twilight. Since I’m talking Twilight Tuesday, I might as well give props to one of my favorite bands in the land for their stellar Twilight Tuesday debut last week. The weather refused to let Love Jones be great last Twilight Tuesday season. Because of deadline logistics, I couldn’t squeeze them in last week, but they had to know that nothing but death would keep me from shouting them out for a job well done. Guest vocalist Gypsy got in and the fellas of Love Jones let the folks get familiar with the fact that they can play music for any generation thanks to a set list that included everybody from Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and the Whispers to Musiq Soulchild. My only issue was to me it felt like the sound was a lot more muted than it usually is for Twilight Tuesday. Any other time, I can hear the band blasting as soon as I hit that left from Union on to Lindell. But for one of my faves it sounded like they were singing “Olivia the slave…” at almost whisper decibels from where I was sitting. It still sounded good, just kind of soft.

Lisa West’s birthday luxury. Listen, we came through and packed that ballroom of Hotel St. Louis to the gills for Remy Martin’s A Taste of Luxury with Kelly Price which also doubled as my girl Lisa West’s birthday bash Saturday night. Her birthday VIP area had me so jealous with its bedazzled blue bling. And the complimentary Remy cocktails must have been really flowing – or extra strong – because I haven’t seen so many classy tipsy folks in the same place at the same time in years as I did for this set. It was still super cute though and I had a ball. Dacota warmed up the stage for Kelly and his band was absolutely sickening. If he would get a few voice lessons and a sip of swag, he could join Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke on the blue-eyed soul scene. Kelly Price gave me life more abundantly with her mini-concert and Lisa was still on her feet, but I would have fallen out if she serenated me on my b-day. Her voice was everything as more – and I was thrilled that she did “You Should’ve Told Me” and “It’s Gonna Rain.” I just hate that she performed to tracks.

A bigger and better Black Taste. I know it probably seems like I’m full of happy feelings, but I’m going to keep the shout outs coming and pat my bangs in honor of Aisha James and her team of folks for the triumphant second year of the Taste of Black St. Louis on Saturday in Tower Grove Park. I’m going to have to take short breaths like the gangster from “Harlem Nights” the in my Salute Spanx, because the whole afternoon was a diet-ruiner. But it was totally worth it for the food, fellowship and fun. Okay, mostly the food. If I have to pick my favorite from the series of cheat meals I crammed in, I think I will go with the Caribbean delights of Chez Mathy. I wanted to try that Donna’s station, but the line was too long. I can’t wait to see what happens at year three.

Taste of St. Louis returns to the city. Since I’m already talking about tasting, I might as well congratulate the event formerly known as “The Taste of St. Louis at Chesterfield” for coming back to the city. My schedule was so jam-packed that I only caught the last sip of the taste on Sunday afternoon and don’t think it’s fair to judge it by what I saw as folks were all but breaking down and calling it a weekend. But I heard nothing but good things about its homecoming, so I will take everyone’s word for it.

Lil Wayne where art thou? This is old news at this point, but I feel like y’all might wanna discuss Weezy F. Baby saying “bye bye” to St. Louis before he and Blink 182 had a chance to do a soundcheck. Folks had been doubting whether Lil Wayne would attend. I was one of them, until I got word that he was actually here. I honestly thought he was going to do a bizarre show and ruin his live performance reputation with me, based on what I had been reading about him on this particular tour. And If I’m being honest, I would have been more let down by a half-show than a no show. Was it unprofessional of him to dip clean out of town a few hours before he was set to hit the stage Saturday at Hollywood Casino? Absolutely. Is Lil Wayne a mess as of late? Sure. But isn’t it better to get a refund and better than suffering through some mailed-in show and have to live with wasted money? I’m gonna go ahead and say yes. Just alright JB Smoove. Because of Lil Wayne’s “no call, no show” I was able to catch JB Smoove’s Lollygagging Tour when it played the Pageant. The show was a makeup date from him postponing and I wish it could have been as funny as the hilarious line he used to let the folks know how he jacked up his ankle in the description of the show on the Pageant’s web site. I mean it was cool, but I’m used to falling out and flopping at a J.B. Smoove show and it just wasn’t that for me. Perhaps because he recycled too many bits from his Helium visit. Like the delicious cuisine it inspired, his “Sweet brown bread that they put on the table at Cheesecake Factory” goes stale pretty quickly. I did get a kee-kee or two, but not like I anticipated.

