September 22, 2011 Edition

St.Louis welterweight Devon Alexander signs with Golden Boy Promotions.

A classic coaches the Classic

Youth challenge to NAACP incumbent

Nimrod Chapel Jr. opposes Mary Ratliff to lead State Conference

a

“It’s

tion of the past of the

tion, but a commentary on the work that could be done and how that work should be done.”

Nimrod Chapel Jr., age 41, is challenging 20-year incumbent Mary Ratliff for president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP. The election by NAACPdelegates will be held Saturday, Sept. 24.

Aformer trial attorney and veteran counsel for state government, Chapel is president of the Jefferson City Chapter of the NAACP. His current position with the State of Missouri is Presiding Commissioner of the Administrative Hearing Commission in the Office of Administration. He holds his legal degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Chapel sees himself following the national NAACP’s trend toward new and young leadership, along the lines of board chair Roslyn Brock, age 46, and president and CEO Benjamin Jealous, age 38. “I’m a new voice with new energy and new technology,” Chapel said.

The St. Louis American spoke with him about his candidacy.

The American: What is the position and what does it entail?

Nimrod Chapel Jr.: I am running for president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP. The State Conference is the entity charged with working with local units to address large statewide-type issues more than

Mikes Jones leads Lincoln U in first game of Gateway Classic

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St.Louis American

You just cannot keep Mike Jones out of the state of Missouri.

Football and the Show-Me State seem to go

hand-in-hand for Jones, who has enjoyed a very successful playing and coaching career in

Missouri at all levels.

Mike Jones will be returning to the site of some of his greatest triumphs this weekend when he brings his Lincoln University Blue Tigers to the Edward Jones Dome to play in the St. Louis Gateway Classic. Jones is the

By Chris King and Dana G.Randolph Of The St.Louis American

“Education is an investment in the future well being of our community,” said Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of TheSt. Louis American and president of the St. Louis American Foundation.

Suggs welcomed more than 1,100 guests and foundation supporters to its 24th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala Friday evening at the America’s Center in

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Coach Mike Jones leading a Hazelwood East High School football practice in 2008.

Photo by Wiley Price

Ray J vs. Fab caught on tape

First thing Monday morning, Ray J made his rounds in the media claiming he “socked” rapper Fabolous last weekend in Las Vegas after the Mayweather fight.

Fabolous responded by saying “Brandy’s little brother” is trippin’” and called him “little red riding hood” because of the red hooded sweatshirt that Ray J was wearing that day.

He said the confrontation was all in Ray J’s imagination.

But TMZ has released footage that shows that there was indeed a confrontation between the two and that 50 Cent stirred up the whole thing.

Sources say 50 Cent had been encouraging Ray to confront Fabolous about their recent Twitter feud – and Ray finally decided to get in Fab’s face at Moon nightclub inside The Palms casino.

In the clip, viewers

can see 50 standing between Ray and Fabolous … with a big grin.

But sources say 50 actually jumped in to break things up when Ray J and Fab started scrapping.

50 called in to the Funkmaster Flex show and admitted that Ray J threw a punch, but it didn’t connect.

Ray J was booted from the club after the fight — but he was not arrested.

Taraji takes TV Guide snub to Facebook

honestly have no words!!!!!” Henson stars as Detective Carter alongside Michael Emerson, Jim Caviezel, and Kevin Chapman in the crime drama.

TV Guide has yet to comment on Henson’s absence from the cover

Charlie Sheen is winning with $125 million settlement

Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson is outraged because the magazine will feature the cast of her new CBS series, “Person of Interest” on its cover, without Henson, the show’s leading lady!

She took to her Facebook to share her anger about the issue.

“WOW!!!! TV Guide is NOT including me on the cover with my cast memebers

[sic]……..I am the female lead of a 3 member cast and I’m not included on the cover!!!!!! Do you see the [expletive] I have to deal with in this business…..I cram to understand!!!!”

She posted on Twitter saying she couldn’t believe the boldness of TV Guide.

“WOW @ TVGuide!!!!! I

Charlie Sheen will immediately get $25 million in his settlement with Warner Bros. in his “Two and a Half Men” dispute – but over time he’ll get 5 times that amount.

Sources connected to the settlement told TMZ that Sheen will be awarded $25 mil in about two weeks and, as we reported, the sum represents the monies owed to him for work he had already performed and the profits that have already accrued.

But Sheen has starred in an estimated 180 episodes for the show. And over the next 7 - 10 years the settlement will produce $100 million for the actor in syndication profits.

LeBron’s alleged daddy loses lawsuit

Bryce Stovell sued LeBron James and his mother Gloria last year. In the suit he claimed they defamed him, blocked him from making

money – and tampered with paternity test results that showed he was NOT LeBron’s father. Now, a Washington, DC judge has dismissed all 8 claims in Stovell’s lawsuit. In the document, the court said Stovell had insufficient facts to support his claims, and “had not identified any damages.”

Stovell – a lawyer who claims at age 29 he impregnated 15-year-old Gloria after a onenight stand – told TMZ he still thinks there is “a likelihood” he’s LeBron’s biological father.

Janet’s ex James DeBarge says Michael saved his life

On an episode of “Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers” James DeBarge recounted the time his famous former brother-in-law saved him from suicide. DeBarge, who was married to Janet Jackson at the time, said that he was ready to jump from the Jackson family compound when Michael calmly talked him down.

“I was going to jump and everyone was losing it... He was the only one not freaking out,” DeBarge said. “He seemed to be familiar with my pain... He knew I needed someone to talk to, so he was that ear. We just talked all night and I forgot that I was even on the roof and that I was going to jump.”

Sources: TMZ.com, Allhiphop.com, Facebook.com, Eurweb.com, Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers

Obama calls for higher taxes on the rich

Clay: ‘balanced and fair approach’

By American staff

On Monday President

Obama called for new federal revenue by increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans

Among his “speciic tax loophole closers and measures to broaden the tax base,” according to the White House, are measures that would allowing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for upper income earners to expire, limit deductions and exclusions for those making more than $250,000 a year, and close loopholes and eliminating special interest tax breaks.

Obama said these measures – which would generate $1.5 trillion – comport with the “Buffett Rule” that people making more than $1 million a year should not pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than middle-class families pay.

“I hope that my Republican colleagues will join me in supporting this balanced and fair approach to reform the tax code, cut the deicit, pay down the debt and make sure that everyone pays their fair share,” said U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay.

“The fact is, it’s not fair to reduce the deicit by shifting the burden on the middle class, older Americans, the disabled and those who can least afford it.”

Obama’s plan also calls for cuts to spending and reduced waste while protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Diversity at SIU School of Medicine

Seven AfricanAmerican Students begin medical studies in Carbondale

Special to The American

Seven African-American students in the Class of 2015 started their training in August at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

The seven students in the class are Shakese Hudley, the daughter of Sharvez and Shirley Hudley of Denver, Colo.; GaToya Jones, the daughter of George Jones of Princeton, Texas, and the late LaSha Jones; Desirè Ketchandji, the son of Marceline Leumar of Pearland, Texas, and Daniel Ketchandji of Douala, Cameroon; Tris Miller, the daughter of Perry Miller of Springield and the late Bruce Miller; Gaybriel Newton, the daughter of Robbie Rhodes of Farmington Hills, Mich.; Chris Simpson, the son of Everett and Felicia Simpson of Houston, Texas; and Jaleen Sims, the daughter of Larry D. Randle Sr. and Joyce D. Randle, both of Wichita, Kan.

Ofice of Admissions, increased advocacy by the School’s diversity ofice and networking opportunities with local minority physicians.

“It would end tax dodges for big oil and gas and hedge fund managers while reducing agricultural subsidies,” Clay said.

“It would also invest the peace dividend generated by ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan right here at home to repair our crumbling infrastructure, create millions of construction jobs, and make America more competitive.”

The president’s proposal would reduce the debt by $3 trillion over the next 10 years. It cuts two dollars in spending for every one dollar in new investments to create jobs.

“Having these students here at SIU speaks well for the future of more accessible medical care in the state of Illinois and in our country,” said Dr. Wesley G. McNeese, executive assistant to the dean for diversity, multicultural and minority affairs at SIU. “Statistically, students from underrepresented groups are more likely to practice among underserved populations and to choose the general practice of medicine over specialization.”

McNeese, who is a 1986 medical school graduate of SIU, attributes the number of minority students to focused recruitment strategies from the

All students in the class of 2015 began the year by participating in a “white coat” ceremony, which welcomes students into the profession. The class has 34 men and 38 women including seven African-American students.

During the ceremony in Carbondale, the students received their irst white coats from the President of the School’s Alumni Society Dr. Douglas Carlson, professor of pediatrics and director of the Hospitalist Medicine division in the Department of Pediatrics at Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The coats were provided by the School’s Alumni Society.

The students also received a pin made up of the words “Compassion, Respect and

Integrity” from the SIU Foundation. The event is designed to establish a “psychological contract of professionalism and empathy” in medicine. Currently a total of 47 (16 percent) minority students are enrolled in the SIU medical school. “Minorities,” as determined by the Association of American Medical Colleges, are the racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population and include AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, Native American and Alaskan Native. Established in 1970, SIU School of Medicine is based in Carbondale and Springield and focused on the health-care needs of downstate Illinois. It educates physicians to practice in Illinois communities and has graduated 2,399 physicians, including 218 minorities since the irst class in 1975. Its website is www.siumed.edu

Rob Lineman

President Barack Obama is briefed during a meeting with senior advisors in the Oval Ofice, Aug. 18, 2011.

Oficial White House Photo by Pete Souza

Seven African-American newly enrolled students at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine are (front, left to right) Tris Miller, Jaleen Sims, GaToya Jones and Gaybriel Newton; (back, left to right) Shakese Hudley, Chris Simpson and Desirè Ketchandji.

EDITORIAL /COMMENTARY

Express Scripts, GM and us

The future well being of many in the African-American community in St. Louis is directly tied to the disposition of the hearings before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet. The disposition of these hearings, as well as decisions by the Justice Department and regulatory agencies, will determine the fate of the proposed acquisition of one large corporation that administers prescription-drug coverage for employers and insurers by another. Since Express Script’s proposed acquisition of Medco Health Solutions would make the St. Louis-based pharmacy beneits manager the largest in the country and mean many additional jobs and enhanced revenue growth for the St. Louis region, it is encouraging that U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay is organizing the entire Missouri delegation on behalf of this $29 billion deal. Our community – and more of our elected oficials who represent it – must pay greater heed to macroeconomic decisionmaking and learn how to play a more effective role in that process when possible. Since we have a large stake in the outcome of these mega-economic development proposals, we need to be a part of these conversations. We can take our cue from the highest source in elected politics in this country, President Barack Obama. The St. Louis region is set to gain 1,850 new high-paying auto-assembly jobs thanks to the savvy, forward-thinking leadership of our president. Without his administration’s leadership in the iscal intervention of the failing automaker, there likely would be no General Motors still doing business in 2011. If GM did exist it almost certainly would not be considering expanding in Wentzville, Missouri with a new line of mid-sized trucks. Had President Obama not intervened to bail out the faltering U.S. auto giants GM and Chrysler, and indirectly Ford, in 2009 this expansion would not be possible. This expansion at Wentzville is part of a tentative new labor agreement between GM and the United Auto Workers that is part of a commitment to invest $2.5 billion in capital projects and will preserve or create 6,400 jobs in the U.S., rather than in China or some other place outside the U.S. Express Scripts’ acquisition of Medco would make North St. Louis County in the 1st Congressional District home to one of the nation’s largest corporations. However, the new revenue and jobs St. Louis can expect will not be forthcoming if there is not a positive outcome to Express Scripts’ attempted purchase of Medco, which underscores the reason why Express Scripts and Medco executives ind themselves on Capitol Hill in a political battle over anti-trust issues. Now is the time for elected oficials who represent the St. Louis region and Missouri to be urging the Obama administration to approve this acquisition.

Too often, some elected oficials – particularly African-American oficials – get seduced into public posturing on symbolic issues, such as the distracting cry for Obama to deine a “black agenda,” when their focus and tactical support are direly needed on macroeconomic issues where real money and jobs are at stake. Fortunately, Congressman Clay is demonstrating leadership in support of this huge Express Scripts deal.

What happens at GM in Wentzville and Express Scripts at NorthPark is extremely important, not only because of direct job creation but also because of the indirect economic impact brought by an expanded demand for jobs and an expanded demand for goods and services, as varied as housing, automobiles and increased air service from Lambert airport. We understand all too well that new jobs – particularly new union jobs, as at GM – do not necessarily mean a fair share of new jobs for African Americans. Macroeconomic play-making is a different project than the equally important (for our community) effort to defend and increase minority inclusion in new economic opportunities. The UAW must be pressured to increase diversity in its membership. GM – which has had a supplier diversity program dating all the way back to 1968 – must be monitored for its inclusion numbers. Meanwhile, African Americans are challenged to develop the skill sets needed for a Fortune 100 employer like Express Scripts. Moreover, Express Scripts’ inclusion efforts in its workforce and its supplier diversity program must be monitored and enforced.

There are no guarantees, no free lunches. But without question, African Americans’ most realistic hope for inding employment is in an economic climate of expanding, rather than contracting, job opportunities. We need to be aware of, understand and become more involved at the earliest stage of these mega projects. We cannot ignore big picture economics and must learn how to participate effectively. We need to start to become more aware and better informed about the decision-making process of game-changing economic deals.

There is a growing chorus of minorities and women advocates questioning progress under the Obama administration. Some ask, “Where is the change we can believe in?”

The inaugural session of the First United States Congress established the U.S. federal judiciary with the adoption of United States Judiciary Act of 1789. Debates during the ratiication of the Constitution became controversial, especially those centered on the existence of a separate federal judiciary. Even after ratiication, opponents urged that the federal court system limit itself to a Supreme Court; Congress differed and established the federal system consisting of trial courts with broad jurisdiction. The federal courts are the third branch of the government, and may be the least understood of the three branches. People are familiar with the White House and the Congress, but less familiar with the Supreme Court and our lower federal courts nationwide. The courts occasionally make news with landmark rulings or cases but they tend to be less visible than other government entities. The judiciary plays a crucial role in interpreting the extent of our civil rights and can alter the recognition of a right throughout our nation. Their decisions can also affect the manner in which Congress enacts civil

rights legislation; an example would be the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

You can believe in the change that has occurred on the Supreme Court under the Obama administration, especially women. For the irst time in history the high court has three women on it with the conirmation of Justice Elena Kagan. The irst women the President won conirmation to the high court was Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who was also the irst Latina to the Supreme Court, representing change the Latina community can believe in. The federal courts have been crucial in mandating and supervising school desegregation programs and other programs established to rectify state or local discrimination, and our irst line of defense for enforcing civil rights. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, and assembly; the right to vote; freedom from involuntary servitude; and the right to equality in public places. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class; thus appointments to the federal courts are important. Of the 98 Obama nominees conirmed to date, 21 percent are African-American, 11 percent are Hispanic, and 7 percent are Asian-American and almost half – 47 percent – are women. When compared to the Bush administration, of the 322 judges George W. Bush conirmed, 18 percent were minorities and 22 percent were female. And the numbers weren’t

much better under William Jefferson Clinton. Of the 372 judges he conirmed, 25 percent were minorities and 29 percent were women.

