September 20th, 2018 Edition

‘You know when a guy gives up Fantasy (Football),’ Ishmael Sistrunk tells Melvin Moore, ‘he’s truly about that boycott life.’

St. LouiS AmericAn

City police sued over kettling arrests

ArchCity Defenders and Khazaeli Wyrsch file 12 suits, seeking damages

By

One year ago on September 17, 2017, U.S. Air Force Capt. Alex Nelson and his wife, Iris, were looking down from their building’s rooftop in downtown St. Louis, watching protestors express their outrage that former St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley was acquitted of murdering Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011.

After things had calmed down around 11 p.m., the couple went downstairs near Washington Avenue and Tucker Boulevard

Eight excellent awardees

Salute to Excellence in Education is Saturday, September 29

By Melinda Oliver and Jordan Wade

St. Louis American

The

For

They are an assistant high school principal, a middle and high school science teacher, a high school band director, a high school English teacher, an advisor at a university, an elementary school principal, a secondary English Language Arts Curriculum coach, and a high school special education teacher who also chairs the Science Department. They are the 2018 Salute to Excellence in Education awardees, and they will be recognized at the Salute gala on Saturday, September 29 at the America’s Center Ballroom.

Chauncey Granger has made his way up the education system through working as an assistant principal at Beaumont High School in St. Louis to principal at Hazelwood East High School. A lifelong learner himself, Granger has earned his doctorate degree in educational leadership at University of Missouri and a master’s degree in special education at Saint Xavier University, and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Eastern Illinois University.

See SALUTE, A7

n “The answer to robust, lawful protest is not violent crackdowns and military-style tactics by police.” – Blake Strode, ArchCity Defenders

to “see what had happened,” according to the lawsuit that the Nelsons filed against the City of St. Louis and police on Monday, September 17.

They soon found themselves surrounded by riot police on all sides. Police were beating their batons on the ground and closing in, or “kettling,” everyone who was caught in the middle. No dispersal order was given, the lawsuit states, and the police would not allow the Nelsons to go back home. When Alex realized they were about to be arrested, “he told his wife to lie face down and put her hands behind her back. He did the same,” the lawsuit states. Despite their attempt to comply, police allegedly pepper-sprayed the couple directly in the eyes at point-blank range. Officers allegedly beat Alex and then dragged him

On Wednesday, September 12, Marcellas Duff empties dirt into a wagon for the planting of flowers at a vacant piece of land that transitioned into an urban garden in the Greater Ville neighborhood, complete with a covered shelter, flower boxes and accessible walkways. The garden, located across the street from Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church in the 4600 block of Labadie Ave., is a project of St. Louis Realtors and Rebuilding Together St. Louis.

Homegrown Black Males

By Luther O. Tyus

For The St. Louis American

Part of a year-long series, presented by The American and the Brown School at Washington University, on changing the narratives and outcomes of young black males in St. Louis. I will never forget what my Riverview Gardens elementary principal, Denis Dorsey, told my parents. He told my parents that I wasn’t smart enough for college. I didn’t have what it took, he said. I was in the second grade, and I had already developed a healthy dislike for school. Sure, I wasn’t a model student. I flunked the third grade, and I was suspended several times for fighting. However, despite my downfalls, I didn’t deserve to be written off. New studies suggest black students are disciplined and removed from class at a higher rate than white students, ultimately hindering the quality of their education. For a while, I believed this principal. Although I left elementary school, I internalized someone else’s negative vision of me. Researchers have

Boys & Girls Clubs breaks ground on Ferguson teen center

By LaShana (Shan) Lewis

For The St. Louis American

“Our original goal was to build a full-size Boys & Girls Club for youth aged six to 18 following the tragic shooting of Michael Brown,” said Flint Fowler, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, during the September 13 groundbreaking ceremony for the organization’s Teen Center for Excellence in Ferguson. “It was his tragic death that, in many ways, inspired action and activity.”

Estimated costs for the teen center were projected at $25 million, with almost half going toward construction of the building. To date, the organization has raised $17.3 million toward their goal. Fowler said that the teen center will open at the beginning of the 2019 school year and stay open year-round.

“The club is open when the kids need us most,” Fowler said.

Previously, the club only had outreach programs at various schools within the FergusonFlorissant School District, namely Lee

Hamilton

Photo by Wiley Price

See POLICE, A6

Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

See MALES, A6

Luther O. Tyus

Katt Williams confronts radio co-host after interview goes awry

Last weekend, an interview with comedy star Katt Williams the rails and ended with an exchange of insults. A few days later, Atlanta’s V-103 FM co-host Wanda Smith back in the news after claims that her husband LaMorris Sellers

a gun when Williams attempted to confront Smith at the Atlanta Comedy Theater.

Williams stopped by the show to help his comedy mentee Red Grant promote an upcoming performance. Williams and Smith clashed on air.

Smith claims that Williams attempted to bring the beef into the streets when he saw her at the show, where she was also slated to perform.

“He saw me, made a b-line to where I was and was like, ‘I told you, [expletive] with me will make you go viral,’” Smith said as she recapped the incident on her radio show. “My husband said, ‘find something else to do dog.’ He told my husband ‘I’ll jump on you.’”

Smith said she couldn’t talk about what happened following the exchange “for legal reasons,” but said Williams told her, “I’ll jump on your big

Surveillance footage later showed Williams approach Smith and pivot towards Sellers. Sellers appeared to lift his shirt, after which Williams is seen turning and walking in the opposite direction. “This situation made me look like the weakest, lamest person in the world,” Sellers later told Atlanta JournalConstitution. “It made me look like I got mad because my wife got roasted by Katt Williams on the air. It had nothing to do with what was on the air. That’s what comedians do. When he came to the club, he targeted my wife.

As a man, I’m not built like that. I couldn’t possibly let that happen. I have to protect my wife. I wasn’t looking for conflict. I just wanted him to keep it moving. He chose to do different.”

Kirk Franklin forgives dying biological father

In a Facebook post that has since gone viral, gospel star Kirk Franklin revealed Sunday that he recently connected with his terminally ill biologically father.

“Two days ago, I received an anonymous call that my biological father, who I never knew, has 3-6 months to live,” Franklin said as the caption of a photo with a photo of him kissing his father’s bald head.

“I’ve lived my entire life hating this man. He and my biological mother gave me up for adoption, and it left me never feeling good enough....to this very day.”

don’t practice? So, I flew to Houston yesterday to do that. It’s painful. It’s a process. But how disappointed I would be in myself for this man to leave this earth without being forgiven? He deserves to receive what God gives me every day. Pray for him, and for me. God this is hard...I weep as I write.”

Porsha Williams confirms pregnancy

Earlier this week there were rumors that

Porsha Williams

“I took my hate for him and used it as fuel to be the best father I could be for my own,” the lengthy post continued.

“But what I did wrong, is I never took that fuel, and turn it into forgiveness....and that is wrong. Wrong for him, me, and the God I proclaim to represent. How can I preach what I

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star Porsha Williams was expecting a baby with her boyfriend, Dennis McKinley. She confirmed that the rumors are in fact true during an interview with PEOPLE Magazine.

“When I found out I was pregnant, I was excited [but] I had mixed feelings. The other feeling that I had beside excitement was fear,” Williams told PEOPLE.

“I’ve had a miscarriage before in my past, which I’ve also been open about because I suffer with fibroids and had to have a myomectomy. So just the fear of, ‘Is the baby going to be okay? Will I make it full term?’ All those questions that you ask if you’ve had a miscarriage before.”

Sources: People.com, Facebook.com, AJC.com, YouTube

Katt Williams

Kirk Franklin

Chappelle-Nadal calls for Congress to require psych screens of presidential candidates

Files Missouri Senate resolution in response to Trump denying

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

State Senator Maria

Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) filed a Missouri Senate Resolution on Thursday, September 13 calling on the U.S. Congress to require every presidential candidate to undergo psychological screening.

She filed the resolution in response to President Trump’s latest comments on social media about the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. “3000 people did not die in the two hurricanes that hit Puerto Rico. When I left the Island, AFTER the storm had hit, they had anywhere from 6 to 18 deaths. As time went by it did not go up by much. Then, a long time later, they started to

report really large numbers, like 3000,” Trump tweeted. “This was done by the Democrats in order to make me look as bad as possible when I was successfully raising Billions of Dollars to help rebuild Puerto Rico. If a person died for any reason, like old age, just add them onto the list. Bad politics. I love Puerto Rico!”

deaths in Puerto Rico

U.S. military veteran, died in the hurricane’s aftermath.

n “Mr. president – my uncle’s death is not a fiction, it is one of nearly 3,000 heartbreaking examples of a reality you refuse to acknowledge.”

- Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal

ChappelleNadal, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, has dozens of family members on the island. One of her great uncles, Tony Torres-Nadal, a

“America lost citizens, and I lost family in the deadly hurricane that struck Puerto Rico less than one year ago. This morning, the president lied about those deaths,” ChappelleNadal said in a statement, before directly addressing Trump himself.

“Mr. president –my uncle’s death is not a fiction, it is one of nearly 3,000 heartbreaking examples of a reality you refuse to acknowledge. That’s why,

to ensure that our nation is led by people who can comprehend reality, I have filed a Senate Resolution requiring presidential candidates to undergo a mental health screening. Americans living with mental illness must have access to the care they need, including those serving in our highest office.”

Trump filed his 2020 reelection campaign with the Federal Elections Commission on January 20, 2017, the day he was sworn in as president before an atypically small crowd in Washington, D.C. As Trump is an official candidate in 2020, he would be required to undergo a mental health evaluation if Congress implements the reforms detailed in Sen. ChappelleNadal’s resolution.

On being young, black and elected

Bruce Franks Jr.

For The St. Louis American

I remember being told my vote did not count. I remember how I felt about politics, when really I knew absolutely nothing about the political process. As I got older and saw the injustices and the needs of my community, I had to take action.

You can find me in the streets, pushing for change through bridge building, men-

toring and protest. I am present for my community. Politicians told us if you don’t like what’s going on, then “run for office,” but they failed to disclose the small, invisible print at the bottom of that suggestion. That suggestion was meant to run for office “if it was comfortable for them” –only then did you have their blessing to run. Those who are a part of the political machine aren’t interested in contested primaries, but they do want

your legacy candidates that can be controlled. New ideas are not welcomed; a lot of the “wait your turn” syndrome is mere rhetoric.

We must highlight the disenfranchisement of running for office

for the first time. The learning curve is steep for regular people who are running because they need to see change. Second chances, especially against an incumbent, are far and few between.

Being an elected official can be discouraging, draining and scary. If you are strong enough to withstand the physical and mental weight of running, mixed with conquering those negative feelings, then maybe you are ready to fight

for resources in this thin pool of opportunity. My advice to anyone wanting to run: Ask so many questions! Find people who know the rules of campaign finance and voter engagement. Seek these opportunities to learn what you don’t know that you need to know.

Voter suppression is very real, and access to the right way to do things is not always within reach – especially for people of color and people without

legacies in place to follow. It’s a shame that there is always an attempt to drown out the work and fight you put in for the community and for those you represent, all perpetrated by those who play politics with people’s lives.

Bruce Franks Jr. (D-St. Louis) represents the 78th District in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Guest Columnist Bruce Franks Jr.

State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) speaking on the floor of the Missouri Senate in September 2016.

Editorial /CommEntary

The American endorses a YES vote on Proposition B

Missouri may not have an African-American Democratic nominee running a thrilling, highprofile potentially historic general election campaign in 2018, as do a number of other states, but it has a number of very important ballot issues that should drive black and progressive voters to the polls, even if they are not exceptionally energized by the Democrats on the ballot. Among the most impactful initiatives on the ballot statewide on November 6 is Proposition B, which would raise the state’s minimum wage to $12 by 2023. The initiative would increase Missouri’s minimum wage from its current rate of $7.85 an hour to $8.60 next year, and then increase it gradually each year until it reaches $12 an hour in 2023. “The increase to $12 phases in gradually, giving low-paying businesses time to adjust and experience the benefits of a rising minimum wage –such as increased consumer spending, cost savings from lower employee turnover, increased productivity, and happier customers,” said Pam Hausner, owner of Big Vision Design in Kansas City and business campaign manager for Missouri Business for a Fair Minimum Wage.

Advocates claim that raising wages for low-income workers would cut government spending and save taxpayers money. A recent study by the Labor Center at the University of California Berkeley, “The High Public Cost of Low Wages,” showed that poverty wages for working families in Missouri alone are costing federal taxpayers more than $2.4 billion annually, and Missouri state taxpayers more than $335 million each year. The Republican supermajority in the Missouri Legislature has killed local minimum wage increases in the state in recent years, ostensibly because a higher minimum wage would be bad for business and result in higher prices and/or cuts in staff. However, a report, “The Distributional Effects of Minimum Wages,” by two economists at the U.S. Census Bureau (not exactly a bastion of wild-eyed economic speculation) found that a raise in the minimum wage “increases earnings growth, and increasingly does so over the long-term, all without declines in employment,” as Business Insider (not exactly a socialist propaganda organ) reported. In the abstract to their report, published in March, the authors from the Census Bureau, Kevin Rinz and John Voorheis, write that they “find that raising the minimum wage increases earnings growth at the bottom of the distribution, and those effects persist and indeed grow in magnitude over several years.” They write that “minimum wage increase comparable in magnitude to the increase experienced in Seattle between 2013 and 2016 would have blunted

some, but not nearly all, of the worst income losses suffered at the bottom of the income distribution during the Great Recession.” This, in turn, works against the growing income inequality in the United States, which ultimately stabilizes the economy and puts a damper on costly social unrest.

The authors from the Census Bureau also found that higher wages for lower earners could decrease employee turnover over the long term, benefitting employers as well as workers –which runs exactly opposite to the conservative dogma that keeps the minimum wage in Missouri so low. If it motivates anyone to vote in the U.S. Senate race, note that incumbent U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) endorses Proposition B as good for workers and the economy, while her Republican challenger, Josh Hawley, told St. Louis Public Radio that the measure is “outside the mainstream” – whatever that means, other than that Hawley is trying to brand an attempt to raise wages as something that is kinky or kooky. On this, as on many other important matters – including whether insurance providers should be compelled to cover people with preexisting health conditions – we side with McCaskill over Hawley as a legislator more likely to vote for the public good.

A woman expressed the basic principle of organized labor during a September 2017 protest for an increased minimum wage in Missouri. Proposition B on the November 6 ballot would raise the state’s minimum wage to $12 by 2023. Missouri’s current minimum wage is $7.85 an hour.

The bad news is that Prop B amends state law, rather than the Missouri Constitution, meaning those same Republican state legislators who undermined voter-approved minimum wage increases in the state’s two largest cities could, once again, undo the will of the people if Prop P is passed. Though we would not welcome that outcome, it would make voters statewide feel the outrage that voters in St. Louis and Kansas City felt when out-state Republican legislators literally reached their hands into their wallets and took away money they had earned. It can only be hoped that Missouri voters will, at some point, stop voting against their own self-interests by electing Republicans who vote against “the mainstream” and in the interests of their wealthiest funders, the tiniest minority.

The vote-suppressing effects of disinformation and intentional barriers to certain groups exercising their right to vote (such as Missouri’s voter photo ID law) must be countered by aggressive outreach and support for greater voter participation at the grass-roots level. The opportunity to raise a criminally low minimum wage should drive people to the polls on November 6. That is why we believe it is extremely important that anyone eligible to vote register to vote before October 10 (the deadline for this election cycle) and exercise their right to vote on November 6. And, when you do vote, we urgently endorse a vote of YES ON PROPOSITION B.

Letters to the editor

Weird choice for police substation

For the past few years, and now for the foreseeable future, the University City Police Department has been located in a series of 22 modular buildings that house 100 employees. These modular units were installed at a cost of $98,380 a month for the first two years and $11,000 a month for the third year. The city also pays $6,667 a month for three years to lease the land, with the land lease doubling after that. This is a total cost of $2,733,132 for the first three years. After that, the city is responsible for maintenance and upkeep along with a monthly land lease of $13,334 or $160,008 annually. What is the lifespan for modular trailers? Why would the city allocate $6,000,000 from the reserves to build a satellite police station when we don’t have plans or funds for a permanent police station? How much additional overhead will be incurred by staffing two police stations with at least a skeleton staff for 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

The City Council paid for two studies that looked at building one new police station on Olive Boulevard on a vacant lot that is adjacent to the new fire station and adjacent to the Third Ward. Yet this plan seems to be scrapped without any kind of study or discussion

with the community on how to best meet the community’s policing needs in an effective and affordable manner.

One might wonder if more funds spent to hire additional police officers to patrol the neighborhoods wouldn’t be more effective in keeping our community safe. I don’t know of another St. Louis County community who has both a main police station and a substation as a separate building. It seems a weird choice, especially for a compact city with plenty of local businesses that would gladly give the police their own on-site office free of charge. I bet they would throw in coffee too.

Ellen Bern University City

Kavanaugh allegations must be investigated

I am extremely troubled by serious questions of character and conduct raised by Professor Christine Blasey Ford against Judge Brett Kavanaugh regarding an alleged sexual assault. She deserves to be heard, as does the judge’s response to her disturbing allegations.

The question is not when this alleged sexual assault happened, or when Professor Ford found the courage to disclose it. The real question

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Regrets of a black Trump voter

By Charles Jaco For The St. Louis American

Starting Friday, September 14, a convention of pro-Trump racists, white nationalists, and European neo-Nazis oozes into St. Louis at the Airport Marriott, featuring everyone from Sheriff Joe Arpaio and racist Ohio Congressman Steve King to YouTube figure Steve Molyneux (who argues that blacks are genetically inferior) and two fascist, white nationalist European lawmakers (one Polish, one German). Sponsored by the right-wing Eagle Forum, brainchild of the late Phyliss Schlafly, the convention is peddling “white pride,” anti-minority racism, and the bedrock principle of the pro-Trump movement: that white Christians are the only real Americans.

White nationalism is nothing new in America. What is new is that their views now have a wider reach thanks to President Trump. We all knew exactly what Trump was the moment he declared he was running. He had a history of racism going back decades. He was endorsed by David Duke and the American Nazi Party. Everyone should have known exactly what he was, and 63 million Americans voted for him anyway.

Among those, according to CNN exit polls, were eight percent of African-American voters. That means, roughly, that 1,296,000 black voters cast ballots for a man who was endorsed by actual honestto-God Nazis, and who told a white Iowa crowd at an August 2016 rally that African Americans should vote for him because, in his words, “What have you got to lose?”

More than a million did. Why? In some cases it was pretty clear. For Omarosa and actress/right-wing mouthpiece Stacey Dash, it was political opportunism, trying to wring an extra paycheck or two from the novelty of being a black white nationalist. For Lynette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson, better known as Diamond and Silk, it was to make a quick buck off of Trump supporters who bought their swag.

So I decided to ask a normal person, a friend of mine, a middle-aged black businesswoman from St. Louis with two advanced degrees. I

for all of us who love and respect the women in our lives is why would we doubt her veracity given the terrible price that she will now pay for speaking out in public?

The Senate should take no further action on this life-time appointment until all avenues of investigation into this allegation, including an FBI investigation, are concluded. That investigation should be allowed to proceed without obstruction or concern for any artificial confirmation timeline that has nothing to do with justice, but everything to do with the midterm elections.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) Washington, D.C.

Playing the voter suppression game

The pieces of a peculiar puzzle are now beginning to come together. First, the quiet closing of the only license office north of Delmar. (All of the local politicians that I contacted seemed – feigned? –completely clueless.) Months later, the new voter photo ID laws (which negatively impact poor, black people) took effect. Next up, we have midterm elections, where the black (and blue) vote will be crucial.

While the nation has Georgia on its mind, St. Louis, Missouri is playing the voter suppression

knew she had voted for Trump, but we hadn’t spoken about it. She agreed to answer two questions: why did you vote for Trump, and how do you feel about that decision now? There was a lot to unpack in her answers, because much of the information she based her vote on is false.

She told me, “I voted for Trump because I did not want the murderous criminalistic Clintons back in the White House. Also the fact that Hillary was running around here talking about how black lives mattered, but banished Bill’s black son, Danney Williams. Anybody but Hillary. You get three strikes, they send you to prison. She’s had way more than three!”

Let’s take that answer apart.

“The murderous, criminalistic Clintons.” For about two decades, the right wing has circulated stories that anywhere from 20 to 50 people associated with the Clintons were murdered on Bill and Hillary’s orders

n Con men have always known that, on some level, their suckers want to be conned. They want to believe.

because they had some sort of “incriminating evidence.” This nonsense got rolling in 1994, right after Newt Gingrich’s gang of radical Republicans won a majority in the House of Representatives.