Aaron and Julian were “classic man” clean Saturday night @ Remy Martin’s A Taste of Luxury @ Hotel Saint Louis

Crystal, Lachelle, Amanda and Dara were on deck as Remy Martin’s A Taste of Luxury introduced Hotel Saint Louis to the city Saturday night

Kurral and JonesUnlocked stepped in the building with new music on deck for Remy Martin’s A Taste of Luxury @ Hotel Saint Louis

Khalia, Alex and Danielle were ready to turn the Brunchish day party set up to full throttle Sunday @ Quatro Trattoria

Brunchish brought friends Tekiah, Mynita, Jasmyne and Briah together for a smooth Sunday @ Quatro Trattoria

Marquee owners Dre and Melanie partied at Remy Martin’s A Taste of Luxury @ Hotel Saint Louis Saturday night

Yinka Joel and Brittney enjoyed Remy Martin’s A Taste Of Luxury Saturday night @ Hotel Saint Louis

Magen and Mike rested their dancing shoes for a quick photo opp Saturday @ Hey LUV!! @ The Ready Room

Taste of Black St. Louis Founder Aisha and Brenette were making rounds to ensure a smooth event for all Saturday

CJ and Nesia were among the early crowd that came through the Ready Room for HEY LUV!! Saturday night

R&B veteran Kelly Price was in the building as Duan Lee and plenty of other friends and family helped Lisa West have an extra special birthday thanks to Remy Martin’s A Taste of Luxury at Hotel Saint Louis Saturday night.

Photos by V. Lang

MISSOURI

HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEW OPENINGS!

The Missouri Historical Society has position openings for the following:

• Manager of Volunteer and Intern Services

• Collections Specialist, Lindbergh

100 Project

• Community Tours Manager

• Signature Events Coordinator

Please visit www.mohistory.org un-

der the “Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

- HIRING

JANITORIAL

Full & Part-Time positions, 3 Shifts Background check. Steady work history

A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ON THE ST. LOUIS, MO CAMPUS:

- Clinical Systems Analyst

- Senior Administrative Assistant

- Clinical Adjunct Faculty

- Dentist

For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.atsu.edu

COURT CLERK & PUBLIC WORKS CLERK

The City of Moline Acres is accepting applications for a Court Clerk and a Public Works Clerk. Please contact Phillis Owens at 314-868-2433 ext. 713

CASE WORKER PANTRY

FT position responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Food Pantry. BA/BS plus 2 years of related experience required. $13-16/ hr. Cover letter/resume to: GASA, 1127 N. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113, Fax (314) 231-8126, hr@gasastl.org. EOE.

FILINGS COMPLIANCE

ANALYST I

To be responsible for preparation and submission of insurance carrier rate, rule, and form filings to insurance departments for assigned products. Inclusive within such responsibility are communication with state regulators, documentation of filing communications and dissemination of filing status reports to various personnel and various corporate departments. This position involves moderately complex assignments, problem solving and decision making.

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

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

ARCHS, a highly respected not-forprofit funding agency, is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist with dynamic digital-age expertise. Use creative and technical skills to convey ARCHS’ story through strategic use of social media, writing, graphic design, photos, and videos. Requirements: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; 1-2 years of digital media experience; highly organized; deadline focused; multi-tasker; outgoing; inquisitive; have reliable transportation/ able to travel locally. ARCHS’ benefit package includes a 401(k) match. Be prepared to provide portfolio of work upon request. EMAIL initial letter of application and resume by August 30, 2019 to careers@stlarchs.org or FAX to ARCHS’ HR, 314-289-5670. No Phone Calls Please.

THE BRENTWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT SEEKS TO HIRE THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS

FT Night Custodian Manager

FT Midday Custodian 2:30 pm-11:00 pm

Substitute School Nurse

Substitute Teachers

Teacher AssistantsElementary-Must be a certified Teacher

Visit the following website for to apply: www.brentwoodmoschools.org

Click on the Human Resources tab at the top of the page, review the Q and A section and proceed to the link at the bottom of the page, Employment Opportunities. Positions are open until filled, however interviews will begin once sufficient applications have been received. Only online applications are accepted. If you have applied previously you will need to reapply.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT POSITION

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking to fill the following open full-time position.

