April 18th, 2013 edition

How I became mayor

The early years: building a coalition

By Freeman Bosley Jr.

Black elected officials said, “Don’t campaign in South St. Louis.Stay down here with us.”

Pressure on the Legislature

Supporters listened on Tuesday as Missouri Gov.Jay Nixon used the Capitol rotunda to address business leaders, law enforcement officers,health care advocates and faith leaders on the need to bring the dollars Missourians send to Washington,D.C.back home to strengthen Medicaid.More than 200 organizations,including

ness groups,have endorsed strengthening Medicaid,which would bring $5.7

coverage to an additional 300,000 Missourians over the next three years,at no cost to the state.

Early inducted into Walk of Fame

Wash U professor, author honored for literary accomplishments

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

Louisians whose life and work have a national impact, Early remembered painful lessons he learned in his home city of Philadelphia, where his mother raised him in a tough,

North County goes to White House

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Washington University professor and author Gerald Early,right,posed with his star that is going on the St.Louis Walk of Fame with Joe Edwards, who founded the Walk of Fame,after his induction ceremony last Thursday in front of the Moonrise Hotel on the University City Loop.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Photo by Wiley Price

Does Blanket biologically belong to Michael?

According to The New York Post, the $40 billion legal battle in LA might finally settle a question that has long baffled gossip columnists and fans alike: Who really fathered Michael Jackson’s children?

Sources within AEG — the concert promoter behind Jackson “This Is It” tour and the entity being sued by Jackson’s mother and the three children for wrongful death — say that, despite the singer’s claims, only one of the kids is biologically his.

According to the New York Post the company is prepared to uncover that only Blanket, 10, has the King of Pop’s DNA.

relationship with his own family, and the identities of the children’s parents.”

Among the evidence AEG could present are sworn affidavits, including one from a mystery woman identified only as “Helena,” who could be Blanket’s mother.

Lawyers for the company also are prepared to present “irrefutable” proof that Jackson did not father Prince and Paris, a source with direct knowledge of the case said. The company is poised to subpoena birth and other records

His older siblings, Prince, 16, and Paris, 15, had a different sperm donor, the sources say.

“There was a whole lot that Michael Jackson or his family wasn’t and isn’t being forthcoming about,” an AEG source said. “The drug use by Jackson, his use of alcohol, his

children,” A spokesperson for DMX told Allhiphop.com. “When he arrived for the taping, most of the content was focused on his struggles with drugs and poor parenting. Iyanla did not ‘fix’ DMX’s life just made his image worse, and does not have DMX’s personal written consent to use the footage.”

DMX’s oldest son Xavier told Dolo Beats, “DMX loves to play the victim. He thought the show was going to be about him. Iyanla didn’t make his life worse, he made it worse.”

Yvette Palazuelos, the presiding judge in the case, earlier this month declined AEG’s request to present evidence about paternity . However, the company may be allowed to argue paternity issues later in a potential award phase in the case, which began with jury selection April 2 in LA Superior Court.

DMX says Iyanla ruined his life

After his segment on “Iyanla: Fix My Life” aired as the season two premiere of the OWN Network hit show , DMX has lashed out at Iylana Vanzant saying she didn’t fix his life, she made it worse.

“DMX agreed to be a guest on ‘Iyanla: Fix My Life’ with the understanding that she would be helping his relationships with his 10

Was Phaedra fishing for dirt on NeNe?

On the Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion show NeNe Leakes blasted Phaedra Parks for trying to get dirt on her from NeNe’s half-sisters while threatening to expose Phaedra’s skeletons by bringing out Angela Stanton NeNe didn’t bother to explain who Angela Stanton is or her significance to Phaedra Parks, but urban blog readers know her very well because of her accusations against Parks and looming tell-all.

claiming that there was truth to NeNe’s allegations.

“Phaedra even called me with Nene’s sisters on the phone #Idonthavetimeforallthat,” Zolciak tweeted.

Part three of the Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion show airs next Sunday.

Sandra Rose source says MiMi’s ex feels played by ‘LHHA’

Adding fuel to the fire, Kenya Moore claimed Stanton was sitting in her dressing room at that very minute.

Kim Zolciak took to her twitter account

Popular urban blogger Sandra Rose says a source close to “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta” co-star Mimi Faust revealed her ex “boyfriend” Nikko is telling friends that he feels betrayed and humiliated after Mimi went back to Stevie J. Nikko and Faust, who reportedly dated for less than a year, broke up last month — just in time for the new season of “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.” According to Rose’s source, Nikko feels he was used by both Mimi and the show’s producer Mona ScottYoung.

“Now he knows the show is scripted; it’s not reality,” the source told Rose, adding, “Nikko feels betrayed. Now he thinks [Mimi] was playing him or she’s just playing stupid.”

Sources: Allhiphop.com, New York Post, TMZ.com, Sandra Rose

Philadelphia

By Gerald Early Washington University

I grew up in what today might be called an innercity neighborhood in South Philadelphia that was made up of African Americans and Italian Americans almost in equal number. The adults were all working-class and, no matter their race, they were all conservative people.

Mine was the generation of the Baby Boomers, and our parents went through their childhood and teen years during the Depression and World War II. It was those years that formulated their conservative views, their belief in the power of the Christian church, in the necessity of school, the sanctity of marriage, the shame of teen pregnancy, the need for a man to earn enough to support a wife and children, the need for a woman to be a good mother and housewife and to keep an eye on the neighborhood during the day, the wonders of home ownership.

Several of the black women in the neighborhood cleaned the homes of some of the white women, and many black teens worked in the small shops owned by the Italians and the Jews. Many of the blacks in the neighborhood lived in housing projects; none of the whites did. There was an overt racial hierarchy, and we had our share of racial conflict. But surprisingly people got on with one another reasonably well.

Everyone in the neighborhood believed in unions and voted for Democratic Party every election because everyone

could count on Democrat politicians like Rep. Bill Barrett to do favors for you, like getting your kid out of jail without paying bail if he had been arrested on a misdemeanor or getting your driver’s license back after it had been suspended for drunk driving, or helping your kid get out of the Army without being dishonorably discharged or helping your kid get into the police academy or something like that. Our politics was the ideology of patronage.

This working-class conservatism had severe shortcomings as it was partly built on intolerance, superstition, political corruption and prideful ignorance, but there was much about this community’s conservatism that made my childhood stable and warm and rich in the gifts of ordinary life, even if it was narrow in its exposure and unenlightened about the wider world. I am what this neighborhood made me.

A few years ago I took my daughter Rosalind on a walking tour of this neighborhood. She was surprised by how modest it was, despite a few touches of gentrification. She was even more surprised when we ran into people, black and white, who knew me, had grown up with me, and remembered me despite the fact that I had not lived there for over 35 years. She was surprised as well that I was held in such esteem by them.

“I was lucky. The people in this neighborhood always believed in my possibilities,” I said to her. When we arrived at an old

Washington University professor and author Gerald Early signs a book for his former student and 2013 Salute to Excellence in Health Care awardee Dr. Marsha Fisher after he was inducted into the

on Thursday morning.

by

held on to the ball.

ball field, I told her a story of how I used to play baseball for my elementary school team, how bad I was as a player then, and how the kids and the gym teacher made me a catcher, a position nobody wanted to play. I was afraid of the ball, afraid of being hit by the bat when I was catching, afraid of striking out when I was batting, which I always did. The opposition called me the automatic out, the clown, hole in the glove, and the weakling.

So, finally, I simply sat down on the bench, started to cry, and refused to play anymore. I was tired of being humiliated.

n “I was lucky. The people in this neighborhood always believed in my possibilities,” I said to my daughter.

One day I was really struggling, making errors and striking out, and I was getting razed by both the opposing team and my own teammates, who yelled at me, “Why the hell can’t you hit anything?”

The gym teacher was furious with me and told me I wouldn’t amount to much of a man if I couldn’t take adversity, if I couldn’t take some hazing. Look at what Jackie Robinson had to take, he said. That odd appeal to racial pride might have worked but I was only 10 years old and was convinced in my child’s mind that Jackie Robinson could not have suffered nearly as much as I had.

The opposition really gave it to me and called me a sissy, a crybaby and the like. But my teammates did not raze me or

even get mad; they came over and earnestly talked me back into playing. They told me not to let them down and we had to stick together as a team. As bad as I was, they still wanted me. My best friend, Benny, handed me the catcher’s mask and mitt and said, “God hates a coward.”

So I went back into the game. In the last inning of that game, we were ahead by one run. The opposition had a runner on first with two outs, and the batter hits a ball into the gap. The kid on first was tearing around the bases. Amazingly, we made absolutely perfect relays and I got the ball just as this husky kid came barreling toward the plate and he ran right over me, flattened me completely. I actually saw stars. That’s how hard he hit me.

Rosalind thought the story had a sad ending. She thought the opposition won. Oh no, I told her. The kid was out. I tagged him and

matter that he knocked me into the middle of next week. We won the game and I was a hero. I told her that I learned everything from that game.

First, I learned that while I wasn’t as good as I wanted to be, I wasn’t as bad as I thought I was. And that I didn’t need to be better than everyone else. I only needed to be the best at the crucial moment when it counted most.

Second, the only way to stop being embarrassed and humiliated was to get better. There is a certain kernel of cruelty in all learning.

Third, from time to time, you need someone who believes in your possibilities to tell you to trust your stuff, as they say in baseball, because God does indeed hate a coward.

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from his acceptance speech at the St. Louis Walk of Fame on April 11.

St. Louis Walk of Fame

Photo

Wiley Price

Editorial /CommEntary

Regionalism, inclusion and Prop P

We agree with the many civic leaders who praised the regional spirit evident in the passage of Proposition P on the April 2 ballot in St. Louis and St. Louis County. Voters in the city and county showed their belief in the future of the urban core, one of its central symbols and attractions in the Gateway Arch, and the region’s trails and parks, thanks to new dedicated sales tax revenues, as well as additional public and private funds.

Two things need to be said, however, that not everyone is saying – not publicly – and that no one is saying loudly and clearly enough. Only parts of the region came together around this initiative. Sadly, St. Charles County leaders declined to put the measure on the ballot, refusing to even give their voters the opportunity to contribute to improving the Arch, Old Courthouse, parks and trails. St. Charles County would be mostly farm land without the infrastructure of St. Louis County and city, yet St. Charles County’s leaders are willing to act as freeloaders while the rest of the region pays to support the worldclass cultural and recreational attractions that contribute greatly to our quality of life. They should be ashamed –and they should stop, now, speaking in empty platitudes about participation in regional cooperation.

Nevertheless, we also need to be hearing much more from civic leaders about their firm commitment to minority inclusion in the contracts issued and workforce hired to complete these public-private projects. Proposition P alone will generate up to $31 million annually for the next 20 years. African Americans were critical to the passage of this ballot initiative, and black contractors and workers simply must be

included proportionately for these improvements to boost our social contract for inclusion the way they will improve our physical assets. We have some guarantees going in. In its cooperation agreement with the City of St. Louis, the CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation committed to meeting the goals set forth by the Mayor’s Executive Order calling for 25 percent minority business enterprise inclusion and 5 percent women business enterprise inclusion. We are assured – and fully expect – for the same commitments to be made in the agreements for the remaining projects on the Arch grounds and elsewhere in the city.

To be clear about whom the public will hold responsible: Walter Metcalfe, who chairs the CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation, Susan Trautman, executive director of Great Rivers Greenway, Mayor Francis G. Slay and County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. Mayor Slay, who presented himself as a minority inclusion advocate on the campaign trail, has a chance to show strong leadership on this issue as these projects get underway. As for

Commentary

County Executive Dooley, he is an African American with a bully pulpit to pressure for minority inclusion on developments in the county, yet has been reluctant to do so. We expect him to show leadership now.

The Mayor’s Executive Order applies to contracts. We also have expectations for inclusion in the workforce that will execute these projects as well as the staffs that will expand with this new funding.

“We are working with the National Park Service to ensure the local labor force is fully represented in the process,” Metcalfe told us. That is not an adequate guarantee, if we are all to benefit from this new investment in the region. All partners in this public-private initiative need to ensure that the local labor force is fully represented demographically The city’s workforce inclusion goal of 25 percent minority workers would be a good place to start.

We will be watching, as the revenue rolls in and these projects get underway, to see that everyone in the region participates in its success.

Howard U. schools Rand Paul

Tea party

titan Rand Paul, visiting Howard University last Wednesday, told students that he had been called “either brave or crazy to be here” at the historically black college. Probably some of each: brave, because he’s trying to sell himself and fellow Republicans to African Americans, a singularly resistant demographic; and crazy, because he based his pitch on revised history and airbrushed facts – and the Howard kids weren’t fooled.

“No Republican questions or disputes civil rights,” the senator from Kentucky proclaimed. “I’ve never wavered in my support for civil rights or the Civil Rights Act.” Howzat?

As a candidate in 2010, Paul questioned the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act’s Title II, which prohibits private discrimination. “I don’t want to be associated with those people,” he said when MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow asked him about private businesses that refuse to serve black customers, “but I also don’t want to limit their speech in any way in the sense that we tolerate boorish and uncivilized behavior because that’s one of the things freedom requires.”

Asked by the moderator at Howard to explain his claim that he never spoke out against the Civil Rights Act, Paul provided the creative rationale that he was talking “about the ramifications of certain portions of the Civil Rights Act beyond race, as are now being

applied to smoking, menus, listing calories and things on menus and guns.”

Paul acknowledged that his wooing of African-Americans “is an uphill battle,” and his hour with the students confirmed this. Talking about the Republicans’ historical support for civil rights, he said: “I’ll give you one example. The first, one of the AfricanAmerican U.S. senators was a guy named, uh, I’m blanking on his name, from Massachusetts -- “

“Edward Brooke!” several in the audience called out.

“Edwin Brookes,” Paul repeated.

The students broke out in hysterics. The laughter had barely subsided when Paul posed a question. “If I were to have said, ‘Who do you think the founders of the NAACP are?’ ... would everybody in here know they were all Republicans?”

“Yes,” several could be heard grumbling. “Of course they would,” one woman informed him.

Paul dug himself in deeper. “I don’t know what you know,” he said.

They knew enough to be suspicious of his central argument: that Abraham Lincoln’s Republican Party is the same Republican Party that now dominates the South. This analysis glossed over the civil rights era, when Democrats and Republicans essentially switched sides as Southern Dixiecrats left for the GOP.

“Democrats in Louisville were led by Courier-Journal Editor Henry Watterson and were implacably opposed to blacks voting,” Paul argued. Watterson died in 1921.

“Meanwhile,” he continued, “Kentucky’s Democrat-

Achievement gap is real and consequential

Walle A. Amusa

I agree with Brittany Packnett’s call for sharing responsibility for a just educational system. Her voice is one of many within Teach for America and across the nation engaged in blunt debates about academically underperforming children in our schools and our responses to their plight.

Unfortunately, her call to “move away” from the “achievement gap” is comparable to sweeping a huge problem under the rug. It is an invitation to racial exceptions that may accelerate the re-segregation of schools, lower expectations and inadvertently perpetuate educational mediocrity in some school districts.

Given the crisis in American public education, the temptation is great to “move away” from the brutal facts and disparities or envision separate standards of academic excellence. We must avoid these false choices. Standards of academic excellence are neither white nor black. They are global. Communities and children must compete in a global economy. High dropout rates, low graduation rates, poor academic achievement scores and functional illiteracy mean thousands of children in our communities can neither compete nor take full advantage

of incredible economic and social opportunities.

Today, significant numbers of African-American and Hispanic children are doing well in school. The problem is the huge number of children operating at proficiency levels way below grade level expectations. Prisons are full of African-American, Hispanic and white school dropouts.

Too many African Americans, ill prepared for college and careers, are totally unemployable. Thousands of young children in our region are on slippery slopes destined for prison, poverty and massive wastage of their God-given potentials if we fail to unite.

For these children, educational justice requires more than flashy short-term commitments, temporary solutions or polemics designed to feed profit motives of some entities at the expense of children who truly need our collective help.

So, where do we go from here?

First, we must put an end to the overt and subtle denigration of educators who work hard and thanklessly every day to improve educational outcomes for all children.

Second, we must support our school districts as they grow the capacity and pool of consistently caring and culturally competent adults needed to sustainably shift from deficits and remediation to college and career readiness modes.

Third, we must minister to the hearts and minds of parents so that our school districts can

Letters to the editor

Valuing parks and trails

controlled legislature voted against the 13th, the 14th and the 15th amendments.” In the 1860s.

A student questioner sought clarification. “Are we discussing the Republican Party of the 19th century?” he asked, to applause. “Or are we discussing the post-1968 Republican Party?”

The Howard students weren’t hostile to the senator as much as indifferent. Campus police swarmed outside the hall and erected barricades, although they proved unnecessary. Doors opened an hour early, but seats didn’t fill up until the last minute, and many spent their time texting and fanning themselves in the overheated hall.

Paul got no cheers for most of his ideas: criticizing Democrats’ “unlimited federal assistance,” calling privateschool choice “the civil rights issue of our day” and saying that “there are Republicans who don’t clamor for war.” He did better with his proposal to repeal mandatory minimum sentences but he drew boos when he defended voter-ID laws.

“I come to Howard,” Paul said, “to say I want a government that leaves you alone.” He argued that “objective evidence shows that big government is not a friend to African Americans.”

Freshman Keenan Glover disagreed. “I want a government that’s going to help me,” he said. “I want a government that’s going to help me pay for my college education.”

“We can disagree,” the senator said, then upgraded his pessimism. “Probably, we’re going to end up disagreeing.”

On April 2, voters in St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis approved Proposition P, a ballot measure that provides funding for regional parks and trails, and improvements to the Gateway Arch grounds as part of the CityArchRiver 2015 project. We thank the people of St. Louis County and city for continuing to value parks and trails and for investing to enhance the Arch experience for everyone. CityArchRiver 2015 is a public-private partnership and the product of extensive public input, professional planning and regulatory oversight over four years. Voters chose to provide funding for improvements to the Arch grounds just as private funders in our community and around the nation are supporting this project.

Walter Metcalfe Jr., chairman, CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation

Moving forward immediately

Approval of Proposition P allows project partners to move forward immediately with safety and accessibility improvements to the Arch grounds and its surroundings. Construction will start this year, and all Missouri components of the project will be completed by October 28, 2015, the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Arch.

Maggie Hales, executive director CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation

Celebrating

TurkishAmericans

On April 23, TurkishAmericans celebrate Turkish National Sovereignty & Children’s Day. On that day 93 years ago, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established, realizing the aspirations of Turkish people for liberty, justice and peace, and leading to the

meet basic student attendance requirements for state accreditation.

Fourth, the educational justice debate must be about educational excellence. As Missouri moves towards becoming a Top 10 state in education by the year 2020, we must lay the foundations for sustainable school district accreditations.

Broader and deeper collaborations for educational excellence must be created on a truly grand scale. We must unite all sectors of our region, public and private, business and civic, clergy and laity, professional and blue collar, political and fraternal to provide every child born in this community a guaranteed access to quality world-class pre-school education regardless of ethnicity or ability to pay. The work to improve the quality of life, reduce crime, create more living wage jobs and build stronger and better communities begins with doing a much better job of educating all the children in our communities and neighborhoods.

Yes. The academic achievement gap is real and consequential. It is the tragic and predictable result of a web of opportunity and resource gaps that devalue of the lives of millions of families in our nation today. Its impact on our regional and national economies is too devastating to ignore or sweep under a rug. Let’s close the gaps! Walle A. Amusa is chair of the Missouri NAACP Education Committee.

All letters are edited for length and style.

1923 founding of the Turkish Republic under the guidance of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Marked as Turkish National Day since 1921, April 23 had also been celebrated as Children’s Day since 1927, signifying the role of future generations in building modern Turkey.

The Turkish Republic has demonstrated its strong commitment to the universal values of peace, diversity and social justice. Turkey is the world’s first sustainable predominantly-Muslim secular democracy and is among the fastest-growing emerging markets.

For over 60 years, Turkey has also been a key U.S. and NATO ally in a vast region stretching from Eastern Europe and North Africa to the Middle East and Central Asia. During the 1950-53 Korean War, over 5,000 Turkish soldiers took part and over 700 Turks fell fighting alongside U.S. forces. Today, with the ongoing Syrian crisis, Turkey’s role as a major U.S. regional partner remains pivotal.

Meanwhile, in less than a century of immigration, Turkish-Americans have also left a positive imprint on a diverse cultural spectrum of America and contributed to its advancement in the fields of business, science, medicine, technology and arts.