Former California GOP Congressman William Dannemeyer, a rabid crusader against gay rights, sent Congress a list of 24 people with some connection to the Clintons, all of whom had died. He called for as congressional investigation. He was ignored. Since then no evidence of any kind has established any link to the Clintons being in any way connected to the deaths.

And Dannemeyer? In 2001, he was arrested for (wait for it) soliciting for sex in a public men’s bathroom. He now runs a website claiming Jews are taking over the world. The snopes.com internet rumordebunking website summed up the whole thing: “We shouldn’t have to tell anyone not to

game by methods so insidious that I’m preparing myself to be able to guess the number of bubbles in a bar of soap on November 6.

Arthurine Harris, St. Louis Municipal fines are way too high

Velda City Municipal Court fines are way too high. Low-income citizens who have traffic violations will never be able to pay the fines that are required by this municipality, especially if there is more than one violation. Is this municipality making their money/quota off the backs of low-income citizens? I feel an investigation is warranted, because traffic violations should not start at $198. Someone needs to do something about the smaller municipalities making money off the backs of low-income people.

From Velda City’s Municipal Court’s website: “The amount of fine assessed by the court is affected by the facts and circumstances of the case. Mitigating circumstances may lower the fine. However, aggravating circumstances may increase the fine. In no case may the fine exceed $1,000 plus costs for serious violations and $198.50 for minor violations. All fines are deposited in the General Fund

believe this claptrap, but we will anyway.”

“Hillary…banished Bill’s black son, Danney Williams.” Danney Williams, a bi-racial man from Arkansas, has claimed that Bill Clinton is his father. That rumor flew around the internet and faded, before being resuscitated during the 2016 election by Russiansponsored Facebook ads, and by right-wing sites like NewsMax. One big problem: a 1999 paternity test paid for by the Star supermarket tabloid proved that Clinton was not the father. Even right-wing rumormonger Matt Drudge concluded in 1999 that the rumor was “a cruel hoax perpetrated by the boy’s mother,” Bobbie Ann Williams, a former prostitute. So my friend’s reasons for voting for Trump all turn out to be lies and internet hoaxes, lies and hoaxes that she believes. And what about her feelings now?

“I’m very unhappy I voted for Trump because he’s a habitual liar,” she said. “The taxes are worse than they have ever been. He is running things like a dictator. He seems to have a loss of memory on his decision-making. The old fart needs to be impeached!” It took a while, but the truth finally caught up with the internet lies. The problem, though, is that a lie you want to believe is better than the truth and is more easily believed by gullible people. Donald Trump’s cynical knowledge of this explains much of his success. It’s the classic tool of the con man. Since the days of frontier snake oil salesmen, on through the age of P.T. Barnum, and now with the American Mussolini, con men have always known that, on some level, their suckers want to be conned. They want to believe.

In my friend’s case, she wanted to believe that Hillary Clinton was a murderer, that Bill had a spurned black child, and that Trump would be an antidote. Those were all lies. And the truth? The truth is that America itself is in danger, in danger because people believed nonsense and ignored the ugly truth about Trump that was right in front of their eyes. Charles Jaco is a journalist, author, and activist. Follow him on Twitter at @ charlesjaco1.

of the City of Velda City.

“If you are found guilty of an offense, court costs will be added to the fine. Court costs are required by state law and are remitted both to the General

Fund of the city and to the State Department of Revenue. Court costs are currently $26.50 per case.”

Ivory Hill, Florissant

Photo by Wiley Price

McCluer Cadets conquer Leadership Challenge

McCluer High School Army JROTC Cadet Arkayla Page listened carefully to instructions prior to conquering the rappel tower during the Army JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge 2018 held this summer at Marseilles Army National Guard Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois. “All McCluer cadets successfully completed the camp, improving their confidence and leadership skills,” said LTC (Retired) Darrell Gray, McCluer’s Army ROTC senior instructor. Army JROTC units from 20 high schools in Missouri and Illinois participated in the camp, going through physical training, rappelling, zip lining, obstacle and water courses, land navigation, sports challenges and a leadership reaction course.

Kavanaugh is dangerous and should be opposed

By Jamala Rogers For The St. Louis American

U.S. courts and black folks. Wow and whoa. Friend and foe. A blessing and a curse. What a tangled and complex relationship we have had with a judicial system set up to favor white, property-owning males.

African Americans, descendants of enslaved human beings, have managed to squeeze some justice out of the system despite its racist origins. What we’ve come to know with brutal certainty is that is a crap shoot – that facts, truth and circumstances have little to do with the pursuit of justice. Yet, we have no choice but to throw ourselves at the mercy of one of the most racist institutions in U.S. society.

John Punch is probably known as the first case of a black person to collide with the judicial system. The last name conjures all kinds of physical visuals of the brother “punching” his way to freedom.

In 1640, Punch was sentenced to a life of enslavement by the Virginia courts for running away to Maryland. Two white, European indentured servants ran away with Punch but didn’t suffer the permanent loss of their freedom. As part of their punishment, the white men merely had a few more years added to their servitude. This racial disparity in sentencing continues to this day, 378 years later.

President Obama’s lineage has been traced back to Punch, as has Ralph Bunche’s, the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. But I digress.

The impact of the courts on black life is indisputable and inescapable. Whether it’s Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896 or U.S. Department of Justice v. Ferguson, Missouri in 2016, the judicial system can lift us up or smack us down. This goes for all levels of the courts, but the weight of the U.S. Supreme Court is so powerful, it’s frightening.

That brings me to who gets to hold such power for a lifetime.

Brett Kavanaugh’s track record speaks volumes as to why Trump nominated him. Kavanaugh will use the highest court in the land to carry out Trump’s racist, misogynistic, militaristic agenda. This is a Supreme Court nominee who questioned the release of the Watergate tapes that proved President Nixon was a corrupt criminal. Given the fact that many of Trump’s running dogs have already been indicted by Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller and the investigation is getting closer to Trump, this is information worth illuminating. Kavanaugh would be expected to protect Trump should this corrupt and evil dictator be brought up on criminal charges. His nomination should be soundly opposed by all fair-minded citizens.

Clarence Thomas, the sole African American on the High Court, was a cruel gift from U.S. Senator John Danforth. Thomas is now the longest-serving justice with a bizarre record of being mum most of that time and unilaterally supporting the opinions of the rightwing justices. We never expected him to be a Thurgood Marshall, but we didn’t expect him to be no-good, anti-black justice.

Kavanaugh will not be a passive judicial participant. He will be aggressive and focused, deliberately crushing any viable liberty that he can. Like Trump, he’s extremely dangerous.

One year before the murder of Michael Brown and the Ferguson uprising, the Pew Research Center released a report on progress (or lack thereof) in America since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In “50 Years Later,” people were asked how fairly the courts treated black people. Nearly 70 percent of the black folks believe that we are treated unfairly, compared to 27 percent of whites. By the time Trump gets through seating his choice of judges, that percentage for blacks will jump to 90. The needle for white folks may even move towards grim reality.

All of us need to be paying more attention to who gets appointed to the bench and into whose hands we are putting the power to live or die (literally) and, if we live, what rights we will or will not have.

And while we’re at it, this lifetime term needs to be revoked. The only job for a lifetime should be parenting.

Jamala Rogers

POLICE

Continued from A1 across the street. While officers were zip-tying Alex’s hands, “an officer laughed at him, taunting, ‘You like that, [expletive]. It’s ok, we’ll see you out here tomorrow night,’” the lawsuit states.

The Nelsons’ lawsuit is among 12 that were filed on the anniversary of the kettling incident, where 123 people total were arrested, and The St. Louis American received embargoed copies of the cases. All cases are being represented jointly by the civil rights law firm ArchCity Defenders and Khazaeli Wyrsch law firm.

“The answer to robust, lawful protest is not violent crackdowns and military-style tactics by police,” said Blake Strode, executive director of ArchCity Defenders. “The kettling arrests of peaceful civilians that took place one year ago constituted a gross violation of the law and abuse of state power, and there are real human beings who suffered as a result.”

The individuals – who include downtown residents, independent journalists, Washington University students and members of the military – said that they were wrongfully beaten, peppersprayed and arrested. The lawsuits cite multiple counts of wrongdoing, including unlawful retaliation, assault, battery and violating civil rights.

City officials are reviewing the lawsuits and don’t have a comment at this time, said a spokesman for the city on Tuesday, September 18.

“Many of our clients are still suffering the effects of

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what happened to them,” said Javad Khazaeli, an attorney on the lawsuits. “Everybody who watches the video should realize that these people were doing absolutely nothing wrong. And if the police were allowed to kettle, pepper-spray and beat compliant citizens who have their hands up and are sitting on the ground, then anybody can be at risk.”

Alex still does not have full mobility in his right hand.

Demetrius Thomas, a professional wedding videographer who was documenting the protests that night, had more than $6,000 worth of photo equipment confiscated or destroyed. He ended up losing clients due to the loss of his cameras, he told American

“It ended up snowballing to the point that I couldn’t keep up with my bills,” Thomas said, and he eventually lost his home and car.

That night, police allegedly held Thomas’ legs and arms while another beat him in the ribs with a baton. He still has respiratory issues as a result, and he had to get on medication to deal with posttraumatic stress disorder.

“I wasn’t able to sleep more than two hours at a time,” he said. “I still have big anxiety near any kind of law enforcement.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Baude, another downtown resident who was caught in the kettle, was held in an overcrowded jail cell for 14 hours.

“Baude continues to grapple with feelings of mistrust toward police officers, and the entire incident has undermined his faith in society and the rule of law,” according to Baude’s complaint.

St. Louis police have been hit with 12 new lawsuits for their “kettling” mass arrest of protestors and passersby in downtown St. Louis on September 17, 2017. Protestors were outraged at the acquittal of former St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley for the murder of Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011.

ACLU lawsuit

These lawsuits come nearly a year after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri sued the City of St. Louis in October 2017 in a class-action case over the incident. The ACLU’s lawsuit seeks permanent policy changes for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The new lawsuits seek monetary damages for the individuals whose rights were allegedly violated.

The ACLU’s case cleared the first hurdle soon after it was filed, and the court ordered the City of St. Louis to make temporary changes. On November 15, 2017, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, ordering the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to immediately

identified systematic patterns in teacher bias and expectations for black male students. Statistics suggest non-black teachers typically have lower academic expectations for their black students. In middle school, I kept to the tradition of fighting and disturbing the class. Believing I was a better candidate for special education than for regular classes work, my teachers suggested I enter the special education program. Who could argue? I was not an exceptional student. I was a class clown, a disruptor, and a majority of the black males in the school were enrolled in the program anyway. Being smart and educated wasn’t really the cool thing, and I wanted to be with my friends. High school was much of the same – until I realized I was in a game and I was losing. I attended McCluer North High

stop using chemical weapons and adopt other protocols to protect the constitutional rights of those observing, recording or participating in protest activity.

Rather than going to trial, Judge Catherine Perry ordered a mediation process between the police and the ACLU. The deadline to come up with an agreement between the two parties passed on February 1, and now a trial has been set for October 2019. The ACLU and police can still settle in mediation before the trial.

In her order, the judge made some strong statements against the police’s conduct, giving the individual lawsuits a leg up.

Perry stated that the evidence showed that “officers have exercised their discretion in an arbitrary and retaliatory fashion to punish protesters

School, a Gold Star school at the time. However, underneath the cloak of a great school, there were two systems at play, two tracks: students who were being prepared for college and students who had no chance. I wanted to go off to college and play football. However, my classes were a joke. I took easy classes, nothing challenging.

was also no threat to the police.

“In the video most people can be seen standing on sidewalks, but even those few people sitting or standing in closed streets are not observed to block the flow of traffic,” Perry stated.

The ACLU is likely to prevail on their claim that the city’s police have a “custom or policy” to permit any officer to declare an unlawful assembly, even if it doesn’t meet the city or state law’s “force or violence requirement” –violating the First Amendment as well, Perry stated. Khazaeli said the long drawn out mediation process is disheartening and was also a motivation to file these lawsuits.

for voicing criticism of police or recording police conduct.”

She found that the ACLU is likely to succeed on their claim that the city’s police have “a custom or policy” of deploying pepper spray against citizens who record police or exercise their rights of free speech to criticize officers.

Perry found that the ACLU presented “sufficient, credible testimony and video evidence” of people being maced without warning and who were not “engaging in violent activity” or “in defiance of police commands (because none were given) or were complying with those commands.”

She also stated that no property damage or violence was observed or reported by any officers after 8:30 p.m., “and the scene at the intersection was calm.” There

On test days, the special education teacher stood beside me and read the answers. It is no secret that black male students are less likely to have college prep coursework than white students. While my white classmates enjoyed the luxury of attending collegeready classes – including math, science and writing – I attended an education desert. I received educational substance with no fundamental value.

By my junior year, I refused any help. It was clear: the special education program did nothing more than handicap my future, and I knew it. So I worked to teach myself. I attempted to excel in the classes I attended and managed to graduate with a C average. It was the generosity of famous lawyer and activist Margaret Wilson Bush that changed my life.

She afforded 40 students scholarships the opportunity to attend one of the oldest black colleges in America, Talladega College. It was at this historically black college that a humanities professor by the name of James White graded my first paper. After class, he inquired if I would speak with him.

I went to his office, exchanged pleasantries and sat down. Dr. White looked me in the eyes and said, “Son, you’re brilliant. Your writing skills are horrible, but you understand complex concepts.” He said, “The system failed you. However, we will help you.” I believed him.

After graduating college, I committed myself to reading, writing and speaking every day for six hours. It took 12 years of overcoming academic hardships to undo the lack of preparation I received during my earlier years. The drive to work hard and ignore the negative judgments of my earlier educators began to pay

“I want to see my clients made whole for the damage that was done to them,” Khazaeli said. “The federal injunction hasn’t changed the way these police act. If they can repeatedly ignore what a federal court tells them to do, what other choices do we have?”

Jeffrey Mittman, ACLU of Missouri executive director, said that a year ago, the St. Louis police disregarded protestors of their constitutional rights.

“The city has not adequately addressed the lack of policies, training, and supervision that allows this disregard to continue,” Mittman said. “Until there is real change, the city will see more lawsuits.”

Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice also announced an inquiry into whether St. Louis police violated civil rights of protestors in this incident, but no outcome has been announced.

large dividends.

Last year, I published my first op-ed article on CNN. A month later, I was interviewed by Headline News about ethnicity and its influence on policing. After a year of research with Sean Joe, assistant dean of the Brown School at Washington University, I was awarded the Danforth Scholarship to attend Washington University to attain a master’s in social work with a concentration in social and economic development and policy writing.

I overcame, but many did not. It is no secret: for young black boys, the education system can often work against them. The school-to-prison pipeline implies a powerful relationship between minority young men, suspension and incarceration. In order for other young black boys to have a chance, we must first identify schools that participate in such practices. We must also make changes in the methods of in-class punishment while working to reduce suspensions. We don’t need any more educators telling young black boys who haven’t even been given a chance that they don’t have what it takes to succeed.

Luther O. Tyus is a graduate research assistant in the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, as well as an eight-year veteran of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and a certified POST police instructor.

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

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

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In order to contribute to the academic success of students Granger makes sure to engage parents, family members, and community members.

“We serve a population of disenfranchised families that feel as if when they come in they’re talked at or over their heads, and that trust is tough to gain with families that have always had things that haven’t been working in their favor,” Granger said. “We have to make sure that the families know that we’re here for them; we’re here for the students.”

Kim I. Haywood Jr. served as a program growth and development advisor for the Illinois State Board of Education at the start of his journey as an educator. He eventually made his way into the classroom teaching agriculture, horticulture, and biology. At Lovejoy Technology Academy in Lovejoy, Illinois, Haywood is middle and high school science teacher, union president, and varsity basketball coach. His desire is to help students reach their full potential.

“My real goal is working with high school students to put opportunities in front of them,” Haywood said, “and let them

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know the different avenues that they have for career choices. There are definitely skills the kids can take with them and go into different arenas and use throughout life.”

Bernard Long Jr. began playing the drums at four years old and his father, Bernard Long Sr., intuitively knew his son had a serious love for music. Long learned a bachelor of music degree in Jazz at Northern Illinois University, which is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the 10 best jazz programs in the nation. Long is currently band director at Normandy High School. He enjoys teaching music and believes that music studies enhance students’ abilities by sparking creativity and nurturing critical thinking skills.

“Music is a culture thing,” Long said. “You gotta check out the musician; you can’t just play the notes. It’s deeper than the notes.”

Dorthea B. Nevils earned her bachelor of arts degree in English at University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), and she also earned a masters of education in administration degree at UMSL. Nevils has taught English at University City High School since she was 21 years old. At the school Nevils has played many roles, such as English Department

and Ferguson Middle Schools. With the success of those school-based sites, the organization pondered whether it would make more sense to create an opportunity for teenagers. Fowler believes that teens aren’t necessarily going to go back to their elementary and middle schools to participate in the programs offered.

“We have a tendency to lose our engagement with teenagers once they leave those middle-school programs,” Fowler said. Dave Spence, campaign chair for the teen center and

chairperson, building assistant principal, class sponsor and more. Nevils says teachers have a professional and moral obligation to create an environment where children can learn and achieve together.

“I want to be a good example for the young people, and I want them to come up and be leaders even if they’re young, because you could be a leader at any age,” Nevils said. “I also want to put into their spirits the sense of being a good citizen and being a person of character.”

director and advisor at Webster University.

“It is my obligation to utilize my knowledge and experiences to assist students in ways that maximize their individual potential and my privilege to celebrate their successes,” Robinson said – “whether they occur in the classroom or in the community.”

Reverend Raymond K. Robinson received his associate’s degree from North Iowa Area Community College and his bachelor’s degree in sociology and speech communication. Lastly, he completed his master of divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary.

After serving three years abroad in the United States Army, he came home and took on positions such assistant resident coordinator at Mississippi State University, resident hall director at Saint Louis University, and resident counselor at Job Corps in St. Louis. Currently he is assistant

founder of Ferguson 1000, said the project addresses needs in the community.

“The formula that has been written in the past has had marginal returns. And thus, a lot of people have been marginalized,” Spence said.

“So, our goal in this is to learn what the community needs and not helicopter in and say, ‘This is what you need.’”

Leslie Thomas-Washington is a graduate of Maryville University with a doctorate in educational leadership, holds a master’s in educational administration, and also has a bachelor of science from Fisk University. Her work as a classroom teacher, literacy facilitator, Reading First coach, and assistant principal in both St. Louis Public Schools and New Orleans Public Schools have given her the necessary skills to be successful in her current position as principal of Vogt Elementary School, which received the 2013 Monsanto School of Excellence Award from the St. Louis American Foundation.

Her educational philosophy says it all in a few words: “All students can be successful if taught well, have the desire and work hard!”

Tamara Wells has spent the entirety of her 18-year teaching career working with students in the Hazelwood School District. As a secondary

Spence said teens need knowledge about pathways to success.

English Language Arts Curriculum coach, she oversees the educational programming of six middle schools and three high schools. After noticing students’ desire to talk through subjects they were encountering in and outside of the classroom, Wells developed the CHAT (Children Having Academic Talks about languages, identity, dialect and culture) Academy. Through the use of literature and a focus on current events, Wells empowers African-American students to take an active role in their own learning. She also teaches English courses at UMSL and serves on the board of Educators for Social Justice.

“We are training students to become social justice advocates who are in tune with modern political and social issues,” Wells said. “The teens take the lead and initiate programming and conversations about subjects they believe need to be addressed.”

Rhea M. Willis has a variety of professional experiences that give her a diverse and fresh outlook on leadership in education. Her 31 years in education, as well as her previous career as a fire district director, have allowed her opportunities to provide the type of innovative, hands-on style of education many students need.

Currently, she serves as special education teacher and Science Department chair at Sumner High School. Outside of the classroom, she has worked as an executive producer on a documentary about the killing of Michael Brown and volunteers with organizations like Taking it to the Streets, Suits 2 Success, and Summer’s Science Enrichment Club.

“My teaching strategies at times are unorthodox,” Willis said. “It’s about providing the effective and best teaching strategies that fit my student’s needs and their learning abilities, as well as enhancing rigor in small increments to enhance and build success. I engaged students where they are and support and guide them to reach their greatest potential.”

The 2018 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the America’s Center Ballroom, following a reception at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets are $85 each/$850 table, and VIP/ Corporate tickets are $1,500 table. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/Salute-tix or call 314-533-8000.

