September 25th, 2014 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

n “Someone could have put out the fire. Instead they ran door to door saying police started this fire.”

– Captain Ron Johnson

The community rebuilt the roadside memorial to Michael Brown on Canfield Drive on Tuesday after it was burned down early that morning. No eyewitnesses or video evidence have been produced.

Ferguson explodes again after fire

Burning of Michael Brown memorial results in renewed public outrage

By Kenya Vaughn and Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

After dodging bullets, bottles and rocks during protests in Ferguson on Tuesday night, the lead police commander in Ferguson asked activists, clergy and residents to work with the police in maintaining peace.

“Starting today I’m asking that the many coalitions who’ve stated they work for peace will stand publicly,” said Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson at a press conference Wednesday morning, held at the headquarters of the patrol’s Troop C in Weldon Spring.

“Political leaders who have stood in

Ferguson and watched the behavior of the unpeaceful protestors stand for the law you’ve been elected to uphold. This agenda for peace takes us all.”

Tensions and frustrations were on the rise again in Ferguson after Michael

PBS tapes Ferguson show at UMSL

‘America After Ferguson’ airs 7 p.m. Friday on Nine Network

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

Nine Public Media has facilitated local conversations within the community that explored the many issues brought into public discourse in the wake of Michael Brown’s death. That dialogue continued Sunday at the national level with PBS’ presentation of “America After Ferguson.”

“The events in Ferguson on Aug. 9 – only a few minutes from where we gather tonight – were not an anomaly,” said Gwen Ifill, PBS Newshour co-anchor and Washington Week managing editor. “From Los Angeles to Cincinnati, they

Front-line Ferguson protestor Alexis Templeton spoke to Gwen Ifill, PBS Newshour co-anchor, at the “America After Ferguson” forum. It will air 7 p.m. Central on Friday on Nine Public Media/ KETC.

Prophetic tweets from Texas

Nona Stewart’s Twitter spree seemed to predict crisis in protest movement

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Saturday was a chaotic day in the Ferguson protest movement, marked by internal conflict and run-ins with citizens – including at least two runins with citizens’ cars – at Ferguson Market.

Nona Stewart

More than 845 miles away in Houston, Texas, Nona Stewart registered the disturbance as she did laundry and got excited about watching a Beyoncé concert on television. She was following many Ferguson protestors on Twitter, where Stewart (@ SheSeauxSaditty) seems to communicate almost constantly during her waking hours.

A student of protest movements who works in communications for Texas state government, Stewart visited Ferguson from August 22 to 25. She has a friend who lives in Ferguson, Tasha Burton, owner/operator of Belle Butters. Stewart was a client of Belle Butters before the two women realized they had mutual friends. It became a sister thing, so when Michael Brown was killed in her friend’s hometown and the

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

n “This is the moment for us to actually challenge patterns of abuse against black and brown communities.”

– Montague Simmons

“I hope every

Organizers say preparations are in the final stages for an upcoming three-day Weekend of Resistance in Ferguson. From New York to Los Angeles, the weekend of resistance will mark a national call for nonviolent action to end systemic racial police bias and violence against black and brown communities.

See

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Nine Network / Jason Winkeler

Keyshia Cole booked for battery after alleged attack over Birdman

Over the weekend fans were shocked after news spread that Keyshia Cole had been arrested for attacking a woman she found inside Cash Money CEO Brian “Birdman” Williams’ West L.A. condo.

Apparently no one was more shocked than the woman in question who, as it turns out, is a Cash Money employee and is NOT messing with Birdman…

Sources told TMZ Cole attacked longtime family friend and Cash Money employee Sabrina Mercadel after bursting into Birdman’s condo at 5a.am. even though there were other women in the room.

The insider says Cole spotted Mercadel coming out of the bathroom and went nuts screaming, ‘What are you doing with my man!?” before the attack. Cole was arrested and booked on battery charges.

Tyler Perry to be a daddy?

According to several reports Tyler Perry is expecting his first child. Sources told Bossip.com that Tyler made the announcement at a private bash in Atlanta for his 45th birthday.

A source reported to Madame Noire that the party was said to be a starstudded bash that featured Stevie Wonder on the piano. They go on to say Perry revealed to guests – who were sworn to secrecy – that he was expecting his first child.

He didn’t reveal the identity of the mother, but it is believed to be 28-year-old Ethiopian model Gelila Bekele, who has been Perry’s on-again-off-again companion for more than five years.

There has been no confirmation, but sources told several outlets that she is believed to be 7 months pregnant.

‘Queens of Comedy’ fallout continues, Rickey Smiley chimes in

On Friday “The Talk”

co-host Sheryl Underwood put fellow comedians Sommore, Laura Hayes and Adele Givens on blast.

She claimed she once overheard them making unsavory remarks about her during a conference

call that was part of negotiations for Underwood to join the tour in Mo’Nique’s absence. “I hear discussions about my appearance. I hear discussions about my ability and I was startled and hurt,” Underwood revealed on her show “The Talk.” “I have to say I was so shocked that I couldn’t unmute my phone to say hey [expletive] I hear you. To this day they did not know I was on that call.”

Comedian Adele Givens told The Humor Mill she is planning to sue Underwood, CBS and The Talk for defamation of character because the alleged conference call never happened. Backing up Givens’ claims, “Queens of Comedy” producer Walter Latham says Underwood was NEVER offered a spot on the Queens of Comedy Tour. Meanwhile, Rickey Smiley used his syndicated morning radio show to pull a few of Underwood’s skeletons out of the closet. Smiley said:

“I’m not saying the call didn’t happen – it gets catty like that in the comedy game. And I’m not speaking in defense of these ladies, but Sheryl Underwood will do her little stuff to. Now when you do a show with Sheryl Underwood she might show up early –like she jumped on that conference call early –and change the order of the show, stay on stage all night and won’t come off and manipulate other comics and promoters. She was going in between Tom Joyner and Steve Harvey like ‘let

me be on your show and playing people against each other. Let’s be clear. She has a shady side to her that she needs to work out.

I wasn’t on that call and I believe that could have happened. But let me just say I had some bad experiences with Sheryl Underwoodwhich is why we don’t do shows together. All of us have some things we need to work on.”

Amber Rose serves Wiz divorce papers

Amber Rose has filed for divorce from husband Wiz Khalifa after one year of marriage. In the divorce docs, obtained by TMZ, Rose says they split on Monday and cites irreconcilable differences. Rose is asking for full legal and physical custody of their 1-year-old son Sebastian.

Rose reportedly acknowledges there’s a prenup – which she is not challenging. The docs say the prenup provides spousal support.

As for why they split, there’s been a buzz over the last few days of infidelity, but there’s no mention of it in the papers.

Sources connected with the couple told TMZ that the split is bitter.

Sources: TMZ.com, Bossip.com, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Madame Noire, The Humor Mill

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

Ricky Smiley

Amber Rose

Tyler Perry

BFL revives call to ‘put down the pistol’

Virvus Jones calls for economic development in north St. Louis city and county

By Chris King Of The St.

Louis

American

James Clark of Better Family Life was talking about “put down the pistol” before Ferguson, and then the nation and the world, started chanting, “Hands up, don’t shoot!” Clark joined the protestors in chanting to the police, “Hands up, don’t shoot!” but he also wants protestors to join him in telling youth on the street to “put down the pistol.”

“It’s good we are trying to hold the police and prosecutor and courts accountable,” Clark told The American on Thursday morning – a day, he said, he

began by literally weeping over the latest flurry of street violence in North St. Louis. “But we need to hold our own community accountable as well.”

Clark said he is grieving, in particular, over the honor student shot in the eye and the 1-year-old baby shot in the stomach.

“We should not accept this level of violence in our communities, and we should not expect the police to solve all of our problems,” Clark said.

Former St. Louis comptroller and North City resident Virvus Jones said economic

Guilty of public assembly

By Eric E. Vickers For The St. Louis American

On Wednesday, September 10, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., a legion of St. Louis County police officers – almost exclusively white – dressed in riot gear, lined the intersection of Interstate 70 and Hanley Road with their uniformed bodies and an array of vehicles, including an armored military transport. This massive display of taxpayer resources was deployed for the purpose of preventing the planned shutdown of Interstate 70, with hundreds of protesters, mostly black adults, gathered at the location, chanting and poised to peaceably march.

development, rather than police or protesting, is the only solution.

“Aristotle said, ‘Poverty is the father of crime and revolution, and crime is disorganized revolution,’” Jones said. “That’s what we are seeing in our streets. Black people are the last to recover from depressions

The police blocked off Hanley Road completely, and then cordoned off the entrances to the interstate, thus physically blocking protesters from entering and accessing the public areas and public right-of-way along the interstate.

and recessions, and our communities have not recovered. The ultimate source of street violence is economic disparity.”

Jones said that community police efforts – and any community attempt to help police itself – may have positive short-term effects, but as long as there is concentrated poverty there will be concentrated crime.

Indeed, the landmark 2014 report “For the Sake of All” (http://forthesakeofall.org/) by Washington University and Saint Louis University researchers showed that the areas of the St. Louis region with the lowest median incomes and levels

Being caged in this manner, protesters began spontaneous acts of civil disobedience, lying out on Hanley Road, as officers quickly bound them in wristband handcuffs and loaded them into the police busses they had standing by on the scene. The

intensity of the crowd turned from being pumped up to participate in a demonstration to outright anger at the police for denying them what they felt and knew was their constitutional right to assemble and walk on public areas. They were prepared to be arrested for physically going onto the highway; they were not prepared to be arrested for simply assembling to protest.

Declaring over their bullhorn that the crowd constituted “an unlawful assembly,” the police moved to disperse the

of educational achievement –invariably, in north city and county – also have the highest levels of crime, as well as the poorest health indicators.

“What we need,” Jones said, “is a serious economic development plan that for once takes into account the needs of North St. Louis – city and county. For starters, we should build a Metro line that goes from south and central, where many of the jobs are, to the north. You can build it right down West Florissant.” West Florissant Avenue was “Ground Zero” of the Ferguson protest movement.

Jones said his big-picture view does not negate the value of Better Family Life’s message of non-violence.

“Violence is not the answer,” Jones said. “Even if we understand where the violence is ultimately coming from, in terms of being humane, you have to tell people they are only feeding the problem by using violence as an alternative.”

To work with James Clark and Better Family Life on their Put Down the Pistol project, email James Clark jclark@ betterfamilylife.org.

To work with Virvus Jones on economic development in north St. Louis city and county, email Virvus virvusjones@ gmail.com

protest completely, moving forward in a line with their shields and nightsticks. It did not matter to the police that the protesters were lawfully congregating on the private parking lot of the BP gas station on the corner, or on the sidewalks, or on the spacious lawn entrance of a nearby apartment complex, or even on the grassy area that is part of the Metro station at the corner. They were all criminals in the eyes of the police, as they moved with a cold-blooded swiftness to remove every black person from the area. As the protesters were forced to disperse, their anger with the police reached a seething level. Two young black men drove their car on the Metro parking lot, turned up the volume in their car stereo to a rap song whose main words are “f--- the police,” and the adults joined in. The protesters did not succeed in shutting down Interstate 70. They did succeed in achieving the purpose in shutting down the highway: “Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension,” Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.”

James Clark and Better Family Life want to stop anyone who is “trigger-happy” with their Put Down the Pistol program. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Columnist

Eric E. Vickers

Editorial /CommEntary

‘The street,’

the police and Michael Brown

We have spoken often of the courage shown by people in the Ferguson protest movement, but it took a different kind of courage for Donnitta Turner to stand up at M.V. Market in North St. Louis on Tuesday and talk about violent street crimes.

“The street knows,” Turner said of the shooting of her daughter, Latasha Williams. “We know where the police get their leads.”

However, “the street” is not talking to St. Louis police about that shooting – or many others. Latasha, 14, a freshman honor student at Vashon High School, lost an eye when she was victimized in a drive-by shooting on September 12 at the market, located at 4300 N. 20th St. Nor is the street talking to police about the fatal shooting of Jared Elam, 17, one of four people fatally shot in the city on September 4. Since August 9, when Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, the City of St. Louis has recorded 24 homicides and 137 incidents of aggravated assault with a gun.

“People on the street do know,” Jared’s sister, Aigner Elam, told The American. “But people are scared to say anything for fear of retaliation if they go against the snitching code.”

This is one place where the protest movement sparked by the Ferguson police shooting of Michael Brown and the chronic epidemic of street violence in low-income black neighborhoods converge. If African Americans in low-income neighborhoods distrust and fear the police, they are not likely to cooperate with the police when the police investigate crimes committed in low-income black communities.

This is where the wider community – of all races and all income brackets – has a stake in how police conduct themselves in black communities. If police show abusive “patterns and practices” (as the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice terms these matters) in black communities, they will not get the leads they need to solve many of the violent crimes that are committed. And that means violent criminals whose dangerous conduct endangers us all and damages this region will remain, armed and dangerous, on our streets.

We have often been asked why black people don’t seem to get as motivated to protest by street crime as they do by police abuse. We think it should be self-evident that it is peculiarly cruel and unacceptable to be targeted as innocent civilians by the very public officials who are paid to protect us. But if you are from a demographic group that is not targeted by police and can’t understand that rationale, then you should at least appreciate the bitter wisdom of Donnitta Turner and Aigner Elam: people on the street often know who commits street crimes, but they are

afraid to tell the police what they know. Why? Because they have good reason to doubt whether the police will protect them. So as long as black people distrust and fear the police, none of us will be safe and our region will never get past its crisis with violent crime.

Donnitta Turner addressed the media alongside state Senator Jamilah Nasheed and city officials. While we commend Turner for her courage and join her in encouraging the public to cooperate with the police when they investigate crimes in our community, we reject the suggestion made by these officials. They recommended the enactment of stiff mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted of gunrelated crimes. We reject this “one size fits all” approach to fighting crime. What we need are better resources devoted to researching what kinds of programs and punishments are most likely to be effective with different categories of offenders and implementing them appropriately. An enactment of new mandatory minimum sentences would be a leap in the wrong direction, which is particularly wrong-headed to suggest at a moment when we face such a difficult fight to move forward in improving community and police relations to protect public safety better.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Open letter to Mayor of Ferguson

By Mae C. Quinn

For The St. Louis American

C.

Dear Mayor Knowles: I attended last Tuesday’s Ferguson City Council meeting, but was denied the opportunity to be heard. Thus, I write to you now in this open letter to share what I would have shared publically if permitted to do so. I would have thanked you for seeking input and guidance. I would have commended you for looking more carefully at municipal court policies and processes. And I would have expressed gratitude for your implicit acknowledgement that poverty should not serve as a reason for punishment. These are important first steps forward. But I would have also told you – as you heard so eloquently expressed by the St. Louis University (SLU) Law student who addressed the Council – that your proposed changes to municipal court practices do not go far enough. In particular, I would have reiterated the points made in a letter I sent to your attention on August 26, joining with the SLU Legal Clinic and Arch City Defenders in urging amnesty for all outstanding warrants, fines and fees in Ferguson. That letter was signed by a diverse group of youth advocates who work with young people and families across the St. Louis region. They include social workers, juvenile defense attorneys, teachers, guardians ad litem, racial justice lawyers, housing

support professionals, social services providers and faithbased program representatives. All have worked with kids whose lives have been negatively impacted by our municipal court systems and their ongoing cycle of prosecution, financial penalty, warrant, arrest and jail. Sadly, many of these cases stem from nothing more than ordinary adolescent behaviors – like staying out late with friends, driving a little too fast or jaywalking. Yet they are not behaviors that are similarly criminalized or aggressively prosecuted in non-minority communities. And they can result in long-term collateral consequences outside of the courthouse doors. As you heard from community members, tickets, fines, and then warrants from these cases can result in the loss of housing, reduced job opportunities, child welfare system problems, and even prohibition from serving as a little league sports coach. You heard from parents of impacted children who were pulled into the Ferguson Municipal Court system when they were just 16 or 17 years old. Those youth were then saddled with debilitating debt – even though they were too young to vote or enter into a binding contract. Beyond the fact that these “cash from kids” practices inhumanely work to punish poverty and reduce the life chances of community youth, they are simply unlawful.

Countless kids have been shuttled through our municipal court systems with no lawyers at their side. Their guardians have been left at the front door because of historic closed court practices. All too frequently, they do not know their rights

and do not appreciate all possible direct and collateral consequences of their rushed guilty pleas. Thus due process, the right to counsel, and other constitutional norms are all but forgotten.

Advocates at the University of Miami School of Law, the Colorado Juvenile Defender Coalition, the Family Law Center of Georgia, the Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project of Pennsylvania, and Howard University School of Law all join with local youth advocates in urging meaningful reforms. And as you know other local, state, and national groups remain focused on remediation and improved practices in Ferguson in the days ahead.

Again, I agree that the Council has taken an important first step by seeking input, reviewing policies, and acknowledging that poverty is not be reason for punishment. But it can and should do more.

Granting amnesty for all outstanding warrants, fines and fees is an even more legally prudent, logistically practical, and fundamentally humanitarian step the City of Ferguson can take at this time. Particularly as the world is watching and waiting, it will demonstrate that the Ferguson City Council is really listening and cares about providing fair process. It will also foster greater healing, work to improve life chances of impacted youth, and allow Ferguson to take this tragic moment and turn it into an opportunity to stand as a model municipality for St. Louis County and the rest of the country.

Mae C. Quinn is professor of Law and director of the Juvenile Law and Justice Clinic at Washington University.

By Bishop Jesse Battle Guest Columnist

Many members of the black community throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area are calling for the removal of the chief of police in Ferguson, Missouri since the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old unarmed black man by a white police officer. While the white minority community (less than 30 percent) of Ferguson seem pleased with Jackson’s leadership style, some members of the black majority community (almost 70 percent) are demanding Chief Thomas Jackson’s termination..

The leadership style of a leader sets the stage for the performance of the subordinates within the organization he or she leads. How a leader manages his or her responsibilities will determine to a large degree how those whom he or she leads manage their responsibilities. In the political and business communities, when there is a mess-up of the proportion of the turn of events in Ferguson since the shooting of Michael Brown, the leaders are held responsible.

Every police chief is bound by a moral code to set a tone

Letters to the editor Commentary

Why Chief Jackson should be fired

within his or her department that respects the human rights of all of its citizens. Whenever this responsibility is handled in an atmosphere of flagrant disregard for either the citizen or a strong moral code, the resultant behavior by those who police the streets of that community is tainted by such disregard.