Director of development: Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 7 years of professional experience

View full job descriptions and application process at www.archpark.org.

CONSULTING SENIOR GOVERNANCE AND POLICY ADVISOR

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking a qualified individual contract employee for Consulting Senior Governance and Policy Advisor for Chouteau Greenway. Check https:// greatriversgreenway.org/jobs-bids/ and submit by September 24, 2019.

FIREFIGHTER

City of Alton, IL

See website for requirements and application www.cityofaltonil.com/careers

Testing for this position will be held on October 12, 2019

LOAN PROCESSOR/ HOMEOWNERSHIP ADVISOR

The Housing Partnership, Inc., a nonprofit organization, has an immediate opening for a full-time employee. Responsible for client file management for participants in the Homebuyer Services program. Establish and maintain records of client files and ensure conformity to HUD guidelines and funder requirements. Looking for individual with experience in real estate, mortgage lending or housing counseling. Aptitude with numbers and excel spreadsheets important. For more information go to www.thehousingpartnershipstl.org

Please submit a resume and cover letter to The Housing Partnership, Inc., P.O. Box 16356 St. Louis, Missouri 63125 or via email to kate@thehousingpartnershipstl.org. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

QUALITY ASSURANCE ARCHITECT

Responsible for the development and delivery of the automated testing roadmap and pipeline. The QA Architect is a thought leader and change agent who will provide cross platform, cross tooling automation solutions that span delivery models (agile/DevOps) at different maturities. Has expertise in a broad range of solutions, tools and architectures. Ability to perform assessments, create proposals and lead the strategy, development and implementation of automated testing on a wide variety of projects. Demonstrates advanced working knowledge of automated software testing. Reports directly to the Quality Assurance manager.

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

A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ON THE KIRKSVILLE, MO

CAMPUS:

- Analyst Administrative Computing

- Assistant Director IPE & C

- Associate Director of Development - Leadership Giving

- Pre-Clinical Restorative Dental Faculty

- Family Medicine/Women’s Health Physician

- Clinical Faculty Assistant Professor - OMM

For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.atsu.edu

EDI INTEGRATION ANALYST

The EDI Integration Analyst is responsible for all aspects of data quality and analysis. The EDI Integration Analyst will be accountable for developing data quality reporting which requires analytical skills and an aptitude for data analysis. They will partner with internal and external data providers to ensure the quality of incoming data, as well as resolve data issues while strategically trying to drive continuous improvement efforts to eliminate root causes. This position partners with assigned business units and provides accurate data to allow for making the best business decisions possible. Must identify and drive continuous improvements in the quality and availability of corporate data. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/careers-page/

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for a Police Officer. To apply got to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ Applications will be accepted from September 21, 2019 through October 11, 2019.

MESSENGER/ CUSTODIAN

Responsible for delivery of mail, supplies, packages and similar materials; performance of various unskilled laboring assignments included moving furniture and supplies, maintaining cleanliness throughout the building, snow and ice removal on sidewalks and parking lots and other maintenance tasks. HS Diploma and some prior delivery, chauffer and/or public contact experience. Must possess an excellent driving record and be capable of performing the physical duties of this position. Apply via website https://slha.aaimtrack.com or by mail to St. Louis Housing Authority, Attention: Althelia Thomas, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis MO 63106 on or before 5pm September 13, 2019. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

CASE MANAGER & CLINICAL COUNSELOR

Better Family Life, Inc. a non-profit organization is currently looking to hire several jobs to the community outreach department to collaborate with program partners in areas of outreach, research, issues with addictions and substance, interventions, etc. while evaluating targeted neighborhoods.

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

Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.

Planner II - Operations & Facilities Management – Job ID# 44917

This position plans, analyzes, estimates and completes conceptual and detailed work products in support of the strategic efforts for facilities projects ensuring efficiency within a designated budget. Serves as an ambassador of OFMD. Consults and communicates with WUSM departments regarding planning and project advancement. The ideal candidate will have: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Planning, Urban Planning or Engineering (electrical, mechanical or civil) or equivalent. 8 years of experience in physical planning.