“How can we capture the kids that think they need a Ph.D. or to go to a four-year school to be successful?” Spence asked. “We need to educate people about the opportunities that are out there, like the trades. And all they need to do is ask for a hand up.” The groundbreaking featured speakers from the clubs, Joshua Cogshell and D’Aura Tatum, from Emerson Electric and Express Scripts, and from representatives for both U.S. senators, the congressman and county executive. Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III spoke, giving his hearty support for the effort. The event concluded with a rousing prayer from Reverend Traci Blackmon, executive minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for The United Church of Christ and senior pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant.

Why I got arrested protesting Judge Kavanaugh

By Alison Dreith

For The St. Louis American

On Tuesday, September 4,

I put my body on the line to protect fundamental freedoms for women and families. I stood up and disrupted the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing because I know that right now, we cannot afford to stay silent. I was arrested for speaking up, but I do not regret a thing.

I was afraid, even though I have been arrested before, because getting arrested at 37 it not the same as getting arrested at 20. I’m married and Washington, D.C. is a long way from St. Louis, Missouri, where my husband was at home. I have a career and all the obligations and responsibilities that come with being the boss. My body is not the same as

it was in college; it’s older, slower, sore.

But I got courage from a friend, who was taking her daughter to the first day of school. The night before the Kavanaugh hearings began she tweeted, “I swore if this moment came I would run naked through the streets, burn my hair, do whatever it took to protect legal abortion. But tomorrow is my daughter’s first day of kindergarten. I am giving myself permission to be the hero she needs. And so, tonight, I’m packing lunch.”

I thought about my friend, her daughter, and my own two nephews and my first niece on the way, and what kind of world I want to leave for them. Every time I think about them, I well up in tears.

As the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri, I have plenty of experience with politicians threatening to take my right to control my body away. Every year in my state, dozens of bills are filed to chip away at access to abortion – or even outright banning it. I regularly travel two hours to

our capital, Jefferson City, from my city of residence, St. Louis, multiple times a week while our legislature is in session to make sure these restrictions don’t make it on the books.

This year, we avoided the passing of a 20-week abortion ban and then a 6-week ban.

Every year, state Rep. Mike Moon files a “personhood”

in Iowa, which is now being challenged in the courts. It would be a strikingly simple and swift blow to our right to legal abortion.

So, I set out to disrupt the first day of the Kavanaugh hearings. I stood outside sweating for five hours, in a heat index of over 100 degrees, before my group of

n For myself and for my friend, I got arrested to make sure abortion remains legal.

bill, which would ban abortion completely, taking in vitro fertilization and most form of birth control with it. All it would take would be one of these dangerous bills to pass, get challenged in the courts, and eventually make it to the Supreme Court for Brett Kavanaugh to uphold it and do lasting damage to Roe v. Wade

This process has already begun, thanks to the unconstitutional 6-week ban

20 was ushered inside the Hart Building by a Senate staffer. Why?

Because I know what is on the line if Judge Kavanaugh is confirmed to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court. For myself and for my friend, I got arrested to make sure abortion remains legal. For my family, I needed to make sure my husband and my nephew are never denied healthcare because of

preexisting conditions.

Kavanaugh was chosen because of his extensive antichoice record. Trump said his Supreme Court nominee would overturn Roe v. Wade, and I believe him. With Kavanaugh on the bench, he will do just that. Roe is important to me, not only because I am the executive director of a reproductive rights organization, but because in 2016, I also had an abortion.

While my abortion story is a privileged one, I also decided to cross state lines from Missouri into Illinois to seek the care I needed, wanted, and deserved, because accessing abortion in a state like Missouri is much more difficult than it has to be, thanks to unnecessary restrictions like a 72-hour waiting period, and state-mandated, medically unindicated and unnecessary consent. Brett Kavanaugh stands to make it worse.

And this isn’t just about reproductive freedom. This is about affordable health care, union rights, racial justice, LGBTQ rights, voting rights,

immigrant rights, and so much more. If we choose not to stand up, our children will grow up in a world where they have less rights than their parents and grandparents. But we have the opportunity right now to stop this before Kavanaugh can take us backwards. I am going to use every moment I can to prove to our senators that Americans desperately need them to protect our care and vote no on Kavanaugh. My mom always told me I was born in the wrong decade, but it turns out this is the moment I was born for. We must do everything we can, and for me that means putting my body and freedom on the line, to not only stop Kavanaugh, but to fight for the world we want future generations to live in. For me, that is not Trump’s America. Not a single ounce if it. Join me in opposing this Supreme Court nominee, this is the time to make your voice heard. Alison Dreith is executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri.

American garners nine first place awards at statewide competition

By K. Michael Jones

Of The St. Louis American

Saturday, The St. Louis American received 23 awards for journalism and community service excellence from the Missouri Press Association. The awards, presented at the Westport Sheraton Chalet, were part of Missouri Press’ annual Better Newspaper Contest. The American received nine first place awards, including: Best Story About History (Chris King’s piece on New City fifth graders pondering the past and future of the Confederate statue in Forest Park); Best News or Feature Special Section (the Diversity,

A Business Imperative special section); Best News or Feature Series (The American’s coverage of the Stockley verdict); Best Coverage of Rural Life or Agriculture; and first place for both Multi-Media Reporting and Best News or Feature Obituary (Rebecca Rivas’ coverage of the passing of Dr. Norman White).

Mike Jones won the first place award for Best Serious Columnist, for the second year in a row. In a few weeks Jones will receive a similar award from the National Newspaper Association. Regarding Jones, some of the judges’ comments included: “Mike Jones doesn’t shy away from tackling the

Wins 23 total awards from Missouri Press Association

sensitive issues facing America and his community. His honest and straight-forward writing gives the reader pause to reflect on the importance of what he is writing. He doesn’t pull any punches.”

The American’s Rebecca Rivas also won a first place award for Best Video for her piece on Dr. Norman White: A ‘developmental criminologist.’ Regarding her top video, judges stated that it “Kept my attention

throughout this important effort to get kids who live with trauma through their school day. Beautiful videography with well-chosen shots and angles. Solid editing that kept the pace moving.” Each year from 2011 to 2018, and each year of that category’s existence, Rivas has won the first place award for Best Video. She actually swept the category, winning first, second and third place awards for Best Video, which she has also

done most of those years.

The St. Louis American also again received first place honors for Community Service for its Salute to Excellence annual program. Judges stated “The St. Louis American and its Foundation clearly take community service seriously with involvement in this impressive program.” The American has now won 16 first place awards for Community Service from state, regional, and national industry associations.

Second place awards for The American were: General Excellence; Best Video; Best Editorial Pages, Best Story About Religion (Chris King’s feature on Friendly Temple

opening a bank branch); and Best Sports News Story or Package (about Jayson Tatum and his fantastic start in the NBA, by Earl Austin, Alvin Reid and Kenya Vaughn). The American received third place awards for: Best News or Feature Special Edition (Salute to Excellence in Education tabloid); Best Video; Best Feature Story (Sandra Jordan’s ‘Ban the Box’); and Best Sports Pages. Honorable Mention awards include: Best Front Page; Best Investigative Reporting; Best Local Business Coverage; Best Newspaper In Education Project; and Great American Eclipse coverage.

St. Louis helped Republicans take away minority voter rights

Charles Jaco – journalist, author, and activist (on Twitter at @charlesjaco1) – who took down U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s Republican challenger Todd Akin six years ago in a bruising broadcast interview, has come out of retirement to write for The American before the November 6 general election. He penned this guest Political EYE.

As Missourians prepare to vote November 6 under a voter photo ID law designed specifically to suppress the black vote, it’s good to remember that nationwide voter suppression laws were kick-started in 2000 by both a racist Republican Party and by incompetent, lazy, and inattentive St. Louis officials.

Suppression of non-white votes is an outgrowth of Richard Nixon’s Southern Strategy of the ‘70s. This strategy gave racist white Southern Democrats a new home in the GOP, which campaigned against everything from the Voting Rights Act and affirmative action to the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday. But Republicans had a problem: whites were shrinking as a percentage of the total population, while nonwhites (who tended to vote Democratic) were making up an ever-increasing share of America.

Paul Weyrich, a rightwing political operative who named the Moral Majority after co-founding it with Virginia televangelist Jerry Falwell in 1979, delivered the answer in a Dallas speech to the Moral Majority in October 1980, shortly before candidate Ronald Reagan addressed the group. “Too many of our Christians have the goo-goo syndrome, the ‘good government’ syndrome,” Weyrich told thousands of white evangelicals. “They want everybody to vote. I don’t

want everybody to vote … Our leverage in the elections, quite candidly, goes up as the voting populace goes down.”

And there it was. Rightwing, God-fearing white people could only win elections if they voted and, at the same time, kept other people, the nonwhite ones, from voting. That theory sat on the shelf, as full of toxins as a five-year-old can of tuna fish, for two decades, until the St. Louis election board brought it back to life on Election Day in 2000 and weaponized it for the GOP’s use. Through some of the most breathtaking incompetence this side of Venezuela’s economy, 49,589 city voters were removed from the active voter rolls by the election board. They were placed on a so-called “inactive” list. All of the voters were supposed to have been notified by postcard. Almost none were, because the election board either had outdated addresses or wrote the wrong addresses on the postcards. So almost 50,000 people, almost all of them black, were purged from the voting rolls because the postcards came back marked “addressee unknown.”

Emory University professor Carol Anderson, author of the book “White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide,” dissected the ensuing disaster in the New York Times on September 8. Election Day in parts of the City of St. Louis was a fiasco. People whose names were purged, but who were never notified, showed up to vote and were told (illegally) that they couldn’t cast a ballot at their normal polling place. Instead, they were forced to go downtown to the election board if they wanted to vote. The incompetent and understaffed board staff couldn’t handle the tsunami of voters that showed up at 300 North Tucker. As the 7

Louis).

p.m. poll closing deadline approached, hundreds of voters were still in line. Voting rights activists got a court order forcing the polls to stay open. They were only open for an additional 45 minutes until another court order, obtained by the GOP, shut them down.

The evening of the 2000 vote, and again the next morning, then-U.S. Senator Kit Bond (R-Missouri) went before the cameras and delivered sputtering, sweating, high-volume condemnations of the polls being open late, claiming that massive inner-city (black, of course) voter fraud had been perpetrated. Bond’s performances were so redfaced and emotional that some observers worried he might have a stroke on the spot as he claimed dead people had voted, that people had voted twice, and that the mammoth fraud had been solely for the benefit of Democrats (again, black, of course).

The subsequent investigation proved Bond to be 99.9997 percent wrong. Of all the cases investigated, only six people were have found to cast ineligible ballots, 0.0003 percent of the Missouri total. But like any good racist narrative, facts didn’t matter to the dogwhistle subtext: criminal blacks had graduated from stealing white people’s cars and TVs to stealing their elections.

Bond became one of the chief champions of the innocuous-sounding Help

America Vote Act, or HAVA.

HAVA proved the old Middle Eastern saying – “If you let a camel get his nose under your tent, his butt will soon follow” – by requiring an ID from voters registering to vote by mail or online. That soon morphed into today’s voter photo ID laws which, as a 2016 study from Michigan State and Bucknell universities proved, are designed to depress voter turnout among minorities.

Following the gutting of the Voting Rights Act in 2013 by the U.S. Supreme Court, Republicans were poised to wage full-scale war on the ability of non-whites to vote. When the Trump administration came to power, it immediately ignored a real problem –Russian meddling in the 2016 elections – by focusing on a problem that doesn’t exist— so-called “voter fraud.”

A Trump-appointed commission headed by a champion of voter suppression, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, tried, and totally failed, to find any evidence anywhere of voter impersonation, dead people voting, voting twice, or any other form of fraud. The commission disbanded after discovering only one thing: that the premise upon which it was established was a lie.

But Trump and his GOP sycophants are still peddling the big lie that fraud is a problem and voter photo ID is the answer. Among them is

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who has repeatedly said that election hacking by Russia is not a problem, while voter fraud is. So when you vote November 6, remember to bring along a government-issued photo ID or other acceptable identification.

And thank the St. Louis election board and Kit Bond for making an ID necessary so the GOP can stop VWB – voting while black.

Charles Jaco is a journalist, author, and activist. Follow him on Twitter at @charlesjaco1.

The man behind Andrew Gillum

Andrew Gillum – the Democratic nominee for governor of Florida, who could make history on November 6 by becoming that state’s first black governor – is making his exciting bid for history backed by a campaign manager well known to politicos in St. Louis: Brandon Davis of St. Louis, principal at GPS and former DNC chief of staff, national political director of the SEIU, and bruised veteran of many

political campaigns in Missouri. He and Don Calloway, principal at Pine Street Strategies in Washington, D.C., are two young black men from St. Louis who cut their political teeth here but now are making things happen on the national stage.

Seeing Davis standing behind a statewide black candidate in Florida calls to mind his days in St. Louis trying to groom the right black candidate to run statewide –John Bowman for lieutenant governor was a project Davis was toying with before Bowman pled guilty in federal court to playing a role in a bank and credit card fraud scheme in 2008. Davis never found the right candidate in Missouri before leaving town, but if he helps Gillum to succeed in Florida this will be the fruit of much hard work and shrewd strategizing that started more than a decade ago in his hometown. Davis was ahead of his time on another tip as well. Just before he left St. Louis, he was working on a statewide plan to revitalize the Democratic Party in Missouri with progressive energy by a stealth campaign to elect progressives at the party’s cellular level, the ward and precinct committee posts. A decade later, a brash group of upstart candidates did exactly that in the City of St. Louis, forcing a shift in local politics that Davis imagined long before others made it happen.

Photo by Wiley Price

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft explained Missouri’s new voter photo ID law at St. Louis City Hall in March 2017, backed by state Rep. Justin Alferman (R-Washington) and (a very skeptical) State Rep. Bruce Franks Jr. (D-St.

Andrew Gillum

The Empowerment Network turns

By Sandra Jordan

The St. Louis American

The Empowerment Network marks a decade of men praying, supporting and being there for one another through one of a man’s toughest challenges, while encouraging testing for early detection of prostate cancer to save lives. It started in St. Louis when a man thought to be too young to have such a disease made a

promise to God.

“If He just heal my body and restore my health and give me a second chance after being given two years to live, I would spend the rest of my life helping men diagnosed with this insidious disease called prostate cancer,” said Mellve Shahid, co-founder of The Empowerment Network.

“My helping truly became my healing ... I just never knew it would grow into the

organization that it is today.”

As he helped others, Shahid said it helped him to heal. When he looked in the community for support for men undergoing treatment and healing from this disease, he found a void – one that he was uniquely qualified to fill.

Shahid said he started reaching out

STL County Public Health Director Faisal Khan resigns

Cites ‘political obstructionism’ between county executive and council

n “Trust in professional excellence is disregarded, and political expediency and cheap political point-scoring seems to be the order of the day.”

Khan

– Faisal

In this 2018 file photo, Faisal Khan announces a public health emergency

By Jen Bersdale For The St. Louis American

One year ago, Americans from across the political spectrum came together to stop Congress from repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and taking its vital protections for people with pre-existing conditions along with it. Since then, the specter of repeal has faded from the headlines, but the threats to those who depend on the ACA’s life-saving provisions have not gone away.

Jen Bersdale

Now, with President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, the 2.5 million Missourians with preexisting conditions have new reasons to worry, and new reasons to urge Senator Claire McCaskill to oppose the nomination of a judge with a demonstrated hostility to the ACA. Before the ACA, insurance companies often discriminated against people on the basis of preexisting conditions like asthma, diabetes, cancer, or even pregnancy, charging them much higher premiums or denying coverage altogether. The ACA banned this kind of discrimination, and gave millions of Americans – regardless of their medical history – access to affordable coverage.

But a case working its way through the courts would strike down the ACA, including its protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The case has the support of Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley as well as Trump’s Department of Justice, which recently took the extraordinary step of refusing to defend the constitutionality of these provisions.

If this case ends up before the U.S. Supreme Court, and it very well might, we need a justice who will defend Americans’ right to health care and uphold the vital protections on which so many of us depend.

So what do we know about Judge Kavanaugh, and why are we so concerned that he would put the ACA in jeopardy?

n “Even more concerning than what we already know about Judge Kavanaugh are the things we don’t know.”

To start, we know that just last year, Kavanaugh criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for upholding the constitutionality of the ACA. Kavanaugh has also asserted that a president could refuse to enforce a law “even if a court has held or would hold the statute constitutional” – a deeply troubling position for health care and a threat to our country’s separation of powers.

Another troubling sign is that Kavanaugh received a stamp of approval from the Federalist Society, which began fighting the ACA before it was even signed into law.

We also have President Trump, who made no secret of his desire to strike down the ACA and who has spent much of the last 18 months working to sabotage the law. As a candidate, Trump promised that if he won the presidency, his “judicial appointments will do the right thing, unlike Bush’s appointee John Roberts on ObamaCare.” He also expressed “disappointment” in Chief Justice Roberts, as “somebody that should have, frankly, ended Obamacare, and he didn’t.”

But even more concerning than what we already know about Judge Kavanaugh are the things we don’t know, because Senator Mitch McConnell and his allies are refusing to request more than a fraction of the documents from Kavanaugh’s tenure as a senior White House official under George W. Bush.

This is not meaningless partisan wrangling. For the 2.5 million Missourians with preexisting conditions, the stakes could not be

Photo by Sarah Fentem Of St. Louis Public Radio

Miles Strickland, Mellve Shahid and Robin Wright Jones at the Empowerment Network’s Cancer Information Center, 6000 W. Florissant Ave. in St. Louis

Photo by Sarah Fentem / St. Louis Public Radio

Of

Photo by Wiley Price

Free flu shot clinics begin soon

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Getting an annual influenza vaccination is the best way to reduce chances for getting the flu or spreading it to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Christian Hospital is offering free flu shots for children and adults at four locations.

The first takes place On Monday, September 24, from 3-7 p.m. at Christian Hospital Atrium (Detrick Building), 11133 Dunn Rd., St. Louis, Mo., 63136. Tuesday, October 9, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. flu shots take place at the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center, 9420 West Florissant Ave.

Friday, October 12, from 2-6 p.m., flu shots take place at Northwest HealthCare – Community Room, 1225 Graham Road – Entrance A. On Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., flu shots will be given at the Shalom Health Fair at Hazelwood East High School, 11300 Dunn Road.

On Sunday, October 14, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., BarnesJewish Hospital will offer flu vaccinations for adults and children ages 6 months and older at the Siteman Cancer Center at Christian Hospital in the Christian Hospital Atrium ( Detrick building), 11133 Dunn Rd., St. Louis, Mo. 63136.

The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation is making possible its free public flu shots.

FUNDRAISER

Jonathan Leesman, pharmacy manager at BarnesJewish Hospital, agrees that getting a flu shot is the single most effective way to prevent contracting the flu virus or spreading it to others.

“We’re gonna have two types. One is a quadrivalent, inactive vaccine that covers four strains,” Leesman said. Those four strains are two A strains, A/Michigan (H1N1) and A/Singapore (H3N2) and

Continued from A10 was started by Shahid and his friend and the organization’s late cofounder, Isadore Wayne Sr.

to other men who were diagnosed. He joined 100 Black Men and became a part of its Prostate Cancer Walk, which gave him the outlet to start dealing with more prostate cancer survivors.

“As I dealt with the survivors there at the walk, I could hear the psychological and the emotional pains that they carried – I could hear it in their conversation,” Shahid said. “The walk was good, but the walk was not satisfying the pains that they carried within them. They needed support.”

He reached out to the American Cancer Society, but at that time it did not have a support group for men in the urban community, he said. “And I reached out to other organizations,” he said, “and nowhere in the St. Louis community was there a support mechanism for men.” Therefore, he created one. The Empowerment Network

KHAN

Continued from A10

come to an agreement and understanding about the vital services provided in St. Louis County,” Khan said. “The apportionment of blame is equally to share.”

He cited the eight-monthlong disagreement between the council and the county

McCASKILL

Continued from A10

higher. As an organization dedicated to organizing Missourians around health care issues, we’ve heard from

“We started our support group, and it just blossomed and grew from there,” Shahid said, “then we started the organization.”

The Empowerment Network’s support group meetings take place at 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month at the Metropolitan Village Apartments, 3114 Franklin Ave. in St. Louis, 63106. The meetings are open to all men and families.

Shaheed said its network of volunteers has touched the lives of more than 20,000 men in the St. Louis area in the last decade.

“And this was not planned. I don’t want to take credit for any of this,” Shahid said. “This was God’s plan, and I really feel strongly that the Empowerment Network is God’s gift to the St. Louis community.”

