April 24th, 2025 edition by The St. Louis American

St. LouiS AmericAn

Nottage bestowed with WU Humanities Prize

‘One of the most influential and vital playwrights in American theatre’

By Kenya Vaughn

Those fortunate enough to have seen characters grace the stage conceived by the imagination of two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage over the past two decades are well aware of her storytelling ingenuity. What the audience seated in Edison Theatre learned Wednesday afternoon as she was presented with the Washington University International Humanities Prize is that this gift extends to her own lived experiences. After having the medal placed around her neck,

Prize-winning

Congressman Wesley Bell addressed concerns on Wednesday with a large sinkhole that was created on April 18, when part of the road collapsed near Cass Avenue and 18th Street. He was joined by 14th Ward Alderman Rasheen Aldridge (left) and Mayor Cara Spencer (right.) Repairs on the Cass sinkhole could take up to a month and the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District has hired private contractors to assist it with repairs. Another collapse occurred on April 18 near Park Avenue and Dillon Street in Lafayette

Urban League STL makes history with $1M raised at 107th Annual Dinner

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

The 107th Annual Dinner presented by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Tuesday night will go down in history.

Karen Collins-Adams elected president

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

The St. Louis American

After vowing an oath to only represent the St. Louis public schools and pursuing no conflicts of interest within

the district, three newly elected school board members-Brian Marston, Karen Collins-Adams and Allisa “AJ” Fosterwere sworn in Tuesday evening. Board members also elected Karen Collins-Adams as the new president of SLPS Board. Former president, Antionette ‘Toni’ Cousins, who was elected to the position in 2021 did not win her reelection bid. Three seats were open, including

Cousins.’ Matt Davis, the board’s vice president, and Natalie Vowell both decided not to defend the other two open seats. Ten candidates sought election to the board. The three who won-Marston, Collins-Adams and Foster-were all endorsed by St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan Green.

The hundreds of guests who made their ascent up the escalators and took their seats in the largest ballroom at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel didn’t know it at the time, but they would have the distinction of history makers by the end of the night thanks to a fundraising effort that raised seven figures in one night.

Michael McMillan

Because he contracted COVID-19, President and CEO Michael McMillan missed his first Urban League Annual Dinner in 37 years.

A video of prepared remarks reminded the audience that he was there in spirit and shared that 2024 was the most exciting and productive year that the organization has ever had.

“We had seven groundbreaking and grand openings, including our most historic one – the Centene Connected Community Center, which is the largest gift to any Urban League in the history of the Urban League movement,” McMillan said.

“We served more people with more

City drops lawsuit against state takeover of police

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

The St. Louis American

Mayor Cara Spencer has abandoned pursuit of a lawsuit aimed at blocking the state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, at least for the time being.

The action comes to the delight of St. Louis unions, and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who worked with Jefferson City Republicans to seize control of the department from St. Louis residents in March.

Aldermanic President Megan Green, with the support of ex-Mayor Tishaura Jones, filed the lawsuit a day before Spencer took office. The federal lawsuit seeks to have the new law declared unconstitutional.

In a one-on-one interview with then candidate Spencer in March, she

Schnucks Springboard cohort companies making debut

The products, part of the first class of Schnucks Springboard local and diverse-owned business accelerator, began four-week trial periods on Wednesday, April 23. Page B1 BUSINESS

The St. Louis American

Square.

Two-time Pulitzer

playwright Lynn Nottage was presented with the Washington University International Humanities Prize.

Photo by Fred Sweets / St. Louis American

Photo by Whitney Curtis / courtesy of Washington University

No work release for ‘RHOP’ star

Last month “The Real Housewives of Potomac” star Karen Huger was sentenced to 2 years in prison on DUI charges. According to MSN. com, her request for work release has been denied.

According to the news outlet, her application for work-release was approved by the corrections officials. All that remained was the generally routine approval from where the case started.

mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs submitted a petition to delay his sex trafficking trial. According to E! Online, a judge denied the request – and confirmed jury selection will start May 5 and opening statements May 12.

According to Reuters, the request was denied because it was made too close to the trial’s start date. Combs’ legal team had made the request alleging that some of the evidence had not been given ample time to review. After sharing his decision, the judge reportedly informed the defense that it was “unclear why there isn’t sufficient time to prepare.”

“She drew the wrong judge,” Montgomery County defense attorney David Moyse said, according to MSN. “It was just horrible luck.”

Because she has served two months so far and is accumulating good conduct credits, court records and her attorney predict a November release.

Court denies Diddy’s request to delay trial

Lawyers for embattled entertainment

As a result, jury selection will still begin on the first Monday in May, with opening statements following a week later on May 12. Combs is facing federal charges in his upcoming trial.

Drake updates ‘Not Like Us’ lawsuit, claims Super Bowl show proves guilt

Drake has amended his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group

– and the changes are reportedly linked to Kendrick Lamar’s LIX Super Bowl Halftime show.

In the documents, obtained by TMZ, Drake claims the show “assassinated” his character. He also reportedly says Lamar excluding the word from the song that accuses Drake of being a child predator from the lyrics backs up his claim that the song’s content is defamatory.

Drake claims Lamar would not have been given permission to perform the song unless it was omitted. “That is because nearly everyone understands that it is defamatory to falsely brand someone a ‘certified PDF file,’” Drake said, according to the documents.

TMZ says that in the documents Drake points out that the Super Bowl Halftime show in New Orleans was the most-watched of all time –and he says it

“to be duped into believing that Drake was a PDF file.”

Lil Nas X offers health update after facial paralysis hospitalization

Lil Nas X shared an update on his recovery, just days after the “Old Town Road” singer was hospitalized for partial facial paralysis.

According to E! Online, Lil Nas X shared via social media that he was in the hospital after suffering from partial facial paralysis. In subsequent posts, he reassured fans that he is already on the road to recovery.

“I’ve been chewing a lot so I can get this muscle stronger,” Lil Nas said in an April 15 Instagram Story, pointing to the right side of his face. “It’s much better.”

“My eye still has to play catch-up but I can give a genuine smile, so that’s good,” he continued. The two-time Grammy winner hasn’t shared the cause behind his paralysis.

Sources: E! Online, Instagram, MSN.com,

Karen Huger

Anheuser-Busch Cos., St. Louis American Foundation scholarship recipients

St. Louis American

Eight outstanding students with diverse backgrounds, majors, and future career choices have been awarded AnheuserBusch Cos., St. Louis American Foundation scholarships.

The students will be honored during the 2025 Salute To Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on November 1, 2025, at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis.

Justin Boyle University of San Francisco May 2026

Justin Boyle, a Business Analytics major, minoring in African American studies at the University of San Francisco, is scheduled to graduate in spring of 2026. After graduating from Metro High School in St. Louis, he went to USF, sight unseen, where he would serve as Black Student Union president in his senior year, and was president of the school’s Black men’s organization, Brother Connection.

A spring 20 25 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Boyle worked in the university’s cultural centers as the community connections intern, where he programmed events to connect the diverse student body.

Kamille Buck

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityMay 2027

Kamille Buck attends Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and aspires to become a clinical pharmacist and independent

pharmacy owner to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs for underserved communities with an emphasis on health equity and health literacy.

MyKel Coney

Western Illinois University and expect to graduate in Spring 2026

MyKel Coney is a junior majoring in Engineering Technology at Western Illinois University. Known for her strong academic performance and dedication to leadership, MyKel has maintained a high GPA while actively contributing to student organizations. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Zeta Iota chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the Public Relations Chair for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and a Resident Assistant, while also being a member of the Honors College. She aims to pursue a career in engineering that makes a meaningful impact.

Olajuwon Davis University of Missouri-St. Louis, December 20, 2025

A St. Louis native, multidisciplinary artist, restorative justice practitioner, and undergraduate philosophy and criminology student at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Davis is scheduled to graduate in Fall 2025. He plans to pursue a law degree with a focus on international human rights and Indigenous law. After overcoming incarceration and personal tragedy, Davis says he devoted his life to human rights advo-

cacy, as well as storytelling and healing practices that foster accountability.

Zoey Hall Howard University, 2027

Zoey Hall is a rising junior Computer Science major with a minor in Maternal and Child Health at Howard University. In 2023, Hall graduated from Clayton High School. She plans to pursue a PhD in Biostatistics to become a biostatistics research professor who works on clinical trials related to Black Maternal Health. Hall is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

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Oluchi Onyegbula University of Missouri –St. Louis, December 2025

Oluchi Onyegbula will be completing studies at the University of Missouri – St. Louis this year, majoring in Psychology and pursuing a pre-med path. Originally from Nigeria, Onyegbula is passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare and hope to combine my interests in psychology and medicine as a future physician.

Oluchi is co-president of the Able-Disable Partnership, a student-led organization that works to improve the experience

of students and other members of the UMSL community with disabilities

Desire Poole

Kentucky State University, May 2026 (Master’s Degree)

Desire’ Poole is a senior at Kentucky State University majoring in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. A native of East Saint Louis, Illinois, she proudly represents KSU as a student-athlete on the track and field team. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to stay at Kentucky State to pursue her master’s in psychology, which should be presented in May 2026. Her goal is to become a correctional psychologist and work in a federal maximum-security facility, where she can help create positive changes for those impacted by the justice system.

Aries Scruggs Saint Louis University, Graduating December 2025

Aries Scruggs is a distinguished scholar, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to advancing digital security and social equity. As a Dean’s List student at Saint Louis University, he blends academic excellence with real-world impact, and he’s a proud advocate for underrepresented voices.

Aries is an Intelligence Community Scholar and active leader in several student organizations, shaping inclusive spaces and empowering future changemakers. He says his journey is defined by resilience, innovation, and transforming challenges into opportunities.

Justin Boyle

Oluchi Onyegbula

Olajuwon Davis

Kamille Buck

Desire Poole

MyKel Coney

Aries Scruggs Zoey Hall

AWARDEES

Guest Editorial

“Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans are doing everything they can to tank our economy, drive us toward a recession and gut the healthcare of the American people by visiting upon them the largest Medicaid cut in history, along with the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, all in service of enacting massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors like Elon Musk. It’s a toxic scheme that they cannot hide from because it continues to be on full display on the House Floor and on the Senate Floor for the American people.”

— House Democratic Leader Hakeem

Jeffries

By Marc Morial

I call it the great bait-and-switch.

Betraying his promise not to cut Medicaid, President Trump has pushed through Congress a budget that will require the deepest cut to Medicaid in history, while gutting programs and services that are essential to the health, safety and financial security of millions of average Americans.

Trump and his allies in Congress are betraying the working-class Americans who trusted them to feed the insatiable greed of billionaires.

The cuts to Medicaid that the budget requires endanger the health and financial security of more than 70 million children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families, according to a report issued last month by the National Urban League and 10 other leading civil rights and health equity organizations. While the cuts threaten Americans of all backgrounds, communities of color would suffer especially widespread harm: nearly 42 million people, or approximately a third of all people of color in the U.S., rely on Medicaid for health care.

Achieving the spending cuts to which Congress committed will require either:

• Stripping health care away from every single one of the 31 million children covered by Medicaid.

• Ending coverage for all adults age 65 and older who use Medicaid to obtain essential health care.

In fact, even swiping food from the tables of working families and stripping health care from children and disabled Americans isn’t enough; future generations must be burdened with debt so today’s wealthiest can reap even more. With last week’s vote, Congress not only agreed to slash $1.5 trillion from programs that benefit communities, but also to raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion — all to pay for an astonishing windfall for the wealthiest 5% of Americans.

While the Trump administration and some Republican lawmakers continue to claim they won’t cut Medicaid benefits, they’re all fully aware that the budget to which they’ve committed absolutely requires cutting Medicaid benefits. Every member of Congress received a memo from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirming it is impossible to cut $1.5 trillion in spending without slashing Medicaid.

• Cutting 75% of all Medicaid funding for nursing home services or home and community-based care for older adults and people with disabilities. The looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, meanwhile, endanger the health and financial security of more than 42 million Americans — nearly all of them in families with children, older adults or people with disabilities. The meager $6.20 per person per day that provides necessary nutrition and a measure of balance to precarious household budgets will be diverted to billionaires.

The reality of Trump’s budget stands in stark contrast to his campaign’s pandering to the working class, whom he promised to end “the inflation nightmare” and bring down the cost of “groceries, cars — everything.” Instead, his tariffs will cost the typical American household an average of $4,600 a year.

This is a moment that will test lawmakers in both parties. When they no longer can avoid the harsh reality of the budget they approved, will Republicans honor their new rhetoric about being the party of the working class? Will Democrats stand up against a reckless fiscal blueprint?

Commentary Consider DEI when making college decisions

By Kelin Mark

As colleges and universities across the nation face growing debates over diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, some institutions are eliminating or scaling back their DEI efforts.

They are scrubbing their websites, eliminating course offerings and, in some instances, eliminating DEI staff members. At the University of Michigan, as many as twenty staff members could lose their jobs due to the recent pressure and executive order by the Trump Administration.

These changes raise important questions for Black parents and families as they prepare to help their children choose a college. The presence of DEI programs on campus has traditionally been a sign of an institution’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Environments that are inclusive to all races, people with disabilities and socioeconomic backgrounds. So, what happens when these programs disappear, and what should Black families consider when evaluating a school?

DEI programs play a critical role in shaping a college’s culture.

These initiatives are designed to address inequities and foster an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can succeed. DEI programs typically provide resources for underrepresented groups, such as Black students, in areas like academic support, mental health services and leadership development.

They also promote diversity in faculty and staff, ensuring that students see themselves represented in leadership roles. Additionally, DEI programs often support campus-wide conversations about race, inclusion and systemic inequality, creating opportunities for all students to learn and grow.

For Black families, these programs can be vital in ensuring that their children are accepted into a college and thrive once

Trump and allies betray working-class Americans Americans

they are there. A strong DEI presence signals a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Black students, such as racial microaggressions, feelings of isolation, and a lack of cultural representation.

When a college decides to cut or reduce its DEI programs, the impact on campus can be significant.

