Arts Today vol 3.5

Vol 3.5 |

July 22, 2016

Curtis Taitt CT PHOTOGRAPHY pg #68

The

E S I R

& FALL OF STL

DR. MALAIKA HORNE

View this and past issues from our website.

pg #144

POLITICAL PORN. ADHD DR. JERRY WARD

pg. #10

DR. TRACEY MCCARTHY

pg. #22

CAPACITY...

PIERRE BLAINE

pg.#60

IN THIS

ISSUE:

4

IN THE NEWS POLITICAL HISTORY...

6 GET THE VOT OUT RALLY GREATER ST. MARK

32

38

GREAT CULTURAL DIVIDE BERNIE HAYES

122

3RD ANNUAL SUMMER SOCIAL COWRY COLLECTIVE

133 THE DELICACY OF GRILLING CHEF JON

SUMMER WORK OUT HEALTH/FITNESS

pg. 2

LIVE / WORK / PLAY NATE JOHNSON

10

14

POLITICAL PORNOGRAPHY DR. JERRY WARD

98

44 FERGUSON 1000 OWEN K. WOODARD

FEAT. ARTIS SUBMISSION MICHAEL MOORE

“. . . for u, the sky’s the “unlimit”...”

Baba Sherman Fowler,

Griot and Poet

Established 2014 Volume 3.5 St. Louis, MO www.the-arts-today.com/ Layout/Design www.bdesignme.com

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As the publishers of The Arts Today Ezine we take care in the production of each issue. We are however, not liable for any editorial error, omission, mistake or typographical error. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of their respective companies or the publisher.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

IN THE NEWS

GOVERNOR NIXON VETOES HB1713:

Veto considered a victory against factory farms

H

B 1713 was intended to weaken the authority of the Missouri Clean Water Commission in its efforts to regulate factory farms. As originally introduced, this bill would have substantially reduced the power of the Commission to protect against abuses of industrial farms. During a contentious battle in the Senate, the Alliance was able to persuade legislators to amend HB 1713 so as to fully protect the authority of the Clean Water Commission.

The legislation still contained a provision, however, that had the potential to dilute the make-up of the Commission by allowing a future governor to appoint additional representatives of factory farms onto the Commission.

Governor Nixon in his veto letter stated that “the

change to the Missouri Clean Water Commission membership is a blatant attempt to limit public oversight in favor of regulated interests and, for that reason, House Bill No. 1713 cannot receive my approval.”

HB 1713 arose when a large corporate pork producer from Minnesota attempted to establish a shell corporation to operate a factory farm in Grundy County, Missouri that planned to house 6,000 pigs. The Clean Water Commission denied the shell corporation a permit

due to concerns that a shell corporation would lack the assets necessary to indemnify against any resulting environmental or public health disasters. In response to this defeat, the factory farming industry sought out legislators at the Missouri Capitol in an attempt to pass legislation to strip away the Commission’s authority so more large industrial farms could open up in Missouri.

HB 1713 was just one of over 25 bills that were introduced in 2016 to weaken regulations on factory farms. Thankfully with your support we were able to defeat all of this harmful legislation and successfully protect the public health, the environment, and the welfare of the animals confined in factory farms.

The veto of HB 1713 was the final victory for the animals coming out of the 2016 legislative session. It will surely be contested in the Veto Session later this year as legislators representing factory farms will make an effort to overturn Governor Nixon’s veto. We will keep you informed when it is time to contact your state senator on this issue in preparation for the veto session.

From: Missouri Alliance For Animal Legislation

pg. 4

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pg. 6

OP / ED SECTION

Please

Spread The Word On Saturday, July 23, 2016 the Universal African Peoples Organization and Praying Mothers United will host an Old Fashioned Get Out The Vote Rally in Support of our Missouri State-Wide candidates: Cori Bush/United States Senator, Eric Morrison/Governor and Tommie Pierson/Lt. Governor. This event will be held at Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen (at Chambers) Ferguson, MO starting at 6:30pm.

Entertainment will include Gospel music/artists, Spoken Word artists and Community and Political Speakers. Along with the general public, elected officials, candidates, organizational and spiritual leaders are invited. We look forward to your attendance. Please feel free to make copies of our attached flyer and spread widely. Do not forget to vote Tuesday, August 2, 2016.

Also, for those who live in the state of Kansas vote and elect Monique Singh Bey, United States Senator.

PS: Are you aware that there are no Black Governors out of 50 and only 2 Black United States Senators out of 100?

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 8

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

POLITICAL P A

few decades ago in the Black South, it was not uncommon for black women who did domestic work to speak of “our white folks” as if they actually owned those people.

Such womanist talk involved subtle, racial codes. It was easy to misinterpret what they were saying, to think they were speaking in terms of affection and intimacy about members of the family. Their observations were based on proximity rather than endearment. Love was not a part of the conversation. When it is alleged that Donald Trump said “look at my African American,” is it reasonable to think he was talking like a domestic worker?

Hell, no. His utterance was informed by the codes of the slave auction not those of the kitchen. “Donald, did you buy the dude at a discount?”

Unfortunately, we seem to lack reliable conservative voices to explain what Trump is saying about the opening of the American mind. There is dead silence when it comes to discriminating between what Trump is selling and what Allan Bloom tried to market in The Closing of the American Mind (1987). Yes, the neoliberal voices babble endlessly about Trump, but the attention they give him is informed by perverse blindness. They seem not to see what Ralph Ellison inscribed about politics and the sociology of race in his beloved novel Invisible Man (1952), especially in the battle royal episode. Those who are not visually challenged seem to have taken a vow of silence. It is unfortunate that William Bennett, once one of the more important white conservative voices in America, loss his moral compass and can now say nothing that has credibility.

If you have read Invisible Man, you may recall that in the battle royal episode, “the most important men of the town” ---”bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers, merchants…[e] ven one of the more fashionable pastors” were enthralled by “a magnificent blonde --stark naked, “ a sex object who danced “a slow sensuous movement.” The representative male citizens salivate, gazing upon her body “where below the small American flag tattooed upon her belly her thighs formed a capital V.” Trump is not a character in fiction, but he slobbers with alacrity in the presence of an immaculate, fictional symbol of the United States of America.

Our current political story is more gender-bent and intriguing than the one Ellison’s narrator told. As the great white Republican hope, Donald Trump is the narrative voice of the visible man poised to engaged in a bloodless battle royal with the visible woman, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic champion. Perhaps as we move toward Election Day, American voters will confess that politics can be kinky, sublimely vulgar, and erotic.

Jerry W. Ward, Jr. June 11, 2016

pg. 10

Pornography

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Job Fair

Monday, July 25, 2016 (9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Neighborhood Houses’ Administrative Office 326 S. 21st Street, Suite 301 St. Louis, MO 63103 More than 100 years of child & youth educational experience!

Neighborhood Houses was founded as a settlement house in 1913 and over the years we have offered a wide variety of programs and services to children and families in need. Today we focus on four core program, all designed to strengthen children and families, helping them to reach their own magnificent potential.

We offer:  State-licensed and accredited early childhood care and education offered on a sliding scale for up to 88 children ages six weeks to five years of age.  Quality before and after-school programming for approximately 1,100 children at 16 school-based sites and one community-based site.  A teen moms’ support group.  Magnificent Creations, a youth employment/social enterprise program.

Full Interviews will be done on-site.

Please bring a resume and cover letter AVAILABLE POSITIONS:  Full- and part-time in early childhood education (r equi r e s min i mu m o f 4 cour s e s i n ea rly chi ldhoo d educ ati on to m e et acc r edit ati on sta ndard s )



Part-Time Program Assistants ( e xp er i enc e w o r k i n g

w i t h s c ho o l a g ed c h i l d r e n r e q ui r e d)

For more information, please call:

(314) 383-1733, Ext. 338 Application can be downloaded at www.neighborhoodhouses.org

pg. 12

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

IVE WORK PLAY

Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016 St. Louis

JULY

8

thru

JULY

13

pg. 14

Local Events JULY

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IVE WORK PLAY

JULY

14 thru

JULY

20 THIRDFridays

Third Degree Glass Factory pg. 16

ILLPHONICS - NATIVE SUN

July 15th at Schlafly’s

July 13th Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

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IVE WORK PLAY

NEW EDITION

JULY 21ST At Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

JULY

21 thru COLD PLAY

JULY

31

July 21ST Scott Trade

pg. 18

Earth Dance Classes

July 26th Ferguson

Ernst Haas July 28th

International Photography Hall of Fame

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Brand New Home

IN HISTORIC SKINKER-DEBALIVIERE W

atch the balloon race from your own 3rd floor rooftop deck! This amazing contemporary gem boasts a thoughtful balance between an open floor plan and separate spaces. You’ll be impressed by the custom designs that will adorn this space. The spacious living room flows nicely into the gallery and dining room for seamless entertaining space. The sleek kitchen features high end finishes that you would expect in an upscale home. It looks out onto the courtyard through a wall of glass. Upstairs, you will discover the abundance of space in the master suite, complete with a walk-in closet, stylish jetted tub, dual vanities and separate shower. The 2nd floor boasts another bedroom, full bath, and laundry room. The 3rd floor offers the 3rd bedroom, media room, 3rd full bathroom, and gorgeous rooftop deck overlooking the mansions on Lindell and Forest Park! The fenced yard provides 2 car garport, and tons of privacy. Plenty of room for entertainment and fun. Home is now complete!

Contact Nate Johnson TODAY!

pg. 20

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

ADHD:

Behavioral and Social Alternative Intervention Possibiities

Personal Knowledge is Personal Power Series – Installment Three The Personal Knowledge is Personal Power Series is designed to Series provide– vital information in service of personal and Personal Knowledge is Personal Power Installment Three community Education, Awareness, and healthful Empowerment.

The Personal Knowledge is Personal PowerLiberation, Series is designed to provide vital information in service of personal and Education, Awareness, and Intervention healthful Empowerment.