The Director of Supplier Diversity – Job ID# 45083

This position leads the university’s efforts to include minority- and women-owned businesses, and minority and women workers, in the university’s commerce. This includes procurement of goods and services, construction related projects and professional services that the university consumes. Includes identifying the minority and women-owned businesses capable of fulfilling the university’s commercial needs; identifying ways to help the companies increase their capacity; creating methods to promote minority hiring and women on university projects; measuring, reporting on, and promoting the efforts and results of the University’s Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI). This role will be a key advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Operations and Technology Transfer in the administration of the SDI.

Director of Billing Services/AR Management – Radiology - Job ID# 45016:

This position manages Radiology´s clinical department revenue cycle function to bill and collect effectively, efficiently, ethically, and compliantly ensuring optimal financial performance for the department. Manages staff to maximize their contribution, morale, and staff development/training. Develops, maintains, improves and reports on effective billing/collection practices; monitors and implements corrective action plans to reduce controllable losses; responsible for research vs. standard of care processes and compliance and charge entry, appeals, compliant coding, insurance credentialing and reporting processes and associated teams of staff. Provides recommendations regarding third party reimbursement and insurer issues, pricing changes… Equivalent of BS in business or finance related field with 5 or more years supervisory and operational analysis experience.

Business Director – Radiology – Job ID# 45055:

This position, in the Department of Radiology, on the Medical School campus, is responsible for maintaining accounting and financial operations processes and functions, establishing financial objectives in accordance with the department’s operational and strategic plans. Responsible for the accounting functions of the department in an ethical and compliant manner, processing accounts payable, providing financial statements and financial reporting, establishing and communicating policy, and financial analysis of potential projects. Works with the Executive Director to plan and develop the capital equipment, operations and personnel budgets. Performs financial review and analysis, reimbursement analysis and budget development. Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field required. 5-7 years experience in management of personnel/finance.

For a full description of these positions and other career opportunities, please visit https://jobs.wustl.edu/ to apply. Click search jobs and enter the job ID number.

We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion and creativity. EO/AA/VET/Disability Employer

LETTING #8702

GROUND TRANSPORTATION CENTER

AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on October 15, 2019 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:30 PM in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044. All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI PROJECT NUMBER CP190721 NextGen Precision Health Institute

Located on the campus of The University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri

The following bid solicitations will include, structural / misc. steel waterproofing & plaza paver systems, roofing, exterior cold formed framing, fire sprinkler, fireproofing, expansion joints, doors, interior drywall & ceilings, lab casework & equipment, environmental / freezer rooms, RF shielding, Cleanroom Fitout, sitework & utilities

Interested parties should access documents on the UM System website http://operations-webapps.missouri.edu/pdc/adsite/ad.html or contact Tyler Albracht

EMAIL: tyler.albracht@whiting-turner.com for access to bid packages or further information

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company 2519 Madison Avenue, Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone: 816-216-2316

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m., September 26, 2019, at the Missouri Foundation for Health, 4254 Vista, City of St. Louis, Missouri, 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, 2019 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 the 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 $0.0487. This amount is proposed to be adopted.

ASSESSED VALUE (by categories)

Current Tax Year 2019

Real Estate

$3,538,853,278

Personal Property

$1,002,908,715

TOTAL $4,541,761,993

Prior Tax Year 2018

Real Estate

$3,304,480,427

Personal

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for South County Sanitary Relief (P-419 to Cripple Creek Dr) under Letting No. 12205-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: DEEP SEWER CONSTRUCTION –St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required There will be a Non-Mandatory pre-bid meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 10:00am. The meeting will be held on the job site @ 7491 Christopher Dr., St. Louis, MO 63129 Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

INVITATION FOR EQUIPMENT BIDS

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking bids for portable radios, CERT backpacks, dry suits, chemical protective suits, airbag lifting sets, rescue air cushion systems & extrication equipment. Bids are due 10/03/19. Funding provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.

MBEs / WBEs are encouraged to submit bids. Find details at www. ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208.