Ferguson, Missouri is a glaring example of a police department that suffers from a void of integrity and moral compass in its leadership style. That can only be viewed as the responsibility, or failure thereof, of Chief Jackson. The chief’s leadership style has allowed his officers to operate without legal consequences for their belligerent attitudes against the segment of the Ferguson community that has been the object of the kind of disregard and disrespect that allowed Officer Darren Wilson to empty his revolver into the body of a defenseless teenager who, by the accounts of several witnesses, had his arms raised in a surrender mode while he cried out, “Don’t shoot!”

The black community is also demanding Chief Jackson’s removal due to the arrogant manner in which he violated the advice of both the United States’ Department of Justice and the Missouri Highway Patrol. Both agencies advised the chief not to release a video of Michael Brown that had no relevance on the shooting of Mike Brown by Officer Wilson. Chief Jackson claimed

Honoring the HBCU legacy

For generations, the promise of an education has been a beacon of hope for millions of Americans seeking a better life. At a time when it was deemed illegal for African Americans to learn to read or write, brave men and women took great risks to learn these skills in secret. And after the Civil War, determined individuals made extraordinary sacrifices to establish the institutions we know today as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These schools waged a war against illiteracy and ignorance and offered a newly free people the opportunity to write their own chapter in the American story. This week, we honor their important legacy and renew our commitment to their spirit: that every person deserves a chance to succeed.

President Barack Obama Washington, D.C.

Celebrating writers and authors

Happy birthday, St. Louis! We celebrate your birthday by recognizing our past and present people and things. Although only 50 were selected, we salute all local writers and authors.

“Our Pens Are Mighty: Celebrating Writers and Authors with STL 250” was developed out of a request from STL 250 to put together a diverse program or display to celebrate the birthday of St. Louis. My office put together a committee last spring, and here we are. With the help of a talented six-person diversity committee, we have 50 local authors and writers.

A special thank you goes out to the committee members: Dana G. Randolph, Kris Kleindienst, Christi Griffin, Robin Theiss, Melanie Streeper and Philip Deitch.

The 50 selected by the committee represent a broad spectrum of mostly contemporary writers and authors in our community. Those included are from various socioeconomic backgrounds, and represent most genres of writing: novel,

that he had received multiple requests for the video under the Freedom of Information Act. Reporters from both the Post-Dispatch and the Huffington Post reported that their inquiries confirmed that no such requests had been made for the video. It was merely a “characterassassinating” attempt on the part of an unscrupulous police chief to distort the lack of judgment by a police officer whose actions merely reflected the attitudes displayed by the chief himself throughout his department.

The chief continued his misleading assertion for several weeks following the community’s questioning of such actions. And to add insult to injury, as an effort to confirm that Officer Wilson was hurt by Michael Brown, the chief allowed a photo of a patient with a bruised face to be circulated as a photo of Officer Wilson. The problem was that it was not Officer Wilson at all! Instead of setting the record straight by denouncing the hoax, the chief kept silent. Neither the City of Ferguson nor the State of Missouri can afford an active police chief whose leadership is tainted by this level of deception and such a gross lack of integrity as that depicted by the actions of Chief Thomas Jackson.

Bishop Jesse Battle is diocesan for the Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America in Saint John, Missouri.

poetry, romance, drama, short story and children’s books.

We will pay special tribute to author and poet, Maya Angelou. The literary legend was born in St. Louis on April 4, 1928. Please join us on Sunday, September 28 as we celebrate our 50 diverse St. Louis authors and writers, and as we remember Maya Angelou, a legend lost. “Our Pens Are Mighty: Celebrating Writers and Authors with STL 250” will be held from 2-4 p.m. inside the Missouri History Museum Lee Auditorium, and is free and open to the public.

Comptroller Darlene Green St. Louis

Latest intrusion of politicians

A vote by Missouri lawmakers to override Governor Nixon’s veto of HB 1307, which triples the forced delay period for a woman needing an abortion, will harm the health of Missouri women. This vote represents the latest intrusion of politicians into a woman’s private medical decisions. This legislation was never about helping women, but instead is a way for some politicians in Jefferson City to pursue their own political agendas. It’s shameful and it risks women’s health. Be assured that ACLU of Missouri will stay vigilant in protecting women’s rights to make their own private medical decisions.

Jeffrey Mittman, executive director, ACLU of Missouri

Extremely helpful

Thanks to Cathy Sewell so much for presenting at the Each One Teach One Tutor Training at Washington University. It was extremely helpful for her to provide information and tips for use about the St. Louis American’s STEM pages. Tutoring began last Monday, and it was evident that the WUSTL students were incorporating her suggestions. We are very pleased to be using the St. Louis American STEM pages as a resource to inform and guide the tutoring sessions.

Thank you again for arranging the delivery of the dedicated issues of the newspaper each week.

Shirley B. Brown St. Louis Public Schools

Columnist Mae

Quinn

Columnist

Bishop Jesse Battle

Donnitta Turner, mother of the Vashon High School honor student who lost an eye in a September 12 drive-by shooting, and the girl’s aunt, Iesah Thompson.

Photo by Chris King

Praying

We are Michael Brown’s mom

By Dana King For The St. Louis American

If we are a parent, we are Michael Brown’s Mom.

I am Michael Brown’s Mom.

I am white, I live in St. Louis. But I could live anywhere and be any color. The story in my community is a story in all communities. Only the events might be different.

Images of peaceful and violent demonstrations, the visuals of the last few weeks, swirl in my head. In the midst of it, my friend Nekisha shares a song, “If I Could,” by Regina Belle.

“This is how his mom must feel,” Nekisha says, thinking of Michael Brown. Nekisha sings me the song with feeling only a mother can give. I listen and think this song speaks my heart. She sings the chorus: “If I could / I would try to shield / Your innocence / From time / But the part of life / I gave you isn’t mine / I’ll watch you grow / So I can let you go / If I could / I would help you / Make it through / The hungry years / But I know / That I can never / Cry your tears, babe / But I would if I could.”

Nekisha and I are worlds apart in many life experiences. I am 20 years her senior. She is black and I am white, at least as the world sees it. In reality, we are just different shades of brown.

And we are both mothers.

I’ve been in pain over my children, like most every mother, watching them grow and go their own way. Nekisha has been there for me. Her prayers and notes of encouragement have lifted me.

And I’ve been there for her. We love and we laugh together. We laugh a lot! We find joy even in the pain.

We are Darren Wilson’s mom too.

And if we could, we’d go back in time and change events.

Can we? After this moment, will we find our community moving in a better direction?

In my friendship with Nekisha, I find instruction and comfort. There is no hand-out or a hand-up, but only holding hands.

Can we just take hands?

Moms, can we seek to know each other across artificial lines, see the lines for what they are, made-up and unreal?

Would this change the course of things? As mothers bonded together, our communities knitted together, I believe we can make this a better place.

The reality is, we are all Michael Brown’s Mom.

Dana King lives in St. Louis and is a wife and a mother of two. An interior designer, she owns NEXT Project Studio, a design and remodeling firm. Active in the community, she organized The Discover Your Roots, an African American Family History Conference. Dana attends The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is currently on the board of blacklds.org that celebrates the contributions of Blacks to the LDS faith.

Nekisha and Dana King

A woman prayed fervently during a quiet moment in the recent National March on Ferguson.

protestor

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

FERGUSON

Brown’s roadside memorial mysteriously burned to the ground early Tuesday morning. By dark, protesters took to the streets of West Florissant Avenue just as they had done in the wake of the unarmed teen’s death on August 9. “Fight back!” the group shouted and chanted – at one point facing off with Ferguson Police, St. Louis County Police and Missouri Highway Patrol in the strip of businesses next to McDonald’s.

A small faction of individuals resorted to throwing rocks and attempted to steal the cash register out of the Beauty Town beauty supply shop – which has fallen victim to vandals three times since the Ferguson unrest began. A Molotov cocktail was thrown into a parking lot.

A fire was also set outside the Whistle Stop Depot restaurant, but there were reportedly no damages to the establishment. Johnson said gasoline appeared to have been poured around the building. At about 12:15 a.m., “unpeaceful individuals” began flashing lights in the eyes of police officers and shouting threatening remarks about shooting police and “burning down the town,” Johnson said. Protesters also started advancing towards police – some throwing bottles and rocks. At that time, Johnson said they decided to disperse the crowd. Near the

PROPHETIC

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 community rose in protest, Stewart traveled to Ferguson in support.

Now it was almost a month since she visited and 40 days since Michael Brown was killed by Police Officer Darren Wilson. Stewart is a dream

Canfield Green apartments, some individuals shot at police officers, Johnson said.

“The police had on bulletproof vests,” he said. “But a lot of the equipment that has been targeted in the media and community as being too much was not worn last night.”

The lack of gear put police in danger of being hurt, he said. In the end, two police officers were injured, and one officer was almost blinded by a rock.

Johnson said he is asking peaceful protesters to step aside and let them make arrests when unpeaceful individuals

take dangerous actions. The peaceful are more likely to get hurt if they are “standing in front” of the troublemakers, he said.

“This nation is changing,” he said. “The voices have been heard. They can continue to voice their opinions, but it needs to be done in a safe manner. I guarantee that those stuck on that not happening, we will pull you out of the crowds of peace.”

Protestors complained about police voicing their opinions while on the job by wearing “I am Darren Wilson” wrist

interpreter who is comfortably at home in the prophetic tradition. The Biblical time frame of those 40 days – “for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus wandered in the wilderness,” she told The American later –started to weigh on her mind. “I don’t want to creep people out,” she said, “but when God moves me to say it, the thoughts are not my own.” Speaking from God or from some other prophetic place, she proceeded to tweet advice to a protest movement in crisis.

bands. Some suggested police meant to infuriate the crowds with the bands. Johnson said police were making an “individual statement” by wearing the wrist bands.

When asked if he agreed with police wearing the bands while patrolling the protests, he said, “We will have a conversation with those agencies after this meeting.”

Seven arrests were made.

At the height of Tuesday night’s protests, the crowd was estimated to be somewhere around 200. The small but spirited group gathered on both

n “There is a fire that heals and cleanses and there is a fire that destroys and kills. Fire is purification. Be on fire for Mike Brown.”

– Nona Stewart

She warned of danger from black folks who only appear to work within the movement.

Protestors confronted police angrily Tuesday night on West Florissant Avenue, partly enflamed by the burning that morning of the roadside memorial to Michael Brown on Canfield Drive. Some protestors also reported that some Ferguson police officers wore an “I am Darren Wilson” wristband on Tuesday night.

rage was on the horizon. A group of about a dozen or so came from the direction of West Florissant Avenue. They were clearly on edge as they attempted to process the burned memorial that was just steps from where Michael Brown was killed by Wilson six weeks before.

Things erupted as St. Louis Post-Dispatch photojournalist David Carson attempted to capture the moment.

“No [expletive] media,” a young man shouted as he proceeded to chase Carson towards the parking lot. It took several young men to restrain him as he continued to hurl expletives at Carson from the other side of a human chain of residents and passersby seeking to shield Carson from his rage.

sides of West Florissant. One group included an individual waving a large American flag.

When asked if he suspected that outside instigators were the cause of the unpeaceful actions, Johnson said “no.”

“Last night, many of the faces I saw were residents of Ferguson,” he said.

On Tuesday morning, the Michael Brown memorial site was burned to the ground just as the sun rose in the Canfield Green Apartments.

At about 9 a.m., less than a handful of people stood outside, but a second wave of

“Every person protesting with you who shares your heightened melanin content is NOT on your team,” she said. “The enemy never comes in a form that will be offensive to you. He always appears as a pleasing/appealing thing. Y’all’s enemy is out there protesting with you, reporting all of your actions, telling everything that upsets you to your enemy.”

Many protestors did claim over the weekend to have identified paid agitators working with the police, though no named source has come forward.

She warned of danger from white outsiders infiltrating the movement for their own violent ends.

“People I love and care about in Ferguson, please know that soon the extremists with melanin deficiency are gonna show up to the party,” she said. “I would like for y’all to prepare mentally for when that time comes. Y’all gotta unite AT LEAST publicly so they can’t dismantle y’all.”

Police intelligence confirmed to The American that there are two different whiteled extremist groups active in Ferguson. One communistidentified group introduced Molotov cocktails to protestors early in the movement, and another anarchist-identified group cased the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday, according to police intelligence.

Stewart warned of protestors having their high emotions used against them.

“Emotional and psychological espionage is one of the most tactical forms

Several said they suspected that police started the fire. The fire department is investigating the fire’s cause, Johnson said. Johnson went to investigate the fire himself but was booed away by the crowd. Prior to going to Canfield, Johnson said he watched an 11-minute video of the shrine being burned.

“It started out small,” he said. “Someone could have gone into their home and pulled out a pot of water and put it on the fire. Instead they ran door to door saying police started this fire. I will not believe that police went off and burned that shrine.”

Follow these reporters on Twitter @kenyavaughn and @ rebeccarivas.

of warfare. Don’t feed into it,” she said. “You’re going to be incited to anger more emotionally.”

On Tuesday morning, the roadside memorial to Michael Brown on Canfield Drive was burned down. The community erupted in rage. Police were initially blamed, but no credible eyewitness evidence or video evidence has been produced. One individual from the communist-identified arsonist group was spotted outside one of the community forums in Ferguson the night before.

Later Tuesday evening, the memorial to Michael Brown in the middle of Canfield Drive was partially run over. Protestor Charles Wade said young black men were in the vehicle that ran over the memorial. Both acts of disrespect to Michael Brown’s memory had emotional impact upon protestors that resulted in a violent night of confrontations with police.

Stewart’s prophetic Twitter spree on Saturday night even hinged on the image of fire, which would incite the community days later when it destroyed the roadside memorial.

“There is a spark that lights a flame and as Mike’s spark left this realm it caused action. Woke you up from your complacency. Honor that,” she said. “There is a fire that heals and cleanses and there is a fire that destroys and kills. Fire is purification. Be on fire for Mike Brown.”

Follow Nona Stewart on Twitter @SheSeauxSaditty. Follow this reporter at @ chriskingstl.)

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

explode time and again.”

Ifill moderated the sold-out town hall, taped at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Brown’s family declined to participate.

Rev. Traci Blackmon of Christ the King United Church of Christ said none of us will ever be the same after Ferguson.

Blackmon said ongoing community unrest in Ferguson resonates with her, not only as a pastor, but as a mother of two black sons in their 20s, adding that she knows how it feels to be targeted and not heard. She said contrasting versions of Ferguson, St. Louis, and the country exist.

Former Mayor of Ferguson Brian Fletcher said Ferguson has been unfairly portrayed as a “suburban ghetto” and argued that the city is one of the most “progressive” in the country. Fletcher, who began the “I Love Ferguson” campaign and serves as its committee chairman, said Ferguson can come through this tragedy a better city and serve as a model for the rest of the country.

Ifill recalled seeing iconic photographs of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill during protests engaging with Ferguson residents. “It was hard not to feel the pain,” McCaskill said. She said she was disturbed to see such a strong military presence marshaled against a group of peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights. In terms of exercising rights, she said there needs to be a greater contingent of young African Americans making decisions for their communities by serving on city councils and school boards.

RESISTANCE

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 to show America that we are all with them,” one activist from Pittsburgh via Twitter. People from across the country will converge on Ferguson to continue the fight for justice for Michael Brown and mobilize a broader movement for racial justice. Hands Up United, The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS), and Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE) will join more than

40 organizers, said Montague Simmons, Weekend of Resistance spokesman and OBS chair. He said organizers have invited the Brown family to participate.

“What we’ve seen with the Ferguson uprising is that the community can’t take anymore,” Simmons said.

It is the youth in the community that have stepped up, drawn a line and made the demand for real change, he said.

“It’s up to us, at this moment, to make that real,” he said. “The way we do that is by putting our bodies on the line.” Hands Up United was

In Ferguson, Dwayne T. James is the only AfricanAmerican council member.

“America After Ferguson” expanded beyond local circles to include national thought leaders in areas of law enforcement, race and civil

formed after the unarmed teen was fatally shot by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. More than 40 days has passed since Brown’s death. He joins Eric Garner, John Crawford, Ezell Ford, Amadou Diallo and a long list of other black men who have been killed by police. Photos of those killed by police are displayed on Hands Up United’s website – the youngest is Aiyana StanleyJones, 7.

A series of public events – marches, discussions and panels – will be held during the Weekend of Resistance to build momentum for the nationwide

rights, as well as government officials, faith leaders and youth.

Phillip B. Agnew, executive director of Dream Defenders, said it is not enough to have a city council representative that looks like you.

“They have to come from and know the issues of the community,” he said. “Then, it’s folks in the community that

movement against police violence.

On Friday, October 10, a protest will be held at the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office in Clayton, followed by a march and rally in downtown St. Louis on Saturday, October 11. On Sunday, October 12, a Clergy and Faith Day of Action will be followed by art installations and film screenings Monday.

At press time, Simmons said event details were still tentative and that exact times and locations could not be confirmed. Simmons said a full schedule will be released by the end of the week. Harry

Front-line Ferguson protestor Johnetta Elize spoke to Gwen Ifill, PBS Newshour co-anchor, at the “America After Ferguson” forum taped at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri – St. Louis. It will air 7 p.m. Central on Friday on Nine Public Media/ KETC.

a pre-taped sit-down interview with Ifill. “We have to bridge those gulfs.” At the town hall, Ifill referenced a recent Kansas City-based Remington Research Group poll. The poll showed a stark racial divide among blacks and whites in St. Louis County. Seventy-seven percent of whites surveyed said they did not believe that Brown was targeted because of his race, while 64 percent of African Americans said they did believe that.

Local rapper and activist Tef Poe spoke of an incident in which he had a pistol pulled on him and said responding officers treated him like he was the criminal. He said racism did not die with the civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. After Ferguson, Tef Poe said he has “zero” faith in local police and a severe case of “animosity and mistrust.”

have to remind them every day that we pay your bills.”

Agnew said he founded Dream Defenders along with others, following the death of Trayvon Martin to combat systems of police oppression, racial profiling, school-toprison pipelines and the war on the poor.

“There is a gulf there,” said former President Bill Clinton in

Belafonte and Cornel West are among the national figures who have expressed interest in coming to St. Louis for events.