Obama is the irst president who hasn’t selected a majority of white males for lifetime judgeships. More than 70 percent of Obama’s conirmed judicial nominees during his irst two years were minorities or women. That means the president has done more to diversify the federal courts in two-years than the two-term administrations of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush – more change you can believe in.

His most recent conirmation, Bernice Donald ,is the irst African-American woman to sit on the 6th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The number of Asian-Americans sitting on the federal bench doubled under Obama; Denny Chin an AsianAmerican now sits on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York as the only active Asian federal appeals court judge in the country … change the Asian-American community can believe in.

If you are openly gay, no problem, Obama has nominated three gays for approval to the federal bench. He also nominated Arvo Mikkanen; if conirmed, he will be the only active Native American on the federal bench. The Obama administration changed the federal judiciary and broke down barriers by increasing diversity in the federal courts … change we all can believe in. Pruitt is president of the St. Louis NAACP.

COMMENTARY

Moral dimension missing from Republican candidates

We heard plenty of contradictions, distortions and untruths at the Republican candidates’ tea party debate, but we heard shockingly little compassion – and almost no acknowledgement that political and economic policy choices have a moral dimension.

The lowest point of the evening came when moderator Wolf Blitzer asked Ron Paul a hypothetical question about a young man who elects not to purchase health insurance. The man has a medical crisis, goes into a coma and needs expensive care. “Who pays?” Blitzer asked.

“That’s what freedom is all about, taking your own risks,” Paul answered. “This whole idea that you have to prepare and take care of everybody ... “

Blitzer interrupted: “But congressman, are you saying that society should just let him die?”

There were enthusiastic shouts of “Yeah!” from the crowd. You’d think one of the other candidates might jump in with a word about Christian kindness. Not a peep.

Paul, a physician, went on to say that, no, the hypothetical comatose man should not be allowed to die. But in Paul’s vision of America, “our neighbors, our friends, our churches” would choose to assume the man’s care – with government bearing no responsibility and playing no role.

Blitzer turned to Michele Bachmann, whose popularity with evangelical Christian vot-

ers stems, at least in part, from her own professed born-again faith. Asked what she would do about the man in the coma, Bachmann ignored the question and launched into a canned explanation of why she wants to repeal President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told the Pharisees that God commands us to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

There is no asterisk making this obligation null and void if circumstances require its fulillment via government.

The thing is, Bachmann knows a lot about compassion. She makes much of the fact that she and her husband took in 23 foster children over the years. But what of the orphaned or troubled children who are not lucky enough to ind a wealthy family to take them in? What of the boys and girls who have stable homes but do not regularly see a doctor because their parents lack health insurance?

Government can reach them.

But according to today’s Republican dogma, it must not.

Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Bachmann, Paul and the others onstage in Tampa all had the same prescription for the economy: Cut spending, cut taxes and let the wealth that results trickle down to the less fortunate.

They betrayed no empathy for, or even curiosity about, the Americans who depend on the spending that would be cut.

They had no kind words for teachers, ireighters and police oficers who will lose their jobs unless cash-strapped state and local government receive federal aid. Government is more than a machine for collecting and spending money, more than an instrument of war, a book of

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Correction

The American’s report on the recent Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club gala was misleading. Ameren did not donate $206,800 to the club. Ameren CEO Tom Voss was the chair of the fundraiser that raised $206,800 with contributions from many corporations besides Ameren. We regret the error.

Pentagon should share sacriice

The next three months will represent the largest challenge for the Defense Department, Defense Industries, their lobbyists and their friends in Congress in a long time. The irst stage of the debt reduction compromise requires that the Pentagon and other security agencies absorb $458 billion in defense cuts over the next 10 years, an amount only slightly more than what President Obama called for back in April.

The second stage of cuts must be resolved by Thanksgiving by the 12 Congressmen and women who are appointed to the Joint Select Committee on Deicit Reduction. Should they fail to reach a compromise, an additional $600 billion will automatically be added to the Pentagon’s cutback challenge. The resulting $1 trillion dollar plus cutback (i.e. $458 billion plus $600 billion) would be a good thing.

Of course cuts need to be strategic. But we don’t need 317,000 active duty military stationed or deployed overseas; or 800 military installations in more than 100 countries; or 11 aircraft carrier battle groups when no other country has more than one. I don’t see the justiication for the Pentagon’s 95 major defense acquisition programs expected, as of the beginning of the year, to cost $1.7 trillion dollars.

laws or a shield to guarantee and protect individual rights. Government is also an expression of our collective values and aspirations. There’s a reason why the Constitution begins “We the people ... “ rather than “We the unconnected individuals who couldn’t care less about one another ... “ I believe the Republican candidates’ pinched, crabby view of government’s nature and role is immoral. I believe the fact that poverty has risen sharply over the past decade – as shown by new census data – while the richest Americans have seen their incomes soar is unacceptable. I believe that writing off whole classes of citizens – the long-term unemployed whose skills are becoming out of date, thousands of former offenders who have paid their debt to society, millions of low-income youth ill-served by inadequate schools – is unconscionable. Perry, who is leading in the polls, wants to make the federal government “inconsequential.” He thinks Social Security is a “Ponzi scheme” and a “monstrous lie.” He doesn’t much like Medicare, either. But there was a fascinating moment in the debate when Perry defended Texas legislation that allows children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at state universities. “We were clearly sending a message to young people, regardless of what the sound of their last name is, that we believe in you,” Perry said. The other candidates bashed him with anti-immigrant rhetoric until the evening’s only glimmer of moral responsibility was snuffed out. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

The U.S. defense budget alone equals almost that of the world’s 192 other countries’ military budgets combined. Getting our nation’s debt under control will take plenty of shared sacriice, and much of that sacriice should come from the Pentagon.

Tila Neguse St. Louis

The Bible and the GOP

During the 2012 presidential campaign, political candidates will bombard us with alleged facts, manipulated igures and patriotic rhetoric. American lag lapel pins will be mandatory; “God bless America!” their closing line. Scripture will be referenced to seemingly support contentions of the candidate. Republicans and Tea Party candidates will tout their devout faith in God and The Bible as reason to elect them.

The quest to eliminate America’s debt is honorable, but the methods proposed by Tea Party / Republicans are Draconian, not biblical principles. When it comes to wealth, we live in a country where a few have a lot and most have little. Yet these Bible-following politicians intend to impose grievous hardship on “the struggling masses” while lavishing more wealth on the already wealthy few.

James 1:27 (NIV) tells us differently: “(The) Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows (the struggling masses) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by (the greed of) the world.” Will James be quoted on the campaign trail?

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Celebrating Kwame Nkrumah

Natural Nights will commemorate and celebrate the life and contributions of Kwame Nkrumah, first African president of Ghana, on Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m. at 4507 Manchester. Call 314-531-5900.

Quilt historian visits

Flo Valley Library

John Oldani will speak about his book, You Did What In The Ditch?: Folklore of the American Quilter, at the Florissant Valley Branch of St. Louis County Library on Tuesday, October 11, beginning at 2 p.m. Oldani is well known for his interest in and knowledge of local folklore and traditions. He has established an archive for research with a strong emphasis on the American quilt and the lore surrounding its history. Oldani has produced quilt shows, served as a judge at national shows, and has written and spoken on the meaning of the American quilt as seen through folklore.

The Florissant Valley Branch is located at 195 N. Florissant Rd. S. in Florissant. The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.For more information please call 314 994-3300.

Affordable flu vaccination

Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri will offer flu vaccinations starting today for $20 at six St. Louis area health centers as well as in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri. Same-day appointments for vaccination are available by calling 1-800230-PLAN (7526). You do not need to be a current Planned Parenthood patient to make an appointment.

On average, it takes two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response to influenza. It is important that all individuals 6 months of age and older get vaccinated early so they will be protected once the flu season begins. In St. Louis, the flu season begins in October and can last until May.

Vigil for the fallen

People hold candles during the reading of nearly 200 names of St.Louis area firefighters that have died in the line of duty during the Third Annual Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Remembrance Vigil in St.Louis on September 8.The solemn ceremony kicks off a weekend of activities for St.Louis firefighters.

Zoo needs docents

Wanted: Animal lovers to help teach about the wonders of the natural world at the Saint Louis Zoo. Docents are volunteer educators dedicated to helping school children and Zoo visitors understand and enjoy wildlife, ecosystems and conservation. These specialized volunteers generate enthusiasm about the natural world by conducting classes at the Zoo and in the community, leading educational tours, and teaching about Zoo animals.

No experience necessary. The Zoo offers a basic training course that runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. January 7 through March 31, 2012. The training includes information about the Zoo, its animals and conservation programs, and the basics of informal education. The program also provides mentoring with experienced docents, hands-on training and continuing education.

The Zoo provides this training free of charge; however, docents must be at least 18 years old, interview and be accepted into the training program. Docents are required to volunteer a minimum of 62 hours per year. Interviews will take place through September only. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Kim Schaefer at (314) 646-4723 or visit www.stlzoo.org/docent.

Families should pray together

By Kacie Starr Triplett Special to the American

Growing up I spent a lot of time learning about God.

My days were filled at my Christian grade school listening to Bible stories and memorizing scriptures. My weekends were equally active with Saturday ministry groups and Sunday morning children’s church service. The conversation about God was always loud as I bounced from church to school; however, the talk decreased to silence once inside my home.

Despite my parent’s best intentions (particularly my mother) to raise my brother and me in church, they unwittingly neglected the opportunity to reinforce the core Christian principles we learned inside our home. Our family conversations were vibrant, full of life and laughter; nonetheless, they failed to cover anything of Christian substance.

Many families make the same mistake. So much time and effort is spent on church and hearing the preached Word, yet we fail to fortify and apply the Christian principles we have learned inside our homes. Also, we fall short by not incorporating God into our regular family conversation unless we face moments of crisis or despair. God should be a routine topic of conversation in our households, with prayer serving as the conversation icebreaker.

Prayer is vital to the strength and integrity of a Christian family. With prayer comes power, and through that power, God provides His love, protection and peace that will permeate your household.

I remember dating a young man in college whose family gathered in prayer as he and his siblings prepared to leave for college out state. His parents demonstrated the leadership necessary to bring the family together for prayer; they had the wisdom and foresight to seek out God’s protection and favor over their family. I grew up seeing my mother pray, and I knew she was praying on behalf of our family; however, prayer in our family was an individual act and not a collective one.

When we pray as a family we are blessed with supernatural strength. The type of strength that allows us to body slam the enemy. Prayer has the spiritual power to loosen strongholds over families, bring peace, contentment and joy to households. Prayer will keep your family unified and protected from the enemy.

Why don’t you make the decision to guard and protect your family through the power of prayer?

Today is the day to begin the tradition of placing God first in your household. Get ready to see God work wondrously through your family. God loves you; He loves your family and is ready show up in an amazing way.

Kacie Starr Triplett currently serves as alderman of the 6th Ward for the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. She is a member of Mount Zion M.B Church.

Kacie Starr Triplett

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

CLASSIC

Continued from A1

first-year head coach at Lincoln U. Lincoln U. will be making its debut in the Classic on Saturday when they face Missouri Southern at 11 a.m. In the second game, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff will take on Clark University in the second game at 3 p.m. The double-header is the first in the history of the event.

Jones enjoyed a big part of his 12-year National Football League career with the St. Louis Rams. His game-saving tackle at the end of Super Bowl XXXIVpreserved the Rams’23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans, which gave the Rams their only world title. None of us will never forget when Jones took down Kevin Dyson at the goal line on the last play of the game. It was a simple fundamental play, but still such a magical moment in our city’s rich

SALUTE

Continued from A1

ing sponsors and partner universities, the foundation and universities invested more than $159,000 in “the future well being” of teachers and students in the form of grants and scholarships.

Anight of celebration and salutation began on a somber note. Anisha Morrell-Charles of St. Louis Community College, who chaired the dinner committee with Michael Kennedy Jr. of KAI Design & Build, reminded the guests that the community had just lost James McLeod, dean at Washington University and 2008 Salute Lifetime Achiever.

She asked for a moment of silence after dedicating the 2011 Salute to McLeod’s “end-

sports history. Jones returned to the Dome in 2008 where he guided Hazelwood East High to the Class 5 state championship in dramatic fashion. The Spartans won the state title on a “Hail Mary” pass on the last play of the game.

Hazelwood East, culminating in the school’s state championship in 2008.

Anative of Kansas City, Jones was a standout player at Southwest High School on the Western side of the state. He matriculated to the University of Missouri, where he was a standout player for Mizzou in the middle of the state.

Jones spent much of his professional career in Missouri, playing for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Rams.

Jones spent much of his professional career in Missouri, playing for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Rams. After his retirement from pro football, Jones spent six years at the helm at

lessly caring, nurturing spirit.”

Then, it was a parade of awards.

Bermuda Elementary School received the 2011 Monsanto School of Excellence Award. “I accept on behalf of parents and staff, but most of all students,” said longtime former principal Alice Aldridge.

The eight 2011 Salute to Excellence in Education awardees made remarks on videos produced by KSDK.

“I enjoy helping others to find their path,” said awardee Carolyn Blair.

“There’s a lot asked of our little ones; it takes so much work,” said awardee Nikki Doughty.

“Teaching allows me to touch lives,” said awardee Latasha M. McClelland.

“I’m in love with being able to be a blessing to students,”

All the while, Jones was very active in the community with his Mike Jones Foundation. He put on free football clinics all around the state as well as the metro east in Illinois. His prowess as a football player was only exceeded by being known as a good person.

Jones actually got out of town for a few years, when he became the defensive backs coach at Southern University. However, the attraction to returning to his home state and becoming a collegiate head coach for the first time was too good to pass up as he was officially named Lincoln U.’s head coach at the end of January.

Lincoln U. got themselves a good football coach and an even better man. I hope the football fans of the STLcan get out to the Dome and show their support for a tremendous individual who has meant so much to football in this state.

said awardee Michelle L. McClure.

“Students need someone who identifies with them,” said awardee Art J. McCoy II.

“We develop a lifelong process of learning,” said awardee Marsha Yvonne Merry.

“Our alumni are doctors, attorneys and teachers,” said awardee Natissia Small.

“I

tell them

ident of PNC Bank: a $2,500 check for her agency, YWCA Head Start Pagedale.

that anything less than a decent education makes them irrelevant, and irrelevance is worse than death.”

– Tony Thompson

“I let the kids know I am preparing them for life,” said awardee Darnell P. Young.

The 2011 PNC Bank Early Childhood Education awardee Valerie Newton-Pennington received a pleasant surprise from Rick Sems, regional pres-

Rayna Blackshear, 2011 SEMO Guidance Counselor of the Year, stated on a video “Honesty is the best policy with kids.” (The video was by Rebecca S. Rivas, reporter and video producer for The St. Louis American). 2011 Stellar Performer Tony Thompson, president and CEO of Kwame Building Group, was introduced by his daughter, Kristen Thompson.

“My father believes in increasing opportunities and resources for those who other-

wise might not have them,” she said proudly.

Tony Thompson’s enormous generosity to educational causes already had been lauded by Osborn of the RBC. Rivas’ video was a testament to his tireless dedication as a mentor.