ADHD:community Behavioral andLiberation, Social Alternative Possibilities

ADHD: Behavioral andMcCarthy, Social Alternative Intervention Dr. Tracey PsyD, DCFC, JD, MA Possibilities Dr. Tracey McCarthy, PsyD, DCFC, JD, MA Psychologist/Attorney/Educator Psychologist/Attorney/Educator Professor of Psychology and Legal Studies Professor Psychology–and LegalUniversity Studies Legal StudiesofDepartment Webster Legal Studies Department – Webster University www.drtraceymccarthy.com www.drtraceymccarthy.com -First Things First-First Things FirstGiven the difficulty with teasing out other challenges that might look like ADHD, it is Given the important difficulty to with teasing out other challenges that might care lookprofessional like ADHD, who it is is generally acquire a precise diagnosis from a health generally important to acquire a precise diagnosis from medication a health care familiar with symptoms of ADHD. Before considering orprofessional alternative who is familiar with symptoms Before considering or alternative interventions for ADHD,ofit ADHD. is important to first establishmedication that the challenge being faced is, interventions ADHD, it is important to first establish thatOther the challenge being faced is, in fact, ADHAfor and not another issue masquerading as such. life challenges that may in fact, symptoms ADHA andofnot another masquerading as such.

Other life challenges that may mimic ADHD areissue Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mimic symptoms ADHD are Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder,ofChildhood Depression or Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Childhood Depression Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, AntisocialorPersonality Disorder, and even food sensitivity, Neurodevelopmental Antisocial Personality Disorder, and even food sensitivity, simple boredom, low Disorders, self-esteem, giftedness, or laziness. simple boredom, low self-esteem, giftedness, or laziness.

The type of intervention recommended for ADHD varies according to the professional The of intervention recommended for ADHD according the of professional who type is assisting the individual to live fully with thevaries symptoms, or intospite such. Primary who assisting thephysicians individualare to live fullythe with the symptoms, or in spite such. Primary Care is and Pediatric usually first health care providers to of address Care and Pediatric physicians usuallytreatment the first protocol health care providers to address symptoms of ADHD. Standardare medical usually involves prescribing symptoms of ADHD. Standard treatmentsome protocol usuallyinterventions involves prescribing psychostimulant medication andmedical recommending behavioral at home psychostimulant medication and recommending some behavioral interventions at home and school. and school.

For many reasons, some parents of children with ADHD, and adults with ADHD, are For manytoreasons, some parents of children with ADHD,This andisadults ADHD, areto reluctant take medication for symptom management. often with due to a desire reluctant take medication for symptom management. often due to a desire to stick withtonatural health options or to avoid the potentialThis sideiseffects of psychostimulant stick meds.with natural health options or to avoid the potential side effects of psychostimulant meds.

Some individuals and families opt for interventions that include both allopathic Some individuals and families opt for interventions that include both behavioral allopathic options. (conventional medicine) and alternative strategies, involving holistic (conventional andbehavioral alternativehealth strategies, involving holistic behavioral In other words,medicine) some prefer changes in order to modulate theiroptions. behaviors In othertowords, some prefer behavioral health changes in order to modulate their behaviors related attention and concentration. related to attention and concentration.

-Intervention Considerations and Behavioral Options-Intervention Considerations and Behavioral OptionsBelow are 15 possible behavioral interventions one might consider in attempting to Below are 15 possible behavioral interventions one might consider in attempting to pg. 22

address symptoms of ADHD. •

One should first rule out biological causation. Rule out food allergies and sensitivities related to toxins, certain natural foods, processed foods, artificial flavorings and colors, and preservatives for children with ADHD. This is because some behavioral symptoms may be related to toxins and sensitivities to food items such as nuts, dairy, sugar, wheat, or processing chemicals.

Some individuals with ADHD may find relief from engaging in structured food elimination processes to determine if a particular type of food is correlated with a behavioral challenge. For instance, if the “bouncing off of the wall” symptoms seem to get better with the elimination of refined sugar, a triggering culprit may be found. Some individuals with ADHD might also find eating as many fresh, natural, and organic foods as possible helpful for many behavioral and emotional health concerns.

Chemical pollutants, such as lead and mercury. Parents should make certain there are no lead exposure issues in the home, along with other hazards such as toxic mold, abundant mercury, and exposed asbestos.

•

General nutritional deficiencies. Micronutrient deficiencies. The brain requires high quality nutrients to function optimally. Therefore, many children and adults with ADHD would likely benefit from a nutritional analysis to determine the extent to which the individual is receiving adequate general nutrients as well as micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

•

Microbial issues. There is also some concern that several psychological challenges might be related to exposure to certain viruses and microbes during uterodevelopment, which are adversely impacting the neurocognitive functioning of individuals with ADHD. A physician may be able to assist with determining the extent to which a microbial correlation with ADHD might be operating in a particular instance.

•

Seasonal natural light deficiencies. Some individuals with ADHD may require more exposure to sunlight than others for optimal functioning. When one is in a climate necessitating lengthy time indoors and limited sun exposure, one may suffer from the lack of health benefits obtained from the sun. Some with ADHD might find full spectrum lighting assistive during the winter months in colder climates.

Some individuals may, in fact, have a genetically stronger need for natural light and warmth than others.

•

Abuse and neglect trauma. Many children respond to instances of abuse and Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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ADHD... cont.

neglect though externalizing behaviors that are often misdiagnosed as primary disruptive behavior disorders. Healthcare workers, educators, and parents need to rule out, in all instances, the possibility of abuse and neglect (in or out of the home) as contributing factors in instances of inattention, hyperactivity, poor concentration, and low behavioral controls. It is only too easy to wrongly assume that all symptoms of heightened anxiety, irritation, environmental hypervigilance, poor concentration, and “bouncing off of the wall” are symptoms of ADHD. •

Improved teaching methods, strategies, and discipline. Educators are tasked with providing growth inspiring academic experiences for multiple children from varied backgrounds in the same setting. This is a challenge that overwhelms the abilities of many educators, most of whom have not received adequate education and training in facilitating educational processes that will evenhandedly meet the needs of all learners.

To the best of parents’ abilities, parents should determine the individual academic, social, and emotional needs of each child with ADHD and endeavor to locate the best academic environment for the child, based upon the child’s needs, strengths, and interests. Every school and every teacher is not going to be in the best interest of every child. There are multiple educational options available today for children with ADHD and parents should explore the multiplicity of options available, including general public education, magnet education, technical and vocational education, gifted education, other exceptional student education, private secular education, parochial education, home schooling, collaborative home schooling, and alternative computer-based schooling on site or in the home.

Uppermost, parents should explore their options until they discover the best options for their child’s specific needs. Parents and teachers need to also regularly communicate to make certain that a particular educational placement is optimal for a particular child. As no two schools are the same, neither are two teachers or two children with ADHD. Combined hands-on technical or artistic training, in combination with the standard academic curriculum with classroom centers. It is no secret that most educational programs fail to meet the needs of today’s learners. Many educational processes involve little more than a bunch of busy work that is not only boring to children but is boring to the teachers tasked with “instruction delivery.” Boredom breeds acting out.

It is time for schools to overhaul and develop curricula that prepares students to be lifelong learners and learners of knowledge and skills that are holistically relevant and useful in all aspects of life. Hence, most children would greatly benefit from academic processes that completely engage not only their minds, but their bodies and their spirits of creativity. pg. 24

Multimodal learning activities that involve multiple senses are helpful. By engaging multiple senses, individuals will tend to be more involved in certain activities. This is often due to varying learning styles of learners.

Some people with ADHD learn best through visual means or auditory means, while others may best learn from engaging the world physically. Care should be taken to make certain that the learning and operational styles of all are cultivated. People tend to be more focused, when they are interested and actively engaged.

•

Structure. Structure. Structure. The role of home life cannot be underscored, in terms of academic, social, and career development. Children with ADHD thrive on predictability, authentic nurturance, and an ethos of familial fairness.

Inconsistencies in the home and inadequate structure create problems for many children with ADHD.

As much as possible, a child with ADHD benefits from steady and safe neighborhoods and home environments that include two biological parents who have healthy relationships with each other. Sometimes, however, this is not the case for many children and adolescents. It is still imperative, however, for BOTH parents to be actively and daily involved in the child’s life, even if a child is not in the consistent custody of both parents.

Unless one or both parents are physically or psychologically unable to care for their child with ADHD, each parent must invest equally in the child. This means that both parents need to share in the day to day care of the child, feeding of the child, school readiness (including pick up or drop off) of the child, and discipline of the child.

Economic inability is never an excuse for lack of any parental involvement in a child’s life. Behavioral and academic challenges, such as ADHD, in childhood are sometimes correlated with parental absence.

Consistency should be the standard rule. This means that parents need to set schedules for children with ADHD and, as much as possible, stick to those schedules with very little deviation. This includes a set time and process for bed, a set time and process for awakening, a set time and process for meals, a set time and process for digital media and computer usage, a set time and process for relaxation, a set time and process for exercise, a set time and process for homework, a set time and process for after school activities, and a set time and process for academic activities.

Children with ADHD symptoms often need distraction-free environments to complete school work. This means that they should do homework in a space that does not involve Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

ADHD... cont.

noises such as television, radio, talking, and playing.

The schedule can be somewhat more flexible during the summer and weekends, but should not deviate significantly. If given to their own devices, many children would forgo bathing, eating healthy foods, attending school, or ever sleeping. Hence, parents, and not children, should be the ones initiating and enforcing the routines and schedules, even for adolescents.

Finally, strict limits need to be placed on multitasking, opting instead for engaging in only one task at a time.

•

Create concrete goals and objectives, with “to do” lists and concrete deadlines.

Written goals help people with ADHD with remaining focused and their mind and energy targeted. By creating written lists of things one must do, along with time lines and deadlines, one is better able to stay on track in most areas of life.

Calendars and highly visible time lines and steps toward goal completion are indispensable for parents, children, adults, educators, and clinicians addressing symptoms of ADHD. This is, perhaps, the most powerful intervention one can employ towards staying on track, focused, and successful in school, home, and work.

•

Distraction-free school and homework settings. When children are tasked with cognitive challenges that are timed or require intense focus, such should occur in distraction free environments where the task is the specific and uninterrupted focus.

Individuals with ADHD are easily distracted and tend to require substantial structure and distraction-free spaces to be most productive.