The Weekend of Resistance will shed light on a long list of both local and national demands. Locally, organizers have called for Wilson’s arrest, the appointment of a Special Prosecutor, the firing of Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson, and de-escalation of militarized policing of protestors, among other changes.

Nationally, although President Obama has addressed ongoing unrest in Ferguson following Brown’s death and

“I would rather die and go to hell than be arrested by St. Louis police officers,” Tef Poe said. The one-hour program, produced by WGBH in partnership with the Nine Network (KETC), will broadcast on PBS on Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m. Central. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com.

sent Attorney General Eric Holder to Ferguson, organizers have demanded that the president visit personally.

“This is a culture that has embedded itself in cities from coast to coast,” Simmons said. “This is the moment for us to actually challenge patterns of abuse against black and brown communities.” For updates on scheduled events, visit http:// fergusonoctober.com/ or text 90975 Hands Up United for mobile updates. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com.

Photo by Nine Network / Jason Winkeler

Two things police and protestors can agree on

Ticket quotas are bad, and there are too many police departments

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The Ferguson protest movement and the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police – the statewide association of police unions – are very far apart on almost every issue. That should come as no surprise, since Ferguson is a protest movement against abusive police practices.

The amazing thing is that the protestors and police end up on

the same side of any important issues , which they do – on two.

For one, police officers – the rank and file who pull over motorists and ticket them – do not like being driven, by superiors and municipal unofficial policy, to ticket people just to get their money.

“We’re 100 percent opposed to any quota system,” Kevin Ahlbrand, president of the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police, told The St. Louis American. “You won’t get any city to admit it, but we know

n “I know of several municipalities where performance appraisals are based on their activities related to writing tickets.”

– Kevin Ahlbrand

it’s out there. I know of several municipalities in St. Louis County where performance appraisals are based on their activities specifically related to writing tickets.”

Does that mean that beat cops – as well as the mostly black motorists they ticket, over and over again

are also, in a sense, victims of municipal policies that force cops to write tickets?

Yes, Ahlbrand said. And this greedy municipal policy also goes against the grain of something protestors are clamoring for: community policing.

“If you are forced to write X number of tickets,” Ahlbrand said, “that’s time you can’t spend getting to know people in the community and getting out of your car to talk to people.”

Ahlbrand said the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police also agrees with the protest movement that the county has too many small municipal police departments. This makes driving through the county like navigating landmines for many of the people most likely to be racially profiled by police, according to statistics compiled annually by the Missouri Attorney General.

“St. Louis County has too many municipalities and too many police departments,” Ahlbrand told The American

“That does not make for effective policing. They have tried consolidation of police departments in Indianapolis and Louisville. I definitely think that would be a cost-saving measure and bring a higher degree of professionalism to police work.”

There is not much else that Ahlbrand said, during a long exclusive interview with The American, that the protest movement would believe or want to hear. But he did answer one question that is on everyone’s mind.

Does he know where Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson is?

“I don’t,” Ahlbrand said. “I really don’t want to know.” Why not?

“Because I know I am going to be asked that question,” he said.

So many to thank

2014 Stellar Performer acceptance speech in rhyme

By Terry Freeman, Ph.D

St. Louis American

The

For

I am the product of dreams!

I am the son of Calvin and Laverne. I am the grandson of Edward, Almeta, Ivory and Beryl. My parents believed in education and helping, and that gift was passed to their children. My sister Pam can attest to that. I was born on Aldine in St. Louis and raised on East 100th street in Cleveland, Ohio by an extended community that included two-parent families and caring public school teachers. I spent my summers in St. Louis – Margaretta, Ashland, Tandy, Fairgrounds, Windermere Place – being shaped by an extended family that offered encouragement and support. Thank you, Aunt Jeanne.

I am the extension of my

ancestors – shaped and guided by God and elders. I am the product of a foundation of love and commitment. Within me resides the collective hope of those who sacrificed to provide me with opportunity, and in that knowledge I am never alone!

The lesson I’m still learning when receiving an award is to say thank you without deflecting. It’s hard, because being a stellar performer is a reminder, even in this moment of acknowledgment, that the evening sky is filled with shining stars – and I have been blessed to be irradiated by that brilliance. So even though at times I think I am more “moonish” in reflection than stellar, I thank Dr. Suggs and the St. Louis American Foundation for this recognition. It’s about the young folks. That’s where I’ve been and

Playing games with people’s lives

Recently at a press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked why an African-American woman had not been assigned to his advisory team to deal with the fallout from the Ray Rice domestic violence situation. While Goodell did a public relations dance around the question, I was hoping that any black woman who might have been asked had flatly refused the assignment because they understood they were being used. Off the field, the NFL is still playing games with people’s lives. While the NFL was implementing damage control last week, some other folks in positions of authority decided

to play some games with people’s lives.

Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch announced an extension for the grand jury’s decision in the case of Mike Brown. Brown is the unarmed, black teen who was shot down by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson on August 9. Originally the decision for an indictment was expected sometime in October. McCulloch and his cronies apparently believe that an announcement coming in the middle of winter will ice any protests. What a delay could do instead is to ignite a slowburning fuse. Playing games. This was not the first of the game-playing around the Mike

where I want to be. That’s why it’s difficult to see a young life cut short under any circumstance. Hands up is fine, but we need hands in – more hands in education, more hands in our communities, and more hands in the lives of our children.

I wish I could call more names in thanks, but the oversights would be as long as the inclusions. We are all shaped by events and relationships, so buckle up for some of mine.

Brown tragedy. The governor had the power to appoint a special prosecutor, should the sitting prosecutor need to step aside for any reason.

Early on, one of the community’s demands was that McCulloch recuse himself from investigating the case, as there was not a scintilla of confidence in his ability to be fair and impartial. McCulloch said he would step aside if Governor Nixon asked him. Nixon said he would appoint a special prosecutor if McCulloch stepped aside. I think you see where this was going. Playing games.

In 30 plus years they’re so many to thank But not enough gigs in my memory bank, But I’ll give it a try and do it in rhyme

Taking extra care to be mindful of time.

Forgive me if I do not call you by name,

It isn’t a slight – I love you the same

MBAs, N-DoubleA-C-P, The Urban League, and A-SDouble-EE

Skate King, you know,

broad powers; he can even appoint a special prosecutor. An hour before a press conference by the Don’t Shoot Coalition demanding just that, Nixon announced that he was lifting the emergency order. Playing games. Mike Brown’s life was brutally snuffed out by a police officer from a racist, hostile Ferguson Police Department who confronted righteous protestors with military force. The municipal court system has now been exposed as nothing more than a

In an unprecedented move, McCulloch did not give the grand jury the usual guidance on charges the prosecutor is seeking. If the grand jurors come up with a decision contrary to an indictment of Darren Wilson, McCulloch will make the jurors the scapegoat. Playing games.

A funny thing happened on the way to Gov. Nixon declaring a state of emergency in Ferguson. In a state of emergency, the governor has

where the good times roll, And the ADL for its diversity goal, Better Family Life’s strong community base, INROADS for the talented youth they place.

Big Brother/Sister and Mentor St. Lou

The sorors and frats for their mentoring too MUDAPO each week at Divinity

Open mic evenings at Legacy

UMSL, Wash U, Webster, Maryville, SLU SIU, SEMO, S&T, Harris Stowe and Mizzou

Community Centers, the scouts or the Y Juvenile Courts, GED, still the sky Is the limit for what they can do

I’ve seen it up close and I know that it’s true

Upward Bound and Bridge for their college prep

The interfaith clerics that kept me in step

St. Philips Lutheran – my main church home

And the spiritual champions who helped write my tome

The NSF programs and Project Chart

Taekwondo discipline –World Martial Arts

The National Society of Black Engineers

And their positive impact

debtor’s prison for Ferguson’s black residents. The apartheid system in the city where the white minority rules the black majority manifests itself in the police department, city council and school board (we still don’t know why Dr. Art McCoy was fired).

All of these entities – plus the mayor, city manager, police chief, prosecuting attorney, governor and a cast of other characters up and down the hierarchy – must take responsibility for what has happened and what will happen in Ferguson. They all have propped up this oppressive

throughout the years

The fellowship of 100

Awesome Black Men

The Emerson Scholars who showed me that when You give brothers and sisters the chance to succeed

You’ll be blessed in return through the lives that they lead The students I’ve hosted from CASS and from SEED Have gifted me more – that I humbly concede. The daughter that God chose to be in my care

Has blessed me with love I thought I’d never share. But St. Louis Community College is where I have grown And I’m thankful for all of the stars I’ve been shown, The mentors and cheerleaders throughout the years And the young greats emerging in stellar careers

To whatever extent I have become known

It isn’t a claim I can make on my own.

Our eyes can’t envision, our minds can’t conceive

What the Lord will prepare when we love and believe.

Given as his acceptance speech when awarded the 2014 Stellar Performer award at the 2014 Salute to Excellence in Education, presented by the St. Louis American Foundation.

system of oppression, and they all must be held accountable. Along the way, the people who maintain positions of authority in Ferguson, as well as those who support them, have failed to create a city where all citizens are valued, protected and included. The black people who are being exploited, double-crossed, harassed and disrespected know when they are being played – and they don’t like it. Let’s stop with the games and use that energy towards working together on real solutions.

Stick

Using an old wire hanger from your closet you can create the perfect Campfire Roasting Stick in just a few minutes. Start by separating and untwisting the hanger near the hook (or neck) of the hanger. Next, you’ll need to straighten the hanger out but leave the hook and first bend (near the hook) intact. This should create a long stick with hook on the end. (See the picture to left.) Now you can bend the hook down until it meets the stick portion of your hanger. You’re almost done! Finally, twist the stick portion carefully around the hook and loop it around at least two times. Be sure to twist the stick around the hook and not the hook around the stick, it is much harder to bend the hook. And with that, you’ve created the handle to your very own Campfire Roasting Stick. Remember to pack it the next time you go camping and you’ll have a fantastic time cooking marshmallows and hotdogs around the fire.

Definitely get a parent’s permission first but this is a very easy Upcycling Project! First you’ll need find a spot on a wall where you’d like to hang your art. Have an adult hang a nail in this location. Now all you need to do is bend your hanger into the shape of a shelf and hang it on the nail. The best way to do this is by bending both of the sides down and then folding the front part down a little. Now you have a place to hang a picture or some art.

Campfire

Terrence Freeman Ph.D

Photo by Wiley Price

Jamala Rogers

Kayla Renee Moore Crowned Miss FASHIONETTA™ 2014

The Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. presented its 30th Annual FASHIONETTATM Cotillion on May 25, 2014 in the Majestic Ballroom of the Renaissance Grand Hotel with over 1,000 people in attendance. Twenty-seven lovely young ladies were presented at this annual event: Adeshola Lydia Adewale, Candace Gabriel Alexander, Andrea Sonyetta-Marie Bailey, Taylor Antoinette Bailey, Jorden Lottie Simone Blair, Olivia Marie Brice, Maryah Veronica Burris, Jardin Marie Cherry, Alexis Fiona Cremer, Sara Danielle Franklin, Teniah Brianna Gary, Delaney Annice Haynes, Alexandria Edythe Valeria Hill, Asha Tiye Hopton, Tayor LaRue Jones, Ravon Lingard, Kayla Renee Moore, Kayla Donielle Reynolds, Remi R. Roberts, Ranisha Nicole Tiffany Shelton, Ranita Nichelle Eone’ Shelton, Alisha Seorra Sonnier, Kelsy Renee Stanfield, Nia Taylor Varner, Daisha LaNeece Washington, Alyssa Rochell Williams and Jazell Rene Williams. The escorts for this event were: Jaryn Amir Blackshear-Bryant, Andrew Domonique Clair, Steven Edward Combs, Dedrick Rashaan Cromartie, James Edward Daily V, Eugene Jeremy Holley, TyJuan Montreal Horton, Jr., Gavin Semaj Lowe, Quincy D. Mack, Rodney LaVale Malone II, Gary Lamarr Martin, Tony LaMont McDaniels, Isiah Michael Merchant, Royce Mason-Page Purley, Jonathan Henry Salter, William Marcus Sandiford, Phillip Joshua Shaw, Matthew Simmons, Jaylen E. Smith, Graham Reynolds Stoddard, Matthew Colbert Threats, Jeremy Keith Townsend, Jaylen Christopher Walker, Donovan Eric Jamal White, Lamar Antoine Wilks, Jr., Phillip Andrew Williams and Keith Antone Willis, Jr.

FASHIONETTATM is a trade mark of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and is a fundraising activity for the sorority’s philanthropic endeavors. Debutantes and escorts participate in a seven month experience which includes community service, entrepreneurial workshops, healthcare, etiquette and fine dining experiences, a Mother-Daughter luncheon, a college preparation workshop and an overnight retreat. All of the debutantes receive a monetary award if they meet the minimum requirements. Over $60,800 was awarded to debs and escorts in scholarships.

Kayla Renee Moore, daughter of Kenneth and Carla Moore, was crowned Miss FASHIONETTATM 2014. Kayla, is a 2014 graduate of Mary Institute Country Day School (MICDS) and plans to enroll

in Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Kayla received a monetary award of $14, 854.

First runner-up was Miss Sara Danielle Franklin, daughter of Mr. Clifford and Dr. Sharilyn Franklin. Sara is a 2014 graduate of Crossroads College Preparatory School and will attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. She received a monetary award of $11, 443.

Second runner-up was Miss Alexandria Edythe Valeria Hill, daughter of James Jr. and Pamela Hill. Alexandria is a 2014 graduate of Fort Zumwalt South High School and will attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She received a monetary award of $5,585.

Third runner-up was Delaney Annice Haynes, daughter of Lee and Darrell Haynes. Delaney is a 2014 graduate of John Burroughs School and will attend Loyola University in Chicago, IL. She received a monetary award of $4,443.

Fourth runners-up was a tie between twin sisters Ranisha Nicole Tiffany Shelton and Ranita Nichelle Ebone’ Shelton. They are the daughters of Fred and Anita McCollum Shelton, Both are 2014 graduates of Hazelwood Central High School. Ranisha will attend Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and Ranita will attend Howard University in Washington DC.

Other Awards and winners presented at this event included: Miss Congeniality: Kayla Renee Moore

David Perine Escort Award: Graham Reynolds Stoddard Entrepreneur Team Presentations Award; 1st Place Team – Olivia Brice, Maryah Burris, Sara Franklin, Teniah Gary, Asha Hopton, Kayla Reynolds, Remi Roberts, Alisha Sonnier, Daija Washington and Jazell Williams. Each team member received $300.

2nd Place Team – Andrea Bailey, Ravon Lingard, Gavin Lowe & Ranita Shelton. Each team member received $200.

3rd Place Team - Andrew Clair, Steven Combs, Tyjuan Horton, Tony McDaniels & Alyssa Willliams. Each team member received $100 each.

The Stanley W. Buck, MD Science Awards: Matthew Threats

$500 & Eugene Holley $250

The Bohannon-Buck Liberal Arts Awards: William Sandiford

$500& Jonathan Salter $250

The Nathaniel Murdock, MD Health/Science Award: Kayla

Moore $1,000

The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Scholarship Award for Highest Grade Point Average: Alyssa Rochelle Williams $1,000.

Commentators for the Cotillion were Ms. Sharon Stevens and Mr. Adrian Washington.

Co-Chairmen of the FASHIONETTATM Cotillion are V. Gale Hardeman, Michelle Sanders and Ruby Grady. Villajean Jones is the President of the

Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

2014 Fashionetta Debutantes

2014 Miss Fashionetta

2014 Miss Fashionetta Court

2014 Miss Fashionetta Kayla Renee Moore and parents Carla Kenneth Moore

Cotillion Dance

Cotillion Dance

2014 Fashionetta Escorts

Q&A with Hazel Erby on Fannie Lou Hammer club

Last week more than 30 African-American elected officials in St. Louis County announced the Fannie Lou Hamer Democratic Club of St. Louis County, a new political organization that will address the “disparate treatment” and “disrespect” of African Americans in the county.

“We are all serving notice that we are not going to support candidates just because they have an insignia of a donkey behind their name,” said Hazel Erby, St. Louis County Councilwoman of the 1st District.

The EYE asked Erby about the club and its plans.

Political EYE: How did this happen?

Hazel Erby: This has been the result of an extended history of a lot of acts that really came to a head this summer. I’ve been a part of the Democratic Central Committee for years and there has never, ever been an African American to chair that committee. Not even vice-chair, secretary or treasurer.

I’ve worked tirelessly for the party, only to have certain members turn their backs on the African-American community by participating in the blocking of my inclusion bill. To add insult to injury, they presented their watereddown version for passage that does absolutely nothing to even the playing field for minorities

bidding for county contracts. Finally, there was the coordinated effort of certain Democrats, along with the Post-Dispatch, to try to destroy the legacy of the first AfricanAmerican County Executive.

The years of disrespect – and the handling of the Michael Brown case this summer –proved to be the tipping point. In addition, when talking with other African-American Democrats, young and old, we all had similar experiences and the same feelings. We all felt that getting mad wasn’t enough, we needed to do something about it. We needed to do something different; we needed to do something big

Political EYE: Are you and the other black Democrats involved in this movement still Democrats and aligned with the Democratic Party?

Hazel Erby: Of course, we’re still Democrats! At the state and national levels, the Democratic Party represents the only realistic political option for African Americans. However, local government and politics are more about transactions than philosophy, and everyone who claims to be a Democrat may not be. They may only be a Democrat because that is the easier way to win in a particular area. In certain races in St. Louis County, you have two Republicans running, only one of them is running under

a more winnable Democratic banner in their district.

Political EYE: Why use the name “Fannie Lou Hamer”?

Hazel Erby: Fannie Lou Hamer and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party epitomize the heroic political effort to advance the interest of black people in the Jim Crow South. They also challenged the Democratic Party powers about equitable representation for black Democrats at the 1964 Democratic Convention. What you name something is critical, it’s your brand. It should say who you are, what you do, what you stand for. Now if you’re an African American of a certain age, you lived that moment. If you’re too young to remember it, you need to be connected to it. It is part of your history, of our struggle for justice and equality.

Fannie Lou Hamer is the gold standard of black political struggle. We have raised the bar for what is now required of us as African-American political leaders in St Louis County. This is the standard we want the African-American community to hold us to. As we begin this journey, we really only have to ask

ourselves one question: “What would Fannie Lou Hammer do?”