Yalcin Yerlikaya St. Louis

Attracting opportunity

The Missouri General Assembly has taken wise first steps toward passage of energy jobs legislation called Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining. The Missouri Public Service Commission recently released a report stating that the bill would not increase overall costs for consumers. The U.S. Department of Energy announced its grant program for the next generation of energy-Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Missouri has designated SMRs as a major economic development opportunity. We need to make sure we do all we can to

attract this great opportunity. This legislation will ensure that Missouri has reliable infrastructure in place to serve the high-tech manufacturing required.

Byron Witherspoon, St. Louis

Money Smart Week programs

St. Louis County Library will participate in Money Smart Week 2013 by offering free programs for children and adults from April 19-30.

Thomas McAuliffe, health policy analyst at the Missouri Foundation for Health, will discuss the new healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act, Monday, April 22, 12–4

p.m. at Tesson Ferry Branch, 9920 Lin-Ferry Dr. Library staff will discuss online financial and investment resources available through the library Friday, April 19, 10 a.m., Headquarters, 1640 South Lindbergh; Monday, April 22, 12 p.m.; Tesson Ferry Branch; Monday, April 22, 2 p.m., Cliff Cave Branch, 5430 Telegraph Rd.; Tuesday, April 23, 2–3:30 p.m., Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Rd.; Wednesday, April 24, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Dr.; Wednesday, April 24, 12–2 p.m., Lewis and Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd.

Tuesday, April 30, 10–11:30 a.m., Grand Glaize Branch, 1010 Meramec Station Rd.

Money Smart Kids READ includes a story, craft and activities for children ages 3-6 on Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m., Headquarters; Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m., Eureka Hills Branch, 3 Hilltop Village Center; Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m., Lewis and Clark Branch; Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m., Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Rd.

For more information or to register for a Money Smart Week program, call 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org/events.

Chess contenders

Musical theatre scholarship

New Line Theatre,“the Bad Boy of Musical Theatre,”now in its 22nd season of provocative, alternative musical theatre, is accepting applications for its 2013 musical theatre scholarship.

Each year, the New Line Theatre Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to one St. Louis area high school senior who shows the potential to make outstanding artistic contributions in the American musical theatre. This scholarship is available only to high school seniors planning to study musical theatre in college (it does not require majoring in musical theatre).

Requirements for the application:

ï Cover letter, including all contact info (address, phone, email, etc.)

ïOne of the following: one-page essay about why the student plans to study musical theatre OR one-page essay on a theatre or music experience that has had a big impact

ï Resume of past theatre and/or music work

ï Recommendation letter from one drama, music, or dance teacher

ï Recommendation letter from one other teacher or administrator

Send all materials to: Scott Miller, New Line Theatre, 3802-AKeokuk Street

St. Louis, MO 63116. The deadline is April 30.

The 2013 scholarship will be $1,000. There are no restrictions on the use of these funds. Proof of enrollment in an accredited university or college is required before the check will be issued.

For questions, call 314-773-6526 or email info@newlinetheatre.com.

Crime data in black and white

By Elsie L.Scott Guest columnist

It is commonly known that the U.S. incarcerates more of its citizens than any other industrialized country. The fact that a disproportionate number of the persons arrested, convicted and imprisoned are African Americans is troubling.

In 2010, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 4,347 out of every 100,000 black males were incarcerated. This number is seven times higher than the number of white males incarcerated.

In 2010, African Americans, at 13.1 percent of the U.S. population, made up 38 percent of the total state prison population. Hispanic-Americans, at 16.7 percent of the U.S. population, made up 21 percent of the state prison population. Compare those statistics to white Americans, at 78.1 percent of the U. S. population, made up only 34 percent of the total state prison population. When arrest data are compared to prison data, the percentage of blacks in the total arrest numbers (27.8 percent) is found to be 10 percent lower than the percentage incarcerated. So blacks are more likely to be convicted and sentenced to time in prison than whites. Similarly, black felony convictions are more likely to result in incarceration than white felony convictions. According to BJS data for 2006, 39 percent of persons convicted on felonies were black and 60 percent were white.

Whites who are convicted are less likely to be incarcerated (66 percent to 72 percent blacks). For drug offenses, 72 percent of blacks convicted were incarcerated in 2006 compared to 61 percent of whites. Only 59 percent of whites convicted of drug trafficking were incarcerated compared to 70 percent of blacks.

Almost any black man can tell a story of being stopped by the police under questionable circumstances. DNAtesting has exonerated over 300 persons, and 70 percent of the exonerations have been people of color.

As long as many see the image of crime as a black man, this country will struggle with addressing race in the criminal justice system. Young black boys will continue to be placed in the prison pipeline, beginning with childish pranks. Prisons will continue to be full of black men until investments are made in removing the barriers that are contributing to school dropouts because two-thirds of school dropouts end up in the criminal justice system.

In recent years, there has been a reduction in the number of persons incarcerated. Now, action must be taken to address the problems faced by persons released from prison. Laws and ordinances that prevent ex-inmates from securing housing and employment are impediments to them becoming productive citizens. Their paths to restoration must begin with reinstating their civil rights, especially their right to vote.

Elsie L. Scott, founding director of the Ronald W. Walters Center at Howard University, is immediate past president/CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Elsie L. Scott

The chess team from Pattonville Heights Middle School recently placed fourth overall in the eighth-grade and under division of the Missouri State Chess Tournament in Jefferson City.Team member Keturah Gadson (center) placed fourth in the eighthgrade and under division.In addition,Patrick Hachmeister (left) from Heights and Akhil Kondepudi (right) from Remington Traditional School’s team medaled for winning four out of six rounds at the tournament.

EARLY

Continued from A1

racially mixed working-class neighborhood after the death of Early’s father when he was an infant.

“The only way to stop being humiliated and embarrassed is to get better,” Early said after telling a story about his struggles playing baseball. “There is a certain kernel of cruelty in all learning.”

That is precisely the kind of sharp and fresh insights that pepper Early’s many books, essays, lectures and on-camera commentaries in Ken Burns’landmark documentary films. They have landed him in the most prestigious humanities position at Washington University, with an endowed chair in English and until recently the direction of a center, the Center for the Humanities.

Chancellor Mark Wrighton, who remembered trying and failing to recruit Early to M.I.T. when Wrighton was provost there, also said Early would be founding a new journal of ideas.

Early’s mother, Florence Oglesby, and several other family members traveled to St. Louis for the ceremony.

Early credited his mother as the source of his critical thinking: “My mother, a widow during my childhood and adolescence, provided me with a wonderful childhood and gave me a set of tough, realistic values by which to measure and criticize life.”

He thanked his daughters, Rosalind and Linnet, and his wife, Ida Early, for her support and leadership. “I wish I had half her zeal and commitment,” he said of his wife, “half her moral clarity and common sense sympathy.”

Early thanked Wrighton and Chancellor Emeritus Bill Danforth of Washington University, but singled out for special praise the late Dean Jim McLeod. who

passed in 2011. “I regret that the late Jim McLeod is not here today,” Early said.

“He was very important to my development during his years as director of the African and African American Studies Program. He would have been pleased to see me get this sort of recognition. He always believed in my possibilities.”

Early also spoke at length about another man who is gone, at least from St. Louis – Bob Archibald, the former president of the Missouri History Museum. Archibald resigned late last year after being targeted relentlessly by disgruntled Zoo-Museum district board members and the PostDispatch for approving the purchase of an overpriced parcel of land on Delmar, not far from where the Walk of Fame ceremony was held.

Early said Archibald permitted him to do two major projects: a Miles Davis exhibit and the Seeking St. Louis writers project which, Early said, “resulted in two of my most important books, Miles Davis and American Culture and ‘Ain’t But APlace’: African American Writings about St. Louis. I am proud of these books and humbled that Bob thought I had the skill to do them.”

The ceremony was held at the Moonrise Hotel on the University City Loop. Joe Edwards, who founded the Walk of Fame and emceed the ceremony, said Early’s star will be placed at 6263 Delmar when current construction at that site is completed.

Early was the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2012 Lifetime Achiever in Education, one of the few credits from his extensive accomplishments cited on his Walk of Fame text.

For the text of Early’s acceptance speech, see Page A3.

SALUTE

Continued from A1

fellowship in July in California.

Chambers earned a doctorate in public policy with a concentration on health policy from Saint Louis University, a master’s of science in public health from Meharry Medical College and an undergraduate degree at Fisk University.

Her community commitments include the Grace Hill Head Start Policy Council and the American Lung Association. She serves on the boards of the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Professionals for Healthcare Quality.

Marsha Fisher, MD is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Mercy Clinic Women’s Health–Ladue. Pregnancy, women’s health issues, fetal monitoring and surgical care have been a part of her practice for the last 17 years. She is also a clinical instructor to Mercy Hospital St. Louis obgyn residents.

Fisher earned her medical degree at University of Missouri-Columbia. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University, where she served as chief resident and where she previously earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics.

Fisher is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the National Certificate Corporation in Electronic Fetal Monitoring. She is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and is a member of several professional organizations, including Mound City Medical Forum, National Medical Association, St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society and the St. Louis Gynecological Society.

Kenya Haney, BSN,RNis a cardiac service line manager

for Barnes-Jewish St. Peter’s Hospital and Progress West Health Care Center in St. Charles County.

She is a former director of the Breakthrough to Nursing initiative at the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), which aims to recruit and retain nurses of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. She also is a former NSNA president and active with the Missouri Nurses Association.

The St. Louis native graduated from Parkway West High School. She earned an associate’s degree in nursing at St. Louis Community College and a bachelor of science in nursing from University of Missouri–St. Louis. Haney recently completed a master of science in nursing and health systems management from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and was accepted into the University of Virginia’s doctorate of Nursing Practice program.

Charisse Jackson served as vice president of education and diversity education at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri. She provided cultural competency training to sexuality education to employees and volunteers.

Jackson has worked in the area of diversity and cultural competence for many years, previously serving as program director of the National Conference for Community and Justice, as a multicultural awareness educator at Crossroads School and as a visiting instructor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University.

Jackson, a Macon, Ga. native, earned a degree in medical technology from Meharry Medical College in Nashville and a bachelor of science in biology and chemistry from Spelman College in Atlanta.

Her awards and honors include the Albert Soto Award for Excellence in Diversity by Planned Parenthood, the NCCJ Glen Polin Award, the Black Pride Shirley Chisholm Ally Award and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Marc A. McNeese, RN is a disaster preparation and event

manager at Saint Louis University Hospital. As a patient-driven problem solver, this nurse is also an inventor of patented medical devices that improve efficiency and effectiveness in the operating room.

McNeese has worked the health care field in various supervisory and leadership capacities over the last 37 years. He says the manner in which quality care is delivered is critical to patient satisfaction. McNeese holds several licenses and certificates in Missouri and Illinois for emergency and advanced life support training and as an operating room technician.

He earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration from Saint Louis University and an associates degree in Applied Science Nursing from Kaskaskia College.

Jovita Oruwari, MD FACS is a breast oncologist atMercy Clinic, St. Louis Cancer & Breast Institute with specialties in breast surgery and general surgery. She often speaks to members of the community in churches and schools about breast health.

“I want to give the kind of care to my patients that I would want given to my family,” she says. “I hope my patients see not only the doctor but a human being with compassion and empathy.”

Oruwari graduated from medical school from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, N.J. and completed a fellowship program at Hasbro Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.

She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the Association of Breast Surgeons and Mound City Medical Forum. She also serves on the board of the St. Louis Crisis Nursery.

Candace T. Wakefield, DMD is a pediatric dentist at the Children’s Dental Zone in Florissant. In addition to her kid-friendly practice, Wakefield has a separate dental practice for adults, the W Dental Group.

The St. Louis native and Riverview Gardens High School graduate is a board-certified children’s dental specialist. Wakefield graduated from the University of

Wilson-Griffin

Missouri–Columbia and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. After dental school, Wakefield completed her residency at Howard University, where she served as chief resident in Pediatric Dentistry and received her Specialty Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. Wakefield is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association as well as the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. She also is a faculty member of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.

Judy Wilson-Griffin, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM is a perinatal nurse specialist in the labor and delivery unit at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center and an adjunct instructor for the Saint Louis University School of Nursing. She also serves as a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve Nurse Corp. Wilson-Griffin earned an associate’s degree in nursing from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park and a bachelor of science in nursing as well as a masters of science in nursing at Saint Louis University.

She is active in community health efforts, working with churches to perform screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension and HIV. She serves in the health ministry at Christ Southern Mission Baptist Church and guest lectures in middle and high schools about sexually transmitted diseases, teen pregnancy and teen development. She is a board member of the maternal Child and Family Health Coalition and previously served on the board of RESPOND, a child advocacy and recruitment agency for adoptive and foster care families.

Tickets for the 13th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon at the Frontenac Hilton are $75 each or $750 per table for VIPseating; and $50 each or $500 per table for individual seating. To order tickets, call 314-5338000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Judy

Jovita Oruwari

Charisse Jackson

Marc A. McNeese

Kenya Haney

Marsha Fisher

Catrina Chambers

Candace T. Wakefield

BOSLEY

Continued from A1

the loving support of a mother and father who not once ever told me there was something that I couldn’t do.

I didn’t just wake up one morning and say, “Damn, I want to be mayor.” It was after years of organizing, planning and helping others that I dared think that this was something that I could do.

I was 26 years old and a young lawyer when my friends from university and law school and I decided we should get involved in politics and challenge the old guard. I wanted to run for circuit clerk and spent a year moving throughout the city, having lunches and hitting bars and clubs, giving presentations to anyone who would listen.

The established elected officials, black and white, said that I hadn’t paid my dues and told me to go sit down. They didn’t realize that this would only strengthen my determination and enflame my supporters, who by this time had swelled into the hundreds.

Bill Slaten had turned me onto an organization called the Federation of Block Units which consisted of over 500

N. COUNTY

Continued from A1 ers who were invited by the White House Office of Neighborhood Revitalization on April 12 to tell their story of working together for community development.

Murphy talked about how 24 mayors represent the Normandy School District, and through Beyond Housing’s 24:1 initiative, the municipalities have collaborated on issues of economic development, health care and transportation that can be barriers to providing a quality education.

small neighborhood organizations. In the 18 months before the election I attended almost every one of their meetings. When the polls closed I received over 85 percent of the vote in North St. Louis. The South Side vote was split, and I won my first citywide election in 1982. I always had a desire to represent all the people and knew that in order to get reelected I had to build relationships with people all over this city. Some white elected officials told me not to campaign in South St. Louis and that white people wouldn’t vote for me. When I told this to some black elected officials, they agreed and said, “Don’t campaign in South St. Louis. Stay down here with us.”

Needless to say, I ignored both groups. I made friends with state Rep. Tony Ribaudo, who was the majority floor leader of the Missouri Legislature and chairman of the St. Louis Democratic Party. He was also the committeeman of the 23rd Ward in the city of St. Louis, which included the Italian section of this city called the Hill. Young people today would call him a big baller.

When the Legislature was in session, Ribaudo would invite me to his office where

“If one of us fails, we all fail,” Murphy said. “The 24:1 is a fearsome group of people, and we are not going to let each other fail.”

The White House officials were surprised at how much the collaboration has accomplished since 2009, when Beyond Housing secured a five-year, $3 million funding commitment to support 24:1. White House officials said it was the most extensive collaboration among government and education leaders that they had seen in the country, according to Normandy Mayor Patrick Green.

“I am sitting in the White House with presidential

Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr.greets the public at the Inaugural Ball at St.Louis City Hall following his inauguration on April 20,1993.It was 20 years ago that St. Louis elected its first African-American mayor.

all the big boys hung out. I would be the youngest person there most of the time. When he was home he would invite me to hang out with him and go to his ward meetings.

State Senator Jet Banks, state Rep. Paula Carter, state Rep. Charles Quincy Troupe and a host of others always watched out for me and made sure that I attended a majority of their activities and events. I had key ministers on my side, like Rev. Earl Nance Sr., Rev. Dr. Samuel Hylton, Jr., Rev. Emory Washington and Rev. William Gillespie.

When Congressman Bill Clay was in town, he kept a suite at one of the major hotels downtown where he would

staffers, who are mentioning the City of Normandy and saying that we are doing something unique,” Green said. “And they are seeing it as an example to use in other places around the country.”

Murphy told officials that once they started working together, they discovered they had similar goals. Now they collaborate to bid out materials and maintenance of equipment. For years, the various cities have tried to cooperate on trash collection. Through 24:1, they’ve been able to do that.

“They saw how we have built trust in a real meaningful way and not an over-simplified way,” said Chris Krehmeyer,

hold court and let people pay homage. Mayors, senators, governors and anyone wanting to run for office would come seeking support. I loved these meetings and would soak up political knowledge like a sponge. After doing this for four years I decided to run for chairman of the St. Louis Democratic Party. This undertaking was more than a notion. I was the vice chairman. Only when the chairman moves on does the vice chairman move up. Not to my surprise, white committeepeople didn’t want me to have it and black committeepeople wondered why I wanted it.

I made an alliance with

executive director of Beyond Housing.

In 2011, the 24:1 initiative first appeared in a White House publication. Since then, Beyond Housing representatives have kept in touch with the president’s staff.

“People hear about your work before it sinks in at home,” Krehmeyer said. “We hope we will continue to garner more support in the St. Louis region.”

Normandy Superintendent Stanton Lawrence gave a presentation on the progress the district has made through the initiative, along with their own internal work. The district has started using data-driven

Marie Lammert, Sherriff Jim Murphy’s committeewoman. They controlled, and still do, a lot of the politics in South St. Louis. Marie wanted to be vice chair and brought eight South Side wards to the table. With my 11 North Side wards we ran over the obstructionists like a hot knife through butter. It was at this time that I began to think about running for mayor. I begin to raise money and convince other black elected officials to support other people running for office in the city and county. Several of us began to bring the black elected officials together. We formed an united front called the Council of Black Elected Officials, and they made me chairman. We began to meet and take positions on key issues effecting this community. We began to support and help people get elected to statewide office like Bob Holden (state treasurer) and Becky Cook (secretary of state). I worked with Congressman Clay, Comptroller Virvus Jones, Rep. Carter and Sen. Banks to elect Mel Carnahan governor. I was actively involved in Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign and became one of his key people in Missouri.

Over 10 years I was able to build strong support among a

benchmarks to chart academic progress.

“Without the 24:1 work, it would have been difficult to gain progress,” Lawrence said. “We had an obligation to address issues that stood as barriers to our children.”

Joe Jovanovich of Beyond Housing presented on the youth impact continuum, a cradle-to-careers initiative.

Representatives from University of Missouri – St. Louis spoke on their partnership with the Normandy schools and the various municipalities.

network of neighborhood and community organizations. I had a very good relationship with the Clergy Coalition and key ministers. As chairman of the city party and of the Council of Black Elected Officials, I had developed a group of allies that I have been able to count on even to this day. Over the years I had cultivated a working relationship with Donald M. Suggs, publisher of The St. Louis American. He has always loved to see young people present a vision and then would challenge you to pursue it. Mike Williams, publisher of the St. Louis Sentinel, was a Republican but more passionate about the interest of black people than most Democrats. I had a great relationship with Congressman Clay, and he knew I appreciated the years of sitting at his knee learning the art of war. On top of all of this, I had one of the best politicians and strategists in St. Louis at my side all the time: Freeman Bosley Sr., my dad. He ran for mayor in 1985 and lost. But he knew I could win before I did. Part two will be continued in next week’s St. Louis American.

“The initiative has benefited our city greatly in every area you can think of,” McGee said. Beyond Housing, in partnership with organizations that provide services and support, has facilitated more than $38 million in community reinvestment activity and more than $2.5 million in residential rehabilitation.

“We are part of a bigger picture that might be helpful throughout the country and not just our backyard,” Green said. “It makes you proud.”

Vinita Park Mayor James McGee talked about the homerepair program, which gives grants to residents to make up to $25,000 in repairs. Through Beyond Housing, Vinita Park was able to give out $300,000 in grants to 47 applicants.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Many of you have been telling me of your disgust for electoral politics. Lately your disgust seems to have turned to real contempt and consequently you have been disengaging from the process. A quick look at voter turnout over the last couple of decades is proof of that. A starting question in our reassessment can be why we don’t get our proper respect as voters by those we elect to represent us?

In the last mayoral primary, all the predominantly AfricanAmerican wards (except the 6th Ward) went for Lewis Reed by margins of 2 to 1 or 3 to 1. In the 21st Ward, it was a whopping 4 to 1 ratio.

So why didn’t black alderpeople follow the wishes of their constituents and publicly endorse Reed? That’s the question voters must ask their respective alderperson. This kind of disconnect between voters and alderperson is not tolerated in the predominantly white city wards.