•

Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Adequate rest is essential for all, particularly those with ADHD. Lack of sufficient sleep contributes to behavioral inefficiency, low concentration, and less than optimal overall life performance. 7-9 hours of sleep for adults and 8-10 hours of sleep for children and adolescents would go a long way towards increasing cognitive and behavioral efficacy and calming the mind.

•

Homeopathy. Some individuals may find symptomatic relief through use of homeopathic remedies, which foster systemic balance. Homeopathy is frequently used in European countries along with allopathic medicines. Some physicians in the U.S. are also skilled in using and prescribing homeopathy, which is grounded in the “law of similars” - where the cause and the cure are seen as one.

• •

Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy involves more than simply sniffing fragrances that are pleasing. Aromatherapy is used by many alternative health care practitioners to bring balance and healing to the body. Aromatherapy uses “essential oils” (not pg. 26

“fragrance oils”) to promote healing of mind and body. Oils such as lavender, chamomile, and patchouli are often noted for promoting calm and relaxation.

•

Meditation. Meditation is a process that simply involves stilling the body and simultaneously stilling the mind. Very importantly, meditation is a completely free intervention option that has the potential to assist some with being more focused, in the moment, and calm. Prayer has the same potential.

Meditation can start with simply sitting or standing quietly still in a space for just 2-3 minutes each morning, mid-day, or night, and simply focusing on deeply breathing. This can be done on a couch, in a chair, on the floor, on a park bench, on the sand, standing next to a wall, in a crowded room, or sitting on a parking lot.

•

Exercise. Getting up and out and moving around can be a great relaxation and attention inducer. Too often schools have cut programs that focus on physical development and physical wellness, while increasing emphasis on sitting still and standardized test scores. Children spend entirely too much time in doors, leading sedentary lives. Gone are the summer days when children are up and out from sun up to sun down playing, walking, biking, exploring, and being sent down south to be a kid. These active days need to return for many children with ADHD.

All children need to unplug from cyber world and regularly move around. Increasing physical education program options in school and after school will assist some individuals with greater cognitive focus when tasked with such.

•

Massage. Deep tissue massage may also serve as a very relaxing and focusing activity for people of all ages, as such has the ability to assist with stress release and mind-body connection.

-Be Proactive and Creative -

As there is no specific cause found for ADHD, there is also no “one size fits all” intervention. Parents of young people with ADHD, individuals with ADHD, and service providers would likely benefit from exploring multiple options in addressing the symptoms of ADHD, until optimal (if not perfect) options are found. Parents and individuals are encouraged to work with their individual health partners to discover which options might work best for each individual.

Regardless of the intervention options considered, do not forget that while ADHD presents some life challenges, such also is often related to some life benefits. Hence, the adage…

“Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

ADHD... cont.

- Education ■ Liberation ■ Awareness ■ Empowerment N.B. This article is not meant to replace the medical or psychological advice of your personal healthcare services provider.

If you have specific questions regarding your personal health situation, or that of your child, you are encouraged to consult directly with your personally selected wellness partner.

pg. 28

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 30

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Great Cultural

T

he 1954 suit, Brown v. Topeka Board of Education that proved to the nation segregated schools affected African-American student achievement should be reviewed periodically. It is known that culture determine how we look at life. The omission of The Black experience or the lack of Black History in the classroom hampers self-image and fulfillment. We are taught white or European history often at the expense of our own, thus promoting institutional racism. Items that are sensitive to Black culture are most always absent or overlooked. This promotes bias in testing. The local African-American police and fire department unions have maintained for years that tests for promotions are culturally biased, but it is hard to convince people the legitimacy of the claim.

It appears that Standard English is not a prerogative for some white teachers of African-American students. They often allow Black English as a legitimate form of expression, and consequently the gap between the race increases.

A good example of the cultural divide occurred on the airing of ‘The Family Feud.’ Two families were competing for the prize money. Caucasian and AfricanAmerican. The host asked the following questions of both families. ‘Name a famous Joe.’ The white family named Joe DiMaggio while the Black family named Joe Louis.

The white answer was overwhelmingly the most popular.

DIV

Another question was ‘name something you do to your hair.’ The white family said color; the Black family said perm. Again, the white answer was the most popular.

Then they were asked to ‘name something ladies do when they get together. The white answer was ‘go out to eat’ while the Black family said ‘gossip.’ You know the outcome. Any suggestions on how to bridge the gap?

The nation is, by now, accustomed to cell phone videos of officer-involved shootings, such as the shooting of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, outside Minneapolis, and the shooting of Alton Sterling, in Baton Rouge. And we have seen from network footage five police officers were killed and seven others were injured in the ambush in Dallas in what is probably a racially motivated attack.

It is easy for us to criticize the system, but the system has never been impartial. African-Americans and Hispanics should not expect fairness.

If we want to stop complaining of how we are denied justice, we should not put ourselves at risk. The system will never be fair and white kids will never suffer the way we do and it is about time we recognized that fact and accepted it.

African people have lived and died on this continent since 1619. That is 317 years of agony, misery, torment and affliction. The Emancipation Proclamation, The Black Laws, The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the US Constitution and countless civil rights laws have not pg. 32

VIDE! made living in America any easier for the descendants of our African ancestors.

Why, in 2016 are we are replaying 1964 tapes of Percy Green and other members of CORE demanding jobs for black people? Why is there a “Black Lives Matter” and other similar movements?

Dr. Carter G. Woodson in his 1933 publication -“The mis-education of the Negro” by Associated Publishers, he wrote: ‘For the white man’s exploitation of the Negro through economic restriction and segregation, the present system is sound and will doubtless continue until this gives place to the saner policy of actual interracial cooperation.

Not the present farce of racial manipulation in which the Negro is the figurehead. History does not furnish a case of the elevation of a people by ignoring the thought and aspiration of the people thus served. This is slightly dangerous ground here, however, for the Negro’s mind has been all but perfectly enslaved in that he has been trained to think what is desired of him.

No Justice - No Peace!

Bernie Hayes

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Special Guest Pianist You saw him in the movie “RAY” as Art Tatum

Mr. Johnny O’Neal

Jerome Harris, Drums

Eric Slaughter, Guitar

Jeffrey Anderson, Bass

Sunday July 31 24, 2016

Tickets $45

The Harold & Dorothy Steward Center For Jazz 3536 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO. 63103

Anita Jackson, Vocalist

All tickets available via the Jazz St. Louis Box Office 3536 Washington, St. Louis, MO 63103 – (314) 571-6000 Mon. – Fri., 10am – 5pm and Saturdays, 2pm – 10pm Or online by visiting: www.jazzstl.org $1.50 fee added to purchases by phone or online Checks can also be written to Jazz St. Louis

6:00pm – Doors open at 5:00pm All Proceeds benefit CWAH’s Programs and Services

pg. 34

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

at Ivory Perry Park Infrared Rockers

Reggae

Sunday, June 26, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Soulard Blues Band with Marty Abdullah

Blues

Sunday, July 24, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Cheryl Brown

R&B, Soul and Women of Motown

Sunday, August 28, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Presented by

Union Communion Ministries

on the Commerce Bank Stage in Ivory Perry Park 800 N. Belt, 63112 (3 blocks north of former Connect Care)

In the event of inclement weather concert will be cancelled.

For more information visit us. at www.ivoryperrypark.com or Facebook and Twitter at Union Communion Ministries THIS EVENT IS SUPPORTED BY

Westminster Presbyterian Church (USA) Pilgrim Congregational Church (UCC) Union Avenue Christian Church (DOC) St. Louis Friends Meeting (Quakers)

The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy STL Assoc. MO Mid-So. Conference UCC Centric Group Yoga Alliance®

W H I TA K E R F O U N D AT I O N pg. 36

OLIVE BAR ROOFTOP O P E N TO N I G H T Click to RSVP COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY 10PM-11:30PM(ladies) and 11:00 (Men)

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 38

3 rd An

nual S

umm

er So

Join us for our third annual summer social!

cial!

July 31st, 3 - 6 pm

Turner Park located at N. Sarah and C.D. Banks.

St. Louis, MO 63113 Bring yourself, family, friends, instruments, games and food to share. We’ll provide the drinks and a line up of members to share their talents.

This is a great way to meet other members, relax and enjoy great company!

Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

Timebanking 101 continues to meet each second Sunday of the month. Join us this month at Thomas Dunn Learning Center on July 10, 2016 at 2 pm to learn the basics of time banking and to activate your account if you’ve recently joined.

Volume 3.5 www.the-arts-today.com July 22, 2016

Missouri History Museum Receives National Awards for Its Recent Exhibitions The History Clubhouse and A Walk in 1875 St. Louis.

pg. 40

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 42

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Ferguson 1000 5934 Drury Lane Saint Louis, Missouri 63147 info@ferguson1000jobs.com.

314-299-5061

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information please contact: Owen K. Woodard Ferguson 1000 314-299-5061 FERGUSON 1000 HIRING EVENT 5TH HIRING EVENT WEEKEND OCCURING JULY 22ND AND 23RD AT THE JCPENNEY BUILDING ON THE CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS (UMSL) “But we can do better. People of goodwill can do better. And doing better involves not just addressing potential bias in the criminal justice system; it’s recognizing that too often we’re asking police to man the barricades in communities that have been forgotten by all of us for way too long. In terms of substandard schools, inadequate jobs and a lack of opportunity.

We’ve got to tackle those things. We can do better. And I believe we will do better.”

-President Barack Obama July 7, 2016 . pg. 44

We are doing better. On July 23, 2016, Ferguson 1000, will take a huge step in addressing the issues that President Obama spoke about in his address to the nation after the tragic killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.

By hosting their 5th hiring event on July 23, 2016, Ferguson 1000 with the help of our corporate partners, will provide those opportunities to ambitious individuals looking to improve their lots in life and uplift their communities.

The event will kick off Friday, July 22nd, 2016 with a private, invitation-only reception and lecture featuring entrepreneurs, business owners, titans of industry, politicians and community organizations with keynote speaker, President and CEO of Urban America Richmond McCoy Richmond McCoy was born to a large family in 1954, in upstate New York, and grew up in a rural area where his parents owned a dairy farm. His father also owned several apartment buildings in Harlem, and young Richmond often accompanied him to collect rent, sowing the seeds of his interest in real estate early on.