Political EYE: How will Fannie Lou Hamer change county politics?

Hazel Erby: The biggest, most important change is whether you are a candidate or an issue and you want the support of our community, you can no longer talk to anyone else to have them deliver the African-American vote. In fact, if you talk to anyone else about us before you talk to us about us, then you’re dead in the water!

To put it quite simply, the Fannie Lou Hamer Democratic Club of St. Louis County as of today politically represents those areas of North County where African Americans make up the large majorities. So days of political parasites sucking the political life out of the African-American community for their benefit at our expense are over.

Political EYE: How do you begin to make that happen?

Hazel Erby: We have an exceptional opportunity in front of us this November to begin making a new political path for ourselves. How we handle this opportunity will

be foundational to the longterm success of Fannie Lou Hamer. Solving the problems of education, economic opportunity, fairness in the criminal justice system all requires us to be real players in the political arena. We will also fight for the resources necessary to support the black community.

Political EYE: What’s the plan?

Hazel Erby: We’re still putting in place the infrastructure for the organization, but I want to make an important point. I’m the leader of a broad coalition of African-American elected officials; I’m not theirs or anyone else’s political boss. One of the most important things you have to do to have a successful long-term political coalition is to create and maintain a culture of inclusion and collaboration. We will have a full internal debate to develop a consensus about what the best political move is for the African-American community.

Political EYE: What do you think the public reaction will be?

Hazel Erby: I hate to be this blunt, but the only public

reaction that really matters to us, is that of our community. Early indications show us that folks are saying, “What took you so long?” I think in the non African-American community there will a range of reactions, from “I understand but I’m troubled, why we can’t all get along?” to the Rush Limbaugh haters and everything in between. The reality is responsible African-American political leadership cannot make the emotional comfort of others the focus of their political strategy. What we need from the African-American community is informed support. Don’t support us because we say so or because we’re black. Support us because you understand the relationship between effective political representation and your quality of life. Support us because we are working together to make the preamble of the United States Constitution real in your life, working to ensure your right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Political EYE: Politics is a relationship business. You and the other black elected officials must have white Democratic allies. What do you think their response will be?

Hazel Erby: Well, if they’re our allies, they will understand. If they don’t understand, then they weren’t our allies and it doesn’t matter. Remember: no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Political EYE: Any final thoughts?

Hazel Erby: The community needs to know while we didn’t take a lot of time to arrive at this decision, we did give it a lot of thought. There were multiple meetings and a lot of discussions. Going forward, we’ll be asking the African-American community to consider political possibilities that they haven’t in the past. Nobody can predict the future, but we know what we’ve done in the past has not worked for us. We’re at the fork in road, and it’s time take a new path.

Last week more than 30 African-American elected officials in St. Louis County, led by St. Louis County Councilwoman Hazel Erby, announced the Fannie Lou Hamer Democratic Club of St. Louis County. Photo by Wiley Price

Deadline for Young Visionary Award is Sept. 30

by the next academic semester.

The Youth Council for Positive Development is now accepting applications for the Jamala Rogers Young Visionary Award. The award serves to recognize and support young adults who have made efforts to promote social justice and human rights.

“We’re looking for a young person who exemplifies the compassion and commitment that goes well beyond one project,” says Yasmira Jackson, co-chair of the council. “Many young adults have stepped up as leaders during the Mike Brown shooting, and we want to encourage that kind of activism.”

The 2014 award is $2000. Applicants must be between the ages of 17-24 years old and reside in the St. Louis metropolitan area. They must already be enrolled or will enroll in a post-high school institution of higher learning

The applicant must submit a typed 500-750 word essay about a project s/he initiated that impacted public policy or laws, changed the quality of life for the community or impacted a particular issue or problem. A letter is required from an adult associated with the program or project who can confirm its impact. The application package can also include photos, news clippings, etc. that document the effort.

The deadline for the application is September 30. The monetary award will be made directly to the institution the recipient is or will be attending. Contributions to the Visionary Award are also welcome. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.positiveyouthdev.com or call 314-669-5959.

Ferguson ‘Empowerment Summit’ on

Six community organizations are hosting a Community Empowerment Summit from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr. in Ferguson. Co-sponsors include the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, Mound City Bar Association, TEACH, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Urban League Young Professionals.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar, St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson,

Saturday

Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson and Florissant Police Chief Tim Lowery are slated to participate in the summit’s opening session. Officers from their respective districts, as well as the FBI, will recruit for law enforcement jobs. Other sessions at the summit will promote voter registration and offer knowyour-rights training. The Community Empowerment Summit, geared toward high school students and adults, is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by email at admin@100blackmenstl.com or call 314-367-7778..

Michigan Civil Rights Commission celebrates 50 years

Black, Arab, Hispanic, deaf issues in the 21st century discussed

By Chris King Of The

St. Louis American Detroit, Michigan – The Michigan Civil Rights Commission celebrated its 50th anniversary in Detroit on September 18 and 19.

On September 18, iconic Judge Damon J. Keith gave the keynote speech at the anniversary gala held in the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Judge Keith – a living legend in Michigan often compared to Justice Thurgood Marshall –spoke with emotion about the 21st century assault on voter in rights in the United States.

Mel Larsen, the Republican coauthor of Michigan’s landmark civil rights legislation, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, was honored alongside descendants of his black Democrat coauthor, Daisy Elliott.

Larsen then moderated the first panel in the conference held September 19 at the Wayne State University School of Law.

U.S. Judge Linda Parker spoke candidly about criminal demographics: how almost everyone convicted of violent crimes is uneducated and lowincome.

Rev. Bertram Marks, pastor at 1st Community Baptist Church in Detroit, questioned what the Black Church is doing in the 21st century to

civil rights. He called out the “profound exclusion” of minority businesses from venture capital. He also sounded a theme familiar in St. Louis through the Mosaic Project. “The 10 highest immigration states have African-American unemployment rates 4 points below the national average,” Tobocman said.

The afternoon session featured a local media roundtable where editors and reporters responded to the Ferguson crisis and protest movement. The moderator was Arthur Horwitz, publisher of The Detroit Jewish News and chairman of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

advance the cause of civil rights. He said most churches struggle to pay the bills with declining membership and fail to embrace new civil rights movements.

Rev. Marks spoke of defending marriage equality in socially conservative black churches. “I got tossed out of a lot of churches,” he said.

Dr. Peter Hammer, director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, moderated the second panel. “Arab Americans are on the front lines now of civil rights in our country,” Dr. Hammer said.

The first speaker, Hassan Jaber, professor of Arabic and director of ACCESS, cited a poll: 42 percent of Americans support profiling of Arab Americans by law enforcement.

Todd Morrison, president of the Michigan Deaf Association, spoke on civil rights issues with deaf individuals. “The biggest problem we have is courts not willing to provide (deaf) interpreters,” Morrison said.

Steve Tobocman, executive director of Global Detroit who serves on the Michigan Foreclosure Task Force, talked of economic opportunity and

Jerome Vaughn, news director at WDET, said the city’s bankruptcy and emergency management process are more primary problems in Detroit than police practices.

Bankole Thompson, editor of The Michigan Chronicle, pointed out that Detroit police have already been through the Department of Justice scrutiny that is just getting underway in Ferguson and St. Louis County. Sarah Alvarez, a reporter for Michigan Public Radio, said media play an important role in a protest movement by telling the public which advocates are legitimate and which official or agency is responsible for remedying what is being protested.

Horwitz, as a publisher of an advocacy newspaper who chairs a civil right commission, concluded the anniversary panel by asking for comments on advocacy media.

Jerome Vaughn, whose radio station is not technically an advocacy medium, said, “We are all advocates for the City of Detroit. And I am an advocate for democracy.”

Bankole Thompson, editor of The Michigan Chronicle

Obituaries

Otha Lee Johnson

November 21, 1921 –September 9, 2014

Dependable, Dignified, Honorable, Intelligent, Faithful, Charitable, Confident, Proud Otha “Lee” Johnson was born on November 22, 1921 in Webb, Mississippi to Louis, and Essie Johnson. He was the middle son of three boys born to this union. His mother, father, and both brothers have preceded him in death.

He left Mississippi in 1939, and came to St. Louis. He worked for three years, before joining the United States Army. He was awarded bronze stars for service in Naples, Italy and was honorably discharged on December 19, 1945. Upon discharge, He immediately began working for Rolling Mills Steel Foundry, in

Maplewood, Missouri, where he remained a dependable employee for 45 years until retirement.

Otha loved life. He made sure he had plenty of memories in his life to reflect on in his later years. He loved reminiscing about the “good old days”. He loved going out to eat good food, traveling, driving, attending Church, and attending his Sunday School Class at Greater Mount Carmel. He was an ardent student of the Bible. He studied his Sunday school lessons daily. He had several serious health conditions, but pulled through all of them because of his faith, inner strength, and his strong belief in God. He was not afraid of dying; he looked at it as a part of “life”. He left this life quietly, and with dignity on September 9, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at home. He dressed, relaxed in his favorite chair, did a couple of bi-cep curls with his weights, laid his head back, and quietly crossed over to the other side. He was at peace. He leaves to mourn one daughter, Debra Ware, a loving son, Adrian Ellis, two granddaughters, former wife,

Viola Johnson, a niece, Karen Evans, and a host of friends and family.

Otha’s Favorite Verse: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me (John 14: 1).

Diamond Memorial Jubilee for

James C. Brandon Sr. March 1886September 29, 1954

James Charles Brandon Sr. was from Monroe/Okolona, Mississippi. He worked most of his years for the railroad system and retired from Missouri Pacific Railroad.

Dear Grandpa, I was extremely elated to come across a photograph of you per your brother’s decedents in Detroit, Michigan. I was not surprised at all upon viewing your picture to see my daddy, your eldest child James William Brandon Jr. (died November 1986) is your spitting image. Although

you passed away before my birth, I was blessed to have experienced the unconditional love of your first wife, my grandmother Gertrude Cooney Brandon Adams (died November 1981) my second mama.

I know Daddy held you close to his heart, in high regard and often spoke of how he and my mama Bobbie Lorene cared for you until your death. I’m paying homage and celebrating you 60 years later. Looking at your photo, I see where the Brandon men obtained that sharp, classy style of dress. Sending you lots of hugs, smiles and love. Rest in eternal peace. Love your granddaughter, Wanda D. Brandon

Jennifer C. Jones Johnson

Jennifer C. Jones Johnson died September 12, 2014, in

Munster, Indiana at the age of 48. Loving wife of Lee Johnson; beloved daughter of Willie and Fannie Jones; devoted mother of Archie L.Wayne, III and Austin I. Wayne; dear sister of Sherill, Quincy, Jeffrey, Timothy, Erika and adopted sister Robin; daughter-in-law to Mary Johnson; survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Former employee of St. Louis Public Schools.

In Memory of Frankie Grace Fullilove Scott

August 29, 1914September 11, 2009

It has been five years since our beloved mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, aunt, cousin, friend entered into eternal peace and rest in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As we reflect on this year

Frankie Scott

of 2014 as being the 100th birthday of our dear loved one, her legacy of love and generosity will be cherished by her devoted family, extended Church family and friends. She inspired us all to enjoy the precious moments of life, to spend time together, to love and support each other and give our “best” to God. We all cherish her memory and continue to reminisce and share stories about the wonderful times and special dinners that we shared together. Your Children: son, Cleveland; daughters, Mabel, Cleona, Alice Sue and your loving family.

Otha Lee Johnson

James Brandon Sr.

Healthy Kids Kids

Fall Foods!

Nutrition Challenge:

This week brings the first day of fall — and with that comes fall fruits and vegetables!

Some things in season now are pumpkin, apples, squash and pears. “In season” generally mean

Fall brings cooler temperatures. It’s no longer too hot to enjoy the outdoors! So put on your shoes and jacket and go out and enjoy the weather. Choose activities that raise your heart rate and increase your breathing for at least 20 minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

One fun fall activity is to have a leaf-catch race. Stand behind a specific line (using sticks or a sidewalk to mark your starting point). When you see a leaf fall from a tree see who can catch it before it hits the ground. The first one to catch 10 leaves wins!

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

Healthy Snacks

Rita Rivers, Marketing Director

Where do you work? Truelove’s II In Home Healthcare Services.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Soldan High School and received a B.A. in business administration from UMSL.

What does a marketing director do? I coordinate healthcare professionals that visit companies and homes to establish a healthcare plan for individuals and then schedule employees to provide regular homecare-based services. These include light housekeeping, assisting with bathing and grooming, meal preparation and medication assistance.

Why did you choose this career? First of all I have a passion for helping people. My mother had cancer when I was 14 years old. I had to help raise four younger sisters. No matter the pay, we just want to make a difference in the lives of these disabled individuals.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of the job is going out and doing the site visits. This allows us to make sure our clients are well taken care of and our employees are providing the services of the needs of our clients.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by

Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience

the

your brain! General admission is free. slsc.org/nie5

immerses

slsc.org/hbanie1

the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way! slsc.org/hbanie2

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Lexington Elementary School teacher

Nina Harris works with students Jaselyn Edwards, DeMaya Welldon, and Eddie Swanagan on a STEM assignment using the

SCIENCE CORNER

The Science of Traffic Lights!

If you are in a hurry to arrive on time, chances are high that you are hoping the traffic lights will cooperate so you don’t have to wait too long at each intersection. Have you ever wondered how they work? There is a lot of science involved in the process.

There are different types of traffic lights. Many traffic lights have a sensor, which is a coil located under the pavement. This coil detects vehicles and will send a signal to the traffic light. Some traffic lights operate using a timer that keep the lights on a set schedule to change. Often times, timers will be paused during off peak traffic times (ex: 1 a.m. – 5 a.m.) and will

remain green until the sensor indicates there is a car in the opposite lane. Remote systems are sometimes used to control traffic lights from a central office. And finally, some traffic lights will respond to radio frequencies in emergency vehicles and will quickly change so the vehicles can pass quickly.

To View A Video About How to Trigger A Traffic Light, Visit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/howto/ trafficlights.html.

Learning Standard: I can read a nonfiction article for main idea and supporting details.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN INVENTOR:

Garrett Augustus Morgan

March 4, 1877, Garrett Augustus Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky, the seventh of eleven children. Morgan only completed an elementary school education and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, as a teen, to find work to help support the family. Morgan found work as a handyman with a very rich landowner. His boss paid for a private tutor to teach Morgan and continue his education. Morgan was very skilled at fixing machines.

Morgan began work at a sewing machine factory. His talent with machines allowed him to take them apart and fix them easily. He soon had a patent for an improved sewing machine and opened his own repair business. His business was a success, and he met his wife, Mary Anne Hassek. She was a seamstress and they went into business together—she sewed the clothes and he took care of the sewing machines. They settled in Cincinnati and had three sons.

Their business led to another invention. When some material became scorched, Morgan and his wife tried to fix it. He created a cream to loosen the burned material from the unburned material. He noticed the fibers of the material were similar to hair. Morgan tested the cream on a neighbor’s dog and then his own hair before marketing the product to African Americans. This led to G.A. Morgan hair refining company. The money earned from this business allowed Morgan to continue his research and create even more products.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT Bubble Gum and Hair: A Sticky Situation

Background Information:

If you like to chew bubble gum, there’s a likely chance that bubble gum will get caught in your hair at some point in time. There is a lot of advice offered for the best method to remove gum from your hair. In this experiment, you will try various solutions and observe the results.

Materials Needed:

• Hair (can request salon hair clippings that have been washed)

• Pack of Bubble Gum • 5 Cups • Mayonnaise

• Cooking Oil • Rubbing Alcohol • Peanut Butter

• Vinegar • Comb

MATH CONNECTION

Inventors are great problem solvers. Use your problem solving skills to answer the following math questions.

For football season, Kara wants to buy a new football, a pair of sweat pants, and a pair of cleats. The ball costs $9.60, the sweats cost $11.40, and the shoes cost

$9.35. Kara has $8.90. How much more money does Kara need?______

There are 6 bicycles and two cars in Logan’s garage.

DID YOU KNOW?

Procedure:

q Divide hair sample into five sections.

w Apply chewed bubble gum to each section of hair and let it harden as you fill the cups.

e Place mayonnaise, cooking oil, rubbing alcohol, peanut butter, and vinegar in a separate cup. (1 product in each of the 5 cups.)

r Place a section of hair in each of the cups.

t Observe the hair after 5 minutes. Which solutions seem to be loosening the gum?

y Use the comb to try to remove the gum from the hair as you comb it out. Which product worked the best? Why?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze results of an experiment and draw conclusions.

How many tires are located in Logan’s garage? ______

Destiny has 50 bookmarks. She gave 14 friends two bookmarks each. How many bookmarks does she have left? ______

Brandon wants to ride the roller coaster three times, the Ferris wheel once, and the go karts twice. If the roller coaster costs 5 tickets, the Ferris wheel costs 3 tickets, and the go karts cost 10 tickets, how many tickets will he need in all?

Rachel bought a sandwich for $2.97, a drink for $1.65, and a bag of chips for $.99. The sales tax was $.45. How much change would she get if she paid with a $20 bill? ______

Learning Standards: I can identify key information in a word problem. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

The next device he created was a breathing device called a safety hood. It filtered out harmful elements while allowing the wearer to breathe. Morgan marketed these masks to fire fighters. This design was later used to create the first gas mask used in World War I. Morgan used this device personally to save two lives during the Cleveland Tunnel Explosion.

Morgan was the first African American in Cleveland to own a car and he developed a traffic signal with a warning light. He created this after witnessing an accident at an intersection. Unfortunately, many people began to refuse to buy Morgan’s inventions when they found out he was African American. Morgan did not let that stop him. He published an African American newspaper in 1920, The Cleveland Call, and he joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He died on August 27, 1963.

Learning Standard: I can read a biography of a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

Character Traits:

Classi eds Editor

Imagine you are the main character in a story you are reading. As that character, place a classified ad, write a letter to the editor, and write a letter to the advice column. All of these writings should reflect the character traits.

Activity Two — Ratio: Use the help wanted section to create a ratio of office jobs to non-office jobs.

Learning Standards: I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can identify and apply character traits. I can create a ratio. I can use the newspaper to locate information.