In the 22nd

Represent – or else

Jeff Boyd has openly endorsed Mayor Francis G. Slay in all three of his reelections even though he beat his 2004 aldermanic opponent over the head for doing the very same thing. In the 22nd Ward, the anti-Slay sentiment runs deep and wide. Its voters have given the majority of their votes to whoever was Slay’s opponent. Allow me to think out loud here as I ponder some possible solutions to our non-responsive, self-serving, incompetent reps. I have always been fiercely against term limits. I’m starting to warm up to the idea for a couple of reasons. One is that the longer most politicians stay in office, the less we seem to get from them. Two is that it takes too long to boot them out once they stop being public servants and start treating us like we’re their servants. Even if we find out quickly they don’t cut the mustard, we have to still endure them until their terms ends.

Voters must be more critical and demanding of our elected officials before the election and during their terms of office. The community needs to be grooming future officeholders who have a track record of service to the community, who have integrity, who are accountable and who will be transparent in their actions. It’s no different on the national scene. Nearly two-thirds of Americans support a pathway to citizenship for immigrants. This view abounds despite the intentional labeling of human beings as “illegal” to dehumanize and criminalize immigrants, especially those coming from Mexico.

The majority of Americans now support same sex marriage. The public view has consolidating faster than any other issue in the culture wars. Still, too many of our elected officials continue to use their office to discriminate against

gay citizens. Most in this country oppose the overthrow of Roe v Wade, yet the GOP has consistently attacked the constitutional amendment with legislations that erodes the fundamentals. Extremists have bombed abortion clinics and even murdered doctors who performed the procedure – all to minimize the availability of safe and accessible abortions. In the gun control debate, Americans have decisively weighed in: 90 percent favor universal background checks. About 75 percent of the National Rifle Association members favor it, illuminating the fact that organization leadership can also be out of step with their own folks. People in power respect money and an organized base. When you don’t have much money, your actions much be strategic and hard-hitting. Right about now, a lot of people are hatin’ the players as well as the game. Let’s change the players and the game.

The Urban League Guild of Metropolitan St. Louis will host its Annual Jazz Brunch on Sunday, May 5 at Orlando’s Banquet Center, 2050 Dorsett Village in Maryland Heights.

Retiring CEO James H. Buford will be honored, and former Guild president Ida Woolfolk will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. In addition, two deserving high school students will receive scholarships at the event.

The Guild was organized by Anita Bond and chartered by Buford on October 3, 1986. Primarily, the organization focuses on expanding and promoting the League’s outreach efforts to address the economic, social and health needs of minorities, elderly, youth and the poor within our region. For more information about the Guild or the brunch, call Angelia D. Bills at 314-615-3604 or email abills@urbanleague-stl.org.

Ward, Alderman

Jamala Rogers

James H. Buford

Tyler Benjamin Reddick, Jr.

Tyler Benjamin Reddick, Jr. was born on April 4, 1922, in the city of St. Louis on West Belle Place. The proud parents were Tyler B. Reddick, Sr. and Izetta Farley Reddick. This was still a time when home births took place. Preceding him in death are his three older sisters, Sara Matilda, Mary Belle and Izetta Farley.

“Bud” as he is more affectionately known by, started out working hard by being paid to sweep the steps and sidewalks of his home block of 4200 E. Cook Avenue. One of his neighbors gave him the nickname. He attended Simmons school and was a triple a crossing guard during elementary school. While Bud attended Sumner High School he ran track. He enjoyed singing and participated in the choir. He began college at West Virginia State where his older sister Mary Belle was attending, but later decided to go on the road working with the rail road as a dining car porter. Bud was later drafted by the United States Army. He served during World War II and completed tours overseas in Liverpool, England, Germany, and Marseilles, France. Meanwhile, there was a fancy flower on the home front that was a friend of the Reddick girls who they introduced to their brother, Olive Louise Bordeaux. Her family was comprised of a total of seven siblings. They were such a beautiful couple and were married for 42 years before her passing in 1989.

Bud had a strong work ethic, was a devoted husband and father. His primary role was working as a Chemical Operator with Monsanto,

Obituaries

Inc. where he retired after 37 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, he worked part time with the Rebecca Parker Catering Company, utilized his Real Estate license and even owned the Do Drop In restaurant. He had a love of AfricanAmerican Poetry and would often recite it. His hobbies included singing in the Men’s choir, playing golf, enjoying excellent Jazz and playing bridge. He took piano lessons from Leon Burke, a Piano Teacher and Church Organist. Bud leaves us in the land of the living to meet and greet all his family, friends and acquaintances in heaven. He is survived by his three daughters, Ava Rochelle, Donna Louise and Gigi Bordeaux, his sonin-law Orlando Johnson. He is survived by his nephews, Benjamin Farley Monroe, Cletus Bordeaux, Jr., Samuel Bordeaux, Clovis Bordeaux, Jr., Jacques Bordeaux, Edgar Barbera, Donald Barbera, and John Barbera. He is also survived by his nieces, Tina Washington, Ollie Wooten, Janine Bordeaux, and Lynda Barbera. Bud also had a host of great-nephews, greatgreat-nephews, great-nieces, and great-great-nieces. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and experiencing him.

Charles Gamble

Charles Gamble of St. Louis, MO died at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the age of 87. He was lovingly married to Grace (nee Davidson) for 56 years. Charles had three sisters, all of Cleveland, OH, one brother of Chicago, IL and a plethora of nieces,

nephews, cousins and friends. Charles was employed at Bellerive Country Club, the Chase Park Plaza and Maritz Corporation.

Laverne Tucker

Laverne Tucker was a beloved and dedicated mother and grandmother. She had a very special relationship with her surviving daughter, Ms. Sharon Carson. Laverne and Sharon shared many times talking and enjoying the company of each other. Their relationship went far beyond mother and daughter, they were friends.

Laverne lived this life to serve others. She has been very influential in the raising of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Laverne believed in taking her family to church. She wanted them to have a solid background in knowing the word of the Lord and she lived a Christian life before them. Her nurturing demeanor proved a successful method of child rearing. She was a faithful member

of Glory Temple C. A. where she served on the Mothers Board and was a diligent prayer warrior until her passing. She loved her pastor and 1st lady, Pastor Joseph and Lady Carolyn Merritt as well as the entire Glory Temple church family. Laverne was a fun loving person. She had a laughter that was so infectious. She will truly be missed but never forgotten.

Laverne leaves to cherish her precious memories her daughter, Ms. Sharon Carson; brothers, Norman Carson of Memphis TN, and Elester Carson of Chester, VA; a host of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

In Loving Memory of Stacy Eugene Martin

Happy 48th

Birthday April 10, 1965

We love and miss you!

Cheryl Young, Carlotta, Diamond, Tracey, Ayanna, LaShanna, Onya, Shelley, Richard, Vernon & Marilym

Attention St. Louis American Readers

As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican.com. AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com.

Laverne Tucker

Tyler Reddick, Jr

Charles Gamble

Stacy Martin

Singing for a servant

Community college receives Humanities grant

St. Louis Community College was one of 18 twoyear colleges competitively selected to participate in a multi-disciplinary two-year mentoring project designed to bridge cultures through the humanities. Through a Community College Humanities Association and National Endowment of the Humanities grant, selected institutions will develop and implement new or

revised introductory humanities courses or programs in one of five disciplines: literature, history, philosophy, religion and civic engagement.

The STLCC grant team includes Deborah Henry, associate professor in history at the Forest Park campus; Yvonne Johnson, dean of humanities and social sciences at the Meramec campus; and Steven G. Collins, professor in history at Meramec. Henry will

teach the new class, “Global Dimensions of Race, Gender, and Religion in America,” in fall 2013.

“We hope, other institutions that will be able to adopt the classes, modules and lesson plans developed through this grant,” Collins said. A final case study is expected to be published and distributed to all 1,200 community colleges nationwide to encourage emulation.

Mary Beth Gentry sings “In This Very Room,” accompanied by Austin A. Layne, at the Celebration of the Life of Dr. Roy Jerome Williams Sr. held Saturday at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 826 N. Union Blvd. Dr. Williams passed March 16, 2013 at the age of 87.

Photo by Wiley Price

SCIENCE CORNER

How We Observe Weather Changes!

Forecasting the weather is a detailed science. Meteorologists consult maps, satellites, radar, etc. Have you ever wondered how weather was forecasted before these modern inventions?

Many people observed animal behavior and nature for clues about the weather. Although many did not realize it, there are scientific reasons for these occurrences.

One of the observations is that fish will bite more before a storm. Why? As a storm moves into the area, the barometric pressure releases gas bubbles that cling to the decay at the bottom of streams and rivers. As this matter moves up to the surface, so do the fish so that they will be close to their food source.

Another observation is that silver maple leaves will turn over before a storm. Why?

Winds blow from southeast to southwest before the arrival of a cold front. As the front approaches, the wind switches directions, becoming north to northwest. This

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

A common sight on a spring morning is fog. What is fog and how is it formed? In this experiment, you will observe how fog is formed.

Materials Needed: • Black Paper

• Gallon Jar • Colored Warm Water

• Gallon Size Bag of Ice

• Matches (only to used by an adult!) Process:

q Tape the black paper on the back of the jar, so you can’t see through the jar.

w Fill one third of the jar with colored warm water.

e Have an adult light the match and hold it over the jar opening.

MATH CONNECTION

change in the wind direction causes leaves to flip over. Silver maple leaves turn over more easily than other leaves, due to their broad shape.

One last observation is that a ring around the moon means that rain will come soon. Why?

This ring is caused when the light of the moon shines through ice crystals in the high level clouds. These crystals are found in clouds that occur in advance of a low-pressure system in the form of rain of snow.

To Learn More About Ways to Forecast the Weather, Visit the Following Websites: http://kids.discovery.com/tell-me/curiosity-corner/weather http://theweatherchannelkids.com/weather-center/ http://www.brainpop.com/science/weatherandclimate/ weather/preview.weml

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction information to gain background information.

Create Fog In A Jar!

r After a few seconds, drop the match into the jar and cover the top of the jar with the bag of ice.

t Record your observations. What do you see happening inside the jar?

Reflect: Why does the cloud form? The warm water heats the layer of air (the atmosphere). Some of the water evaporates into the air forming water vapor. The warm air containing water vapor rises, and then cools from contact with the ice. When the water molecules cool, they slow down and stick together and condensation occurs.

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results.

Create a weather bar graph

For the next month, you will create a weather bar graph. Create a graph labeling the columns as sunny, windy, rainy, cloudy. Each day, at the same time, record the weather. If it is sunny, you will color a square for sunny. At the end of the month, use your data to create a bar graph. Estimation and Temperature

On Monday, observe the weather forecast for the week. Write the predicted high and low temperature for each day. Throughout the week, record the actual high and low temperature. Calculate the difference between the forecasted temperature and the actual temperature.

DID YOU KNOW?

Calculations List temperatures in the weather information from lowest to highest. Figure medians, averages of an area. Find the difference between selected cities lows and highs. Make a line graph of temperatures. Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply and divide to solve a problem. I can create graphs that represent data.

Bryan Busby

How do you respond when someone asks you what job you want to have when you grow up? For Bryan Busby, the answer was easy. Since third grade, he knew he wanted to be a weather forecaster. In high school, Busby broadcast weather reports for two radio stations based in Cleveland.

At age 17, he worked for KTvI Channel 2 in St. Louis as an intern. After eight weeks at the station, he became a weekend weathercaster as he earned his meteorology degree from St. Louis University. In 1985, he joined Kansas City’s KMBC 9 News.

Busby earned a patent for his display system titled “Instant Weather Network”. His programs “Guaranteed Weather,” “EarthStation,” “Weather To Go,” and “Bryan Goes to School” have earned awards and recognition for KMBC News. Busby was appointed to the National Chapter of the American Meteorological Society’s Board of Broadcast Meteorologists. In 1997, he was considered for a weathercaster position at “Good Morning America” and was one of only 10 weathercasters to be featured on The Weather Channel’s “America’s Forecasters” series.

In addition to his career, Busby is a solo timpanist for the Independence Messiah Festival Orchestra and is a guest conductor of the Kansas City Youth Symphony. Busby’s awards include: Emmy Award, Ten Outstanding Young Missourians, Kansas City Media Professionals Hall of Fame, and Black Achievers Award.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about an individual who has made a contribution in the field of science, technology, and math.

MAP CORNER

Scaventer Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a fun way to get acquainted with your newspaper. You can learn about the sections of the newspaper and learn where to find information.

TornadoSeasonStarts LessThanTwoWeeks AfterSnowstorm

While looking for items in your scavenger hunt, you will probably find articles and pictures you’d like to explore later. That’s ok, too! Use the newspaper to complete this scavenger hunt.

Put a check mark 4 in the box for each item you find:

An article of clothing you wear in the spring

An activity you complete outdoors in the spring

A type of flower or plant that grows in the spring

A picture of a type of weather related item: cloud, umbrella, etc.

A spring holiday

An ad for a vacation

An ad featuring the sun or sunshine

Weather Words

Find as many weather words as you can and clip them from the newspaper. Illustrate or draw a picture for each word you have cut out.

Hot, Hot, Hot: Some people live where it is warm all year long. They live in a warm climate. Cut out four pictures of clothes you would wear in this warm place. Now, cut out four pictures of clothes you would not wear in this warm place. Paste them on your paper. Write a sentence about why you would or would not like to live in a warm climate.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information.

AFRICAN AMERICAN WEATHER FORECASTER AND INvENTOR:

Photo by Wiley Price

Black caucus defeats key rule changes

The dwindling African American Aldermanic Caucus in the City of St. Louis battled the majority members of the board to a draw in a private rules meeting held on Friday.

It was clear that the majority members (or what we might call the “white caucus”) had met before the meeting and assigned to four aldermen the responsibility of each handling one of the four proposed rule changes. No surprise that Alderman Steve Conway and Alderman Fred Wessels – the de facto leaders of the “white caucus” – were assigned to steer the two most contentious proposed rule changes. Subsequently, they both withdrew their proposals in the face of spirited opposition.

Conway led, and lost, the fight for the most contentious proposed change, which would have limited the number of committees on which any alderman can serve. Under the proposed change, no alderman could serve on more than five committees or on fewer than three committees. Currently there are no maximum or minimum limits.

Conway said the change was motivated because one alderman (Terry Kennedy) had ended up on a whopping eight committees while another alderman (Antonio French) had ended up on seven. The committee overload on the two most able black aldermen was a result of losing two other competent members of

the black caucus: Alderman Greg Carter, who died, and Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett, who resigned to work in the non-profit sector. The black caucus currently has one of their own, aldermanic President Lewis Reed, leading the board, and they fought back against this attempt to change the powers of his office. As of now, the president can appoint whoever he wants to any committee without limitation and can use this power, as board presidents long have done, to reward and punish colleagues.

Conway attempted to deny that his proposed rule change had anything to do with race. French objected, saying to be color-blind was to be naive in this situation. We already have a situation where a bill can be passed into law in the city without one single AfricanAmerican legislator supporting, French argued, so the only way to achieve effectively proportionate representation is at the committee level. Conway relented.

Wessels loses grudge match

Wessels proposed a rule change that would effect how bills are assigned to committees. Under this change, if an alderman believed his bill had been assigned incorrectly or unfairly, they could get the

bill moved to the committee of their choice if the supportive signatures of 14 other aldermen were obtained.

This proposed restriction in the president’s powers, everyone recognized, was personal. Reed recently killed the same bill introduced by Wessels by assigning it successively to two different committees with black chairmen, Greg Carter before he passed and Alderman Frank Williamson

Faced with the criticism that he was trying to limit the president’s powers because of his own sour grapes, Wessels withdrew his proposal.

Boyd and Davis cross over It was somewhat surprising to see the other two aldermen who came out of the “white caucus’” pre-meeting meeting with the responsibility to steer one of the proposed changes: Alderman Jeffrey Boyd and Alderman Marlene Davis, both African Americans. Davis handled an innocuous

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, former President Bill Clinton and St. Louis Rams Defensive End Robert Quinn visited backstage at the Clinton Global Initiative event held recently in St. Louis.

rule change about how board business was posted that passed. Boyd handled another innocuous rule change about committee amendments and substitutes that was tabled as the meeting dragged on, thanks to the dust-up over the powers of the president.

But now their colleagues know, if they didn’t before, that Boyd and Davis are the black aldermen whom the white aldermen think are pliable enough to do their bidding.

Cohn makes poor showing

The black caucus also was watching to see how the younger white aldermen position themselves as more power at the board shifts to the South Side. This was a Democratic Caucus meeting, so Alderman Scott Ogilvie who is an Independent, did not attend. Newcomer 6th Ward Alderman Christine Ingrassia kept her eyes and ears open and their mouth shut. Alderman Shane Cohn, however, challenged Reed and made a

poor showing in the eyes of his black colleagues.

Party like it’s 1985

The EYE was wrong last week in saying black power at the board is down to the lowest level since the 1970s. Conway showed that there were as few as 11 black alderman as recently as 1985. As French quipped, that is really something to celebrate: that we have only turned the clock back to 1985.

‘Independent’ Tyus

This private meeting was also the first look her colleagues have had of the new, resurgent Alderman Sharon Tyus in action. She was very vocal and largely supportive of the black caucus, though she indulged in jabs at Reed, who remains her enemy based on the fact that he voted against her in the redistricting battle that eliminated her ward the last time she was an alderman 12 years ago. When a black colleague thanked

her for her support of the black caucus at the end of the meeting, she declared, “I’m an independent.” So we’ll still have to see about that.

Read the bill

There’s a saying for policy makers and legislators: “If you want to hide something from a legislator, put it in a bill.” Legislators have been known to fail to examine the elements of a bill without identifying opportunities to extract something for their constituents or to prevent something detrimental from passage. This is most common in what are known as Omnibus bills that culminate the legislative session and bundle together multiple legislative items, pet projects and other miscellany. In such Omnibus bills, issues that are potentially detrimental to the interests of the community and are often unknowingly supported by representatives who fail to examine the full scope of the bill. As session winds down, legislators must do the due diligence and thoroughly examine all proposed legislation before signing off or voting on it.

In her debt

There’s a tendency for officeholders to file bills that would have little to no impact in addressing the bottom line of economically-depleted areas. Not so, in the case of newly elected state Representative Kim Gardner. Gardner, who didn’t get the memo to “Play it Safe,” has been vocal in debate on the floor of the House and is using her courtroom and legal acumen as an attorney to advance the consumer cases of her constituents. She sponsored HB-847, which prevents collection companies in essence from using the court system to hold or confine people for civil contempt for failure to pay their debt. Good looking out.

BUSINESS

SLU Law, YMCA partner on pipeline program

Discover Law Mock Trial Workshop aims to diversify profession

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St.Louis American

The Law School Admission Council has one mission: Increase the number of minority high school and undergrad students entering the legal profession.

The council sponsors DiscoverLaw.org Months, a yearlong diversity initiative that awards grants to law schools to develop pipeline programs. Each year Saint Louis University’s School of Law applies for the grant. Last year, SLU focused its outreach efforts toward undergrad students. This year, SLU opted for a different approach by part-

“It’s important to have them thinking about their future goals so that they’ll know what to work towards.”

– Lisa

Taylor,SLU

Law

nering with the Missouri YMCAYouth in Government program, a student-driven simulation of state government with over 800 youth participants. “We want to give these students a real look

of what goes into government in a snapshot,” said Jessica Pursell, Youth in Government program director at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis.

The Youth in Government program has four components: judicial, executive, legislative and media. The judicial students compete in the Youth in Government State Convention Mock Trial competition in Jefferson City.

SLU Law students from the school’s Trial and Advocacy program designed the Discover Law Mock Trial Workshop to give

See PIPELINE, B2

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Bernie Hayes

Gift to diversity scholarship program now totals $500K

American staff

Eric’el Johnson has set her sights on being a professor of electrical engineering. Her classmate Ellen Vehige wants to build bridges as a civil engineer. Thanks to the Opportunity Scholars Program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, these two college freshmen could play a critical role in the St. Louis region’s future. They recently joined two other Opportunity Scholars, sophomores Briona Perry, a biochemistry major and Cedric Harris, a biology major, for lunch with John Sondag, president of AT&TMissouri, and Debra Hollingsworth,

See AT&T, B2

Time to improve upon Family and Medical Leave Act

By Hilary O.Shelton and Debra L.Ness For The St.Louis American

In February, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which was the first bill President Clinton signed into law. President Obama hailed the law, as did current and former lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle. Indeed, it was a singular accomplishment for the nation – the first national law ever to help workers balance the dual demands of job and family. Most directly, the FMLAallows about 60 percent of workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn, newly adopted or foster child, to recover from serious illness, or to help a close family member facing a serious health problem. When workers

The FMLAwas always intended to Unpaid leave is not enough

take leave under the FMLA, their health insurance continues and a job is waiting for them when they return.

In the 20 years since the FMLA became law, workers have used the law to take leave more than 100 million times.The FMLAalso helped create a climate in which work/family responsibilities became part of a national conversation.