The organization reports it conducts over 1,600 free PSA

executive over nurses’ pay raises at the Buzz Westfall Justice Center as an example of what he called “political obstructionism.” The problem could have been solved in a day, he said. The lack of communication between the two departments was also on display in June, when the council approved the creation of an opioid task force shortly before the health department released a detailed

countless Missourians about the life-changing impact these provisions have had, and how motivated they are to defend them. It would be cruel to throw these Missourians back to the mercy of the for-profit insurance companies, who are happy to collect our premiums as long as we don’t actually

two B strains, B/Colorado and B/Phuket, he said.

For the first time ever, the Barnes-Jewish free flu shot clinics are offering the highdose flu shots for persons age 65 and older. Leesman said the high dose flu vaccine for senior adults has two A stains and one B strain, and it produces more immunity.

“The strains that it covers, it actually has four times the amount of antigen,” Leesman

tests at 86 community outreach events annually. When tests results are abnormal, followup medical care comes from facilities such as the Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers.

“They have been a jewel to our organization,” Shahid said. “They have been there every step of the way with us, whether we got money or not. That’s what has made The Empowerment Network truly a blessing in the community, because God has blessed us with so many great friends and partners.”

Additional partners include Saint Louis University, Washington University, Zero Prostate Cancer Foundation and St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer.

The organization’s Cancer Information Center is located at 6000 W. Florissant Ave. Health information at the office covers prevention tips for men and women, along with healthier eating and lifestyle changes for wellness.

“It’s not just the men,” Shahid said, “it’s the families that we have helped.”

action plan to combat the addiction crisis. Stenger said then he assumed the council was unaware of the department’s plan.

said, “that’s the inactive particle that induces the immune response.”

Barnes-Jewish Hospital will offer adult vaccinations only in the main floor lobby, Wednesday, October 3, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., 1 Barnes-Jewish Plaza, St. Louis, Mo. 63110.

Center for Advanced Medicine, will offer adult and pediatric vaccinations (age

Each week on the Empowerment Network’s Healthy Focus Radio Show on WGNU Radio, Shahid and his team cover a gamut of health topics with physicians and other health professionals in the St. Louis community.

This year, the organization started expanding its reach deeper into North St. Louis County and into the Metro East. It recently collaborated with the city of Moline Acres and its police department, who are wearing caps to promote prostate cancer awareness.

“They also have information that they are passing out to some of the men in the Moline Acres community about prostate awareness – some of the literature based on the risk factors and warning signs around prostate cancer,” Shahid said. “Eventually, we want to get that whole North County area involved in this awareness campaign.”

On the East Side, their partners include the St. Claire County Health District, the East Side Health District and Conquerors Christian Center.

“Trust in professional excellence is disregarded, and political expediency and cheap political point-scoring seems to be the order of the day,” Khan said. “That’s not a healthy situation, and the only losers in that equations are the residents of St. Louis County.”

need health care.

While some commentators – and even Senator McCaskill herself – have suggested that Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination will be a “no win” vote, the evidence suggests otherwise.

Polls have consistently shown that Americans overwhelmingly support

6 months and older) in the 3rd floor lobby, Wednesday, October 3 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, Mo. 63110.

Siteman Cancer Center –South County will offer adult and pediatric vaccinations (ages 6 months and older) Wednesday, October 6 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5225 Midamerica Plaza, St. Louis, Mo., 63129.

Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital will offer adult and pediatric flu vaccinations (ages 6 months and older) Sunday, October 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Medical Office Building 2, 10 Barnes West Drive, Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141. BJC said for safety reasons, flu shots are not available to individuals who have had a previous allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, persons with egg allergies or anyone who has ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Anyone in any of those categories are advised to see their physicians for a flu shot. Leesman said there is an egg-free flu vaccine called Flublok, however, it is not offered at the free public flu clinics.

SSM Health is also offering free flu vaccinations across the St. Louis region on one day, Saturday, October 13, from 8 a.m. – noon for adults and children ages 9 and older.

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is the only SSM Health location that will vaccinate

They are planning a free community health fair for Saturday, November 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Clyde C. Jordan Center, 6555 State St., in East St. Louis.

The Empowerment Network will mark its 10th anniversary with a Diamond Gala on Friday, September 28, with entertainment by the Coleman Hughes Project. It will honor some of its supporters with its “Wind Beneath Our Wings” awards: Ricardo Wray, Saint Louis University School of Public Health and Social Justice; Margie Price, executive director, St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer; Dwayne Butler, president/ CEO, People’s Health Centers; David Bryan, M.D., St. Louis Urological Surgeons; Anthony DiGasbarro, district manager, The Sherwin-Williams Co.; Mary Hill, community affairs director, KTVI/KPLR-FOX 2; Rick Stevens, president, Christian Hospital; Sarah Post, senior immunotherapy sales specialist, Dendreon; Iary Israel, president, The

infants age 6 months and older. For all SSM flu clinics, vaccinations are available by injection only. There will not be a preservative-free option. Pregnant women are advised to obtain a flu shot from their primary care physician. No appointments are necessary. Participants should wear loosefit clothing. Flu shots will be given first-come, first-served and while supplies last at the following locations:

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital at the drive-through parking lot next to Ronald McDonald House, 3450 Park Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63104

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital drive-through on Bellevue Ave. (one block south of Clayton Rd.) in Richmond Heights, Mo. 63117

SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Fenton in the Conference Center, 1015 Bowles Avenue, Fenton, Mo. 63026

SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis in the Education Center - Koenig Building, 400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis, Mo. 63367

SSM Health DePaul Hospital May Center, 12303 DePaul Drive (Bridgeton), 63044, and

SSM Health Outpatient Center, Lewis and Clark Conference Room, 711 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles, Mo. 63303.

Steppers, Word of Mouth Entertainment, Inc.; Ethel Gates, president, Women Fighting Against Prostate Cancer; Rep.-Elect, Hon. Chris Carter Sr., president, CCC & C; Leona Stokes, clinical coordinator, Department of Surgery, Christian Hospital; Sandra Jordan, assistant managing editor, The St. Louis American; and Rev. Anthony Witherspoon for the Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church Board. The gala is the 4th Annual Isadore M. Wayne Sr. Memorial event, Friday, September 28, 6-10 p.m. at the Christian Hospital Atrium in the Detrick Building, 11133 Dunn Road in St. Louis, 63136. Tickets are $75. “The proceeds really help to keep the doors of our cancer information and educational center open,” Shahid said.

For more information on the gala or The Empowerment Network, call 314-385-0998 or visit theempowermentnetwork. net.

Khan has worked at the health department for more than nine years, first as the director of communicable diseases. He became director in 2015.

In recent years, the opioid crisis became a large focus of Khan’s job. In addition to helping create the opioid action plan, Khan helped establish the county’s prescription-drugmonitoring system, which has

protecting provisions preventing discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. A survey of voters in Missouri, Indiana, North Dakota and West Virginia found that close to two-thirds of independent voters and even a quarter of Republican voters would approve of their

expanded state-wide. Khan will begin his new job as the CEO of Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Kansas City, on October 1.

Chief Medical Officer Emily Doucette and Director of Health Promotion Services Spring Schmidt will act as co-directors once Khan leaves.

Once election year

Democratic senator voting “no” on a Supreme Court nominee because of health care issues.

turbulence dies down, Khan thinks the council and the executive’s office will be able to negotiate more effectively.

“There are great people in St. Louis County government and in the council and office of the county executive,” he said, “and I think things will improve eventually.”

Follow Sarah on Twitter: @ petit_smudge.

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

McCaskill has been a staunch and courageous advocate for Missourians for whom access to affordable, quality health coverage make a life-saving difference. Now those Missourians are counting on her to stand up for them again and vote “no” on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

Jen Bersdale is executive director of Missouri Health Care for All, which is focused on grassroots mobilization on health care issues.

Try New Foods— Adventure! Get

Nutrition Challenge:

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

Healthy Kids Kids

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

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

Exercise Challenge:

Walk! Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and most of us can do it. While always keeping safety in mind, seek out opportunities to walk each day. Your goal should be to walk for at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week.

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

Sneezing Season!

> Sneeze into a tissue and immediately throw it away.

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 3, NH 1, NH 7

Learning Standards: HPE 1, NH 1, NH 5

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

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

Banana Pops

Ingredients: Small Ripe Banana, peeled, 2 Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter

Toppings: Coconut, Chopped Peanuts, Raisins, etc.

Directions: Insert a Popsicle stick into the banana. Spread peanut butter over the top 4-6 inches of the banana and dip into your favorite healthy topping.

Dr. Robyn Drake, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner at SSM Medical Group –Retail Health. Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I then earned a bachelor of science in nursing, a master of science in nursing – nurse practitioner and a doctorate of nursing practice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. What does a family nurse practitioner do? I provide care that your doctor would provide, but inside a Walgreens store. I give shots, check blood pressure and do check-ups (physicals) for sports. Most of all, if there is a problem I cannot fix I must send the patient to the emergency room. Why did you choose this career? I always wanted to help people. In college I had a teacher that encouraged me to be a nurse because of my ability to help. Once I became a registered nurse, I wanted to do more for my patients, so I kept going to school until I got where I am today.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I really enjoy talking to my patients under the age of 18. I want to know their plans for the future and what they want to be when they grow up. This gives me a chance to encourage them to be what they want to be and prepare them to be a future leader.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Our summer programs offer something for every budget, schedule and interest. From our ever-popular summer camps to programs tailored for little ones, adults and the whole family, we have the adventure for you. Mail-in and online registration options are open now! Visit stlzoo.org/education for the complete list of summer programs and detailed registration information. Questions? Please contact the Zoo’s

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Hanrahan Elementary 6th grade teacher

Ms. Clark

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MICROBIOLOGIST:

Dale Emeagwali

SCIENCE CORNER Can You Hear Me Now ?

Did you know hearing loss affects one in five teens? A study published in the August 18, 2010, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that one in five U.S. teens has some level of hearing loss, which is most likely due to the loud music they listen to on their iPods, phones, or other personal music player. This study is also supported by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who analyzed the hearing screenings of 1,800 12- to 19-year-olds from across the country and found that 19.5 percent had slight hearing loss. This type of hearing loss means they probably can’t hear sounds like a whisper, rustling leaves, or a dripping faucet. Therefore, an estimated 6.5 million teens in the U.S. have some hearing loss, which could affect their

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

learning and socialization in school and lead to a need for hearing aids early in life. Hearing loss has increased by 30 percent compared to the 1980s and ‘90s, according to studies. Experts suspect that improved battery life of music players and increased volume capacity have contributed to this rise. Hearing loss can affect children academically, if they are not able to hear information in the classroom. It can also affect them socially, if they are not able to easily communicate with their peers.

For More Information About Hearing Loss, Visit: https://www. hearingloss.org/hearing-help/hearing-loss-basics/ Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Background Information:

Your nose and mouth are connected through the same airway which means that you taste and smell foods at the same time. Your sense of taste can recognize salty, sweet, bitter and sour. When you combine this with your sense of smell, you can recognize many other individual ‘tastes.’ Take away your smell (and sight) and you limit your brain’s ability to tell the difference between certain foods.

Materials Needed:

Small Piece of Peeled Potato • Small Piece of Peeled Apple (same size and shape as potato) • Partner • Blindfold

Exercise is important to keep your body healthy. A group of students were surveyed and asked to state their favorite form of exercise. Here are the results:

12 preferred bicycling

10 preferred soccer

5 preferred basketball

8 preferred in-line skating

7 preferred swimming

Procedure:

q Blindfold your partner so they cannot see which type of food you have.

w Ask your partner to hold their nose tightly closed.

e Offer your partner the apple or the potato and ask them to identify the food.

Analyze: Did losing sense of sight and smell affect the ability to taste?

q Create a bar graph to display the results.

w Order the numbers from least to greatest.

e How many students were surveyed?

r Create a fraction for the number of kids surveyed that preferred swimming.

Dale Brown Emeagwali was born on December 24, 1954, in Baltimore, Maryland. Her father worked as a production manager for a magazine and her mother was a school teacher. They nurtured her dreams of becoming a scientist by encouraging her in school and helping her at home with science experiments. Emeagwali attended Northwestern High School and graduated in 1972. From there, she attended Coppin State College and graduated in 1976 with a biology major and a chemistry minor. Next, she enrolled in Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in microbiology, in 1981. Emeagwali also attended summer internships at Meharry Medical School. After she earned her Ph.D. in microbiology from Georgetown, Emeagwali earned postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. Dr. Emeagwali’s research led to the discovery that helps medical professionals understand what causes cancers of the blood, like leukemia.

In 1987, she and her husband moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she worked as a senior research fellow, then as an assistant research associate, while he worked as a researcher. They both then worked for the University of Minnesota. While there, they organized the annual African American Science Day to provide hands-on activities and lessons to encourage kids to study science. She feels learning should be broadly focused and include math, literature, and engineering. She also stated, “Parents must stress the importance of education and achievement to their children. When kids know there are low expectations, they won’t rise.”

Emeagwali has received numerous awards and recognition, such as listings in Who’s Who in the World, The World’s Who’s Who of Women, Who’s Who in American Education, International Who’s Who in Medicine. In 1996, she received the “Scientist of the Year” award from the National Technical Association for her contributions in the fields of microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. She is regarded as a role model and inspiration whose discoveries have benefitted mankind.

Discuss: What is the most interesting thing you learned about Emeagwali? How have her contributions helped others? How has she given back to the community?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made a contribution in the field of science, technology, or math.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

t Survey your class to determine their favorite forms of exercise. Create a pie chart to display the results.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results. Your nose can remember 50,000 different scents.

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can create visual representations of numbers.

Miracle Ads: Every week, look for any ads that may claim “cures” or “amazing breakthroughs” for diseases or other medical or cosmetic problems. Discuss these ads in class and the persuasion techniques used to hook people into purchasing the product or service offered.

Activity Two — Health Care Ad: Design a newspaper ad for a health care agency to run in your local newspaper, such as the Heart Association, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify persuasive techniques used in advertising. I can create an advertisement to inform.

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

Kenneth C.

shows students Jayden Jefferson, Jeremiah Allen, Akira Davis and Jayden McLarren science lessons using the STEM page found in The St. Louis American. Hanrahan is in the Jennings School District.

Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis American

SEPTEMBER

STL commemorates the first

‘Unpaid

Labor Day’

Unpaid Labor Project focuses on 12 generations of unpaid labor

By Jordan Wade For The St. Louis American

This Labor Day, for the first time, St. Louis commemorated Unpaid Labor Day on the east steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.

“The founders of this holiday did so to celebrate, in their words, the American working man,” Deirdre Cooper Owens, associate professor of History at Queens College in New York, said of Labor Day at the event on September 3.

“But let me tell you who should sit in the center of remembering and commemoration: the first 12 generations of workers either born enslaved or transformed into slaves through their sale.” Owens stressed that these unpaid laborers

n The Unpaid Labor Project notes that it will be 2123 “before African Americans will have been free as long as their ancestors were enslaved.”

worked against their will, but through their labor they enriched this nation for centuries. She described the conditions and struggles of the unpaid laborers.

“The impact of that work came out of callused hands,” she said, “sun-damaged, weathered skin, rickety legs and deformed pelvises caused by lack of Vitamin C, mutilated limbs made so by chopping sugar cane – and a resolve to hold

themselves up as the moral compass that this nation needed to follow.”

Peter H. Wood, professor emeritus of History at Duke University, said he welcomed this new dimension to Labor Day.

“This is a first for all the decades we’ve been celebrating Labor Day,” Wood said. “I don’t think there’s ever been a celebration like this focusing on 12 generations of unpaid labor, and I’m excited it’s happening here in St. Louis.”

The event was organized by the Unpaid Labor Project, based in St. Louis.

“It is fitting and proper that the role of Unpaid Labor be recognized in St. Louis, Missouri at this site,” they wrote in an unsigned blog post.

“The Old Courthouse is where slaves were bought and sold. It is where the Dred Scott

See LABOR, B6

Schnucks to acquire 19 local Shop ‘n Save stores

Christopher M. Tinson will serve as the new director of the African American Studies Program at Saint Louis University. He leaves a position as associate professor of Africana Studies and History at Hampshire College, where he led the establishment of an Africana Studies Concentration. His book “Radical Intellect: Liberator Magazine and Black Activism in the 1960s” was awarded the best book in African-American intellectual history from the African American Intellectual History Society.

JoAnna Schooler was appointed director of Community Relations and Local Government Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis. She will serve as the chancellor’s representative to local governments, associations, organizations, and neighborhood and community groups. She also will develop and communicate university positions on local policy issues..

Aman Lado was named assistant principal of the Normandy Kindergarten Center. Lado has taught in the Normandy Schools Collaborative since 2007, when he worked as a PreKindergarten teacher at the Normandy Early Childhood Center. In 2016, he was recognized as the Normandy Teacher of the Year. He is a former mortgage banker who served in the U.S. Marines and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Jacqueline Thompson will play a lead character in both “Into the Breeches!” and “A Most Outrageous Fit of Madness,” produced by Shakespeare Festival St. Louis October 28 through November 24 at the Grandel Theatre as part of its inaugural “In the Works” program of new work. She recently was named to the Rising Leaders of Color Program by Theatre Communications Group, which provides professional development and networking opportunities to early-career leaders.

David McCall recently performed ballet at the Palais Garnier in Paris, France, considered the most famous opera house in the world. A sophomore pursuing a BFA at the Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance at CalArts in Los Angeles, he was one of three students chosen for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. He is a 2017 graduate of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.

Also

By Chris King

Schnuck Markets will acquire19 St. Louisarea Shop ‘n Save stores – 14 in Missouri, five in Illinois – in a staggered close process starting on October 7 and lasting through most of that month, the St. Louis-based grocer announced on Monday, September 17. Fifteen of the 19 stores include

Ericca Willis is the new president of the St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), one of the oldest African-American trade organizations in the United States. NAREB was established in 1947 with the mission of supporting equal housing opportunities for all and “reimagining the dream of homeownership through advocacy, activism and action. NAREB has 90 chapters in 33 states.

On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

See SCHNUCKS, B2

Christopher M. Tinson

Aman Lado

Ericca Willis

David McCall

JoAnna Schooler

Jacqueline Thompson

Drummers supported the Unpaid Labor Project at the inaugural commemoration of Unpaid Labor Day on the east steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis on September 3.

Of The St. Louis American

Todd Schnuck

Photo by Jordan Wade

Historic Harris-Stowe rec center to get $1.7M renovation

National Park Service grant will bring Vashon Community Center back to life

By Kae M. Petrin Of St. Louis Public Radio

Harris-Stowe State University’s historic Vashon Community Center is getting an upgrade.

The university has received a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service to renovate the interior of the 1936 building, along with $1.2 million from the state of Missouri. The building has most recently been used for storage, but after the $1.7-million renovations, the former public recreation center will again be open to the public.

The college previously received a $1-million grant from the National Park Service to stabilize the exterior with tuck pointing and a roof replacement, but the interior still contains hazardous materials like lead and is not accessible under the American Disabilities Act.

The renovation will focus on updating mechanical features like the electric system, making it accessible to wheelchairs and people with disabilities, and remediating lead and asbestos.

“It’s a building on our campus that has great historic significance. To be able to ensure that the building is open and able to serve the community again is wonderful,” said Heather Bostic, vice president in the university department that writes grants. Because of segregation, Vashon Community Center was one of few public recreational facilities open to AfricanAmerican St. Louisans when it was built.

“It was really only one of

four places in the city that African-American youth and adults could go swim, work on crafts,” said Bostic. “And many people have told us that it was a big part of their youth growing up.”

University officials expect the refurbished building to store historic documents and become the venue for the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.

The National Parks Service grant is part of a $8.6-million grant program that preserves “significant historic structures” on historically black college

and university campuses.

According to officials, the fund comes from off-shore oil lease revenue instead of taxes.

The grant office selected projects from 18 campuses that have buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Officials said Harris-Stowe State University’s project was selected because they have maintained the site well over time.

“We’re not trying to take it back perfectly to a point in time — to where it’s usable but still maintaining

n University officials expect the refurbished building to store historic documents and become the venue for the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.

the historic character,” said Megan Brown, chief of state, tribal, local plans and grants for the National Park Service.

Her office manages the historic preservation fund. Brown also said that the grant fund values projects that will be open to the public. “The use as a community center also carries a lot of weight for it,” she said.

The 15,000-square-foot center was designed by St. Louis architect Albert Osburg, who also designed the Soulard Market. The building’s description in the historic register called the building “an excellent example of restrained Art-Deco architecture,” Bostic said. After the National Park

Service signs the contract later this year, the university will work with the park service to select a historic architect and engineer. Bostic expects the planning and design phase to begin in January 2019. Construction could begin as soon as fall of 2019. Any changes have to be approved by state and national historic preservation offices, Bostic said.