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

Photo:

Washington University

Andy Heaslet, ETC

Melanie Strowmatt, ETC

Nick Stoff, Director of Parking & Transportation Services

Citicorp

Catherine French, Senior Vice President

Brenda Culver, ETC

The Boeing Company

Rosemary Paul, ETC

Steven Gill, Director of St. Louis Site Services

Ameren Corporation

Wendy York, ETC

Mike Menne, VP of Environmental Science

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Paul Kieffer, ETC

Ed Donaldson, Deputy Chief Operating Oficer

Emerson launches ‘Ferguson Forward’

Program to fund youth jobs and scholarships in North County

By Stephanie Lecci Of St. Louis Public Radio

The global manufacturing company Emerson is upping its investment in the Ferguson community to show “renewed commitment” to the place it has been headquartered for 70 years.

“We choose to be here and are committed to this community, especially now in its increased time of need,” chairman and CEO David Farr said in a press release. “We want to help remove barriers so that

more of our neighbors can succeed.”

The “Ferguson Forward” program announced on Thursday will fund early childhood education programs, the creation of 100 youth jobs, millions in scholarship money for area students, and business development

training. The company will also continue existing commitments with the United Way for at least two years. We think it’s the right thing to do,” said executive vice president Patrick Sly in a telephone interview.

Sly said he is most excited about the program’s approach to creating youth jobs. Working with MERS Goodwill Industries and the STL Youth Jobs program, Emerson will spend $750,000 to fund 100 jobs for Ferguson-area residents between the ages of 16 and 23 to work at local companies.

“In many cases this is going to be their first job, to build a resume, have a mentor relationship with their bosses, and we’ll use job coaches to

Workforce Investment Act gives students job experience

By Bridjes O’Neil

Rev. Dr. Tonnie P. Bradford, pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, will be guest speaker at the 113th anniversary of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2235 Bond Ave. in East St. Louis, at 10:40 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. Rev. Bradford has been pastor of Friendship for 17 of his nearly 20 years as an ordained minister. Rev. Curtis E. Levingston, M.Div., is pastor at Mt. Zion MB Church.

St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones was recognized as a “Hospitality AllStar” by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission for serving as an exceptional collaborator in assisting St. Louis CVC in gaining business and advancing projects. Maggie Hales of CityArchRiver, Denny Coleman of St. Louis Economic Development Corp., Joe Reagan of St. Louis Regional Chamber and Kim Tucci of St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation were also honored.

Steven Larkin has been contracted for the position of National Advertising Sales Representative with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Media Services, which has a membership of over 200 AfricanAmerican newspapers across the country (including The St. Louis American) that reaches over 20.1 million readers per week. He has developed breakthrough advertising solutions for Merck Pharmaceuticals, The National American Red Cross, NAACP and Con Edison.

Melody Bucker was promoted to Director of Sales and Catering for Butler’s Pantry. She joined Butler’s Pantry in 2011, filling the role of Catering & Sales Manager at Palladium Saint Louis, ultimately working her way to become the Director of Sales and Catering for Palladium Saint Louis. A native St. Louisan, she graduated from Loyola University of Chicago in 2010.

Wesley Bell was among 67 leaders selected for the 39th FOCUS Leadership St. Louis program. He is professor of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley. Participants help to better the St. Louis region and demonstrate leadership potential and experience. He is a board member for the Ferguson Youth Initiative and founder of the See Justice Club for Criminal Justice students at St. Louis Community College.

Shatera Davis spent eight weeks in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, as part of the University of Missouri’s Congressional Internship Program, where she answered phones, gave tours of the U.S. Capitol and helped with research and report writing. A senior majoring in communication with a minor in management, she was UMSL’s first participant in the new program.

the

Tishaura Jones

Steven Larkin

Melody Bucker

Wesley Bell

Shatera Davis

See EMERSON, B6

Tonnie P. Bradford

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Tre’via Blount is currently a pre-med student majoring in biology at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas.

Photo by Wiley Price

Before cosigning a loan, know the risks

By Jason Alderman

Shakespeare probably said it best: “Neither a borrower, nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend.” Four hundred years later, people still wrestle with whether or not to help out a loved one by loaning them money or cosigning a loan.

Perhaps you want to help your kid qualify for a better student loan rate or assist your widowed mom with refinancing her mortgage. Before you cosign anything, however, make sure you understand the risks involved.

Here are just a few of the things that can go wrong and questions to ask before committing yourself – and your good credit – to what could be a decades-long commitment:

First, understand that the main reason you’re being asked to cosign a loan is because lenders don’t think the borrower is a good risk. By cosigning, you’re guaranteeing that you’ll repay the full loan –plus any late fees or collection costs – should the borrower default.

If that doesn’t scare you sufficiently, read on:

• Even one late or missed payment can damage your credit.

• In most states, the creditor can – and probably will –go after you for repayment without first trying to collect from the borrower, because they know you’re more likely to have the money.

• If the loan goes into default or is charged off, that fact will go into your credit report and can take seven years to erase.

• If you pledged personal property to secure the loan, you could lose these items if the borrower defaults.

• Should the lender agree to settle for a lesser amount, you’ll have to report the difference as “debt forgiveness income” and pay tax on it.

• If you cosign a credit card account, primary borrowers over age 21 are allowed to raise the credit limit without notifying you.

• Government-backed student loans generally aren’t eligible for bankruptcy protection unless you can prove “undue hardship.”

• Some private student

loans contain a clause allowing the borrower to originate additional years’ loans without your signed approval.

• Even if you’re not asked to repay the loan, your potential liability could stop you from getting additional credit if your debt-to-income ratio is too high.

If you do decide to cosign someone’s loan, taking these steps can help lessen your risk:

• Calculate whether you can afford the loan’s monthly payments, should the borrower stop paying. To be prudent, start setting aside enough money to cover it for one year, which will allow you to keep payments current while

working out a solution.

• Insist that the lender agree, in writing, to notify you if the borrower missed a payment or the loan’s terms change. That’ll give you more time to make contingency plans.

• If you’re unsure about the borrower’s reliability to pay each month on time, ask the lender to send payment requests directly to you so you can manage the transaction. (It’s a pain, but one way to guarantee timely payments.)

• Ask the lender to stipulate in the contract that you’re only responsible for the loan’s principal amount, should it default. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

• Make sure you get copies of all paperwork in case of future disputes.

• Don’t consolidate old loans accumulated by your spouse before you married. If something should happen (divorce, death), you would be responsible for paying them off.

There may be times you want to cosign a loan to help out a relative or friend, despite the risks involved. The Federal Trade Commission’s “Cosigning a Loan” guide share precautions to take before entering such agreements www.consumer. ftc.gov.)

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

Center for Workforce Innovation to host free job training

In conjunction with National Manufacturing Day, St. Louis Community College will host a No Fee Job Training Open House 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Center for Workforce Innovation, 3344 Pershall Rd.

The open house will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about STLCC’s no-fee technical training programs. The training programs offer pathways leading to industryrecognized credentials in precision machining technician, certified production technician and certified logistics technician, aviation maintenance mechanics, entry-level Boeing pre-employment training, avionics and drinking water operations. Training in truck driving will be offered in the near future.

For more information about STLCC, visit www.stlcc.edu

Jennings School District receives $10K from Reinvest North County

The Jennings School District received a check for $10,000 from the Reinvest North County Fund of North County Incorporated. Anthony Thompson presented the check on behalf of both organizations.

North County Incorporated, a regional development association, along with the St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC), has organized an immediate business response to support small business owners and school children who were impacted by the recent events in the city of Ferguson and the unrest in the surrounding communities.

Along with the RBC, the list of donors include the Civic Pride Foundation of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, Clark-Fox Family Foundation, Negwer Materials, Inc., St. Louis Regional Chamber, UMB Bank, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and the Kwame Foundation.

SBA will provide $1.1M for veteran entrepreneur programs

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has entered into a cooperative agreement with America’s Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) to provide a combined $1.12 million of funding to sustain and expand the resource partners’ participation in SBA’s Boots to Business program. The program provides training to transitioning service members and their spouses pursuing business ownership as a post-military service career.

Funding for the agreement will reimburse SBA resource partners for the two-day “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” courses delivered on military installations worldwide as part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The course helps prepare transitioning service members for business ownership and connects them to SBA resources in their local communities. To learn more about additional opportunities for veterans available through the SBA, visit www.sba.gov/vets.

BLOUNT

Continued from B1

and, in fact, for any age.

“I fully expect for this young woman to be a success story coming out of St. Louis Public Schools,” King said.

“We have promised to give each other copies of the books we plan to publish.”

Blount described her book as a “work in progress” and has been posting excerpts on the social media site Wattpad – at King’s suggestion, she said. Blount, a recent graduate of Gateway STEM High School, is currently a pre-med student majoring in biology at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas with plans to become a pediatrician. To incorporate her natural aptitude for writing into her career goals, she is minoring in journalism.

low-income, and have at least one barrier to education or employment. The program places students at work sites that best fit their career aspirations and pays students on a weekly-basis. Students had an opportunity to work at a wide range of work sites (the St. Louis city chapter of the NAACP was one) and some were hired on permanently, Oliver said.

“They were able to shadow Mr. Pruitt,” Oliver said, referring to Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis NAACP. “It was an eye-opening experience for them.”

n “My family has always made a joke about me being a pediatric journalist and traveling the world talking about all types of medicines.”

– Tre’via Blount

“My family has always made a joke about me being a pediatric journalist and traveling the world talking about all types of medicines,” she said.

“She has a lot of ambition and is going to go far,” said Blount’s WIA Youth Case Manager Beth Oliver at MERS/ Goodwill.

Oliver first met Blount during her senior year at Gateway. Case managers provide ongoing support for students throughout the program. Services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each student and may include enrollment at a college or university, financial aid and college scholarship assistance, job readiness training, and supportive services like child care assistance. In order to participate in the program, youth must be a senior at Gateway or Roosevelt, between 17-21 years old, St. Louis city residents,

MERS/Goodwill first launched the program at Roosevelt High School and expanded to Gateway last school year, Oliver said. Roosevelt graduate Richarde Apollon, 19, began his participation in the WIA Youth program his senior year, and like Blount, said he enjoys working with children. Apollon worked at the Adams Park Club at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL).

“I chose to work with kids because that’s what I’ve been doing since I moved to America,” he said. He is a native of Haiti and moved to the United States about four years ago “looking for a better education,” he said. He now attends Harris-Stowe State University where he is majoring in biology, but said he plans to change his major to drama. Of his experience at the BGCSTL, he relished the connections he made with the children.

“I feel a lot better about my job knowing that I had a purpose of being there,” he said. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com.

n “I just wasn’t having it. That was just a cheap shot.”

– Philadelphia Eagles offensive

tackle Jason Peters, who went after Washington Redskins lineman Chris Baker after a late hit on Eagles quarterback

Nick Foles

PreP Football Notebook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Still undefeated

Miller Academy’s Marquis Stewart (2) makes his way Soldan defenders during their 54-12 win over the Tigers on Saturday afternoon.

CBC,

Kirkwood and others yet to lose

Earl Austin Jr.

We are at the halfway point of the season and there are still several teams in the area that are undefeated. In Class 6, CBC, Francis Howell and Hazelwood Central are 5-0 while Kirkwood is 4-0. In Class 5, Ladue, Fort Zumwalt North and Fort Zumwalt South are all 5-0. The undefeated Class 4 teams are Westminster, Miller Career Academy and Borgia. Brentwood is the lone remaining Class 2 team without a blemish on its record.

On the Illinois side, Triad is currently 4-0. Highland is undefeated on the field, but they have a forfeit loss on its rocket due to the

n We are at the halfway point of the season and there are still several teams in the area that are undefeated.

teacher’s strike, which kept the Bulldogs off the field for their Week 3 matchup against Mattoon.

Freshmen of note

There are some pretty good freshmen players who are already making an immediate impact around the area.

Kaleb Eleby of Pattonville is a 6’1” 180-

pound quarterback who has already thrown for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns in leading the Pirates to a 4-1 start. He is a very poised young man. He has been quite impressive.

Tionne Harris of Vianney was one of the team’s leading rushers through four weeks at running back. He made his debut at quarterback last Friday night against Wentzville Holt. In that game, Harris rushed for 206 yards and passed for 154 yards and had four touchdowns in Vianney’s 35-21 victory.

Lutheran South’s duo of Cody Schrader and Keshon Spraggins are making it happen on both sides of the ball. Schrader leads the Lancers in tackles with 45 solos and 72 stops. He has also rushed for 368 yards and four touchdowns.

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Rams blow

week will allow team to get the stink off

The St. Louis Rams found another way to lose a football game. After jumping out to a 21-0 lead, the remainder of the game went straight to hell. No stops for restroom breaks, no cups of ice water, just a non-stop, one-way ticket. This team just can’t get right. The maligned offense finally came to life and moved the ball so efficiently in the first half. Quarterback Austin Davis spread the ball around, and Brian Schottenheimer was calling one of his best games as Rams offensive coordinator. Yes, I gave him a compliment. The running back trio of starter Zac Stacy and reserves Trey Watts and Benny Cunningham kept the chains moving. Zac Stacy ran and caught the ball well and was exceptional picking up the blitz against the Dallas Cowboys.

n I’m not suggesting that the Rams erect a bronze statue of him or put him in the Ring of Fame inside the Edward Jones Dome.

The offensive line played much better than they did in first two contests of the season, creating lanes for the running backs and providing Davis plenty of time to survey the field before delivering the football. And Davis played better than he did a week ago in his first win as a starter in the NFL. He had his first career 300-yard passing game and, in my opinion, should start. He plays with some excitement, some emotion and plenty of confidence. Although I’m not suggesting that the Rams erect a bronze statue of him or put him in the Ring of Fame inside the Edward Jones Dome, he does give the Rams a different look with him behind the center, and it looks like he has galvanized the team, especially the offense. And you have to love how he spreads the ball around to whoever is open, instead of looking like Mr. Captain Checkdown. On the defensive side of the ball, I don’t really know what to say. The expectation level for this defense was through the roof, thanks to the addition of Aaron Donald through the draft and the emergence of defensive end Robert Quinn. But Quinn was a non-factor, and many times he looked like a big wheel tire with no tread spinning on a concrete

Blind officiating makes NFL hard to watch

There’s a group of NFL employees who are ecstatic that Commissioner Roger Goodell and Baltimore Raves owner Steve Bisciotti are badly bungling the Ray Rice situation. Goodell and Biscotti’s tall tales and utter incompetence have overshadowed the other incompetent group in the league. No I’m not talking about the Player’s Union or badly behaving players. I’m talking about the NFL officials.

Officiating is getting so bad in the NFL that the league is reportedly pursuing a multi-billion dollar marketing deal with Cataract Surgeons of America that would include a Cataract Call of the Week award for the worse penalty of the week. OK, maybe I made

that up. Yet, if there were such an award, there would certainly be no shortage of nominees on a weekly basis. I’m sure the St. Louis Rams aren’t the receiving prime officiating assignments considering the team hasn’t seen the playoffs since the year Kanye West dropped College Dropout. Still it’s disappointing to see poor officiating repeatedly mar games. The Rams have been unjustly victimized by the NFL flag bearers numerous times already. In Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, two terrible calls contributed to the team’s embarrassing collapse after racing to an early 21-0 lead over Tony Romo and Co. First, DE Eugene Sims was flagged for roughing the

n The Rams have been unjustly victimized by the NFL flag bearers numerous times

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Palmer L. Alexander

With the startling rise in ‘roughing the passer calls,’ it’s clear the NFL referees protect quarterbacks better than offensive lineman.

Photo by Wiley Price

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

Ray Rice, lies and videotape

What is more entertaining these days in the NFL, the poor play on the field each Sunday or the off-field “buck passing” between league, owner and Ray Rice and associates?

Claiborne

When this is all over Ray Rice will get paid. Once he files his grievance on how his suspension was handled it will be lifted, or he will sue the league and that is where the fun will begin. Then all the dirty laundry will come out on how this mess was handled by Commissioner Roger Goodell and his minions. The league could ill afford to have that, so they will try to figure a way to resolve this, only to once again admit that they messed this thing up from the beginning. When the dust settles Rice will be blacklisted, and he will be able to go after the league for conspiring to prevent him from working. After all, we are talking about a player who was in the prime of his career, even though a pro football player has a very short shelf life. Heads have to roll here, but I doubt that they will for the foreseeable future. The corporate sponsors covered themselves by issuing statements of concern, but we have yet to see them scale back or terminate their relationship with the NFL.

Let’s be clear here. Ray Rice was wrong; he should be out of the game for more than the two games that he was initially handed. How this other video tape was concealed

from everyone for so long is a mystery to some and just a nod of the head by others who knew what the deal was all along. My question is: when does it stop? Rice should be on ice for a while, but if the league doesn’t watch out Rice will be the victim. As for Adrian Peterson, the league has a bigger problem as they and the team are sending mix messages. The team has been at the front of this one and has tried to do the right thing, but this is a touchy subject. Clearly the best running back in the game, Peterson has a parenting issue of his own as he has at least seven kids

by five women. Yes, there are issues here well beyond a whoopin’.

Bigger, faster, stronger, worse

I conducted an unscientific poll of a number of people last week that consisted of media members (I respect their opinion, because they have seen it), former and current NFL coaches and former NFL players. Would a Dallas Cowboy, San Francisco 49er, St. Louis Ram (1999) or Baltimore Raven team be able to play with the best team in the NFL today? The answer

was everything from “yes, they would beat today’s team” to “they would destroy a Seattle, San Francisco or Denver team of today.”

Yes, the player today is bigger, faster and stronger, according to most, but the “x” factor here is toughness and skill that today’s players seem to lack. To call an NFL payer soft would be crazy, but there is great separation when you compare the two generations with their ability to play through it.

Take the poll yourself.

Deion vs. Richard Sherman? Jerry Rice vs. the field?

Marshall Faulk, Emmit Smith and others vs. someone other than Adrian Peterson, now that he is off the field? After Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, who could defend against Aikman, Young or Warner? As for defensive and offensive lines the list is too long, but for giggles how about Larry Allen and Erik Williams actually blocking people compared to the love taps of today?

When this is all over Ray Rice will get paid. Once he files his grievance on how his suspension was handled it will be lifted, or he will sue the league and that is where the fun will begin.

could hang but most would be looking for a jock strap to carry.