The FMLA also helped create a climate in which work/family responsibilities became part of a national conversation.

It was a nine-year battle to get both houses of Congress to pass it at a time when we had a president who would sign it into law. It took an extraordinary coalition that included women’s, civil rights, children’s, health, labor, aging and other groups. The National Partnership led that coalition and the NAACPcontributed mightily to its success.

Bernie Hayes has been awarded the Jus’Blues “Jack The Rapper” Radio Pioneer Award by the Jus` Blues Music Foundation, Inc. The Atlanta-based foundation gives the award for “Outstanding Contributions to Blues & Soul in the Radio Industry.” Hayes is a longtime radio personality, producer, recording artist, author and columnist in The St. Louis American

Melanie N. Roussell has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development. Previously she was National Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee, Press Secretary for HUD and Spokesperson for the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Southern Regional Communications Director for Obama for America.

Antonio D. French has been accepted to the Executive MBA Program at the Olin Business School at Washington University. French, who was recently reelected as Alderman of the 21st Ward, started classes and was sworn into his second term this week. He isexpected to graduate in December 2014. Previously French was a political consultant and publisher of Pub Def

BUSINESS BRIEFS

2013 St. Louis Black Pages now available

St. Louis Black Pages/Transformational Agenda Magazine is currently distributing 100,000 copies of its 2013 edition. Distribution locations include select Schnucks grocery stores, Harris-Stowe State University, People’s Health Clinic, Grace Hill Neighborhood Settlement and Sweetie Pie’s. For more information, visit www.stlouisblackpagesblog.wordpress.com.

AccelerateStLouis.org, new online portal serving entrepreneurs

St. Louis County Economic Council and Innovate St. Louis have launched AccelerateStLouis.org, an online portal serving entrepreneurs. The site includes a directory of local resources, directory of investors, showcase of startup ventures, job postings and a resource library. Follow it on Twitter @AccelerateSTL.

Lindenwood offers free Arts & Entrepreneurship symposium

The Duree Center for Entrepreneurship of Lindenwood University will present Arts & Entrepreneurship, a free event in conjunction with the Economic Development Center of St. Charles County and the Partners for Progress of Greater St. Charles that seeks to provide artists with educational resources to promote business expertise and growth. The symposium will be held Saturday, April 27 at Harmon Hall at Lindenwood University. The event is open to the public, but registration is required and space is limited. For further information and to register, visit www.DureeCenter.org.

Lambert remains 35th busiest airport in North America

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is the 35th busiest airport in North America in terms of 2012 passenger traffic. The preliminary rankings just released by Airports Council International shows Lambert maintained its ranking from 2011 serving 12.7 million passengers the past year. This was a1.3 percent increase in total passengers versus 2011. Lambert had more total passenger traffic in 2012 than Houston Hobby, Oakland, Kansas City, Nashville and Austin.Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is the busiest airport in both North America and the world serving more than 95 million passengers in 2012.

RBC philanthropic arm gives to charterschool association

The Missouri Charter Public School Association has received a grant of $100,000 from the St. Louis Social Venture Partners, a philanthropic program of the Regional Business Council. The grant will be used for a two- year program to assist St. Louis charter schools in their business operations management.

Photo by Wiley Price

SLU Law students Rachel Berland and Margo Steinlage instruct Kennedie Brown-Thomas,Mia Smith,Erica Payne and Johnae McClenton of Northwest Academy of Law on opening statement protocol during the Discover Law Mock Trial Workshop held recently at Saint Louis University.

Melanie N. Roussell

Antonio D. French

By Jason Alderman

I’m not sure whether it was intentional or merely a coincidence that several years ago Congress proclaimed April to be Financial Literacy Month. April is also the month when millions of Americans grimly write a check to the IRS and resolve to do a better job managing their money; and when millions of others squander their tax refund without realizing why receiving overly large refunds isn’t sound financial management.

In recognition of 2013’s Financial Literacy Month, the National Foundation of Credit Counseling just released the results of its seventh annual Consumer Financial Literacy Survey, which tracks Americans’attitudes and

Capacitybuilding program forDBE

The Missouri Regional Certification Committee (MRCC) is offering a free sixmonth capacity-building training program for disadvantaged business enterprises DBE) at Harris-Stowe State University.

The first meeting will be held 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 at Harris-Stowe’s AT&TLibrary & Technology Resource Center (in the Telecommunity Room), 3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103 Companies certified by the MRCC (Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and DBE) will have the opportunity to register for the Back Office Development Program, which is facilitated by MRCC partnering agencies the City of St. LouisAirport Authority, Metro Transit–St. Louis, and Missouri Department of Transportation.

Panelists on April 24 include Ginni Campbell, former president of the National Association of Women Business Owners; CPA Charles Stewart of Metro Transit – St. Louis; and attorney Sharon Stone from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Register at jfoster@metrostlouis.org or call (314) 982-1400 x 1352.

How financially literate are you?

behaviors related to personal finance.

NFCC spokesperson Gail Cunningham said, “On a positive note, by certain measures a large percentage of Americans do feel they’re getting a better handle on controlling their finances,” she said. “On the downside, however, many people give themselves poor grades on their knowledge of personal finance, and worry that they’re not saving enough for a rainy day – or for retirement.”

Here are some of the survey’s key findings: ï 40 percent of adults have a budget and closely track their spending. In other words, 60 percent don’t use a budget.

ï Only 32 percent of those polled spend less on living expenses now than they did

AT&T

vice president of public affairs at AT&TMissouri.

AT&T’s recent gift to the scholars program brings the company’s total to $500,000. Other contributors to the scholarship program include Emerson, Energizer, Reinsurance Group of America, Stan and Terry Freerks, and David and Thelma Steward.

UMSL’s Opportunity Scholars Program began with conversations between the university and St. Louis-area corporate leaders who were looking for a more diverse work force in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“The sponsors of this scholarship are investing in talented students to keep them here in the region,” said UMSLChancellor Tom George, who hosted the lunch at his residence on campus.

“In addition to the financial benefits, the

PIPELINE

Continued from B1

the students a winning edge. SLU Law students worked

PERSONAL FINANCE

last year – a steady decline since 2009’s 59 percent level. At the same time, 27 percent said they now spend more than they did a year ago.

ï About 71 percent pay all bills on time and have no debts in collection – a 7 percent improvement from 2012. Similarly, the percentage of adults who do not pay all bills on time has decreased, from 33 percent in 2012 to 26 percent in 2013.

ï 37 percent carry credit card debt from month to month – a 7 percent decrease since the question was first asked in 2009.

ï Insufficient savings tops the list of financial worries,

with 43 percent most worried that they don’t have enough emergency savings, and 38 percent worried they’ll retire with inadequate savings. In fact, a whopping 31 percent say they currently save nothing for retirement.

ï When asked where they learned the most about personal finance, the largest number (33 percent) said from their parents; yet 78 percent agree that they could benefit from advice and answers to everyday financial questions from a professional.

To me, perhaps the most telling statistic is that 40 percent of adults give themselves only a grade of C, D or F on

their knowledge of personal finance. Should we be worried because that many people with a poor-to-middling understanding of money management are likely to be the major influence on their children’s financial habits? I think so.

“Fortunately, many financial education tools are available for people of all ages,” noted Cunningham. “The challenge is making people aware of them and encouraging them to seek help when they need it.”

Helpful financial education sites include:

ï MyMoney.gov (www.mymoney.gov), the government’s website dedicated to teaching Americans the basics about financial education.

ï The NFCC (www.nfcc.org), featuring

Continued from B1 be the first step on the road to a family-friendly nation. And 20 years later, the country has not taken the next step.

information on obtaining free or low-cost help from trained, certified credit counselors.

ï Practical Money Skills for Life (www.pmsfl.com), a free personal financial management program run by Visa Inc., that includes saving and budgeting tips, and interactive video games like Financial Football that engage students while teaching them money-management skills.

Don’t let another April pass without taking steps to improve your financial literacy – and that of your kids.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit on April 17, 2013, go to www.practicalmoneyskills.com/summit2013.

Members of the Opportunity Scholars Program at the University of Missouri-St.Louis talked with AT&T executives on how corporate and individual gifts to the scholarship program will help the St.Louis region.Front row,student scholars:Briona Perry,sophomore,biochemistry;Eric 'el Johnson,freshman,electrical engineering;Cedric Harris, sophomore biology;and Ellen Vehig,freshman,civil engineering.Back Row:Debra Hollingsworth,vice president, external affairs,AT&T Missouri;John Sondag,president,AT&T Missouri;Tom George,UMSL chancellor.

scholarship provides opportunities for the students to create long lasting relationships through summer jobs and internships with our corporate sponsors.”

Created in 2011, the pro-

under the direction of Thomas L. Stewart, assistant clinical professor of law and director of the Trial Advocacy program, and 21st Judicial Circuit Judge Barbara W. Wallace. Thirty high school students

gram recruits top St. Louisarea high school students who are underrepresented or are the first in their family to enroll in college. Opportunity Scholars receive an all-inclusive fouryear scholarship and residen-

from Northwest Academy of Law High School and Carnahan High School of the Future were invited to attend the workshop. Melvin Ellis, 18, a senior at Carnahan, was one of those students. He plans

tial package. “We know that investments in students today will help prepare them for the future and keep Missouri competitive in the global economy,” said John Sondag, president of AT&T

to study political economics at Georgetown University with an eye on Harvard Law School. His love of law developed when he began participating in the Youth in Government’s judicial program.. During the Mock Trial workshop at SLU, the students were divided into small groups that rotated between classrooms where they learned the basic elements of a trial: opening statements, direct and cross examinations, closing arguments and objections. The classes were taught by SLU law students.

ACT

Continued from B1

FMLA’s unpaid leave is not sufficient to meet the needs of workers and families. Low-wage workers suffer the most. According to the Department of Labor’s 2012 survey, most often workers who forgo leave do so because they can’t afford to take leave without pay. That survey shows that, for every two workers of color who took FMLAleave, one needed leave but could not take it.

The next step needs to be improving the law so it covers more workers who need to take leave for more reasons, and adopting a national paid leave insurance system that provides some wage replacement, so low-wage and part-time workers, too, can take family and medical leave.

Abipartisan poll taken in November showed that, across all demographic lines,

Missouri. For scholarship criteria, guidelines and more information visit umsl.edu/opportunityscholars.

“Sometimes it’s just important to have them thinking about their future goals so that they’ll know what to work towards,” said Lisa Taylor, program director of Multicultural Affairs and Outreach at SLU School of Law. “It’s not necessarily about promoting, ‘You need to be a criminal attorney,’but just setting them gently on that path.’” Students interested in pursuing a legal career, visit discoverlaw.org

Follow this reporter on Twitter @BridjesONeil.

workers want Congress and the president to consider new laws like paid family and medical leave insurance. African Americans, Latinos, women and young people felt strongest about the importance of congressional and presidential action: 77 percent of African Americans, 79 percent of Latinos, 69 percent of women and 68 percent of people under 30 considered it “very important.”

Forty percent of the workforce still isn’t covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, and tens of millions of workers, many of them low-wage, still can’t afford to take the unpaid leave the law provides. When babies are born, illness strikes, or relatives need care, they either show up at work or risk losing their jobs. It’s time to rededicate ourselves to this issue, deepen our resolve, make some noise, and demand that lawmakers take the next step. Shelton is Washington bureau director and senior vice president of policy and advocacy for the NAACP; Ness is president of the National Partnership for Women & Families

“I made a move that I’ve made a million times;and it just popped.”

— Kobe Bryant,on his ruptured Achilles’injury that ended his 2013 season

INSIDE SPORTS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Spurs of the moment

Contending, as always, in San Antonio

If you have been reading my column for the past 15 years, you should expect to see what has become one of my annual spring rituals. It is your yearly reminder about the National Basketball Association team that always seems to be flying under the radar despite its tremendous success.

It is always fun for me to point out the excellence of a proud franchise that continues to play basketball the right way.

Yes, that would be your San Antonio Spurs. As the NBAregular season comes to a close this week, it should be no surprise that the one team that nobody is really talking about is the team that has 58 victories and the third best record in the league. Yes, that would be the San Antonio Spurs. We are in a time where the Miami Heat are big favorites to repeat as world champions with the Oklahoma City Thunder poised for a rematch with the Heat in the NBA Finals. The New York Knicks, Kobe Bryant’s serious injury and the Clippers are the headlines makers these days. Through it all, the Spurs have endured and remained viable contenders, despite the advanced age of stars Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili and the injuries that have persisted throughout the season. They can still play and Pop can still coach. Can the Spurs win another title? Probably not. It will be very difficult because

See INSIDE, B5

persisted throughout the season.

NTHE CLUTCH With Ishmael H.Sistrunk

Kobe’s injury: good forLakers

Ahead start on preparing for the future

Los Angeles Lakers fans let out a collective gasp last week when Kobe Bryant collapsed to the floor in agony. Fans had witnessed the 34-year-old Black Mamba carrying the underachieving team on his back in recent weeks. Almost on his own, Bryant willed his team to several big wins and led them from the playoff purgatory into prime position to sneak in as the eighth seed out west. With Bryant now out for the season with a ruptured Achilles injury, all delusions of a miracle run to the finals are done. Without their star, the Lakers may still make the playoffs, but it will likely be a short trip. However, as sad as it is to wit-

ness one of the best players in the league fall to such a serious issue, Bryant’s injury is ultimately a good thing for the Lakers. Why would I suggest such a dastardly thing? No, I’m not a “Kobe-hater.” Let’s be honest here, with or without Bryant, the Lakers had no chance to run that gauntlet that is the Western Conference. Bryant’s will could only carry the team so far. The team would have reached its heights by making it to the first round versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Co. are too young, too energetic and simply too good for the Lakers.

With their star at home recovering from surgery, front office execs will have an opportunity to preview a post-Bryant squad.

Had the Lakers drawn the San Antonio Spurs, they might have a slightly better chance, but the Spurs are efficient and precise, something the Lakers have not shown they can be on a consistent basis. With their star at home recovering from surgery, front office execs will have an opportunity to preview a postBryant squad. It also gives the team a chance to see how they manage without playing under the shadow of Bryant’s overpowering personality. When the team acquired Dwight Howard from Orlando, it was with the full intention of re-signing the star big man and letting him take over the reins once Bryant walked away.

In the meantime, matching Bryant, Howard and Steve Nash together was supposed to build a superstar-laden squad to rival the defending champion Miami Heat. That part of the plan failed miserably as the team struggled with injuries, coaching and inconsistency all season long. The only consistent thing for the Lakers this season has been that Bryant would go out, grind hard and carry the team as far as his 34year-old body could. Now Howard will get his wish and become the focal point of the offense. All season it’s been clear that he’s struggled making the adjustment from alpha dog in Orlando to beta boy in L.A. At times he’s griped about his touches and flashed some of the immaturity he showed when trying to scheme his way out of Orlando.

Seeing ‘Stars’ in ESL

Jackie Joyner Foundation now home to women’s semi-pro basketball team

Forward Channon Haywood of the Illinois Shooting Stars

on the court, but the year was spent mostly trying to get their feet wet as a first-

See STARS, B5

will

if

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Earl Austin,Jr.

How the Lakers respond in their final game and the playoffs (presuming they hold onto their spot)

let team execs know

Dwight Howard is the right guy to steer the ship when Kobe Bryant steps down.

The Spurs have remained contenders,despite the advanced age of stars Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili and the injuries that have

Photo by Wiley Price

With Mike Claiborne

The Masters and the hypocrites

While most will soon forget the name of the guy who won the Masters last week, few will forget the situation that Tiger Woods found himself in after the second round that caused such a ruckus.

Just in case you forget and need to know for trivia sake, the 2013 winner was Adam Scott. Now to more pressing matters.

On hole 15, Tiger Woods hit a ball that eventually went into the water. He took a drop from behind where his initial shot took place. He nailed it within four feet of the hole. The flap started when a person who was watching the event on TVcalled to say that what Woods did was improper and should be penalized. Upon further review, the officials handed Woods a two-stroke penalty for his drop.

fact that this is a game played on the honor system. At that point I fell out of my chair, as this is the same sport that recently thought it was a good idea to ban people from playing in the event because of the color of their skin.

Oh, the Masters is not alone. What about all of those who decided to stick their heads in the sand when the same thing took place at a local country club? I often wonder how those who still belong to the Old Warsonand St. Louis Country clubs here in St. Louis can look themselves in the mirror when the subject of honor and integrity comes up. You have to wonder where is the honor when you deny a person an opportunity because of the color of their skin.

Because the rules of golf are made up by overzealous lawyers, things were a little murky. Then the folks at Augusta National decided to impose their own rules.

What if Woods elects not to talk to the media after his rounds? Where would golf be then?

Because Woods signed his score card after the event, attesting that it was accurate and trustworthy, some thought he should have been disqualified. The Masters thought it would be better to assess the two-stroke penalty.

After all, isn’t Tiger the reason why most people watch golf in the first place? To send the marquee player home on something that was not directly his fault, considering that the Masters made the ruling and had to live with it, would have been more than what they could chew.

Yet some of the golfers and analysts insisted Woods should have disqualified himself, claiming he knew what he did was wrong no matter what the officials said. Many cited the

I guess the easy answer is “These rules were here before I got here.” OK, we get it. Let me be clear that I am not crying race about Tiger Woods. Tiger has the ultimate mulligan anyway, as he is what makes the game of golf go despite all the upstarts (that eventually become hasbeens) who have tried to better him. While I am a fan of the Masters and applaud the direction they have tried to head, as they have now included women as members, I often wonder why the sport still lives in the Dark Ages at times. I also wonder how is it that some joker can sit at home and see the event and call in and make a rule change?

Think about it. What sport allows a person to make a phone call to change the outcome of the event? Is that fair, when the cameras are focused on the best players and not on everyone who is playing?

There are some players who never saw a camera lens near them during the event, and yet how do we know that they

Woods reacts after his third shot at the 15th hole of the 2013 Masters hits the flagstick and goes into the water.His ensuing drop cost him a two-stroke penalty and nearly got him disqualified.

played every round clean? Tiger Woods made one mistake. In his interview after the match, he explained his actions after his ball went into the water. That was the smoking

CLUTCH

Continued from C5

Now the All-Star center must take a bigger leadership role in the team, both on and off the court. In his first game after Bryant’s injury, Howard put up impressive numbers,

gun that created this mess. What if Woods elects not to talk to the media after his rounds? What if Woods decides not to discuss his rounds and what his thought

notching 26 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks. At press time the team is clinging to the last remaining playoff spot as they hope to hold off the Utah Jazz.

How the team responds in its final game and the playoffs (presuming they hold onto their spot) will let the Lakers know if Howard is the right guy to steer the ship when Bryant sails off into the sunset. Eyes will be closely watching his offense, defense, rebound and how he plays alongside

process was for playing that day? Where would golf be if that were to take place? This situation could have happened to anyone on the tour. Because it was Tiger

Pau Gasol and other players on the roster.

Bryant was obviously disappointed by his injury and is not looking forward to the long road through rehab to get back onto the court. Even if he makes a full recovery, he’ll be going into his 18th season at 35 years of age coming off a major injury in the final year of his contract. The writing is on the wall. Bryant’s days are numbered.

For the Lakers, his injury has given them a head start on

preparing for the future. Though many expect Howard to re-sign with one of the most revered franchises in the league, as it stands he’s still only signed through the current season. How he handles the post-Kobe preview will ultimately determine if he’s brought back long-term and given a copy of Kobe’s keys to the castle.

Follow Ishmael Sistrunk and In the Clutch on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk and Google+.

Mike Claiborne

Woods, it was magnified. I am not sure that is what the Masters was looking for, but it surely raised the level of attention. Did I mention that Adam Scott won the 2013 Masters?

Tiger

Eagles are champs

The St.Louis Eagles Basketball Club 16U recently won the championship in their division at the NY2LA Swish n Dish Tournament in Milwaukee,WI.The Eagles defeated DTA for the championship.The team members are (in alphabetical order) Ogugua Anunoby (Jefferson City),Nathan Bethel (St. Louis Christian Academy),Xavier Bishop (Springfield Lanphier), Marshawn Blackmon (Fort Zumwalt South),Donovan Franklin (O’Fallon), Will Gladson (Chaminade),Brandon Jones (Vashon),Kenny Lesley (Elsberry),Anthony Pratt (St.Louis Christian Academy),Jayson Tatum (Chaminade),Preston Whitfield (Fort Zumwalt South).The Eagles are coached by Justin Tatum.

Why was Jackie Robinson important?

Q&Awith

author Adrian Burgos Jr.

Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color line 66 years ago this month when he played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His story gets a fresh look in 42, which opened om April 12. On Monday, every player in the major leagues wore the same 42, Robinson’s uniform number, as part of an annual day in his honor.