“I tell them that anything less than a decent education makes them irrelevant, and irrelevance is worse than death,” Thompson said.

Thompson lost his brother Tyrone Thompson last year to a teen gunman working in a group of teen carjackers. “I want to keep them from becoming like the 17- and 18year-olds who killed my brother,” Tony said of his mentees.

In a powerful moment, a large group from the Gentleman’s Club that Thompson founded and leads at Carnahan High School of the Future stood to be recog-

nized by him.

2011 Lifetime Achiever Joyce M. Roberts, a retired principal in St. Louis Public Schools, also was profiled in a video by Rivas. “Aprincipal is a teacher with more responsibility,” Roberts said. “Aprincipal is a servant with the ability to move people to the work.”

The major scholarships for the evening went to Deja Myers (SEMO Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholarship) and Terrance Brown (UMColumbia Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholarship). Roberts – who donated her own $2,500 award grant to Sherman Elementary – left Salute guests with a powerful testament to “true education warriors,” especially parents. She said, “My parents, no matter what their circumstances, wanted the best possible education for their children.”

Coach Mike Jones and his Lincoln University Blue Tigers face Missouri Southern at 11 a.m.Saturday at the Dome in the St.Louis Gateway Classic.In a second game,the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff will take on Clark University at 3 p.m.The doubleheader is the first in the history of the event.

Continued from A1

the local units do. It works closely with developing units’ links between the national organization and local members.

The American: Why are you the guy?

Nimrod Chapel Jr.: I’ve work within the NAACPsince college, when I was president of the Oklahoma State University branch back in the early ‘90s, and I’ve had a close relationship with the organization since then. The things I see in terms of what the organization aught to do if I were president include building coalitions around issues relating to the mission and vision of the NAACPand doing this with a broad range of organizations and entities.

It includes use of technology to ensure the message of the organization reaches as many people as possible in a way they are prepared to receive it. In the past we’ve had phone trees, and they were very effective at one time. Now we have Facebook, Twitter and blogs. In fact, www.vote4nimrod.blogspot. com is my blog.

Athird thing, the organization at the state level in particular would benefit by engaging individual members or people who are interested in becoming members to use their expertise as professionals – lawyers, people who are experienced in dealing with the public or media relations; the range of experience of our members is very deep, and we aught to use it in a better way.

The American: How many people are in the race, and who votes?

Nimrod Chapel Jr.: Mary Ratliff is the only other person in the race. To vote, you must

MENTORS

Continued from A1

Express.

The initiative is a partnership between the non-profit founded by Furr and his wife Minga Furr, the St. Louis American Foundation and the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Cheryl Polk, executive vice president for the United Way of Greater St. Louis, said the new partnership aims to recruit 2,000 new mentors to volunteer for “existing programs and schools.”

Furr introduced the new initiative by playing a video pro-

Love on 9/11

be a member of the NAACP and elected as a delegate. The voters are people who have been sent from the units with some instruction on how to vote on the issue.

duced by Susan L. Taylor, the veteran journalist who launched the National CARES Mentoring Movement. “I’m in,” an impressive array of African-American celebrities announced on the video.

“I’m in,” Furr said. “My wife is in. Dr. Suggs is in,” he added.

“United Way is in,” Polk said. “I’m in.” Furr looked out at a finely attired audience of more than 1,100. “If everyone signs up tonight, we’re half-way to our goal,” Furr said. “Are you in?”

KMOX news anchor Carol Daniel, who emceed the event with KSDK education reporter Sharon Stevens, took the night’s recruiting mission seri-

The American: So it’s an insider’s game. Nimrod Chapel Jr.: Pretty much

The American: How is your inside game?

ously.

“Are you in?” Daniel asked – even taunted – the audience.

“In or out?” She made the matter personal. She acknowledged that her sons had full parental support, but not all growing African-American boys do. “I want my sons to have peers,” she said.

Daniel’s extended tirade on the mentoring theme evoked a jest from the next person to take the podium, Kathy Osborn, executive director of the Regional Business Council. “Frankly, I’m kind of afraid of Carol,” Osborn joked. “So I’m in, I’m in.”

Suggs accounted for the foundation’s participation in the effort in an editorial pub-

Nimrod Chapel Jr.: That’s a good question. To be brutally honest, I hope that it’s good. My desire to run and to lead the organization was born out of my love for the organization and the work we do. I’ve

lished last week in the Salute special section.

“It is estimated that there are nearly 100,000 youth in Eastern Missouri who could benefit by having a caring adult in their life, who would focus on support that enhances academic success,” the editorial stated.

“When we note statistics that tell us that 98 percent of youth that are matched with mentors stay in school or that 97 percent of teens that are matched with a mentor avoid pregnancy or that 85 percent of the youth who have these caring adults in their lives do not do drugs – how can we not serve in this capacity?”

talked to people throughout the state, in large and small communities, big units and small units. Not to say I’ve talked to everybody, but I’ve talked to a good portion of them and people seemed supportive of the

ideas I talked about. It’s not a condemnation of the past of the organization, but a commentary on the work that could be done and how that work should be done.

Photo by Wiley Price

Ursula Hardaway and James Green shared a quiet,powerful moment during the 9/11 memorial services recently on Art Hill in Forest Park.

In Memory of Mother Gloria Collier

Sunrise: April 10, 1932

Sunset: September 17, 2011

The Lord has called home his good and faithful servant. We love you much, but the Lord loves you best. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 22 at Hosea Gales Funeral Home from 4-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 23 at Ecclesia of Christ Church, 6349 Lalite. Your loving family and friends.

Idella Davis

Sunrise: November 28, 1924

Sunset: September 10, 2011

Idella Davis was born November 28, 1924 in Tchula,

Obituaries

Mississippi to Hamp and Blanchie Mae Junior who preceded her in death.

Idella accepted Jesus Christ into her life at a very early age, and was baptized at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Tchula, Mississippi and later joined Prince of Peace M.B. Church, Greater Progressive where she was active in Sunday school and later moved her membership to Blessed Hope M.B. Church where she was on the Mothers Board.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Nathaniel Davis on December 16, 1946 in Holmes County, Mississippi and eventually moved to St. Louis, Missouri. To this union the “Fabulous Four” were born, one son and three daughters.

Idella was a long-time employee of the Sear Roebuck & Company (SEARS) on Kingshighway and later transferred to the Northwest Plaza location where she worked in customer service for over

20+ years until her retirement.

With all her new free-time, she became an active member of the YMCA and participated in a weekly bible study class. She loved traveling with family and friends and watching her favorite TV show “Wheel of Fortune.”

With her health failing this “warrior” continued praying and calling on the God until He told her to come home to be with Him on Saturday, September 10, 2011.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one son Kirby Davis; and three daughters Linda Westerfield, Donna Davis of Snellville, Georgia and Antoinette George; five sisters Minnie Worline of Compton, California, Armesia (Thomas) Owens, Blanchie (Virdell) Young, Docia Jackson of St. Louis, Missouri and Dorothy (Willie) Rogers of Chicago, Illinois; three brothers Hampton Junior, Lenon (Nellie) Junior of Chicago, Illinois, and Sharkey (Mary) Ford, Sr. of Tchula, Mississippi; four grandchildren Natika Soward, Demonde Soward, Brittany Smith and Noelle George; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of relatives and friends.

William Rodgers, Jr.

William Rodgers was married to the late Nadine Hardy Rodgers for 38 years. To this union two daughters were born. He was a retired meat cutter/journeyman meat cutter. He served in this capacity for 40 years and was a member of the UFCW Local 88. Since retirement, he enjoyed fishing and working in the church’s food pantry. His family will miss him dearly. Homegoing Celebration for William Rodgers, Jr. will be held on September 22, 2011. Visitation from 9-11 am, Funeral Service at 11 am, Lane Taberbacle CME Church, 910

N. Newstead Avenue, 63108.

Rev. Dr. James T. Morris, Pastor–Officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations of time and dollars are welcome at any time to the Lane Tabernacle CME church food pantry in honor of William Rodgers, Jr. Thank you for helping to feed families in need.

Essie B. Shannon

Sunrise: April 9, 1922

Sunset: August 23, 2011

Essie B. Shannon was born to Matthew and Lovinia Smith in Tunica, Mississippi, the oldest of six siblings, three of whom preceded her in death. On August 24, 1931, she confessed a hope in Christ at Scott’s Chapel in Tunica. She completed 9th grade at Forest Dale School in Tunica, and later came to St. Louis, Missouri can continued her education. She took a course in Beauty Culture and became a Licensed Beautician. Among her many accomplishments in life, she was a seamstress, a floral designer and was very involved in her community. She owned and operated the first beauty shop in Pruitt-Igoe on the first floor of Biddle. Over the years, she advanced herself in all the modern skills and techniques of beauty culture, until her health began to fail. She also supported her family by making hats and arranging flowers, and was very good at it. Through her work she was able to put her oldest son through medical school.

Essie B. Shannon was the first wife of Johnnie B. Troupe, Sr. (deceased). She later mar-

ried James Shannon, who also preceded her in death. She was an active member at Temple Church of Christ until her health began to fail. She leaves to mourn her passing: two sisters, Elizinia Evans and Matilda Johnson; five sons, Johnnie B. Troupe, Jr., James Harold Shannon, Donald Shannon, Charles Shannon and Samuel Shannon (and a son, Stevie Shannon, who preceded her in death); three daughters, Beverly Troupe, Darlene Darmola (Olatunde) and Jackie Haylett Smith (two daughters, Ruby Allen and an infant daughter, Delores Troupe, preceded her in death); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Rev. Walter Malachi Johnson

Sunrise: September 21, 1951

Sunset: September 6, 2011

Rev. Walter Malachi Johnson was born on September 21, 1951 to Rev. Dr. Walter L. Johnson and Mrs. Vera Johnson Mitchell. His father stands ready to welcome him home.

Rev. Johnson began confessing his love for the ministry at an early age. He was baptized by his father in 1956 at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Kinloch, MO. Following his father’s strong Christian values, Rev. Johnson was ordained as a minister by Rev. G.B. Prince, former pastor of the Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church in Dallas, TX. Rev. Johnson was passionate about preaching God’s word. After serving a number of years in Dallas, Rev. Johnson was ordained as a traveling Elder in St. Louis, MO. He was assigned to the Southeast Missouri Conference, the Northwest Missouri Conference and the Missouri

Conference, pastoring and leading many congregations with his fiery, soul-stirring teachings, which were world renowned. He was honored to represent the U.S. at an International Faith Conference in Seoul, Korea. In 2001, Rev. Johnson organized the Johnson Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Kinloch in memory of his father. In 2006, Rev. Johnson joined the Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis and served as an associate minister under the leadership of Rev. John Martin. Rev. Johnson was educated in the Kinloch Public School System. Upon his graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served his country in many capacities, and received an honorable discharge. He attended El Centro College in Dallas, majoring in Theater Arts, Rialto Community Bible College in Dallas and HarrisStowe State University in St. Louis, where he studied law. Rev. Johnson was a community activist, motivational speaker, radio personality, entrepreneur, and the recipient of the prestigious “Yes I Can” Award as a Special Achiever in Business and Industry.

On July 1, 1991, Rev. Johnson and Priya Naidu were united in Holy Matrimony. A beautiful daughter, Jamuna “Jimo” Rebecca was born into the Johnson family on February 10, 1993. He was a loving, supportive and affectionate husband. As a father, he was protective, comforting and the best friend a daughter could have.

On September 6, 2011, God welcomed Rev. Johnson home. He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his wife of 20 years, Priya; daughters Jamuna and Danielle; mother, Vera D. Mitchell; sister, Deborah Pullum; brother, Bertrand Johnson; brother-in-law, Ronald Pullum; sisters-in-law, Akka, Sinakka, Kalani Akah, Devi, Mohana, Ranjini; brothers-in-law, Annan, Jana, Parthu, Athan; Uncle K and Thana, Uncle Bob and Aunt Shirley Thomas, Aunt Marion Merkerson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other rela-

Gloria Collier

Idella Davis

Essie B. Shannon

Rev. Walter Johnson

B

Urban League Young Professionals Suesan Daily,Kira Van Niel and Alain Justilien helped to weed and uncover unkempt gravestones at Greenwood Cemetery in Hillsdale with 100 others during United Way’s 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept.11 in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.About 3,000 people in total volunteered throughout the region for the 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance during the week surrounding 9/11.The majority volunteered on 9/10 and 9/11.United Way of Greater St.Louis organized more than 100 projects throughout the community for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to pay tribute to those who were lost and those who rose in service.

Listening to your body (and soul)

Wellness specialist Kelly Wimbley launches new workshop

By American staff

Many St. Louisans know Kelly Wimbley as the man who can fix any computer. A technician by trade, he races from desktop to desktop, rendering systems new. Others know Wimbley as a healer.

Wimbley, age 43, is a 6’1” and charismatic man who uses his hands to tap into your internal health story and pinpoint probable causes of pain. Whether it’s conducting ancient Chinese energy therapy in the middle of Golden Grocer, where he works parttime, or applying acupuncture, Wimbley heals.

Having studied energy therapy, acupuncture, and food-based nutrition for 20 years, he is launching a new workshop to inspire St. Louis and show people there are many exciting ways to pursue better health.

“There are people who know more about their Play Station or car than their own bodies,” Wimbley says. “That’s insane! My dream is to give people the tools to listen, I mean really listen to their bodies.”

On Wednesday, September 28, at 7 p.m., Wimbley is hosting his latest energy and nutrition workshop “Energetic Power!” at

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

April Ford-Griffin has been appointed as director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency by Mayor Francis G. Slay. The position has been open since Ruby L. Bonner retired on July 1. She was first elected in 1997 as the Alderwoman of the 5th Ward. During her time as Alderwoman, she served as chairman of the Ways and Means and Neighborhood Development Committees. The 5th Ward experienced over $850,000,000 of new development during her tenure in office.

Edward Haynie, a member of the Normandy School District Board of Education, was recognized for achievement beyond the mandatory basic school board by the Missouri School Boards Association.Haynie, the board’s treasurer, has achieved certification at the Advanced level.Nancy Hartman, who serves as Normandy’s board secretary, has achieved certification at the Advanced and Master levels.They serve as co-chairmen of the board’s Budget Monitoring Committee.

Jan Hess, vice president of St. Luke’s Hospital, is one of the 2011 Women of Worth announced by the Gateway Voice of Midlife and Older Women (OWL). The other awardees are Cheryl Roberts Oliver, Camille Herman, Barbara Fraser,

Alice

Gallant and Mary Schnare Stodden. They will be honored at the Missouri Athletic Club on Thursday, October 13.

By Ebony Sherod For The St.Louis

tance

Craig Robinson, president and General Manager of KNBC, the NBC owned television station in Los Angeles, has been named EVP, Chief Diversity Officer for the company, reporting directly to NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke. Robinson will help define, enable and foster a corporate culture that values diversity of talent, ideas, values and backgrounds across all parts of the company. He will act as the main liaison between NBCUniversal and key national and local figures.