Hope for Hope

career is winding down this weekend, but I think everyone else has already said it. Thank you for what you have meant to sports.

Who is number one?

As the college football season is underway and conference play is set to start, the questions are always who is number one and who are the Heisman candidates?

Who really cares? The colleges rankings have been proven to be flawed. When a team that we have heard little about takes on a real proven opponent from a reputable conference and wins, it is an upset and the losing team falls in the rankings due to the “upset.” Really?

We know very little about how good a team really is in the month of September because of the schedule many teams play, as well as youth who are trying to mature on the fly. The ranking system is flawed and it leaves a false impression on who is really good and who has the potential to be really bad. Do not put much stock in rankings at this time of the year.

n There are a few who could hang but most would be looking for a jock strap to carry.

Normally the next generation will show they may be better than those from the past, but there is no real argument for the player of today. There are a few who

Let me get this straight. Ray Rice was arrested, suspended and fired from his job for domestic violence while soccer player Hope Solo – who was arrested for the same thing against a 17-year-old relative – not only continues to play soccer but has the support of the U.S. Soccer Federation, not to mention Nike, while her situation is under review. Where is the suspension? Where are the statements of concern from sponsors? Where is the commissioner? Wait, it’s soccer for one. Second … you can figure that one out. Hey, both are as wrong as two left shoes, but do we have a double standard here? Solo and her husband former NFL player Jeremy Stevens have been in the middle of domestic disturbances before, and yet she gets a pass. Yes, there is still Hope!

Jeter winding down

I could say something nice about Derek Jeter as his great

As for the Heisman, wake me when it’s over. Never have we seen a more overrated award that normally leads to mediocrity at the next level. It has become a public relations campaign that is headed up by the school and ESPN who carries the award ceremony. While the award will not go away, the impact it has on the game has been diminished considerably.

Color on the Cardinals

For those who ask the perennial question, “Why don’t the Cardinals have any black players?” please allow me to introduce you to some. Left-handed reliever Sam Freeman has been a mainstay out of the bullpen all year long. Call ups from the championship team in Memphis, Xavier Scruggs and Tommy Pham, are here for a reason: they can play. Both figure to compete for jobs on the roster next season and Pham may have already been here if not for some season-ending injuries. It is a slow process for sure and they are yet to be difference makers but it is a marked improvement over a few years ago.

Mike

starting lineup at safety on a loaded Hazelwood Central team that is one of the state’s best in Class 6.

Continued from B3

excitement with his running and passing ability for two games. He directed a lastminute drive in a victory over Lutheran South in Week 2.

Trevor Trout is one of several talented freshmen lineman for Chaminade. The 6’2” 260-pound Trout is already an impact performer on the Red Devils’ defensive line with 20 tackles.

Quarterback Jordan Jackson of MICDS had his season cut short by a knee injury, the 5’7” signal-caller provided lots of

RAMS

Continued from B3

Spraggins is the team’s top receiver on offense and second on the team in tackles behind Schrader. He scored on a 79-yard interception return against Westminster last Friday night. Hazelwood Central’s Dallas Craddeith is a 6’2” 170-pound athlete who has cracked the sidewalk. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins jumped a pass from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and took it to the house, then he returned a favor to the Cowboys with a pass interference penalty when he practically tackled wide out Dez Bryant. Free safety

Top games of the week

The highlight matchup of this week will be the “Battle of Fort Zumwalt” when Fort Zumwalt South visits Fort Zumwalt North in a battle of 5-0 squads on

Saturday afternoon. South has been rolling up the points while North barely remained unbeaten with a 28-27 victory over Fort Zumwalt East last Friday night. The Panthers stopped a two-point conversion by East to seal the victory.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Undefeated Triad will visit Highland on Friday night in a Mississippi Valley Conference showdown on Friday night. Belleville East will visit East St. Louis on Friday night. East Side got

Rodney McLeod Jr. got totally out of position, allowing Bryant to run by unabated for a 68 yard touchdown pass. That’s a play that really changed momentum. The entire linebacking core of James Laurinitias, Jo-Lunn Dunbar and second-year player Alec Ogletree spent most of the second half looking at the back of Cowboys running back Demarco Murray jersey. Had it not been for Murray misreading some blocks earlier in the

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 sack for a signal caller then throw a yellow flag for roughing a referee. The result of the personal foul call was a field goal that helped the Cowboys close the gap to 21-10 before the half and gave them much needed momentum. The second badly blown call was also against Sims. The phantom holding call against Sims late in the fourth quarter was one of the worst football calls I’ve ever seen. Sims bumped Cowboys WR Terrance Williams behind the line of scrimmage on a pass play before going on to sack Romo. It’s a play you see a million times per game as defenders are allowed to make contact on a receiver up to five yards. The sack should’ve to set up third-

and-21 on the Rams 9 yard line, which would’ve almost certainly given the Rams the ball in good field position with plenty of time to mount a game-winning drive. Instead, it was an automatic first down for the Cowboys. The only worse call I’ve seen this season was against Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who was penalized for roughing the passer for not being able to freeze time in order to stop his airborne body momentum to avoid making contact with Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh McCown in Week 2. To make matters worse, the league fined Dunbar $16,537 for the hit. I’m guessing that Goodell will likely recycle his go to excuse that the league hasn’t seen the tape.

The Rams aren’t the only team suffering under the awful officiating. The 49ers are griping about bad calls after two consecutive touching roughing the passer penalties against

game, he would’ve hit the Rams up for 200 yards again.

But wait, there is more.

As if the Rams don’t need to cause harm to themselves, the officiating was atrocious. Defensive end Eugene Simms had two calls go against him, and both of those calls led to the Cowboys putting points on the scoreboard. I didn’t know that hitting the quarterback on the shoulder pad was the same as a blow to the head. Nor did I know that you could get called

LBs Dan Skuta and Patrick Willis. Then the New York Jets were denied a touchdown after a legitimate fumble was ruled down by contact by an official with a quick whistle. The call was ultimately overturned by replay, but the Jets’ certain touchdown after the recovery was negated.

Most players and coaches avoid directly criticizing officials because the NFL levies fines against such talk. That didn’t shop 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin from speaking his mind on the poor performance of the zebras.

“For me, it’s been obvious the last two weeks the amount of calls that have gone against us and the amount of calls that we’ve gotten. It hasn’t been close,” Boldin told reporters after Sunday’s game. He added, “And every week it’s the same thing. You send the tape in, and the NFL just reports back, ‘We made a

in the win column for the first time this season with a big 57-10 victory over O’Fallon.

Other games of note

Webster Groves at Ritenour, Friday, 7 p.m.

Summit at Kirkwood, Friday, 7 p.m.

University City at Parkway Central, Friday, 7 p.m.

Timberland at Francis Howell, Friday, 7 p.m.

SLUH at Parkway South, Friday, 7 p.m.

Priory at Westminster, Saturday, 1 p.m.

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

for holding yet have enough time to sack the quarterback. This was a tough weekend for local football fans. Not only did the Rams stink the Dome up again, the Missouri Tigers lost to the Indiana Hooisers at Faurot Field. The bye week came at the right time. Febreeze, anyone?

For more Rams Roundup, please subscribe to youtube. com/stlamericanvideo.

mistake.’ But at the same time, the crap is costing us games. At some point, they need to be held accountable.”

Of course, accountability is clearly not the NFL’s strong suit. So I guess we can all look forward to more poorly officiated games and even poorer excuses as to why our eyes didn’t really see what they saw each week.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

The St. Louis Rams’ cornerback Janoris Jenkins walks into the end zone after intercepting a Tony Romo pass and returning it for a touchdown during second-quarter action at The Edward Jones Dome on Sunday.

EMERSON

Continued from B1 assist them,” Sly said. Emerson’s press release states this work experience could have a “significant effect in reducing high rates of youth helplessness, violence and crime.”

Emerson’s executives and managers will also be reaching

out to local businesses to offer their experience and advice.

The company will also work with new businesses that are interested in investing in the community.

“We’re offering our people on a pro bono basis to help them get started,” Sly said.

Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel lauded the initiative’s educational components.

“Emerson knows, as I do,

that the long-term recovery of this region will come from sustainable job growth. and that begins with accessible, quality education for our students,” he said in a statement.

Emerson will continue its efforts to improve early childhood education resources in the area, through its work with the New Horizons Early Childhood Education Center in Ferguson. According to its press release, the company

is also working on a plan for an early childhood learning resource center.

“The importance of early childhood education is absolutely critical,” Sly said. “Children learn to develop relationships, makes sure that they come to pre-school and kindergarten and primary school well-prepared, and it’s just proven to improve school performance later in their lives.”

Another initiative will focus on improving educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Emerson will contribute $1.5 million over the next five years toward 30 scholarships.

Administered by the Opportunity Scholars Program through the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the scholarships will be given to under-represented or first-

Happy fashion man

David Hughes, owner of King David Fashions, exalted when Rebecca Zoll of North County Inc. gave him a Rebuild North County Fund check last week. The St. Louis Regional Business Council organized the fund. A total of $55,000 was awarded to Ferguson businesses, also including Ferguson Burger Bar & More; Ferguson Laundry; Ferguson Market; Infiniti Styles Barbering & Beauty Salon; Missouri Home Therapy, LLC; New York Grill, Inc.; Northland Chop Suey; Prime Time Beauty & Barber; Pro Long Nails; St. Louis BBQ/Red the BBQ Man; Sam’s Meat Market; and Swiish Bar and Grill. Those still wishing to apply for funding should visit www. NorthStLouisCounty. com.

generation students to study in the STEM fields. Students from the Ferguson-Florissant, Normandy, Jennings and other neighboring districts will be eligible. The company will also donate $1.75 million in scholarships for North County students who choose to study technical and trade skills at Ranken Technical College. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Salute and selfies

Welcoming the ‘new to the Lou’

By Jami Ballentine Dolby

For The St. Louis American

Salute and selfies. The Salute to Excellence in Education Gala is always my favorite gala to attend and this year I wasn’t disappointed. I had two goals going in – to network, and to grab a selfie with Dr. Suggs. I knew the night would be filled with good times when I realized I was sitting at a table with Mz.

Jami Ballentine Dolby

Janee, Kevin Johnson, and our own

Ishmael Sistrunk. I got the tea from Mz Janee, who recently departed from HOT 104.1 FM, that she’s headed to Atlanta for the next chapter in her life.

Delores Shante gave you her best dressed list but let me tell you who made it in The STL Suite Style Vault.

Audrey Worth who may keep a low profile rose to the top of the who’s who in the style game with her gold sequined dress with the split in the sleeves. She gave me life with her

natural curls and shimmer as she pulled

and directed

By Danie Rae, The Style Broker

Ferguson musical headed to Hollywood

By American staff

African dancer and producer Malena Amusa is taking her powerful musical “United We Dance,” which celebrates the Ferguson protesters and the U.S. Constitution, to Hollywood this October.

Just moments after its successful debut at the Regional Arts Commission in St. Louis on September 7, the musical gained

buzz nationally.

“So many people took to Facebook to express how much they loved the show, so news of the production spread quite fast,” said Amusa, founder of AddLife! Studio African dance company. “Three days after the show, we got the invite to perform at one of the biggest black churches in America.”

In fact, this October 11, Amusa will join dancers and musicians

in theatres nationwide on Friday, Sept. 26. The

is rated R with a running time of 128 minutes.

Washington continues action star run with familiar film format

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American

2014 marks 10 years since Denzel Washington embraced the “action hero of a certain age” typecast by way of his portrayal of John Creasy in Tony Scott’s “Man on Fire.” And he’s sticking to the script of sorts with “The Equalizer,” which hits theatres this Friday.

Although the film is based on Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim’s 1980s CBS television series of the same name, “The Equalizer” bears a striking resemblance to “Man on Fire.”

Four seasons of actively pursuing karma is condensed to an inciting incident that has Robert McCall resorting to mercenary tactics for the sake of peace and order in the film adaptation of “The Equalizer,” but the subject matter is as familiar as the storylines are parallel.

“The Equalizer,” starring Denzel Washington

by Antoine Fuqua, opens

film

Malena Amusa debuted her musical “United We Dance” on September 7 at the

Commission in St. Louis.

Photos: Lawrence Bryant, Model: Catonah Jenkins,Make Up: Nettie Kelley

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Thur., Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Kwame Foundation, TBeats, K&LG Enterprises present Intimate Birthday Bash feat. Chrisette Michele. Also performing will be Brianna Elise and Souls of Liberty. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information call (314) 726-6161 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.

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

Sat., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., The Chaifetz Arena presents Chance The Rapper. One S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000.

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

local gigs

Fri., Sept. 26, 8 p.m., Robbie’s House of Jazz presents vocalist Joyce Byers Hines, Ptah William on piano & Darrell Mixon on bass. Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 578-2049 or visit www. ozarktheatre.com.

Sat., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., Robbie’s House of Jazz presents Tom Byrne Quartet. Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 578-2049 or visit www. ozarktheatre.com.

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

Calendar

the city’s wide range of talent. PXSTL has transformed a vacant lot across the street from the Pulitzer building into a destination in the heart of Grand Center with the temporary pavilion lots. 3713 & 3719 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.pulitzerarts.org.

special events

for the carnival rides. 9750 Old Bonhomme Rd., 63132. For more information, visit www. OlivetteOnTheGo.com.

Fri., Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., The Gallery 400 presents Bridging the Gap 2014. This year’s theme, “Classic St. Louis,” will be carried out in the look, the feel and the taste of the event. In addition to that perennial favorite, the Wine Ring Toss, guests will enjoy entertainment and food that falls into the local “favorites” category like toasted ravioli from Bartolino’s. Shop for the holidays from among the many items available in both a silent and live auction. Enjoy a drink from the wonderful bar in this year’s venue, Gallery 400. Free valet parking for the evening. Dress for the evening is open to your own interpretation of “Classic” – St. Louis style, 63103. For more information, visit www.sistastrutSTL.com.

so get creative and join this evening of fun, food and fabulous to beneit The Bridge. 400 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.bridgestl.org.

Sept., 25 – 28, Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes. Enter a world of wonder where heroes and hearts prevail. Join Ariel as she years to explore the world about the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his one true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleicent to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin. Watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true. One S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000.

Sept. 26 – 28, Stacy Park hosts Olivette on the Go. The City of Olivette welcomes fall with an all-out festival. The festival features a wide array of live music, local food, games and carnival rides.

Olivette’s Got Talent and the Classic Car Show return for the second year. The 5K and Fun Run will be held on Sunday. Attendees can look forward to the big Friday night kick-off with interactive DJ Reggie and hip-hop dancers. Don’t forget to get wristband crazy

Sun., Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Community Against Poverty presents 7th Annual Volunteer Fair. Potential volunteers throughout the St. Louis region will be able to meet with representatives of over 30 agencies working with people living in poverty to learn more about volunteer opportunities they provide. The event is free and open to the public. Those attending are asked to bring a donation of food to beneit area food pantries. This year’s Fair wil include information on ways that you can volunteer to help the residents of Ferguson. The Heights, 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. For more information, call (314) 442-3894 or visit www. communityagainstpoverty. org.

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

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

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

Sat., Oct. 4, 10 a.m., Benton Park hosts Taste of Benton Park Festival. There will be a food tent with samples from 13 local restaurants, as well as a wine and beer booth, chalk art, live music, and more. 3100 S. Jefferson Ave., 63118. For more information, visit www. bpnastl.org.

Sat., Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter presents Jazz Brunch 2014 feat. Denise Thimes, Cheryl Brown, Anita Jackson, and Tim Cunningham. Frontenac Hilton Hotel, 1335 S. Lindbergh, 63131. For more information, call (314) 8746428.

Sat., Oct. 4, 12 p.m., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. presents Get Out the Vote – Voter Registration Canvassing. This will be a voter registration, mobilization, and outreach effort. Those in attendance will learn about voter education, voter mobilization, how to change their voting address, and voters rights. Canield Green Apartments Recreation Center, 2974 Coppercreek Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 385-4100.

Sat., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis presents Annual Black Tie Gala: Soaring to Higher Heights. Hyatt Regency at the Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 367-7778 or visit www.100blackmenstl.com. Sat., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council hosts Skinker DeBaliviere Homecoming feat. Javier Mendoza. A delightful evening of food, music, and lots of fun. Share

Sat., Sept. 29 – Dec. 13, Satori presents STL Up Late. This is an interactive late night talk show featuring the most talented & engaging guests that St. Louis has to offer. STL Up Late takes all of the best elements of your favorite televised late night talk shows, like live music & famous personalities, and adds interactive audience games, sketch comedy, and a spontaneity that you can’t ind on FCC regulated TV shows. Anything can happen on STL Up Late, but you have to be there to see it because this is a live show only. 3003 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. stluplate.com.

Thurs., Oct. 9, 5 p.m., Ramada Plaza Hotel presents Little Black Dress Affair: A Night of Shopping & Comedy. Tickets are on sale now for the Ultimate Ladies Night Out – networking, shopping, & comedy show. Vendors Reserve Your Table Today. Shop til you Drop then Laugh til it Hurts. 811 N. 9th St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 480-0311 or email Ladiesnightoutentertainment@ gmail.com. For ticket information, visit ladiesnightoutentertainment. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts FergusonReads Reading Group: The New Jim Crow. We invite members of every community to join in a reading group discussion of The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. The events in Ferguson have been upsetting for nearly everyone in our community. This reading group is an attempt to add some civility and context to the mix by exploring race, not only in St. Louis, but America as a whole. It is no longer socially permissible

to use race, explicitly, as a justification for discrimination, exclusion, and social contempt. Yet, as legal star Alexander reveals in The New Jim Crow, today it is perfectly legal to discriminate against convicted criminals in nearly all the ways that it was once legal to discriminate against African Americans. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com

Mon., Sept. 29, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation is pleased to present Mark Whitaker for a discussion of his biography, “Cosby: His Life and Times.” Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. The program is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase at the event from Barnes & Noble. The event is co-sponsored by Maryville University. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314994-3300 or visit www.slcl. org.

theatre

Sun., Oct. 5, 3 & 7:30 p.m., Mrs. Independent the stage

play. Starring Robin Givens, Dottie Peoples, Trisha Mann-Grant, and others.