SEEKING DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES

L. Keeley Construction Company is seeking qualified, disadvantaged businesses (DBEs) for the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Facility & Highway 47 Lift Station Upgrades located in Troy, MO. Project subcontracting opportunities exist in the following areas: Site Work, building construction, pumping equipment, HVAC, electric, controls, new concrete tanks, new treatment equipment, plumbing; and all materials and equipment, services and construction inherent to the Work. All disadvantaged and other businesses should contact Nick Timmermann in writing (certified letter, return receipt requested) or by e-mail to discuss the subcontracting opportunities and to obtain a copy of the plans and specifications. All negotiations must be completed prior to 10/02/2019. Submittals must be mailed to: Nick Timmermann, 500 S Ewing Ave, Suite G, St. Louis, MO 63103. E-mail: ntimmermann@lkeeley.com

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 11:00 a.m. on October 8, 2019 to contract with a company for: PRINTED ENVELOPES & LETTERHEAD. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10148 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is confirming procurement: Bypass Pump Assembly Rental. The District is confirming single source procurement to Mobile Mini for this equipment.Any inquiries should be sent to ameyer@stlmsd.com. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive Sealed Bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 11:00 a.m. on October 15, 2019 to contract with a company for: WELDING SUPPLIES. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10159 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 10 th , 2019 to contract with a company for: Door Maintenance & Repair Services. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10155 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

BID

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to install water meters in several locations. Bid documents are available as of 09/18/2019 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: https://www.stlzoo.org/about/ contact/vendoropportunities

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 18th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Digital Signage Services.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10163 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

BIDS

DowntownSTL, Inc. is seeking bids for Landscape and Maintenance Services. A copy of the RFP can be found at downtownstl.org/bids

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 11, 2019 to contract with a company for: GAS MONITORS AND SERVICE. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10141 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Dome at America’s Center Facility is seeking sealed bids for Eddy Current Testing of Heat exchanger #3; and to establish cost for testing of Heat Exchanger #1 and #2. All work will require 100% of all man power, tools, man lifts, scaffolding, any materials needed, waste management etc., and required to complete the contract and to restore heat exchangers to working condition, which includes restoration of all insulation removed, damaged or found missing on each exchanger that is tested. Contractor should be within a 100 mile radius of Americas Center. RFQ can be obtained at walk through and by contacting Bill Smith; bsmith@explorestlouis.com, at 314-342-5021 for copy via e-mail. Walk through scheduled for Tuesday Sept. 17 at 9:00 am. Bids due Sept. 30th. The Americas Center reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. EOE

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure temporary help services from Sirius Computer Solutions in an effort to support the IT Technology Plan. The District is proposing single source procurement for this service because it does not have the internal expertise to fulfill this Information Technology role. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@stlmsd.com.

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”) solicits proposals from qualified firms to provide liaison services with federal-level governmental officials, agencies, and elected representatives.

To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, October 3, 2019. Proposals should be sent by e-mail to hbean@stlpartnership.com, or to St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, ATTN: Howl Bean II, 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2200, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. DBE, MBE, and WBE firms are encouraged to bid, and a five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms.

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. The Partnership reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Any questions should be directed to Howl Bean II at (314) 615-7663 or hbean@stlpartnership.com. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure temporary help services from K-Force in an effort to support the IT Technology Plan. The District is proposing single source pro- curement for this service because it does not have the internal exper- tise to fulfill this Information Technology role. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@stlmsd.com.

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

PROJECT: Saint Louis Zoo 2019 Property and Casualty Insurance Consulting/ Brokerage Services RFP

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking a state licensed, full service, experienced, customer-service oriented firm able to assist with strategic consultation regarding the design and effectiveness of property and casualty insurance and risk management programs. The bid documents are available as of 9/13/19 located at https://stlzoo.org/about/contact/ vendoropportunities.