Young Professionals Network Annual Membership Reception

The Young Professionals Network, established by the Regional Business Council, will host its Annual Membership Reception 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 27 at Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St. YPN was established by the Regional Business Council to attract, retain, develop and engage young diverse professionals by helping them develop leadership abilities, build social and business networks, and give back to the community. It provides an opportunity for young professionals of diverse backgrounds to mix with business leaders from St. Louis’leading companies. For further information, contact the RBC at 314225-2100 or ypn@stlrbc.org. Complimentary parking is available.

Minority SupplierDevelopment Council Golf Classic

The St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council will host its 17th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, October 3, at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights, IL. The event will provide an informal networking opportunity for MBEs, corporate members and guests and generate revenue for the council to grow and continue to provide programs for members.

The theme for this year’s Golf Classic is “Golfing with the Pros.” NFLlegend Johnny Roland has agreed to be the Honorary Chair and will bring along with him other football greats: Mel Gray, Gus Otto, Willard Harrell, Eric Williams, Howard Richards, Eddie Moss and others. For more information on sponsorships, golf fees and dinner, visit www.stlouismsdc.org or call Anjanette Brooks at the council offices: 314241-1143.

Agnes Wilcox, Vivian Zwick,

Ludmer, Jane Roodman Weiss, Susan S. Block, Judi Scissors, Diane

Edward Haynie

See WIMBLEY, B2

See FERGUSON,

Jan Hess

Craig Robinson

Photo by Wiley Price

Lathon and Chalana Ferguson

What is a mutual fund?

By Charles Ross

Charles Ross

“I had carpel tunnel [syndrome],” says natural hair stylist Yikhenha Borland, age 40.

“Most of my day I braided hair, so there was a lot of nerve damage to the wrist. The doctors wanted to cut into the wrist. But I met with Kelly and he opted to do acupuncture on my wrist. I haven’t had a problem since.”

Wimbley always breaks health down to basics.

“We’ll start with breathing techniques,” Wimbley says. “You’ll learn how to feel your own heart beat without putting your hand to your chest. You get quiet in your mind by listening to your heart.”

Producer of the workshop Malena Amusa has joined Wimbley to promote his bold vision and help people to get excited about living healthier lives.

“My company AddLife! Studio exists to work with great people like Kelly,” she said. “This workshop won’t be your granny’s boring health talk. There’s going to be remarkable ideas shared, life-

changing exercises and live music.”

Music is core to Wimbley’s approach.

“Like so many Americans, I experienced a very painful divorce,” he says. “I am also a drummer, so throughout the ordeal, music kept me afloat. Music is energy. Music was my therapy.”

Ultimately, Wimbley’s approach seeks to heal at a level deeper than the physical.

“There’s a reason the church lays hands on people. There are places on the body and in the spirit that when touched, healing begins,” he says.

“Being a member of Delta Sigma Theta has offered me additional support through school and a strong network system,” said Chalana.

The two have accomplished a lot through their Greek organizations. As the community service chair and with the help of his fraternity, Lathon brought the Alpha Phi Alpha annual back-to-school drive from collecting 200 book bags to a fair comprised of more than 600 corporate sponsors offering free hair cuts, doctor appointments and more.

As for Chalana, being a part of the Greek community has provided her an outlet to help mentor children and offer domestic violence education for teens.

Loyalty to their organizations, the community and each other has brought the Fergusons along a path to the United Way of Greater St. Louis. They have taken leadership roles among United Way’s

“I’m not dealing with the finite part of you but with the eternal – the physical, the emotional and the spiritual.”

“Energetic Power! with Kelly Wimbley” produced by AddLife! Studio will take place Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7-9 p.m., at Legacy Books & Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd. Tickets are $30 or two for $40. To reserve, call 314-458-4282.

Charmaine Chapman African American Society, the Young Leadership Society and the Women’s Leadership Society.

“United Way operates the same,” said Chalana, “readying people to step into the community.”

Lathon and Chalana are two of the more than 800 members of the Charmaine Chapman African American Society.

“The sheer number of individuals toward the same common goal causes ripples to turn into waves,” said Lathon. For the Fergusons, their Greek and community involvement are just part of who they are.

“The importance of giving is to ensure the continuance of life,” said Lathon. “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

To find out more about United Way’s Charmaine Chapman African-American Society, contact Orvin Kimbrough, senior vice president with United Way, at 314539-4249 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

RAMS ROUNDUP

Rams not ready yet

Numerous mistakes, poor red zone play spell doom

By Palmer L.Alexander III

impersonation of the Nature Boy Ric Flair. Unfortunately, as bad as that impersonation was, it wasn’t nearly as bad as the St. Louis Rams losing again 28-16 on Monday Night Football to the New York Giants earlier this week.

The Rams rolled into Met Life Stadium with hopes of showing the pundits from here to Bristol, Connecticut that they are ready for the spotlight. Well, they are not ready yet.

The most frustrating thing about the losses to the Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles was the Rams should have won both of those games easily. But they didn’t.

The Rams had plenty of glorious opportunities to break the game wide open Monday night. They got a huge game from wideout Danario Alexander, who has three catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. But, that was about it from the Rams, who failed miserably to score inside the red zone. And that’s what makes this loss sting a little more than last week’s loss to the Eagles. At the same time it gave us a clear-cut answer to what we might expect from this team this season.

I get so sick and tired of listening to people shake and quiver about the schedule. Please, save that garbage for somebody else.

By Earl Austin Jr.

It is quite rare to see the East St Louis Flyers lose a football game. It is even more rare to see them lose at home at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium. It is the rarest of occurrences for the Flyers to lose at home to an opponent from the Southwestern Conference. It all happened at once last Friday night when the Flyers were upended by Belleville East in a 17-14 overtime thriller. The Flyers last loss at home came several years ago against an excellent O’Fallon team, which was led by All-State performer Danny Moore.

With East Side’s loss, the Southwestern Conference has become quite interesting with the Flyers, Belleville East and an excellent O’Fallon team that is off to a 4-0 start.

The Lancers featured a punishing ground game that amassed 252 yards. ReShawn Bean scored on a 71-yard run while Chase Allen had an 83-yard touchdown run.

With East Side’s loss, the Southwestern Conference has become quite interesting with the Flyers, Belleville East and an excellent O’Fallon team that is off to a 4-0 start.

Push from Figaro

Lutheran South has not had much to cheer about early in the season, but the Lancers received a big boost from senior transfer Tuskani Figaro after Week 2. Figaro, who is from Louisiana, is the son of former NFL player and St. Louis Rams’player Cedric Figaro. In his first game, Figaro rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns as South nearly upset ABC League rival Lutheran North. He scored three more touchdowns last weekend in South’s 41-13 victory over Principia last weekend.

Undefeated Huskies

Ritenour is off to an impressive 4-0 start to

See FOOTBALL, B5

This is one of the good things about having the schedule they have this season. Obviously, on paper when you see Eagles, Giants, and Ravens as your first three games, it’s easy to say the Rams don’t stand a chance. You play who is on the schedule. I get so sick and tired of listening to people shake and quiver about the schedule. Please, save that garbage for somebody else.

Say what you want about injuries to the Rams’ opponents, the Rams have their share too. But, the Rams don’t have that killer instinct about themselves. These Rams look like a lioness giving the cubs a chance to make a kill, but the prey stumbles to its feet then run off while the cubs look bewildered with a mouth full of flies instead of dinner. In hindsight, the Rams’schedule serves a purpose, people. The main reason they are 0-2 and not 2-0 is they’re not ready yet. No ifs ands or buts. It’s nothing groundbreaking. Just the cold, hard facts. I would rather know now instead of watching another meltdown in the pressure cooker. The Rams should beat the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. But, just because I believe they can beat the Ravens, that doesn’t mean it will transfer to the field on Sunday. Any questions or comment email me LivnLegend@hotmail.com

Miller Academy's Devin Buford (1) attempts to make a catch over Vason's Marvin Gilmore Saturday afternoon at Roosevelt.The Phoenix of Career Academy went on to defeat the Wolverines 44-7.

For The St.Louis American

Of The St.Louis American

Photo by Leon Algee

Earl Austin Jr.

Wrong about the Rams, 6-10 was generous

It was not that long ago that I made a prediction that the Rams would not have a good season. As a matter of fact, I even went as far to say they would have a record of 6-10. I was scorned by some and questioned by others as to my own sanity.

I am here to tell you today that I was wrong about the Rams. I knew better when I made that prediction, and I should have listened. I was wrong. The Rams are going to be worse than 6-10. The sad thing is it is a team effort. Let’s start at the top. Where are the Rams getting these guys? Other than Sam Bradford, the obvious needs have not been addressed.

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

When you draft that high over the last few years, those players have to be impactful, dominant players. They have not been. The Rams have been in need of a bona fide receiver since they ran off Torry Holt, and the best they could come up with is an undersized free agent and a talented free agent with five surgeries on the same knee. Notice, I mentioned free agents? They have

yet to draft a difference-maker. Let’s move on to the coaching. I understand they are short-handed on talent, but how many times can we hear from coaches after a loss that they were happy with the effort? I thought that they were paid to try. And how is it that your best receiver sits out the first game, not to mention your first-round draft pick?

As I watched a rookie attempt to field a punt only to fumble it a way, I asked myself when did he field punts during preseason? The answer: he didn’t. The guy who was fielding all the punts was cut. On to the players. How many more weeks will we wonder if Stephen Jackson will be available to play in a game? Jackson has been gallant in fighting through injuries, but at some point there has to be a real plan B. I did not even bring up the killer schedule that is in front of them. In case you are wondering, the Baltimore Ravens and Ray Lewis pay a visit to St. Louis this weekend. Yep, I was wrong.

Cardinals

Wild

Just when they were about to play taps for the Cardinals season, there was a faint heartbeat. They find themselves in the hunt for a wildcard spot. We have not seen this sort of baseball in some time. It has been an interesting run to say the least, but the Cardinals are running out of games. What looked as if it was going to be a ho hum season finale at home has all of a sudden turned into must-watch baseball.

Shut up and fight

I am real fan of the skill level of Floyd Mayweather. He has as much talent as anyone who laces up gloves in the world of boxing. But what’s up with all the antics? The 24/7 reality show on HBO has turned him and his family, hangers on and wannabes into a modern version of a dysfunctional Beverly Hillbillies. Fast-forward to Saturday night when he sucker-punches a guy to win a fight he was already winning. If Floyd lost his cool for being head-butted, I get it. To act as if it were business as usual is flat out silly. I do give him points for air-

ing out Larry Merchant. If there was ever a person that deserved it, I would start with Merchant and save some for Jim Gray. As for Mayweather, just shut up and fight Manny Pacquiao.

Go,Devon

Devon Alexander has signed on with Oscar De LaHoya and Golden Boy productions. Good for him, but what does that mean? There are a lot of good

fighters in Alexander’s weight class and the one above him. Golden Boy and HBO are business partners, and they will have a say on who makes the TVbouts. From what we have seen from Alexander lately, there is work to do to be back on HBO. The clock is ticking on whether Alexander is the real deal or not. To be on the sidelines too long will doom his career. If he has to fight somewhere other than St. Louis to regain credibility, then by all means do it. This will always be home.

Mike Claiborne

Danario Alexander #84 of the St.Louis Rams catches a 19-yard touchdown reception over the New York Giants’ Michael Coe #37 at MetLife Stadium Monday night in East Rutherford,New Jersey.It was not enough as the Rams fell to the Giants 28-16.

SLUH retires Henry Jones’ No. 42

Former National Football League standout Henry Jones has his number officially retired at his high school alma mater,St.Louis University High,last Friday night before the SLUH-CBC game.Jones was a star at the Univerity of Illinois and a 12-year NFL standout with the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons.Jones poses with his high school coach Paul Martel during the pre-game ceremony.

FOOTBALL

the season. The Huskies remain undefeated with a 2114 victory over McCluer last Saturday. Ritenour is led by quarterback Terrance HollinsWhite, who has been quite a threat as a runner and passer.

High-yardage Holloway

Jennings High senior Raheim Holloway enjoyed a big performance in a losing cause last Saturday against Ladue. He had six receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown. He also scored on an 81-yard punt return and an 80yard interception return.

The Local Line

On the collegiate level, former SLUH standout Ronnie Wingo scored three touchdowns to lead Arkansas to a 38-28 victory over Troy. Former DeSmet standout Wesley Kemp caught two touchdown passes in Missouri’s 69-0 victory over Western Illinois.

On tap this weekend

Ritenour(4-0) at Fort

EAST SIDE

Continued from B3

Continued from B3 for me and my team,” said Alexander. “I’m really looking forward to getting back into the ring to show the world and my hometown of St. Louis that we are going to bring another world championship back to St. Louis.”

Alexander also told The St. Louis American, “Kevin has done a great job. He is always working for us to be better. I know he has my back, and I’m ready to get back into the ring. This is a great fit, with all the competition at 147. I’m ready.” Cunningham and Alexander looked very sharp and cleancut at the press conference.

“I’m excited about the future of Devon future with Golden Boy Promotions,”

Zumwalt North (4-0), Saturday, 1 p.m. – Abattle between two surprising teams that are off to perfect starts to the season. Both have talented quarterbacks. Ritenour is led by dual-threat senior xx Hollins-White while North has a tremendous running QB in V.J. Fitzpatrick.

Francis Howell (3-0) at CBC (4-0), Friday, 7 p.m. –The top-ranked Cadets will get a visit from one of the best in St. Charles County in Howell, who is coming off its lastminute loss to Fort Zumwalt West.

Granite City (3-1) at O’Fallon (4-0), Friday, 7 p.m. – Southwestern Conference battle between a powerful O’Fallon team and a surprising Granite City team that is off to an excellent start.

Chaminade (3-0) at DeSmet (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m. – The undefeated Red Devils will battle the Spartans in this Metro Catholic Conference showdown.

Parkway South (3-1) at Eureka (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m. – Ashowdown between two very successful programs with excellent tradition.

WebsterGroves (3-0) at Summit (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

Cunningham told the packed press conference. “I have worked with Top Rank, Don King Productions and now Golden Boy. And this was a very smooth negotiation. We are just ready to get back into the ring and get back to work.”

ADevon Alexander and Floyd Mayweather fight in the Edward Jones Dome one day my not be as far-fetched as one might think. More important, St. Louis is still back in the mix for another big-time fight in the near future. Next week, we will take an inside look into potential upcoming fights for Devon Alexander and a look at Golden Boy Promotions’CEO Richard Schaefer and his thoughts on potential opponents for Devon Alexander –only in The St. Louis American

– The powerful Statesmen will take on a Summit team that has won three in a row after its season-opening loss to Kirkwood.

John Burroughs (2-1) at Lutheran North (4-0), Saturday, 1 p.m. – Akey ABC League game between two teams that want to challenge MICDS for the top spot.

RAC

Continued from B1

Dunham, the renowned choreographer, dancer and social activist with whom Sara Burke studied dance in East St. Louis.

“Jack and I hope to see African Americans running cultural institutions in St. Louis, and believe this is one step to mentoring these future leaders,” Burke said.

“Many talented people are not being considered for these positions because they do not have the networking connections or the access to professional development in this field. It is our firm belief that the more diversified an arts organization is, the more creative and ultimately successful it will be.”

The first Katherine Dunham Intern was Antionette Dickens Carroll, then a graduate student at UMSLworking on her Master of Arts in communications along with a Graduate Certificate of Study in nonprofit leadership and management. After her experience at RAC she became the marketing coordinator at STAGES ST. LOUIS.