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

arts

Sat., Oct. 11 – 12, Lindendale

Park presents Highland Arts Council’s 11th Annual Art in the Park. You will be able to enjoy free art demonstrations, dueling desserts food competition, kids creation project station, and an art gallery for kids. Fantastic awards will be given for all artists totaling up to $10,000 in prizes money and the purchase pledges prior to the show guarantee sales for the artists. Park Hill Drive and Lindenthal Ave., Highland, Illinois 62249. For more information, please contact Lynnette Schuepbach at 618-558-0054, email

of all ages, backgrounds, education and experience – regardless of the type of business you want to start. 26 N Oaks Plaza, 63121. For more information, call (314) 657-3547.

Tues., Sept. 30, 6 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Soroity, Inc., Gamma Omege Chapter & the St. Louis Public Library present Surviving the System: A Candid Talk about Reentry for the Ex-offender.

Panelists include Judge Jimmie Edwards, Circuit Judge for the city of St. Louis; Mr. Reuben Shelton, President of the Missouri Bar Association; Judge Kimberly Gardner, State Representative for the 77th Distrcit; Mr. Chris Howard, Prison Performing Arts; and Ms. Julie Lawson, Executive Director of Crime Victims Advocate. Central Library Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103.

lynnette@highlandartscouncil. org or visit highlandartscouncil

lectures

Sat., Sept. 27, 4:45 p.m., PSG’s 2014 Self Saviors Lecture Series presents Wayne B. Chandler. Mr. Chandler will be speaking on the topic of Fear of a Free Planet: Humanity’s trials and tribulations as we journey towards new frontiers in consciousness. Better Family Life Cultural, Educational, and Business Center, 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (618) 9608751 or visit www.eventbrite. com.

Mon., Sept. 29, 9 a.m., Missouri Career Center hosts Starting and Managing a Business. Starting a Business in Missouri is a 3-hour workshop created for those considering going into business for themselves. In just 3 hours, you will learn how to assess the industry, market and competition, discuss legal and regulatory requirements, identify sources of funding, and more. This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs

Saturdays through Oct. 4, 9 a.m., High Caliber Firearms Training LLC presents Concealed Carry Training. Machinists Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 971-9737 or visit www. highcaliber.us.

Oct. 5 – 6, Art & Soul Café

St. Louis host Singing in the Spirit: Creating Community Across Divides. A 2-day community singing workshop with Dr. Kathy Bullock, Professor of Music at Berea College, Kentucky, to draw together a diverse group of singers from across the St. Louis region to celebrate and sing together the music from the African-American tradition. 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., 63147. For more information, call (314) 2004073 or email artandsoulcafe@ me.com.

health

Sat., Sept. 27, 9 a.m., Shalom Church City of Peace presents Health Fest – Abundant Living: Focus on Health Holistically. Screenings provided include vision testing,

kidney screening, PSA for men, dental screening, and more. Service and resources at the event include Alzheimer’s information, chiropractic care, mental health care, cancer awareness information, and more. Hazelwood East High School, 11300 Dunn Rd., 63138. For pre-registration call, (314) 653-2322.

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

Fri., Sept. 26, 6 p.m., Life Center International C.O.G.I.C. presents 15th Pastoral Anniversary with special guest speaker Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. of West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. in Los Angeles, CA. 8500 Halls Ferry, 63147. For more information, call (314) 299-4661.

Sept. 26 – 27, Healing & Mending Ministry presents 1st Annual Harvest Revival: Wounded But Not Dismayed – Taking a Stand Against Domestic Violence. Both nights there will be sprit illed worship beginning at 7 p.m. Additionally, there will be a Q&A session for anyone who has questions about hurting situations that have cause one to be prohibited in their walk with Jesus Christ at Florissant Valley Library (195 S. New Florissant Rd., 63031). Grace Apostolic Family Worship Center, 11770 Seven Hiils, 63033. For more information, call (314) 255-6181 or email healingm2@gmail.com.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela.. For more information, see CONCERTS.

by acclaimed dancer Sista Adama Jewel.

“I couldn’t pass on this important opportunity to invite Amusa and amplify her message of hope and healing for young people,” said Jewel. “Everybody, especially young people, are really hurting after the Mike Brown tragedy and subsequent tragedies. When I think of the purpose of African drum and dance, it’s to energize our community and to show young people how great they are by showing them where they come from.”

Amusa and Jewel teamed up get the show to Hollywood, calling their project Dance of Hope. They are also campaigning to raise $10,000, setting up a Go Fund Me to make their Hollywood debut the best possible, and fund 20 young people to perform in Hope and take master classes with renowned dancers and drummers from Africa.

“It’s not enough to put on an epic show,” Amusa said. “We want to partner with young people, and let them know we will do whatever it takes to encourage their leadership, their artistry, and their voice.”

Amusa and Jewel are working around the clock to spread the word about their fundraiser, the musical and the Ferguson movement it

honors.

“Politics get laws changed, but art gets lives changed,” Amusa said. “Social change is as much about resistance as it is about putting forth a bold vision and using the creative process to transform beliefs into action.”

The musical celebrates the story of Ferguson protestors on the frontlines, dramatizing their confrontation with the police and their great potential as freedom fighters. Each dance in the production is dedicated to a U.S. constitutional right, culminating in a lively interpretation of the Bill of Rights.

“The entire musical was magical and tear-inducing,” said Brittanie Anderson, an L.A.-based design entrepreneur who attended the St. Louis show. “My favorite part was the standoff between the protesters and the police, in what was a total Michael Jackson ‘Bad’ moment where the spirit of dance triumphs over pain.’”

The young producer wants to take the musical across America, maybe even create a special showcase for Broadway. “If we don’t tell our story,” she said, “then who will.”

To donate to Amusa’s Go Fund Me campaign, visit http://www.gofundme. com/asi-youth-scholarships. For more info, visit www. AddLifeStudio.com or call (314) 458 – 4282.

long black number with a curve accentuating white stripe (that a few guests were caught in). She pulled it off the best with her tight bun and flawless makeup.

Ms. Moody is one to watch because anybody who can pull off a runway look and step into the Salute to Excellence with no worries should be next on the award list.

And my STL Suite Style Vault Award goes to the lovely Charli Cooksey who had the best twist out of all #teamnatural and had the most original style of the night in her pleated tangerine skirt with a two-tone distressed crop top full of sequins. I ran out of cards that night which mean my networking job was done and I grabbed a selfie with Dr. Suggs, which was the ultimate highlight of my life night.

Citizen journalists & NABJ discuss Ferguson.

The National Association of Black Journalist hosted a panel discussion with The Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists and Harris-Stowe State University titled “Grading The News: Media Coverage of Ferguson.” NABJ President Bob Butler was moderator for the evening and while the auditorium wasn’t full in numbers it was full in questions and energy.

Patricia Bynes, Democratic Committeewoman for Ferguson, Bradley Rayford, and Brittany Noble –Jones

EQUALIZER

Continued from C1

Both characters are tortured souls with a particular set of skills – thanks to extensive military experience – that prove handy for vigilante justice. Each film has Washington’s character relying on the most dangerous elements of his past to protect a young life.

But “The Equalizer” is by far the most enjoyable among the two. One might almost be compelled to forgive Washington for forsaking more substantive roles in lieu of the box office bang of action flicks … well, almost. A handful of factors come into play allowing “The Equalizer” to trump “Man on Wire” in style, substance and context. The first is choice of coping mechanisms. While Creasy turns to the bottle,

n Anybody who can pull off a runway look and step into the Salute to Excellence with no worries should be next on the award list.

Ferguson Protest their full time income business really

McCall chooses extreme self-restraint via a humble home improvement worker’s existence.

Another winning edge could be that the “The Equalizer” once again teams Washington with director Antoine Fuqua. The two last paired for 2001’s “Training Day,” which earned Washington a “Best Actor” Academy Award for his role as a sociopathic narcotics detective Alonzo Harris.

While “The Equalizer” starts especially slow, the action sequences make the labored beginning worth the audience’s time.

And Fuqua stays true to form with respect to the gritty graphic gore he typically brings to the screen. For “The Equalizer,” he opts for blood and guts death scenes and fight sequences.

And through the film, the latest generation of Denzel fans – who know him strictly for

his blockbuster action film star status – will most certainly not be disappointed. What makes the film most enjoyable – and sets the film clearly apart – with respect to Washington revisiting his familiar role as a seasoned action film star is the magnetism and presence of his antagonist in “The Equalizer.”

In the dozen or so action flicks that had Washington’s name above the title, none have captured authentic evil as Marton Csokas as Teddy. Csokas’ Teddy is an emotionally void Russian mafia assassin imported to America to ensure the debt McCall created with his organization is collected.

The ebb and flow as Washington and Csokas share scenes in the spaces between the fight scenes and blazing guns will remind audiences that two legitimate acting talents are facing off. As they draw

should have been in attendance, but maybe they were all busy preparing for the next fundraiser. New to the Lou. After catching the end of what was a dynamic event at the Missouri History Museum I met two young women who are new to St. Louis working at two of St. Louis’

upon each other, they make the dramatic moments at least as interesting as the action and, in some cases, more so. As Teddy, Csokas leaves an unforgettable first impression for the masses who don’t know the established stage and character actor by name – will most certainly stake his claim as a resident evil action film bad guy. Through their exchanges, those who only know him for his latest film incarnation will get a taste of the Denzel Washington Generation X fell in love with thanks to penetrating film performances –something that was noticeably absent from “Man on Fire.” The Equalizer opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, Sept. 26. The film is rated R with a running time of 128 minutes.

artist for the MAC makeup brand, she honed her skills and developed her own niche and style of artistry.

This has led her to start her own line of makeup, Nettie Kelley Cosmetics.

The line features a full range of cosmetics including foundations, eye shadows, lip sticks, lip glosses and a “camera ready” primer. She plans to launch a line of brow pencils and skin care and has the “Nettie Kelley Studio,” which opened last year in Midtown St. Louis. In addition to having individual clients, Kelley also offers classes, ranging from groups to private sessions.

“Most of my clients have 10 minutes in the morning to do their makeup, so I teach them how to get a fresh, flawless face without taking up too much time,” she said.

We are already seeing a shift to fall focused makeup. Colors are switching from pale pastels to bold and deep pigmented hues. Some women find it overwhelming to pick out a proper foundation, let alone change their whole makeup look from spring/summer to fall/winter. But Kelley eases her clients’ nerves with her makeup philosophy.

“Makeup is like jewelry,” Kelley said. “I get inspired when I think about how I can accessorize my face.”

“Keeping it simple” is the overall theme for fall. Rocking a sheer coverage foundation, instead of a heavily packed face during the day, is not only easy on the maintenance level, but it appears to be “all the rage.”

Another essential for Kelly is a great set of brows – Kelley’s number one pet peeve is a woman with heavily concealed eyebrows.

“I hate seeing a woman’s eyebrows before I see their entire face,” Kelley said. “Their eyebrows look like they’re coming at you in 3D!” 7 simple steps

We showcased how to get

that popular flawless face in 7 simple steps. Using the “Nettie Kelley Cosmetics” line, she created the day look for our model.

Step 1: Start with a clean brow. Fill in the brow shape with a powder a shade or two lighter than your natural brow color.

Step 2: Apply a light to medium coverage concealer to highlight the brow bone ensuring to blend the concealer in with the skin.

Step 3: Using a firm angled brush apply a pop or neutral eye shadow as an eye liner.

Step 4: Depending on the type of coverage you need, apply your foundation to the rest of your face, being careful to blend into your hair and neck line.

Step 5: Using a larger blending brush, apply a complimentary blush or bronzer to apple of cheeks, dragging the color in a “Nike” swoosh symbol type of motion.

Step 6: Apply mascara to top and bottom lash.

Step 7: Compliment your face with a statement lip, whether it be nude, or bold, be sure it doesn’t clash with the rest of the look.

To transition this look in to “night time glam” Kelley just added more of the eye shadow to the outer eyelid to create the “smoky” look, changed the lip color, and added a lash for more of a dramatic effect.

To see clips from the step by step makeup application, visit www.stlouisamerican.com.

Nettie Kelley Cosmetics (NKC) TOP PRODUCT WATCH -NKC Matte Eye Shadow, “Ocean Drive”, “Midnight Black” -NKC Extreme Mascara -NKC Lipstick “Ego” -NKC HD Primer -NKC Flawless Foundation

To purchase or make an appointment with Nettie Kelley Cosmetics please visit www. nkmakeupstudio.com and follow @nettiekelleycosmetics on Instagram and Facebook.

Nettie Kelley Makeup Studio, 3840 Washington Ave., 314-498-6299, www. nettiekelleystudio.com

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

‘Best of the season’ at farmer markets

St. Louis has 30 neighborhood markets to choose from

School has begun and summer has ended but that doesn’t mean the garden is over.

The growing season continues and neighborhood farm markets are gearing up for its seasonal peak, mixing the final freshness of summer with the beginning of the fall harvest.

“It’s the best of the season because you can find summer favorites as tomatoes and cucumbers along with fall specialties as apples and winter squash,” said Angela Foley, market manager for Webster Groves Farmers Market.

Webster Groves Farmers Market is one of over 30 St. Louis neighborhood markets that provide fresh produce, artisan foods and a taste of community spirit.

Neighborhood markets traditionally serve as a gathering place, providing visitors a passport to explore their community culture and history through events and activities while shopping the local harvest.

“We always have some kind of live music and activities for children and some type of food tasting or demonstration,” said Foley explaining how the market’s activities and entertainment provides a total experience for shoppers and families wanting to enjoy their community.

The Tower Grove neighborhood, located in the

St. Louis’ oldest, continually operating year-round is Soulard Market. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday.

heart of St. Louis is home to Tower Grove Farmers Market. Each Saturday morning through November, farmers and vendors fill tables near the roundabout within Tower Grove Park, a National Historic Landmark renowned for its architecture treasures as its Turkish and Chinese pavilions and Victorian gardens. Each Saturday almost 60 farmers and food vendors contribute to the market’s weekly bounty. Standing neighborhood strong and serving to the community is the Ferguson Farmers Market, whose motto is “Come for the farmers. Stay for the fun.” It’s a motto that resonates with its visitors today as it did when in 2010 it was voted the favorite farm market in Missouri, which in turn ranked it as number 17 nationwide in the American Farmland Trust’s American Favorite Farmers Market contest. The market remains a popular destination for the neighborhood and visitors who support farm raised and locally made foods.

St. Louis’ oldest, continually operating yearround is Soulard Market. Its H-shaped market house is a combination of enclosed and open-air stalls. Within the main building are permanent shops as a bakery, a meat market and a spice shop, many of which have operated in Soulard for over a hundred years. Soulard Market is open Wednesday through Saturday. For the best selection of farm produce shop Saturday, the peak day to catch farmers who travel to Soulard from both sides of the Mississippi to set up and sell. Saturday is also the prime day to enjoy organized market events to those spontaneous sidewalk

Birthdays

Michael Capelton III

September 29

Wishing my favorite little Transformer a very Happy 5th Birthday! Daddy loves you man

Reunions

Beaumont High School Class of 1970 is looking for team members to plan its’ 45th year reunion. Lets’ avoid the rush, plans are underway to celebrate starting with you. Interested? Please email Beatrice Palmer (Vanzant-Smith) at bvanzantsmith@yahoo.com or bsmithrealtor@att.net.

Celebrations

Mike Samp Jr. September 19 Happy 2nd Birthday to my first son! Love, Dad (Mike Samp Sr.)

Angelita Jackson September 20

Mariah Thomas September 23 Happy Birthday Riah! Mommy loves you!

Terrell D. Guest September 25 Happy 1st Birthday! Love, Granny Freda

Moynica Tapia September 26 Happy Birthday, Mija! From your St. Louis family

Vance Chatman—September 18

Claretha Lovett--September 30

Beaumont High School Class of 1984 is planning its 30 year class reunion for October 3-4, 2014. Reunion dinner will be held Saturday, October 3 at Hilton at the Ball Park. Please check us out on Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984” for class updates. The class meets the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri District 3 would like to invite you to an alumni event. We are looking for anyone who worked in or was a member of Girl Scouts in St. Louis City. Please contact Essie Harrison at essie. harrison@att.net or call (314) 400-4602 with your name,

address, phone number, and email address.

Sumner High School Class of 1965 is planning a 50th year reunion for June 12-14. 2015. Please join us via Facebook: Class of ‘65 Sumner High School St. Louis, MO. You may provide your contact info and/or attend our next planning meetings on Monday, September 8 & 22, 2014 Lower Level Ronald L. Jones Funeral Chapel at 7:00 p.m. 2161 E. Fair Ave. Luther Maufas, chairperson (314) 541-4556.

St. Louis Community College has created a districtwide Alumni Association, and needs your help identifying the 1.5 million STLCC alumni. An alum is anyone

who has completed at least one course at STLCC. Alumni are encouraged to visit the website: www. stlcc.edu/foundation/, to become members or update information. For more information, contact Ashley Budde, coordinator of alumni relations, at abudde6@stlcc. edu, or 314-539-5145.

Sumner High Class of 1975 has started planning its 40th reunion. Please provide contact information to sumnerclassof75@gmail.com or C. Jackson 314-477-6785 for more information.

SumnerAlumni Association presents a Maroon and White Homecoming Week Oct. 1318, 2014 for all alumni. Bowl

with us Mon. at Crest Bowling Alley, All Family Skate Party Tues. at Skate King, Alumni Happy Hour Wed. at Dejavu II, Alumni Hoop-Fest Basketball Game(s) Thurs. at Vashon, Alumni Dance Fri., 8 pm – 1 am at the Machinist Hall; $15 Advance/$20 Door (Vendors welcome $50/request appl.). Parade Sat. 10 am (Cars, loats, SUV’s, Marching Bands, etc. are welcome; Tailgate Party at noon at Sumner High. Sumner’s Homecoming Football Game at Sumner’s Tuskegee Airmen Field at 1:30 p.m.Sumner vs. Vashon. For tickets or more info, contact Ms. Prissy @ 314.556.3944, Michelle Elgin @ 314.452.1275, Sheila Goodwin S.H.S. 314.371.1048 (Parade) or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com.

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

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Mike Samp Jr.

Angelita Jackson

Mariah Thomas

Terrell D. Guest

Moynica Tapia

Ministry amid ‘systemic racism’

Catholic Charities responds to crisis in Ferguson

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of the St. Louis American

The Catholic Charities

Archdiocese of St. Louis presented “Ministry of Presence in the Face of Systemic Racism: Responding to Ferguson” September 12 at the Cardinal Rigali Center in Webster Groves.