STARS

Continued from B3

year franchise in the WBCBL. With a revamped roster, the Shooting Stars have lofty goals as they enter their second season. “We’re looking to do bigger and better things this season,” Stowers said. “The whole outlook of the Stars is going to change. We have a lot of girls who are committed to playing basketball. We are doing a lot of marketing, working camps and getting our name out there.”

There will be plenty of

INSIDE

Continued from B3 the young guns such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant have taken over. However, it is always fun for me to point out the excellence of a proud franchise that continues to play basketball the right way and win big year after year.

Clarence DeLoch Sr.: Hall of Famer

Congratulations to the Rev. Clarence DeLoch Sr. on his upcoming induction into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. DeLoch will be officially inducted at the Hall of Fame ceremony tonight at the Sheraton West Port. DeLoch was a multi-sport standout at Soldan High in the 1960s, where he played football, baseball and basketball. During the mid-1960’s, Deloch was one of the premier pitchers in the Tandy League. Deloch is now the Chaplin of the Northwoods Police Department.

Sheldon Richardson: first rounder

Former Gateway Tech and Mizzou football standout

Sheldon Richardson has been invited to attend the upcoming National Football League Draft, which will be held on April 25-27 at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Richardson will be among the players in attendance who are expected to be drafted in the first round. The talented defensive tackle made himself avail-

University of Illinois historian Adrian Burgos Jr. is a member of MLB’s Baseball Origins Committee and the author of “Playing America’s Game: Baseball, Latinos, and the Color Line” and “Cuban Star: How One Negro League Owner Changed the Face of Baseball.” He spoke with U of I News Bureau social sciences editor Craig Chamberlain.

There will be plenty of familiar faces on the Shooting Stars if you have followed local girls basketball over the years.

familiar faces on the Shooting Stars if you have followed local girls basketball over the years. One of their top returning players is 6’0” forward Channon Haywood, who is a former standout at Hazelwood East. The versatile Haywood was one of the league’s top players last season.

able for the draft after his junior season after he was an AllSoutheastern Conference First Team selection.

Declared: Ben McLemore

Former Wellston High basketball star Ben McLemore made it official last week when he formally declared for the National Basketball Association Draft. The 6’5” McLemore enjoyed a tremendous freshman season with the Kansas Jayhawks. He averaged 15.9 points a game and set a new freshman scoring record at KU. McLemore has been projected as a high-lottery pick throughout the season, even reaching as high as No. 1 in

So what makes Robinson so important?

The major leagues and their affiliated minor leagues were racially segregated for more than half a century, from 1889 until Jackie Robinson broke the color line, first in the minor leagues in 1946 and then in the majors with his 1947 Dodgers debut. In pioneering the integration of baseball, Robinson became the target of its institutionalized racism

One newcomer who will have a big impact is guard Rita Adams. The former East St. Louis star was a key player for the St. Louis Surge last year on a team that advanced to the championship game of the league playoffs.

Former East Side standouts Victoria and Veronica Smith will add talent to the Shooting Stars’frontcourt, as will returning center Tiana Ford, a former standout player at Gateway Tech. Guard Chanel Ross was a former NAIAAllAmerican performer at HarrisStowe State University. Rounding out the roster are Latimma Outlaw, Tanisha Jones, Porsha Trust,

some NBAmock drafts.

Signed:Willie Reed

Former Saint Louis University standout Willie Reed was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies this week. The 6’10” Reed spent the past season with the Springfield Armor of the National Basketball Developmental League, where he averaged 14 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Reed spent two seasons at SLU where he was developing into one of the top big men in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Congrats to Willie Reed on the call-up to the NBA. His three years of hard work and perseverance since leaving SLU have paid off.

and of white individuals who supported – and had benefited from – its segregated culture. Robinson was the first unambiguously black man to perform in organized baseball since black players had been exiled, though there were quite a few Latinos like Cuban Roberto Estalella who were racially ambiguous and yet were permitted to perform in the majors while the color line system operated. In taking on this challenge, Robinson agreed to Dodgers

Alexandria Hart, Tanesha Parker and Ruchelle Austin. The head coach of the team is Keith Stowers. The Shooting Stars will

president and general manager Branch Rickey’s requirement that he not fight back in response to racist taunting from opponents and fans, to literally being targeted by some opposing white pitchers – Robinson led the league in being hit-by-pitch in 1947 –or to the hostile treatment from members of the press, many of whom were discomforted by what they referred to as the Dodgers’“forced” integration of the national pastime.

By season’s end Robinson had become a hero to millions of Americans from all racial and ethnic backgrounds due to how he responded to this intense public trial by fire For so many Americans, Robinson’s success was the fulfillment of the American promise: that anyone given the opportunity in U.S. society could succeed.

For the complete interview, visit www.stlamerican.com.

travel to Louisville this weekend for a preseason game against the Louisville Fillies. They will open the regular season at home on May 11 against the Kansas Nuggets at 2 p.m. For more information on the Illinois Shooting Stars, you can visit their website at www.ballcharts.com/wbcbl_iss.

Financial Focus

By Courtney Bond

Be aware of risks of NOT investing

You’ve no doubt heard about the risks associated with investing. This investment carries this type of risk, while that investment carries another one. And it is certainly true that all investments do involve some form of risk.

But what about not investing? Isn’t there some risk associated with that, too?

In fact, by staying on the investment sidelines, or at least by avoiding longterm, growth-oriented investments, you may incur several risks. Here are some to consider:

ï You might not keep up with inflation. If you put all your money under the proverbial “mattress,” or, more realistically, you keep it all in “cash” instruments and very short-term investments, you might think you are “playing it safe.” After all, you might reason, your principal is protected, so even if you don’t really make any money, you’re not losing it, either. But that’s not strictly true, because if your money is in investment vehicles that don’t even keep up with inflation, you can lose ground. In fact, even at a relatively mild three percent annual inflation rate, your purchasing power will decline by about half in

just 25 years.

ï You might outlive your money. For a 65-year-old couple, there’s a 50 percent chance that one spouse will live past age 90, according to the Society of Actuaries. This statistic suggests that you may need your investments to help provide enough income to sustain you for two, or even three, decades in retirement.

If your money is in investment vehicles that don’t even keep up with inflation, you can lose ground.

ï You might not be able to maintain your financial independence. Even if you don’t totally run out of money, you could end up scrimping by — or, even worse, you could become somewhat dependent on your grown children for financial assistance. For most people, this prospect is unacceptable. Consequently, you’ll want to make appropriate financial decisions to help maintain your financial independence.

ï You might not be able to retire on your terms. You would probably like to decide when you retire and how you’ll retire — that is, what sort of lifestyle you’ll pursue during retirement. But both these choices may be taken out of your hands if you haven’t invested enough to retire on your own terms.

ï You might not be able to leave the type of legacy you desire. Like most people, you

would probably like to be able to leave something behind to your family and to those charitable organizations you support. You can help create this type of legacy through the appropriate legal vehicles — i.e., a will, a living trust and so on — but you’ll still need to fund these mechanisms somehow. And that means you’ll need to draw on all your financial assets, including your investments. Work with your financial advisor to determine the mixture of growth and income investments you need during your working years and as you move toward retirement to help you meet your retirement goals. However you do it, get into the habit of investing, and never lose it — because the risks of not investing are just too great.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Forfurtherinformation contact Courtney Bond at (314) 731-8188 or 1-800-EDJONES

by

On April 8 Jennings Superintendent Tiffany Anderson and other district officials participated in the groundbreaking for a new $1.4 million sports complex.The funding comes from Proposition J,an $11.5 million bond issue that Jennings voters approved in April 2011.Contractor ATG Sports Industries is committed to 30 percent MBE subcontracts,5 WBE subcontracts and 30 percent minority/women field workforce.

Jennings breaks ground on $1.4M sports complex

30 percent MBE contracts plus workforce goals for minorities, women

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

On April 8 the Jennings School District broke ground on a new $1.4 million sports complex, which will include a new track and field.

On February 25, the Board of Education approved a contract with sports facilities contractor ATG Sports Industries. According to the ATG Sports’ contract, the district’s minority participation goals for the proj-

ect are 30 percent of contracts to minority-owned businesses (MBE), 5 percent of contracts to woman-owned business (WBE) and 30 percent minority/women field workforce.

ATG Sports expects to exceed the district’s minority participation requirements, according to board documents. ATG Sports will be required to report monthly on manpower and amounts paid to MBE/WBE firms.

The funding comes from Proposition J, an $11.5 million bond issue that Jennings voters approved by 61 percent in April 2011. The new complex will make Jennings School District one of only a few high schools east of Interstate 270 to have a modern, outdoor sports complex, district officials said.

cession / restroom facility. Construction is scheduled to begin after the last soccer game in May.

Track and field coach Darryl Williams, who has been involved with the Jennings program for 30 years, said with an 8-lane, Missouri State High School Activities Association-approved track and field facility, Jennings will soon be a sought-out destination for other programs who want to compete on a high-grade surface.

ATG Sports expects to exceed the district’s minority participation requirements, according to school board documents.

Superintendent Tiffany Anderson said the district appreciates the community’s “support for voting for Proposition J and investing in our schools.”

ATG Sports will install a synthetic turf sports field, an all-weather track, goal posts, high jump, pole vault, long jump and a restroom/concession building for a total amount not to exceed $1,403,595.

The track must be reworked to achieve the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s standards for grade tolerances and will have a new rubberized running surface with all the association’s standard stripping and markings. The bleachers will be moved, along with a new con-

“It’s just a wow factor,” Jennings Senior High Principal Dayle Burgdorf said. “The kids are going to be playing on a facility that actually mirrors their competitors’, and so it brings them up to a different playing field.” Prop J funds will also go towards renovating libraries, media centers, science labs, auditoriums and cafeterias in the district’s eight buildings. To increase safety and security, the district will also upgrade cameras and locks, along with making building improvements.

Another major part of the Proposition J is the building addition on Northview Elementary, which will consist of two classrooms and a new library. The cafeteria will be expanded into the old library space. On February 25, the board voted to award the Northview contract to C. Rallo Contracting Company for $1,667,500.

C. Rallo also expects to exceed the minority participation goals, which are the same as the sports complex project.

Photo

Wiley Price

By Danie Rae, Style Broker

I

Carol Daniel tells all

News anchor turns author with ‘All I Ever Wanted’

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

Carol Daniel’s first book, All I Ever Wanted: Relationships, Marriage, Family, is about a woman who knew exactly what she wanted from life by age nine: to be a wife and mother.

“This is about my life,” Daniel said when promoting her book at the Missouri Professional Communicators 75th Anniversary Luncheon. “All that I’ve gone through, I have to testify about that. That I made those bad decisions, but this is how I got to where I am today.”

The KMOX-AM news anchor and former KMOV-TV Great Day St. Louis co-host said three people encouraged her to write a book: St. Louis American Publisher and Executive Editor Donald M. Suggs; her husband Patrick Daniel and her publisher Jo Lena Johnson, founder of Mission Possible Press.

“Every columnist needs to write a book,” she said Suggs told her. “Just

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“We don’t sell a product, we make memories,” said Global Spectrum’s Jim Wynkoop, general manager of Chaifetz Arena. “So hopefully what we can do is make 7,000 great memories or 10,000 great memories every time we do an event.”

Last week marked five years since the new home of the Saint Louis University Billikens opened its doors. Thanks to the nearly 600 events

Genocide survivor to screen film

American staff

Rwanda: Beyond The Deadly Pit, a documentary about the Rwanda massacre, will be screened 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 in the Winifred Moore Auditorium at Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood, with producer/director Gilbert Ndahayo in attendance.

Ndahayo lost 52 members of his close family in the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda that took the lives of more than a million people in the spring

of 1994. His film follows his threeyear journey to locate and confront the men who are believed to have killed his family. The film includes untold stories of the nuns who witnessed the slaughter and rare footage of the alleged perpetrators filmed in a traditional court.

“Ndahayo’s documentary movie is about forgiveness, what happened during the genocide, and how the survivors and perpetrators deal with each other now,”

Gilbert Ndahayo directing Rwanda: Beyond The Deadly Pit, which screens April 23 in the Winifred Moore Auditorium.

See CHAIFETZ, C4

See DANIEL, C4

Lil Wayne, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, Babyface, Teena Marie, Mike Epps, Steve Harvey and Jamie Foxx are just a few of the A-list stars that have graced the stage at Chaifetz in its first five years.

Carol Daniel

Photo by Wiley Price

Hair and Styling: Danie Rae

Make- up and Model: Keisha Reece

Wardrobe Provided by: House of Glam

Photos: Lawrence “LB” Bryant

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com

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

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

concerts

Thur., Apr. 18, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Anat Cohen and Matt Wilson. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314-289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org

Fri., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents GreaterSt. Louis Jazz Festival. The Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour 55th Anniversary Celebration features critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning jazz artists, this all-star band consists of bassist and musical director Christian McBride, vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, saxophonist Chris Potter, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, pianist Benny Green, and drummer Lewis Nash. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 5164949.

Tue., Apr. 23, 7:30 p.m., Notes from Home presents The Joe Mancuso Group Vocal and Instrumental Jazz with Jeanne Trevor, Wendy Gordon, Jim Manley and Larry Johnson. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Apr. 24 – 27, Jazz St. Louis presents The Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org

Wed., Apr. 24, 9 p.m., Blueberry Hills presents Chuck Berry. 6504 Delmar Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 727-4444.

Thurs. Apr. 25, 8:15 p.m., Sheldon Gala featuring Grammy Award Winner Bobby McFerrin, 3648 Washington. For more information, visit

www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Apr. 27, 8:00 p.m., The Sheldon presents Dianne Reeves. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Apr. 27, 8:30 p.m., Peabody Opera House presents Carlos Santana. Santana will be headlining at the Dinner with the Stars. All the money raised will go to Variety Kids. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 499-7600 or visit www.ticketmaster.com

local gigs

Saturdays, 3 p.m., The Kendrick Smith Quartet, Premier Lounge, 5969 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. For more information, call (314)385-5281 or e-mail crusadersforjazz@hotmail.com

special events

Thur., Apr. 18, 8 p.m., Hope Happens presents 9th Annual Evening of Hope feat. Kenji Williams and Bella Gaia. Proceeds will be used to fasttrack collaborative, translational research at the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Thur., Apr. 18, 11 a.m., Recruit St. Louis Alumni Only CareerExpo. MyWorkster pre-selects all the employers to only include the best companies and opportunities in theSt. Louisarea. Alumni are welcome from SLU,Webster,SIUE, SEMO, Maryville,Lindenwood, SIUC, Fontbonne,and Columbia College Missouri. Potential employers include Edward Jones, Equifax,

CALENDAR

Express Scripts, and more. For more information, contact Kelly@myworkster.com.

Thur., Apr. 18, 6 p.m., Centene Charitable Foundation presents Be The Difference – ABenefit for Voices forChildren. 2013 Community Superhero Honorees: Judge Michael D. Burton and Judge Jimmie M. Edwards, with MC Robin Smith of KMOVChannel 4 News. Proceeds benefit Voices for Children’s advocacy for abused and neglected St. Louis children in foster care. Windows on Washington, 1601 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 522-5052.

Apr. 19 – 20, Soorya Performing Arts presents 5th St. Louis Indian Dance Festival. Classical and fold dancers will be coming from India, Canada, Europe, and

America. Clayton High School Auditorium, 1 Mark Twain Circle, 63021. For more information, call (314) 397-5278 or visit www.sooryadance.com.

Sat., Apr. 20, AmeriCorps St. Louis and United Way of GreaterSt. Louis presents 10th Annual St. Louis Serves Day. Citywide day of service comprised of ten “done-in-aday” projects at local non-profit agencies. Available opportunities include gardening, painting, meal preparation for the homeless, and more. Projects are also available for sponsorship by schools or corporate groups. For more information or to register, call (314) 7729002 or visit www.americorpsstl.org.

Sat., Apr. 20, 8 a.m., Lift for Life Gym presents City Mayhem Obstacle Course Challenge. Aunique route along the city streetscape of

ents Women’s Urban Survival: Defeat the Blade. Knife attacks in a real fight are the most fierce, high-speed and terrifying. These assaults mostly blast unexpectedly and are horrific to the victim. Learn how to develop blade awareness, how to overcome the shock of unexpected stabs and how to disarm a blade cutting and stabbing at any distance and position. 5017 Northrup Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 773-4530.

Sat., Apr. 20, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., Family Arena presents Scooby Doo Live Musical Mysteries. 2002 Arena Pkwy., 63303. For more information, call 9636) 896-4205.

Sat., Apr. 20, 3 p.m., Hines Style Image Consultants presents Sprint Into Spring Style Workshop. See the new Spring trends. Learn how to dress for Business Casual. Get the 411 on the new hair and makeup. Learn how to build a great wardrobe. Possibly win a free makeover. 612 North & South, 63130. For more information, call (314) 369-0420.

Sat., Apr. 20, 6 p.m., An Evening at the Zoo for Mound Ridge Retreat Center. Our special guest speaker will be Natalie Bailey with the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group. There will also be live and silent auctions, and prize drawings. Meramec Room at River Camp, St. Louis Zoo, One Government Dr., 63110.

downtown St. Louis. The run starts near the Soulard Market and winds through industrial settings and urban landscapes with a number of gutbusting, fun and unique obstacles along the route. Lift for Life Gym, 1800 S. Broadway, 63104. For more information, visit www.citymayhemrun.com

Sat., Apr. 20, 10:30 a.m., Variety Runway Lights Fashion Show. Featuring the 2013 collection of fashion designer Edward Wilkerson, Design Director of Lafayette 148 New York. The fashion show will kick off Variety Week, April 20-27, 2013, all proceeds benefiting Variety to directly fund programs and equipment for St. Louis children with disabilities. Khorassan Ballroom, Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 720-7707.

Sat., Apr. 20, 1 p.m., St. Louis Combat Institute pres-

Jazz St.Louis presents The Dr.Lonnie Smith Trio.See CONCERTS for details.

Tea. Aspiring princes and princesses will have the opportunity to sip tea or apple juice, dine on assorted pastries, make a bejeweled crown to take home and enjoy a short, live production of Cinderella. Following the play, kids can see their favorite characters up close as Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother visit with guests and sign autographs. Reservations are required. 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 822-8900.

Sun., Apr. 21, 1 p.m., Something New Bridal Fair. With not more than 50 local, small businesses in attendance, you’ll get that one-on-one time with amazing vendors that will help make your big day spectacular and unforgettable. And we’re giving away an all-inclusive free honeymoon to one lucky couple. Moulin Events and Meetings, 2017 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 241-4949.

Sun., Apr. 21, 7 p.m., Fox Concerts and Mills

Entertainment present Theresa Caputo, star of TLC’s Long Island Medium Theresa will give interactive readings to audience members throughout the show and will also share personal stories about her life and her unique gifts. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Mon., Apr. 22, 7 a.m., MERS/Goodwill & St. Louis Cardinals Electronics Recycling Drive. The drive will collect all used electronic devices in addition to general donations. All items will be accepted free of charge, and donors do not need to sort their items prior to dropping them off. Tax receipts for donations will be available at the event. Donors will receive a voucher for a half-priceCardinals ticket offer, restrictions apply. Additionally, participants will receive coupons to Fritz’s Frozen Custard, while supplies

last, and have a chance to meet Fredbird in the morning. Parking Lot C at the corner of 8th and Cerre Street. For more information, call (314) 5368903 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.

Thur., Apr. 25, 6:30 p.m., Metropolitan Congregations United presents Jammin’for Justice. Music by local band Mystic Voyage, playing popular favorites from Motown, 70’s, 80’s, R&B, and Funk. The evening includes a cash bar, appetizers, door prizes, raffles and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the work of MCU. Plush Saint Louis, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 3573484.

Fri., Apr. 26, 3 p.m., Cardinal RitterPrep High School BBQ Fundraiser. We will be serving chicken wings, hamburgers, hotdogs, pork steaks and much more. 701 S. Spring Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 4465502 or visit www.cardinalritterprep.org.

Sat., May 4, 8 p.m., Boogie Nights – Dance Party forthe Decades. 70’s attire encouraged. Cash prize for best outfit. The Legacy Books, Bar & Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 262-2935 or (314) 270-281.

literary

Mon., Apr. 22, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents author Adam Grant, author of Give and Take. This book highlights what effective networking, collaboration, and leadership skills have in common and opens up an approach to success that has the power to transform not just individuals and groups, but entire organizations and communities. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300.

comedy

Apr. 23 – 27, Funny Bone Comedy Club presents Guy Torry. 614 Westport Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 469-6692.