When he was a teenager, McCoy's father died suddenly leaving his mother and his siblings to fend for themselves. After graduating from high school, McCoy left for the West Coast where he sold encyclopedias. By the mid-1990s McCoy saw a growing need for real estate and institutional asset management in African American communities and the not-for-profit sector. He attempted to fulfill these needs with the founding of UrbanAmerica. As President and chief executive officer, McCoy has seen UrbanAmerica grow tremendously. Some of its projects have included shopping malls in Florida, medical offices in Las Vegas, and police precincts in Maryland.

After returning to New York and pursuing sales and other opportunities, McCoy decided to pursue a career in commercial real estate obtaining his license in 1979. In 1984, McCoy embarked on his first entrepreneurial venture when he became one of the founding partners of Richard Sykes & Partners. There, McCoy widened his base of knowledge by doing transactions throughout the United States. In 1991, seeing a possible niche, McCoy set up his own firm, the R.M.C. Group, to provide corporate real estate services to major companies that wanted to work with minority-owned enterprises. By 1993, McCoy's business had expanded and he created the McCoy Realty Group, to provide asset management services to pension funds and large financial institutions such as Pitney-Bowes, Chase Manhattan Bank and the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, the world's largest privately managed pension fund.

McCoy has completed more than $4 billion in real estate transactions during a career that has spanned over a quarter century.

Mr. McCoy has received recognition from many organizations for his exemplary achievements and leadership, including the National Brotherhood & Sisterhood Award, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Real Estate & Construction Industry Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

FERGUSON 100.. cont.

Group; Urban Bankers’ Coalition-Business Executive of the Year; and the 100 Black Men of America, Inc.-Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business.

August 9th, 2014 and April 25th, 2015 were pivotal times in this country’s history.

The tragic and unnecessary deaths of Michael Brown, Jr. and Freddie Gray sparked a national outrage and revealed systemic inequities and iniquities that have historically victimized, marginalized and disenfranchised an entire segment of the population.

In the midst of these pivotal events, Ferguson 1000’s CEO Dave Spence created a new model that desires to level the playing field and one of the key elements of this model is ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT. By creating a more inclusive dialogue between the leadership and the communities that they serve, Ferguson will set the standard in creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation and economic empowerment through STEAM. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Previous Ferguson 1000 hiring events have enjoyed tremendous success and have introduced capable and ambitious individuals to join the ranks of Fortune 500 companies such as IKEA, Nike, Edward Jones, Avon, UPS just to name a few.

In fact, the last hiring event led to 100 participants being hired on the spot.

As we approached the second anniversary of the killing of Michael Brown, the lost promise of this young life will usher in a new day where opportunities will abound for those of his generation to fulfill their god given purpose through Ferguson 1000.

The event will begin on Friday, July 22, 2016 with a private, invitation-only reception and lecture at the JCPenney Building located at 1 University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63121 at 6pm and will continue until 8pm.

The hiring event will occur between 9am and Noon on Saturday. July 23 rd, 2016 at the JCPenney Building on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus at 1 University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63121.

Ferguson 1000 Jobs are asking participants to register online for the upcoming Hiring Event and the job readiness prep classes. Registering for the event online gives the applicants an advantage to be automatically added to a database to help match them with future employment opportunity if they are not successful getting hired the day of the event. The database can match their skills with available job openings in the greater St. Louis area. Over 70 companies have confirmed.

Speakers will be on hand to discuss employment and entrepreneur strategies.

Visit Ferguson 1000 Jobs website to pre-register at http://www.ferguson1000jobs.com and other social media networks for more information. Interview attire is required. pg. 46

Ferguson 1000’s aim is to bring together St. Louis area’s largest employers to give county residents, especially those in Ferguson, job training, business development, and employment opportunities. The organization was founded by businessman and former gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence. The great need for economic relief motivated Mr. Spence to spearhead the economic development of Ferguson and the surrounding areas through the creation of Ferguson 1000 Jobs initiative.

This initiative will spark a global movement that will create a more progressive and equitable society.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Book of Poetry by Lenard D. Moore

th on 30 iti d Ed ite ry Lim ersa niv

An

http://www.mountainsandriverspress.org/Home.aspx pg. 48

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

S.L .A .M.

St. Louis Art Museum

ART COLLECTIONS

EXHIBITS

EVENTS

Admission to the Museum is free every day.

Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm

|

Friday, 10:00 am–9:00 pm

|

Closed Monday

w w w. s l a m . o r g One Fine Arts Drive - Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1380 314.721.0072

pg. 50

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 52

The BCG is about relieving yourself of your job, family and anything stress related and allowing yourself and your significant other the opportunity to LIVE the high life for a weekend.

We always have dynamic couples from all over the country and the BCG allows our couples to meet some great people in a welcoming and beautiful environment. A variety of networking opportunities is also inherent in the weekend programming as well.

The BCG is designed to rejuvenate the individual and the couple as a whole. Take advantage of the resorts rejuvenation services and the BCG’s revitalization programming.

The (BCG) offers a variety of attractions and entertainment for the couples relax and enjoy one another, enjoy the pools, beach, casino, golf, sports... it’s impossible to get bored!!

BOOK NOW Don’t miss out on this amazing event! You and your partner deserve to RELAX, RELATE and RECHARGE.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

ONLY A FEW S SIGN UP T

Southern Spain a Roots of Rememb July 17— $3595.00 double/$70

For registration f Email: senegalsisterciti

Appreciate the cultural riches, histo architectural treasures on this esco West Africa. You will be mesmerize Palace, an iconic symbol of Spain’s stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom be captivated by the House of Slave Door of No Return, a museum dedic atrocities of the Atlantic Slave Trad will have ample time to enjoy conte shop in markets, and feast in restau

Includes:

Roundtrip Transatlantic Airfa  4 nights in Spain— cities to in Granada  5 nights in Senegal — cities t and Thies  9 nights /3.5 star hotels  Daily breakfast with select lu This educational tour will include three pre-session meetings  Ground transportation & En to familiarize travelers with our destinations. Dr. Ruth Iyob, professor at the UMSL, will discuss the life of the Moors and  English speaking guides 

their travels from North Africa to Southern Spain. Dr. Iyob specializes in the study of nationalism, colonial citizenship, and remittance economies in the regions straddling the African Mediterranean and the Horn of Africa. When we arrive in Cordoba and Granada, we will experience historical and contemporary life related to the African diaspora.

pg. 54

Subject to change.

Organiz Consulate of the Rep Delta Life Developm Missouri-Senega

SEATS LEFT TODAY

and West Africa brance Travel Tour 27, 2016 00 single supplement

form, questions, ties2011@yahoo.com

orical legacies, and varied rted tour to Southern Spain and ed by the beauty of the Alhambra Moorish heritage and the m until 1492. In Senegal, you will es (Maison des Esclaves) with the cated to remembering the de. In addition to looking back, we emporary life — meet people, urants.

are from New York City nclude Madrid, Granada, and

to include Dakar, Saint– Louis,

unches and dinners ntrance fees included

zed by public Du Senegal ment Foundation al Sister Cities

We are delighted that Honorary Consul to Senegal, Dr. John A. Wright, educator and author, will accompany the group to Dakar and Saint Louis, Senegal (St. Louis Missouri's only African Sister City). Dr. Wright has led tours for educators and citizens to Senegal since 1984. He was one of the founding members of the St. Louis Missouri-Senegal Sister Cities Committee and organizer of the International African Sister Cities Conference in St. Louis in 2005. Dr. Wright coordinated the acclaimed "More in Common Than Just A Name" publication by students from St. Louis, Missouri and Saint Louis, Senegal, showcasing our two cities.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 56

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Aliyah ~LotusMoon~ NOW on SoundCloud

Listen!

nagchamp009 pg. 58

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

CAPACITY We need Capacity

By Pierre A. Blaine Excerpts from Book Movement: Race, Power and Culture in America available at Amazon.com

I

n an environment in which the Federal Government namely the Congress is cutting the capacity of neighborhoods to build housing at the neighborhood level, what can be done to build capacity in neighborhoods? That question is a two-pronged one because demand for housing has to be coupled by job creation for people in neighborhoods. This problem reaches communities all across America however, we will look at St. Louis, Mo. as an example of an approach for tackling the issue. The University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL) has invested resources, time, and research in impacting community economic development. The approach is looking at solving it from a regional perspective. So, in addressing the question, Todd Swanstrom, the Des Lee Professor at UMSL wrote a paper on Building A St. Louis Regional Community Development System. First, he tackles the problem in the context of the killing of Michael Brown because the well-being of the region is inextricably linked to the well-being of its neighborhoods and therefore, its people. Denny Coleman, the former CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership estimated that after the Ferguson shooting, the fallout of the shooting generated approximately 88,000 national and international news stories which evolved into over 100 billion negative media and social media impressions. Although, Ferguson is a small suburb with 21,000 residents, the media storm negatively impacted the St. Louis region of 2.8 million people. Therefore, it is important to address underlying issues and develop a better community development system to make the community more inclusive and bring more people into participating in the economic prosperity of the region. The outward migration of jobs and people has left many neighborhoods with high rates of crime, poverty, underperforming schools, deteriorating infrastructures, and disinvestment.

One of the most controversial posits is that it is too costly to abandon infrastructure in older parts of the region to then turn around and build expensive new infrastructures in other parts of the same region. So, the first solution is to encourage some families to choose to live in older parts of the region which are updated, pedestrian friendly, with higher performing schools, low crime and rising home values with jobs that support this type of development.

This strategy sounds like re-re gentrification attracting a more diverse income-mix of people investing in disinvested neighborhoods would result in a stronger regional economy and spreading this concept across the country improves the economy as a whole. In order to move this process in St. Louis, UMSL has begun spearheading a framework for building a regional community economic development system. In order to push this initiative forward, it is understood that the 14,000 pound elephant in the room is how to get investment involved in community development?