Burke is owner of the City Studio Dance Center in the Central West End.

The Katherine Dunham Intern will work closely with the RAC grants team, assisting

“Many talented people are not being considered for these positions because they do not have the networking connections or the access to professional development in this field.”

– Sara Burke

in the grant process, during which hundreds of applications are received and reviewed by the staff, citizen panels and the commissioners. Reading grants and attending reviews gives the intern an excellent working knowledge about how to approach grant applications, an important skill for an arts administrator.

In addition, The Katherine Dunham Internship experience may include work in marketing, public relations, the RAC Gallery, the Community Artist Training Institute, a volunteer program, or special projects with the intent of providing broad experience while also tailoring work to the specific interests and skills of the intern. Work may also include assisting in the development of programs and materials aimed at increasing the diversity of RAC’s programs and audiences.

The Regional Arts

Commission provided financial, technical, promotional and other support for arts organizations. Since 1985, RAC has awarded more than 5,600 grants totalingmore than $73 million, funded by a portion of the hotel/motel room sales tax.

“RAC is delighted to host this internship,” said Jill McGuire, executive director. “We are involved with hundreds of cultural organizations and manage many different programs which provide the Dunham intern a wide understanding of arts management.” The internship requires a commitment of 300 hours during the winter semester and is open to students, graduates and artists working in the field.

Applicants must submit a resume, a letter of recommendation from a professor in the field or a recent employer, as well as write an essay (250500 words) answering the question, “Why are you interested in arts administration and how do you think this internship will help you achieve your goals?” They should be sent via email to internmgr@stlrac.org. The deadline for applications is Monday, October 31. For more information about the Katherine Dunham Internship and other unpaid internships at RAC, visit www.art-stl.com/rac /interns.cfm or call Diane Kline at 314-863-5811.

The voice of Raiki

Robert Guillaume spoke for a Disney legend now returning in 3D

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I must say that when I heard that I would be speaking with someone from St. Louis, I was all jazzed up about it,” said legendary actor and St. Louis native Robert Guillaume.

“I have special memories there. I had great education there, and almost all of the foundation for my career and success I owe to St. Louis.”

While he was excited to talk about the re-release of the 3D version of The Lion King, he couldn’t help but relect on the good old days that paved the way for a groundbreaking stage, ilm and television career.

“I used to sing when I was in school and we went all over St. Louis and I sang this song, ‘Just a Kid Named Joe,” Guillaume said. “I was about 20 and I thought about my singing and said, ‘Maybe I’ll get back on stage.’The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I didn’t want to be a doctor or a lawyer or anything like that.”

Nearly 65 years after he made that decision, Guillaume’s resume and character credentials have served as an inspiration to generations.

He stands alone as the sole AfricanAmerican winner of a Best Leading Actor Emmy in 1985 for the title role in Benson. He remains the only black actor to perform the lead role of The Phantom of the Opera, replacing Michael Crawford on the national tour of the Broadway classic. But as The Lion King returns to screens after 20 years to impact and inspire a new generation, the conversation centered on Guillaume’s most commercially successful role – one that few recognized was even him.

Sweet 16 with Nelly

And Judge Jimmie is up for People’s Hero

By Dana G. Randolph Of The St.

Louis American

St. Louis Juvenile Court Judge Jimmie Edwards has been selected by the editors of People Magazine as a national inalist for the publication’s 2011 People Readers’ Choice Hero campaign. Cast your votes at http://styleentertainment. timeinc.net/people/readerhero. Voting starts Friday, September 16 and ends

and well-dressed crowd enjoyed the preevent VIP reception hosted by Ameren Missouri at the Renaissance Grand hotel, the dinner sponsored by Anheuser-Busch and afterparty hosted by Budweiser Select featuring the popular Dirrty Muggs Band

A few of

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Iconic soul

woman Marlene Davis Herbert Hoover President Flint Fowler and lovely wife, BJC

June Fowler.

The cast of New Line Theatre’s “Passing Strange,” from left to right: Jeanitta Perkins, Andrea Purnell, Cecil Washington Jr., Charles Glenn, Keith Parker, John Reed II, Talichia Noah. Photo by Jill Ritter Lindberg

Jocelyn McDonald on her 16th birthday with Nelly at Cititrends/ Apple Bottoms event in St. Louis.

See POTPOURRI, C4

St. Louis native Robert Guillaume is the voice of Raiki in Disney’s The Lion King, opening this weekend in 3-D. Dana G. Randolph

Isley Brothers Ron and Ernie sent fans smooth sailing down the legendary band’s memory lane of music that stretches five decades Saturday night. They brought the house down as headliners of the Superstars of Soul concert revue at Chaifetz Arena with a set that ranged from classic Isley Brothers to the more contemporary sounds of Ron’s recent offerings under the ‘Mr. Biggs’ moniker.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

gateway classic activities

Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m., 2nd Annual Classic CareerFair, Location: St. Louis Gateway Classic, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, St. Louis, MO 63106.

Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m.,Classic Gospel Showcase featuring Chris and Kyle, God’s Chosen and P-Dub, Central Baptist Church, 2842 Washington, 63103. For more information, call (314) 6211994.

Fri., Sept. 22,Classic Comedians Showcase featuring Pierre Edwards, Damon Williams and Matt Collins Location: Casino Queen Sevens Club, 200 South Front St., East St. Louis, IL62201. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

Sat., Sept. 23, 12 noon, Rams Coaches Luncheon honoring 1st Annual JFLHall of Fame Inductees St. Louis Gateway Classic, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

Sat., Sept. 23, 12 noon, Classic Ladies Luncheon honoring YWCA’s Adrian Bracy, The Ethics Project’s Christi Griffin, Dr. Carolyn Pryor, Angel Lewis, and Barbara Wilson (Boeing). Keynoting the event will be author and motivational speaker Denise Williams, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, One S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

Sat., Sept. 23, 5 p.m., Pep Rally Lincoln University, Missouri Southern State University, Clark Atlanta University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Baer Plaza. For more information,

call (314) 621-1994.

Sat., Sept. 23, 6 p.m., Lifetime Achievement Awards and Walk of Fame Dinner Honorees: Ruth Smith (Executive Director, Human Development Corporation), Dr. John Wright (author and retired educator), St. Louis native Dr. Arlene Ackerman (CEO & Superintendent of School District of Philadelphia), Irving Clay (retired Alderman & civic leader), Jonathan Butler (Grammy Award Winner singer and guitarist), Hon. Jimmie Edwards (22nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge), and Lou “Fatha” Thimes (retired comedian & radio pioneer). Hyatt St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut, St. Louis, MO 63102. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

Sun., Sept. 24, 8 a.m.,JFL Football Exhibition Scrimmage, Location: Edward Jones Dome. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

Sun., Sept. 24, 9 a.m., Classic J-Walk’N, Gateway Classic Parade, 13th and Market. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

Sun., Sept. 24, 9 a.m., The Classic Founders Parade, 13th & Olive to Tucker to Market to Broadway. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

Sun., Sept. 24, 11 a.m. Ameren Gateway Football Classic Doubleheaderfeaturing the MO Lottery & CharterHalftime Battle of the Bands, Edward Jones Dome. For more information, call (314) 621-1994.

concerts

Sat., Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Hot 104.1 F.M. presents the Back To School Concert starring Chris Brown, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

CALENDAR

“PPRC Photography Project:Pais Youth Development Center,”the newest exhibition for the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri St.Louis.For more information,see ART.

Mon., Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. (6 p.m.), How Sweet the Sound Gospel ChoirCompetition with Donald Lawrence, Marvin Sapp and CeCe Winans, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.howsweetthesound.com

Sat., Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.,

Uplifting rapper Lupe Fiasco brings a collection of alternative hip-hop hits to Chaifetz Arena. Tickets go on-sale on Thursday, September 1 at 10 a.m.at MetroTix.com, charge by phone at 314-534-1111 and the Chaifetz Arena Box Office.

Oct. 6- Oct. 8, Gentleman Jack & Leisure Studies presents the inaugural Lola STL Music Fest, over three days Lola will host the best regional and national funk, soul, hip hop artists with special bites and drinks for the new annual event with guests that include Diamond D and Fatlip of Pharcyde and Van Hunt. Lola. For more information visit www. welovelola.com

Oct. 16, 6 p.m., Scream Tour 10th Anniversary starring Mindless Behaviorand Diggy Simmons with special guests The New Boyz, Jacob Latimore, Hamilton Park and introducing the OMG Girlz, The Fox Theatre. Tickets on sale Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Tues., Oct. 25, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) The Smokers Club Tourstarring Currency, Method Man and Big K.R.I.T., The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com

Wed., Oct. 26, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), Marsha Ambrosius with special guest Miguel, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com

local gigs

Sept., 24, 6:30 p.m., (6 p.m. doors) Chuck Flowers In Concert: ATribute to Stevie

Wonder, The InSpot, 5854 Delmar.

Sept. 25, 7 p.m. (6 p.m.) AList Band SummerNights Concert Series featuring live music Live Music R&B, Motown, Blues and Jazz Quintessential Dining & Nightlife 149 North Main St. St. Charles, MO. For more information, call (314) 5171995

Oct. 1, 5 p.m., “Billie Holiday & Nina Simone Meet” starring Jeanne Trevor& Wendy Gordon, Robbie’s House of Jazz #20 Allen Ave., Webster Groves MO 63119.

special events

Fri., Sept. 23, 7 p.m., Natural Nights to Commemorate and Celebrate the Life and Contributions of Kwame Nkrumah, 1st African President of Ghana, 4507 Manchester. Call 314-5315900.

Sat., Sept. 24, 11 a.m., U City Jazz Festival, featuring Jeanne Trevor & Friends, Mike Silverman’s Classical Jazz Quartet, John Coltrane Tribute featuring Maurice Carnes Hipjaz Quintet, Clave Sol, U City Young Jazz Lions and the Washington University Jazz Clinic, Heman Park, For more information, visit www.ucityjazzfestival.com

Sun., Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Fashion in the City featuring Blacknell’s Naute’Empress collection, Haus Designs, LAHA, Alex Carter, Dwight Overton, J. Marie, Shukuru 2, Elizabeth Smith and Z, the City Museum, 701 North 15th Street. For more information, call (314) 223-7751.

Thurs., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., Urban Artist Alliance for Child Development AllWhite Party Benefit with performances by Stallings, Knowledge, Xplicit, Fior Baptiste and more! For more information, e-mail keyamurdock@yahoo.com

Thurs., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., Episcopal City Mission Gala Fundraiser“Moment in Time,” Crowne Plaza Hotel, Clayton, MO. For more information, call (314) 436-3545.

Through Oct. 7, In celebration of the festival’s 20th year in St. Louis, Grand Center Inc. is seeking local and regional talent forFIRST NIGHT- St. Louis, a New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts that calls on artists of every medium to be the catalysts in creating a shared cultural celebration. For questions or to speak with a member of the First Night staff, please call Travis Howser at 314-2891507 (email travis@grandcenter.org).

Sun., Oct. 9, 2 p.m., Our Second Act Incorporated fundraiser starring Kim Massie, the Diva of blues, soul and R& B, Coco Soul and D.J.Mr. We, Robert Probstein Golf and Tennis Club House in Forest Park. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support scholarships for women over the age of 55. For more information, call (314) 875-9932.

Sat., Oct. 15, 9 a.m., City North Y’s Men and Women Club All You Can Eat Breakfast, To Support Y’s Men’s International Projects, Monsanto Family YMCA,

5555 Page Blvd.

Oct. 28 – 30, Extraordinary Events Presents its 2nd Annual Ladies Spa Retreat Weekend To Hot Springs, Arkansas. Call 314-219-4188 for more info or register online at www.sparetreatweekend. eventbrite.com.

Niecy’s Network Showcase, The showcase provides a spot for talent to shine! Fridays 8pm Klmaxx Room inside the Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Road call (314)337-8087.

comedy

Fri., Oct. 28, 8 p.m., Fox Concerts presents Chris Tucker, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 31, 8 p.m., New Year’s Eve Homecoming Comedy Jam Cedric The Entertainer Live featuring Malik S. Peabody Opera House. Visit www.ticketmaster.com

Thurs., Sept. 22, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Pudd’nHead Books are pleased to present a Reading Garden Event Series program with acclaimed young adult author Margaret Peterson Haddix, who will discuss the latest installment in her Missing series, “Torn.” St. Louis Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Fri., Sept. 23, 5 p.m., Author Larry Earl Toombs will sign his book The Sims Family Remembers Jannie Mae Sims Toombs & Betty Murray, Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar.

Tues., Sept. 27, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Pacesetter AuthorSeries presents founderof Systems Service Enterprises, Inc. (SSE) Susan Elliott for a discussion of her memoir “Across the Divide: Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur, and CEO.” St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Oct. 1, 1 p.m., Olivia Longstreet will be celebrating the release of her first children’s book, Edgar’s Moon, Christian Family Store, 10807 West Florissant.

Mon., Oct. 10, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Left Bank Books present bestselling historical fiction writer Sharon Kay Penman for a discussion and signing of her new novel Lionheart St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Call 314-9943300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Sept. 22 – Oct. 15, New Line Theatre presents the hit Broadway musical Passing Strange. For more information, visit www.newlinetheatre.com.

Through Sept. 25, Gitana Productions presents the original play Inalienable Rights: From Pearl Harbor To 911 Regional Arts Commission in the University City Loop. A panel discussion will follow the matinee performance at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, the 10th

anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Sun., Oct. 23, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Award Winning playwright, filmmaker and author David E. Talbert brings his newest stage production “What My Husband Doesn’t Know” to the Fabulous Fox Theatre. 314/534-1111. Order tickets online at www.metrotix.com.

arts

September27 through January 8 , PPRC Photography Project: Pais Youth Development Center, the newest exhibition for the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Children from the nonprofit center, which is based in the neighborhood, took to the streets to capture the more vibrant aspects of their surroundings. The colorful exhibit will be on display Sept. 27 to Jan. 8 at the PPRC Photography Gallery in 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis County (63121). Gallery hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. An opening reception will be from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 27in the gallery. Aduplicate of the exhibit will be on display Sept. 27 to Jan. 8 in the northwest hallway at the Victor Roberts Building, 1354 N. Kingshighway Blvd. in St. Lous (63113). The exhibit can be viewed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Victor Roberts Building.

Through October7, Ronald Herd II: The Most Known Unknown Nu-Art Series’ Metropolitan Gallery, 2936 Locust Blvd., St Louis, MO, 63103. For more information, call (314) 535-6500.

October14, 7 p.m., Opening reception for Eric Nichols- A Solo Exhibition, Aisle 1 Gallery, 2627 Cherokee Street, 63118, just one block west of Jefferson. For more information, visit www.aisle1gallery.com

October15 – October16, 14th annual ARTEASTStudio & Exhibits Tour featuring the work of 100 local artists in The Alton-Edwardsville , Tour maps with a complete listing of ARTEASTlocations, participating artists and their artwork are available online at www.arteasttour.com.

lectures

Thurs., Sept. 24, 6 p.m. The City Forum and a panel of experts present an audienceinteractive discussion about and colloquial definitions of “race,” “white,” and “black” have changed throughout history, the history of these words and what they mean to us today. MacDermott Grand Hall, Missouri History Museum. For more information, visit http://www.CitiTalkLiVE.com

Through Oct.8, High school students who plan to pursue higher education can get a head start by attending a workshop at six St. Louis County

Library branches. The workshops are entitled “College & the Real World: AWorkshop for Teens” and feature author and youth motivational speaker Grant Baldwin. For more information and to register for one of the workshops, please call 314 994-3300.