For Black students, the loss of these resources can result in a diminished sense of belonging and a lack of support in navigating the challenges they may face in a predominantly white institution. Without DEI programs, Black students may find fewer opportunities to connect with mentors, student organizations or programs that reflect their experiences. In addition, the absence of DEI initiatives can lead to a less diverse faculty and staff, impacting the quality of education and mentorship that Black students receive. Research shows that diverse faculty brings unique perspectives to the classroom and can serve as important role models for underrepresented students. Without intentional efforts to recruit and retain faculty of color, Black students may feel disconnected from the academic environment.

Beyond the individual impact on students, the elimination of DEI programs can contribute to a broader cultural shift on campus. DEI efforts often foster an environment of dialogue and understanding around issues of race, equity, and inclusion. When these programs are removed, colleges may become less proactive in addressing racial tensions or incidents of bias, leaving Black students more vulnerable to negative experiences.

As Black parents and families navigate the college selection process, it’s important to carefully evaluate how a college supports its students of color, particularly if DEI programs have been eliminated.

Kelin Mark is the first Black male principal in Wayne Township, one of the largest school districts in Indiana.

Nearly every Republican in both the House and the Senate voted for the budget anyway.

Adding insult to injury, the gutting of the social safety net comes just as many more Americans are likely to need to rely on it, as a chaotic tariff policy risks massive job loss and soaring inflation.

For our part, together with our partners in the newly launched Fair Budget Coalition, the National Urban League will continue to demand a responsible federal budget that centers fairness, opportunity and economic security for all Americans.

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Commentary

must keep asking: Why?

By Janice Ellis

There is a broad attempt to weaken and destroy the structural integrity of America, and much of it is going unseen or inadequately addressed. When all the damage has been done, what will be left to salvage?

Will this beautiful house that is America — albeit in need of some major home improvements — collapse or be in irreparable disrepair?

We’re all distracted by the sound of the woodpecker on the roof, chipping away at the protective covering of our democracy. But unseen within the walls, the termites are doing catastrophic damage. America has always been fighting with itself — with words, rarely with arms. The north against the south. Urban versus rural. Whites versus Blacks. Conservative versus liberal. Left versus right.

And, of course, we have the Democrats versus the Republicans. Somehow, we have continued to co-exist. Somehow, we all have remained Americans — free to believe, free to live, free to express our differences.

Look at the attacks on public and private education. The dismantling and dissolution of the Department of Education that provides all kinds of support for K-12 is essentially bifurcating and decentralizing what defines and constitutes a quality education for our children and the nation’s future citizens, leaving it up to individual states.

Some of the nation’s most academically rigorous colleges and universities are being targeted and financially penalized in an effort to control who can be admitted, how they operate, and how they allow freedom of expression among their students.

Today there is a concerted effort to tear down and redesign America into something very different.

Illegal immigration has been presented as the main area needing repair. But it won’t stop there, as the major remake taking place is to remove all diversity from the foundation of America, pillar by pillar.

Don’t be blinded by the immigration fix. Yes, immigration needs to be overhauled, but it should be done in the right way.

More importantly, don’t ignore or dismiss other “remodeling” taking place and think of it in isolation. For example, the removal of DEI programs is more than it may first appear. The effort has morphed into attempts to completely remove the presence and contributions of Blacks and women, including throwing out books and other evidence that document the factual and official record of American history.

An ignorant populace is easier to indoctrinate and rule. No area of American life is being left untouched by these termitic efforts to devour and destroy.

Institutions, like the treasured Smithsonian, which preserve the history of our civilization for current and future generations are not spared. An edict has been issued that targets specific collections like the African American History Museum, the Women’s History Museum, and the Art History Museum.

The purpose is to rip out or whitewash any things that may not fit the new prefabricated American house being built.

When you consider the enormous damage that can be wrought as a result of a wrecking ball being swung at agencies that oversee public health, Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security — services designed to not only protect the most vulnerable Americans, but all Americans, it begs the question: Why? What is the end game?

Is it to change America into a white society controlled by autocratic oligarchs, where the middle class is controlled, the poor and disenfranchised continue to remain poor, uneducated, or undereducated and oppressed, and the wealthy continue to thrive? Take some time and ponder the question: Why?

Janice Ellis is a columnist for the Missouri Independent

Guest Columnist Janice Ellis

Columnist Marc Morial

Guest Columnist Kelin Mark

The Girls Inc. of St. Louis Extended Learning Summer Program will offer an Operation Smart STEM program among several other initiatives beginning June 9, 2025. The programs develop girls’ enthusiasm for science skills through hands-on activities and observations. Other summer learning topics include Mind and Body, Sports, Media Literacy, Visual Arts and Performing Arts.

Girls Inc. offering Extended Summer Program June 9-August 1

St. Louis American

Girls Inc. has opened registration for its Extended Learning Summer Program for girls in kindergarten to 6th grade.

The program, which runs from June 9, 2025, to August 1, offers opportunities for girls to explore interests and gain life-skills needed to navigate the highs and lows of growing up as a female teen.

Girls Inc., research shows that students who participate in its programs are more likely to have increased academic performance, improved attendance, and express greater interest in learning.

Summer programming is offered from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and includes breakfast, lunch, and a snack. Field trips and guest speaker forums are held throughout the summer.

Among the summer programming are Operation Smart initiatives in STEM (science technology, engineering and math, which analyzes STEM and how it impacts everything we will do in careers.

The programs develop girls’ enthusiasm for science skills through hands-on activities and observations. Other summer learning topics include Mind and Body, Sports, Media Literacy, Visual Arts and Performing Arts.

The summer sessions are held at Girls Inc., 3801 Nelson Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121.

To register, please visit www.girlsincstl.org

The cost is $550 per child for girls ages 5-12

For more information contact call (314) 3858088 or send an email to Zasmine Johnson, director of programs, at zjohnson@girlsincstl.org

Thaddeus Stevens is a white role model

I recently took the time to read about a man who long ago set a standard for white people to step up and support what this nation owes Black people.

It may sound strange, looking for white people to do the right thing. Many see and hear the wrong being perpetrated against Black people or anybody who is not white. They do not speak up.

If you haven’t read about Thaddeus Stevens, you’ve missed a man who kept hope alive to his dying day. History wrote him off. Today, there is an effort to erase Black history in the same way.

Mr. Stevens was born in rural Vermont in poverty, and with a foot deformity which left him with a limp. This probably gave him a sense of what it’s like to be different.

He moved to Pennsylvania as a young man and became a successful lawyer in Gettysburg He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he became an advocate of free public education.

Abe Lincoln is often given more credit than he deserved for freeing enslaved Black people, while Stevens said ending slavery was not enough. He respected Lincoln, but he offered his perspective on how Lincoln had no interest in interfering with slavery. Lincoln did what he thought was in the best interest of the nation.

Former slaves were due land, and resources for what had happened to them, Stevens believed. He maintained that land distribution was owed to them because freedom without economic independence meant nothing.

He was outspoken and had no interest in compromise. He disagreed with President Andrew Johnson and supported impeachment of him. Stevens was so opposed to Black people’s treatment, he indicated he didn’t want to be buried in the white cemetery.

White supremacists hated Stevens — and they still hate us for no reason other than our being Black. I’m not calling all white people I know racists, but I don’t see enough stepping up to the plate to discredit racism, support reparations, and call on Trump and his crew to not be so racist.

President John F. Kennedy once said that his Harvard education misled him, and he thought that maybe Thaddeus Stevens might have a good point referring to the racial justice he worked for. Voter suppression is back with us, and we must work to dismantle it again.

Stevens doesn’t deserve to be erased from history while voter suppression still exists. Are you registered? Did you vote in the presidential election of 2024? What Stevens and others worked for is still a vital issue.

Women who changed their names to the names of their husbands, be sure to have your birth certificate or another document to show you are a U.S. citizen. Otherwise, you might walk out on the street one day and be considered “deportable!”

Whatever you have to prove your citizenship, keep a copy with you. Keep up with the laws and obey them. Stevens was a white man truly fighting for our rights and was portrayed as an unhinged radical. Let us not do less than he did, or less than John Lewis, Dr. King, Fannie Lou Hamer and others did to ensure our right to vote. E. Faye Williams is president of The Dick Gregory Society (www.thedickgregorysociety.org).

Photo courtesy of Girls Inc.

E. Faye Williams

she centered herself at the podium.

Her prepared remarks leaned heavily on a traumatic experience she suffered with her Columbia University students while attending a Sunday morning worship service at a New York City megachurch.

“I want to talk about an incident that has been on my mind for a while and in some ways it speaks to where we are in culture,” Nottage said. Her lecture was as enthralling as the scenes within her scripts – and spoke to why she was selected to receive the honor, which is one of the largest humanities prizes in the nation and is funded by Phyllis Wilson Grossman and David W. Grossman.

“She is the first and only woman two receive two Pulitzer Prizes,” said Zachariah Ezer, playwright and Assistant Professor of Performing Arts. “She has received a MacArthur ‘Genius’ grant, a Guggenheim grant, a Rockerfeller Award for Creativity and too many others to list if you actually want to hear what Lynn has to say this afternoon.”

He kept his introduction brief, but he took the liberty of one more moment of praise before yielding the stage to Nottage.

“Lynn Nottage is one of the most influential and vital playwrights in American theatre,” said Ezer. “Her work, which often highlights the real conditions of some of the most vulnerable in our society has served as an inspiration to a generation of theater audiences and theater makers.”

Nottage verified his remarks as she spoke of an incident she shared as part

of her class curriculum as a professor of Theatre Arts at the Columbia University School of the Arts. Before her story commenced, she expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you for recognizing the power of humanities and the necessity of storytelling,” Nottage said. “Especially in a moment like now when our voices are being censored, histories erased, identities denied, people being kidnapped off the streets, our schools, our foundations and our arts institutions are under attack. Our silence is being cultivated where there should be beautiful bursts of creativity and invention.”

Then she proceeded to keep the audience on the edge of their seats with a story that the current state of our nation. At Columbia she teaches a course called American Spectacle.

She asks her students to stretch the notion of what constitutes theater – and she challenges them to think more expansively about storytelling structure and the restrictions of traditional dramaturgy. Part of the coursework includes field trips to megachurches.

“America evangelical services are perhaps the most insurgent form of faith based drama that is performed in the world,” Nottage said. “They reshape the very way people worship and think about religion and culture and politics.”

For more than a decade, she and her students have been attending these services without incident. That was until Nottage and 11 of her students visited a megachurch in New York City’s Theater District. Ironically – or perhaps fittingly – the church was a renovated theatre space.

All was well until a woman began to wail during the service. Pastor

Tim, a middle- aged white man with mostly Black and brown congregants, responded in a way that Nottage never expected. He demanded that the woman be removed from the church. He then began to rant about intellectuals at universities that are poisoning the minds of young people and planting demon thoughts in their vulnerable heads.

Nottage looked around at the faces of color trans-

fixed by the pastor’s toxic message and felt like she had to do something to stop the madness and break the spell. She rolled up a copy of an Atlantic Magazine she had in her bag and used it as a megaphone.

“You are a dangerous man and you are harming these people,” Nottage shouted through her makeshift sound amplifier.

“Ignore that woman,” Pastor Tim shouted.

“I will not be ignored,” Nottage fired back.

Though this was the first time this had happened to Nottage, it conjured up a familiar feeling.

“I was confronted by a hateful man in a position of power who wanted to erase my presence,” Nottage said. “As I was being escorted from that

Lawsuit

Continued from A1

expressed doubts about pursuing legal measures to challenge the state takeover. Spencer expressed concern about how the state would direct “aspects of our police department” but added that she heard “through the grapevine” that the mayor’s legal counsel advised her there was no way to victory on the matter.

Green’s suit said the state law infringed upon city officials’ First Amendment rights and imposed an unconstitutional requirement to increase spending on the police department. She asked a federal judge to declare the whole law invalid.

The lawsuit had been in the works since Rep. Brad Christ, a Republican from south St. Louis County, filed the state takeover bill late last year and moved into motion after the Missouri Legislature passed the bill in March.

“The bill was a mess,” wrote Post Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger, who, last week, stood by Green’s right to sue.

“It’s the sort of big-government-trampling-local-voters bill that no Republican in the GOP-dominated Missouri Legislature would allow to be passed for their jurisdiction, no matter how badly a police or sheriff’s department is performing.”

Spencer told the Post Dispatch the existing lawsuit “missed the mark.”

“I have no clue what

Contractors work to repair a massive sinkhole Wednesday in the 1700 block of Cass. Residents of the area received a letter from the city stating that heavy rain and aging sewer infrastructure caused sinkholes to open and confirmed that sewers in the location are more than 100 years old.

theater, I interrogated my own beliefs about the role of theater in our culture. It made me think long and hard about the responsibility I have as a storyteller and a griot.”

As the pastor used his stage to craft a dangerous message, she realized that as a storyteller she had tools to create a different one.

Nottage said that unless the masses push back, the nation – and the world –face a future where there will no longer be space to authentically tell our stories.

She said that in times of crisis, storytellers like herself are the “second responders.”

“People turn to us to distill, reflect and make sense of what’s happening,” Nottage said. “It isn’t our role to fix things. Our job is to provide a

she’s talking about,” Green responded.

She adding that her suit hinges on the Hancock Amendment which theoretically means the state takeover violates the Missouri Constitution’s prohibition on unfunded mandates that require the city to dedicate a specific amount of its budget to policing, regardless of its financial situation.

“If the Hancock Amendment is upheld one of two things can happen; it could strike down the entire law or they (the courts) could say ‘you can take over the police, but the state must pay for it.’”

Green said Spencer’s newly appointed city counselor, Michael Garvin, has not issued counsel on the merits of her lawsuit. But, she added, the mayor doesn’t have the authority to direct the city counselor not to work with her on the lawsuit because the city charter gives “equal weight” in representing the mayor and the board of aldermen.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp, noting that states cannot generally be sued in federal court, said the city and Green needed to show they had a right to sue to continue the case. He gave the city until Monday to amend the suit. Neither Green nor the city law department filed anything by that deadline which set the stage for dismissal.