Bostic said the university hopes to complete the project by October 2020. Republished with permission from http://news.stlpublicradio. org.

Credit union offers cash prizes in contest for educational employees

Vantage Credit Union is offering “Impact Education,” a contest for local educational employees during the months of September and October. The contest will provide five cash prizes –two $500 prizes, two $1,000 prizes, and one grand prize of $2,000 – to winners who show how the prize money will benefit their school, students or professional development.

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Entrants must visit www. vcu.com/impact-education and submit a video no longer than 60 seconds explaining how they would use the funds to positively impact education in their school or professional development. The contest runs from September 15 through

Food and Commercial Workers Local 655, said in a statement. “I look forward to working with leaders at Shop ‘n Save and Schnucks to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible deal for the men and women that these businesses are built on.”

In a statement, Schnucks said all Shop ‘n Save employees who pass a background check will “be offered a position at the same wage rate, working a comparable numbers of hours and doing comparable work” at Schnucks.

October 30. Entries will be accepted until October 15, then public voting will commence online. After the voting period ends, the entries with the most votes will be declared the winners.

Enter before October 15, and vote October 15-30, at www.vcu.com/impacteducation.

“They know their stores and their communities and will be an integral part of the conversion process,” Schnuck stated.

Schnucks also is acquiring four Shop ‘n Save fuel centers.

Schnucks also said it will interview all store directors, assistant directors, pharmacy managers at pharmacists at the Shop ‘n Save locations.

Because of segregation, Vashon Community Center was one of few public recreational facilities open to African-American St. Louisans when it was built.

n “You know when a guy gives up Fantasy (Football), he’s truly about that boycott life.”

– St. Louis American columnist Ishmael Sistrunk

Sports

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Ladue meets Clayton, both 4-0

Vito Orlando throws five touchdown passes

The Ladue Rams advanced all the way to the Class 4 state championship game last season before dropping a 14-0 decision to state powerhouse Webb City.

The Rams are once again one of the top Class 4 teams in the state, and they are proving it every week with one dominating performance after another. Ladue has won its first four games with some excellent athletes on offense and a stingy defense that has surrendered just 20 points this season.

Junior quarterback Henry McIntosh has stepped in for graduated standout Jordan Jackson and has kept the offense humming. McIntosh has passed for 668 yards and eight touchdowns.

Standout receiver Dale Chesson is a big-play performer who has 12 receptions for 231 yards and six touchdowns. Senior running back Andrew Hunt has rushed for 375 yards and five touchdowns.

Ladue’s defense is strong and physical up front with 6’7” 255pound senior Moses Okpala and 6’1” 290-pound defensive tackle in the mix. There is also a strong group of linebackers and defensive backs in senior Brandon West and juniors Callen Morley, Brock Jones, Godeon Boaten and Mason Player.

The success figures to continue in the future as the Rams have many juniors playing key roles this season. On Friday, Ladue will visit rival Clayton, who is also off to a 4-0 start this season.

Individual standouts

Vianney’s Kyren Williams amassed 284 yards of total offense and scored four touchdowns in

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Another disputed decision in Canelo-GGG rematch; Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 on the brink?

There’s a famous saying about assumptions that is not quite suitable for this fine, family-friendly paper, so let’s talk about expectations instead. A professional athlete failing to live up to expectations can make perfectly rational people make irrational judgments about them.

Case-in-point, Carmelo Anthony is an excellent basketball player, one destined for the Hall of Fame. He’s a 10-time All-Star, former scoring champion and currently sits as the 18th leading scorer in NBA history. Barring injury, he’ll certainly put a few more legendary scorers in his rearview mirror this coming season. That’s quite a resume. However, Anthony entered the league alongside LeBron James and Dwayne Wade with similar hype and expectations. Unlike the fellow future

Hall of Famers from his draft class, Anthony has failed to win a championship. His legacy is not as strong. That leads many sportswriters and fans, this writer included, to judge Anthony more harshly when analyzing his game. We knock him down because he’s not King James. His didn’t develop as a defender. He doesn’t drop dimes. Etcetera, etcetera… By this point, I’m sure you’re wondering what this has to do with the rematch between Gennady Golovkin vs Canelo Alvarez. For the second-consecutive bout, the official decision has perplexed fight fans around the world. Alvarez’s (50-1-2, 35 KO) split decision victory has generated a healthy debate in the boxing world. Boxing trainer and fight commentator Teddy Atlas called the decision “a robbery.”

Kirkwood’s Jairus Maclin (2) had four receptions for 74 yards and one touchdown against Rockwood Summit Friday night Sept. 14, 2018. The Pioneers went on to defeat the Falcons 34-13.

For the first half of their fight, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin played the role of the boxer while Canelo Alvarez was the aggressor. However, Golovkin didn’t receive enough credit for his jab and ring generalship.

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Gabby Douglas bringing her heroic, controversial story to St. Louis

Gabby Douglas captured the world’s heart when she became the first AfricanAmerican woman to win an Olympic Gold medal in the All-Around Individual gymnastic event at the London Summer Olympics in 2012.

Her brilliant talent and gorgeous smile were only surpassed by her courage when she shared the tragic story of her abuse by USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar Last year, former USA Gymnastics

teammates

McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman said Nassar abused them during their careers and Douglas followed in November. Unfortunately, controversy came first.

After Raisman wrote on Twitter that the way a woman dresses does not give a man the right to sexually abuse her, Douglas replied in agreement, but added, “It is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy. Dressing in a provocative/ sexual way entices the wrong crowd.”

Douglas faced harsh responses, including one from 2016 Olympic gold medalist and teammate Simone Biles that said “honestly seeing this brings me to tears (because) as your teammate I expected more from you & to support her. I support you Aly & all the other women out there! STAY STRONG.”

Douglas posted a statement on Instagram in which she denied “victim shaming” and apologized. She then said that she too was one of Nassar’s victims.

“I didn’t view my comments as victim shaming because I know that no matter what you wear, it NEVER gives anyone the right to harass or abuse you. It would be like saying that because of the leotards we wore, it was our fault we were abused by Larry Nassar,” Douglas said.

“I didn’t publicly share my experiences as well as many other things because for years we were conditioned to stay silent and honestly some things were extremely painful. I wholeheartedly support my teammates for coming forward with what happened to them.” Douglas will discuss her life and athletic success on Tuesday, November 6 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Touhill Performing Arts Center. Part of the sixth annual Speaker Series, the event will be a moderated question-andanswer session.

Tickets are $25 and will go on sale on September 25

through the Touhill box office at (314) 516-4949 or (866) 5164949.

Talk about two faces

When Terrell Owens passed on attending the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony in August, many Hall of Famers criticized him, and few supported his decision.

Now, some of those same players have told the NFL that they will be absent from induction ceremonies in the future until Hall of Famers receive health insurance and an annual salary that includes a share of league revenue. A letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell states, “As a group we are struggling with severe health and financial problems. To build this game, we sacrificed our bodies.”

“In many cases, and despite the fact that we were led to

believe otherwise, we sacrificed our minds. We believe we deserve more. The time has come for us to be treated as part of a game we’ve given so much to,” the letter states.

“Until our demands are met, the Hall of Famers will not attend the annual induction ceremony in Canton.”

ESPN reported Tuesday that the letter was sent by former L.A. Ram Eric Dickerson, chairman of the Hall of Fame Board. Among Hall of Famers who signed it are Kurt Warner

When Owens announced he would not attend the ceremony, Warner was not highly critical but didn’t stand with T.O.’s choice.

“It’s just disappointing,” Warner said. “For me as a fan of the game, for me as another Hall of Famer – I believe the coolest part of the entire process is hearing everybody’s

individual story from their perspective.”

Upon hearing in June that Owens would not attend, Deion Sanders, another signee, said on Twitter, “Please tell me this is April and we’re all fools.”

Ronnie Lott must have forgot what he said about Owens when he added his signature to the letter.

“He’s rejecting the relationships,” Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott told USA TODAY. “That Ray Nitschke Luncheon? That is an incredible moment. Like, wow.”

It’s so “wow” that Lott would skip it for something he believes in.

Jerry Rice supported Owens, and he shared his thoughts after he and Owens were together at the memorial service for San Francisco 49ers great Dwight Clark

“We chatted for a second and we talked about old times and then what he had going on because he’s going to do his induction speech in Chattanooga where everything started for him,” Rice said

during an interview on 95.7 AM in San Francisco.

“That was about it. The thing is, when Terrell makes up his mind about something, you cannot change his mind. He’s going to do it his way. And I commend him.”

Two other names familiar to St. Louis football fans are attached to the letter –Marshall Faulk and Jackie Smith

Other signees are Marcus Allen, Mel Blount, Derrick Brooks, Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, Richard Dent, Carl Eller, Mike Haynes, Rickey Jackson, Curtis Martin, Joe Namath, John Randle Bruce Smith, Lawrence Taylor and Sarah White, Reggie White’s widow.

While the cause is just, the hypocrisy of some of the signees cannot be ignored.

Standing Pat

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Ben Frederickson wrote on September 5 that he was done with the NFL for various reasons. That seems

kind of odd for a columnist at a major metropolitan newspaper to dismiss a league that features several stars from the St. Louis area and even more from the University of Missouri. There is also a team in Kansas City that is the toast of the NFL. Frederickson wrote, “My hand automatically reaches for the radio dial when local sports programming starts breaking down the Chiefs’ defensive line.”

I wonder how he feels about Patrick Mahomes II and the Chiefs’ offense?

Mahomes riddled the Pittsburgh Steelers for six touchdown passes in a 42-37 victory last Sunday. He connected on 23-of-28 passes for 326 yards with no interceptions and the TD passes bring him to a NFL record 10 in the first two games of the season.

“Patrick Mahomes II established himself as both the way-too-early leader for most valuable player and the best explanation for how the NFL operates in 2018 — and probably how it will work in the years to come. He is a marvel, and he is also a fascinating case study, an orchestra tune up of NFL trends,” says Washington Post columnist Adam Kilgore “Sunday may have only been a start for Mahomes. He will face stiffer challenges than Pittsburgh’s secondary, to be sure, and not every Sunday will feel like a glimpse into a fluorescent future of the sport. But through two weeks, Mahomes hasn’t only been the most impressive player in the league. He’s been a signpost of where the sport is headed.” Granted, Washington has a team and St. Louis doesn’t. But it’s crazy for Kilgore to care, but not Frederickson or the rest of the Post sports staff. It’s past time for somebody other than Alvin Reid to acknowledge in print that something special is going on with Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. P.S. Wire stories don’t count,

The Reid Roundup

If you haven’t viewed Tampa Bay quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s postgame press conference following Sunday’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles while wearing teammate DeSean Jackson’s clothes and jewelry, Google it immediately. Big win for Mizzou over Purdue – they’ll beat Georgia on Saturday and be ranked come Tuesday. Of course, I picked Gennady Golavkin (GGG) over Canelo Alvarez by a decision, so don’t listen to me … I’m sorry, but I found it humorous when Buffalo cornerback Vontae Davis retired at halftime in his game against the San Diego Chargers.

Tommy Pham and the Tampa Rays are 22-5 since mid-August – playing in the toughest division in the Majors. I think the St. Louis Cardinals will make the playoffs, but it will come down to the last week of the season. ESPN NBA columnist Zach Lowe wrote last week that the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame should have a wing devoted to NBA Absurdities, and he added, “Hell, the ABA deserves its own building. The Spirits of St. Louis deserve their own wing in that building.”

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @ aareid1

Alvin A. Reid

Gabby Douglas will discuss her life and athletic success on Tuesday, November 6 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Local talent commits to colleges

Yuri Collins to SLU, Cornell Boone to Mizzou

Several talented athletes from the St. Louis area have given verbal commitments during the past week. Starting with football, standout wide receiver Cornell Boone of Parkway North committed to the University of Missouri. The 6’3” 170-pound Boone becomes the fourth player from the St. Louis area’s Class of 2019 to commit to Mizzou. He joins Lutheran North offensive tackle Jack Buford and Kirkwood’s duo of defensive end Arvell Ferguson and wide receiver Maurice Massey. Former McCluer North standout Jacoby Jones has given a verbal commitment to Oklahoma.

The 6’4” 250-pound Jones is currently a sophomore at Butler County Community College (KS), where he is rated as one of the top defensive ends in the junior college ranks. On the basketball front, standout point guard Yuri Collins of St. Mary’s has committed to Saint Louis University. The 5’10” Collins is one of the top point guards in the state of Missouri. A

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mobile opponent.

When Alvarez started off the fight coming forward and actually pushing Golovkin back, many gave him credit for dictating the pace and bringing the fight to his opponent. Listen to the explanations from those who felt Alvarez earned the victory. They all credit his aggression.

Alvarez’s goal was to bully the bully. It was so far from expectations that Kellerman nearly lost his mind praising Alvarez during the fight. What Kellerman and the judges didn’t pay attention to was the fact that while Golovkin is not known for boxing while moving backwards and laterally, he actually did a very good job of it.

Two of the three official judges awarded Alvarez five out of the first seven rounds. Those are the rounds where he spent the most time pressuring his opponent. However, when you take a look at the

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the Griffins’ victory over Chaminade.

CBC’s Bryan Bradford rushed for 312 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Cadets’ victory over DeSmet.

Eureka sophomore Carter Davis passed for 375 yards and six touchdowns in the Wildcats’ victory over Lafayette. Parkway North’s Napier

four-year starter, he led the Dragons to a Class 4 district championship last season. He is the second St. Louis area player in the Class of 2019 to commit to the Billikens, joining East St. Louis standout forward T.J. Hargrove. Standout shooting guard

E.J. Bellinger of Fort Zumwalt South announced that he will be attending Belmont University in Nashville, TN. The 6’4” Bellinger averaged 24 points a game in leading the Bulldogs to the Class 5 state quarterfinals last season.

Cardinal Ritter’s Malek Davis gave a commitment to Drury University in Springfield, Mo. The 5’10” Davis averaged 16 points, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals a game in leading the Lions to an 18-10 record.

Vashon High’s Donyae McCaskill gave a verbal commitment to the University of Portland of the West Coast Conference. The 6’2” McCaskill is one of the most explosive athletes in the state. In girls’ basketball, Whitfield High standout Tajah Foster-Walker has given a commitment to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The 6’1” Walker is an excellent athlete who helped the Warriors to the Class 3 Final Four in 2018. As a junior, Walker averaged 9.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5

Compubox punch stat numbers, Golovkin outpunched and out-landed his opponent in five of the seven rounds. Officials use four components when judging fights: ring generalship, effective aggression, clean punching and defense. Exactly how effective was Alvarez’s aggression if he was outpunched 470 to 345 over the first seven rounds and out-landed 131 to 110? It’s as if ring generalship was thrown out the window simple because the puncher became the boxer. Replace Golovkin with Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Terence Crawford and people would’ve talked about how the superior boxers neutralized Alvarez’s aggression with the jab. Since Golovkin is not known as a skilled tactician, he was penalized, rather than rewarded, for working behind a stiff and steady jab. Over the last five rounds, Golovkin turned on the pressure and stopped moving backwards. He became the aggressor and still outpunched and out-landed his opponent, often landing the harder and cleaner blows.

Perkins rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings victory over Parkway West. Belleville West receiver Dominic Lovett caught five passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Alton.

Lutheran South’s Vito Orlando threw five touchdown passes, including the gamewinner with seven seconds left, in a victory over John Burroughs.

blocks a game.

Guard Yani Curry of Francis Howell Central has given a commitment to Toledo. The 5’9” Curry averaged 12.6points a game in leading the Spartans to a 23-6 record and a berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals in 2018.

Don’t get it confused. I’m not suggesting that Alvarez did not fight well. Though I scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Golovkin, there were enough impossible-to-pick rounds that a close Alvarez decision is well within reason. His decision to refuse to cede ground to his imposing opponent showed heart and huevos. Still, I strongly believe Golovkin did enough to retain his titles, whether by a close decision victory or another draw. A draw in the second fight would have been much more acceptable than the one gifted to Alvarez a year ago. What’s sad is, in my opinion, “GGG” did enough to earn victories in both fights but all he has to show for it are two smudges on his previously pristine record (a loss and a draw).

If the third fight happens, Golovkin now knows that he will have to be the bullying, stalking goon that everybody expects in order to get that elusive victory. He may need to take it out of the judges’ hands all together.

On tap this weekend

• Vianney (3-1) at DeSmet (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

• Kirkwood (4-0) at Pattonville (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

• Francis Howell (2-2) at Troy (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

• Ladue (4-0) at Clayton (4-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

• Hazelwood East (3-1) at Hazelwood Central (2-2), Saturday, noon

Area hoopers get USA Invites Congratulations to area basketball players Caleb Love of CBC and Luther Burden of Cardinal Ritter College Prep on receiving invitations to the USA Basketball Fall Training Camp, which will be held from

Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2?

I’m typically skeptical of Floyd Mayweather Jr. comeback rumors for two reasons. First, “Money” loves being the center of attention and isn’t past floating fight rumors in order to gain some headlines. Secondly, Mayweather should have enough cash to last a lifetime without needed to take another punch in the face.

Despite its brutal nature though, boxing is the one sport that athletes can’t seem to walk away from. Many of the great fighters have seemingly come out of retirement almost as many times as they stepped into the ring.

Nobody expected Mayweather to actually face off against Conor McGregor, yet it happened. Now Mayweather is talking about coming out of retirement once again for a rematch against Manny Pacquiao

Mayweather posted a video on Instagram featuring him and Pacquiao discussing a potential fight during an event in Japan.

Mayweather’s caption read:

• MICDS (4-0) at John Burroughs (3-1), Saturday, 2 p.m.

Oct. 5-7 in Colorado Springs. The 6’3” Love has emerged as one of the top prospects in the Midwest in the Class of 2020. As a sophomore, he averaged 18 points a game in leading the Cadets to a Class 5 district championship. He enjoyed a big summer while playing with the Brad Beal

“I’m coming back to fight Manny Pacquiao this year. Another 9 figure pay day on the way.”

Elite 16U team.

The 6’0” Burden is an up and coming two-sport freshman standout at Cardinal Ritter. He played last summer for the St. Louis Eagles 14U team. He is a talented offensive player who as a chance to be an impact player for the Lions this season. He is the son of former Beaumont High and Saint Louis U. basketball standout Luther Burden.

RIP Coach Rodney Our prayers and sympathies go out to the family of Rodney Williams, a former area youth sports coach who passed away over the weekend. His set of twins, Cameron and Kelsie Williams, were standout basketball players at Hazelwood Central on the boys’ and girls’ teams. Both are beginning their collegiate careers at SIU-Edwardsville this season. I always enjoyed spending time with Rodney any time I attended a Hazelwood Central event. He was a good man and a tremendous sports parent. One of the best. He supported his children and was so very proud of them. This is a big loss to so many kids and people who he came across over the years. Going to games at Hazelwood Central will not be the same without Coach Rod in the house.

It’s understandable why. Mayweather cruised to an easy victory in the first bout. However, though Pacquiao suffered a disputed defeat to Jeff Horn in 2017, he bounced back strong with an impressive KO victory over Lucas Matthysse in July. The KO could give a potential rematch with Mayweather enough juice to net both combatants another nine-figure payday, as Mayweather suggested. With an eye on a December date, we should know very soon if Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 will indeed become a reality.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ishcreates.

The junior quarterback enjoyed a record-setting evening in the Lions victory over Helias last Friday. Hagens completed 19 of his 26 passes for 479 yards and eight touchdowns in Ritter’s 61-35 victory. The eight TD passes ties the state record for most in a single game. The ST. LouiS AmericAn AreA coLLege AThLeTeS of The Week

Cardinal Ritter – Football

Hagens completed TD passes to five different receivers. For the season, Hagens has completed 64 of 98 for 1,092 yards and 16 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Cardinal Ritter (4-0) will face Father Tolton on Friday at 7 p.m.

Earl Austin Jr.

St. Mary’s basketball standout Yuri Collins has given a commitment to Saint Louis University.

Photo by Leon Threatt

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case was decided. It faces the Gateway Arch, the symbol of the country’s western expansion that ignited the Civil War over slavery. On September 3, 2018 it will symbolize a new beginning in our history and a better tomorrow for our people, our nation and ourselves.”

They noted that the contribution of unpaid labor in what is now the United States “began in 1607. That’s 169 years before the United States became a country in 1776, and 287 years before Labor Day became an official holiday.” Wood said that Unpaid Labor day reflects the insights of socially engaged academics being pushed into public view.