The Community Builders Network of Metropolitan St. Louis has been established and part of the network is the resource/investment collaborative made up of CDFIs – community development financial institutions – dedicated to provide affordable lending to low-income, low-wealth communities and provide financing to small businesses, non-profit organizations, commercial real estate, and housing development to serve depressed markets. It also includes credit unions, philanthropic organizations, businesses, and government as part of the investment mix. The whole idea is to create an environment which resources, evaluates, and provides professional development for practitioners in community development and help community development nonprofit organizations build their capacity to carry out community development initiatives at the neighborhood level. The approach has to be done neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block, family by family. It incorporates the concept that it takes a village to raise a community. Other supporting resources need to be wrapped around certain individuals in some families in order to stabilize them on the path to productive involvement. However, that still puts us back to job creation which is stable and provides a livable wage. Education advocates from parents to educators to social activists must engage in educational reform that tackles reading proficiency by our 3rd graders and making sure that education is at the forefront of students reading at the college level when they graduate from high school. Former educators, retired educators, and parents and community activists must forge alliances to demand that education especially in the neighborhood schools must be improved and fight to get everyone on that page. Partnerships must be developed with the library system which has library branches in the neighborhoods to support ancillary programs to provide students access to technology and computers which go beyond students just coming to the library to play video games. My wife went to the library in St. Louis and as a former teacher in Art and mathematics and science she was appalled to see most of the students not reading but playing video games. Now, there is value in students playing video games for diversion and relaxation and becoming relaxed with interacting with technology. But, this cannot take the place of reading and writing and critical thinking skills and from her perspective art programs which help students develop the pg. 60

CA P A CITY Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

CAPACITY, CAPACITY... cont.

whole brain. We already have these resources in place and they are being underutilized which must become part of the mix of improving the people to participate in the new economy. This entire community development mix must come together and recognize that the input of marshalling and channeling resources, programs, brick and mortar, and human capital must take into consideration - “place-based” initiatives. The consideration can be broken down into several areas and as the knowledge economy continues to evolve students must be prepared in science education. One of the place-based approaches is location-based augmented reality games in which students are immersed in authentic scientific methodology. Can’t augmented reality games on computer and handheld devises engage students in STEM and history, literature, culture, civic education and more?

And can’t this also be expanded to adults for GED, financial education, community development neighborhood building and maybe even some aspects of job training? Community development must be targeted to the most ‘distressed communities’ and money from the federal government must stop being used for affluent neighborhoods. Community development activists must organize community development organizations to begin the process of longterm sustained economic development in neighborhoods. A core group of community development leaders must be willing to articulate the need and partnerships needed to be developed on a continuous basis. As this becomes a regional perspective on development it should raise up the entire community. St. Louis has become a Promise Zone designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development which encompasses the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County in Missouri. This area has an alarming unemployment rate, crime, high mortality rates, vacant lots, and homelessness. The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership will focus on improving health and wellness, increasing economic activity, reducing violent crime, improving educational outcomes, and creating sustainable development which means mixed-income communities. The key to this promise is to foster collaboration, change and inclusion which will drive future regional growth and prosperity. This is becoming a model for the whole country and should go a long way to improving conditions of the people and making the country move toward a more perfect union. Place-Based solutions concentrate on improving areas where people are living.

Booker T. Washington, the black president, of Tuskegee University once said: ‘Cast down your buckets where you are’, although a controversial speech given in 1895 which eventually set up the dynamic debate between he and W.E. B. Dubois, never the less it prophetically brings us full circle with addressing current issues of economics and opportunity. Should we seek out real estate and business development to create opportunity in the neighborhood? …A ship lost at sea for many waves battered and almost wrecked sighted a friendly vessel. The battered ship sends out a message from the mast, ‘Water, water, we die of thirst’. The friendly vessel answers, ‘Cast down your buckets where you are.’ A second time the signal, ‘Water, we need water.’ Another answer, ‘Cast down your buckets where you are’. Finally, the distressed vessel cast down their buckets where they were, and behold they drew up fresh water, sparkling water because they did not know they were over the mouth of the Amazon River… Neighborhood development is in sore need of resources to cast down buckets where the people are and in St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Todd Swanstrom offered up three approaches: 1) The implementation of use taxes or sales taxes on items purchased out of state. This approach allows funds to be raised without hurting local

taxpayers. 2) Create Special Taxing Districts. By creating special business districts and community improvement districts – those entities within those geographical boundaries provide funds to help in the development of those particular areas. 3) Loan Pools and Philanthropic Funds – private sector actors like philanthropic organizations, lenders, donors, venture capitalists, and individuals with deep pockets who are passionate about seeing urban economic development happen. Thinking outside of the stadium will go a long way to find the money to develop neighborhoods. We get really creative when the powers that be decide they want the community to be an NFL city or a NBA city. We see billionaire owners who want subsidies from local and state governments to woo them to come to the community. All of a sudden we can find money just a few weeks ago that was not there when the community wants to build up a neighborhood and the federal government is cutting subsidies and grants to make it happen. But we can find state and local monies to entice football stadiums but no money to improve neighborhoods.

We must identify a regional funding mechanism to address these issues. What’s Possible? – It’s the economy stupid…

Let’s solve the problem by finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint in fossil fuels in our municipal transportation fleets and use those savings to fund regional neighborhood development.

pg. 62

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

House Advancing NEA Funding ‐ Take Action Today

July 12, 2016

House Advancing NEA Funding:Take Action Today Today, the U.S. House begins consideration of the bill that funds the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The last time the House passed an Interior­ Environment spending bill was in 2009!

Last night, the House Rules Committee met and accepted 131 amendments to be offered on the House floor this week. Although there are no amendments targeting the NEA, there are several relating to historic preservation and a couple about programs of the Smithsonian Institution.

Take two minutes now to share your support for the bill's increased funding of the NEA and ask that it be House Rules Committee listening to members about proposed maintained in a final bill.The House bill funds the amendments to the Interior spending bill NEA at nearly $150 million, an almost $2 million increase for FY2017, meeting the President's request. The House proposal also contains several other positive areas of support!

For the first time, it includes support for STEAM and the value of integrating arts education into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to foster creativity, innovation, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

In addition, the Healing Arts Partnership work at the NEA with the Walter Reed National Military Center is specifically highlighted, including support for NEA's participation in the National Initiative on Arts and the Military led by Americans for the Artsin cooperation with multiple national arts, health and veterans' service organizations, the private sector, the military, and other government agencies.

The House proposal also notes the longstanding, collaborative relationship pg. 64

between the NEA and State Arts Agencies in support of the arts in local communities.

It also includes support for the display of art in government buildings, including postal facilities.

Unlike last year, there is no prohibition of funding for NEA's Our Town program, which supports creative placemaking projects all across the country.

Americans for the Arts advocated against this funding restriction on this core grant program.

What's Next: Congress continues to remain very divided over spending priorities. Final funding decisions might not be known until December, or even March! This legislation is likely to be considered over several days this week, with a potential negotiation with Senate appropriators possible. However, these bills are important markers for those discussions. The House bill is also critical because of the funding increase it would provide.

This same increase is not in House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and the Senate proposal. Take Related Agencies Chairman, Rep. Ken Calvert (R­CA) answering questions about the Interior bill under consideration two minutes now to weigh in and support the proposed House funding for the NEA! Thank you for your support of the arts and for being an arts advocate. Want to do more? Help us continue this important work by also becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member, play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today ­ it's free and easy to join.

Missouri Citizens for the Arts www.MO4arts.org

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Click image to

WATCH NOW! pg. 66

Special holiday event with Santa Sunday, Dec 13 at 3:00!

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

BIO: My name is Curtis Taitt. Owner of ctphotography. I am a Puerto Rican/Basian American who is clearly passionate about photography. I actually received my 1st camera around the tender age of 8 yrs old which was a Polaroid camera my mother gave me. My mother lived her life freezing time and owned numerous amounts of photo albums that were strategically set up to tell a story on each page. This is how i was stung by the shutterbug mindset. Fast forward in 2012 my wife xmas gift to me was a cannon dslr (due to many expressed desires to own a camera) which after recieving this camera and I became the topic of discussion very often by my family of me pointing my camera at them always (lol). In the spring of 2014 motivated by someone i traded my cannon for a crop sensor nikon d7000 which was used but heaven to me. 8 months later i purchased a brand new full frame nikon d750 and i utilize both until now. Through lots of trials and errors and a massive amount of determination i researched and self taught to the level i am @ currently. Not bad for a graduate of harm knock university. In short when behind the camera & lens i am not of this realm (lol) i transend to other places in pure pleasure due to the love of photography.

facebook: ctaitt1@fb.com website: ctphotographycurtistaitt.com phone: 646-721-5244

pg. 68

Designer: Bryan Osburn Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Rita Drayton MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Featured

Photography

Submission

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Kaya Ises MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt

pg. 70

Curtis

Taitt

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Rita Drayton MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Designer: Bryan Osburn Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Karizma Dabney MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt

pg. 72

Designer: Bryan Osburn Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Rita Drayton MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Designer: Bryan Osburn Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Libra Jiminez MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt

pg. 74

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Kaya Ises MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Kaya Ises MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt

pg. 76

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 78

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Kaya Ises MUA: Dana Hall Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 80

Designer: Erica Jackson Model: Celines Tamarez MUA: Dana Hall Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 82

Designer: Erica Jackson Models: (left - right) Celines Tamarez, Can Muhammed Karagoz,

Irie Divin, Mack Eric and Leann Rivera MUA: Dana Hall/Erica Francis Sims Photographer: Curtis Taitt

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 84

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Director: Terence Taitt Model: Leann Rivera MUA: Erica Francis Sims Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 86

Designer: Erica Jackson Model: Irie Divin MUA: Dana Hall Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Rita Drayton MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt

pg. 88

Designer: Erica Jackson Creative Dir: Terence Taitt Model: Karizma Dabney MUA: Carly Wolert Photographer: Curtis Taitt Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016





Progressive Emporium & Education Center presents:

Mmmmm….sounds…feels soo Good!

Vibrational Healing Class July 16, 2016 11am

Wouldn’t it be an ideal world if all we had to do to overcome illness and disease was to lie back and listen to beautiful music?

Well, it’s not as far-fetched as you may think!

Join us for healing tunes and discussion around vibration, tone, music, etc.