“The judge said we need to be suing the attorney general or the governor, not the state of Missouri,” Green responded. “It was dismissed on a

vocabulary – a language –that helps us to decipher, process and move through these murky times.” Nottage strives to sustain the complexity of what it means to be a black female writer in a culture that doesn’t always value her stories.

“I write plays to place the narratives of people like my mother and her friends center stage,” Nottage said. “And ensure that their stories are a part of a larger cultural conversation.” She also writes to help interrogate assumptions about who gets to tell our stories.

“As writers, our job is to be loud thinkers, even though we are often soft speakers,” Nottage said. “I roll up my magazine and shout to those seeking to silence our voices, ‘I will not be ignored.’”

technicality, but it was also dismissed without prejudice, which means we can re-file it.”

Green said they didn’t file on the designated date for two reasons. Number one she said, they hadn’t heard back from Garvin, the city’s interim attorney and number two; her team is trying to figure out if they are going to file again in “federal or state court.”

Other than criticizing the Green-Jones lawsuit, Mayor Spencer hasn’t put out a statement committing to refiling the lawsuit. “We are evaluating our options and weighing the merits of refiling a sound suit in state court,” she said.

Green said she will refile the lawsuit even if she must pay for it herself.

The Post Dispatch reported that Spencer was irritated when Green and Jones filed the lawsuit because they didn’t involve her in the planning. Green noted that as an alderman at the time she filed her suit, there was no reason to involve Spencer.

“Yeah, that seems to be what she’s hung up on but if the issue is that I’m doing it and she’s not, then she can join the other plaintiffs, and I hope she does,” Green said.

“I said from the beginning, if she has interest in this lawsuit, join in. The city is counting on us to do this, and I think we must fight with every mechanism we have.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Photo by Fred Sweets / St. Louis American

Dinner

Continued from A1

resources with our largest budget, had our five-star rating confirmed once again, for the 20th year in a row. We are the first and only Urban League in America to have such an achievement. We will continue to do more with the resources that you have given us to empower the community and change lives.”

McMillan told guests that while 2024 was the greatest year to date for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2025 is gearing up to be one of the most challenging years that the Urban League movement has experienced.

He didn’t state why, but implied that his prediction comes from the sweeping cuts to federal funding under the current presidential administration.

He thanked those who were honored at the 107th Annual Dinner –Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Anthony “Tony” Thompson, founder of Kwame

SLPS

Continued from A1

Voter participation in this year’s school board race was tepid compared to the 2021 competition. The total number of votes cast was 116,323 compared to almost 130,000 four years ago. The city reported 50,477 ballots cast for a 25.7% turnout, well below the 29.2% turnout in 2021, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

In a statement, Superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools, Dr. Millicent Borishade

Building Group and Corporate Citizen award recipient Emerson Master of ceremonies and 5 On Your Side anchor Rene Knott then invited Save Our Sisters Director Carol Daniel to the podium, who let the

welcomed the new board members and spoke to the challenges ahead for SLPS.

“I extended a warm welcome to our newly elected board members, President Karen CollinsAdams, Secretary Brian Marston, and AJ Foster, as well as my continued appreciation for the service of our returning members,” Borishade stated, adding:

“I am eager to collaborate with each of them to address the significant challenges facing Saint Louis Public Schools.”

There are challenges indeed. Ongoing federal funds for low-income

audience in on a secret.

She informed the audience after announcing that $675,000 had been raised that night, digging deeper could result in a milestone for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

“If we raise another

schools and students with disabilities are at risk as President Donald Trump’s administration moves swiftly to demolish the U.S. Department of Education.

Cousins faced calls to resign following a chaotic late summer start which included bus transportation woes and the fallout from the abrupt dismissal of former Superintendent Keisha Scarlett for allegedly misusing funds and violating hiring protocols, all of which Scarlett has denied.

Borishade addressed some of those concerns as well in her letter.

“I have been surprised

$50,000 to $100 as Daniel gave an itemized breakdown of how their dollars would make a difference.

As the donations were tallied, Thompson and Emerson were honored for their commitment and service to the St. Louis region.

“I’m grateful and honored to receive this award,” Thompson said as he shouted out his family.

“Nobody gets here by themselves. Michael McMillan has been a great friend and supporter of the Kwame Building Group, which is why I have no problem giving back.”

Corporate Citizen of the Year Award. Among many other forms of support, Emerson partnered with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to launch the Save Our Sons program in response to the Ferguson unrest a decade ago.

$325,000 – in one night –that is how much,” Daniel asked the crowd. “One million dollars. That would be extraordinary. That is where we all make history together.”

The audience was asked to give increments from

by the systemic issues that have plagued our district for years. These challenges, as highlighted in recent reporting, are not new, but their impact is deeply concerning,” she wrote in her statement.

“As I’ve begun addressing these issues, I’m confident that what the Board and I will agree on is that our immediate and decisive actions are necessary for our schools.”

Marston, the only school board member with children in the district, according to the PostDispatch, was also elected Secretary of the board Tuesday. He shares some

“At Emerson, we believe our goal is more than just business,” said Emerson Executive Vice President and CFO Mike Baughman. “it’s about being a true partner – with presence and purpose.”

After Baughman accepted the award Knott

of Borishade’s concerns but has his own ambitions for the board.

“I want us to come together as a team and have all the board members working well together with everybody pulling together to help our kids,” Marston said.

“I think we need to do some team building and once we’re all communicating well, we can extend that out to the students, journalists and the wider community.”

returned to the podium to deliver closing remarks. Urban League Vice President of Communications Lee Haynes approached Knott with a small piece of paper with a number: $225,115 dollars.

“We missed the mark a little bit, but if you feel something in your bones on the way out, please write one more check,” Knott said.

Bishop Michael F. Jones, senior pastor of Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, was ready to bless the audience with a parting prayer. Before he could stand up, Haynes came walking with intention from the back.

“We have a new number,” she said. The moment could be likened to an 11th hour political upset or a gamewinning buzzer beater, Lee Haynes approached the head table. She was speaking into an earpiece. Haynes said the $409, 715 mark had been reached.

“We have eclipsed $1 million dollars,” Knott said. “St. Louis, you brought it in strong.”

Borishade said she expects the board members “to conduct a thorough review of the district’s operations,” as well as her role as superintendent.

“I also welcome their scrutiny and look forward to building a productive working relationship as I believe we all have the same mission in mind: to ensure SLPS provides every student with a quality education that helps them fulfill their potential,” she said.

“I am confident that together we can navigate these challenges, celebrate our victories, and create a brighter future for our district.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Anthony “Tony” Thompson, founder of Kwame Building Group, was honored as Lifetime Achievement Award recipient during the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis 107th Annual Dinner on Tuesday at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel.

Photo courtesy of The Urban League

Striking a chord for youth’s mental health

Music therapy is an integral part of the Hilltop Child and Family Development Center program. It can provide benefits for a wide range of conditions, including stress and anxiety reduction, improved mood and emotional regulation, cognitive enhancement, and communication and social skills development in younger children.

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Hilltop Child and Family Development Center Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) introduces music therapy to children from low-income families in North city, where access is limited to these services.

Through music, children find their voice in ways that words alone can’t achieve. The nonprofit social services organization provides six critical support areas to help children and fami-

lies.

The partnership between Hilltop Child and Family Development and LFCS helps empower individuals and families to develop healthy, supportive foundations for a lifetime. Services are open to anyone regardless of race, faith, national origin, or gender.

“We are deeply grateful to the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund for making this program possible,” said Julie McAfee, director of the Hilltop Child and Family Development Center.

“Music therapy is a powerful tool

HHS cuts could short-circuit local energy program

Meals on Wheels also targeted

By ReShonda Tate Word In Black

families –Meals on Wheels and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The layoffs, particularly impacting the Administration for Community Living (ACL), have created uncertainty about

that aligns perfectly with our wraparound approach to care, giving children and teens a creative and effective path to heal and grow.”

Ronrico Johnson, a proud girl dad, says his daughter Ka’orii has learned many songs from her music therapy sessions with Sarah McAlevey, who sees all our Hilltop classrooms twice a week.

“I’ve noticed my daughter coming home singing songs that I am not familiar with, and when I ask her where

See HILLTOP, A11

Why organ donations matter in our community

By Dr. Jeanna Knight, PhD

After all the Black community has been through, it can be difficult to trust the nation’s healthcare system. But mistrust of organ donation doesn’t help our cause because people are dying.

the future of essential services, including Meals on Wheels. The Trump administration has embarked on a drastic reduction of the federal workforce. HHS confirmed it has terminated 10,000 staff through Reduction-in-Force (RIF), with another 10,000 expected to leave through early retirement or buyout schemes. The goal is to downsize the agency to 62,000 employees.

Former ACL Director Alison Barkoff says approximately 40% of the agency’s staff received layoff notices. ACL, which coordinates federal policy on aging and disability, funds programs that support senior centers and distribute 216 million See HHS CUTS, A11

Nearly 32,000 Black Americans need an organ transplant, often due to high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes. Black people make up only 14% of the national population but received 23% of all transplants last year—including 168 Black patients in St. Louis. These are our family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors. Organs aren’t assigned by race, but successful transplants are more likely when the donor and recipient share similar genetic backgrounds. That means when there aren’t enough donors like us, our loved ones wait longer for a match. And longer isn’t an option for someone already facing a three- to fiveyear wait for a lifesaving kidney. It’s uncomfortable to think about death. And there are myths out there. Let’s address a few.

n Paramedics will always do everything they can to save your life, and being a registered donor doesn’t change that. Every major religion supports donation.

First, paramedics will always do everything they can to save your life, and being a registered donor doesn’t change that. Every major religion supports donation. You can still have an open-casket funeral. Race, income, or fame have no impact on where someone ranks on the national transplant list.

Just last year, 63 Black donors in our region gave the gift of life. That’s 63 families who, even in their grief,

See KNIGHT, A11

Photo courtesy of Hilltop Development Center

Hilltop partners with LFCS

Jeanna Knight

Photo courtesy of Northside Senior Service Center

The Northside Youth and Senior Service Center Meals on Wheels program delivers hot meals to home-bound elderly neighbors in St. Louis every weekday. It packages and delivers about 300 meals to seniors throughout St. Louis to provide them with nutritious lunches. Of the seniors it serves, 97% have an annual income of less than $7,500, 98% live alone, 83% are over the age of 75, and 72% are women.

‘Taking

Hilltop

Continued from A10

she learned them from, she said ‘they sing it with Ms. Sarah at school’”, said Johnson.

“Ka’orii really seems to enjoy it and as a girl dad, her happiness is what matters the most.”

Hilltop strives to invest and provide high-quality early childhood care. Their integrated P-3 approach provides a supportive, stable learning environment from Pre-school through 3rd grade. On their website, the early childhood center states that the school extends to on-site behavioral health services, parenting education, in-home support services, and health screenings.

The program is available to children enrolled at Hilltop Child and Family Development Center.

Sessions will be offered twice weekly in partnership with Midwest Music Therapy Services, a leading provider of music-based interventions. Funding from the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund will help the development center provide therapeutic sessions to enhance children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Midwest Music Therapy Services is a leader in music-based interventions, providing therapeutic services to individuals and communities in schools, healthcare facilities, and other settings.

Music therapy is tailored to the individual patient’s needs, preferences, and goals. Patients are typically encouraged to participate in music therapy activities, such as listening, singing, playing instruments, or composing. Music therapy can provide benefits for a wide range of conditions, including stress and anxiety reduction, improved mood

HHS Cuts

Continued from A10

meals annually through Meals on Wheels.

“There’s no way to have these RIFs and not impact the programs and the people who rely on them,” Barkoff said.

“Although at this time, we have not seen a direct impact on the Meals on Wheels program, based on the limited resources available and the growing demand for services, we are having to scale back in the months to come,” said Katherine Rupp, director of marketing and communications for Interfaith Ministries which sponsors Meals on Wheels.

Rupp says the Meals on Wheels program is much

Knight

Continued from A10 helped give others a second chance. Many in our community have had difficult experiences with the healthcare system, feeling unheard, facing barriers to care, or carrying the weight of past injustices. Those feelings are valid. We also have the opportunity to move forward in a way that benefits the health of our community. Choosing to become an organ donor is a way to do that—by showing up for each other and giving hope

and emotional regulation, cognitive enhancement, and communication and social skills development in younger children. A study published by the National Library of Medicine shows how beneficial music therapy is–Parents of 83 children ranging from 12 months to 18 years old (the average age child being three) were surveyed. 79% of the parents stated that their children were able to enjoy the music therapy sessions without being stressed. In addition, 98% of the respondents said that they were grateful for the music therapy their children received (97% fully agreed and 1% rather agreed). All parents considered music therapy to be beneficial for their child. The parents’ responses reflected the

more than providing meals.

“Our assessors and drivers offer assistance to our seniors with day-today needs related to health care, accessing resources and benefits, staying connected and addressing any individual issues they may have.” she said.

HHS previously announced that ACL’s responsibilities would be redistributed within the department. However, this follows the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 proposal, which suggested ACL take on special education services after the potential dismantling of the Department of Education. The current plan for these responsibilities remains unclear.

Additionally, the entire staff of the Division of Energy Assistance was

where it’s needed most. Part of my job with Mid-America Transplant is being out in the community to share accurate information and encourage open, honest conversations to help people understand what’s at stake and why their decisions matter. And your decision matters immensely. Just one person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 more through tissue and eye donation. It’s a deeply personal decision, but it’s also an act of solidarity, compassion, and legacy. Many people don’t know how the donation process works or how

view that music therapy is beneficial to patients.

According to the American Music Therapy Association music stimulates all of the senses and involves the child at many levels. This “multimodal approach” facilitates many developmental skills. Quality learning and maximum participation occur when children are permitted to experience the joy of play.

n Music stimulates all of the senses and involves the child at many levels. This “multimodal approach” facilitates many developmental skills.

The medium of music therapy allows this play to occur naturally and frequently. Music is highly motivating, yet it can also have a calming and

relaxing effect. Enjoyable music activities are designed to be success-oriented and make children feel better about themselves. Music therapy can help a child manage pain and stressful situations. Music can encourage socialization, self-expression, communication, and motor skills development. Because the brain processes music in both hemispheres, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for the remediation of some speech/language skills.

n The entire staff of the Division of Energy Assistance was laid off, according to former employees Andrew Germain and Vikki Pretlow.

laid off, according to former employees Andrew Germain and Vikki Pretlow. This division administers the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which assists 5.9 million low-income households with heating and cooling costs and energy efficiency improvements.

The Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has two components: Energy Assistance/ Regular Heating (EA) and Energy Crisis Intervention

closely it’s managed to ensure equity and transparency. When a patient passes away and is eligible for organ donation, they’re evaluated by medical professionals, not someone looking at their income, zip code, or background. There are strict national guidelines that make sure every match is based on medical needs and not social status.

We also need more open conversations about this topic at home, at church, and in trusted community spaces. Families are more likely to honor someone’s wishes if they’ve had a conversation

Program (ECIP). EA is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay heating bills for Missourians.

EA is now available from October through September. Eligibility requirements for EA are based on income, household size, available resources, and responsibility for payment of home heating costs. Eligibility for EA may also qualify individuals for additional financial assistance through ECIP.

Through LIHEAP, the Urban League of

ahead of time. By talking about it now, we take pressure off our loved ones and give them clarity during a difficult time. It becomes a legacy decision and not a last-minute question while they are overcome with shock and grief.

As someone who collaborates closely with both donor families and recipients, I’ve seen both sides. I’ve seen moms and dads say yes to donation in the midst of heartbreak and find healing in knowing their child saved another family.

I’ve seen patients on dialysis for years finally receive a call that changes everything. I’ve watched

Research also indicates improved emotional well-being, social functioning, and academic performance.

“Hilltop’s holistic approach to child and family wellness makes it an ideal setting for music therapy,” said McAfee.

“This program will be a vital addition to our community, giving families more access to mental health support through innovative care.”

There are several different types of music therapy: Receptive music therapy (listening to music), Active music therapy (making music), Improvisational music therapy, Compositional music therapy, and Electronic music therapy. Music therapy and its elements are used to address

Metropolitan St. Louis is able to help more than 15,000 families in St. Louis City and Wellston.

“Ultimately, I believe the program will crumble from within without the federal office there to manage it,’ said former Fiscal Director Andrew Germain.

“You’re talking about individuals who rely on crisis assistance… to keep the power on, whether for a medical reason or some other potentially life-threatening purpose.”

Concerns have been raised about LIHEAP’s future, as funding is set to expire in September, coinciding with the onset of winter heating needs. Germain, who oversaw compliance monitoring, expressed uncertainty about the program’s continuation without federal oversight.

people go from barely surviving to thriving because someone else was brave enough to register.

That’s the real story of organ donation. It’s about resilience. It’s about faith. It’s about a community coming together to save ourselves.

Sometimes, people ask me, “What difference does one person make?” The truth is everything. One person can restore a child’s eyesight, give a father more years with his family, help a teenager walk again, or offer someone on the brink of death a second chance. And that ripple effect touches everyone around them.

emotional, physical, and cognitive health challenges. Research has demonstrated its benefits for both preschool children and adolescents, particularly those facing developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), trauma, or stress. Music therapy can strengthen communication skills for preschoolers, especially those with ASD or other developmental delays.

A study in the Journal of Music Therapy highlights its effectiveness in improving young children’s social interactions and verbal communication. Music therapy offers a supportive space to process emotions, manage stress, and explore identity.

He also addressed past scrutiny from Project 2025, which had pointed out a now-corrected “loophole” related to SNAP benefits. Congress allocated $4.1 billion to LIHEAP for the 2024 fiscal year.

“We need the support of our community – individuals, corporations and local entities,” Rupp said.

“Currently, Interfaith Ministries (IM) is supplementing the cost of this program by 30% and if there are additional cuts, IM will not be able to sustain the current level of operation, nor accommodate the over 500 seniors who are currently on a waiting list.”

Alvin A. Reid of the St. Louis American contributed to this report

This is how we take care of each other. This is one way we can heal forward. It’s not just about signing up. It’s about educating ourselves and each other. We must shift the conversation from fear to facts and from silence to action. We can’t change the past, but we can change the future for someone still waiting. Say yes to organ donation. Say yes to saving lives.

Dr. Jeanna Knight oversees community outreach at Mid-America Transplant. To learn more or register, visit www. SayYesGiveLife.org.

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program offers newspapers and resources to St. Louis area teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students at The American’s Summer Science Academy work in teams to discover the many different computer programming languages.

Students Laron’yea A., Errionna D., Dominique S., Jamiyah S., Keyvionne C., in Ms. Kimberly Johnson’s 3-5 grade class at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence, build 2D and 3D shapes to work on building and problem solving skills with marshmallows and toothpicks.

Teachers, if you are using

Students at The American’s Summer Science Academy work in teams to discover the many different computer programming languages.

Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: csewell@stlamerican. com

Teachers,

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

SCIENCE CORNER

SCIENCE STARS

AND EDUCATOR: Jeanette Jones

MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR: Jeanette Jones

Floyd Malveaux was born on January 11, 1940, in Opelousas, Louisiana. With the guidance of his mother, a math and science teacher, Malveaux excelled in school and placed first in a statewide math competition for minority high school students.

John K. Haynes was born October 30, 1943, in Monroe, Louisiana. His parents, a teacher and a principal, valued education and Haynes was able to begin first grade at just four years old. He attended Morehouse College when he was seventeen and received his bachelor’s degree in biology in 1964. Six years later, he obtained his doctorate degree in biology from Brown University.

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is Asthma ?

What Are Fungi ?

SCIENCE CORNER

Fungi are organisms made of filaments (called hyphe) that are stacked together. Unlike plants, fungi do not have chlorophyll, so they cannot make their own food. Some fungi are parasites, which mean they live off of other organisms. Some fungi feed off of dead and decaying matter. Fungi are everywhere in the environment, including the soil, lakes, river and seas, air, and on plants and animals. Fungi (plural of fungus) help organic matter to decay and release carbon and oxygen into the environment. Unlike plants, fungi do not have

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Floyd Malveaux studied asthma and how it affects the lungs. The lungs take oxygen from the air you breathe and transport it throughout the bloodstream, while removing the carbon dioxide, releasing it in the air you breathe out. Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. When airways become irritated and narrow, it triggers an asthma attack. The narrow passages make it hard to breathe air. Asthma makes everyday activities uncomfortable and difficult, due to a lack of oxygen. Symptoms of asthma

What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?

What Are Fungi ?

If you have seen a sickle, a rounded tool used for cutting wheat, then you can imagine the crescent shape of a sickle cell. In the body, red blood cells carry oxygen to all of your cells. Round is the best shape for red blood cells because they can move easily. Sometimes, the blood cells are shaped like a sickle. This particular shape does not travel well and often gets caught inside smaller blood vessels. When this happens, there is pain in the bones. It also affects other organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys.

In this experiment, you will learn how mold grows best. Mold is an important fungus that has several uses, including breaking down dead organic material. Some purified molds are actually used as an antibiotic to treat illnesses.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

When the body recognizes that the sickle cells do not work

Materials Needed:

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

• 3 slices of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags

• 10x10 square centimeter grid • Ruler

Materials Needed:

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Process:

Clean Plastic Tubing

leaves, stems, or roots. Fungi use spores to reproduce. One common type of fungus is the mushrooms you find on your pizza. Mold, yeasts, and mildew are also types of fungus.

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

Materials Needed:

• Water Procedure:

Materials Needed:

• 3 slices of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags

q Wet one slice of bread enough to make it moist and place it in a bag. Seal the bag very tightly.

1 Plastic Container

• 10x10 square centimeter grid • Ruler

1 Put 10cm of water into the water basin.

• Vinegar

Process:

• 2 Ziploc Sandwich Bags

w Place the two other slices of dry bread in two separate bags and seal them, as well.

2 Fill the plastic bottle with water.

• Clear Corn Syrup

• 1 Raw Egg • 1 Glass

Disappearing Egg Shell

q Wet one slice of bread enough to make it moist and place it in a bag. Seal the bag very tightly.

3 Put your hand over the top of the bottle to prevent water from escaping when you turn it upside down.

Directions:

e Place the bag with the wet slice of bread and one of the bags with a dry slice of bread in a dark place, such as a closed cabinet or closet.

r Place the third bag with a dry slice of bread in the refrigerator.

w Place the two other slices of dry bread in two separate bags and seal them, as well.

e Place the bag with the wet slice of

q Place raw egg in container and cover with vinegar. Notice the egg bubbling from the chemical reaction. w vinegar. The egg is now shell-less and clear.

MATH CONNECTION

5 Push one end of the plastic tube into the bottle.

such as a closed cabinet or closet.

MATH CONNECTION

What

4 Turn the bottle upside down, placing the top of the bottle under the water in the basin before removing your hand.

r Place the third bag with a dry slice of bread in the refrigerator.

Shrinking Egg Directions: q

MATH CONNECTION

leaves, stems, or roots. Fungi use spores to reproduce. One common type of fungus is the mushrooms you find on your pizza. Mold, yeasts, and mildew are also types of fungus.

For More Information, Go to: https://kids.kiddle.co/Fungus

include coughing, wheezing (especially at night), difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Asthma is treated with medicines to control the swelling and open airways. Sometimes medicine is taken orally, in a daily pill. Sometimes an inhaler is used to deliver the medicine when someone is having an asthma attack. Scientists, such as Malveaux, study asthma and how it affects the body, and create treatments.

For More Information, Go to: https://kids.kiddle.co/Fungus

properly, they destroy them. Unfortunately these cells are destroyed more quickly than new cells are made. Therefore, the body does not have enough red blood cells and the person becomes anemic. Since this particular cause of anemia is the sickle-shaped blood cell, it is called sickle cell anemia.

Growing Mold!

In 1961, he earned his bachelor’s degree in biological science from Creighton University. Three years later, he earned his master’s degree in biological science from Loyola University in Chicago. From there, he earned his doctorate degree in microbiology and public health from Michigan State University, then went to Howard University to attend medical school. Malveaux also completed studies at Washington Hospital Center and Johns Hopkins University. While at Howard University, Malveaux studied allergies and asthma, training in internal medicine and allergy/clinical immunology. In 1978, he became an associate professor of medicine at Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM), and created a training program for allergists. In 1986, he joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins University and created the Urban Asthma and Allergy Center in Baltimore, Maryland. His work led to the Community Outreach for Asthma Care, which was a treatment program at HUCM. In 2005, Malveaux retired and joined the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc.

Jeanette Jones was born on September 19, 1950, in Fort Valley, Georgia. Jones graduated from Fort Valley State University in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in biology education. In 1973, Jones received her master’s degree in botany and mycology (a branch of biology that studies fungi) from The Ohio State University. In 1976, she received her doctorate (Ph.D.) degree. She also studied at the University of Nevada, the University of California Medical School, the National Center for Disease Control-Atlanta, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After graduation, Alabama A&M University hired Jones as an assistant biology professor. In 1986, she served as an adjunct professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Services at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and worked on a project with NASA. In 1991, Jones served as the first female vice president of research and development at Alabama A&M University. She also served as President of Alabama A&M University’s Faculty Senate from 2001 to 2006. In 1992, she was appointed to the U.S. Army Science Board by the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Togo West. Since 2004 Jones has been the director of the Center for Biomedical, Behavioral, and Environment Research at Alabama A&M University. She also worked as a consultant with federal agencies to help them develop training programs to attract women and minorities to STEM education and careers.

For more information, visit: http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_ problems/blood/sickle_cell.html

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

Learning Standards: I can read a nonfiction passage for main idea and supporting details.

Growing Mold!

Malveaux won many awards, including the National Institute of Health’s National Research Service Award, and Jewel Plummer Cobb Distinguished Lecture Award. He continued to increase public awareness of asthma and leading healthy lifestyles for the rest of his life.

Is your lung volume?

6 Take a deep breath.

The Shrinking Egg Trick!

t For five days, measure the square centimeters of mold on each piece of bread through the bag. Use a grid, if possible, or a ruler. If mold covers more than half a square centimeter, it is counted as one full centimeter. If it is less, it is counted as 0 centimeters. This will give you the area of mold on each slice of bread y At the end of a week (5 days of measuring) or longer, use your final results to say what percentage of the bread was covered in mold. Make a table or graph to display the information.

7 Breathe out as much air as you can through the tube.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting detail. support.

8 As you breathe out through the tube, the air from your lungs takes the place of the water in the bottle. Measure the volume of air your lungs had in them.

Discussion Questions: How much mold was on the bread? Which location had the most mold? Which had the least? What conclusions can you draw about the conditions in which mold grows? How can food manufacturers and restaurant owners use this information to help them? Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can display my results, make observations, and draw conclusions.

e Check the egg in a few hours, then again the next morning. Did it look bigger or smaller? Let the egg sit for 3 days, by now you should see a size difference.

9 You will need to sanitize the tube in between each person using it, or provide a separate tube for each student.

r Remove the egg from the corn syrup, and gently wash it. The egg should look shriveled, and you can feel the yolk.

Reflection: Did you know that if you have a big air capacity in your lungs you can distribute oxygen around your body at a faster rate? You can increase the air capacity in your lungs with regular exercise.

Analyzing a Bar Graph

Scientists often use tables and graphs to display the results of their research. Looking at these displays, you can draw conclusions.

Learning Standards: I can follow a procedure and analyze results.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can display my results, make observations, and draw conclusions.

t Fill another Ziploc bag halfway with water, and put the egg in it. Let it sit supported by the glass for a few days. Does it continue to shrink or does it grow back to normal?

It was at Brown University that Haynes began his research on sickle cell anemia. He worked with Vernon Ingram, the scientist who discovered the amino acid difference between normal blood cells and sickle cell hemoglobin. From there, Haynes became a junior faculty member at Meharry Medical School and continued his study of sickle cells in the Department of Genetics and Anatomy. In 1979, he returned to Morehouse College as a biology professor and the director of the Office of Health Professions. He created a program for high school students interested in the medical field. Agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and the National Institute of Health (NIH) helped Haynes recruit minority students into science. In 1991, he went to Brown University to continue his work on sickle cells. He has served as Dean of Science and Mathematics at Morehouse College since 1999. Haynes has published papers on cell biology, as well as studies on undergraduate STEM education.