MBE/WBE/SDVE/ DBE/VBE

K&S Associates, Inc. is soliciting for the following projects during the month of October AP Green Building –MUHC Lab Consolidation and MU Primary Care Clinic North Plans and Specs can be viewed at www.ksgcstl.com Submit Bids to estimating@ksgcstl.com or Fax 314-647-5302

Contact Dennis Dyes @ 314-647-3535 with questions

SEALED BIDS

Roof,Cremer

Center,Fulton, Missouri,Project No.C1915-01 willbereceived byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 9/10/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificprojectinformation andordering plans,goto: https:// missouribuys. mo.gov

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking sealed bids for sixteen (16) benches and twelve (12) trash receptacles. Check https://greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by October 11, 2019.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR DESKTOP PUBLISHING SERVICES:

Capital Access, Inc is soliciting proposals from qualified candidates for professional desktop publishing services. Detailed information on the RFQ can be found at www.capitalaccessinc.com or by contacting Mary Ann Schriedel at mschriedel@capitalaccessinc.com or 215-551-2000 Minority and/or Women Owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

9:00 am. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids. Units Col. 30-Brian Killingsworth, Col. 60-Ron Meyer, Col. 105-Chad Lane, Dupo 15-Adam Flotron, Dupo 16-Jazz Jackson, Dupo 19-George Carlton, Dupo 31-Billy Kuni, Dupo 43-Darashawn Byrum, Dupo 85-Karen Pratt, Dupo 99-Steven Garrison, Dupo 105-Amanda Venus, Dupo 113-Stephen Stein, Dupo 148-Jason Boyer, Dupo 150-Joe Barnhardt, Dupo 201-Ashley Thomas, Dupo 401-Junior Macke, Dupo 403-Roy Venus, Dupo 414-Glen Suschanke, Dupo 125/126-Tammy Watson, Bel. 13 & 308-Jenna Monroe, Bel. 22 & 108Misti Warner, Bel. 103-Devyn Tammons, Bel. 109-Molly Crader, Bel. 111-Stacy Bobby, Bel. 201-Breonna Childs, Bel. 306-Tony Cotton, Bel. 317-Joi Harris, Bel. 319-Tameka Lilton, Bel. 403-Jeanny Hite, Bel. 416-Angela Davis, Bel. 503-Robert Harter, Bel. 506-Tyneshia Parchman, Bel. 509-Anthony Jones, Bel. 524-Michael Crossen, Bel. 532-Beverly Driver, Bel. 549-Jasmine Finley, Bel. 612-Mark Hilton, Bel. 625-Yeishea Vaughn, Bel. 636-Jules Johanson, Bel. 639-Ongellique Jones, Bel. 640-Carneshia Johnson, Bel. A04-Heather Gonzalez, Bel. A22-Madison Brown, Bel. B07-Shawn Kitterman, B08 & E01-Jonas Unaeve, Bel. C01-Jeremy David, Bel. C04Vernice Smith, Bel. D04-Lakesha Emerson, Bel. E02-Geanetta Akins, Bel. E03-Neoshae McCurry, Bel. E05-Mary Owens, Bel. E10Lamont Hudson, Bel. E12-Stuart Patterson, Bel. F04-Jordan Johson. For all rules, regulations and bidding process, contact Jersey County Auctions. All other questions, please call 618-744-1588 or mail 300 Rueck Road, Columbia, IL 62236.

Deaconess offering tenant organizing grants in name of Rev. Buck Jones

October 30 deadline for grant proposals

American staff

There is an October 30 deadline for grant proposals for tenant organizing from the Deaconess Foundation in memory of the Rev. Buck Jones, the late United Church of Christ minister.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the historic St. Louis Rent Strike and the ministry of the Rev. Buck Jones, Deaconess Foundation will invest $40,000 to support tenant organizing for residents of the Clinton-Peabody Housing Complex. Alongside Jean King and Ivory Perry, Rev. Jones was a key figure in the 1969 St. Louis Rent Strike which transformed federal housing policy and made housing a central issue in the black freedom struggle.

The foundation also will invest another $100,000 for a 2020 public policy campaign.

“Effective, sustainable public policy begins with the concerns of families gathered around their kitchen tables,” said Rev. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.

“In the spirit of the 1969 rent strike, we want to resource citizens of this region to improve their lives by changing local, state or federal policies.”