Sat., October8, 10 a.m., the Black Alumni Council of Washington University presents “YourMind on Your Money – YourMoney on YourMind,” Alumni House Living Room, 6510 Wallace Circle.To register, call 314935-5645 or e-mail wubac@wustl.edu

TMAPYouth Empowerment Sessions, Thursdays, 4:45 p.m., 5019 Alcott Walbridge C.E.C. Riverview West Florissant -TMAPmeet for Youth Empowerment Sessions facilitated by Keith Minor Nuisance Coordinator in the 27th Ward and feature a variety of positive role models from the St. Louis Metropolitan area listen to and dialogue with youth in the Walnut Park neighborhood. Topics vary and are youth driven. Call the RWF-TMAP office at (314) 381-6999.

Toastmasters International St. Louis presents Primary Conversations! Want to develop in Public Speaking? Visit Toastmasters Primary Conversations Club every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6pm...Please call 314-2259098 for more information.

Matiff OPEN DANCE CLASSES,7 p.m. Monday and Friday, Male and Female dancers ages 14 and up specializing in modern, street, hiphop, and lyrical dance. Wohl Community Center, 1515 North Kingshighway. E-mail: matiffdance@gmail.com or call (314) 920-2499.

health

Thurs., Sept. 22, 11 a.m., OurSecond Act, Inc. presents ADay of Mind, Body and Spirit Rejuvenation, featuring inspirational message, nail care muscle therapy and more. Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Ave. For more information, call (314) 875-9932.

Sat., Sept. 24, 9 a.m., Shalom Church City of Peace will host a Health and Resource Fair, 5491 N. Highway 67 (Lindbergh), Florissant, MO 63034. Health screenings to include Mammograms (by appt), HIV/AIDS, Head, Skin and Neck Cancer, Sickle Cell Anemia and Mental Health. Free smoking cessation classes, emergency/disaster preparedness info and Alzheimer’s and Dementia resources. For additional information, please call 314653-2300 or visit www.shalomccop.org

Sat. Sept. 24, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Global Scholars Health Fair, Washington University/BarnesJewish campus - just north of the Central West End Metrolink stop in the plaza next to Barnes and Noble bookstore. Free screenings include blood pressure, glucose; exercise & flexibility; nutritional & health information.

Sept. 24, Merck, the American LiverFoundation, Coalition of Positive Health Empowerment, and OraSure Technologies are sponsoring Step Up to The Plate Against Hepatitis C, a program which is offering FREE chronic hepatitis C testings at Busch Stadium.

Sat., Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m., Covenant ForLife Christian CenterCommunity Health Fair In partnership with CHIPS Health and Wellness Center, 7200 W. Florissant. For more information, call (314) 489-7454.

Wed., Sept. 28, 7pm-9pm, Energetic Power: ASuper Fun Exploration of Transformative Health Practices, led by Kelly Wimbley, St. Louis’Energy & Nutrition Guru.” Presented by AddLife! Studio, this workshop guides you through miraculous techniques in Energy Therapy and ways to boost your health for life. Legacy Books & Cafe, 5249 Delmar Blvd. For more info and to reserve tickets, call (314) 458 -4282 or visit www.AddLifeStudio.com

Oct. 1 ,Majic 104.9 and Hallelujah 1600 present the 2nd Annual Sista Strut 3K Breast CancerWalk. Forest Park. For more information on the 2nd Annual Sista Strut 3K Breast Cancer Walk or to register online, visit www.sistastrutstl.com or www.kmjm.com. To volunteer contact Melanie Powell-Robinson, 2011 Sista Strut Committee Chair at sistastrutstl@gmail.com

Sat., Oct. 1, 9 a.m., Women’s CancerAwareness Luncheon - Bowling OverCancer, Christian Hospital Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd. Paul F. Detrick Bldg. Please call to register. Space is limited. 314747-WELL, or 1-877-747WELL.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m.Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at the Grace Hill MurphyO’Fallon Health Center, 1717 Biddle St. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, contact Sharon Lyons, 314-962-4670.Meetings are for individuals who have

Hot 104.1

F.M.presents the Back To School Concert starring Chris Brown with special guest Kelly Roland.See CONCERTS for details

someone in their family with mental illness including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.

Human Resource Center, a student-run free health clinic free pediatric clinic that is held on Saturdays from 1-3 pm. Free school physicals, immunizations, and other health screens by SLU and Cardinal Glennon physicians. The clinic will run every Saturday until September 24th. 1371 Hamilton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112. For inquiries, call 314389-0008.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m., STEPS

Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Mondays, 7 p.m., “Tobacco Free forLife” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer

Care; RSVPinitial participation to 636-947-5304.

Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends. Sundays, 10 a.m. Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/Hwy. 367.

Sundays, 10 a.m., Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

The American Cancer Society offers free transportation services through a program called Road the Recovery, but more volunteers are needed to make certain that every patient has access to their lifesaving care. The program is in great need of volunteer drivers in St. Louis City and County. To learn more about Road to Recovery and become a volunteer, please call Kaci Hubbard at 314-2868174.

spiritual

Fri., Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.,

SIGMAPresents: Conversations with Women in the Bible, join SIGMA (Sistas In God Mirroring Abba) as they examine 21 women of the bible (Eve to Jezebel to Rebekah) and what lessons can be learned. Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103.For more information, call (314) 4522088 or visit www.sigmasistas.com

Through Sept. 25, City Hope Bible Church will be celebrating their 8th church anniversary during the entire month of September / September 10, 2011, free benefit concert outside from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. Week of September

12, 2011, the church is having a Good News Club from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for children ages 5 to 12 (all ages are welcome) at the church to provide age appropriate Bible lessons, creative learning activities, inspiring missionary stories, meaningful songs, and life-changing Scripture memorization. The week will end on Friday, September 16th with an Award Ceremony and Fun Day. Saturday, September 24, 2011, the church is hosting a Women’s Workshop on How to study the Bible for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch provided. Sunday, September 25, 2011, City Hope Bible Church is celebrating the church’s 8th Anniversary with Rev. Jim Smith as the Guest Speaker. City Hope Bible Church, 5868 West Florissant Avenue.

Sun., Sept. 24, 3 p.m., Newstead Avenue Missionary Baptist Church Annual Day Celebration featuring Dello Thedford & The Gospel Symphonic Choir. 4370. N Market.

Thurs., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., Episcopal City Mission Gala Fundraiser“Moment in Time,” Crowne Plaza Hotel, Clayton, MO. Episcopal City Mission is a nonprofit that funds the presence of chaplains in the juvenile detention centers in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-4363545 or visit www.ecitymission.org

Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m., Women’s Initiative 2011 Worship Through Prayer, Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 1617 North Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63113. For more information, call (314) 361-8893.

Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m., Women’s Initiative 2011 Women’s Day Guest Speaker-Dr. Valerie Walker, Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 1617 North Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63113. For more information, call (314) 3618893.

Sweet 16 wish! Jocelyn McDonald and her family just returned to St. Louis from Japan. Her Sweet 16th birthday (September 10) wish was to meet St. Louis’ own superstar Nelly. Jocelyn and her family were able to meet and greet Nelly on Saturday September 10. An Apple Bottoms promotional in-store event was held at Citi Trends at The Mills Mall.

Jocelyn’s entourage included family members; Denice McDonald Jessica Johnson Jeffrey and Felicia Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Jayda Johnson, Sara and Thomas McDonald

All of the children were thrilled but Jocelyn says this was her best teen birthday and she will cherish the memory forever!

Nelly’s road manager Abby Cole III says the event was well attended and their crew really enjoyed engaging with all the fans. Nelly and his team are currently touring in Malaysia and Indonesia. Fans in those locations are all abuzz via Twitter.

St. Louis’ most popular emcee and motivational speaker

Lady Ida Woolfolk hosted her 9th annual Forest Park Balloon Race viewing party on September 17. The party hosted in her beautiful CWE penthouse was attended by more than 200

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St. Louis Juvenile Court Judge Jimmie Edwards has been selected by the editorsofPeopleMagazine asanationalfinalistforthe publication’s 2011 People Readers’ Choice Hero campaign.

guests throughout the afternoon and evening. Caterers Dominique and Faith Dunn and Pam Webb kept the balloon lovers happy with a variety of great food and desserts. DJs Duke and Robert Snipes kept the music playing and their eclectic selections had neighbors stopping by to join in the fun. Appropriately, Ida’s favorite balloon is the Energizer Bunny balloon. She is always thrilled to wave it by on balloon race day. Seen out on the balcony cheering on the balloonists were Mrs. Jean Gore Ernest and

“When I got there I sat in the control booth with Don Hanna. We searched and searched and searched for a voice for this character called Raiki, and inally one day I thought of a character that might work,” Guillaume said.

“It was something that I had been doing kidding around from time to time at parties

Billie Jacobs, Armeta Whit-

more, Jerome Williams Sr., Charles and Shirley Brown

Rose Tripp, William Freeman, Jerry Cannon, SLPS newly hired Chief Academic Oficer

Dr. Nicole Williams, Lois Severin, St. Louis Cardinals’ staffer Mark Odom, Sandra Brooks

Wallace, Curtis Young, Pat Jones Don Nabors Drs. George and Amanda Murphy ( ret. Hopewell Founder), Dr. Rosalyn Miles Atty. Jerry Hunter, SLPS Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams and wife

Dr. Karen Collins who was celebrating her birthday, Atty. Laura Robinson Honorable Gloria Reno, Katrina Thomas, Lloyd and Lottie Logan. Folks who couldn’t get out on the balcony but stayed in to keep the caterers busy included; Gary and Karen Watkins Dr. Queen Fowler, Phillip Deitch (ret. AMEX), Charles and Lisa Creath, Dr. Kirk Quigless, Ron Himes (STL Black Rep), Maxine Stark Dwayne Buggs

Irene Graham and Wilbert

Allen Catherine and Sherman George, Davis and Jane Mahan, James and Joyce Balls Lee Jeffries (ret. Pepsi), John Moten, Donnell Reid, Consuelo and Kenny Wilkins and community action agency expert HDC’s Ruth Smith Out of space. Have a great weekend!

Dana G. Randolph: dgrandolph@live.com.

with this vocal sound. In my mind, I thought of it as a fake Jamaican accent. I always enjoyed this character. And I started doing it – and lo and behold, it worked.”

Creating this voice and lending it to the project was a liberating experience for him.

“The funny thing was that I had never before or since felt so free with a character,” Guillaume said. “It’s something that was just so freeing to me as an actor. I couldn’t do any wrong. Once we found the voice, I threw caution to the wind and it worked. No matter how crazy it got, it always seemed to make sense. The more I tackled it with abandon, the more it worked.”

The Disney classic (which also stars James Earl Jones and the late Madge Sinclair) follows the theme of walking in one’s destiny towards greatness and fearlessly building on the foundation of elders and ancestors. It is Guillaume’s Raiki that reminds lead character Simba that the commitment to leading his family and pride members is not an option. It is Raiki that reminds the heir to the King of the Jungle that he doesn’t have the right to abandon his responsibilities.

“It’s a special joy, because as an actor you always hope you’re going to do something that resonates. I’ve been lucky in my career to have done things that take on a life of its own.”

The ilm introduced Disney to a new audience base, and Guillaume hopes that the phenomenon will repeat itself when the 3D version of the ilm hits theatres this weekend.

“I love it that character will live on long after I’m pushing up daisies,” Guillaume said.

“I’m all jazzed up about the Lion King’s return too. I hope that there is something about the character and my work that viewers can connect with – and it means something positive.”

Lion King 3D opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, Sept. 23

Child’s eye view of North St. Louis

UMSL partners with Pais Youth Development Center

By American staff

The Academy neighborhood in North St. Louis once served as the setting for “Meet Me in St. Louis.” More recently it has fallen on hard times with many homes lying in ruins due, in part, to illegal brick scavenging.

The neighborhood, bordered by Dr. Martin Luther Kinger Drive, Delmar Boulevard, North Kingshighway Boulevard and Union Boulevard, also boasts relics of its more elegant past and a nod to the future: well-kept older homes, newly renovated houses, busy shopping centers and active street life.

Academy is the setting for PPRC Photography Project: Pais Youth Development Center, the newest exhibition for the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Children from the nonproit center, which is based in the neighborhood, took to the streets to capture the more vibrant aspects of their surroundings. They photographed deep turquoise steps of the Christ’s Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, a close-up of a glossy yellow ire hydrant cap and a vintage red Cadillac against the backdrop of a red brick house adorned with red ribbons.

The Pais Youth Development Center was established in 1988 to provide counseling services for children and adolescents (ages 3-18) in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Pais is the Greek word for “sent to serve.” The agency’s mission is to provide various supportive services to children with

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Sundance, Tribeca and SXSW ilm festivals.

New Line Theatre Company Artistic Director Scott Miller knew from a small snippet that the show was perfect for the cutting-edge drama he produces. Much to his delight, the show will make its St. Louis debut this week.

“I saw a piece of it on the Tony Awards show and it seemed pretty amazing,” said Miller, who also directs the New Line presentation of Passing Strange

“I saw the ilm on PBS, and it absolutely thrilled me. It was exactly the type of show we do. I knew that Passing Strange is universal, and anybody who saw this show would see themselves in what was going on onstage.”

The all-black production focuses on the complexities that come with young people developing their own identities – the speed bumps, doubts,

emotional, developmental and behavioral concerns.

The pioneering community photography programs established by artist and teacher Wendy Ewald serve as the model for the PPRC Photography Project. Several volunteer St. Louis-area community groups participate in the PPRC Photography Project each year. They learn the basics of photography and then are asked to document efforts to improve their neighborhood’s quality of life.

The Public Policy Research Center’s goal for the project is twofold: to highlight the undertakings of local organizations working toward the greater good and to inspire people to take a closer look at and get involved with their communities.

PPRC Photography Proj-

growing pains and turmoil that come with the territory.

The New Line Theatre production of the show stars Charles Glenn, Keith parker, Talichia Noah, Jeanitta Perkins, Andrea Purnell, John Reed and Cecil Washington.

The piece is a brilliantly played showcase of the diversity that lies within the American black experience. It highlights the angst of upperand middle-class blacks and their struggle to ind a relevant voice among blackness that seems to be associated and identiied through blight and lack.

“I don’t think our regular audience is going to think anything different of it, but I’m hoping that it will bring in a new crowd,” Miller said. “My hope is because we are doing a black show we will get a black audience – and they will keep coming back.”