Questions:

Floyd was honored by the “Floyd J. Malveaux, MD, PhD Endowed Chair in Public Health,” created by Howard University. He stated, “What I have learned through the years is there needs to be good research and evidence to manage health problems, but it is just as important to address the environment and conditions in the community.

q What do you think a cellular biologist does?

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

In 1975, Jones was listed in the World’s Women’s Who’s Who and she was named an Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1978. Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society awarded her the distinguished service award. Jones also received the Significant Service Award from the NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program and the Extramural Associate Research Development Award from the National Institute of Health. In 1990 and 2006, she was named Woman of the Year at Alabama A&M University and was given the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Faculty Senate. The U.S. Army presented Jones the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Civilian Service as a member of the Army Science Board.

w Would you like to be a cellular biologist? Why or why not?

e Why is there a strong connection between biology and medicine?

Discussion Questions: Dr. Jones received many awards and honors. How would you describe her achievements and her contributions to science? Dr. Jones is studying how fungi might be used as agents of war. What purpose do you think fungi serve in modern warfare? Are fungi beneficial or harmful?

MAP CORNER

Learning Standards: I can read biographies of individuals who have made contributions to science.

Use the newspaper to complete these activities: Activity One — Technology in Our Community New technology is always changing the way we do things. Use the newspaper to locate a picture of an invention that has affected or changed your life in some

Discussion Questions: Which day had the most measured rainfall? Which day(s) had the least? Looking at the bar graph, what might you conclude about rain patterns in March/April? What other observations can you make?

Analyze: Look up the definition for osmosis. How do you think osmosis affected this process?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about an African American who has made contributions in science, math, technology, or engineering.

Learning Standards: an African American who has made contributions in science, math, technology, or engineering.

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities:

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Types of News:

w Place the shell-less egg in the bag. Take careful note of the size of the egg. Now place the bag in the glass for

As we approach spring weather (and increased rain), create a bar graph that displays the amount of rain that falls for several consecutive days or weeks. (Day 1: 1.5 inches, Day 2: 0 inches, Day 3: 1.5 inches, etc.)

Analyzing a Bar Graph

Scientists often use tables and graphs to display the results of their research. Looking at these displays, you can draw conclusions.

In this week’s science experiment, you measured volume in your lungs. For this activity, you will practice calculating area. The volume of a rectangular prism is length x width x height. Use the formula for area to answer the following problems:

MATH CONNECTION

2 What is the height of a rectangular prism with a length of 10 inches, width of 3 inches, and a volume of 210 inches cubed? ___________

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete a procedure. I can make predictions and analyze results. Converting measurements!

Learning Standards: I can use a bar graph to display information. I can use the information to make deductions and inferences.

3 If a cube has a length, width, and height of 6 inches, what is the volume? __________

4 If a cube has a volume of

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities: Types of News: Use the front

Scientists often rely on measurements when they are collecting data. In this activity, you will practice converting measurements. Remember the Rule!

1 What is the volume of a rectangular prism with a length of 5 meters, width of 6 meters, and a height of 12 meters?

DID YOU KNOW?

This special Newspaper In Education initiative is made possible, and delivered to classrooms through the St. Louis American Foundation and its NIE Corporate Partners:

Did you know your brain is approximately 80% water?

Learning Standards: I can multiply and divide to calculate volume.

Learning Standards: information. I can use the information to make deductions and inferences.

There are over 10,000 species of mold, with 1,000 of those species found in the United States.

Although some bacteria make you sick, some bacteria (such as that found in yogurt) can affect your body in a positive way, such as helping you digest your food. 12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard x Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

Use the front section of the newspaper to evaluate the types of news stories presented: local, national, and international. Sort the articles into the three categories and create a bar graph that displays the amount of coverage each type of news story received.

Activity One: Look through the newspaper for pictures, stories, and advertisements that demonstrate how people change the environment. Remember to identify the 5 Ws: who, what, when, where, and why.

in a style of writing called the inverted pyramid. The most important information in the story is contained in the lead, or first paragraph(s), and the details are added in descending order of importance. This allows readers to browse through the newspaper at a quicker pace. Find an example of a story in the newspaper that is written in inverted pyramid style.

Activity Two: Many natural hazards make the news: wildfires, volcanic eruptions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes. Look for a newspaper story or a picture about a natural hazard. Identify the natural hazard and its effect on people and places.

Mystery Story: Cut out several pictures from the newspaper without reading the caption. Place the pictures in a bag, and without looking, pick your mystery picture from the bag. That’s your stimulus for writing. Construct a graphic organizer to identify the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) of your story by looking at your picture. Then, continue the writing process.

newspaper to evaluate the types of news stories presented: local, national, and international. Sort the articles into the three categories and create a bar graph that displays the amount of coverage each type of news story received.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can categorize and summarize that information.

Learning Standards: I can use a newspaper to locate information. I can summarize an article and recognize cause and effect.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write with a key idea and supporting details to support my message.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can categorize and summarize that information.

AFRICAN AMERICAN MICROBIOLOGIST: Floyd Malveaux

Photo by Ms. Stovall

AFRICAN AMERICAN CELLULAR BIOLOGIST: John K. Haynes

Photo by Ms. Johnson

Photo courtesy www.thehistorymakers.com

AFRICAN-AMERICAN

Photo courtesy malveauxmission.org

Normal bronchus

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST

commonly grows on fruit

Schnucks Springboard cohort companies making debut

Four-week trial at area stores

Through the Show Me The World non-profit organization, students receive in-depth training in entrepreneurship through operation of its Show Me The World Coffee enterprise. The business serves as a practical application of studies and also funds international travel experiences. Show Me The World Coffee is one of the first 10 Schnucks Springboard participants, and the product is on display in 15 respective Schnucks stores for the next four weeks.

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

The ideas of entrepreneurs that inspired business start-ups throughout the region are now on Schnucks Markets shelves at select stores for the grocer’s Schnucks Springboard program.

The products, part of the first class of Schnucks Springboard local and diverse-owned business accelerator, began four-week trial periods on Wednesday, April 23 on a devoted endcap at 15 St. Louis-area Schnucks

stores. After the trial period, Schnucks category managers will evaluate customer demand and sales of accelerator products to determine if the products will become part of Schnucks’ everyday offerings.

In addition to the store trial, company owners also received development classes, network opportunities and $5,000 in equity-free funding. Schnucks Springboard began accepting applications in early 2024 with the first 10 participants being named last summer.

They include Phathead BBQ Sauce, Bella’s Pet Products, D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food, Hugo Coffee Roasters, Mickey’s Popcorn, MOTASTE, Pop Pop Hurray, Sandwich Goat Seasonings, Show Me the World, and YÜJ Granola.

The Show Me The World organization focuses on STEM learning, entrepreneurship, and encouraging cultural awareness through at-home learning and global travel. Students benefit from in-depth, handson learning that has a profound, lifelong impact.

See SCHUCKS, B2

Target remains in crosshairs of Black national boycott

‘We need financial empowerment’

By Laura Nwogu The Atlanta Voice

Target remains in crosshairs of a Black national boycott.

“Somebody is going to pay the price, and we don’t accept layaway in 2025,” Rev. Jamal H. Bryant said as he addressed the Target Fast Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday night, April 22, 2025, at Salem Bible Church in Atlanta.

The town hall was hosted on the 42nd day of an initial 40-day fast organized by Bryant and his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The retail fast has expanded into a national boycott movement against Target and broader institutions, spearheaded by the church’s pastor.

The campaign, which criticizes the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by the retail giant, continues to draw widespread attention and support.

“We are the nation’s biggest consumers and least producers,” Bryant declared, challenging the crowd to recognize their economic influence.

“We do not need financial literacy — we need to have financial empowerment,” he continued.

The boycott stems from Target’s

of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives earlier this year.

giant

committed to supporting Black-owned businesses, advancing Black employees,

and enhancing inclusivity in the shopping experience. In January, those efforts were quietly scaled back, prompting backlash

See TARGET, B2

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling name new CEO

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company is pleased to announce Justin Bridgeman as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Justin Bridgeman

Justin has been with Heartland for eight years, serving most recently as executive director. He is succeeding his father, Ulysess “Junior” Bridgeman, who founded Heartland in 2017 and who passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2025.

“My father’s vision was to build a generational business with a foundation built on taking care of our employees. Heartland will remain focused on our employees, customers, and the communities we serve,” said Justin Bridgeman.

Hogan named LCFS human resources partner

Perry Hogan has joined Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) as their new human resources partner.

Perry Hogan

Hogan will collaborate with the LFCS leadership team to develop, implement, and evaluate effective human resources strategies and services, ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission and organizational goals.

He holds a Master of Arts (MA) from Liberty University and a BA in Business Administration from the University of Management and Technology.

Ritter’s Armstead receives national honor

Tamiko Armstead

Cardinal Ritter College Prep President and CEO Tamiko Armstead recently received a national award from the National Catholic Educational Association during its conference in Orlando, Florida. She was bestowed the President’s Award, which recognizes the achievement of individuals who display the values of contribution, support, leadership and development to impact Catholic education in the United States.

“I thank you for this honor on behalf of the kids, the Catholic mission, this beautiful work, and all of those dreams that every single day we’re going to make sure come true,” she said.

Anne Sankale honored with NASC Scholarship

Anne Sankale, a senior at Fort Zumwalt East High School, is an inaugural recipient of a National Association of Student Councils (NASC) Scholarship, which honors outstanding high school juniors and seniors who exemplify leadership, service, voice, and engagement. As student council president, Sankale guided Homecoming, and Veterans Day celebrations, and Fort Zumwalt East’s first-ever International Night, which highlighted more than 20 cultures represented in the district.

Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to areid@stlamerican.com

Photo courtesy of Show Me The World

Photo by Laura Nwogu / The Atlanta Voice

Pastor Jamal H. Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church cut the ribbon cutting in celebration of the Bullseye Black Market opening on April 18, 2025. The marketplace featured 104 entrepreneurs and their businesses. Bryant said in a Town hall on Tuesday April 22, that the Target boycott he launched will continue nationwide.

Anne Sankale

Schnucks

Continued from B1

Its students receive in-depth training in entrepreneurship through operation of its Show Me The World Coffee enterprise.

“This rollout is a big step forward, and I’m grateful to have been part of the inaugural Schnucks Springboard Diversity cohort that helped make it possible,” Sylvester Chisholm, Show Me The World co-founder and director of business strategy,” wrote in a Facebook post.

“Thank you to everyone who’s supported the mission. We’re just getting started.”

Mickey’s Popcorn co-founders Penny and Kenny Mickey, said on Instagram, “This isn’t just a drop, it’s a one-month trial, and your purchases decide if we stay.”

“So, we’re calling in the flavor troops. If you’ve ever craved popcorn with a

Target

Continued from B1

punch of boozy brilliance, bold storytelling, and a whole lotta heart, this is your moment.”

Last month, Schnucks accepted applications for its 2025 Springboard cohort; those accepted will be named at a later date.

Diverse-owned is defined as at least 51% owned, operated and managed by a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident that is a member of one or more of the following groups: Woman, Disabled, Black American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American, Hispanic American, LGBT and/or U.S. Military Veteran.

Schnucks Springboard was designed to provide education, resources and access to local and diverse-owned businesses.

The companies were selected in partnership with Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council based on their business stability, incremental sales opportunity, and organized resistance.

Also in attendance at Tuesday’s event was Ben Chavis, CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), who addressed the crowd alongside Bryant. The forum provided updates on the boycott’s impact and the next steps for sustained action.

“Subscribe to a Black newspaper - We are bombarded with hopelessness, tonight and tomorrow going forward we should be more conscious about how we help one another,” Chavis said.

Lee Dunn, CEO of

Blink Marketing and founder of United 1 GPS, a non-profit dedicated to homelessness, public policy, and “restoring the American dream,” has been working with Bryant, emphasizing the importance of action over silence.

“To me, standing up for DEI is important, as ultimately Black people have a presence in this country — whether it is valued or not,” Dunn said Tuesday. “We need to leverage our power.”

With over 200,000 supporters and continued pressure from Black churches, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, the boycott has contributed to a reported $12.4 billion loss in market value and a

strategic vision and corporate responsibility.

The Urban

Civic Leadership Award in 2023, and Schnucks was also recently named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

n “Subscribe to a Black newspaper - We are bombarded with hopelessness, tonight and tomorrow going forward we should be more conscious about how we help one another.”

– Ben Chavis

7.9% decline in year-overyear store traffic.

With efforts like the Bullseye Black Market helping to reroute dollars directly into the Black community, Bryant’s message resonates louder than ever: economic empowerment, not just literacy, is the path forward—and the price of inaction will be paid in full.

“One church had an

Kenny Mickey displays Mickey’s Popcorn, which will be on end caps in 15 respective Schnucks stores for the next four weeks as part of the Schnucks Springboard program. The company was founded in 2020 by a husband-and-wife team, Kenny and Penny Mickey. Kenny worked for global brands such as Cargill and FedEx. Penny Mickey has worked in executive leadership roles in higher education and government and designs workbased learning programs.

Adrian Moore, Schnucks senior director of merchandising enablement and supplier diversity.

“We look forward to introducing them to our customers and hope to help propel these proprietors to the next level.”

The Missouri Schnucks locations featuring Springboard products are Arsenal, Bridgeton, Cross Keys, Des Peres, Dorsett, Hampton Village, Ladue, Lindenwood, Richardson, Richmond Center, and Twin Oaks.

The Illinois stores are in Edwardsville, Godfrey, Granite City and Swansea.

idea, and it became a spark that became a flame,” Bryant said.

With the fast, Bryant said they had four demands of Target:

1. Honor the $2 billion pledge to the Black business community through products, services, and Black media buys

2. Deposit $250 million in any of our 23 Black banks

3. Completely

2024 by Newsweek

“Schnucks is proud to welcome these companies’ high-quality products to our stores’ shelves,” said

restoring the franchise’s commitment to DEI

4. Pipeline community centers at 10 HBCUs to teach retail business at every level

Bryant said the deadline to meet those demands and end the boycott was 9 a.m. on Sunday. Target only committed to one of the demands and did not meet that deadline.