“We’ve learned a lot in the

last 50 years, but the problem has been mostly professors talking to each other and writing books,” Wood said, “and not spending much time talking at churches , synagogues, mosques and sharing with other people.”

n “This is a first for all the decades we’ve been celebrating Labor Day.”

– Peter H. Wood, Duke University

Reverend Freddy J. Clark, pastor of Shalom Church (City of Peace), is determined to make this message widely known.

“This is the first of many as we move forward to take this piece of historical information to people of color,” Clark said.

The Unpaid Labor Project openly opposes white supremacy, the theory of racial superiority that justified American slavery. At the event, Sandra Coleman spoke in character as “Hattie,” an ancestor connecting with the current generation of African Americans.

“Be aware and make your children aware that, indeed, all men are created equal.” Coleman said as Hattie. “America must abolish that false idea that one race is superior. That school of thought will certainly lead America down a dark and slippery slope.”

On its website, the Unpaid Labor Project notes that it will be 2123 “before African Americans will have been free as long as their ancestors were enslaved.”

For more information, visit unpaidlabor.com.

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman

Consider these financial tips for single women

If you’re a single woman, most of your financial challenges and aspirations may resemble those of single men. Men and women face the same economic stress factors of modern life, and both groups have similar financial goals, such as the ability to retire comfortably. But women still face specific obstacles. You need to be aware of these challenges – and do everything you can to overcome them. For example, women still face a wage gap. In 2017, women earned 82% of what men earned, according to the Pew Research Center. However, the wage gap narrows among younger workers, and may even disappear for highly educated women, especially those in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Another financial concern for women is

Faced with these and other issues, what can you do to help yourself move toward your important goals?

Consider these steps:

Develop good financial habits. Establishing good financial habits can pay

to care for loved ones. This means fewer contributions to Social Security, 401(k)s and other retirement plans.

A choir from Shalom Church (City of Peace) supported the Unpaid Labor Project at the inaugural commemoration of Unpaid Labor Day on the east steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis on September 3.

Photo by Jordan Wade

RBRM a solid reinvention for New Edition alums

Latest tour an extremely enjoyable focus on spinoff efforts of Brown, BBD

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Some fans may have found it hard to fathom an incarnation of New Edition without lead singers Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. But the truth is Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins forged identities from themselves outside of the boy band that made them famous – Brown as a solo artist and the breakaway trio Bell Biv DeVoe. The 3,500-plus die-hard St. Louis fans who put their justified feelings about the fragmented reunion aside Sunday night got a chance to see that the group’s respective post-New Edition resumes have enough weight to carry a show on their own. Those expecting to see the abbreviated group’s take on New Edition classics got something else altogether. New Edition reunion single “Hit Me Off,” “Mr. Telephone Man” and a few lines made by Bell during an extended solo for “Smile Again” were about it for references to the music of New Edition. Members Tresvant and Gill were shoutedout by the other group members more than

of a New Edition 40-year anniversary tour, fans

RBRM – which was not

‘Welcome to ‘The Voice’

Burroughs 8th grader Kennedy Holmes wows celeb coaches on

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

Kennedy Holmes had not sung a single lyric, but she already had the judges’ attention during the blind auditions for the upcoming season of the hit vocal talent competition “The Voice,” which kicks off Monday night (Sept. 24) on NBC. About two bars into an intricate vocal run that she incorporated into her take on Adele’s “Turning Tables,” Kelly Clarkson already had a clue regarding what was about to happen.

“Aww man,” Clarkson said. In her second season as one of the four music star coaches on the show, she has already established a reputation of knowing a singer’s singer when she hears it. Last season, Clarkson co-signed

for another St. Louis singer, Tish Haynes-Keys, who enjoyed an impressive run and ultimately finished in the top 24. Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine was the first to press the buzzer and turn around for

and

tresses to a multimillion-dollar industry. Centuries of systemic racism and Eurocentric standards beauty led to the simple act of loving black hair as it grows out of one’s head was revolutionary. Not anymore. There are more options and natural hair is more universally embraced than it has ever been – which has broadened the need for guidance, support and information.

It was with this in mind that Christopher Simpson founded The St. Louis Natural Hair & Black Culture Expo. The event will return for the fourth year this weekend as a one-stop shop for all stages of the natural hair journey.

See RBRM, C4 n There are more options and natural hair is more universally embraced than it has ever been.

Kennedy Holmes, an eighth grader at John Burroughs School, will be one to watch as the 15th Season of NBC’s ‘The Voice’ kicks off on Monday, September 24.

As a t-shirt vendor who specializes in natural hair affirmations, Simpson attended the world-famous Bronner Brothers Hair Show. It was an experience he wanted recreate in his hometown. His goal was not only to provide products and information, but also to help the black dollar recycle within the black community by giving fellow entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase before the captive natural hair community.

“People were really embracing natural hair, not to call it a trend, but that’s kind of how it was looked at,” Simpson said.

“I wanted to provide a platform for people to get more knowledge about it – as well as get access to products and services and give vendors the opportunity to grow their businesses.”

though. Before the end of the first verse, he made it clear that he was interested in having

Working with a team that also includes Dr. GeNita “Dr. G” Williams,” Elizabeth Donielle Williams, Linda Clark and Belle Be, The St. Louis Natural Hair & Black Culture Expo will take place at the Downtown Holiday Inn Express on September 22-23 and has an extensive lineup of programming – including consumer classes and live demonstrations, more than 50 vendors, live product and technique showcasing by

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Bobby Brown.

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

Fri., Sept. 28, 6 p.m., Joy FM presents Mandisa: Girls Night Live. With guests Blanca, Candace Payne, and Jasmine Murray. Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, 63303. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Mon., Oct. 1, 8:30 p.m., The Pageant presents Sting & Shaggy – The 44/876 Tour 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

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

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

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

Wed., Oct. 10, 8 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Lupe Fiasco. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.delmarhall.com.

Fri., Oct. 12, 8 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton

Marsalis. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. thesheldon.org.

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

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

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

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

local gigs

Sun., Oct. 7, 4 p.m., Philly Soul. The music of Grover Washington Jr. and Phyllis Hyman performed by Montez Coleman’s Jazz All-stars and The Coleman Hughes Project ft. Adrianne. Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 4967751.

Sun., Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m., Twangfest presents Respect – A Tribute to Aretha Franklin. Off Broadway

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Music Venue, 3509 Lemp Ave., 63118. For more information, visit www.etix. com.

Sun., Sept 30, 5 p.m., An evening of Blues, Soul and R&B starring blues legend Eugene Johnson, The Signature Room, 9002 Page Ave. Tickets can be purchased at Afro World 7276 Natural Bridge Ave. For more information, call (314) 3895194 or e-mail cjames4280. cj@gmail.com

special events

Thur., Sept. 20, 5:30 p.m., Operation Food Search’s Party for Packs. An evening of music and tastings. Proceeds support Operation Backpack, which provides weekend meals to food-insecure kids. 1644 Lotsie Blvd., 63132. For more information, visit www. operationfoodsearch.org.

Sept. 21 – 23, Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival.

Hispanic Folkloric dancers, over 70 booths. Soulard Park, 7 th St. and Lafayette Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www.hispanicfestivalstl. com.

Sat., Sept. 22, 9 a.m., Best Friends Animal Society invites you to Strut Your Mutt. Walk to support homeless pets, visit vendors, and enjoy family friendly activities. Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.bestfriends.org.

Sat., Sept.22, 10 a.m., Missouri History Museum hosts an Annie Malone Celebration. Open to all ages with interactive opportunities, entrepreneurship activities, natural hair care, and historical presentations. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Sept. 22, 11 a.m., Everybody Eats STL hosts Taste of Black St. Louis Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63116. For more information, visit www.

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

eventbrite.com.

Sat., Sept. 22, 11 a.m., ConsciousFest 2018. A celebration of culture, call to consciousness and unity. 1111 S. Broadway, 63104. For more information, visit www. consciousfest.net.

Sat., Sept. 22, 1 p.m., Glennon Gallop FieldSide Party. Sport your best Kentucky Derby inspired attire for this derby-like party. Proceeds benefit Danis Pediatric Center. Kraftig Polo Club, 4020 Benne Rd., 63341. For more information, visit www.glennon.org/gallopfieldside.

Sat., Sept. 22, 1 p.m., An African Market in St. Louis. Get a glimpse of what an open-air market is like in Senegal, complete with a traditional beverages and snacks, fashion, and music. 4604 Washington St., 63108. For more information, visit www.expeditionsubsahara. com.

Sat., Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m., Annie Malone Children

and Family Service invites you to The Legacy Gala Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. anniemalonechildrenfamily. simpletix.com.

Sat., Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Eta Omega Chapter present The Phirst Phamily Paragon Awards Soiree. Renaissance Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Sept. 22-Sept. 23, 4th Annual The St. Louis Natural Hair & Black Culture Expo, Holiday Inn Downtown, 811 N. 9th St. For more information, https://www.eventbrite.com/ e/4th-annual-stlouis-naturalhair-black-cultural-expo2018-tickets-46887190850

Sun., Sept. 23, 3 p.m., Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

Mon., Sept 24, 10:30 a.m., Angad Arts Hotel Career Fair, .Zack Building, 3224 Locust. For more information, visit https://harri.com/AngadArts-Hotel

Tues., Sept. 25, 7 a.m., St. Louis Business Diversity Connect 2018. Diverse business owners can meet with procurement representatives and supplier diversity managers. Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 5846842.

Thurs., Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m., Spanish Lake Community Association and Spanish Lake Community Empowerment Corp present Twillman House Legacy Cocktail Party, 11840 Bellefontaine Rd. For more information, e-mail angela@ spanishlakecdc.org or call (314) 733-9020.

Sat., Sept. 29, 8 a.m., 10th Annual Over the Edge St. Louis. Rappel 17 stories down the side of Hyatt Regency and raise money to benefit Special Olympics. 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, visit www.somo.org/edge.

Sat., Sept. 29, 9:45 a.m., Zeta Charitable Foundation

of St. Louis, Inc. presents A Winery Trip. Proceeds benefit scholarship fund. Stone Hill and Oak Glenn Wineries. Depart from North Hanley Metrolink Station, 4398 Hanley Rd., 63121. For more information, visit www. zetafoundationstl.org.

Sat., Sept. 29, 10 a.m., Independent Schools of St. Louis and Mocha Moms, Inc. present Elementary Schools Fair for Families of Color. 7825 Big Bend Blvd., 63119. For more information, visit www.independentschools.org.

Sat., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., The St. Louis American Foundation presents the 31st Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, America’s Center. For more information, visit www.stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000.

Sun., Sept. 30, 11 a.m., St. Louis Premium Outlets invites you to a Retailer Job Fair. Job seekers can apply for seasonal, part-time and full-time positions with their favorite retailers. 18521 Outlet Blvd., 63005. For more information, visit www.premiumoutlets. com/stlouis.

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

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

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

literary

Thur., Sept. 20, 3 p.m., Center for Social Development hosts author Richard Reeves, author of Dream Hoarders: How the American Upper Middle Class Is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust, Why That Is a Problem, and What to Do About It. Brown School, Washington University, 6351 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Bookfest St. Louis: An Evening with Sally Field. The actor will discuss her book, In Pieces, a memoir about being a woman in the last half of the 20th century. Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Fri., Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents 100

Boots: Aditi Machado and Geoffrey G. O’Brien. This series presents readings by a range of local and national poets. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.pulitzerarts.og.

Sat., Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m., Bookfest St. Louis. The festival features author presentations, panel discussions, book signings family-friendly activities and more. Central West End, 63108. For more information, visit www.bookfeststl.com.

Tues., Sept. 25, 4 p.m., Sheila Nolan Whalen Series: Rowan Ricardo Phillips. Phillips will read his poetry. DuBourg Hall, St. Louis University, 221 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slu. edu.

Tues., Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Matthew Horace, author of The Black and the Blue: A Cop Reveals the Crimes, Racism, and Injustice in America’s Law Enforcement. Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., Sept. 26, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Marc Perrusquia, author of A Spy in Canaan: How the FBI Used a Famous Photographer to Infiltrate the Civil Rights Movement. Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

theatre

Through September 21, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site’s Dramatic First Person Impressions Harriet Tubman by Kathryn Harris. 7400 Grant Rd., 63123. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/ulsg/index.htm.

Through Sept. 23, The Black Rep presents Crowns. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.edison.wustl.edu.

Sept. 28 – Oct. 14, Upstream Theater presents CHEF. The story of how one woman went from being a head chef to a convicted inmate running a prison kitchen. Starring Linda Kennedy. The Kranzberg, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

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

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

Fri., Oct. 19, 8 p.m., Je’Caryous Johnson and Snoop Dogg present The Redemption of a Dogg Tour with Snoop Dogg and Tamar Braxton. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103.For more information, visit www.

ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Sept. 22, 4 p.m., Peace

Weaving Wholeness presents A Taste of Art for Peace Goes Caribbean. Enjoy music, costume contests, silent auction, and more. 14th Street Artist Community, 2701 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.14thstreetartist community.com.

Through Sept. 28, Fontbonne University Faculty and Staff Exhibition & Speaker Series. Artist talks will take place weekly. Fontbonne University Gallery of Fine Art, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Through Sept. 28, Emerging Artists Showcase. TechArtista, 4818 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Through September 30, Let’s Play Ball! Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sun., Sept. 30, 10 a.m., Art in the Park St. Louis Hills. 70 artists will come together to showcase their creative wares amid live music, tasty food and kids’ activities. Francis Park, 5399 Donovan Ave., 63109. For more information, visit www.artintheparkstl.com.

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

Wed., Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m., RE: Black Visual Mourning. Panelists explore ways that black artists use visual culture to memorialize black bodies in response to Sanford Biggers. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750

Washington Blvd., 63018. For more information, visit www. camstl.org.

lectures and workshops

Mon., Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m., SCORE St. Louis presents Understanding Financial Statements. Learn how to prepare statements, the impact of statements, and more. Anheuser-Busch Hall, Fontbonne University, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis presents Missouri Ballot Issues. Come to hear explanations from experts – pro and con - for the November ballot issues. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

health

Fri., Sept. 21, 11 a.m., Falls Prevention Awareness Day Free Event. Event includes fall risk assessments, flu vaccinations, games, giveaways, a light lunch and more. Maryland Heights Community Center, 2300 McKelvey Rd., 63043. For more information, visit www. stloasis.org.

Sun., Sept. 30, 7:30 a.m., SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital presents a Sun Run. 5k and 1-mile fun run. Ballpark Villege, 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www. glennon.org/sunrun.

Sat., Oct. 6, 8 a.m., 9th Annual Sista Strut Breast Cancer Awareness Walk 2018. Increase awareness about the issues of breast cancer in women of color, learn about resources and celebrate survivors. Gateway

Arch, 11 N. 4th St., 63102. For more information, visit www.thebeatstl.iheart.com.

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

spiritual

Tuesdays in September, Greater Faith M.B. Church City of Love presents September 2 Remember Speakers include Pastor J. Kevin James, Jr., Evangelist DaphneRice-Bruce, Juan C. Beane, and Michael Lampkin. 4114 W. Natural Bridge Rd., 63115. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sun., Oct. 7, 3 p.m., No More Sitting Out: Metropolitan Congregations United 2018 District Meetings. Discuss school suspensions, police in schools, ballot issues, and election equity. Multiple locations. For more information, visit www. mcustlouis.org or call (314) 704-7485.

Sat., Oct. 6, 8 a.m., Shalom Church Women’s Conference 2018 Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, visit www. secureaccess.com.

film

Fri., Sept. 28, Night School starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish opens in theatres nationwide.

Fri., Oct. 5, 6 p.m., Screening and Discussion of Ava Duvernay’s Documentary Film 13th. New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, 4700 W. Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Black Violin. See CONCERTS for details.

professional barbers and stylists.

“When you are watching YouTube, you might have a question about what they are doing,” Simpson said. “We provide that face-to-face contact and the opportunity to get immediate answers.”

Product and service promotions, live performances, and a host of natural hair experts will be present to provide onsite product and technique consultation as a part of the programming as well, along with a fashion showcase and a free book fair hosted by Nerdy Kids Book Club. Health and wellness will also be featured and a host of musical guests are scheduled to provide entertainment over the course of the two days as well.

Tendai Morris of Healthy Hair Solutions will be providing one of her Texture Talks as part of the Natural Hair & Black Culture Expo programming.

“Several years ago, people were wondering when ‘this natural hair thing’ was going away,” Morris said. “We saw a whole lot of women doing their own hair, not because they wanted to, but because so many stylists refused to evolve with them.”

She will be featured at the Natural Hair & Black Culture Expo on Sunday.

“This is going to be the biggest Natural Hair Weekend in St. Louis,”

Morris proclaimed. On Friday, Morris will host a red carpet celebration to commemorate her Healthy Hair Solutions line hitting the shelves at select Macy’s department stores – including in her hometown of St. Louis. Morris’ event will also feature a screening of the Netflix film “Nappily Ever After,” a film starring Sanaa Lathan that brings one black woman’s dramatic big chop and subsequent natural hair journey to the screen.

“It’s deep, and I’m grateful to be able to hold their hand and walk them through those dark areas of that journey and when they get over that hump,” Morris said. “It’s so empowering to help them to make a decision that is going to be better for themselves long term.”

She is excited to return as one of many featured natural hair care experts to present at the expo and encouraged by the growth of the two-day event.

“I’m honored to be a part of it,” Morris said. “When you are disconnected from the strands of your hair, you are not living up to your full potential. The whole journey of transitioning to natural is a representation of getting to a place where you are loving yourself and living your truth.”

The 4th Annual St. Louis Natural Hair & Black Culture Expo will take place from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. September 22-23 at the Downtown Holiday Inn Express, 811 N. 9th Street. For additional details or to purchase tickets, visit http:// www.stlnaturalhairexpo.com.

RBRM

Continued from C1

consolation prize by any means. Backed by a live band a large crew of dancers, the group’s reinvention, which blended the biggest hits from Brown and BBD, was a win. Bell told the crowd that he was excited to be able to perform Brown’s hits along with him and vice versa. The result was something of which all four could be proud. The tour had some buzz, thanks to being less than two weeks out from the airing of “The Bobby Brown Story” on BET. Often characterized as the “bad boy of R&B,” and taking heat from antics onstage and offstage, he was lauded as a survivor when he stood before St. Louis fans, based on what they saw over the course of

VOICE

Continued from C1

her join his team.

“Very rarely does someone come along that reignites our passion for what we do,” Levine said later as he pitched himself to Holmes for the opportunity to coach her. “To hear you sing today, did that. After 15 seasons, you really could be the biggest thing to ever come from this show.”

By the end of the first chorus, Clarkson and the rest of the judges turned around in quick succession. Holmes earned the distinction of having all four chairs turn, but never lost her cool as her parents and brother became overwhelmed with emotion as they looked on from backstage.

“Welcome to ‘The Voice’, what’s your name?” Blake Shelton asked. “I’m Kennedy Holmes. I’m 13 years old and I’m from St. Louis, Missouri.”

When Holmes revealed her age, Clarkson was compelled to leap from her seat and walk around the stage. “What?!”

n Aside from the BBD smash, “Poison,” it was Bobby Brown’s catalog that fared best with fans, particularly “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Roni,” “Every Little Step.”

the two-part miniseries (that Brown produced). He proved it true as he powered through his portions of the performance –which kicked off with Brown’s hit “My Prerogative.”

Aside from the BBD smash, “Poison,” it was Brown’s catalog that fared best with fans, particularly “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Roni,” “Every Little Step.” Brown had the bigger hits of the two acts, but he also has the biggest presence among the group. Bell has the vocal chops to be an official lead singer, but for whatever reason, he lacks the confidence, so Brown’s energy is a muchneeded asset that has always

Clarkson exclaimed. Clarkson was still in disbelief as Shelton predicted with confidence that their ratings would “shoot through the roof” because of Holmes’ presence on the show.

“What?” Clarkson continued through Shelton’s remarks.

“Your voice already sounds so seasoned and accomplished – so much control and so much range – oh my God,” Shelton said.

Their reaction to Holmes’ voice is a familiar one.

I felt the same way when, as a ten year old, she stole the show during The Muny’s 2015 production of “Hairspray.” I can still remember the voice that came out of that little body in a cute little dress with pigtails when Holmes stepped on stage as Little Inez.

It was a big voice for a small child, but beyond the sheer bigness there was pitch, the tone and the control singers train their whole careers to attain.

Now as an eighth-grader at John Burroughs School, Holmes has the attention of some of music’s biggest stars. And as the show gears up for its 15th season, “The Voice” chose her audition to reel in

been missing from the BBD experience despite the presence of a strong singer in the trio.