The Reverend Buck Jones Memorial Grant for Tenant Organizing is partially funded from the settlement of a suit filed by Missouri’s Attorney General against the St. Louis

Housing Authority and McCormack Baron Salazar at the call of residents from Clinton-Peabody. Additional support from Deaconess is provided. Organizations with commitment and experience in community organizing and/ or housing are invited to apply for up to two years of support.

Clinton-Peabody tenants will participate in the selection process.

Amidst efforts during the 1960s by African Americans to resist rent increases and poor living conditions across the nation, residents living in St. Louis public housing launched a general rent strike that lasted nine months. At the time, Reverend Jones, a graduate of Michigan State University and

a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and lead an environmental justice campaign resulting in a multimillion dollar cleanup from the Environmental Protection

n Organizations with commitment and experience in community organizing and/or housing are invited to apply for up to two years of support.

Yale Divinity School, served as president for both the CarrSquare Tenant-Council and Vaughn housing projects.

A staunch advocate for poor and working people, following the 1969 strike Jones launched a campaign for welfare reform in Missouri through Operation LIVE, founded Project HOPE (Helping Other People Emerge) to improve living conditions for people in East St. Louis and North St. Louis, establish

Agency in East St. Louis. Rev. Jones passed in 2002. The online application for the Reverend Buck Jones Grant, due October 30, is linked from the Deaconess website at www.deaconess. org or visit https://tinyurl.com/ y4dl6jbr. Funded partners will be announced on Monday, December 9 during Deaconess’ Just for Kids Community Conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis, founder, president and

editor-in-chief of Sojourners.

There is an earlier (October 25) deadline for $100,000 in policy grants that support community campaigns, testing and incubating of new policy ideas, generating evidence, and supporting interdisciplinary or cross-cutting work that informs and animates the public witness on behalf of children.

Preference will be given to applications which also advance Ferguson Commission Calls-to-Action, Changing States - Building Power on the Frontlines: Missouri Power Audit Arenas for Change and/or the Segregation in St. Louis: Dismantling the Divide recommendations. Copies of each document are located on our website, www.deaconess. org.

The online application for the Policy Campaign Grant is available at www.deaconess.org and is due October 25.

The Message

Out of this thing called humility

Have you ever gone to church expecting to hear a certain minister, only to have a substitute guest preacher in his or her place? It has happened to me on several occasions and, after my initial disappointment, I am always reminded that it really is all about the message and not necessarily the messenger. I believe William Shakespeare coined the phrase “sermons in stone,” meaning that if you are open and not closed, the world will indeed speak to you. And so it was with a guest minister I recently heard after I got over my ridiculous unfounded disappointment.

The stand-in guest minister’s sermon on humility was a stark reminder that’s it is all about the message and not at all about the messenger. Fortunately for me, that was one of the spiritual lessons I learned from the minister who saved my life, coincidentally, the one whom I was going to hear on that Sunday.

Humility, as the guest pastor was trying to clarify and explain, should be viewed from Philippians 2. That entire chapter is devoted to Paul’s message to the Church at Philippi regarding “imitating Christ’s humility.”

As I listened, humility went from a concept of docile behavior to a fact of faith and strength of conduct. It was made clear that Christ chose to consider Himself as at best equal to, if not lesser than, his fellow man. Remember, we’re talking about God here. He consciously chose to make Himself human in order to serve His divine purpose.

The text tells us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.” That’s a pretty good description of how He looked upon His duty and pretty much what got Him killed.

Paul teaches us that it is our fundamental responsibility, as Christians, to be united in our effort to emulate Jesus’ denunciation of status, pride, ego and self. Surely, if anyone had a right to be arrogant, it was the living Son of God. You try being the walking talking Word and deliberately transform yourself into a mere mortal human being. You know you couldn’t do it: become Christ and die willingly on the cross by the hands of mere men. Fortunately, as the substitute guest minister made clear, Paul is not asking us to do the impossible. Our goal is service unto man. Put a lid on what we think of ourselves and our prideful independence in favor of our collective interdependence upon each other and the Almighty. Christ died to save us all and, here in Philippi, Paul tells us that our conduct must be rooted in the following truth: out of this thing called humility, Christ saved the world.

The Rev. Buck Jones, the late United Church of Christ minister

Columnist James Washington