“40 days was not the deadline. It was the benchmark for us to see where it is that we are, and to be able to recalibrate. History will record that this is the most effective boycott for our community, nationally, since Montgomery. And strikingly different, Montgomery was just a city, and this is impacting the entire nation. So, we’re

To help introduce the products to customers, several coordinated sampling events will be held at the following Schnucks stores: Saturday, May 3: 10-11:30 a.m. Richmond Center; 1-2:30 p.m. Des Peres; Richardson 5-5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4: 1011:30 a.m. Edwardsville; 1 - 2:30 p.m. Cross Keys.

glad to have such a grasp and have such a bridge.”

On Friday April 18, 2025, New Birth unveiled its Bullseye Black Market, a curated marketplace at the Samson Health & Fitness Center, featuring 104 entrepreneurs and their businesses. From art and makeup to sweet treats, clothing, and skincare, the market is a hub that allows people to invest their money back into the Black community.

“Black people have no shortage of creativity, we have no shortage of ingenuity, we have no shortage of talent,” Bryant said before he cut the ribbon welcoming DeKalb County residents and leaders into the space.

League of Metropolitan St. Louis honored Schnucks with the

Photo courtesy of Mickey’s Popcorn

n “Want me to go to the Orlando locker room?”

– Jayson Tatum’s mom Brandy Cole after a flagrant foul led to injured wrist

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Track and field stars finding place in spring sun

The track and field season is off and running in the St. Louis metro area, and several top athletes are showing they have the mettle to win medals.

On the girls’ side, senior Kyndall Spain of four-time state champion Cardinal Ritter returns to the lanes as the top hurdler in the state. She is also a standout sprinter, and leader of a young team looking for a fifth consecutive state championship. She has already committed to South Carolina.

Other top girls’ athletes include:

Bailey Hensgens (Incarnate Word Academy): A sophomore jumper who led the Red Knights to the Class 3 state championship last season.

The top boys to watch include:

Michael Clark (Lutheran North): A standout football player on the Crusaders state championship football team who also excels on the track as a state-champion sprinter in the 400meter dash.

Henry Rohan (MICDS): An excellent junior sprinter who has already turned in some of the area’s fastest times this season.

Earl Austin Jr.

Johmeisha Patterson (Festus): A talented young sprinter from Jefferson County who earned AllState honors in the sprints and hurdles as a freshman last season.

Chloe Tabb (Marquette): A talented jumper who set a school record in the triple jump at 40 feet 8 ¼ inches at last week’s Henle Holmes Invitational

Uyoyoghene Omunu (Parkway North): A basketball standout with Vikings who was also a state-champion triple jumper last season.

Cameron Cason (Francis Howell): A talented jumper who finished second in the triple jump at the Class 5 state meet last season.

Earl’s World

New Mizzou women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper went into the transfer portal and came away with a couple of top players from the St. Louis metro area as part of her first recruiting class… Former Incarnate Word Academy star Saniah Tyler gave a commitment to Mizzou. The 5’6” Tyler spent the past three seasons at the University of Kentucky. Tyler was the St. Louis American Player of the Year in 2022… Also headed to Columbia is former O’Fallon (IL) High Shannon Dowell who transferred from Illinois State. A 5’10”

Senior sprinter and hurdler Kyndall Spain hopes to lead a young Cardinal Ritter girls’ track and field squad to a fifth-consecutive state title.

guard, Dowell led the Panthers to the IHSA Class 4A state championship as a senior. Last season at Illinois State, Dowell averaged 17.6 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field

in leading the Redbirds to a 24-13 record…In more portal news, former Incarnate Word girls’ standout Zoe Best has committed to Charlotte after an excellent freshman season at SEMO, where

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

she was the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year. She averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game… After losing to TCU in the second round NCAA Women’s Basketball,

Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey got busy making her team better. The St. Louis native has added Wake Forest 6-3 forward Milaya Cowles, Kansas State 6-4 forward Gisela Sanchez and Duke 5-8 guard Vanessa de Jesus through the transfer portal St. Louis’ Jayson Tatum landed on his wrist after a hard foul from Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Game 1 of the teams’ firstround playoff series. His x-ray was “clean” and he finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds in the Celtics 103-86 win…Boston coach Joe Mazzulla, a no-nonsense guy, yelled “get up” to Tatum as he writhed in pain on the court… Another St. Louis product, Bradley Beal, is watching the NBA playoffs with Kevin Durant and his teammates after a dismal 36-win season. Beal is under fire this offseason for quashing trade deals and perceived lack of desire by many Suns fans…Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, who is still facing unbridled scorn for trading Luca Doncic to the L.A. Lakers for Anthony Davis, may have been on to something when he said, “Defense wins championships.” In Doncic’s first playoff game, the Lakers were riddled on defense and lost to the underdog Minnesota Timberwolves 117-95.

NCAA academic basketball champions deserve honors

I doubt many Republican national (or state) political leaders read “Inside Higher Ed,” unless in an attempt to ferret out those awful DEI initiatives or Black history courses.

Each year I check out its NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket. Beginning with the first-round games, its respective national champion wins the title based on academic performance.

lishes.

As senior editor, I teamed with reporter Jimmie Briggs on the projects. It is one of the works in my career of which I am most proud.

Alvin A. Reid

The 2025 Men’s Final Four included Louisville, Kansas, Clemson and Liberty.

Wins are based on the latest academic progress rate (APR) available, which was the 2022-23 academic year. The academic progress rate measures student athlete retention, academic eligibility and graduation rates.

It isn’t perfect, and many people feel it does not give a clear picture of performance. (Shouldn’t Yale win this year?)

I remind people that the first publication to list academic achievement in major sports and rank them by performance was “Emerge,” an African American monthly magazine that no longer pub-

Louisville defeated KU in a semifinal contest, while Clemson topped Liberty. Clemson then won the national title. As in the actual tournament, Drake defeated Missouri and Houston defeated SIUEdwardsville.

I incorrectly did not place an SEC team in the actual Final Four. This held true in the academic tournament.

Tennessee and Alabama advanced to the Elite Eight, then lost to Liberty and Clemson, respectively. Auburn, not surprisingly, was ushered out in the first round by Saint Francis.

Lipscomb advanced two rounds with respective wins over Iowa State and San Diego State, while Omaha beat Saint John’s. Unlike in the men’s bracket, the Ivy League dominated the women’s academic basketball tournament.

Columbia University became a repeat champion by defeating Harvard in the title game. Joining

those teams in the Final Four were South Dakota State (which ousted actual champion UConn in the second round) and Creighton.

South Carolina, which reached the women’s national title game against UConn, won against Tennessee Tech and Utah before losing to the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay in an Elite Eight game.

Various tiebreakers were used in both the women’s and men’s tournaments, including overall

graduation rates, not just athletic.

Here’s something cool about the women’s competition, according to HEI.

“There were four matchups in the second round in which both teams had perfect APRs of 1,000. Kudos to those teams.”

The championship matchup between Harvard University and Columbia University featured teams which had perfect APRs and athletic graduation, and overall graduation rates of 99%.

“We’ve never seen this before in Inside Higher Ed’s 19 years of academic March Madness, so, although not ideal, we had to resort to a (virtual) coin flip. Naturally, Harvard was heads because both start with “H.” Columbia won the toss.

The Reid Roundup

With the NFL Draft’s first round being held Thursday April 24, former Missouri receiver Luther Burden III remains a mystery. The Denver

Broncos (20th pick), Green Bay Packers (23) and Minnesota Vikings (24) are rumored to draft him… The Kansas City Chiefs would consider drafting Burden with the 31st pick. Patrick Mahomes could always use another weapon… The Tennessee Titans are locked on former Miami U. quarterback Cam Ward with the first pick. If he falls to second round, Burden could team with the best QB in the draft…Colorado can’t be faulted for retiring Travis Hunter’s No. 12, he won the Heisman Trophy. But to retire Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2 is a travesty. His father and coach Deion Sanders said if not for his last name, there would be no controversy. He’s right. If Shedeur had a different last name, his number would never have been considered for retirement…Former Hazelwood Central star Devin Williams left Milwaukee as a free agent for more cash with the New York Yankees. After blowing a four-run ninth inning lead in a loss to Tampa Bay last week, Williams was 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA. He reportedly doesn’t like the large number of media members in the Yankees’ clubhouse before and after games.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

SLU designated key role in cyber defense

Saint Louis University has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAECD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command.

The CAE-CD designation identifies institutions committed to producing world-class cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge and skills to reduce risks to national cyberinfrastructure.

This designation signifies an institution has excelled in its academic programs in interdisciplinary, hands-on cybersecurity instruction. SLU has been designated for its master’s program in cyber security.

“Cybersecurity plays a critical role in keeping our nation’s infrastructure safe,” said Maria Weber, director of SLU’s master’s program in cybersecurity. “Being designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in

Cyber Defense reinforces Saint Louis University›s status as one of the nation›s premier research and training institutions providing a world-class education in cybersecurity.”

SLU is one of only five universities nationally that has been designated as both an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAECD) and an Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (IC-CAE).

SLU received the IC-CAE designation in 2022. The designation and $2.5 million in grant funding support the design and development of intelligence-related STEM curricula and programmatic training opportunities to prepare students for careers in the field of intelligence.

The NSA and the DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office jointly sponsor the CAE-CD program. The Office of

St. Louis University, which offers certificate and degree programs including Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAECD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command.

real-world problems, and participate in nationwide competitions. Graduates of these programs are highly sought after by employers in the private and public sectors.

Congressman Wesley Bell helps launch gun buyback effort

Missouri Congressman Wesley Bell has joined Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), and LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) in introducing the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act, which would invest $360 million in grant funding to establish state and local gun buyback programs to help prevent gun violence, remove unwanted firearms from communities nationwide and empower local safety efforts.

The bill engages state, local, and tribal entities, along with gun dealers who are in good federal standing, to establish gun buyback programs that pay 125% on a prepaid debit card to those who turn in firearms. The firearms would then be catalogued, turned over to a law enforcement entity, and destroyed.

“Every gun we get off the street is one less chance for tragedy,” said

Bell.

“This bill puts real guardrails around buyback programs—smart prepaid cards that can’t be used to buy more guns, faster turn-ins to law enforcement, and checks to see if the weapon was used in a crime. It’s a smart, focused step to help cities like St. Louis take action against gun violence before it strikes.”

Safe States Alliance Executive Director Sharon

Gilmartin said the organization “is proud to support the Act.”

“We prioritize policies that invest in prevention efforts. Congress has an opportunity to improve the safety of all Americans by working to pass legislation that will reduce the prevalence of guns in neighborhoods across the country,” she said.

“This bill would not only support the creation of gun buyback programs,

but it would also allow gun dealers to step up in their communities and lead this important gun violence prevention effort.”

The Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act would:

- Authorize a threeyear, $360 million annual grant program for state, local, and tribal entities, along with gun dealers (if the state or local government does not receive a

grant), to implement gun buyback programs.

- Issue prepaid cards for buybacks, requiring gun dealers to provide at least 125% of the market value for surrendered firearms.

- Require that collected guns be submitted to the ATF or local authorities within 30 days.

- Ensure guns recovered by gun dealers through buyback programs are checked to see if they have been reported stolen

Photo courtesy of Saint Louis University

the Director of National Intelligence sponsors the IC-CAE program. With both designa-

tions, SLU students can compete for prestigious scholarships and internships, conduct research on

Living It

Blackness, blood and the blues

Ryan Coogler horror drama

‘Sinners’ warrants most of the hype

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

When one of the main characters of Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying film

“Sinners” burst into a Clarksville, Miss., church and interrupted their Sunday service, he looked exactly like the literal hell he had been through the night before. He stood there at a crossroads. His presence was a metaphor for what Black men of the Jim Crow South and their ancestors did better than just about any group in the history of human civilization. They endured. Sometimes that included finding a way to survive. Other times it meant suffering the unimaginable while forging a path toward survival for others

in the name of generational liberation –even if the toll was death.

An immensely talented, aspiring blues musician who saw the greatest evening of his life spiral into a haunting nightmare in Coogler’s highly anticipated fifth feature film was a prime example of both.

“Sinners” – which landed in theaters nationwide on Good Friday, of all days –is four films ambitiously rolled into one. There is the period piece that illustrates Black life one generation into the Great Migration. It is underscored by the musical genre invented as a refuge for the rage, frustration, turmoil and heartbreak that came with living under constant torment of uninterrupted racial terror and oppression. There is the romantic drama that fea-

tures relationships plagued by complicated histories. Coogler also weaved a comingof-age story element into the film. But the main attraction of “Sinners” is its racially compelled horror component.

“Sinners” is packed with symbolism that feels prophetic when one considers the current political climate. The inciting incident is sparked by a willingness of a white couple to trust the lies of someone who looks like them instead of heeding the sage warning of strangers who don’t share their cultural connection. Then there is a culminating scene when a small diverse group who have been othered in society bravely square up together in the

See Sinners, C3

A deep dive into partying with a purpose

By American Staff

Those who have attended COCAcabana, COCA’s annual fundraising gala – or stumbled upon the glorious footage from the COCAcabanas of years past – do not need to be convinced that a time will be had this year as well.

The unforgettable evening of incredible performances, dancing, live and silent auctions, and more will once again take place on Friday, April 25 at COCA. The theme for COCAcabana 2025 is “Into the Depths: The deeper we dive, the more we discover,” and serves as a reminder of the world of difference that will be made from the funds raised.

On the heels of its 40th anniversary of enriching lives and building community through the arts, Center of Creative Arts (COCA) has changed the culture of the

St. Louis region – and the world – by extending a lifeline to young people from all backgrounds to fuel their passions. This can be seen in house as COCA alum Antonio Douthit-Boyd provides education, access and opportunity as director of the organization’s dance program. It is also evident through COCAcabana 2025 Alumni Chair Erin Moore.

Moore was in eighth grade when she began taking formal dance classes at

“The fusion of hip-hop and wrestling was born through WaleMania, and it’s special to see how it’s grown over the years.” Kazeem Famuyide on one of WrestleMania weekend’s biggest events

Homage to women warriors of the arts

remarks during The Saint

Visionary Awards on Monday, April 21st at The Sun Theatre.