Presenter: Will “WillPower” Robinson Powertrip Productions

The Progressive Emporium & Education Center 1108 N. Sarah Street, St. Louis, MO. 63113 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday (314) 875-9277

pg. 90

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 92

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Way

Black In Time Series

An animated black history web series for the whole family.

Season # 1 # 2, And # 3, DVD’s at: BlackArchaeologist.com https://www.facebook.com/BlackArchaeologist/videos/886767681406592/ pg. 94

t e e w T t e e w T t e Twe t e e w T t e e w T t e Twe t e e w T t e e w T t e Twe t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw Follow us Tweet t e e w T t Twee t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw @ArtsTodayez

#artstodayEZ

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Listen...

NEW Thread Podcast w/Kerri Miller

Kevin Powell Interview About "the woman writer that changed his life"

Minnesota Public Radio pg. 96

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Featured

Artist

Submission

pg. 98

Michael

Moore

NOVELS 1.

Thank God For Plan B, because Plan A Didn’t Work vol 1

2.

Thank God For Plan B, because Plan A Didn’t Work vol 2

3.

The Danger of the Male Head Being Out Of Place In The Home

4.

It Happened at the Checkpoint (a tale about 911)

5.

The Brown N White (a tale about the bar scene in New Jersey)

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 100

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 102

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

John Jennings Associate Professor Visual Studies SUNY Buffalo tumblr: http://jijennin70. tumblr.com/

pg. 104

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

“Acting White”

Share your Story Dear friends: I have been asked to write a chapter in a book that will address colorism in education. My chapter will focus on “acting white.”

Specifically, when I was growing up, I was a “smart” student. My top performance in school, doing homework, raising my hand to answer questions, etc. often drew the accusation from my African American classmates and friends that I was “acting white.”

Now, I know there are psychologists out there who say this is not true and does not exist. But alas, it was absolutely true for me. I have written about this in past works. I will do so again for this new book. I do know that many young folks today who continue to have such allegations hurled at them so feel free to share this email with whoever and have folks email me directly.

I did a survey on this very question about 7 years ago and the results were consistent with my experiences decades ago. I’d like to update my earlier survey. I would love to hear from anyone out there who has a similar/related story either involving yourself or someone you know. I would like to include your story in the chapter. I will conceal your identity if you request.

Do you have a story to share? If so, please email to me at: norwood@wulaw.wustl.edu.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead Kimberly Norwood , Professor of Law | Washington University School of Law pg. 106

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:34-40 NIV

We seek to impact the world with the love of Christ one life at a time!

Hopelessness and desperation are on the rise in a world where the greatest segment of the population possesses the least amount of resources.

We need your help! Please help us fight this epidemic by sending your tax deductible donations/contributions to: For His Glory Ministries of St. Louis P.O. Box 1942 Maryland Heights, MO. 63043 http://calvarychapelslc.com/homeless-ministry/ For other ways in which you can help please contact Pamela Ford at pamelaford98@gmail.com or 314-216-0744.

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pg. 108

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

If you have been thinking about leaving your job and starting a business, you need to attend this seminar! Before you spend time and lots of $$$ on a business idea, PLAN TO ATTEND THIS EVENT!!! #Entrepreneurship101

#Entrepreneurship101 #websterUNIVERSITY #april23 #2pm #3:30 pg. 110

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pg. 112

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pg. 114

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

MOSES PLAYING AT THE SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE

BRANSON, MO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2016

DEPARTURE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2016 at 6:00 AM RETURN: SEPTEMBER 10, 2016 at 11:00 PM (Please indicate which category)

 Child (3-12): $90.00  Teens (13-18): $105.00  Adult (18-up): $120.00

TRIP INCLUDES:  Round Trip Transportation  Light Breakfast  Snacks  Shopping Experience  Ticket to “Moses”  Exciting Enviornement  Movie

We accept cash, credit card, check or money order payable to T. Barber / Jazzy Events Mail Payments to: Jazzy Events – Attention Twana Barber, P.O. Box 210962, St. Louis, MO 63121

Deposit due July 1, 2016: $40.00 2nd Payment due August 1, 2016: $40.00 Balance due September 1, 2016 **Complete the Reservation Form on the reverse side & Return it with your deposit** **Payments are non-refundable but transferable** For additional information: Contact Jazzy Events at (409) 571-9454 | jazzy75@me.com | pg. 116

MOSES PLAYING AT THE SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2016

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR DEPOSIT

NAME:

ADDRESS:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

PHONE #S: HOME: CELL: WORK (OPTIONAL): DATE:

 CHILD  TEEN  ADULT AMOUNT PAID:

Twana Barber | (314) 324-3626 | jazzy75@me.com Willie Mae Barber | (314) 856-2434 | cookiewm2@gmail.com | Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Redefine the Life in Your Lifestyle I know that it’s been a while since I’ve e-mailed you, I truly hope that all is well!

I also hope that you’ve been able to stay up to date with all the happenings via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Between my recent trip to Mexico and the latest additions at the Meditation Lounge, there’s been way more to share than there is time, but I do the best I can!

Healing Spa is Back!

So I want to tell you quickly that right after Journey Meditation this Sunday, the Healing Spa starts at 5:15pm! I haven’t offered this experience since October so I know that many of you are super excited about this.

If you haven’t yet been, it’s a beautiful experience...

You will be in a group setting with soothing, healing music to help you relax while you focus your intentions on the clarity or healing you seek. I’ll spend 15-20 minutes per person laying hands and sharing the spiritual insight that I receive for you.

Please Register in Advance Our standard classes no longer require advance registration, however due to the nature of this experience, I’ll need to limit how many people attend so advance registration is required in order to attend.

You can sign up online HERE or call 314-441-6929 to get signed up over the phone.

www.selenaj.com

Classes Offered 5 Days a Week In case you’re out of the loop, we now have meditation and yoga classes at the Meditation Lounge 5 days a week and our rates are still in the introductory phase! A single class is $10, but you can save by signing up for a Monthly Membership (starting at $35 p/m), or Pay-As-You-Grow Class Passes (starting at $40) - either way you save! Check out all of your options and view the class schedule and all of the services that we’re offering at www. selenaj.com!

I’m looking forward to seeing you in classes this Sunday!

Peace, Love & Light, SJ

pg. 118

MUST- VIEW New Orleans and HURRICANE KATRINA:

10 Years Later

Click Here to WATCH NOW!

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

2 Mondays a month at Faith Miracle Temple 7:15 pm - 8:00 pm.

314-566-9125

I.G WaistNotFitness | FB WaistNotFitness | Email:WaistnotFitness1@yahoo.com

pg. 120

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

ENJOY YOURSummer

WORKOUT

It is possible to work-out even though the dog days of summer are burning in. The heat is the major problem during summer workouts. If done right, you can stay cool and safely continue with your workout regimen.

Prepare you Body Temperature Take a cool shower prior to work-out. This not only lowers your heart rate, but it also lowers core body temperature. If you do not have time to take a bath or shower, cooling your neck or head with an ice pack will make a noticeable improvement.

Check your weather Map Log onto weather.com to find out the weather forecase for your location. This weather service also offer local parks forecast, a fitness comfor index, and an hourly forecast so that you can figure out the best time of day to work-out. (Avoid strenuous exercise during the heat of the day).

Love Your Heart Heat causes your heart to beat/work harder. Over working yourself during warm weather can significantly up your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Keep track of your hear by monitoring your heart rate with mobile apps. and/or devices like Fitbit.

Asphalt draws heat Avoid exercising on asphalt as it radiates heat from the sun, which make you feel hotter. On very hot days switch your workout to grass or dirt .

Slow your Roll Keep the pace of your work out regimen during the summer by going at a slower pace or breaking up you regimen. Every 3 -5 add 30 second speed bursts. This helps maintain conditioning and burn more calories.

Cover you head When working out outdoors sheild your face from the sun by wearing visors or caps, and sweatbands to catch the sweat.

Fruit Boosts Replenish fluids by eating fruit like, grapes, watermelon, cantelope, and honey dew.

Fruit is more than 80% water. Fruit is a sweet/refreshing way to replenish fluids. If you have lost a lot of sweat, replace sodium with V8 juice or sports drinks. But DO NOT forget to drink water regularily.

fitnessmagazine.com pg. 122

Health, Beauty

And

Fashion

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pg. 124

Rickkita Edwards teaches Core:Cardio & More @ North Co.Rec Center

every Mon-Wed- Fri.

5:30 PM-6:30 PM

She also teaches "WaistNWeights" every Mon

@ Faith Miracle Temple

7:15 PM-8 PM

Contact me today for personal training sessions!

314-566-9125 I.G WaistNotFitness | FB WaistNotFitness | Email:WaistnotFitness1@yahoo.com Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 126

Check out Blackarchaeologist on Pinterest

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Nude Day July 14th is

National

Who’s Got Your Back? pg. 128

National Nude Day reminds us to not only celebrate the skin we are in, it also reminds us of how important our skin is. Our skin covers every inch of our bodies and serves as protection and thermal regulation. For the most part, we are all born with healthy skin. As we get older conditions and lifestyles effect how well our skin holds up. With exposure to sun being the most common danger.

Skin cancers, melanomas and other skin disorders come about from prolonged periods of sun and we as a people are all at risk. Regardless of race or age, we are all at risk of skin milignancies brought on

by UV Rays. If you haven’t started already, incorporating these basic steps into you normal routine will help your skin to continue putting it’s best face forward.

° Stay Hydrated ° Clean ° Moisturize ° Use Sunscreen ° See a dermatologyst periodically, (sooner if there is a change in birthmarks or moles).

With that being said, cheers to you putting your best “suit” forward this National Nude Day.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Would you like a printed copy(s) of an issue mailed to your home?

Send your request to us by email **Remember to include the volume/issue** Cost may vary per issue.

pg. 130

Portfolio Fundraiser Moves to Artist's Studio

Janet Riehl's "Women & Wardrobe: The Riehl Collection" exhibit has finished it's successful run at The Portfolio Gallery and Education Center. It brought in $2,000 to help with much-needed building repairs. Many people went home with framed ($150) and unframed ($50) prints they love, and a good time was had by all.

Folks have said they would have loved to have seen the show, and were sorry they missed it. Janet has decided to host At Home evenings on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. so you can! Come visit, enjoy the work, and of course buy whatever calls to you.