Ralph McCloud, national director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, addressed issues of poverty and how the CCHD can be used as a tool to address systemic racism during the policy breakfast.

Moderator Monsignor Jack Schuler, director of mission integration at the Archdiocese of St. Louis, led the group in prayer before introducing McCloud.

“Help us to understand how to dismantle racism so that people might be together – in partner and with You,” Msgr. Shuler said. “We thank You for all those who have given so much time to bring people to a point of peace and reconciliation. And we praise You for bringing Ralph McCloud to St. Louis.”

McCloud has served as national director of the CCHD for six years. The CCHD is the domestic antipoverty program of the U.S. Conference of Catholic

Bishops, established after the riots of 1968 “when we were in a very polarized country,” McCloud said.

“It’s somewhat providential that we’re having this conversation now in terms of what has been happening here in the region – of the polarization of God’s people as we look at this very sad situation in Ferguson,” he added.

Ralph McCloud is national director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

systems in their communities.”

At the breakfast, McCloud said he was grateful that the local archbishop has encouraged dialogue within the archdiocese on dismantling racism and hoped that the conversation could be linked to some sort of action.

“Racism, as the archbishop says, is a sin that divides the entire human family,” McCloud said.

Deacon Jim Murphy of St. Dominic Savio Parish in Affton said an issue has presented itself for “us white folks on the South Side.”

“We don’t go north of Delmar,” he said. “We don’t know anybody north of Delmar. Once you make a friend who lives in that community, it’s much harder to be disconnected.”

He said the reason is because many are too scared.

The Message

Church home hopping

I find myself being blessed in the fact that I have several places of worship that feed my hunger for the Word. There was a time when church hopping was my modus operandi only because I was not yet settled in my spirit. Nowadays, I just know so many churches and ministers, pastors and associate pastors where the Word is served by gifted men and women called to preach.

n

He traveled from Washington, D.C. to meet with Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, local parishes, community leaders, and Catholic Charities of St. Louis leadership and federation members, among others. Community leaders included Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor at Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant, and Rev. Tommie Pierson, pastor at Greater St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church in Ferguson.

help us better understand the situation and begin thinking about ways to shape efforts accordingly,” said Gabe Jones, community relations specialist at the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

McCloud also met with CCHD-funded groups and

“You have to be able to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

– Joshua Jones

“I wanted to go to Ferguson,” Murphy said. “They said, ‘You can’t go to Ferguson, you’ll get shot.’ Well, at least I’ll be a martyr.”

“McCloud met with these organizations in order to

prospective grant recipients. CCHD-funded groups are led by low-income people working to address the root causes of poverty and by participating in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities.

Jones said, “As part of such efforts, low-income people gain the ability to identify barriers, brainstorm solutions, and take action to change problematic structures and

Joshua Jones – son of Rev. Michael Jones of Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, where Brown’s funeral was held on August 25 – shared his “unique” experience as an AfricanAmerican male and life-long Ferguson resident. Since Brown’s death, Joshua has been on the frontlines in Ferguson protesting along West Florissant Avenue. He has lent his voice on several panel discussions and said his peers have expressed a sense of hopelessness in terms of gaining any type of “upward mobility” because of their race. He said it is important to have “uncomfortable” conversations about racism. “You have to be able to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” he said. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com.

Yes, I do have a church home (two in different cities, as a matter of fact) and know whenever I choose to go, a powerful message will be received in a multiplicity of places. Each is unique and each has a loyal following.

James A. Washington

This is important to me because I used to believe the pulpit was a place for hypocrites to shine and generate false praise from members more interested in looking good than actually working for the Lord. I had intellectualized myself out of the kingdom and for the most part, had convinced myself that I could stay connected without being connected. I must admit that this was the single biggest reason I stayed out of church.

Once I got past the pulpit and into the Word, my life changed and continues to evolve. If you’re open to it, the Word of God shows up in all kinds of places through all kinds of people and circumstances.

Underneath it all, my own arrogance and pride had somehow allowed me to believe just maybe I was better than some, a cut above others and smarter than most. When I think about it now, it can disgust me. My good news is I’m saved today in the knowledge that I am better than no one and more flawed than many. I am not more worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice than I am of the love of the Almighty. I’m just thankful to be in the family.

As such, I’ve enjoyed having my eyes opened to see great things happening in the name of church after church, from prison ministries, to backpacks for children who need them for school, from feeding the hungry to helping folk pay their rent.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brother, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring God. For,’…all men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall…but the Word of God stands forever.’” 1 Peter 22-25.

The simplicity of this amazes me. God’s goodness and grace are everywhere. We are His creation and He knows what He put in all of us.

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Another one bites the dust. I must say that even though I saw the writing on the wall when I poked my head into the Coliseum and there were more staff than guests last Saturday night, I was still shocked when I got word that the club would be closing its doors this Saturday. So The Coliseum will get a mausoleum next to Lola, The City, The SoundBar (thanks in part to Uncle Luke and all of his nastiness) and Lotus – who have all closed within the past six months or so. While it had a surge of sudden slowness in the past couple of months, I cannot say I expected The Coliseum to shut down all of a sudden. I was predicting it would at least remain on hospice like EXO for a while before they threw the towel in. I’m feeling a kind of way about it – especially after the way Diddy turned the party out for SLIM’s birthday In addition to Diddy, I got my life at more than one of their concert/celebrity appearance nights. Jeezy, DMX, Rakim, KRS ONE, Fabolous, Bone Thugs and Harmony, JadaKiss, Lil Kim and I’m sure I’m leaving off some more that I was pleasantly surprised with. And even though they weren’t good, I had some memories that will only be erased with therapy – namely Freddie Jackson as “The Crypt Keeper in Concert” and the DeBarge reunion performance that crushed all of my fond fan memories of Bunny and Randy. I would be holding back though if I didn’t admit I caught life from how Randy thought he was still in style and attempted to mack women down when he was supposed to be supplying backup vocals. But back to the soon-to-be dearly departed Coliseum….all in all, they held a pretty solid position on the urban club scene in its two plus years. Their closing makes me feel like there may be some sort of epidemic going on and sparks a desire to investigate. If anyone cares to offer their two cents on these clubs closing left and right, feel free to hit me up at dshante@stlamerican.com. In the meantime, I wish Craig, Terri, Chris – and the rest of the wonderful team I had come to enjoy seeing (including King Yella) – the best as they move on to the next.

Soulful artists to watch. Café Soul is flipping the script a bit for their September show this Saturday (Sept. 27) at the Rustic Goat. There will be some names you’ve never heard of, but Angie and Nichol assure me that they have talent you’ll never forget. Rip James, Cheron Brash, Ife Jacobs and Blair Logik are just a few of them. And with Theresa Payne as host, the house band and Rhoda G on horn it’s going to be something to see indeed. The band begins at 9 p.m. Call (314) 504-7405 to reserve your booth.

Black Girls Rock Rustic Goat. The Umbrella Group did a presto “chango” venue swap to The Rustic Goat for their “Black Girls Rock” Party Saturday night. And I must say that considering the short notice of the relocation, the event was a win. In all honesty, no one would have known that they had a venue change at all, by the size of the crowd. Raphael tends to bring out the more soulful element at his parties, but trust and believe they always have a good time. And I got a kick out of watching the folks get down and eyeballing the scene.

Chrisette’s scats are back. By the time plenty of y’all read this, I will be soaking in the glorious “shoo-be-dee-doo-wa” runs of Chrisette Michele at The Pageant for the Kwame Foundation, TBeats, K&LG Enterprises Intimate Birthday Bash. I just saw Chrisette some months back, but I could really be okay with seeing her every other week as long as she has a band. She utterly slays. Tonight’s show will be extra special, though, because it will be the first opportunity for Brianna Elise and Souls of Liberty to open for a national act. They are young people who are benefiting from Tony Thompson’s love of music and I’m sure they are beyond excited for the chance to show their chops before an audience of R&B fans For those able to make plans on the fly, visit www.ticketmaster.com. You won’t be disappointed.

Chappelle’s STL show. Speaking of The Pageant, who else was delightfully shocked when they heard Dave Chappelle was bringing his hilarity straight to the Lou for a two show set next month. Tickets went on sale yesterday and sold out within the hour. They added two more shows, and I suspect by the time you read this they will be sold out too. I’m just so glad our city has a chance to see him in the flesh – and in an intimate venue like The Pageant – I can barely contain myself. I don’t know who brokered the deal – or what they had to bring to the table to make it happen – but those who will get to bear witness to the moment are eternally grateful. If somebody had to sign a promissory note for a future kidney transplant for a Chappelle relative or family friend or to be a surrogate parent, free babysitting services or whatever…it was worth it in my eyes.

The Marquee’s winning weekend. I spent two days over at the Marquee as I hit these streets. Friday night the Liquid Assets had it absolutely on lean. And it was a repeat for Element Saturdays – their regular weekly set. I also made my way to the Marquee Monday night to check out their Monday Night Football situation. It’s relatively new so I’ll give them a pass on the slow motion crowd –which actually worked better for me, being that I was hungrier than an escaped zoo animal. The food is everything over and not just when you’re hungry…you can be on a pure glutton mission and still have your taste buds tingling with joy from their delicious menu. We’ve already established that there are fewer and fewer nightlife options these days, so y’all should stop through to show your support.

Chris and Jaime pose for a picture during Ladies night Thursday @ Harry’s

Local hip-hop acts Saint Orleans and Mido check out local talent @ Fubar for the Coast 2 Coast Live Interactive Contest Sunday

The weekend began a day early for Keonna and Anaise thanks to the Thursday Ladies night that goes down each week @ Harry’s

Colby and Jocc enjoying themselves Thursday night @ Harry’s for Ladies night

Dj Snow, Danny Mixtape, and Dj Tgutta stand with Sane Serious and Kells, winners of the Coast 2 Coast Live interactive Sunday @ the Fubar

Shanika and Yana were among the lovely ladies in the house to help Janoris Jenkins celebrate his b-day Friday night @ Envy at The Park

Local hip-hop act B Younging and Carri await the results for the Coast 2 Coast Live Interactive Contest Sunday @ Fubar

Local comedian and Elite Detailing CEO, Michael Gerdine hang out with Teaira, Danni, and Alexis @ SOHO Saturday night

DJ Skeet was on the other side of the tables with his boy PT Saturday @ SOHO

Lekwa, Chris, and Alexis Friday @ Envy at The Park

Club owner and event promoter Niddy and Video Model Miracle Watts helped St. Louis Rams player Janoris Jenkins bring in his birthday like a true baller Friday night at Envy at the park on Friday.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

An evening of purpose & celebration

An evening of purpose & celebration

27th Salute showcases dedicated educators

The sold-out 27th Anniversary Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala provided a memorable evening of elegance and inspiration, from lively receptions to outstanding varied musical entertainment and splendid dining. Nearly 1,300 attendees filled America’s Center to pay tribute to Lifetime Achiever Katie Harper Wright, Ed.D. and Stellar Performer Terrence L. Freeman, Ph.D. 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.

Stellar Performer in Education Terrence L. Freeman, Ph.D.

Deborah Patterson with Dr. Rose M. Howard, Principal of Gateway M.S.T. Elementary, the 2014 Monsanto School of Excellence

Donald M. Suggs, Mizzou Suggs Scholar Olivia Rivers, DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Assistant Vice Provost, UM-Columbia and Michael Middleton, deputy chancellor, UM-Columbia

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

St. Louis American Foundation president Donald M. Suggs, Webster Suggs Scholar Joshua Tyler, and Dr. Beth Stroble, president of Webster University

SEMO President Dr. Ken Dobbins with 2014 SEMO Counselor of the Year Cindy Mayer

Excellence in Education Award recipients (L to R): Martha Warren, Jim Triplett, Germaine Stewart, James Paine II, Edward Johnson, Nina Caldwell, Nicole Binion and Wesley Bell

Lifetime Achiever in Education Katie Harper Wright, Ed.D.

PNC Bank Early Childhood Education Award winner Estella Rash with Maurice Quiroga, EVP and managing director, PNC Bank Wealth Management

In addition to the many scholarships, The St. Louis American Foundation and Wells Fargo Advisors also provided laptop computers for each of the students.

SEMO President Dr. Ken Dobbins with SEMO Suggs Scholar Tiffany Bond

(L to R): Dr. Dwaun Warmack, president of Harris-Stowe State University, Dr. Dennis Michaelis, interim chancellor of

Suggs

(L to R): James H. Buford, MO State Univ. Buford Scholar Ricardo Powell, MO State Univ. Suggs Scholar Johari Gillespie, Donald M. Suggs and Ken Coopwood, VP of Diversity

Lathon Ferguson and Urban League CEO Michael McMillan

Kip and LaTonia Smith with Vincent Boyd, PhD

Romney Edwards, Shay Gillespie, and Sharon Halley

Tracie McKeownKristian Williams and Britany Childress

Vito Bracy and Anthony Beasley

Rashon and Stacy Jordan

St. Louis American Foundation Scholar Jessica Grimmett and her father Tim

Marty McMurtrey and Janice Watlington

Kyra and Jeri Betts

Tiffany Fane, Octavia Thomas and Eboni Thompson

Dr. Will Ross of Wash U School of Medicine

Stellar Performer Terrence Freeman and MSD’s Ron Moore

Tom Eschen, Mark Lombardi with Sue and Craig Larson

Sherman George, Wes Hurt, Richard Atkins and Joey Hollins

Angela Nelson and Barbara Jefferson

Richard and Rachel Mansfield

Elcardo

Donald M. Suggs with UM-Columbia Suggs Fellowship Recipients Ta’janette Sconyers and Angela Haney, and UM-Columbia’s DeAngela BurnsWallace and Michael Middleton

Lifetime Achiever Katie Harper Wright, EdD receives her award from her daughter, Virginia Jordan

Nancy Hellerud and Webster University President Beth Stroble

Geri and Herbert Clifton and WWT’s Ann Marr

Michelle Ellis Missouri Foundation for Health’s Courtney McCall, Angelo Jones, Octavia Thomas and Eboni Thompson

Amber Howlett, Stacy Edwards and Mavis Stone

Joseph Anderson, Terrence Freeman and Donald Cage

Alan

Shawn and Angela Caridine

Harris-Stowe’s Dr. Charlene Jones

St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones and Justin Hansford

Sandra Moore, Co-Emcee Carol Daniel and Salute guests

The incomparable Denise Thimes performs at the J. Hill Jazz Cabaret, presented by F.I.R.E.

Co-emcee Carol Daniel of KMOX and NIE Golden Apple awardees Paris Bouchard and Tracy Cotton of Hazelwood School District

St. Louis American’s Mary Easter and Kate Daniel

Missouri State University’s Michael Whitley and YWCA’s Adrian Bracy

Stellar Performer Terrence Freeman and some of his many invited guests.

Laraine Davis and Vanessa Cooksey of Wells Fargo Advisors

St. Louis Community College staff and guests

Ericca Willis

Many gathered after the Gala at the J. Hill Jazz Cabaret featuring Denise Thimes.

St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price presents 2014 Lifetime Achiever in Education Katie Harper Wright a personalized portrait.

Rhonda Brandon and BJC’s June Fowler

Anheuser Busch’s Julio Suarez gave opening remarks at the Gala.

Longtime Salute supporters Veto and Bessie Reid

Doris Coleman and Gwen Packnett (standing) with Shelbie F. Bullock and Atty. Frankie Freeman

Some of the many fabulous Salute volunteersBaseball Hall of Famer Lou Brock and Gala Co-Emcee Art Holliday of KSDK NewsChannel 5

The St. Louis American’s Onye Hollomon and Barbara Sills McElroy, with Charles McElroy and Katrice Kendall

Steven and Holly CousinsJoseph Anderson, Charli Cooksey and Larry Thomas

KSDK NewsChannel 5’s Kelly Jackson emceed the VIP Reception at Renaissance Hotel.

Shari Ponder

Right: Comptroller Darlene Green, Ida Goodwin Woolfolk and City Treasurer Tishaura handed out attendance prizes, including a cruise to the Bahamas for this lucky Salute attendee

Stefan Bradley and Dr. Traice Webb-Bradley with Stacy Edwards and Franklin Taylor Wells Fargo’s Laraine Davis with Pat Kelly and Wells Fargo’s Marion Kelly

Dr. Henry Givens, Katie Harper Wright, Belma Givens and Alberta Winston

Scenes from the

BudLight Rita Fiesta

A couple enjoys the party.

Salute volunteer Sheryl Rodgers led the pack on several slides!

The Rita Fiesta crowd shows off some outstanding slide moves!

Line dances had the crowd moving.

Boeing’s Pamela Wall-Dover enjoys the Rita Fiesta.

Abe and Nicole Adewale get down.

Good times at the Rita Fiesta

Jeanne Roberts Johnson

DJ Kut of Old School 95.5 on the ones and twos

Rebeccah Bennett and Salim Kenyatta

PNC Bank’s Phillip Sangokoya and guests

Britney Childress

Three gents enjoy the Rita Fiesta party room.

The St. Louis American’s Melvin Moore and wife, Melva

DJ Kut kept the packed house on their feet all night!

A crowd of nearly 1,300 attended the St. Louis American Foundation’s 27th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Banquet at America’s Center.

Virginia Jordan, Lifetime Achiever Katie Harper Wright, JoAnne Parks and East St. Louis Mayor Alvin Parks

Cathy Sewell of the American with her husband, Rick

2004 Suggs Scholar Brittany Smotherson with her father Rev. Darren Smotherson

Arlonzo Shepard and Bubbling Brown Sugar’s Robin Herron Kassie and Ken Coopwood

Dr. Karen Collins and SLPS Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams

The St. Louis American’s Loistine McGhee Sutton

Charles Brown and Naretha Hopson

Jeanne Roberts and Jeanne Gore

Charles Brown, Sr., Dr. Karen Collins, Shirley Brown and United Way of Greater St. Louis CEO Orvin Kimbrough

Excellence in Education Award

recipient Dr. James Paine II and Marissa Paine

Sharon and Curtis Halley

Melissa Clendenin, Monica Combest, Nitasha Melton and Autumn Thurman

Ron and Hattie JacksonJewell and Joshua Paine

Virvus Jones