Visionary Awards celebrate contributors to region’s rich culture

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

As part of its tradition, there was a single word theme that spoke to the six women being honored for their service to the St. Louis arts community by the Saint Louis Visionary Awards Monday night at the Sun Theatre: Homage.

“Every time you hear that word this evening, I invite you to envision roses and confetti,” said Gwen Mizell, co-host of the 2025 Saint Louis Visionary Awards. “Each of you deserve the bouquet of words you will hear as we describe your accomplishments.”

Chairs for COCAcabana. New York City based artist Erin Moore will serve as the alumni chair for COCAcabana 2025. This year’s event takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25th at COCA, 6880 Washington Blvd. in University City.

Photo courtesy of COCA

COCA – and is one of countless alum who have gone on to become professional dancers and artists thanks to the foundation they received there. She, and so many others, studied under the late Lee Nolting.

“She really knew how to inspire the love of dance,” Moore previously told The American. “Being in that place and all the kids who share a love for it, and having a teacher who was so loving – it made you love it.”

Douthit-Boyd is deepening a new generation of dancers’ love for the art form at COCA. He is also instilling in them an awe-inspiring standard of excellence. Earlier this month, his students danced toe-to-toe with celebrated dance troupe Collage Dance Collective when the globally acclaimed Memphis-based company

- Adrienne Davis

The flowers of praise were a vibrant reflection of how they have enriched the region and strengthened our reputation as a top-tier arts and culture metropolitan area.

“As we gather to recognize these six arts advocates, we do so knowing that they are part of a larger kaleidoscope that we call St. Louis,” Mizell said. The honorees included Outstanding Working Artist Sarah Paulsen; Community Impact Artist Sukanya Mani; Major Contributor to the Arts Adrienne Davis; Arts Innovator Katie Banister; Outstanding Teaching Artist Adelia Parker-Castro; and Outstanding Arts Professional Marie-Hélène Bernard.

“These women are passionate, not only about their work, but about the spaces and communities in which they operate,” said co-host Miran Halen.

“As we honor these awardees, let us also honor the relationships that were forged and the trust that was built to get us to the end product – communities that are transformed by their contributions.” Halen described Paulsen’s art as a powerful lens into shared experiences and underrepresented stories. “I am n “As awestruck as I was by the stories and adventures of our world, I never dreamed that I could grow up and find a home in St. Louis where I could be a part of its cultural institutions."

Photos by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

2025 Major Contributor to the Arts honoree Adrienne Davis inspired the audience with her

Louis

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Ryan Coogler’s anticipated horror drama ‘Sinners’ is now open in theaters nationwide.

CONCERTS

Thur., Apr. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Bobby Rush, Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://bluestrawberrystl.com.

Thurs., Apr. 24, 7:30 p.m. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Live at The Sheldon: Wind and Water, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Through Apr. 25, 7:30 p.m. Chante Moore, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Wed., Apr. 30, 7 p.m. The Wooten Brothers, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Thurs., May 8, 7:30 p.m., DMC and The Sugar Hill Gang with SLSO: A Celebration of Hip Hop, Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St. For more information, visit www. slso.org.

Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m.

(6 p.m. doors) Eta Boule Foundation presents An Evening with Will Downing to benefit young Black Males, hosted by Darius Bradford, The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd. For tickets, call 314.534.1111 or visit www. metrotix.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sat., Apr. 26, 12 p.m. Golliday:

STL Sites & Sounds

Breakfast In Bed Brunch, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Sun., Apr. 27, 12 noon, New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church Spring Health Fest, 4700 W. Florissant Ave. For more information, call 314.389-4510.

Sun., Apr. 27, 5 p.m. Silent Dance Party: PART 2, HollyLou Entertainment, 155 South Florissant Road Ferguson,

MO 63135. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

COMEDY

Fri., Apr. 25-27, 7 p.m. Special Event: Funny Marco, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. Various showtimes available. For more information, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy. com.

Sat., Apr. 26, 8 p.m. Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth

Tour, Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter.com.

Fri., May 9, 7 p.m. Special Event: Bruce Bruce, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Sun., Apr. 27, 7 p.m. Alysha: A New Day, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Wed., Apr. 30 8p.m. Bob Marley 80th Birthday Tribute Presented By PureSoul, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Thurs., May 1, 6 p.m. Twilight Thursdays with The Dirty Muggs, Missouri History Museum. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Sat., May 3, 7:30 p.m. The Lionel Richie Experience featuring David Graham, Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://bluestrawberrystl.com.

THEATRE

Fri., Apr. 25, 7:30 p.m. Little Miss Sunshine, Fly North Theatricals, 2727 S. Jefferson Ave. St. Louis, MO 63118. For

more information, visit www. theatrestl.com.

Through Apr. 26, 7 p.m. Ride The Cyclone, The Grandel, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Through Apr. 27, 8 p.m. Meet Me at Dawn, The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive. St. Louis, MO, 63101. Matinee showtimes available. For more information, visit www. upstreamtheater.org.

May 9 – May 11, The Fabulous Fox Broadway Series presents Ain’t Too Proud, The Fabulous Fox, 527 N. Grand. For tickets or additional information, visit www.fabulousfox.com

ART

Through Jul. 27, Roaring: Art, Fashion and the Automobile in France, 1918–1939, Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr. St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Jul. 27, Veronica Ryan: Unruly Objects, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://pulitzerarts.org.

Through Aug. 10, Like Water, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information https://camstl. org/.

pioneers DMC and The Sugar Hill Gang will per-

alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

SLSO: A Celebration of Hip Hop. See CONCERTS for more details.

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

2025 Saint Louis Visionary Awards honorees Marie-Hélène Bernard(Outstanding Arts Professional), Adelia Parker-Castro (Outstanding Teaching Artist), Katie Banister (Arts Innovator), Sukanya Mani (Community Impact Artist), Sarah Paulsen (Outstanding Working Artist) and Adrienne Davis (Major Contributor to the Arts) following the ceremony Monday night at The Sun Theatre.

Continued from C1

after my own liberation through my art practice,” Paulsen said.

Mani transforms everyday materials into bold expressions of social change.

“My art has evolved to ask questions … and also to create spaces for the community to contemplate the answers,” Mani said.

“Through my art, I create spaces where people can pause, reflect and connect with experiences beyond their own.”

As a little girl growing up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Davis’s first connection with art was an extreme sense of awe during her visits to The Smithsonian and Kennedy Center.

“As awestruck as I was by the stories and adventures of our world, I never dreamed that I could grow up and find a home in St. Louis where I could be a part of its cultural institutions,” said Davis. “And lend my voice to help envision the future of my community.”

She does exactly that in her roles as a member of the Executive Committee of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ Board of Directors and as an honorary trustee of the Saint Louis Art Museum. She is also an ambassador for arts and culture across a myriad of institutions, organizations and individuals.

“Historian Walter Johnson called St. Louis the broken heart of America. In my years here I’ve certainly witnessed and experienced how St.

Louis can break one’s heart,” Davis said. “But when I look at the arts here, I look at their expressive power, their unifying power, their ability to harness aesthetics to recount tragedy, to document hope and to inspire resilience. I see how St. Louis’ cultural institutions are the beating heart that unifies our community and provides a vision for our future.”

Banister leaned on the arts after a devastating car accident resulted in paralysis.

“She did not retreat –she transformed through art, music, publications and public speaking,” Mizell said. “She chose to entertain and educate, turning her anger into art and advocacy. Katie has redefined disability, showing that a condition doesn’t define a person. Her work changes perceptions. It opens hearts and lights the way.”

As the 71st President of the National Society of Arts and Letters – St. Louis Chapter, ParkerCastro describes her role in the arts as a gardener who sows seeds of joy and light.

“We pay homage to all of the gardens she has nurtured in all of the communities she has touched,” Mizell said.

Parker-Castro works to embody meliorism through her life and creative practice. Meliorism is the belief that we can contribute to positive change and improve the world through acts of love, creativity, compassion and kindness. “I am trying to embody meliorism,” Parker-Castro said. “And my belief that we can improve society through service to others.”

Sams. “COCAcabana is crucial to continuing this vital work.”

Continued from C1

was presented by Dance St. Louis. If it weren’t for their youthful statures, few would have been able to distinguish the professional dancers from DouthitBoyd’s students.

“My babies are up there dancing,” he exclaimed. He was absolutely right. The experience provided to Douthit-Boyd’s “babies” is directly tied to COCAcabana. The fundraiser brings in an estimated 20 percent of the organization’s annual revenue.

“COCAcabana sustains COCA’s work throughout the community, supporting innovative arts education programs and offering scholarships to ensure access for students to experience, learn from, and excel in the arts,” said COCAcabana 2025 co-chair and COCA President & CEO Indigo

COCA serves as a regional hub for learning in and through the arts for all ages from all backgrounds. One of the most celebrated cultural institutions in St. Louis, COCA serves more than 60,000 students, audience members, artists, and families from more than 250 zip codes every year. The fourth largest multi-disciplinary arts organization in the country, COCA is committed to supporting the vitality and creativity of more than 200 artists at the heart of its work in schools, community centers, local business, cultural organizations, and onsite at its campus in University City. In addition to Moore and Sams, this year’s co-chairs include Amanda and Dan Brill, Michael Thompson, Arianna and Alex Muckerman, Ron Kruszewski, and Gina and Raullo Eanes.

Actor Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of the twins is easily his best work on screen. His intention to give each character a personality by way of subtle nuances – while selling the idea of a bond stronger than life itself – deserves to be in the next awards season conversation.

Sinners

Continued from C1

A decade ago, Bernard became the first woman President and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in its 145-year history. According to Mizell, her tenure will be defined by leadership with vision, passion, purpose and growth. The half-million students and 1,300 teachers annually impacted by SLSO programming and the ambitious $140 million renovation (which includes a 64,000 square foot expansion) backed by a $155 million campaign as prime examples. During her remarks, Bernard paid homage to other SLSO women pioneers.

“While I am the first CEO, I am not the first woman to lead this organization,” said Bernard. She pointed to Florence Wyman Richardson, who is considered one of the first St. Louis Symphony employees. Richardson served SLSO in the late 1800s. She mentioned May Goldman Rice, who organized the SLSO Volunteer Association. The organization is still active today – a century later. Benard also gave a nod to violinist Charlene Clark, the first Black woman member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

“When I joined this vibrant arts and cultural community a decade ago, I found a remarkable network of women sharing a similar vision and a profound belief in the transformative power of the arts and music,” Bernard said. “Tonight is an inspiring reminder that St. Louis women are far from finished making history.”

Stifel is the presenting sponsor and Cepia is the decorations and design sponsor.

Programming for COCAcabana 2025 includes a reception and cocktail buffet, student performances and a live auction, dinner and live music featuring FatPocket and a Late Night Party hosted by WerQfest with food trucks.

Along with the live auction is a silent auction where bidding is currently underway. Attendance is not required to bid on the silent auction items or to donate to the worthy cause that is COCA. More information on it can be found at https://e. givesmart.com/events/GaY

COCAcabana 2025 will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 25th at COCA, 6880 Washington Blvd. in University City. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://e.givesmart.com/ events/GaY

name of fighting evil. Moments and situations within “Sinners” tarry more than they need to – and the film is about a half-hour longer than it should have been. This is most noticeable – and most surprising – during the bonus scenes hidden within the end credits. But aside from those, the blood and gore get underway just as frustration and angst kick in about when the terror will start – and does not disappoint.

Coogler’s gifts as a multisensory storyteller meant that even when the film lagged, viewers were too stimulated to fully resign to boredom. In addition to the sweeping visuals, he employed cutting edge techniques such as audio-driven flashbacks.

Coupled with a cast that delivers career-defining performances – from the film’s star Michael B. Jordan to the supporting cast – the flaws of “Sinners” pale in comparison to the cinematic experience the film provides. Jordan stars as twin

brothers Smoke and Stack. They returned to their hometown of Clarksdale in 1932. They survived the World War. They also survived gangland activities that caused Chicago to resemble European battlefields as Irish and Italian organized crime syndicates bloodied the streets in order to grab lucrative bootlegging spoils during Prohibition.

Jordan has been a central character or leading man in every one of Coogler’s films. And his “Sinners” performance affirms why. His portrayal of the twins is easily Jordan’s best work on screen. His intention to give each character a personality by way of subtle nuances – while selling the idea of a bond stronger than life itself – deserves to be in the next awards season conversation. Every single actor understood the assignment for “Sinners.” Along with Jordan, this is especially true with longtime Spike Lee muse Delroy Lindo. Screen veterans Omar Miller, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Hailee Stanfield, Li Jun Li and Jack O’Connell were a captivating ensemble.

And, thanks to

“Sinners,” the often unsung screen veteran Lindo remains unmatched in extracting outstanding performances from his costars. This is especially evident in his exchanges with newcomer Miles Caton, who is already receiving emerging star acclaim with his first feature film role. And blues icon Buddy Guy was a pleasant surprise for a film that is groundbreaking in that it was as much a token of endearment as it was a scary movie.

“Sinners” pays homage to the Black men who boldly left the south and Jim Crow with the notion of creating conditions for their families to thrive – men who were historically represented on film as servants or the lowest stereotypes during the time period. Coogler gives them the credit they deserve for changing the urban landscape of America and bringing the blues with them as their own housewarming gift.

“Sinners” is open in theaters nationwide. The film is rated R with a running time of 137 minutes.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

By Barry Draper

Rain or shine, St. Louis has events that will make you feel energized and inspired. For more ways to fill your calendar, visit explorestlouis.com.

Old Courthouse Grand Reopening May 3

One of the most important historic sites in the U.S., the Old Courthouse reopens on May 3 after a two-year, multimilliondollar renovation focused on increased accessibility, structural improvements and new exhibits. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the grand reopening will include historical reflections and live music. You can also join a fountain-side chat with Lynne Jackson, the greatgreat-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott, at 11:45 a.m.; Cbabi Bayoc, an internationally recognized visual artist, at 12:30 p.m.; and Jenifer Lewis, an awardwinning actress and a St. Louis native, at 1:30 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo Festival May 3

Over the years, the Cinco de Mayo Festival on Cherokee Street has evolved into one of the largest and most diverse festivals in the St. Louis region, bringing together more than 30,000 people to celebrate the rich, multicultural, spirited and eclectic community living in and around the area. Expect six blocks of festivities, including two stages and a lucha libre wrestling ring!