Passing Strange is all black, but also mostly all rock. The lead characters are torn with respect to every aspect of their identity – from sexual to racial – and they travel to Europe

ect: Pais Youth Development Center will be on display Sept. 27 to Jan. 8 at the PPRC Photography Gallery in 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis County (63121). Gallery hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. An opening reception will be from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 in the gallery. A duplicate of the exhibit will be on display Sept. 27 to Jan. 8 in the northwest hallway at the Victor Roberts Building, 1354 N. Kingshighway Blvd. The exhibit can be viewed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Victor Roberts Building. For more information, visit pprc.umsl.edu or call 314516-5273.

to ind themselves as people, activists and artists. What they actually ind is that they managed to smuggle their insecurities across the ocean.

The notion of an expanded idea of black struggle, as is relates to the common identity crises among black children of privilege, is one of the musical’s many gifts. But Miller believes the push and pull among the characters goes far beyond their blackness.

“It’s everybody’s story of growing up and iguring out who you are,” Miller said. “And everybody – no matter what their background is –they are going to see themselves in Passing Strange. And that’s pretty cool.” Passing Strange runs Sept. 22-Oct. 15 at the Washington University South Campus Theatre (formerly CBC High School), 6501 Clayton Road, just east of Big Bend. For more information, visit www. newlinetheatre.com A special opening night performance will include a post-show meet and greet with cast members on Friday.

“I’m Happy” by Mikayla N. (age 12)

This Week in Black History

September 24

1957 - President Dwight Eisenhower orders federal troops into Little Rock, Arkansas to prevent angry whites from interfering with the integration of the city’s Central High School by nine Black students. The confrontation was one of the most dramatic during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. Governor Orval Faubus had vowed to go to jail to block the court ordered desegregation of the school claiming that whites would be destroyed if they integrated with Blacks. But the confrontation settled the issue of whether states had to obey orders issued by federal courts.

1965 - President Lyndon Johnson issues what is generally considered the nation’s irst afirmative action order - Executive Order #11246. It required companies receiving federal construction contracts to ensure equality in the hiring of minorities. Despite a disastrous war in Vietnam which would eventually force his resignation, the Southern-born Johnson generally supported a host of legislative and executive efforts beneicial to Blacks.

September 25

1861 - The Secretary of the Navy authorizes the enlistment of free Blacks and slaves as Union sailors in a bid to help the North win the Civil War against pro-slavery Southern whites who had proven more dificult in battle than the North had originally expected.

1962 - In another one of those instances demonstrating the tenacity of racism among Southern whites, Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett deies a federal court order and personally stands in the door to block the admittance of a black student - James Meredith - to the University of Mississippi. Meredith would eventually be admitted and graduate. Historians now generally believe Ross’s “show” was primarily designed to curry favor among white voters not actually to stop desegregation of the then-all-white university.

September 26

1867 – Maggie L. Walker is born. She would become the most prominent Black businesswoman in the Richmond, Virginia area and one of the wealthiest Black women in the nation. She also became the irst Black woman to establish a bank in the nation. A social activist, she would help establish the Lilly Black political party in part as a slap at the “Lilly White” political parties of the day.

1907 The People’s Savings Bank is incorporated in Philadelphia by one of the nation’s early Black Congressman George H. White. White had been pretty much forced out of Congress as Jim Crow laws led to the increasing disenfranchisement of Black voters after Reconstruction. After leaving Congress, he turned his attention to Black economic advancement. His bank helped thousands of Blacks buy homes. 1929 – Ida Stephens Owens is born. She would become the nation’s irst Black female bio-chemist.

1937 – Blues great Bessie Smith dies of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near

Clarksdale, Mississippi. Rumors spread that white medics refused to treat her. However, later information did cast doubt on the accuracy of those rumors.

September 27

1817 - Hiram R. Revels is born free in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Revels becomes the irst black to serve in the United States Senate shortly after the Civil War

1876 – Edward Mitchell Bannister upsets racist whites who believe blacks have no artistic skill by winning a bronze medal for a painting he displayed at the American Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.

1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks is awarded Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry – “Annie Allen.” She was the irst black so honored.

1950 – Ralph J. Bunch is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in mediating a conlict between Palestinians and the newly established Jewish state of Israel. Arabs had gone to war arguing the Jewish state had been established on land which rightfully belonged to the Palestinians.

September 28

1785 - Abolitionist and writer David Walker is born. Walker is best known for his powerful anti-slavery pamphlet “David Walker’s Appeal.” The “Appeal” was published on this same day in 1829.

1868 – The Opelousas Massacre occurs. Racist whites launch a terror campaign in St. Landry Parrish, Louisiana resulting in the deaths of at least 200 blacks.

1895 – The National Baptist Convention is founded.

1991 - Jazz Trumpeter Miles Davis dies in Santa Monica, California of a stroke. He was 65.

Gwendolyn Brooks

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Wedding announcements:

Dhietmaliet

Anniversaries:

Kimberly and Maurice Crump 15 years September 14

Jittuan and Gerald Jones 3 years September 13

Birthdays!

Kisha M. Lee — September 23

Kwame Thomas (40) — September 25

Ty Kenneth Lige’(3) — September 26

Do you have a cel-

Beaumont High School Class of 1966 will have their 45-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-16, 2011.Friday night - Meet & Greet; Saturday night - Dinner Dance and Sunday morningBrunch.All events will be held at TheSt. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel.Please contact Josh Beeks 314-3030791 or Evelyn Wright- 314479-7674.

Harris-Stowe State University is calling on the classes of 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011, with the class of 1961 being the “Golden Class,” for its 50-year reunion at the annual Gold Gala in October.If you or anyone you know is a member of any of these graduating classes and would like to participate, please contact the HarrisStowe Office of Alumni Affairs at (314) 340-3390 or alumni@hssu.edu.

Northwest Class of 1981 30th reunion, Oct. 7-9, 2011, Hilton St Louis Airport, 10330 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63134, 314-4265500, $75 per person/$140 for couples, $79 king/ $84 queen double, money order or cash

only please.Payable to:

Northwest Class of 81 Reunion. For information contact: Annette Irving at 314640-1193, Karen NealCinningham at 314-477-5435, Donna McRae at 314-3692748 or Sharon Scott at 314484-7067.

Soldan High School Class of 1962 is in the process of planning our 50th class reunion for the second weekend in August of 2012. We are calling all classmates to come and celebrate this momentous occasion. Your contact information is urgently needed. Please call Bobbie Brooks at 314-8389207 or Hiram Wilkens at 314803-5580. You may email Sam Harris at harrissam@hotmail.com

Soldan High School Class of

1982 is preparing for its 30 year reunion in 2012.We are seeking contact information to complete our class directory. Please email information to Rahmina Stewart Benford and Bridgette West at soldanclassof82alumni@yahoo.com.

Soldan International Studies High School Class of 2002 is preparing for its 10-year reunion in 2012. We need your contact information to complete our class directory. Please email your information including mailing and email address to soldanclassof2002@yahoo.com. For more information please contact Denise Cobbs at 314-3231228 or email: denisecobbs83@yahoo.com. Please join our Soldan Class of 2002 group on Facebook.

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

SumnerHigh School Class of 1987 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 25-year reunion. We are in the process of planning. Your contact information is needed ASAP. Please emailyour information to: sumnerco1987@gmail.com

Vashon Home Coming Football Game Vashon vs. Sumner at Sumner High School, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 at 1:30pm. We need all former football players, cheerleaders, band members, majorettes, spirit squad, pompon,all students, andall staffof Vashon High School to come out to support our football players. ForTShirts contact, Coach Reginald Ferguson 314-5339487.

4242

Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. 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

Black Methodists to host annual worship service

Danforth Center on Religion & Politics announces lecture series

American staff

The Missouri Black Methodists for Church Renewal Caucus (BMCR) of the United Methodist Church will holds its Annual Worship Service on Sunday, September 25 at Union Memorial United Methodist Church.

Pre-service music will be provided at 2:30 p.m. and the worship service will begin at 3 p.m. Reverend Kevin Kosh is senior pastor at Union Memorial UMC located at 1141 Belt Avenue.

The BMCR Caucus is privileged to have as its guest speaker James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement for Africa University. The university is located in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe. Salley operates out of the Africa University Development  Office in Nashville. During the worship service, he will address the theme, “Africa University and BMCR”. Salley has the responsibility for spearheading efforts to renew funding for Africa University at the General Conference

of the United Methodist Church and beyond. He is a lifetime member of the Black Methodists for Church Renewal and the NAACP. For more information about this event, please contact Union Memorial UMC at 314-367-

Danforth Center on Religion & Politics lecture series

The John C. Danforth Center on Religion & Politics at Washington University in St. Louis has announced its fall 2011 lecture schedule.

Wide-ranging topics include challenges in a post-9/11 world; how American Christians learned to talk about homosexuality; how religion divides and unites; and politics in the pews. The remaining lecture series follows. Except where noted, all events will take place in

James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement for Africa University, will speak at the Missouri Black Methodists for Church Renewal Caucus of the United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 25 at Union Memorial United Methodist Church.

the Women’s Building Formal Lounge.

4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27. Mark D. Jordan, PhD, the Richard Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Divinity at Harvard University, on “How American Christians Learned to Talk About Homosexuality.”

4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Kevin M. Schultz, PhD, assistant professor of history and Catholic studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, on “Norman Mailer, William F. Buckley Jr. and the Civil Friendship That Shaped an Uncivil Decade.”

7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, Graham Chapel. E.J. Dionne Jr., PhD, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, columnist for the Washington Post and professor at Georgetown University, on “Can Religion and Politics Make Us More Civil and Not Just Angry?” This is the series’ keynote address.

4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. William Charles Inboden, PhD,

assistant professor of public affairs in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, on “The Prophetic Conflict: Reinhold Niebuhr and the Second World War.”

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, Graham Chapel. Robert D. Putnam, PhD, the Malkin Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University, on “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us.”

4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. Sarah Barringer Gordon, PhD, the Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional History and professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania. Title to be announced.

4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Laura R. Olson, PhD, professor of political science at Clemson University, on “The Politics of ‘Spiritual But Not Religious’ America.”

To RSVP and to view an updated event schedule, visit rap. wustl.edu/events.

Life Center International Church celebrations

The Life Center International Church Of God In Christ will host a Local Celebration Service (featuring the ministries of Life Center) Tuesday, October 4, 7–10 p.m. and a Jurisdictional Dedication Service (Bishop R. J. Ward, Jurisdictional Prelate – Missouri Eastern First officiating) on Sunday, October 9, 3–5 p.m. Please note that all services will start promptly.

Location: 8500 Halls Ferry Rd.

InspIratIonal Message When did I become weak?

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘When did I become weak ...” – Numbers 11:23 (Living Bible)

Synopsis of Chapter 11: The children of Israel were on their way to the Promised Land. While they were on their journey, they were complaining about first one thing and then another. It seems they had difficulty learning that the Lord hates complaining. God fed them with manna and here they are now in the 11th chapter complaining because they wanted meat. They complained to Moses and he in turn complained to God about the awesome task of leading the people. And so the Lord told Moses, “Tell the people, okay, I’ll give them meat, not just for one or two days, but for a whole month, until it comes out of their nostrils.”

would have to help God bring His word to pass. In verse 23, God answered Moses’ question, with a question, “When did I become weak?” What has happened to me that I am not able to do what I say? When have I ever failed? My word goes forth and it MUST accomplish that for which it is sent. It cannot come back to me without doing what I sent it to do.

Then Moses reminded the Lord of just how many people he was leading and Moses did what we often do when we ask God for things - Moses tried to figure out how the Lord was going to do it. He tried to use his own reasoning to see how the Lord was going to give meat to all the people. Moses said in verse 22, “If we butcher all our flocks and herds it won’t be enough! We would have to catch every fish in the ocean to fulfill your promise!” (Living Bible) Moses was thinking that he

If you’ll notice in the book of Leviticus, over and over again, God said to the children of Israel, “I am the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” To me, this was a reminder to them, look what I have already done. There’s nothing too hard for me! And so it is in our lives –we may have asked God, to save relatives, heal, deliver, prosper, open doors, or close doors. All we need to do is look at what God has already done and take courage. When did God become weak that He cannot handle your current problem or answer the prayer you have been praying for so long? He never has become weak, and He never will be. Take inventory and I’m sure you’ll realize that down through the years God has been good to you. After you take inventory, just believe that He is yet strong and mighty and will answer your call.

Send your Message column (no more than 500 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg file. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

Portia M. Simpson

New course helps students prepare forACT

Special to The American

High school juniors and seniors in the Hazelwood School District are taking advantage of an opportunity to spend a semester preparing for the ACTcollege entrance exam in a classroom setting with guidance from English and math teachers.

ACTPrep is a new course offered at each high school in the District. Approximately 200 students at each school –Hazelwood Central, Hazelwood East and Hazelwood West – are enrolled. The class focuses on content and test-taking strategies in English, math, reading and science. Students will work through exercises, take practice ACTtests, set goals for scores and complete a research project. The class counts as a .5 elective credit.

“The ACTPrep course is more in-depth and extensive,” said Cathy French, math learning facilitator.

The curriculum for the course, as well as teacher training, was created by Focus on Learning.

“Our teachers heard about the curriculum at a conference and brought the information back to the District,” said

Hazelwood School District uses ACTPrep program

French. “Data shows the program is successful in other school districts.”

JoAnne DuMont, communication arts learning facilitator, said that during the first week of class students took an actual ACTtest released for practice.

For example, in Michael Dorsey’s ACTPrep class at Hazelwood Central High School, students just finished a math practice test with 60 multiple choice questions ranging from pre-algebra to pre-calculus and were entering their scores with Activote, a Promethean device. The Activote looks like a small remote control with a digital screen. As scores are entered, the data is saved in a software program.

Achart on a screen showed the range of scores for the test from a low of 1 to a high score of 36. Dorsey worked with the class to answer questions and explain the scoring scale.

“As students take the practice tests, they’ll record the answers on a scan card and then enter their answers using Activote. To track progress, the data is saved and teachers and students can compare results as testing continues. Students will know which areas of the test they need to

work on and can set goals,” said DuMont.

“The class teaches students strategies to improve their scores and emphasizes content to strengthen their knowledge. They will find out what they need to know before they take the ACT,” said French.

Daron Allison, a senior at Hazelwood Central, said that his counselor enrolled him in the class.

“I want to make sure I have the tools to get a good score on

the test,” said Allison. He wants to study drama in college.

In Amy Shelton’s ACTPrep class, students were entering their scores from a 75-question English test.

Since the class began, Shelton has noticed her student’s interest level change.

“For many students, this class is a reality check. Many are seeing, for the first time, the importance of ACTscores. The interest level is high

Hazelwood Central High School English teacher Amy Shelton helps Dionte Betts,a senior,score an ACT English practice test during ACT Prep.The semester class helps students prepare for the college entrance exam with guidance from teachers during the school day.The class counts as a .5 elective credit.

set individual goals. It also allows for individual instruction so students can reach their full potential.”

The ACTPrep course requires a research project. Students will research colleges of interest, to include admission requirements, ACTscores, scholarships associated with ACTscores and GPAs, as well as summarizing strategies learned from the class.

DuMont explained that the District’s expectation for the course is “to raise ACTscores and increase the number of students who take the exam.”

because they now understand the impact their scores have on their future,” said Shelton.

By the end of the class,

Shelton wants her students to understand the content area material and to use the testtaking strategies learned to help them “reach their goals for education after high school.”

Shelton thinks the course is a good opportunity.