Any profit realized will continue to benefit Portfolio Gallery.

If you'd like to come, please contact her at janet.riehl@gmail.com.

Janet and Robert Powell, director of Portfolio Gallery and Education Center appeared on Fox 2 news. http://fox2now.com/2014/07/29/women-wardrobe-and-art-on-a-cell-phone-atportfolio/# Janet and her art was featured in the Alton Telegraph. http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/home_top-lifestyle-news/50095336/Artists-workmakes-Riehl-results#.U-Tbf1Ao7qC

Come on out! Meet some new people and enjoy some playful, colorful, and sensuous art inspired by African Women.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 132

ART OF FOOD

The

Delicacy GRILLING of

By #chefjonbaby owner and private chef of

Dining Delicacies STL/CJs Gourmet Mobile Deli

Riding around St Louis everyday there is a whiff of charcoal smoke in the air...so I got to thinking.

Grilling, for me, starts off as a ritual that’s repeated many times throughout the year. It all starts with a plan, decide what I’m gonna grill (proteins) and what I’m gonna do for sides.

Once I come up with my menu I shop for supplies and ingredients, then I arrive back home and begin my ritual.

1. I season my charcoal and add my raw onions to the fire (it takes out the lighter fluid taste) 2. I season the meat with spices and olive oil.

3. Prepare my sides and get them prepped 4. Get my music together (Prince) and beverage

“

If the weather is awwwwright, I’m grilling tonight!

”

Once everything is prepped grilling commences.

The taste of the chard meat is what keeps many americans love for cooking outdoors a million dollar industry. True grillers grill no matter what the weather is and I for one do also.

You can grill anything! Just search for recipes on the internet and go for it, and be adventurous.

For more tips or to book a dinner go to: www.dineinhome.com email:coordinator@dineinhome.com

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

RICKKITA EDWARDS

CARDIO-CORE & MORE AT NORTH COUNTY REC. CENTER

TIMES: MON WEDS FRI 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

She teaches a class 2 Mondays a month at Faith Miracle Temple 7:15 pm - 8:00 pm.

(ALL CLASSES ARE FREE)

COMING SOON! WAIST-NOT FITNESS PERSONAL TRAINING #GETWAISTEDBYRICKKITA

pg. 134

Redefine Your Lifestyle

Selena J’s

www.meditationloungestl.com

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

The

New African Paradigm Study Group (NAPSG)

is an organization dedicated to the empowerment and education of our community through book study and our lecture series. We have brought many African scholars to St. Louis to awaken our people and to get on one accord to face the challenges in our community.

The NAPSG is in need of your help so we are currently seeking new members to help us continue to be able to meet the demands of our lecture series and our study group.

Our study group meets every 3rd Sunday at Sabayet, 4000 Maffit, St. Louis, MO. at 4:00 p.m.

Please join us on our journey for knowledge of self, our gods, and our Ancestors.

Contact James Steward at (618) 977-8191 for more information.

Also, Like us on FaceBook.

pg. 136

Debra, Has issued a $100 challenge

Help African Non-Profit Open Store African businesses, just like African people, have a responsibility to share their skills and resources with the people. When African businesses are dedicated to our people...

VIEW CAMPAIGN

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

ART OF HEALING

Your Ad or Article could be here!

Contact us if you have a contribution to the ART OF HEALING.

pg. 138

Hidden Jewels of North St. Louis

To all: I am trying to close in on my target for this project, please do two things: Support it with a donation as small as $10.00 and Forward this e-mail to friends, family and colleagues in hopes they can support as well.

This link includes both the IndieGoGo site, and my St. Louis on the Air Interview.

Why Hidden Jewels of North St. Louis Matters For those who just want to go straight to the campaign site go here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hidden-jewels-of-stl/x/46548#/ Let’s make this project happen!

Thank you!

-Phillip W. Johnson, Producer of the #Ferguson Film Fire this Time

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

pg. 140

WATCH NOW!

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

Walking the Blue Line: A Police Officer Turned Community Activist Provides Solutions for the Racial Divide

By Terrell Carter Bettie Youngs Book Publishers

$15.00 paperback

“As I recall my experiences, I find it incredulous that people in law enforcement honestly believe and say that a racial divide and racial profiling don’t exist. An officer’s mind is divided: first, between the police and the general public and second, between the police and minorities.”~ Terrell Carter Walking the Blue Line follows the author’s experiences growing up as a black child in St. Louis, MO, a racially charged city still trying to overcome its divided past, and his five year journey as a law enforcement officer which led him to reevaluate his views on citizens and police alike. Readers are taken on a compelling journey as he details personal stories of the challenges of navigating this new world, including how he had to testify against a former partner for falsifying a major drug arrest.

Terrell details the thoughts and tactics of police officers based on their training in the police academy and lessons they learn on the streets and how this information can help citizens better understand why officers do what they do while still holding them accountable for protecting and serving their communities.

Walking the Blue Line can be ordered from www.terrellcarter.net, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and traditional booksellers.

pg. 142

VIDEO: bell hooks + Kevin Powell conversation on manhood, trauma, hiphop, violence against women, healing, more:

Click below to watch now!

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

THE

E S I R FAL L STL&

OF

The Rise and Fall of STL – Will it Rise Again?

You might periodically hear telltale rumblings of discontent that St. Louis City is in a category all by itself. In some respects that’s true, because it’s a county all to itself.

But more than that, critics opine that its failure to grow and prosper -- like the first-

Mapping Decline St. Louis and the Fate of the American City

By Colin Gordon University of Pennsylvania Press -- 2008

class city it used to be -- will never repeat itself.

Downtown is trying to make a comeback -- yet other parts of the city, such as North St. Louis, are heartbreakingly and shockingly sad. The Central West End is also thriving. So there’s hope.

Despite its long and torturous history of urban renewal disappointment and failure, few are familiar with the city’s practices of private restrictions, market forces and public policy colluding to prey on White fear of Blacks to economically exploit land use, creating hyper-segregation and run-down neighborhoods.

The purpose of federal urban renewal policy was to reverse the trend of substandard housing, crowding and an aging transportation system. Instead, the policy was perverted and millions of dollars diverted to the hands of wealthy developers and realtors who (except for big box public housing) focused on commercial and industrial projects. Weak city government and urban planners mostly ignored residential areas, particularly to the north, more interested in luring wealthy Whites to downtown and clearing blighted areas.

Systemic injustice and social inequality demarcated north of Delmar (severely undeveloped) and south of Delmar (well developed) are primary reasons for the north side’s worsened state. In a most retrograde way, some negatively label it “The Delmar Divide,” as if this helps to understand structural inequalities and as if this is the way it’s suppose to be. It’s the “tale of two cities,” one under-served and one over-served, both residing side-by-side. You could blame it all on Black residents but that would be willful ignorance. pg. 144

will it rise again?

In Colin Gordon’s groundbreaking book, Mapping Decline – St. Louis and the Fate of American Cities, he lays out a much more complicated and elaborate scheme that caused St. Louis and so many other cities to sputter and stall, calling it “American apartheid.” Published in 2008, there’s not enough historical distance to think (optimistically) that things might have turned around since then. But if you’re reasonably observant of these more depressed neighborhoods, one might conclude there’s vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Because very little has changed.

St. Louis caught the attention of Gordon and his colleague Peter Fisher when they visited the city in 2002 to attend a conference they thought was downtown but actually was in what is now called the “second downtown” of Clayton, Missouri, about 11 miles west in the suburbs. They were urban policy wonks with a grant to study Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and the historical meaning of “blight.” And boy did they get an eye-full, first by the dreary, lifeless downtown and then large swaths of creeping blight mostly on the north-side and the inner-ring suburbs of North St. Louis County. The book documents a proliferation of egregious cases that showed how greed and racism led to the city’s downfall.

The touchstone is 4635 North Market that the author weaves throughout the tattered fabric of urban housing patterns. Prior to World War I, Germans and Italian Americans resided there. The racial composition started changing during the financial crisis of the 1929 Great Depression. Still reeling financially, on its heels was World War II (1939-1945). Cities started experiencing even more housing shortages, marked by large numbers of African Americans fleeing racial terrorism called, “The Great Migration to the North.” Blacks moved into areas surrounding 4635 North Market and to the Ville to the east as well as Mill Creek, just west of downtown. Racial tensions began to roil and boil over; consequently, large numbers of Whites pulled up stakes, moving mostly to the suburbs. By 1940, the area around 4635 North Market was racially split with slightly more Whites.

The last sale of 4635 N. Market was in 1985. As of this book’s publication, it’s an empty lot. Most of the entire area is abandoned or listed as part of the city’s Land Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.5 July 22, 2016

THE RISE AND FALL... cont.

Reclamation Authority (LRA). This is the area around Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and west of Grand Avenue that became a ghost of its former self. More precisely, wracked with devastation -- vacant, ransacked and windowless with an overabundance of litter, debris and rubble, unfit for human habitation. Have you ever seen a tree growing out of the roof of a house? This is an indication of how bad things got. Granted, there are pockets of well-maintained blocks and homes but this is more the exception than the rule and a testament to residents hankering down, to maintain and protect their property.

How did such a stable and beautiful community end up looking so war-ravaged?

Apparently, something catastrophic occurred and now the area ranks at the top in the city’s derelict and vacant buildings. At one time the Ville was a thriving commercial district, renown for its fine institutions. Some are still there such as the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, Sumner High School and Homer G. Phillips Hospital, attracting Black medical doctors and nurses from all over the country and world, (now a senior living facility). In 1902, Annie Malone, the first self-made woman millionaire, moved her residence there and Poro, her worldfamous hair-care products manufacturing business. Poro is long gone, yet there is no monument in the Ville to this great American icon. Lewis Place/Fountain Park is another nearby neighborhood that is holding it together with a strong neighborhood association but not without its typical urban issues.