Sat., May 11, 8 p.m., Queen of Comedy Sommore, alongside veteran comedians Bruce Bruce, D.L. Hughley, Tony Rock and Arnez J. star in “The Royal Comedy Tour,” Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

theatre

Apr. 19 – 28, Fri. – Sun., Washington University Performing Arts Department presents In the Next Room (orthe VibratorPlay). The play concerns the early history of the vibrator, when doctors used it as a clinical device to bring women to orgasm as treatment for “hysteria.” Edison Theater, WUSTL, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314)

St.Louis Art Museum presents Exhibiting Blackness: African Americans and the American Art Museum with Dr.Bridget Cooks.See ART for more information.

935-6543 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Apr. 19 – 21, COCA presents Spring Repertory Concert: TRIumphant. COCA’s student companies –COCAdance, Ballet Eclectica and the Hip-Hop Crew – conclude their seasons with work from a range of local and national choreographers. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 7256555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Through April 20, Tower Grove Abbey presents Gypsy: AMusical Fable 2336 Tennessee Ave., 63104. For more information, call (314) 865-1995.

Apr. 23 – May 5, Fox Theatre presents Million DollarQuartet. Inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the

“Father of Rock ‘n’Roll” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. ]Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com

Apr. 25 – May 3, Grandel Theatre presents Smash/Hit! Two best friends try to just get by in their poverty-stricken community and also make it in the tumultuous world of hip-hop. 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 5343810.

arts

Apr. 25 – 26, St. Louis Art Museum presents Gallery Talk: ANew Look at the Galleries of African Art Join us in the galleries for a lively and informative discussion with Olubukola (Bukky) Gbádégesin, Assistant Professor of Art History, Saint Louis University. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 721-0072.

Apr. 26 – 27, St. Louis OutsiderArt Fair2013

Outsider art can loosely be defined as a raw expression from an individual who has had no formal art training, and is less concerned with following mainstream societal norms. The fair will include a broad array of relevant outsider art. Koken Art Factory’s Pingle Building, 2655 Victor 63104. For more information, call (314) 2554038 or visit http://stloutsiderartfair.com.

Fri., Apr. 26, 7 p.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents Art After5 feat. Joan Soriano, Duke of Bachata. Bachata music was born in the impoverished neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic, but today is one of the Caribbean’s most popular styles of music. Joan Soriano has played bachata professionally since he was 13

years old and is known for his melodious voice and charisma. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 721-0072.

Sat., Apr. 27, 10 a.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents Exhibiting Blackness: African Americans and the American Art Museum. In her latest book, Dr. Bridget Cooks analyzes the curatorial strategies, challenges, and the critical reception of African American art in American museums. Following the lecture, Dr. Cooks will be available for a Q&Aand a book signing. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 721-0072.

lectures

Thur., Apr. 18, 6 p.m., National Sales Network presents Sales Boot Camp: Finding YourFormula for Success. Are your numbers where you want them to be for the year? Why not get some additional training to increase your ROI pitch and show your clients why buying from you will change the face of their business! For more information or to register, visit http://www.nsnstlouis.org.

Sat., Apr. 20, 7:15 a.m., National Black MBA Association, St. Louis Chapter presents EntrepreneurThink Tank John Cook School of Business, SLU, 3674 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (636) 2302404 or visit www.stlblackmba.org.

Sat., Apr. 20, 10 a.m., A Kick Start to Being Money Smart Fair, St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, visit www.MoneySmartStLouis.or g or www.facebook.com/MoneyS martSTL

But don’t fret! This is a good thing. Being able to mix and match fabrics, silhouettes and accessories is always intriguing and also easy on the pockets. Instead of having to go and buy a whole new spring closet, just adding a couple of “WOW” or statement pieces to the treasure chest makes it easier to mix and match, turning old outfits into new ones. A nd that is what is sizzling this season. It’s all about being BOLD, ranging from loud complimentary colors to juxtaposing simple black and white.

Fresh hair, fierce face

Not only is it important to transition the wardrobe from Fall to Spring, it’s also time to update the wig and mug. I’ve been telling all my gal pals that are thinking about cutting their crops to take the risk and make the big chop! Spring is time to get used to your new ‘do, before it gets too hot and you regret not being able to throw your hair up in a pony.

“Convertible Cuts” are all the rage. They give you the flexibility to keep your hair in a natural curly state, or switch up to a straight and sleeker option. Either way, the short style not only brings some youth and edginess to the rest of your new look, it also adds to the carefree feeling of Spring.

As far as the face beat (makeup), I’m usually all for the color and the drama. But this season is all about accentuating your natural features. That means, the pasted on eyebrow look is LATE, honey! It’s more about rocking with what you’ve got, instead of creating a whole new face.

But with that said, that doesn’t mean you can’t add a contour and a highlight to bring out your best features, and hide your worst. The makeup shouldn’t make you look “made up.”

Glam go-to’s

For our Spring Fashion shoot, we collaborated with the chic “House of Glam Boutique,” and owner Jamilah was eager to add her stylish two cents about hot fashion must haves for the Spring season.

A Hot BAG! – You don’t have to pay a stack to stunt for the season. Finding a quality bag for Spring can be from a trendy vintage shop to a boutique treasure find.

Stiletto pumps in the club – “Being short, I love to wear a good, quality highheeled shoe that’s going to be comfortable, but swanky enough for me to transition from night until day,” Jamilah

says.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – Just like your handbag, your jewels don’t have to break the bank to make you look expensive! House of Glam offers the latest in jewelry trends, in exclusive quantities.

DRESS to Impress Spring is the time that all the ladies bust out that staple maxi dress. Nothing is wrong with that, but try and switch it up –with different fabrics or pair it with a patterned cardigan or spring time scarf.

All of the featured items can be found at House of Glam’s downtown location, 1426 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103.

CHAIFETZ

Continued from C1

that Chaifetz Arena has hosted since 2008, drawing 1.7 million patrons, the venue has become known as an outlet for entertainment – urban entertainment, in particular.

“When we developed our plans for Chaifetz Arena, we envisioned a world-class facility that would make a world of difference in the lives of our student-athletes, our campus community and the greater St. Louis metropolitan region,” said SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “During these first five years, Chaifetz Arena has surpassed our expectations.”

And although they’ve hosted concerts from every genre, family events, sporting competitions, science fairs, high school commencements and even national gymnastics finals, the Chaifetz has built a niche for itself within the urban entertainment community.

“We’ve seen a great response from the community and a great response from the promoters and the entertainers,” Wynkoop said. “And I don’t know anyone would have expected that five years ago.”

Lil Wayne, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, Babyface,

RWANDA

Continued from C1

said event organizer Olive Mukabalisa, an international relations graduate student from Rwanda.

Ndahayo was 17 when the violence broke out, a young man interested in hip-hop and athletics. On April 10, 1994, Interahamwe (a Hutu militia death squad) stormed a convent where Ndahayo’s parents had sought refuge. The killers ransacked the convent, rounded

DANIEL

Continued from C1

take your columns and put those in a book.”

At the time, she was an award-winning columnist for The American, penning her column nearly every week for nearly 10 years.

Her husband shared Suggs’ opinion. “He always told me that he felt people were inspired by my writing,” Carol said of her husband. “He said that I needed to write and continue to motivate people with a different platform.”

She said the task of revising old columns into book form turned out to be a daunting task. She found help in Johnson, her friend

Teena Marie, Mike Epps, Steve Harvey and Jamie Foxx are just a few of the A-list stars that have graced the stage at Chaifetz over the years. And by next month’s end we can add hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar, St. Louis’ own Angela Winbush, LaVell Crawford and Johnny Gill to the list.

“When we got started, some of the first opportunities were urban type shows, and as a result we have developed a niche or rotation of five or six shows each year,” Wynkoop said.

“We show them that we appreciate their business, and the people of the community have responded by buying tickets. It doesn’t matter how great we are as a building to deal with, if we don’t have tickets sold it doesn’t make sense for them to keep coming back.”

Epps’ 2010 show and Maze’s 2009 were among the biggest sellers, bringing capacity crowds to both.

“We have created a place in the urban entertainment community that has really lived up to and beyond the potential that we thought it had,” Wynkoop said.

Father Biondi always intended the arena to be a “jewel of Midtown,” he said, attracting entertainment patrons from all over the region.

“That was always part of

up about 153 people, including his parents, and murdered them. They then dumped the bodies in a pit and burned the corpses. Ndahayo narrowly survived by running away.

Ndahayo received training as a filmmaker by director Mira Nair (Mississippi Masala) and Misan Sagay, who wrote Oprah Winfrey’s Their Eyes were watching God His debut short Scars Of My Days premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to an audience that included former U.S. President Bill Clinton and President of Rwanda Paul Kagame. He has directed,

and publisher, who took her own inspiration from a higher source.

“God told me I needed to write your book,” Johnson told her.

As for those “bad decisions” from her past, her mother helped turn her around. Rosella Keeler – again, with appeals to a higher source. In the chapter “My Mother’s Love,” Daniel describes how tumultuous relationships with men during her twenties drove a wedge between her and her mother.

“To hear her tell it, I was the one she worried about the most,” Daniel writes. “She tells me now that she was praying for me every night. I’m so happy she’s around to see my life today and know that her prayers were answered.”

In the chapter “Balancing Family and Career,” Daniel

the intention, which is one of the reasons SLU looked to a private management company, Global Spectrum, to manage the arena,” Wynkoop said.”

“You’ve got a great home for SLU basketball and you’ve got a great home for SLU commencement, but if you want to take that next step and become an entertainment destination, they look to us to help facilitate that.”

Chaifetz also is leaving an impression that stretches beyond a good laugh or concert.

“We host a number of community events, high school events and FIRST robotics competitions, which bring 500 prospective engineers on campus, Wynkoop said. “And for many it’s a chance to come on campus for the first time as freshmen, sophomores and juniors to see how it is.” One of the biggest joys for him is being in the memorymaking business.

“The moment that I like the most at a concert or a show is where the crowd is in their seats and there is a bit of a buzz – and then the lights go down,” Wynkoop said. “And the cheer comes up and there’s this anticipation, and I think, ‘Okay, this is why we do this.’” For more information about upcoming shows and events, visit http://thechaifetzarena. com.

co-directed and and/or produced several other films and is planning a trilogy of films and a memoir about the genocide. He is the first Rwandan to be nominated for an African Movie Academy Awards, referred to as the “African Oscars.”

Ndahayo studied history and psychology at Kigali Institute of Education. He migrated to New York City in 2008, and was admitted to Columbia University’s School of the Arts where he is pursuing a Master’s in Fine Arts in film directing.

touches on the challenges of juggling a 30-year broadcasting career while maintaining a marriage for 18 years and raising two sons.

“My mother’s prayers have been answered. I have the wonderful husband, the handsome children and even the awesome career,” she writes. “But I feel like the Vegas act where someone spins a bunch of plates at the same time.”

Daniel will sign copies of her book 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Macy’s at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, Ill. Another meet and greet is planned for 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Macy’s at West County Mall.

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

DRESS to Impress – Spring is the time to switch it up –with different fabrics or pair it with a patterned cardigan or spring time scarf.

Mike Epps is just one of the many A-list artists to grace the stage at the Chaifetz Arena.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

By Melanie Adams

Preserving the past

Museum offers training in oral history technique

The older you get, the more your parents know. I always think of this saying when I am speaking with my mother. Just yesterday I was telling her I wanted to see 42, the movie about Jackie Robinson. She says, “I remember when that happened.”

She says that about most of the civil rights documentaries or movies I bring up. As someone who grew up in Georgia before the end of segregation, my mother has some interesting stories. On Saturday, April 20, the African American Genealogical Society will teach you how to interview your family members and discover their hidden stories. This free program begins at 1 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum.

Doing a good oral history is more than just sitting down, pressing “record” on a recorder and asking a bunch of questions. While interview projects such as StoryCorps have become commonplace, they are not true oral histories. The craft of obtaining oral histories takes time to learn, and even then professionals are always going back and making changes.

One of my favorite books which utilize oral histories is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. She mentions interviewing over 1200 people before deciding on the three she would feature in the book. After selecting those three, she then spent time with them as well as their family and friends to get a complete story.

Oral histories are also an important part of many of the exhibits we do here at the History Museum. Currently we have the exhibit, Between Two Worlds, which focuses on the coming home stories of veterans from World War I through the conflict in Afghanistan.

This exhibit was developed and curated by our Teens Make History exhibit team. This is a group of local teens who researched and developed their own exhibit from start to finish with the guidance of Museum staff. In addition to selecting the theme, helping install the artifacts, and writing the label copy, the teens did all of the oral interviews that make up the bulk of the exhibit.

Before sending them out to interview veterans, we trained the teens on how to prepare for their interviews and get the information they needed to

The Missouri History Museum’s current exhibit, Between Two Worlds, was developed and curated by the museum’s Teens Make History exhibit team. This is a group of local teens who researched and developed their own exhibit from start to finish with the guidance of museum staff.

tell the veteran’s story. Like many adults who do an interview for the first time, the teens realized it is a lot harder than it looks.

The African American Genealogical Society realizes the importance of oral histories in both maintaining and sharing African American history. As we move further and further from the important events of the Civil Rights Movement, there are fewer people who have first-hand knowledge of the events. While there will always be books and documentaries with first-hand knowledge, it is stunningly different when you hear the story from the perspective of a family member.

An example of this first-hand knowledge was on display with another component of our Teens Make History program, but this time with the theater group. They were performing their play, “Shaking up the Status Quo,” about the lunch counter sits-in at Stix Baer Fuller, for a group of students. At the end of the play the grandmother of one of the students mentioned that she had been involved in the sit-ins and started telling her granddaughter about her experience. While this wasn’t a formal oral history, it is a great example of how even casual opportunities can turn into the setting for an impromptu oral history.

I encourage everyone who is interested in learning about how to preserve a family’s past using oral histories to attend this workshop. You might just find out your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles know more than you thought.

Oral History Techniques

Saturday, April 20, 1 p.m.

AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room FREE

Between Two Worlds:

Veterans Journey Home Opened April 13 FREE

Exhibiting Blackness

Exhibiting Blackness: African Americans and the American Art Museum

Saturday, April 27

Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd

9:00 am FAAA Members Breakfast Reception 10:00 am Public Lecture, Discussion, and Book Signing

Join the Saint Louis Art Museum for a fascinating journey through the history of American Art Museum exhibitions. On Saturday, April 27 at the Regional Arts Commission, Dr. Bridget R. Cooks, scholar of African American art and culture, will present research behind her best-selling book, Exhibiting Blackness: African Americans and American Art Museum.

The Art Museum was established in 1879 as the St. Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts, an independent entity within Washington University, located downtown on the corner of Lucas Place and 19th Street. In 1901, the city approved that the central pavilion of the Art Palace planned for the Louisiana Purchase Centennial Exposition would be a permanent structure and become the Art Museum’s home following the 1904 Fair. Since 1906, the Art Museum has been located in Forest Park atop Art Hill in what is fondly referred to as the Cass Gilbert building, in honor of the architect.

patron of the arts, and the first African American Rhodes Scholar. Locke convinced real estate mogul William E. Harmon to invest in Negro creativity. In 1922, the Harmon Foundation was founded with one of its goals being “to recognize and promote the overlooked achievements of Negros, and to respond to the increase of racial tension in America.” As one might expect, organizing separate exhibitions for Negro artists was met with criticism; however, the exhibitions were successful in offering exposure for Negro artists.

Dr. Bridget Cooks will discuss the curatorial strategies, challenges, and critical receptions of some of the most significant museum exhibitions of African American art. She will examine the unequal and often contested relationships between African American artists, curators, and visitors as she provides insight into the complex role of art museums and their accountability to the cultures they represent. Dr. Cooks will frame the context of exhibitions of art by African Americans by examining several exhibitions from the late 1920s to the present. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Bridget R. Cooks, PhD is associate professor of art history and African American studies at the University of California-Irvine. She has worked in museum education at the National Gallery of Art, among other institutions, and has curated several exhibitions of African American art. Dr. Cooks has received numerous awards, grants, and fellowships including the prestigious Henry Luce Dissertation Fellowship in American Art in 2000.

Since its opening in 1879, the Art Museum has collected fine works of art from around the world, across all time periods as well presented hundreds of celebrated special exhibitions.

In July 1929, the Art Museum hosted its first exhibition of African American art. Titled, Paintings by American Negro Artists, the traveling exhibition was organized by the Harmon Foundation. The Foundation was the brainchild of Alain Locke, writer, philosopher, scholar,

We encourage you to make your reservations today to join us at the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, 6128 Delmar Blvd on Saturday, April 27 at 10 am. Please pre-register by emailing bearden@slam.org or calling 314 -655-5373. This FREE program is sponsored by Saint Louis Art Museum and Des Lee Professorship in Art Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Bridget R. Cooks, PhD

Birthdays

MotherKayte Ward turned 70 on April 2. Family, friends, her Church members (Pleasant Green) and community leaders gathered for a surprise birthday party on April 6. Three of her siblings from Memphis, Nashville and Bolivar, Tennessee (her hometown) were in attendance. We love you Ma! From Kel (Donna), Kaylon and Keyon Ward.

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Yvonne C. Johnson celebrated her 82nd birthday on April 13. We love you! Thank you for being so much to so many.

Reunions

Shirley A. Williams is blessed to celebrate her 72nd birthday on April 16. To God be the glory.

Happy 45th birthday DeVera Evonne Johnson on April 17! Love, your Mom, family & friends.

Committee is diligently planning our special 40-year reunion in June 2014.Contact dyj54@yahoo.com to be added to the class Facebook page to stay informed.For additional information, contact:314-4065354 or 618-580-2006.

Beaumont Class of 1968, 45year reunion, June 14-16, 2013 at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel in Westport. Please pass the word on to others who are out of town. Contact: Vanetta at 314869-5665 or Ruby 314-7410260.

East St. Louis SeniorHigh Class of 1974:The Steering

Clifton “Bone” Lewison — April 16

Helen Nash April 17

Laheeta Jones (34) — April 17

Happy birthday to our grandmother, Carolyn Dorsey Jones on April 17. You are a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife and friend!

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

Black Alumni Association will host the 23rd Anniversary Ernest A. Callow Jr. Prayer Breakfast Reunion on Saturday, April 27, 2013, 9 am at the Busch Student Center: St. Louis Room (20 N. Grand). Honoring: 2013 Distinguished Black Alumni Award recipient Katie Harper Wright, Ed.D; Guest Speaker: Tishaura Jones, City of St. Louis Treasurer. Cost: $50/person. Register online: alumni.slu.edu/prayerbreakfast13. For more info contact: 314-977-2250 or alumni@slu.edu. Proceeds benefit the Dr. Celerstine Briggs Johnson Book Fund.

SumnerHigh School Class of 1973 will have its 40th class reunion the weekend of June 7-9. If you have not received a newsletter please contact Marsha Joseph-Williams (314606-8701), Dorris SimmonsAll reunion announcements can be viewed

Northwest High School Class of 1973, planning is underway for the 40-year reunion! The reunion is planned for July 1921, 2013. Send your email address, phone and mailing address to northwesths1973@gmail.com Information has also been posted on Classmates.com and Facebook Group: Northwest High School 1973.If you have questions feel free to call Cornelia Clark Stephens at 314 580-1114. Stay Tuned! Saint Louis University & The

SumnerAlumni Association: 6th Scholarship Luncheon, Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Renaissance Airport Hotel, noon–4 p.m. This year’s lunch-

eon will feature a Fashion Show. $50/person. For more information, please contact Betty Louis at 314.385.9843 or bettysumner76@yahoo.com Save the dates: June 15 or June 16, The Dick Gregory Show. 25% of ticket sales SOLD by the alumni association will benefit The Sumner Alumni Association’s Scholarship Fund. Contact person: B. Louis (314) 385-9843 or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com *Date, Time, VIPSeating and Door Prices to be determined later.

McGhaw (314-541-2462) or you can email your contact info to club73bulldogs@gmail.com Also, you can inbox Sid S. Shurn or Dorris on Facebook.

Vashon 1943 classes will celebrate their 70th reunion on June 21-22, 2013, at the Hilton St. Louis Airport, 10330 Natural Bridge Road. For more information, please contact Beatrice (Anderson) Bell: jaybee47@swbell.net; (314) 9185973; P.O. Box 31830, St. Louis, MO 63138; or Alonzo Bouie, (314) 385-1937.

WebsterGroves Class of 1973: 40th Reunion Celebration. Labor Day weekend. Contact Bruce Norman at 314-968-1048 or brucecnorman@charter.net.

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday.

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

Scooda: on the grind for Christ

Also, Rev. Duvall to celebrate 55 years of marriage

American staff

St. Louis-based holy hiphop artist Scooda has released his first single in 2013, “What I Do,” a fun, old school track that features DJ MayDay, a disc jockey from Springfield, Illinois, produced by J-Boogie (Key Kat Productions).