BBD hits “Do Me,” “B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?” and “Something In Your Eyes” were also among those performed. Fans who may have been suspicious could not help but be satisfied with RBRM.

The same cannot be said for the entire roster of opening performances. After a strong opening spin session from 95.5 FM’s DJ Kut, Durham, North Carolina native Trez Falsetto was a bust with a crop of covers better suited for a community center talent competition than a major act

viewing audiences ahead of its premiere.

“Just so you know, the most beautiful parts of your voice aren’t even the biggest,” Clarkson said. “The most beautiful are the intimate ones where you let that roundness, that falsetto; that head voice set in. It’s just – woo – so good. You deserved every one of these chairs turning around.”

Holmes was cool and composed – until it was coach Jennifer Hudson’s turn to speak. For a moment, her fandom got the better of her.

“One of my first performances was ‘I Am Changing’ and I’ve dreamed to sing with you,” Holmes confessed after bursting into tears.

Hudson famously performed “I Am Changing,” in the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” where she starred alongside Beyonce, Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. The movie hit theatres the year after Holmes was born – and earned Hudson a “Best Supporting Actress” Academy Award for her portrayal of Effie White.

“I’m ready,” said Hudson, who was discovered on the

arena show. Ginuwine’s “Pony” and R. Kelly’s “You Remind Me of My Jeep” were among them. His single “Drove” is a decent song to groove along with, but he had already lost the crowd. R&B veteran Case didn’t fare any better with an abbreviated set that didn’t seem short enough. “Happily Ever After,” “Missing You” and “Faded Pictures” were marginally received, at best. Fans got into his breakthrough hit “Touch Me, Tease Me,” but were otherwise unbothered. After underwhelming efforts from Falsetto and Case, hip-hop legend DJ Kid Capri restored the energy of the crowd just in time for RBRM to hit the stage with a masterful mix of black music classics that blended generations and genres from classic soul, R&B and rap.

television talent competition “American Idol.” A member of the technical crew handed Hudson a microphone and she made her way towards Holmes on stage. When Holmes received her cue to sing, the fan girl instantly gave way to the consummate singer she has already proven herself to be. She belted every note with poise and composure – even while singing alongside her idol. Hudson was in awe of every note as she chimed in.

“You are amazing,” Hudson said after the pair sang a few bars together. She allowed Holmes to cross a major item from her bucket list, so it was only fair for Hudson to follow up by shooting her shot.

“Does that mean you’ll come to my team?” Hudson asked. Viewers will have to wait until September 24 to find out.

The two-night season premiere of “The Voice” begins at 7 p.m. CST Monday, September 24 on NBC and continues Tuesday, September 25. Check local listings for channels. For more information on the show, visit https://www.nbc.com/thevoice.

‘We can change the world’

Black women’s organizations convene with midterm elections on their minds

By Tenley-Ann Hawkins For The St. Louis American

The 2018 midterm elections are two months away, and black women’s organizations are serious about making sure their voices are heard. If you don’t believe it, ask lawyer, author, and businesswoman Stacey Abrams. Black women turned out in force in May to help her secure the Democratic Party’s nomination for governor of Georgia. Ask U.S. Senator Doug Jones from Alabama. Last December, 98 percent of African-American women cast their vote in his favor sending him to Washington instead of his opponent Roy Moore.

A recent survey conducted for the NAACP found that more than 60 percent of blacks thought it was more important to vote this year as compared to the 2014 midterm elections, and national black women’s organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., The Links Incorporated, The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) are actively involved in grassroots efforts aimed at dramatically increasing Black voter participation.

On September 14, these organizations and nearly 20 gathered in Washington, D.C. for the BWA’s 41st Annual Town Hall & Awards Luncheon highlighting the importance of action, activism, and civic engagement.

“We all care about

education, health-related issues, safe communities, and economic empowerment,” said BWA President Gwainevere Catchings Hess. “The symposium allows our organizations to harness the power of numbers and collaborate to get voters registered, informed, and to the polls so they can be a part of the change we all want to see.”

In 2012, 70.7 percent of African-American women voted – a rate higher than any other group across gender, race, and ethnicity, and they played a major role in returning President Barack Obama to the White House. In 2014, a year when only 37 percent of America’s eligible voters cast ballots in the midterm elections, 43 percent of black women voted. That number rebounded to 64.1 percent in the 2016 presidential election. The BWA is a nonprofit, non-partisan 501(c)3 organization that generates awareness and support for issues that secure, advance, and protect the rights and well-being of black women and their families. Through the development of a social priorities agenda, it facilitates discussions that promote effective policies and meaningful change. BWA is comprised of 22 national collaborating women’s organizations – sororities, civic, service and faith-based – that represent millions of women worldwide.

This year BWA’s symposium included a town

hall forum challenged more than 800 participants to be catalysts for change and remind them that maintaining a democracy is every citizen’s responsibility. The program featured a panel of journalists, politicos, and educators including moderator Sheinelle Jones, a NBC News co-anchor and MSNBC host; Michael Steele, Maryland lieutenant governor from 2003-2007 and former chair of the Republican National Committee; CNN political commentators Symone Sanders and Tara Setmayer; Sharon Epperson, CNBC senior personal finance correspondent; Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, president and CEO, Global Policy Solutions, LLC; Cornell Belcher, progressive pollster and political strategist and founder and President, brilliant corners Research & Strategies, and Glenda Glover, president, Tennessee State University.

“During the 2018 midterm elections, we want to send a two-fold message,” said Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, president of The Links, Incorporated, one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations. “The first is that black women

matter. We have to make our voices heard and our power known by showing up and voting in local and state-level elections. The second message is that there are issues that are important to us at the state and local level, we know what they are, and we are voting to ensure that our needs are being addressed. If you want our support, then you have to respect us and get behind the issues that concern us.”

“They say that politics is local,” said Glenda Glover, who is also international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – a 300,000-member organization committed to servant-leadership, effective advocacy, and positive social change. AKA sorors are busy canvassing their communities, encouraging people to vote, learn about what is at stake, see that their neighbors cast ballots, and to volunteer as poll workers.

“With the midterm elections, there is an opportunity to help shape the legislative agenda, respond to attempts to gerrymander districts, and have a voice when it comes to shaping the Supreme Court, and conscience of America,” Glover said.

African-American women are uniquely suited to understand the needs of their communities, notes Ingrid Saunders Jones, president of The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., a coalition comprised of 240 communitybased sections and 40 collegiate sections that work to enlighten and inspire more than 3,000,000 women and men.

“We understand that for our communities to thrive, we need a good public education for our children, and so we are looking for candidates who share that view in their public policy pronouncements,” Jones said. “We know that health disparities exist and how critical access to health is, and we recognize those who articulate that as part of their platform. We also know that access to capital isn’t readily available, and we are seeking out those individuals who will help make it easier for us to attain.”

When the children of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. members reach 18 years old, they are automatically provided with voter registration information and applications. An organization of mothers with children ages 2-19,

Jack and Jill is dedicated to nurturing future AfricanAmerican leaders. Its members and some of their children also make biannual trips to Capitol Hill to discuss issues with their respective senators and representatives.

“We want to make sure they know where we stand on issues such as gun control, health care, and assistance programs,” said Danielle Brown, Jack and Jill’s 26th national president. The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. conducts regular webinars that help introduce and focus participants on common issues facing Black communities, and The Links, Incorporated will host a livestreamed legislative luncheon during which attendees will explore strategies for getting out the vote with a panel of political experts and members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a 95-year-old organization founded by seven AfricanAmerican coeds at Butler University in Indianapolis, adopted voting rights and voter registration as one of its social action initiatives virtually at its inception. Its 500 chapters hold non-partisan, educational forums for contests ranging from school board elections to national campaigns. Galvanizing their communities has also inspired many of the organization’s members to run for local office.

“I’m looking forward to all of us returning to our respective organizations and communities more empowered, motivated, and united than ever before,” said Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s International Grand Basileus Deborah CatchingsSmith.

“We have to dispel the myth among some people that their single vote doesn’t matter, and we do that through education, conversation, and meeting people where they are. As black women, we have the intelligence, stamina, and perseverance to make that happen, and when we come together with determined minds, we can change the world.”

The Black Women’s Agenda’s collaborating organizations include major black sororities and professional, religious and social organizations led by black women. Its annual symposium was held September 14 in Washington, D.C.

Celebrating Annie Malone

The Missouri Historical Society hosts family day and fundraising gala on Sept. 22

By Shakia Gullette

For The St. Louis American

For many St. Louisans, the name Annie Malone is synonymous with the success and advancement of the black community. Orphaned at an early age, Malone enjoyed studying the varying hair textures among African-American women and learning how they styled it. Turned off by the use of lye-based products, Malone became a self-taught chemist. She created her signature product, the Wonderful Hair Grower, in 1900. At the turn of the century, St. Louis had the fourth-largest African American population in the country, so it was the ideal location for Malone to grow her business. Shortly after moving here in 1902, she copyrighted the trademark “Poro” and set her sights on making her business a global enterprise.

Poro took its name from a West African secret hunting society. Malone admired the society’s cohesiveness and organization – characteristics Malone wanted to use as guiding principles for her own company. Malone also used Poro as a way to connect her employees with their African roots.

By 1917, Malone’s business was soaring, and she embarked upon a half-million-dollar construction project that would create a permanent home for her organization. In 1918, Poro College opened its doors to the public. The complex housed her business office, manufacturing operation and training center, as well as spaces for civic, religious, and social functions. This state-of-the-art facility included classrooms, beauty shops, laboratories, an auditorium, a gentlemen’s smoking parlor, a cafeteria, dining halls, an ice cream parlor, a bakery, an emergency hospital, a theater, a gymnasium, a chapel, a roof garden, and much more.

Poro College was a hub of black entrepreneurship, and Annie Malone was at the forefront. Poro agents were more than typical salespeople. They were trained using a specific system that included onsite product demonstrations, which were central to the Poro model. Malone empowered her agents to be selfsufficient. As her business continued to thrive, Malone became well known for her philanthropic endeavors. She donated seed money to develop the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home (known today as Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center), gifted $25,000 to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), supported students who attended HBCUs, and gave a donation to help construct the Pine Street YMCA in St. Louis.

By the mid-1920s, Poro had trained 75,000 students around the world. In 1924, Malone had an estimated worth of more than $14 million. She was an entrepreneur, educator, inventor, and philanthropist whose generous spirit inspired countless Americans to use their talents to promote self-care rituals and foster a positive self-image. The Annie Malone Day Celebration at the Missouri History Museum aspires to

‘Diversity rock star’ returns to East St. Louis from Finland

Jasmine Whitley studied abroad through the Quest Scholarship Fund

By Patricia Merritt

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

educate the next generation about Malone’s many dynamic contributions.

The Missouri Historical Society and the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center are proud to collaborate on September 22 to celebrate the life and legacy of Annie M. Turnbo Malone. The Annie Malone Day Celebration is a two-part program that includes family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to noon and culminates with a black-tie gala from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The morning program is open to all ages and features interactive entrepreneurship activities, hair-care demonstrations, and historical presentations by Linda Nance, the president of the Annie Malone Historical Society. There will also be items on display from the George B. Vashon Museum, and St. Louis stylists will exhibit their remarkable hair-care skills.

That evening’s Legacy Gala is the signature fundraising event for Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center. Highlights include a keynote address by Shomari Wills, the author of “Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires.” Additionally, Jennings High School students will stage a dinner theatre performance based on Malone’s life. Tickets to the Legacy Gala are $75 apiece, and seating is limited.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit anniemalone.com/the-legacy-gala.

Smiling brightly from the screen is a photo of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) senior Jasmine Whitley, surrounded by her host family in Karvia, Finland.

Whitley made history as the first student from the CHS and the East St. Louis Senior High School to participate in a foreign study.

“It was my first time out of the country and my first time on an airplane,” said Whitley, during her PowerPoint presentation at a reception held in her honor Tuesday, September 11 at the CHS. “But I wasn’t scared, and I had a wonderful time. I would love to go back.”

Whitley visited Karvia, a town of about 2,400 people in a western province of Finland, from June 30-July 27. Her trip was made possible by the Quest Scholarship Fund and AFS-USA Faces of America program, with the help of the partnership building by the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund.

Quest and AFS scholarships offer high-achieving, lowincome high school students in St. Louis and the Metro East the opportunity to step outside their local community, and develop a global vision by studying and living abroad. While the community fund has provided scholarships for numerous students over the years, this is the first time it collaborated to build support to help send a

high school student abroad.

“My host family was very nice. We did everything together,” said Whitley. “They loved the forest, and they took me there a lot. We swam and cooked out. We ate barbecue moose and wild boar. But mostly, I loved being at home with them.”

However, Whitley’s mother, Tagotta, was not initially so enthused. “I want to thank everyone who made it possible for her to go, but it was very hard for me. When she boarded the plane, I cried like a baby, said Tagotta Whitley.

“I had resolved not to text and call her, because the purpose of her going was to experience life and culture there. Our kids need to know how to reach for the stars and know that they can go outside of East St. Louis. Jasmine called one time and that was to talk to the dog.”

“We are extremely grateful to Mom for letting her go and grow in her own way,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries. “Without that, we wouldn’t be reaping the benefits of her experience. Other students get to reach for that potential and realize they can do something similar. Jasmine was able to go and experience a different culture and come back with the testimony. They didn’t see color there.” I think Jasmine is a diversity rock star.”

“I was a first-generation student who studied abroad, and it made a huge difference in my education and my life,” said Suzanne Sebert, Quest Fund co-founder with Debbie Veatch. “Quest gives half of the scholarships monies, while the AFS Faces of America program gives the other half and provides the programs. AFS has been in Greater St. Louis for more than 50 years, but the students have come from the suburbs. They’re the ones who could afford the fees associated with the program.”

“Debbie and I didn’t feel that was right,” she continued. “That didn’t look like the St. Louis area to us. We began to partner with AFS to help bring these opportunities to low-income high school students in the area.”

The Quest Scholarship Fund is only 18 months old, according to Sebert. In its first year, it sent one student from University City Senior High School to Paraguay to live with a host family. Last summer, it sent six students abroad, including Whitley.

“We’re shooting for the stars,” said Sebert. “We’d like to send 10 or 12 next year, but for each student, we have to raise approximately $4,500. That’s our goal, and we would love to keep East St. Louis in the program.”

The goal is one that Pamela Coaxum, the community fund executive director, wholeheartedly supports.

“I didn’t know about the Quest Scholarship Fund. They found me,” said Coaxum. “The Greater East St. Louis Community Scholarship Fund was more than happy to collaborate to bring this first-ina-lifetime experience to an East St. Louis high school student. This year, we also had support from community members, such as Redina Medley, who is retired from East St. Louis School District 189.” We would like East St. Louis to send two high school students from our area,” said Coaxum. “It’s important for our children. Sometimes you have to take a leap, and I thank Jasmine and her mother for taking the first leap.”

For more information about the Quest Scholarship Fund, contact Sebert at (314) 2501796 or suzanne.sebert@gmail. com, or Coaxum at the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund at (618) 271-2200 or pamela@ greaterestlfund.org.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Historical Society Collections

The Missouri Historical Society and the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center will celebrate the life and legacy of Annie M. Turnbo Malone on September 22.

Front row: Tagotta Whitley (Jasmine’s mother), Jasmine Whitley (CHS student), Basel Heyari (AFS study abroad student from Jordan living in St. Louis) and Pamela Coaxum (Greater East St. Louis Community Fund executive director). Back row: Desara’ Whitley (Jasmine’s sister), Robert Elam (student advisor from The Scholarship Foundation), Debbie Veatch and Suzanne Sebert (Quest Fund co-founders), James Butler (AFS Team Development Specialist), Redina Medley (former language arts educator) and Adrienne Magner (AFS volunteer).

Celebrations

Anniversary

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Henderson who will celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary on September 20!

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont High Class of 1978 40th Reunion

Extravaganza, Save the Date: October 5-7, 2018. Call or text Marietta Shegog Shelby at 314-799-5296 for further details.

East St. Louis Sr. High School Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50 year reunion

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

Hadley Teach classes of 1962-1963 will host their Annual Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 18 at Marvin’s Park, 4003 Camellia. Hot dogs, soda and water provided. Bring chairs, family and friends! For more information, contact: Virdell Robinson Stennis 314773-8177, Ora Scott Roberts 314-222-3662, Wilhelmina Gibson Baker 314-630-9647 or Marvin Young 314-422-5757.

Northwest High Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and

would love for you to join us!

Date to sail is set for July 20, 2019 and you can feel free to contact: Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further information. Please don’t miss the boat!

Southwest High School Longhorns would like to announce the class reunion for the classes 1985-1989, Date: September 14-16, 2018. For more information please contact Revitra Greco (314) 358-9522 or Kim Taylor (314) 369-3537.

St. Rose of Lima (Goodfellow & Etzel, closed 1977) will host an all-class reunion on Saturday, Sept. 8, Jewel Center, 407 Dunn Rd. See www.strosereunion.com for details.

Birthday

Happy 6th Birthday to Michael Sample Jr. I’m Proud of you, Jr. From, Mike

Common

Good

Congratulations to St. Louis City 18th Ward Alderman Terry Kennedy, who was honored by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri at its annual For The Common Good Awards Luncheon, which recognized volunteers and community partners for their contributions.

Sumner High Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call 314-406-4309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79.

Vashon High School Class of 1973 will celebrate its 45th reunion on Saturday, August 11, 2018 in St. Louis. We’re still in the process of rounding up all of our graduates and would love for you all to contact us. Please email us at tpjgramells@aol.com for additional information. You may also RSVP and pay by going to VashonHigh1973.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@stlamerican.com

myevent.com. For those not on the internet, please call Terri (Bell) Johnson 314-313-2113.

O’Fallon Tech will be celebrating its “50th” Class Reunion on Nov. 2-3, 2018 at Hollywood Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr. Maryland

Heights, MO 63043. Class of 1969 and others are invited. To RSVP for the head count, so please contact: Joann Durham Harris 314-363-4260, Donnell Jackson 314-494-4807, Gloria Houston King 314-591-7306 or Kelvin Murphy 314-616-1007.

If you like it, then you should put a ring on it! Corey Wright did just that as he married the love of his life, Ebony Glover, on September 7, 2018. Their wedding was held at the Polish Heritage Center in St Louis, Mo, surrounded by family and friends.

Sample Sr.

Salute is so close, I can see it. Can you believe that there is only one more Saturday separating us from the St. Louis American Foundation’s 31st Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala? Of course you can because I keep reminding you. You should be glad that I care enough to hip you to the hottest black tie affair in town. It’s going down Saturday, September 29 at America’s Center and everybody who is anybody will be in that building – and dressed to the nines, tens, elevens and twelves. I’m just sayin’. I can’t wait to see what the folks have lined up as far as the fashion. And there will be a whole lot of fun to be had thanks to the after-party and the cabaret starring the incomparable Denise Thimes. I’m hoping she sprinkles in a bit of an Aretha Franklin tribute of sorts that includes (but is not limited to) “Dr. Feelgood,” “Never Loved A Man” “Baby I Love You” and a bonus track of “Giving Him Something He Can Feel.” This is just a wish list – and I know she plans and rehearses her sets well in advance. But a few snippets or a medley for the queen of soul would be quite the treat. No pressure. DJ Kut is going to kill it on the tables as well. And since I’m low-key curating performances, I might as well let him know that an old school spin session that resembles a family cookout playlist would be sincerely appreciated. Y’all, I cannot wait for Salute 2018 to commence! It’s going to be epic. Get your tickets at stlamerican.com or by calling (314) 533-8000. Hurry up though, because it sells out every year and 31 will be no different.

A rousing applause for RBRM. More people than they should have stayed home from catching the new group formed by members of New Edition. Well let me tell those who couldn’t get over a little thing like Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill being M.I.A. that y’all missed a real treat. Okay, I’ll be honest and say I quietly expected a low-key train wreck, based on the last time I saw Bobby Brown on stage, but he proved me and the rest of the haters wrong when he got it all the way in Sunday night at Chaifetz. I wish I could say the same for those opening acts. Don’t get it twisted, Kut got it all the way in and DJ Kid Capri knocked that thing out the park. However, Trez Falsetto and Case could have kept their little opening offerings. Mr. Falsetto pointed out that he braved the hurricane to come to St. Louis more than once. Don’t do nobody else that kind of favor if that’s all you are bringing to the stage. I know it was mean, but it had to be said. But at least Trez Falsetto (yes, that is his real stage name) is new. Case was an OG mess. The folks were not feeling it – and not shy about making sure Case knew it, especially during that tattered piece of “Faded Pictures.” If Capri wasn’t the legend that he is, I don’t think the crowd would have recovered enough to properly receive RBRM. They put their ankle into that show. Of course, folks wanted to hear more New Edition. But that wasn’t the point of this show. Regardless of what it was that kept them from a full roster for the their 40th New Edition reunion, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike proved that they have enough of their own stuff to carry a pretty good doggone show – and the stamina to carry on as they did in their Bobby Brown and BBD prime. Not to take away from BBD, but they are consistent. Bobbaye deserves a special nod for getting right tight and stepping to the plate with a performance that everybody was satisfied with. I’d see that show again in a heartbeat.