This is where Gordon does his most impressive work, as he is a crack-researcher and it's all documented, focusing on public policies and the private sector. He started with restrictive covenant that was eventually challenged and overturned in the courts. As early as 1915, Whites approached the Real Estate Exchange to put together an agreement among Whites that they wouldn’t sale their property to Blacks. Black litigants sued in court under the case Shelly v. Kraemer and in1948 the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, prohibiting state enforcement of private covenants. Other anti-discrimination housing lawsuits followed, including in St. Louis County. Civil rights groups such as the NAACP and the Urban League were pg. 146

constantly agitating against this practice and other housing discrimination. Hence, the carefully tended shell to keep out African Americans began to crack.

“Fearing negro invasion,” furiously pumped by the real estate association along with block busting, Whites panicked, sold their homes at low-ball prices and fled in droves. In turn, realtors sold to Blacks at the highest possible prices, profiting handsomely. Gordon contends that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), by insuring White mortgages made by banks, subsidized large White out-migration while simultaneously rejecting predominantly Black home mortgages as “inherently risky,” including entire Black neighborhoods. This effectively placed a “steel ring” around Black areas.

Additionally, federal policies encouraged segregation in many other ways with huge subsidies for suburban “new home construction, urban expressways (for quicker city exits) and favorable tax treatment of commercial development on the urban fringe.”

Cities like St. Louis mostly sought funding for public housing such as Pruitt Igoe (imploded in 1972), industrial and commercial sites, stadiums and convention centers.

Carefully orchestrated by developers and local realtors in collusion with banks, local, state and federal government, Black neighborhoods fell victim to redlining and other discriminatory practices. Exploiting the specter of declining property values, yet making it a self-fulfilling prophecy, realtors, with no compunction, plainly and bluntly wrote in pamphlets, newspaper articles and other materials as well as announced at meetings and rampant whispering campaigns that properties would depreciate because of the “negro invasion.” This also influenced zoning ordinances that regulated land use by blocking residential development and providing little protection against other nuisances, such as “environmental racism.” (Think the current water crisis in Flint, Michigan.)

The suburbs had much more zoning authority, blocking multi-family housing development, commercial and heavy industries. Cities such as St. Louis had limited Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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pg. 148

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THE RISE AND FALL... cont.

power to zone as local land use was under the control of private restrictions and market forces. Therefore, multi-family houses were mainly in the city and few in the suburbs. To further maximize revenues and minimize demands, suburban schools were also in suburban crosshairs, as the more apartment houses the more it cost to educate children. Called, “hysterectomy zoning: singles, students, young couples and retirees to dampen the school population.”

Dramatic changes in housing patterns aroused the concerns of city government, which depended heavily on property taxes to run the city. Said Gordon: The prevalence of underutilized, vacant, and delinquent properties animated the politics of postwar urban policy. While the legality of urban renewal rested on ‘police power’ protection of public safety and morals, city planners and private redevelopers routinely cited the … burden of local taxes as their primary concern.

Prior to 1950, St. Louis was bustling and thriving at around 850 thousand people; by 2000 it had lost a half million in population, down to 350 thousand. The Black population grew from 13.3 percent in 1949 to 51 percent in 2000 while the suburbs continued to be predominantly White. While other cities lost population, (the rust belts to the east for example), St. Louis led the pack with the highest vacancy rate of all cities and one of the most segregated.

Yet, there were troubling signs long before this. In 1876, the state approved for St. Louis City to split from St. Louis County. This was the first thread to begin its unraveling. Municipalities in St. Louis County began to multiply like rabbits, (91 in St. Louis County alone) aggravating political fragmentation, creating sprawl and more difficulties in governing and financing.

The modern urban crisis is “a direct consequence of public policy, not unfortunate social ills that persisted despite public policy,” Gordon noted.

The city in effect became prey. Suburbs began cannibalizing it so it could prosper from the city’s wealth, its residents, taxation and economic development. Poaching became second nature

not just the city but also the inner-ring suburbs such as Wellston, University City and Normandy. pg. 150

Mincing no words, Gordon explained: “The plot of this story, in St. Louis and elsewhere, is irretrievably racial in its logic and in its consequences. Throughout the twentieth century, private discrimination and public policy combined—intentionally and explicitly—to constrain the residential options available to African Americans.”

Because Gordon’s focus was also on blight, he dedicated a good portion of his book to this practice. City Plan Commission documents showed that blighted areas were considered burdensome because it cost far more to service than the taxes collected and therefore subsidized by “commercial and high-end residential neighborhoods.”

Inez and Scovel Richardson were the African American litigants who purchased 4635 N. Market in the late 1930s in preparation for a legal confrontation involving deed covenant. Scovel Richardson was a law professor at Lincoln Law School (the University of Missouri’s “separate-but-equal” law school based in the Ville). He also laid the groundwork for the Shelly case. The Richardsons’ right to purchase was immediately challenged by the St. Louis Real Estate Exchange, citing property values would decline.

Richardson objected to blight being synonymous with Black, arguing: I cannot help but have personal feelings about it, and the ‘Negro’ to my mind denotes something black and despicable, and if I am to be classified as a Negro according to this agreement, along … with slaughterhouses, junk shops, and rag-picking establishments, it is impertinent and scandalous to me. I have always stated that I am a colored person and an American citizen.

Hence, the St. Louis real estate boards as in other cities considered Black neighborhoods as a “public nuisance,” a threat to property values, thus places to be blighted. The city’s fair housing office, under-staffed and under-resourced, was too weak to push back. What’s more, while anti-discrimination laws were being put in place, the president of the Real Estate Board said: “sometimes he had to talk out of both sides of his mouth,” out-maneuvering new laws and continuing with business as usual.

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THE RISE AND FALL... cont.

Therefore, blight and zoning went hand-in-hand. Neighborhoods occupied by African Americans were systematically under-zoned, denying them protection, paving the way for it being declared blighted and for urban renewal, meaning it would be left to languish and demolished.

St. Louis went the way of so many other places, haphazardly concocting an arresting mixture of “policy innovations, and often dramatically dysfunctional consequences.

Urban planners disagreed on the causes of blight but agreed that it was intractable or hard to solve.

It became obvious that St. Louis urban renewal (under the auspices of Chapter 353 and Chapter 99) was not interested in building new housing or stabilizing neighborhoods, particularly in the Black community. Instead it concentrated its efforts and public funds on commercial and industrial development. White elephants downtown were promoted such as the Spanish Pavilion, now the Hilton St. Louis at the Ball Park, St. Louis Center, now gone, Union Station and the Convention Center said to be obsolete soon after it was built. In a 1993 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article, it found that the huge $250 million project downtown to shore up the Convention Center including other major developments; private investors were financially responsible for a shockingly low 10 percent. The remainder was public funding.

The Galleria for example, was blighted on the east side of Brentwood, turning down numerous private offers, in favor of a TIF (tax increment financing) subsidized plan,” that is public dollars.

In the 1970s, there was a shift from federal dollars to Community Development Block Grants, directly subsidizing renters and homeowners. “TIF hungry developers” were less interested in projects after block grants were established.

Suffice it to say, private interests worked with City Hall to identify areas early on to eradicate the disease of blight and slums for the cure of redevelopment. The city’s pg. 152

role is to acquire the land, clear it and make improvements for private projects, all at the government’s expense, meaning the taxpayers took the hit. This included tax abatement with “… no St. Louis projects included anything less than the full 25-year abatement.” Between 1954 and 2000, the city blighted more than 100 separate urban renewal areas for mostly commercial and industrial development.

In sum, the real estate industry drove much of these policies and practices, including lobbying and many times writing the legislation, to their financial advantage and to the cities peril. No wonder, Gordon said, Blacks called urban renewal “Negro removal.”

I grew up in Mill Creek, a neighborhood just west of downtown. In the late 1950s, it was blighted and slated for urban renewal, forcing more than 20 thousand African Americans to move. The land was left vacant for so long, it was called “Hiroshima Flats.” When finally developed, it was primarily for highways, industrial development and commercial use. The saga of my striving African American parents, who were homeowners, displaced and given a pittance for their home is just one example of so many. In addition, there were no funds to relocate, although it was part of the law. This left an indelible imprint on me. Even though I majored in urban affairs, this book hit my emotional core, as the coursework paled in comparison to Gordon’s treatise.

Every city planner, elected official, developers including residents should read this book. For St. Louis to prosper, we need stronger government to hold at bay these “Barbarians at the Gate.”

As Gordon asserts: “The decline of the American city is arguably the most important and persistent domestic issue of the modern era.”

Malaika Horne, PhD, is an academic writer and journalist.

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FROM THE LAMBERT BROTHERS

Black Way

In Time Series The historical black history animated web series, Black Archaeologist will release a new episode in our WAY BLACK IN TIME SERIES, part # 9, next week.

You can purchase any or all three seasons on dvd at our website...

BlackArchaeologist.com pg. 154

watch now

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The Education of Kevin Powell A Boy's Journey into Manhood NEW! Audio Book

HEY EVERYONE! I am so excited to announce the AUDIOBOOK for my new book, The Education of Kevin Powell, A Boy's Journey into Manhood (Atria Books/Simon & Schuster), is on SALE TODAY at Audible @audible_com. It is my 12th book, this autobiography, but my very first time narrating an audiobook. It was long and hard to do, but so glad I did it. I especially want to thank the folks at Audible, sound engineer Ari Raskin, and

the great music provided by production team The Cultural Bastards, and also singer Hendii and guitarist Ron Jackson.

You can purchase the audiobook at this link and also listen to a free excerpt, HERE: http://tinyurl.com/gwoe5 qe

Have a blessed day!

Kevin

pg. 156

d

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OPPORTUNITIES

pg. 162

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The Bernie Hayes Show Talk and interviews about affairs of the day with a St. Louis slant.

The Bernie Hayes Show can be seen: Friday’s at 9 A.M. Saturday’s at 10:00 P.M. Sunday’s at 5:30 P.M.

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Closing in on my goal for “Fire this Time” - if everyone would do two things 1) support the making of this film with just a $20.00 donation and 2) encourage 2 of your friends to do the same - it will allow me to license some additional footage and photos - you can donate now by going here: http://www.cmt-tv.org/#!join-the-team/c1195 CMT-TV.org is a 501c3 non-profit organizations thus your donations are tax deductible - thank you - the making of this film will help me attract more resources which will allow real community filmmaking in STL -Phillip W. Johnson Producer of the #Ferguson Film Fire this Time

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CAREERS pg. 166

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