In this song, Scooda lets the listeners know how he used to be in life, flirty, disobedient and just a bad person, compared to how he lives now: smart, fun, laid back and, most importantly, saved.

“I used to be a horrible person, flirting with any and every woman I would see, cursing, lying to people – until I accepted Jesus Christ in my life,” Scooda says.

“That is what changed me and helped me to be the man I am today. I just want to help spread the good news of Jesus. If He can change me, He can change anyone.”

Scooda has been doing Christian hip-hop for 10 years, not only creating music but supporting other Christian artists as a co-host of the CBC Radio Show on Hallelujah 1600AM. Scooda has also hosted his own internet radio show and is in the process of putting together another radio show. With success from older hits such as “Romans 12:2,” “Ministry” and “New New,” Scooda has had the opportunity to open for such name artists as Trip Lee, Mali Music, Kel Mitchell, Da T.R.U.T.H. and JSon. He also made an appearance on national television via TBN (Trinity

Broadcasting Network) and has appeared on various radio stations across the U.S. When not on the music grind, Scooda takes the time to spend with his wife and children. For more information about Scooda, please visit http:// www.iamscooda.com.

Pastor celebrates 55 years of marriage

Rev. Clarence James Duvall was born on April 17, 1923 in

St. Louis. He was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools, attending Marshall Elementary and Sumner High School. He has served in the United States Coast Guard and following his discharge attended Bishop College in Marshall, Texas; Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis and Central College in Kansas City, Kansas. In June, Rev. Duvall is looking forward to celebrating 55 years of marriage to his loving wife, Jo-Ann. He is the proud father of six children, Victor (Lyn), Monica, Karen, Rev. Clarence Duvall Jr.

(Karen), Leslie and Rev. Philip Duvall (Celeste). He is the doting Poppy to his eight grandchildren Cobee, Angela, George (Bessi), Valyn, Alisha, Alana, Liberty and Serenity and two great-grandchildren, Hassan and Leilani.

Rev. Duvall was baptized at First Baptist Church in St. Louis by Dr. Bracey. After hearing the call of God he was led to begin his Ministry in 1948 at Friendship Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. During his ministry he has served as Pastor of Dickerson Memorial Community Church and First Baptist Church of Ballwin. In 1964 he was called to Pastor the Fifth Missionary Baptist Church, where he served diligently for 40 years, retiring in 2004.

While carrying out his ministry he was also employed by the U.S. Postal Service; Project Incorporated, where he successfully placed many handicapped youth and young adults in various jobs; and the National Personnel Records Center.

Some of his many accolades include receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Western Bible College, Kansas City, MO; being elected as Moderator of the Berean Missionary Baptist District Association; and serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Western Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri.

In retirement he continues to serve as Pastor Emeritus of Fifth Missionary Baptist Church. As a pastor, husband, father and friend he continues to preach and teach the Gospel; encouraging everyone to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Teach me Your ways O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; untie my heart to fear your name” (Psalm 86:11) and “cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You” (Psalm 143:8).

Can you start afresh? GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS.

Sometimes we just need to clear away the clutter in our mind so we can see clearly what is worthwhile. We will be amazed at how easy it is when we are no longer distracted by things we don’t need.

No experience in your life is ever wasted or in vain if you give all your cares to the Lord. “Casting the whole of your care, all of your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all, on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully” (1 Peter 5:7).

Even if your fragmented life looks like an abandoned battlefield, Jesus can reshape all the pieces of your past into something beautiful. He can “gather up now the fragments so that nothing may be lost or wasted” (John 6:12).

God sets us free from fear, insecurity, emotional addiction and the bondage of a deep-rooted sense of rejection. Then He makes us whole, fruitful, and happy so that we can enjoy healthy

loving relationships. We need inner strength to keep from being overwhelmed by outward circumstances. Allow God to remold you into His image of Christ. Life can be difficult but we have a choice as to how we respond to our troubles … make the choice to rejoice. Can you say, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18)? Learn to rely on the wisdom, justice, and sovereignty of God. Learn to trust God amid injustice, suffering, and loss … live by faith in God alone. Praising God in our trials turns burdens into blessings. If you are listening to God’s voice, then hear Him tell you right now that you are special; all of the dividing walls have been broken down in Christ … God will help you be all you can be. “So don’t throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised” (Hebrews 10:35). Work deliberately on the certainty that what you are looking for is going to transpire. God has a powerful plan for your life and He is not going to be worsted.

• Explore professional development opportunities – learn how to create a resume and how to fill out online job applications.

• Get introduced to the Internet and computers with classes in basic computer skills, keyboarding, Microsoft products and more!

• Learn about computer safety, sharing photos online, and personal/professional social networking.

• Get your questions answered immediately by our on-site lab assistants.

or stop by our learning centers located in North St. Louis City and County to register for the classes you want.Take each course as many times as you need!

Karroll Ewing

St. Louis-based Christian hip-hop artist Scooda is also co-host of the CBC Radio Show on Hallelujah 1600AM.

American staff

Donors sponsorscholarships at Harris-Stowe ST. LOUIS A

College sophomore Drake Hall graduated from Webster Groves High School with a 3.8 grade point average. Because of his grades, he was inundated with college options. He chose to attend Harris-Stowe State University not only because it was close to home, but he was offered the Henry Givens Jr. Scholarship, which, covered his tuition, books, fees and room and board.

Now, a sophomore who serves as a residence hall assistant, Hall is considered one of HSSU’s bright and shining stars, as he continues to excel academically. He will bring the occasion at this year’s scholarship ceremony, an annual tradition that highlights university donors and showcases students who will be financially rewarded for their educational achievements.

Also, job fairs and salary negotiation workshops

University.

In 2010, Marguerite’s husband, Anthony Notorangelo, donated $25,000 to HSSU to establish the renewable scholarship, and each year since the contribution, one student has received $3,000 per semester.

Drake Hall, a sophomore who serves as a residence hall assistant, is considered one of HSSU’s bright and shining stars, as he continues to excel academically.

Marguerite Bieler Notorangelo, who grew up on a dairy farm in Ferguson, Missouri, graduated from Harris Teachers College in 1940. Realizing at a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher, Harris was the perfect choice for her, as it was considered the best option for aspiring educators during that time. While at Harris, she played basketball and joined a sorority. She was hired as a teacher by the St. Louis Public Schools and later by the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

At Notorangelo’s 90th birthday party, she was honored with a scholarship in her name – The Marguerite Bieler Notorangelo Educators Scholarship – for students majoring in teacher education at Harris-Stowe State

Donor Gwendolyn Downs never attended college, but she and her husband Roger have always deemed education an important part of an individual’s success. Based on criteria that she and her family set, she annually gives to HSSU via two scholarships that she established in two of her brotherin-law’s names. Additionally, she takes it one step further and donates a car every two years to a deserving single mother who is working toward her bachelor’s degree. The need for committed donors like the Notorangelo and Downs family is now greater than ever before, as overall college fundraising – especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities – is struggling due to the economy. More than 93 percent of HSSU students rely on some form of financial aid, therefore, raising additional funds to assist students with matriculating and persisting through college is a major university priority. Implementing new tuition structures, such as offering up to 16 credit hours for the same rate as a 12 credit-hour load helps students take more classes without added expenses and eventually graduate faster.

Corporations such as Anheuser-Busch and Peabody Energy have been long-time supporters of the award ceremony, as well as entities such as the HSSU Alumni Association and the Fox Family Foundation.

Food festival for scholarships

The Hazelwood School District PTACouncil is hosting its second annual food festival, Taste of North County. The event will take place on

Saturday, April 20 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Hazelwood Central High School, located at 15875 New Halls Ferry Road, in Florissant. Participants will be able to taste an array of samples from a variety of restaurants located

throughout North County. There will be live performances during the event by HSD student groups. All proceeds from this event will benefit the HSD PTACouncil Scholarship Committee to support scholarship funds for graduating seniors. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 per child (4-13 years old); free admission for children (3 years old and younger).

If you have a restaurant or catering company and wish to be a vendor at this event, please contact Steven Cook at teachsc@yahoo.com or Sonia Smith at iam4real73@sbcglobal.net.

Job fair for certified teachers

St. Louis Public School District is hosting a job fair for

certified teachers Saturday, April 20, 8–10 a.m. with interviews running 10:15 a.m. -3:15 p.m. at the Gateway Complex, #4 Gateway Dr. Candidates will need a Bachelor’s Degree or higher and Missouri Certification or Proof of Eligibility for Certification. Applicants are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume, certification, and/or passing Praxis scores. The district anticipates more than 350 teaching vacancies for the 2013-2014 academic school year.

Pre-Registration for the job fair is requested and can be done online by visiting www.slps.org/hiringfair. For more information, contact the St. Louis Public School District’s Human Resources Division at 314-345-2295. For certificated teachers who are unable to attend the Job Fair, but are interested in obtaining a teaching position, applications are being accepted online by visiting www.slps.org/careers.

Career Fair

Extravaganza

Northside Youth And Senior Service Center, Inc. is hosting the 2nd Annual Job & Career Fair on April 24 at the Taylor Science Center, located at 4900 Manchester, from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Job seekers are encouraged to bring several copies of their resumes, to dress professionally and to be prepared for on-the-spot interviews by prospective employers. Employers and job seekers requiring more information may contact Florence Coleman at 314-531-4161 or visit www.nsyssc.com.

Salary negotiation workshop

YWCAMetro St. Louis is hosting a salary negotiation workshop on Saturday, April 27.Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the workshop is from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. It will be held at the YWCA Metro St. Louis, 3820 West Pine Blvd. on the campus of Saint Louis University.The interactive workshop is designed to give women the confidence and skills needed to reenter the workforce and earn fair compensation.The workshop is free but space is limited. Register online at www.ywcastlouis.org/empow erment-ReturnSmart or call 531-1115.

Vanessa Foster-Cooksey,senior director of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch, presents a Harris-Stowe State University business student with his award certificate.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

The St. Lunatic family was deep in the building to help Kyjuan celebrate his annual “Kyjuanderful” birthday weekend. Things kicked off Friday night at Soho where Murphy Lee and Ali joined a host of STL stars who came through to show Kyjuan some love.

A Kyjuanderful weekend. What by all outward appearances seemed to be a slow motion weekend was quietly turned up… thanks in part to the annual b-day festivities of St. Lunatic Kyjuan. He traveled from the Mangrove, to North County and wrapped things up in the city Sunday with a comedy show at The Loft (Hot Sauce and Jovan Bibbs got all the way in) . At some point just about anybody who is or wants to be somebody was showing love to Kyjuan at his parties. If I had to pick a favorite of the three sets he threw, I’ll go ahead and give it to Kyweezy’s kick-off party over at Soho. All types of power players – like Topher, Hot 104.1’s Staci Static, Keith from Koncepts, Keenan Harris and his fellow St. Lunatics showed up and showed out with Soho absolutely on swole. Can anyone give me the identity of the young woman in the bra top and stunner shades who was completely asleep?

I’m talking stage four Lunesta style doze. Even though the fact that the spot is obviously not built for tearing the club up, the folks fell in and followed suit. My shoulders took a bruising – and I was irked by the idea that the phrase “excuse me” must be so 2008 – but it was worth it.

A new Cuetopia. The opening weekend of Cuetopia 2 also had the folks –including me – perched up in North County for the whole doggone weekend. Things kicked off Thursday with a grand opening that was no small affair as The Dirty Muggs did their thing on stage and folks got their billiards and their boogie on. It was more of the same on Friday night with a red carpet affair and once again on Saturday with Kyjuan and ‘nem. The vibe was grown, but far from elderly. Now this has nothing to do with the club, but those folks really parked any old kind of way on the strip mall. I’m going to charge it to the game of folks being so excited to get up in there that they just put the car in park, grabbed their pool cue and made their way to the door – I’m talking sideways, frontways, double…shoot even triple parking.. and all the way up on the curb. Dear patrons, it only takes a few seconds to make polite parking decisions so that everyone can have room to pull in and party. There, I said it. Okay, back to Cuetopia 2…y’all should check it out. I haven’t had a county spot in my regular rotation in a minute and Cuetopia 2 just might be in the mix from this point forward.

Bad Girl’s night at the Office. Since nothing seems to bring the crowd out like a RTBWA (reality TV beauties with attitudes) I assumed that the Office would be on overload thanks to a visit by Gia of The Oxygen Network’s “Bad Girls Club.” Well…, I’ll just go ahead and say that it wasn’t busting at the seams by any means. Maybe a Basketball wife, Love & Hip Hop or a Real Housewife would be a better buy, because by the looks of things folks haven’t been checking for a “Bad Girl” since Natalie Nunn. That being said, Gia was nice enough and seemed to be into having a good time, so I give her some major points for congeniality. But the true star of the night in my opinion was the anonymous grand diva supreme tearing the roof off the sucka in her grocery store assistant manager uniform. This wonderful woman was turned all the way up and with one look dared anyone to say a word about her button down blouse? Who was she and what did she do in the three hours between when her grocery store closed and the club opened – besides NOT washing up or changing? With nerve like that she’s the one that needs to at least make her mark in the reality show hustle.

Even though I spent the bulk of my time at the Office equally amused and obsessed with Aldirina, I must get back to the rest of the party. It was cute enough, but I expected more folks to be in the building. Shout out to Triky of Close To Famous and Tre of Major Brands for making a girl feel extra welcome!

From front to back at Lola. I stopped by Free Friday at Lola as my last spot of the evening and witnessed the biggest optical illusion in all my days of beating the streets on the nightlife scene. The front part of the club was empty boots! But, just as I was about to do an about face towards the exit I looked to my left towards the stairway and saw the tail end of the spot was _____________(insert new slang for “poppin’ like dynamite”). I walked towards the action and was swept up into a groove that kicked off by the ladies room and led all the way out the back door. DJ Nune had the folks getting their life – in total contrast to what was going down in the front half. And when the body heat would get too much for the folks, they would ease up front to catch their breath and head back into the heart of the action. I said all of that to let you know that if you roll by Lola on a Friday night and ride past because it looks empty, be sure to come full circle and ride down the Washington Ave. side before you make up your mind.

Shape shifting the Rustic Goat. It’s official: the new urban evening hotspot is not necessarily a club at all. But the restaurant-turned-prime-partyvenue property proved itself once again Saturday night with an at-capacity crowd for the latest Shift 58 set. Darius Chapman was also on deck to celebrate his birthday and his stable of power player friends and acquaintances made for an interesting mix of folks that jammed into the Goat to get it in. It got so hectic that folks could only go in four at a time out of fear that the fire marshal would get involved. I’m not going to even try to really get into naming names, but Fox2’s Anthony Keikow, STLTV’s Tim Lampley and Shift 58 folks Cornell Boone and DJ Jo Prima were among the first folks I saw. The night was absolutely perfect for people watching, but surely gave the blues to folks who don’t feature heavy crowds.

A suit and tie b-day. It’s a week or so away (as in Apr. 26) but oh so spiffy Larry

is going extra classy with his “Suit and Tie” b-day celebration

Blue

The Dirty Muggs tore the roof off the all-new Cuetopia 2 when they performed during the grand opening party and posed with co-owners Ebony Benson and Nicole Vanderhook Thursday night

Marlon Lee and Shift 58’s Cornell Boone were in the building as Darius Chapman celebrated his big day Saturday night @ The Rustic Goat

CTF’s Tricky and Tre of Smirnoff teamed up to bring in Gia Bianca Oxygen Network’s ‘Bad Girls Club’ in the building Friday @ The Office

Happy Birthday to Eric Galloway, who celebrated with his lovely wife Lynn and friends Saturday @ Club After Nites Photo by Maurice Meredith

Ashley and Andrea were on board for a ‘so St. Louis’ night thanks to Kyjuan’s b-day bash Friday night @ Soho

James and Suge holding down the door Saturday night as they spent the weekend celebrating the grand opening of Cuetopia2

DA, Hot 104.1’s Staci Static and comedian Sean Larkins hanging out in the VIP before Sean’s performance Sunday night @ The Rustic Goat

Tasha and Leon O’Hara of the Paradigm Group popped in @ The Rustic Goat to show birthday love to Darius Chapman

On the day before he jumped the broom (congrats to him and his new wife Janel), Tony Vega managed to kick it with his partner MC for their weekly Relax and Breathe set Friday night @ EXO

Robert and Bea partied the night away as they took part in the first night of Kyjuan’s b-day weekend Friday night @ Soho

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Minority cancerawareness

By Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Although cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for both blacks and whites, nothing provokes as much anxiety as the fear of cancer. Over the years, I have found patients to be somewhat more compliant with recommendations if they believe it will decrease their likelihood of developing some dreaded malignancy, even though they are more likely to die from heart disease. April 15-21 is National Minority Cancer Awareness Week. Therefore, I thought we should spend a little time discussing a few familiar and not so familiar cancers that affect African Americans.

When was the last time you used sunscreen? So many people of color are unaware that even they need to use some type of protection from the sun on their skin. Although, skin cancers are more commonly found in whites, it is not unheard of in blacks. The great reggae legend Bob Marley actually died of metastatic melanoma which initially started as a lesion underneath his nail bed. Only half of the melanomas found in African Americans are found at an early stage. Therefore patients and healthcare providers alike need to be vig-

ilant about assessing the “ABCD’s” of skin lesions: is the lesion asymmetrical, are the borders irregular, does the lesion have various shades of color, and is the lesion getting bigger (diameter). When in doubt, consult your provider.

One of my favorite gifts to give my patients for their 50th birthday is a referral for a colonoscopy. I’m sure they were expecting something a little more elaborate but what better gift than one that could potentially be lifesaving.

Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States and is most often found in people over the age of 50. Per the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, if everyone 50 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60% of deaths from colorectal cancers could be prevented. Furthermore, if you had a first degree relative with colon cancer you would need to be screened earlier than the general recommendation.

“Save the Ta Ta’s” is the new politically incorrect slogan for some breast cancer awareness t-shirts I’ve seen recently worn by younger women.

Because of organizations like Susan G. Komen and its yearly Race to Cure events, knowledge regarding breast cancer and screening recommendations has definitely improved over the last decade. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in American women. Because African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at much later stages of the disease, the breast cancer death rate is 41% higher in black women as compared to whites even though the incidence of breast cancer is lower.

Studies have shown that mammography (breast x-ray) is used much less frequently in black women than whites and the mammograms are not performed on a standard routine schedule like in whites. There are several well documented healthcare disparities in regards to breast cancer. For example, studies have found that once black women have an abnormal mammogram, her diagnosis is more likely to be delayed unlike white women. In addition, the most difficult to treat subtype of breast cancer, triple negative, is the one more commonly found in black women. Disparities are also seen in the type of treatment received by black and white women. Within 30 days of diagnosis, white women are more likely to begin treatment.

Depending on which national organization you consult, mammograms should be performed yearly beginning at age 40. Women with a first degree relative with

breast cancer should be screened sooner. The United States Preventative Task Force is now recommending against women doing self-breast exams but most other organizations continue this recommendation. I personally see no harm in women being familiar with their bodies and alert to changes such as a mass, bloody nipple discharge, or dimpling of the skin. If such changes are found, contact your provider immediately.

There has also been a lot of discussion recently regarding the PSAtest and should we be performing such tests in men. The USPTF actually recommends against checking this test because they report that men were undergoing too many invasive procedures for such a slow growing cancer. Many physicians, particularly those that care for African American men, are skeptical of those recommendations. African American men are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages of prostate cancer.The current recommendation states that providers should be discussing with men the option to have the test or not. In my practice, we talk about the recommendation but I strongly encourage the patient to consider the test and the rectal exam. Therefore, this month I encourage you to discuss with your doctor which screening tests are appropriate for you. In regards to cancer prevention, you must deliberately be proactive.

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

YourHealth Matters

Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American April 18, 2013

YourHealth Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Sylvia Alexander is an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association’s faith-based initiative at Bethesda Temple Church in Normandy, Mo.A retired licensed practical counselor, Alexander is the full time caregiver for her mom and her dad,who are living with dementia.

Faith-based efforts underway for Alzheimer’s awareness, support

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

More than 50 churches are partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association of St. Louis to bring awareness and education about this form of disease to the African American community.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, causing problems and difficulty with memory, thinking and behavior. These particular memory-related problems are not a normal part of aging. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s usually develop slowly and get progressively worse

Through speaking with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Multicultural Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Damper about bringing faith-based outreach at her church, Alexander discovered that her own family dynamics could benefit from a care consultant.

over time, severe enough to interfere with daily tasks – to the point where affected persons are unable to take care of themselves.

Sylvia Alexander is an ambassador for the association’s faith-based initiative at Bethesda Temple Church in Normandy, Mo. It’s part of Bethesda’s Christian Family Cure ministry. Alexander’s personal story makes her both an unlikely and a uniquely qualified Ambassador. A retired licensed practical counselor, Alexander is the full time caregiver for her mom and her dad, who are living with dementia.