Laumeier Art Fair

May 9 to 11

Over Mother’s Day weekend, shop for one-of-akind artwork, savor tasty food and drinks, enjoy live music and entertainment and get creative with hands-on activities at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Attracting more than 17,000 patrons annually, the Laumeier Art Fair showcases 150 juried artists from across the country, who exhibit work in 10 media categories: ceramics, fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, 2D mixed media, painting, photography/digital, printmaking/drawing, sculpture and wood.

Radio Golf

May 14 to June 1

character of the local businesses. In addition to food and drinks, you can enjoy live entertainment on two stages.

St. Louis African Arts Festival

May 24 to 26

The St. Louis African Arts Festival aims to increase awareness of the global contributions that African people and people of African descent have made through artistic, cultural and educational programs. In its 34th year, the festival is held at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, bringing the community together to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of African and African American people. Enjoy the African marketplace with arts and crafts, clothing and jewelry, alongside cultural demonstrations, traditional foods and African films.

The Black Rep presents Radio Golf August Wilson’s 10th and final play in his American Century Cycle, covering 100 years of the Black experience in the U.S. Set in the Hill District in the 1990s, the play follows the story of a real estate entrepreneur determined to become Pittsburg’s first Black mayor. Harmond and his business partner, Roosevelt, are golf enthusiasts with big plans for the neighborhood – and their futures. But at what risk?

Taste of Maplewood

May 16 and 17

Taste of Maplewood spotlights the neighborhood’s renowned restaurants, delightful libations, beloved boutiques and specialty stores. In its 17th year, the festival’s vibe is distinct and unmistakable, radiating the culture and

Whitaker Music Festival May 28 to July 30

The Missouri Botanical Garden is an idyllic place to listen to live music, and on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer, the garden hosts free, open-air concerts as part of the annual Whitaker Music Festival. To date, more than one million people have participated in the cherished St. Louis tradition, which promotes common heritage, celebrates diversity and encourages vitality within the community. You can bring your own picnic, and food, beer, wine and snocones will be available for purchase.

This House May 31 to June 29

This House, a world premiere presented by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, embraces the notion that we all walk in the shadows of our ancestors. A house is more than four walls and a roof – it is a keeper of memories and a witness to legacy. The Walker family has lived in the same Harlem brownstone since the 1920s, and they have fought hard to keep what they have. When Zoe returns home after many years, she asks her mother, Ida, and her brother, Lindon, to let her renovate the dilapidated building, but they can’t let go of the past. The house is their whole world, and every room is full of ghostly voices and painful memories. As hidden truths about the family’s legacy come to light, Zoe begins to realize that the secrets harbored within these walls are deeper and more profound than she ever dared to imagine.

Twilight Thursdays at the Missouri History Museum

By the Missouri Historical Society

Twilight Thursdays returns to the Missouri History Museum on May 1, 8, 15, and 22! This popular, free outdoor concert series takes place on the Museum’s newly dedicated Edward and Margaret Imo Family Plaza and brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians and bands. The Museum’s galleries—including The 1904 World’s Fair, Collected, The Life of Kids’ Clothes, and Gateway to Pride—will be open until intermission, and some of the area’s best food trucks will be on hand. (Food truck schedules are subject to change.) If there is a cancellation due to weather, the rescheduled concert will be held Thursday, May 29. On May 1, the 2025 Twilight Thursday Concert Series kicks off with Dirty Muggs performing hits from across the decades, with Nikko Smith on lead vocals and music directed by Dee Dee James. From Earth, Wind & Fire and Tina Turner to Beyoncé, Usher, and Bruno Mars, this show will be packed with nonstop energy and excitement. Scheduled food trucks include Bougie Bites, Doughboy’s Wood Fired Pizza, Food Bucket, PengWingy Grill, SNS Goodies, Street Dogz, Zacchi, Chillax Tap & Co., and Clementine’s Ice Cream.

The May 8 concert features the music of Gladys Knight & the Pips. From her first hit with Motown records, “I Heard It through the Grapevine,” Gladys Knight would soar to stardom, the Grammy Awards, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Alongside her brother and cousins as the sharp-dressed, smooth-stepping Pips, Knight delivered hits like “I Got to Use My Imagination,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and “Love Overboard”— and the music just kept coming. The lead vocals in this concert sponsored by Lathrop GPM will be provided by Zina Melody, Bryant Jones, Charlie Vaughn, and Larry Borders, with Kenny Lawrence as music director.

Scheduled food trucks include Crooked Boot, Five Ace’s BBQ, Homestyle Grill, Soul Burgers, Tacos Sammy, Tropical Pot, Wing and a Prayer, Barley and Vine, and Clementine’s Ice Cream.

On May 15, lead vocalist Karl Homes performs a Cameo anthology with music directed by Ken Black. A funk band formed by Larry Blackmon, Cameo set the trend with driving bass, intense

percussion, and powerful horn dynamics. Worldwide chart-toppers like “Word Up,” “Why Have I Lost You,” and the Electric Slide favorite “Candy” continue to keep their sound relevant today. Scheduled food trucks include Antojitos de Guatemala, Duchess Rose Royal Street Food, Homestyle Grill, SNS Goodies, Soul Burgers, Wing and a Prayer, Zacchi, Barley and Vine, and Clementine’s Ice Cream.

The final show on May 22 is a tribute to Frankie Beverly and Maze, and attendees are invited to wear all white to honor the legendary soul singer Beverly, who passed away in 2024. Beverly and his soul band Maze rose to stardom after opening for Marvin Gaye, eventually cruising all the way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The group’s success culminated in nine gold albums and a massive following with hits like “Joy and Pain,” “Happy Feelin’,” and “Before I Let Go.” Vocalists include Dakota, Keith Conway, Jesse Prather, and Jeremiah Allen, who is also the music director for this concert. Scheduled food trucks include Crooked Boot, Farmtruk, Food Bucket, Jaaise Grubb, Mr. Gonzo’s Tacos, Salt + Smoke, Street Dogz, Chillax Tap & Co., and Clementine’s Ice Cream. All concerts begin at 6pm. Plan to arrive early to explore the Museum’s exhibits and to save a spot on the North Lawn at Lindell Boulevard. Blankets, lawn chairs, tables smaller than 3 by 3 feet, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are permitted. Tents, large umbrellas, and barbecue grills are prohibited. Pack a picnic basket or small cooler with snacks, soft drinks, water bottles, and alcoholic beverages (no glass bottles, please), or save time and support a local small business by visiting one of the many food trucks available each week.

Parking is available within Forest Park and on Lindell Boulevard. The Museum’s west lot is available on a first-come, firstserved basis and is partially reserved for accessible parking. In addition, there are 400 parking spots in the twin lots across from the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center and alongside the Dwight Davis Tennis Center. Nearby public transit stops provide additional options. In the event of inclement weather, call the Twilight Thursdays Information Hotline at (314) 454-3199 after 2pm or listen to iHeartMedia radio stations.

Columnist Barry Draper

The Twilight Thursdays series is presented by WashU.

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer

$70,001 - 72,522. To apply go to https://richmonheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hankins Construction Co. is requesting bids from MBE/WBE/SDVE/DBE

Subcontractors and Suppliers for our proposal on the Saint Louis County Clayton Courts Modifications. A diversity goal of 22.5% MBE and 11.5% WBE has been established for this project. To access the bid documents, or if you have any questions, please email/call Nicole at Office@HankinsMidwest. com /314-426-7030 Please submit bids to Bids@ HankinsMidwest.com by 10:00 AM on 5/6/2025. Hankins Construction Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Bids for the Kimpton Hotel in St. Louis, MO are being received by Brinkmann Constructors. Bids must be turned in by Thursday, May 15 –12PM CST

Bids may be delivered to our office at 16650 Chesterfield Grove Rd Chesterfield, MO 63005

Attn Richard Harris or emailed to bids@ BrinkmannConstructors. com

Plans may be viewed or downloaded at https://securecc. smartinsight.co/#/ PublicBidProject/807398

Contact Brinkmann Constructors for further details on the project at 636-537-9700

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roof General Headquarters Waggoner Building, Project No. R250301 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 5, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

PreQualification for Specialist due on May 6, 2025, for South Fountains Restoration at Missouri State Capitol Building, Project No. O2204-01. Bids will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 3, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for St Louis Forensic Treatment Center NorthReplace Roof, Psychiatric Center Building, Project No. M250701 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 3, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Fire Alarm System & Electrical Renovation at Bellefontaine Habilitation Center, Project No. M200601, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 20, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for New Premium Campsites at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site, Project No. X222001, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 22, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Carpeting and Painting at Kansas City DOLIR Office Building, Project No. O243401, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 24, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR NEW CONCOURSE AIRCRAFT PARKING APRON (APRON) AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications are due by 5:00 PM CT, May 14, 2025, through the Bid Express online portal at https://www. bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home. RFQ may be obtained from the BPS website, https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ public-service/ announcements/index.cfm, under Online Plan RoomPlan Room, or email the Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov.

The MBE/WBE participation goal is 25% and 5%

WE PUBLISH IN THE NEWSPAPER AND ALSO ONLINE EVERY THURSDAY

LETTING NO. 8788

RECONSTRUCTION OF TAXILANE CHARLIE FROM S TO G - PROJECT 3

At St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 13, 2025, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress. com/businesses/20618/home Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined and downloaded online through Bid Express.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held April 22, 2025 at 10:00 A.M., via Zoom:

Meeting URL: https://cmtengr.zoom.us/j/87529462802?pwd=8PCxC7OZULq8SNvn6czNRhY4ds5uwi.1

Meeting ID: 875 2946 2802 Passcode: 861025

Dial by your location

Sealed bids are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Monday, May 9th, 2025 @ 2:00pm cst at 8855 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, MO 63042. Bid specs must be obtained at http://new. fergflor.k12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq. Contact Matthew Furfaro @ mfurfaro@fergflor.org for further information/ questions.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal

Clause” and the “Standard

Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and

www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

Religion Chicago pastor, Black clergy protect the “Blacksonian”

African Americans can help nationwide

By Dorothy Boulware Word In Black

President Donald Trump’s crusade against diversity has attacked nearly everything touching on race, from freezing federal investigations of civil rights violations to scrubbing Harriet Tubman from a website on the Underground Railroad. But when he came for the Smithsonian Museum’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. — a.k.a. The Blacksonian — Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago refused to sit idle.

Kevin Young, the NMAAHC’s director, went on indefinite personal leave. The cascade of bad news left historians on edge and Black Americans concerned that the groundbreaking museum would survive Trump 2.0. Enter Rev. Moss — and the Trinity congregation.

Last Sunday, Moss came to the rescue of NMAAHC by announcing that Trinity “is placing the museum in our annual budget.” He then asked parishioners to join him by donating $25 to the museum, the price of a basic membership, to show their faith.

It’s good news, given that the National Museum of African American History and Culture is not a federal institution and is principally funded by donations. Only a small portion of its financial support comes from the federal government.

On March 27, Trump signed an executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” declaring NMAAHC — one of the most popular attractions in Washington, with some 3 million visitors a year — and a few others as institutions that divide America.

The order states that the museums undermine the nation’s “remarkable” history by casting it “in a negative light,” and directs Vice President JD Vance to clear the museum of its liberal “ideology.”

Ten days before the order,

Moss also pointed out that Vance, the vice president, is merely one of 17 members of the NMAAHC’s governing board. As such, Moss said, Vance has no legal authority to make unilateral decisions concerning the museum.

To seal the funding deal, Moss officially opened the floor for a motion. More than one member placed his proposal into a motion. When called for a vote, the contingent of ayes had their say.

It’s unclear exactly how much money Trinity collected, or how much the church will donate to the museum. But no matter how that happens, the reverend said, approving a plan to save NMAAHC is a point of pride.

“When people ask why you contributed to the museum,” he said, “just tell them, ‘I go to a church that is unashamedly black

and unapologetically Christian.’”

The NMAAHC is also home to the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life. According to its website, “Through innovative scholarship, public programs, and collecting religious artifacts, the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life expands the ways religion is acknowledged and explored by our nation’s research and cultural institutions.”

Messages of hope on Easter

Bishop Vashite McKenzie, president of the National Council of Churches, says prayer is key to combating current political challenges.

“At this critical time, this country we face divisions, and suffering and challenges that threaten to weaken the intertwin-

ing of justice with compassion, so we must pray,” she told Hamil R. Harris of the Washington Informer

“When we face the threats of our economic stability we must pray. When we face deep political polarization which fuels divisiveness and distrust and devastating social tension we must pray.”

McKenzie, who will not only be preaching at Howard University Easter Sunday, but she has been leading a 24-hour prayer service during Holy Week.

“At the National Council of Churches, we held 24 hours of prayer,” McKenzie said.

“We began at 6 a.m. (the morning of April 14) and concluded Tuesday because of Holy Week.”

She shared the lessons offered during Holy Week, and said

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, has created a unique way for his congregation, and all Americans, to support the Smithsonian Museum’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Christians today should take inspiration from Jesus and the disciples when navigating hard times.

“The march from Jerusalem to Golgotha Hill reminds us of the need for prayer in the middle of turmoil,” she said.

“The disciples were feeling the weight of the future and Jesus was already feeling the weight of the cross and yet in the midst of this Jesus turned to prayer and so must we.”

The Rev. Thomas Bowen, minister of social justice at Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington D.C., said it is important for faith leaders and communities to offer a place of peace and hope during this politically, socially and financially trying time.

“The Black Church must be a prophetic voice and a practical refuge,” said Bowen.

“We cannot afford to be silent while the very systems that helped our families rise into the middle class are being dismantled. We must advocate, organize, and equip our people—spiritually, emotionally, and civically—to resist policies that undermine their dignity and their future.”