Rickey Smiley’s ridiculously funny roster. Speaking of Rickey, I was over the moon when I heard that Rickey Smiley would replace Jess allegedly Hilarious when she bowed out of her weekend run at Helium, probably so she could attend the Emmys and work on her new sitcom with Lil Rel. I’m not hating, her stage show could use some finishing. But this is about Rickey, so let me get to it. I was disappointed upon learning that in lieu of a set, he was bringing a crew of comics that he would host. That was until I saw them. They were hilarious. Especially that Prescott. When he said that his mama wore her wig so long that her real hair sprouted and started growing into the wig. I was DOA. Not much else of it is safe for Partyline, just know that he, Marvin Hunter and St. Louis’ own Darius Bradford brought the house down right along with him. Rickey did too with his bite-size segments. Especially when he said he was inspired by Aretha Franklin and plans to have a similarly produced “fune” that will one up the Queen of Soul by being a roadshow service. He said that his traveling funeral will make a stop in STL, because of all the years we have supported him.

Luxury with a taste of Melanie Fiona. The Moto Museum was packed to the gills with the most beautiful crowd of stylish ladies that I’ve seen in a minute Friday night for A Taste of Luxury, presented by Remy Martin. The fellas were fly too, but the ladies outnumbered them three to one – and there was such a variety in the swag they were serving. From around the-way club gear to lightweight cocktail/after 5 attire. I have a couple of serious questions based on Friday. First, does Lisa West ever get it wrong? Second, how is it that former Rams player Derek Stanley manages to get finer every time I see him? Okay now, on with the taste. The vibe was everything – and capped off with performances by some rising St. Louis based stars and a main event medley by Melanie Fiona. I just love her. Her voice is good, but her energy is great. She’s so lovely with fans. Tish Haynes Keys and Lydia Caesar (serving a punk rock version of Mary J. Blige’s blonde mushroom realness) were great show openers as well. The whole thing was super cute. It must have gotten out that all the stylish people were going to be there, because some of my favorite tastemakers – some of whom I thought had bowed out of the scene– rolled through to catch Remy Martin’s taste. Moneybagg Yo’s trial sized show. Shout out to the Liquid Assets and RockHouse Ent. for selling out The Pageant with their tag team presentation of trap star Money Bagg Yo Saturday night. I know the folks are still fit to be tied that Moneybagg came out at the 11th hour (literally) and hopped around stage for 12 minutes, but Phil and Orlando did everything they could to give the folks the best show possible. If y’all saw how they were angling backstage to keep things moving, you would have a new appreciation for the life of a legitimate promoter.

Abe, Shaki, Buddy Luv and T-Luv backstage following Buddy’s set opening for Money Bagg Yo Saturday night @ The Pageant

Michelle congratulated visual artist Roland Burrow on the opening of his solo show Friday @ McCaughen & Burr Gallery in Webster Groves

Tracey, Kimberly and Crystal were eager to show their “DeVoe-tion” to Ronnie following the STL leg of the RBRM tour Sunday @ Chaifetz Arena

Phil of Liquid Assets and Orlando of RockHouse teamed up to sell out The Pageant for rising rap star Money Bagg Yo Saturday night

The backstage area was buzzing with local movers and shakers after Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike did their thing on stage Sunday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Nikki and Tequila were among the stylish crowd @ SeptembErotica: The Art Show Friday night @ Third Degree Glass Factory

Kayla and Kim caught the GLoveBoxX Arts & Ent. Septemb-Erotica: The Art Show Friday @ Third Degree Glass Factory

Lita and Gale spent their Saturday afternoon supporting Better Family Life’s Annual Peacefest @ Bellefontaine Park

Hot 104.1 FM midday personality Meghan O with her gorgeous friend Sara @ Taste of Luxury Presented by Remy Martin Friday @ The Moto Museum

Adrienne and Jami jammed along to RBRM Sunday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Cash, Lisa, singers Lydia Caesar and Tish Haynes Keys who set the tone for national recording star Melanie Fiona (center) and her headlining performance at A Taste of Luxury presented by Remy Martin Friday at The Moto Museum.

TEACHER

Building Futures needs design and build teacher for grades K-12 to teach model-making, wood-working, design, computer programs and problem solving. Full time; 35- 45K. Must love working with young people and learning new skills.

Call: 314 – 518 – 5279 or info@building-futures.org.

MANAGER OF DATA MANAGEMENT

Oversees the Data Management team that is responsible for the design, implementation, and support of Safety National’s Data Management strategy. Additionally, this team is responsible for supporting application development when SQL expertise is required. This team is responsible for the structure of Safety National’s ODS, the ETL processes that support the ODS, Safety National’s data warehouse, the ETL processes that support the warehouse, and the creation and maintenance of business intelligence reports based on the needs of end users. Requires knowledge of SQL programming.Assist in training developers and end users on reporting tools and analysis of data.

INTERIM PASTOR

SALESFORCE PRODUCT MANAGER

Manager level professional position which manages to the accomplishment of I.S. practices and objectives that will achieve business goals and objectives. Supervises and directs one or more teams of developers and QAanalysts. Manages, leads, and serves as a mentor for others within Development. Demonstrates advanced working knowledge and concepts of software development.

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

JOB POSTING CORRECTION LIEUTENANT

Applications are currently being accepted the position of Correctional Lieutenant, responsible for administration of the jail and supervision of correctional officers.

Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing jail functions, enforcing rules and regulations, overseeing training of new employees, preparation and monitoring of departmental budget, working with other agencies. Five years of experience as a correctional and/or police officer and four years management experience required. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Starting salary is $39,750 (C14).

If interested, you must complete a cor-

rections application available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave. or online at www.cityofjennings.org. NO RESUMES ACCEPTED WITHOUT COMPLETED APPLICATION! Returned application must include a current record check from St. Louis City and County Police Dept.

The deadline to submit applications is September 28, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

FIREMEDIC

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

Urban Strategies is hiring for several positions in St. Louis. Please visit our website at www.urbanstrategiesinc.org/ careers for details.

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

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Webster University is seeking a Public Safety Officer in the Department of Public Safety. Please visit our website at https://webster. peopleadmin.com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN/PLUMBING

Webster University has an opening for a full-time Maintenance Technician/Plumbing. Please visit our website at https://webster. peopleadmin.com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE

Webster University has an opening for a full-time Admissions Representative. Please visit our website at https://webster.peopleadmin. com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

GROUNDSKEEPER

Webster University is seeking a Groundskeeper in the Facilities Operations Department. Please visit our website at https:// webster.peopleadmin.com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

The State of Missouri is accepting applications for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the St. Louis area. Starting salary is $38,808-$40,776. View job description, benefits and application instructions at https://dese.applicantpro. com/jobs/application instructions at https://dese.applicantpro.com/jobs/

HANDYMAN NEEDED

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

responsibilities within the reporting analysis area with regard to internal management reporting. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/.

Now Hiring

Brooking Park, a not-for-profit, faith-based Life Plan Retirement Community for active seniors, offering a full spectrum of health services is seeking to hire compassionate individuals who enjoy enriching the lives of others. We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Immediate opening include:

RN/LPN/CMT/CNA

Maintenance tech

Music Therapist

Servers & Cooks Please visit our website

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2018 ARS Improvements Program, Area B, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1757, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 10, 2018. Plans and specifications will be available on September 10, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

BID PROPOSALS

IMPACT Strategies, as the selected Construction Manager, is requesting

Subcontractor proposals for the Concrete & Steel scopes of work (Bid Package #3) for the BJC Memorial Hospital East MOB II project in Shiloh, IL. This is a tax-exempt project and will require subcontractor conformance to a Project Labor Agreement.

IMPACT Strategies has partnered with BJC to meet Diversity Spend and Workforce Participation goals for this project.

There will be a Pre-Bid Meeting held on Tuesday September 25, 2018 at The Four Points Sheraton (319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL 62208) at 3:30 PM. All interested Subcontractors are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held in the Conference Room.

Bids are to be submitted to IMPACT Strategies, Inc no later than 2:00pm on September 27, 2018.

Please contact Emily Yost,

Preconstruction Administrator at IMPACT Strategies, Inc. to obtain the link to download the bid documents. eyost@buildwithimpact.com ; (618)394-8400.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

DISTRICT

SEWER

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 10:00am October 25, 2018 for: Roof Replacement (Maintenance Building) at Lemay Treatment Plant Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 9576 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 7686314 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BID PROPOSALS

IMPACT Strategies, as the selected Construction Manager, is requesting

Subcontractor proposals for the Core, Shell and Interiors Scopes of Work (Bid Package #4) for the BJC Memorial Hospital East MOB II project in Shiloh, IL. This is a tax-exempt project and will require subcontractor conformance to a Project Labor Agreement.

IMPACT Strategies has partnered with BJC to meet Diversity Spend and Workforce Participation goals for this project. There will be a Pre-Bid Meeting held on Tuesday September 25, 2018 at The Four Points Sheraton (319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL 62208) at 3:30 PM. All interested Subcontractors are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held in the Conference Room.

Bids are to be submitted to IMPACT Strategies, Inc no later than 2:00pm on October 4, 2018.

Please contact Emily Yost, Preconstruction Administrator at IMPACT Strategies, Inc. to obtain the link to download the bid documents. eyost@buildwithimpact.com ; (618)394-8400.

www.stlamerican.com

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for 2018 ITS ProgramInterconnect Camera and Beacon Improvements project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1689, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 3, 2018. Plans and specifications will be available on September 10, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Sussex Drive Storm Channel Reconstruction (IR) under Letting No. 12924015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Friday, October 19, 2018, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: CONCRETE CHANNELS, WALLS, AND STRUCTURES Or NATURAL CHANNEL STABILIZATION

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.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Elinor Ave. Temporary Sanitary Storage Facility under Letting No. 12161015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required 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.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2018 CRS Collector Rehabilitation Program, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1766, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 17, 2018

Plans and specifications will be available on September 17, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

BIDS

Ross Group Construction is hereby soliciting bids for the renovation of the existing Beaumont Building, located at 2654 Locust Street.

Bidding documents may be obtained by submitting an email request to travis.magers@ withrossgroup.com and bobby.spurlock@withrossgroup.

PROGRAM ANNOUNCES OPENING OF WAITING LIST

Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is giving notice that beginning October 9, 2018 applications for the Section 8 tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher Program will be accepted for Qualified Non-Elderly Disabled Households in Franklin and Jefferson Counties.

A Qualifying Household is defined as a household composed of one or more non-elderly person with disabilities, which may include additional household members who are non-elderly persons with disabilities. A non-elderly person is defined as a person 18 years of age or older and less than 62 years of age. A household where the sole member is an emancipated minor is not an eligible household. The non-elderly household must be either transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings, at serious risk of institutionalization, homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless to be eligible to apply. Preference will be granted to qualifying non-elderly disabled households who are transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings, at serious risk of institutionalization.

JFCAC’s Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to help low income families obtain affordable housing which is safe, decent, and sanitary. Applicants will be placed on the waiting list by the date and time their completed application is received in one of the JFCAC’s housing offices and by preference. Applications will be accepted beginning October 9, 2018 at 7:30 a.m. Applications will be taken at #2 Merchant Dr. in Hillsboro, Missouri and at 1020 Plaza Court Suite B in St. Clair, Missouri. These housing offices are open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed from 12:00 to 1:00. Applications may also be requested by phone (636-789-2686 ext. 1401 or 1415) or mail beginning October 9, 2018. Completed applications must be mailed or hand delivered to one of our housing offices. Faxed or electronic submissions will not be accepted. There is an after-hours drop box at both office locations. Applications will be made available in an accessible format upon request from a person with disabilities or with limited English proficiency.

or

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services, Homeless Services Program, is seeking proposals for the St. Louis County FY18-19 Warming and Cooling Shelter. The total funding available is approximately $130,000.00. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on October 12, 2018. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on September 20 at 9:30-10:30 a.m. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained on August 31 at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at http://www.stlouisco.com/ YourGovernment/BidsandRFPs

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Summerhaven Drive #11656 Storm Sewer under Letting No. 11395-015.1 at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required 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.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Old Jamestown Road (West) Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1573, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 10, 2018

Plans and specifications will be available on September 17, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Laclede Station Road Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1639, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 10, 2018

Plans and specifications will be available on September 17, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

Request for Proposal

The Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District is seeking proposals for audit services related to its annual audit for calendar year 2018 with an option for the District to renew for subsequent years. To obtain a copy of the information relating to the minimum specifications of the service, the data to be included in the proposal, and other information relating to the audit engagement please contact Robert Eggmann, Audit Committee Chair, by September 30, 2018 at 314-862-4222 or metzoodist@sbcglobal.net.

ADVERTISE YOUR BID NOTICES, SERVICES HOMES FOR SALE & RENTALS

SEALED BIDS

for Roof Replacement, Lohman Building, Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, Jefferson City, Missouri, Project No. X1810-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/27/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

for Chiller Replacement & Controls, Joseph P. Teasdale State Office Building, Raytown, Missouri, Project No. O1803-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 10/11/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

for Replace Chillers, Administration & School Building, Missouri School for the Blind, St. Louis, Missouri, Project No. E1804-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 10/18/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made. A pre-bid walk thru for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on October 16, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Fox Park. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard

70,200 NEWSPAPERS PRINTED EVERY THURSDAY!!!

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 27, 2018, at the Missouri Department of Mental Health Building, 5400 Arsenal Street, Room F-116, 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, 2018 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 $0.05. This amount is proposed to be adopted.

ASSESSED VALUE (by categories) Current Tax Year 2018

$982,461,887Property TOTAL $4,286,942,314 Prior Tax

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2018 Seal Coat Program, St. Louis County Project No. AR/CR-1783, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on October 17, 2018

Plans and specifications will be available on September 17, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

Responses for St. Louis Community College on RFP B0003723 for Media Buying

Services will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on October 5, 2018 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 300 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, and immediately thereafter opened and read. RFP documents can be accessed on our website at www. stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5227. EOE/AA Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Interior Live Plant Maintenance Services

Bids Wanted

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1802. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/ contract-opportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure several educational institutions in the region per the District’s education assistance program. The programs policy does not require employees to attend a specific school but an accredited institution. The District is proposing a single source procurement in order to fulfill this program. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@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 is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 23rd, 2018 to contract with a company for: Shredding 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 9582 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.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure several educational institutions in the region per the District’s education assistance program. The programs policy does not require employees to attend a specific school but an accredited institution. The District is proposing a single source procurement in order to fulfill this program. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan

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 10:00am October 24, 2018 for: Ferrous Tank Replacement Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 9585 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 7686314 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FOR RENT 54XX N Kingshighway @ W Florissant, 49XX Roslie, stove, fridge, 1 BD, $450/mo, + Dep, Ready Now! 314-243-3188

Black church sends message to Trump

Church leaders strategize for midterm elections at ‘Call to Conscience’ in D.C.

By Hazel Trice Edney and Hamil Harris For TriceEdneyWire.com

As America prepares to return to the polls for mid-term elections amidst racial tensions, continued economic inequities and a president who appears to embrace racism and shun truth, thousands of black church leaders and parishioners answered a “Call to Conscience/Day of Action” on September 5-6 that was intended to send a message to the White House and beyond.

“Racism is not dead in America. As a matter of fact, it’s not even sick. It doesn’t even have a cold,” said Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chair of the Conference of National Black Churches, preaching at a worship service the night before a mass rally in Lafayette Park across from the White House on September 5.

“We live in one of the most racist times in the history of this country, in spite of the fact that we’ve come through slavery. There’s nothing good about slavery. But slavery provided a forum wherein our oppressors were visible and we could see them. They were touchable. What makes the difficulties of this time is our oppressors are invisible.”

The worship service, intended to stir up those planning to attend the rally, was held at Reid Temple AME Church.

“Tomorrow at Lafayette Park, we not only want the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – who is living in the house that black hands built –we not only want him to see us, we want him to hear us,” Bishop Reginald T. Jackson told the congregation. Jackson, president of the Council of AME Bishops, is the visionary who

been no harvest,” he paraphrased the Prophet Jeremiah. “When you do not plant, it is unreasonable to expect a harvest, but when you plant you ought to expect a harvest. We, African Americans, have planted. We didn’t just show up here and volunteer. We have been planting,” he said.

“Seems like the harvest has come, but we didn’t get any of the harvest. It was enough harvest for everybody, but the harvest was inequitably distributed. The folk who got the harvest took the harvest and passed it on to their children,” he said to the applauding and shouting congregation. “We as pastors, we must focus on what our people are going through. I don’t mean the members of our churches. I mean the collective African-American people!”

The next day, Lafayette Square was filled with prayers, songs of praise and calls for social justice as the bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church hosted a rally across from the White House. The event featured leaders of the AME church and other national church leadersyoung and old. They made it clear that they are organizing a massive get out to vote campaign that they hope will oust Republicans in Congress who simply have rubber stamped the president’s efforts to turn back the civil rights clock.

such as Rev. Jackson, Bishop Jackson, and Rev. Richardson. Other speakers included Bishop E. Anne HenningByfield of the 16th Episcopal AME District; Rev. Stephen Green, pastor of Heard AME Church in Roselle, N.J.; Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore; radio talk show host and civil rights leader Barbara Arnwine; and poet and Morgan State University Professor Sheri Booker.

Bishop Jackson told the demonstrators that even though President Trump recently met with a small group of black pastors he really hasn’t heard from the heart of Black America. “President Trump has heard from the professional prophets but now he is going to hear from God’s prophets,” he said.

Rev. Jackson said that the best way to even the political playing field with Trump is at the ballot box. “November 6, that’s our date and destiny: Ayanna Pressley, Massachusetts; Ben Jealous, Maryland; Stacey Abrams, Georgia, Andrew Gillum, Florida; Mike Espy, Mississippi,” he said, pointing out major races around the nation with key African-American candidates.

called the “Day of Action.”

The high-spirited two-day event drew hundreds to a day-long issues symposium before the worship service that drew more than a thousand. After the rally the next day, bishops and church leaders traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with senators and representatives.

“There’s one thing that’s worse than slavery. That’s to adjust to it. A slave should be maladjusted,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the worship service.

“It was hard to wake us up until Trump came along. Trump is nothing but a wakeup call.” Richardson, the keynote speaker at the worship service, agreed that Trump is only temporary. But he warned, “He speaks for the oppressors.

He speaks for the haters. We need to be aware of the nature of our battle. We will eliminate 45. But there’ll be some young aspiring 45s. They will be inspired by his conduct who’ll want to grow up and be like him. We must watch for those who are on the horizon who must come this way.”

Franklyn pointed out that African Americans are statistically worse off than any other racial group in every social category in America. He then paralleled the current pains of black people to those suffered by the children of Israel in the Book of Jeremiah as they suffered an economic crisis.

“The spring harvest has passed and the summer has ended, and though we have planted there has

“We are here today because we want to let this country know we ain’t going to let nobody turn us around,” said Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, prelate of the 1st Episcopal District.

“We are here today because we have gone through so much, we have prayed too long, we have walked too far.”

Ingram came to the district with a busload of congregants because he represents churches in Bermuda and much of the northeastern United States, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Ingram was among more than a dozen speakers to address the more than 1,000 congregants gathered in Lafayette Park. Speakers included veterans of the Civil Rights Movement

During a press conference held at the Metropolitan AME Church in downtown D.C., Bishop Jackson and other church leaders talked about the importance of the election and how they plan to organize get out to vote rallies in local churches across the country.

“It is so important that the body of Christ, particularly the black church, operates with some level of moral authority,” said Rev. Bryant. “In the face of depravity and corruption of morality in the White House we have got to speak truth to power, we cannot be silent in the church.”

The bishops talked about formulating a nationwide campaign to get out the vote. Rev. Bryant said that they had received a call from the White House in which Jared Kushner wanted to speak and set up a future meeting. But Bishop Jackson said the church is interested in real progress –not “photo ops”.

Photo courtesy of Reid Temple AME Church

The Reid Temple AME Choir stirred up participants at the “Call to Conscience/Day of Action.”