Through speaking with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Multicultural Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Damper about bringing faith-based outreach at her church, Alexander discovered that her own family dynamics could benefit from a care consultant.

“She showed how the Alzheimer’s Association can assist families with people who have various types of dementia and primarily the Alzheimer’s because it is the most prevalent of all of them,”

See ALZHEIMER’S, page 5

Photo by Wiley Price

HEALTH BRIEFS

Acting out dreams linked to dementia development

Newswise – The strongest predictor of whether a man is developingdementia with Lewy bodies – the second most common form of dementia in the elderly –is whether he acts out his dreams while sleeping, according to Mayo Clinicresearchers in Minnesota and Florida. Patients are five times more likely to have dementia with Lewy bodies if they experience a condition known asrapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorderthan if they have one of the risk factors now used to make a diagnosis, such as fluctuating cognition or hallucinations, the study found.

The findings were being presented at theannual meeting of the American Academy of Neurologyin San Diego. REM sleep behavior disorder is caused by loss of the normal muscle paralysis that occurs during REM sleep. It can appear three decades or more before a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies is made in males, researchers said. The link between dementia with Lewy bodies and the sleep disorder is not as strong in women, they added.

“While it is, of course, true that not everyone who has this sleep disorder develops dementia with Lewy bodies, as many as 75 to 80 percent of men with dementia with Lewy bodies in our Mayo database did experience REM sleep behavior disorder. So it is a very powerful marker for the disease,” said lead investigator Melissa Murray, Ph.D., a neuroscientist atMayo Clinic in Florida.

The study’s findings could improve diagnosis of this dementia, which can lead to beneficial treatment, Murray said.

For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/clf4ze3.

Lewy Body Dementia is caused by a build up of alpha-synuclein protein inside the nuclei of neurons in areas of the brain that control memory and motor control. Symptoms include cognitive decline,“fluctuations”in alertness and attention (frequent drowsiness,lethargy,lengthy periods of time spent staring into space,or disorganized speech);recurrent visual hallucinations;and loss of motor function (rigidity and loss of spontaneous movement). Persons may also suffer from depression. LBD is one of the most common types of progressive dementia.

Early surgical menopause linked to declines in memory, thinking skills

Newswise –Women who undergo surgical menopause at an earlier age may have an increased risk of decline in memory and thinking skills, according to a study recently released at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

Early surgical menopause is the removal of both ovaries before natural menopause and often accompanies a hysterectomy.

“While we found a link between surgical menopause and thinking and memory decline, women on longer hormone replacement therapies had slower declines,” said study author Riley Bove, MD, with Harvard Medical School in Boston. “Since hormone replacement therapy is widely available, our research raises questions as to whether these therapies have a protective effect against cognitive decline and whether women who experience early surgical menopause should be taking hormone replacement therapies afterward.”

of 53 and 100 participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Of those, 33 percent had undergone surgical menopause. The women were given several types of tests that measured thinking skills and memory. Researchers also recorded age at the start of menstruation, years of menstrual cycles and use and length of hormone replacement therapies. The study found that among women who underwent surgical menopause, earlier age of the procedure was associated with a faster decline in long-term memory related to concepts and ideas, in memory that relates to time and places and in overall thinking abilities. The results stayed the same after considering factors such as age, education and smoking. This same association was not seen in women who underwent natural menopause.

SSM to expand health services in three Missouri counties

SSM Health Care is adding and upgrading locations in St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln Counties in Missouri. SSM reports it will make an $180 million investment over the next several years.

“We know that people want health care services that are convenient, fully coordinated and highly personalized with a single point of contact managing their care,” said Chris Howard, president/CEO of SSM Health Care – St. Louis. We are committed to creating this new patient experience.”

This includes a redesign of the campus at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake Saint Louis with a new patient tower with 70 additional beds expanded parking; a new state-of-the-art emergency department and outpatient center at SSM St. Joseph Health Center – Wentzville; additional urgent care sites and new state-of-theart outpatient campus in eastern St. Charles. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com.

ACS seeks contributors to latest National Cancer Prevention study

The American Cancer Society is looking for men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer to participate in the ACS Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). The study will enroll 300,000 people across the United States and Puerto Rico. Here in St. Louis, local residents can enroll in CPS-3 in partnership with St. Louis’top employers UMB Bank, Edward Jones, Centene Corporation, Maritz Holding, Inc., KPMG, Monsanto and Siteman Cancer Center during April 23 – May 2.

CPS-3 will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

After scheduling an appointment, enrollment is a two-step process; completion of a comprehensive lifestyle and behavioral survey related to health, and an in-person enrollment process. They will measure waist circumference and collect a small blood sample from participants. ACS will send periodic follow-up surveys every few years to individuals to update their information and annual newsletters with study updates and results.

Researchers will use the data from CPS-3 to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s that collectively have involved millions of volunteer participants. Previous studies confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, demonstrated the link between larger waist size and increased death rates from cancer and other causes, and showed the considerable impact of air pollution on heart and lung conditions.

The study included 1,837 women between the ages

There was also a significant association between age at surgical menopause and the plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information or to enroll, go online at cancerstudymo.org; call 888-604-5888; or email cps3@cancer.org.

Photo by Ryan McVay

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

ï Memory loss that disrupts daily life

ï Challenges in planning or solving problems

ï Difficulty completing familiar tasks

ï Confusion with time or place

ï Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

ï New problems with words when speaking or writing

ï Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

ï Decreased or poor judgment

ï Withdrawal from work or social activities

ï Changes in mood or personality

Source:Alzheimer’s Association

ALZHEIMER’S

Continued from A1

Alexander said. “We had a care consult and she presented the financial component…the medical component, the doctors that you can consult with…the educational component and there’s a respite as well.”

From that, Alexander became very involved in the educational component on the initiative and last year, she agreed to serve as an Ambassador. In the churches, Ambassadors become the mouthpiece for the Alzheimer’s Association.

An association speaker visited Bethesda to discuss the 10 signs of Alzheimer’s disease and participants learned about the importance of nutrition, resources and how to keep people actively involved.

“Not throwing people away,” Alexander said. “We began to do outreach to other churches. Their community outreach also includes fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Walk.

“It’s really getting people involved, not into the disease, but to the people who are affected by the disease,” she said.

Alexander said more people are asking her for information. She gives them brochures, but she also gets them in contact with what is available through the Alzheimer’s Association.

Bethesda gave its first faith-based community breakfast, and Alexander said “We are really behind,” referring to churches actively taking on Alzheimer’s as part of their health ministries.

“Educating the people, especially the clergy is very important because there are congregants who are there who have it and know they have Alzheimer’s or memory loss and some who don’t.” Alexander said. “There are some who want more information and don’t know how to get the information and there are people, such as myself, who are caregivers, who are really, really deserving the information and need it.”

Caregivers are not only the lifeline for persons with the Alzheimer’s. Alexander said caregivers are the hidden patients in Alzheimer’s disease.

“Oftentimes, the caregiver is so busy in taking care of the one who needs care, they forget their doctor’s appointments…health matters and concerns…how to eat well,” Alexander reminded. Not to mention taking care of two households, families jobs, other activities.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides caregivers with sitter companions, who stay with their loved ones while they leave to take care of other business.

“They allow for one day a week for five hours – which has helped tremendously,” Alexander said. “When I take my dad to the doctor, I can schedule it on the days the sitter will be here, so my mom can stay here.”

Both of Alexander’s parents use walkers for mobility, which means double preparation time when they both have doctor appointments; getting them ready, in and out of the car, one at a time and having the other one wait.

“It’s a lot,” Alexander concedes. “Without the help and knowing the help, a caregiver can easily get burned out.”

Alexander said the work involves more than Alzheimer’s training, it’s a ministry.

“I know thatour journeys are different, but yet similar.And, there may be times whenall of the help and resources may seem to be inadequate,” Alexander said. “However, when those times arise – and they will – please read, pray, and meditate on the following Scripture: ‘Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh:is there anything too hard for me?’ (Jeremiah 32:27).

Visit our website at www.stlamerican.com to get a list of local churches participating in the faith-based Alzheimer’s initiative.

For more information, call the Alzheimer’s Association help line at 800-272-3900 or go online to www.alz.org/stl.

Cholesterol buildup links atherosclerosis, maculardegeneration

By Jim Dryden Washington University news

Anew study raises the intriguing possibility that drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol may be effective against macular degeneration, a blinding eye disease.

Researchers atWashington University School of Medicinein St. Louis have found that age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over 50, shares a common link with atherosclerosis. Both problems have the same underlying defect: the inability to remove a buildup of fat and cholesterol.

The new study is published online in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Working in mice and in human cells, the researchers shed new light on how deposits of cholesterol contribute to macular degeneration and atherosclerosis and even blood vessel growth in some types of cancer.

Patients who have atherosclerosis often are prescribed medications to lower cholesterol and keep arteries clear. This study suggests that some of those same drugs could be evaluated in patients with macular degeneration.

“Based on our findings, we need to investigate whether vision loss caused by macular degeneration could be prevented with cholesterol-lowering eye drops or other medications that might prevent the buildup of lipids beneath the retina,” says senior investigator Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD.

The new research centers on macrophages, key immune cells that remove cholesterol and fats from tissues. In macular degeneration, the excessive buildup of cholesterol begins to occur as we age, and our macrophages begin to malfunction.

In the “dry” form of age-related macular degeneration, doctors examining the eye can see lipid deposits beneath the retina. As those deposits become larger and more numerous, they slowly begin to destroy the central part of the eye, interfering with the vision needed to read a book or drive a car.

Black men: Here’s yourwake-up call

By Anton J.Gunn

For The Grio

Have you received a wake-up call yet?

For too many of us, it takes a sudden wake-up call — in the form of a major or minor health crisis — to make us realize that we’re not invincible.And tragically, for some, that call comes too late.

As black men, we often don’t talk about our health or seek help until something goes wrong. We may exercise and eat right. We may know how our habits today affect how we feel. But what about tomorrow? Are we making the right choices to stay healthy as we grow older? Most importantly, are we having the right conversations about health and well-being with our sons and our fathers, with our brothers, our colleagues, our neighbors, and our friends?

According to the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, black men are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 60 percent more likely to die from a stroke than white men. And unfor-

tunately, the list goes on — black men still suffer from higher rates of disease and chronic illness such as prostate cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Unless we act now, these disparities will continue to affect generations to come. Their existence should be a wake-up call for all black men. It’s time to invest not only in our own health, but in the health of our communities.

That starts by putting ourselves in the driver’s seat when it comes to our own care. The health care law signed by President Obama in 2010 is removing many of the obstacles to health care we’ve faced in the past. It provides access topreventive services– like screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes – at no cost to us.

Black men are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 60 percent more likely to die from a stroke than white men.

investments in America’s network of community health centers, where over a quarter of patients served are AfricanAmerican. And on October 1st, the law will open the door to affordable coverage for millions of AfricanAmericans, through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

in our community to close gaps in access to quality care.I’m encouraged by the tireless work that our faith- and community-based groups are doing every day to raise awareness and push policies that will make the health care system work for all Americans. They are leading the way – but it’s up to all of us to do our part.

It will protect those of us with preexisting conditions like asthma or heart disease from unfair premium rates or outright denial of coverage.It makes major

That means brothers running their own businesses will have the opportunity to get coverage for themselves, their employees, and their families. That means men working in barber shops, body shops, and construction companies across America will have access to affordable coverage if they don’t have it now. That means when you hit a rough spot and are between jobs, you don’t have to sacrifice the well-being of your loved ones. It means greater peace of mind and financial security for our families and communities.

There’s a lot of great work being done

The wake-up call that brings better health to our communities shouldn’t be a private alarm that we hear alone. It should be a chorus of voices that speaks to us, our families and our communities. This year, let’s put our health in our own hands, and create a brighter, more secure future together for all of us.

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, visitwww.healthcare.gov.

Anton J. Gunnis the Director of External Affairs in the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Reprinted from thegrio.com

HEALTHY RECIPE

Salmon with snap peas, yellow peppers and dill-pistachio pistou

Serves 4

Ingredients:

One-third cup– Dill Weed, chopped

One-third cup– Scallions or Spring Green onions, chopped

One half cup– Pistachio Nuts, Dry Roasted, shelled and chopped

3 oz.– Olive oil

2– Yellow Peppers, cut into .5-inch strips

16 oz. bag– Frozen Sugar Snap Peas, thawed, strings removed

1– Garlic clove, minced

One-quarter cup– Water

4 – Pink Salmon fillets (6 oz each)

– Salt and pepper

Preparation:

Pistou: Mix dill, green onions, pistachios, and ? cup olive oil in a medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature. (You can make this up to 2 hours ahead)

ï Heat half tbsp. olive oil in a heavy, large skillet over medium-high heat.

ï Add peppers and sauté until they begin to soften (approximately 2 minutes)

ï snap peas, garlic and a quarter-cup water. Sprinkle with salt.

ï Saute until vegetables are just tender and water evaporates (approximately 2-3 minutes)

ï Stir in 1 rounded tbsp. of the pistou.

ï Transfer vegetables to platter; tent with foil to keep warm.

ï Reserve skillet (do not clean)

ï Heat remaining 1 tbsp. of olive oil in reserved skillet over medium high heat.

ï Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper.

ï Place salmon, skin side down, in skillet. Cook until crisp (about 3 minutes).

ï Turn salmon over and cook until almost opaque in center (about 3 minutes longer).

ï Remove fillets from skillet and arrange over vegetables on platter.

ï Spoon Pistou down center of each fillet and serve.

Nutrition Information: (per serving)

Calories: 560

Total Fats: 34g (Saturated Fat: 4.8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 20.8g;

Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.8g)

Cholesterol: 88 mg

Carbohydrate: 24 g

Sugar, Total: 8g

Dietary Fiber: 6g

Protein: 41mg

Potassium: 938mg

Calcium: 116mg

Sodium: 120mg

Established in 1988, Food Outreach continues to be the only nonprofit organization in greater St.Louis that focuses on providing nutritional support to low-income men, women and children battling cancer or HIV/AIDS. The on-staff Chef and Registered Dietitians are pivotal to the program. Through a combination of freshly prepared frozen meals, groceries and nutrition counseling, clients have access to critical dietary needs to help them best optimize their treatments and enhance their quality of life. In 2011, Food Outreach provided nearly half a million nutritious meals at no cost to 1902 clients of all ages living in 137 Missouri and Illinois zip codes. For more information, call 314-652-3663 x121 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

Photo by Wiley Price

PROFILING PEOPLE IN HEALTH

Jacquelyn M.Hutson,RN

Position/Where:

Cofounder of Lynn In-Home Health Services, Inc., Florissant, Mo.

CareerHighlights:

For over 21 years, Lynn In-Home has provided personal care, homemaking services, skilled nursing services, and respite care to clients in the St. Louis City and County. In 1991, along with her son, Barrye Brasher and daughter, Melyney Hill, founded Lynn In-Home Health Services

Co-founded Northernstar Adult Day Care Center with husband Frank Hutson

Previously served as vice president of the Home and Community Based Services for the Division of Family Services and Visiting Nurses Association of Illinois

Cofounder/former owner of Community Home Health Services and sold it to a national chain

Education:

Graduate of Barnes Hospital School of Nursing

Personal:

Jacquelyn is married, the mother of two children, two step children, and a grandmother of eight. She and her husband are members of the Shalom Church-city of Peace. Jacquelyn has volunteered and served in various charitable, social, and political organizations. Jacquelyn gained her nursing expertise by being a Barnes Hospital School of Nursing graduate.

St. Louis Connection:

Nursing school graduate from Barnes and in business in the metro area for more than 20 years

Yourjourney to success:

Hutson said education and a track record of successes has prepared her for business. In October 2005, Hutson said the American Red Cross made a decision to close all of their adult daycare facilities in the St. Louis area. Before closing their doors, they selected NorthernStar as one of the adult day care providers that could be trusted to take and retain their participants and employees. Hutson said it was was a huge boost for Northernstar and a great honor.

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-8393171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons who have been affected by criminal acts. Emil peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www.tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

HEALTH RESOURCES

Breast Cancer Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-7763627).

Health Partnerships

The CenterforCommunity Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-aca-

demic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Medical

St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The CancerCenterof The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Prescription Cost Help

St. Louis ConnectCare Retail Pharmacy – offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-879-6208.

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.

Thurs. Apr. 18, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Bone Marrow Registry drive forAlquinston Johnson, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, The Bridewell Community Center, 2822 Martin Luther King Blvd. St. Louis. For more information, contact Felicia Hinton-Ramey at 314-401-2796 or the Be The Match Registry at 314348-5650 or dmosley@nmdp.org.

Sat. Apr. 20, 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., National Children’s CancerSociety Beyond the Cure Survivorship Conference at St. Louis Zoo River Camp; a free workshop and lunch for parents who have a child with cancer. Survivors welcome to attend. For more information, call 314-446-5219 or register at www.beyondthecure.org.

Sat. Apr. 20, 8 a.m., Healthy Brain Workshop by Alzheimer’s Association, Fortitude Foundation, 3858 Washington Blvd. Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Registration required by April 15 at 800-272-3900 or online at www.alz.org/stl.

Tues. Apr. 23, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., “Treatments forRelieving Back Pain,”

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SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, Kohler Auditorium, 6420 Clayton Rd., Richmond Heights, Mo. by Dr. Tad Berry, board certified pain specialist at SSM Pain Care; The free program includes a light dinner; reservations are required by calling 1-866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-776-3627).

Wed. Apr. 25, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. 9th Annual Hats Off to Women – HATITUDE, Christian Hospital. Learn about women and heart disease and how attitude can have a big influence on your health. Screenings until 8 p.m. and lecture begins at 6. Register by calling 314747-WELLor 1-877-747-WELL.

Wed. Apr. 25, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., “Preventing and Treating Diabetes,” West County Family YMCAby Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, family practice physician will discuss factors that impact your risk; certified diabetes educators will share advice for managing diabetes. Register by calling 314-542-9378 or 800-392-0936 or go online at http://www.barnesjewishwestcounty.org/classes.

Sat. Apr. 27, 8:30 a.m., St. Louis Kidney Walk at Saint Louis University. Registration begins at 8:30 for noncompetitive one- or two-mile walk at 10 a.m. For more information, call 314-961-2828 or register at www.kidneywalk.org.

Sat. Apr. 27, 10 a.m., St. Louis ConnectCare Auxiliary benefit Jazz/Blues Brunch & Concert, Sheraton Westport Hotel Lakeside Chalet, 191 Westport Plaza, featuring Ed Nicholson’s Jazz & Blues All Starts, Wendy Gordon, Bob Ellison, Exclusively Yours. Auxiliary will present Helping Hand Humanitarian Awards to three awardees. Tickets - $50 per person. For information, call 314-879-6494.

Wed. May 1, Noon – 4 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Drive, Northwest HealthCare Community Room, 1225 Graham Rd. Register at www.redcrossblood.org using sponsor code: northwesthealthcare or email mlm7458@bjc.org.

Sat. May 4, 7 a.m., 11 a.m. SIDS Resources Stride forSIDS, Carondelet Park Boat House, St. Louis. Memorial balloon release at 8, 5K and one mile run/walk at 8:30, awards and family activities. For more information, visit www.sidsresources.org.

Sat. May 4, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., 2013 American Heart Association Heart Walk, Busch Stadium St. Louis, Gates open at 7:30; race begins at 9. Register for Barnes-Jewish Hospital Friends & Family’s Teamat http://tinyurl.com/AHAwalkBJH.

Sat. May 4, 6 p.m., JDRFDream Gala, Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, for more information and tickets, call 314-729-1846 or visit www.jdrf.org/gala.

Sun. May 5, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Cinco de Mammo-thon, Northwest Healthcare, 1225 Graham Rd., Florissant, Mo. Accepting women with or without health insurance. Mention Mamo-thon when you make the required reservation at 314-747-WELL(9355).

Tues. May 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mammography Screenings at Shalom Church City of Peace- Berkeley, 6136 Garfield Ave. Free screenings for women ages 40-64 with no insurance or high

deductibles by Missouri Baptist Medical Center’s Mobile Mammography Unit. For more information, call 324-996-5170 or 800-870-5731.

Wed., May 8, 1 p.m. -3 p.m., Fit for Function: Preventing Age-Related Muscle Loss, Northwest HealthCare Community Room, 1225 Graham Rd. Register at 314-747-WELL(9355) or 1877-747-WELL(9355).

Thurs., May 16, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., “Fighting Fair: Constructive Arguing,” Village North Retirement Community, OASIS peer-led discussion,11160 Village North Drive 63136. Register at 314-747-WELL(9355) or 1877-747-WELL(9355).

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

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401.For information, call 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. –STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-9624670.

Free psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-839-3171.