“This class offers students the chance to self-assess and to

Teachers will encourage students to take the ACTafter completing the course, but students can take the test whenever they choose. There are six national test dates scheduled from September through June. HSD will continue to offer ACTworkshops after-school and on select Saturdays to help students prepare for the exam. The six-hour workshops include Content Review, which focuses on math, science and English, and Test-Taking Strategies. Students must sign up for the sessions in the Guidance office. There is a $10 fee for Content Review, which includes workbooks for English and math.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Tippin’my wig to Salute! I would be remiss – and a hot mess – if I didn’t give a shout out to the most poppin’gala in the STL. The St. Louis American Foundation’s 24th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education was everything I told y’all it would be and more. Y’all really missed out, but best believe you have no idea of how big we will be doin’ it for the silver anniversary edition…so stay tuned! In the meantime, go to stlamerican.com and take a gander at about 200 photos of goodlookin’ folks havin’ a great time.

The Opening Gag. Ya girl was in full celebration mode when I arrived to Café Soul’s 5-year anniversary Friday night at The Loft. Unfortunately gags awaited me at the door.Although I coulda swore that I RSVP’d with the lovely ladies of Café Soul, I was told by the hard and seemingly angry faces workin’ the door that I would have to pay up for a plus one. I was appalled! Café Soul: All Star Alumni. As I tried to return to positive spirits, I was overcome by the sounds of head Café Soul Alum and former co-host Ms. Red Afro Queen herself, Silky Sol. All the squalling and gyrating my girl was doin’ took me back to Café Soul’s heyday at Lucas School House. It warmed my heart to see Sol’s signature bold nature after such a long hiatus. The local showcase went on as one male participant felt himself enough to take a stab at Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes.” Once his hip huggers stepped on the stage, I knew that incoming cackles would need to be stiled. With his top hat cocked and hip swivels goin’ strong, not even hostess Tendai could hide her confusion as her eyebrows raised to the heavens all the while goin’ with the low on background vocals. Other staples like C Jay Conrod were also in the place and after much coaxing, graced the stage with The Stylistics “People Make The World Go Round.” He sang with such fervor that a few attendees had to tilt their head in amazement. Once The Weather Girls One Love duo belted out Jennifer Hudson’s “Where You At?” followed by Tendai’s featured cover of Janet Jackson’s “Funny How Time Flies” and brother Michael’s “P. Y. T,” Theresa Payne was on hand to off her bare shoulder and a few soulful runs that has become her crowning glory.

The Main Event. Syleena Johnson took the stage looking like a tall glamazon. I was taking notes from her ierce wig game with the a-symmetrical bang that extended all the way to the bottom of her leopard print throwon blouse. With help on background vocals from Café Soul veterans: Tish Haynes, Tiffany Elle, and Katrina Reece, she went through her notable selections like the most popular “Guess What.” However, the highlight didn’t actually birth from Ms. Sho-Nuff herself, but it was actually a surprise guest appearance of the piercing squalls of the legendary Angela Winbush. Seemingly incognito in what looked like a Kanekalon wig that was held in place by a Cardinals baseball hat. Luckily for the crowd, the former Mrs. Ron Isley’s vocals were in top form as I’m sure several wine glasses shattered as she escalated up to the moon on her hit “Angel.” Such an eye-poppin’ display will allow Café Soul’s 5 year anniversary celebration to go down in the books. Here’s to 5 more years!

Isleys save Superstars of Soul. As I went to pick up my ticket for the concert Saturday night, disappointed and downright disgusted faces illed the box ofice area of the ChaifetzArena.Apparently some didn’t catch word that Warlock of Whines, Keith Sweat would not be participating as originally promised. I didn’t know the presence of Sir Sweat was the make or break for the evening of so many.

Because of the shadow puppet lighting I almost didn’t recognize Superstars of Soul opening act After 7. However, not even the dimmest light in the world could make me not miss the fact that it seemed the lineup has experienced a change over the years. As I saw the familiar faces of Keith Mitchell and Kevon Edmonds, I noticed that my favorite member, Jason Edmonds was nowhere to be found! In his place was a young chocolate version of their brother Babyface, whom I found out is Jason’s son. Once the mystery was solved, I enjoyed the kick ball chains that birthed from selections like “Ready or Not,” “Can’t Stop,” and Five Heartbeats favorite “Nights Like This.” Once they motioned their mouths for a last harmonizing groove, a stage handler gave them a good ole karate chop to the throat and motioned to them that their set was over. Boos unfurled.

Following a ierce sweeping of After 7 off the stage, an apparent overly jubilant El DeBarge emerged in gray suit and super slick scalp. As he took a seat at the piano and opened with “Stay With Me,” technical dificulties punished him out the gate. Barely inaudible, he pushed through “All This Love,” “Love Me In A Special Way,” and “Time Will Reveal.” However, midway through his set, something other than an inoperable mic was at work. His constant lailing about from piano to mic stand as he halfway went through some songs made me wonder if his eighth second chance at sobriety celebrity has continued to take a toll on poor El. With a few extended high notes and an appearance from younger brother Chico, the somewhat disoriented set came into landing.Although Chico didn’t seem to mesh well vocally with his brother at times, it was nice to see the camaraderie on stage as they inished off with “I Like It” and “Rhythm of the Night”

Right before Isley Brothers took the stage, concert promoter Daryl Oliver decided to announce his “big names” of next year’s St. Louis Music Fest which will allegedly feature Chaka Khan, Raphael Saadiq and the return of Charlie Wilson. Although I am thrilled by the possibility of seeing a few Chaka plus-sized pelvic pops, I won’t hold my breath until I hear and oficial word. Meanwhile, Ron and Ernie Isley came up and did their thing like real headliners do. However, I was confused by the occasional dancer that initially came out in a lop hat and pleather cat suit.Anyway, gems like “AtYour Best,” “Footsteps in the Dark,” and “For the Love of You” lowed out the gate during which some random snowlake sits a pineapple in front of Ron, takes a picture, and scrams. Besides the awkwardness of such and Ron’s response, “Is that a pineapple?!” this was a showcase that was not to be missed. Get your Gateway Classic on! I would need an entire Partyline to detail the lineup of festivities for this weekend for the 17th Annual Gateway Football Classic. Instead, I’ll direct y’all to the website – where I’m sure you’ll ind at least three things besides the game to tickle your fancy. Visit http:// www.gatewayclassic.org/ for the full rundown.

Tracie and Wynette repped for team Virgo as they celebrated their birthdays Saturday @ The Sapphire Bash @ Studio Blu

Andrea and Latonya soak in the special brand of soul going down at the 5 year anniversary @ Café Soul Friday night @ The Loft

R&B group After 7 with JoJo Davis backstage before their Superstars of Soul set Saturday Night @ Chaifetz Arena

Angela and Pamela sit eagerly waiting for the start of the Superstars of Soul Concert Saturday @ Chafitez Arena

Devine Soundz and Shanika kicked it with the Virgos for his b-day @ The Sapphire Bash

Studio Blu

Michele and Derrick ready themselves for some R&B classics @ The Superstars of Soul Concert @ Chafitez Arena

Jesse Morrow Ron Isley with Wife Kandy and Ricky Whittington from Plaza Motors @ the Superstars of Soul after party @ EXO

Phil celebrating his birthday with friend Marishka Friday night @ Café Soul @ The Loft

Sara and Christina are full of excitement @ Epiphany Boutique’s re-grand opening Friday night

Stephanie and David at the Superstars of Soul Concert @ Chafitez Arena

Epiphany Boutique owner Shaunice reveled in the re-grand opening of her boutique with Louise Thomas and Raeshonta Friday night

Garon Mosby a.k.a. Mr. St. Louis in the Nation’s Bravest: Firefighters Unite calendar received plenty of love at his St. Louis Lifesavers Foundation fundraiser Wednesday night @ Lafayette Firehouse No. 1

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

An evening of purpose & celebration An evening of purpose & celebration

2011 Lifetime Achiever in Education JoyceRoberts, retired school administrator

2011 Stellar Performer in Educationpresident/CEOTonyThompson,ofthe KwameBuildingGroup

Dr.Alice Aldridge, former principal of Bermuda Elementary,accepted the Monsanto School of Excellence award

24th Salute showcases dedicated educators

The sold-out 24th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala provided a memorable evening of elegance and inspiration, from the lively receptions to outstanding varied musical entertainment and splendid dining. More than 1,100 attendees filled America’s Center to pay tribute to Lifetime Achiever Joyce Roberts and Stellar Performer Tony

Thompson, and to honor the outstanding accomplishments of individual educators and scholarship recipients.

As the world around us increasingly presents tremendous challenges, this Salute to Excellence coverage demonstrates that St. Louisans are eager to support noteworthy achievements and good works of its own.

Rick Sems,PNC Bank’s regional president,presents Valerie Newton-Pennington with the 2011 PNC Bank Early Childhood Educator award

Salute photo coverage by Wiley Price,Lois Ingrum and Maurice Meredith

The 2011 Excellence in Education awardees:Darnell P.Young,Natissia Small,Marsha Yvonne Merry,Art J.McCoy, II,Michelle L.McClure,Latasha M.McClelland,Nikki Doughty and Carolyn Blair

Vanessa Foster of Anheuser Busch,lead sponsor for the 2011 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala

SEMO Counselor of theYear Rayna Blackshear,school counselor at Cardinal Ritter College Prep

Dr.DeAngela Burns-Wallace,Div.of Enrollment Management,UM-Columbia,2011 University of Missouri-Columbia Dr.Donald M.Suggs Scholarship recipient Terrance Brown,and Christine Winfield,UMColumbia Coordinator of Community Relations

2011 Salute to Excellence in Education Dinner Committee Co-Chairs Michael Kennedy,Jr.and Anisha Morrell-Charles

SEMO President Dr.Ken Dobbins presents a placque to 2011 SEMO Donald M.Suggs Scholarship recipient Deja Myers

Glen Doughty,Mandy Rajchart,and Derek Doughty

Dr.Donald M. Suggs,Fred Sweets,Denise Sweets,and Michael Marshall

Holly and Steve Cousins with Sandra and Eric Moore

United Way's Cheryl PolkAtty.Frankie Muse Freeman and License Collector Michael McMillan

Kristin Thompson introduced her father Stellar Performer Anthony "Tony" Thompson.

Monsanto Fund's Deborah Patterson

Salute Awardees Seated:Marsha Yvonne Merry,Rayna Blackshear, Joyce Roberts,Michelle McClure, and Latasha McClelland. Standing:Valerie NewtonPennington,Dr.Alice Aldridge, Darnell Young,Carolyn Blair,Nikki Doughty,and Natissia Small Kayla and Betty Thompson

University of MissouriColumbia's Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace

Kyra Betts, Lindsey Webster, Jerry Betts, and Jerona Washington

Comptroller Darlene Green and attendance prize winner Daria Afrum

Mandy Rajchart,Ann Heinrich,awardee Nikki Doughty,Kelly Tyson,and Lindsey Pearson

Curtis and Sharon Halley

Adrian Bracy and Michelle Tucker

James Buford,Charlene Jones,and County Executive Charlie Dooley

Tracy and Anthony Hall,Rick and Nicole Vaughn, Maria Eftink, Claudia Charles,and Lisa Claxton

The St.Louis American's Kenya Vaughn and Daniel Brown Lifetime Achiever Joyce Roberts with Janis Smith

Rev.E.G. Shields

Stellar Performer Anthony "Tony" Thompson with Judge George Draper and Dr.Benjamin Akande

Ameren's Richard Mark with Michael Whitley

Patricia Johnson,awardee Michelle McClure,and Constance Gully

Herbert and Andreal Hoosman

Candance Dickson

Latron and Chalana Ferguson

Shanti ParikhWilson Leah Bowers

Lifetime Achiever Joyce Roberts with Joy Burns

Dr.Art

UMSL Chancellor Thomas George talks with Belma and Dr.Henry Givens, Jr.President of Harris-Stowe State University

Melva Paden and Melvin Moore

Sable Jones

Cetric Cobb and Dionne Dailey Shay and James Gillespie

Flint Fowler,Suzy Guerriex- Adams,June McAllister-Fowler, and Brenda Battle

Dr.Kelvin Adams with his wife Dr. Karen Collins

Lenor Buchanan and Dr.Lynn Beckwith

Mikelle Smalley,Kiara Wilcox,Glenn Doughty,and

Sandra Smalley

Emcee Carol Daniel and awardees at the Ameren Missouri VIP Reception

2011 Stellar Performer Anthony “Tony”Thompson with his “Gentleman's Club”from Carnahan High School

Mrs. Barbara Brassard and her son Andres Brassard

Dwayne Smith with his wife Antonia

Sandra Moore talking with United Way of Greater St.Louis President Gary Dollar

Julian and Sande Stevenson

RBC Executive Director Kathy Osborn

Vida and Aaron Madina

Mike and Crystal Sankey, Michelle and Kennard Tucker, and Charity and James Isaac

Ashlee Roberts, Kim Edwards, and Channon Bates

William Sibert, Dawn Fuller, Dwayne Butler, Bob Fox, Alyson Sinkfield, Cong. William ‘Lacy’ Clay, and Brian Williams

Bubbling Brown Sugar’s Robin Herron and Rebecca King

Ashlee Roberts

State Representatives Vicki Schneider and Jamilah Nasheed

Christine Echols and Lawrence Williams

The St. Louis American’s Kate Daniel

Univ. of MO-Columbia Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholar Terrence Brown Dr. Charles Brown with his wife Shirley, son Charles Jr., and Robert Hudson

David and Reena CarrollDonna and Kel WardThe fabulous Salute volunteers: Shealia Washington, Claire Hay, Cathy Marshall, Emcee Carol Daniel, Sheryl Rogers, Bonita Washington, Tiffany Graham and Carolyn Graham

Bassist Boni

Drummer Dirty Lynt

Dirty Muggs lead singer Justin

The Dirty Muggs entertained Salute attendees after the banquet.

Revelers got down at the Budweiser Select Dance Party.

Rick Vaughn, Nicole Moore, Melva Paden and Melvin Moore

Courtney McCall joined the party.

Salute decorator extraordinairre Jeanetta Hill was the center of attention.

St. Louis American’s Mary Winbush

Media veterans Mike Claiborne, Wiley Price and Kevin Boone were all smiles.

Sable and Virvus Jones on the dance floor

The packed dance loor.

Nedella and Keith Spears

Johnny Furr, Jr., president of St. Louis CARES Mentoring Movement

Stanley and Ronda Franklin

Kristy and James Isaac

Tiffany Graham and Sheryl Rogers RBC Executive Director Kathy Osborn presents a check to SLPS Teacher of the Year Nevels N. Nevels.

Jana and Carl Haywood

Above: Agnes Hughes, Pamela Webb and Ida Woolfolk

Yvonne Holland and Judy Pearak

Emcees Sharon Stevens of KSDK NewsChannel 5 and Carol Daniel of KMOX 1120AM with Salute Stellar Performer Anthony “Tony” Thompson

Seated: Craig Patton, Tanya Patton, Salute awardee Natissia Small, Terence Small and Dianna Gorden; Standing: Ronnie Johnson, Ladonna Johnson, Brenda Rodgers, and Glenda Clay

Dorian and Danielle Daniels