April 3rd, 2025 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Biles is Wash U commencement speaker

By Namratha Prasad St. Louis American

Simone Biles, an 11-time Olympic medalist, will deliver the commencement address at Washington University graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2025.

She will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

In a video addressed to students, Biles said she is excited to celebrate with the class of 2025 in St. Louis.

“Get ready for an unforgettable day,” she said in the video.

“Because this isn’t a ceremony— it’s your victory lap.”

Day fun

AKAs ‘Soaring in the Lou’

Birthplace of the

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

More than 4000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated will be in the city where their sisterhood all began this weekend when the

91st Central Regional Conference gets underway at America’s Center.

“Howard University gets to claim the founding of AKA,” said Kiahna W. Davis, Alpha Kappa Alpha Central Regional Director. “But St. Louis gets to claim not only the birthplace of the founder, but the birthplace of the vision.”

The year was 1907. Howard University student and Sumner High School graduate Ethel Hedgeman (later Ethel Hedgeman Lyle) was back home

aneurysms: a silent killer in the Black community

in St. Louis for summer break. She spent her downtime from school developing the concept for a trailblazing service organization and sisterhood that would change the world.

“When she went back to school at Howard University, her path was to influence other like-minded young ladies to join together in this,” Davis said. “I can only imagine her smiling

By Sylvester Brown, Jr. St. Louis American

“Oh well, I guess it’s all part of the job.”

Neal Richardson, chair, president & CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) was trying to be diplomatic, but his frustration was palpable.

His agency is under harsh media scrutiny as former SLDC board member, Alderwoman Cara Spencer (8th ward) is running for mayor. Richardson, who was nominated for his position in 2021 by Mayor Tishaura Jones, feels SLDC has been unfairly placed in the middle of a political contest that may ultimately result in his firing and/or the restructuring of SLDC. Late last year, Spencer resigned from SLDC’s board. She launched accusations of internal dysfunction and lack of transparency while questioning how the agency doles out public funds and tax incentives. She said SLDC’s board ignored her

Crime continues to fall in city

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

With Gov. Mike Kehoe’s abduction of control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department complete, he is contemplating a board that will face a daunting task – doing as well as the current administration when it comes to reduction in crime.

During the first three months of 2025, a historic decline in crime in the city has continued.

St. Louis has experienced its lowest number of homicides, 23, since 2005, January through March.

After the first quarter of 2024, the city recorded 40 homicides.

During the same period, there were 36

Tatum coached the Illawarra Hawks to the championship of

Rhone

Angel Howard, Stacey Coleman, Andrea Jones, Kandi Coleman, Hillary Palmer, Keisha Hicks, and Chamille Gathing joined in the fun during St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day festivities at Kiener Plaza on March 27, 2025. The Cardinals took flight in the season’s first game by topping the Minnesota Twins 5-3 and they went on to sweep the three-game series.

Simone Biles, an 11-time Olympic medalist, will deliver the commencement address at Washington University graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2025.

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

Shameem ClarkHubbard

Photo courtesy of USA Gymnastics

Young Scooter passes at 39

Atlanta-based rapper Young Scooter, who frequently collaborated with Gucci Mane and Future, passed away on Friday, March 28.

According to outlets 11Alive.com and Atlanta News First, Scooter (born Kenneth Bailey) died on his 39th birthday on Friday after being transported to the Grady Marcus Trauma Center in Atlanta.

Lt. Andrew Smith of the Atlanta Police Department provided details in a press conference that was streamed on social media. According to Smith, the APD responded to a 911 call and that a 39-year-old man “jumped two fences as he was fleeing” the authorities after they arrived on the scene.

Smith explained that the man “appeared to have suffered an injury to his leg” after jumping and that he was later pronounced deceased at Grady Marcus

Trauma Center.

“Just to be very clear, the injury that was sustained was not via the officers on the scene,” Smith said. “It was when the male was fleeing.”

The exact nature of the fatal injury was not disclosed during the press conference.

Sexxy Red faces $5M suit from child’s grandmother

St. Louis rap star Sexxy Red was slapped with a multi-million-dollar lawsuit from the grandmother of one of her children.

Court documents obtained by TMZ. com include claims by the woman that Sexxy Red shared her home address on social media and allegations that she urged fans to “kick in the door.” The story was first reported by STLtoday.com.

The suit said the threats prompted the woman to leave her Hazelwood, Missouri, residence out of fear for her safety. However, she claims she has struggled to find comparable affordable housing since

relocating. In response, she is seeking $5M in damages for assault and infliction of emotional distress.

Sean Kingston and mother found guilty of fraud

Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother were found guilty on all counts in their federal wire fraud trial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday.

Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and his mother (Janice Turner) were accused of defrauding a jewelry business, a luxury bed company, a used luxury and exotic car dealership, and a luxury micro-LED TV company, arrest warrants said.

A jury delivered the convictions after nearly four hours of deliberation.

remain until sentencing. Both are scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.

Wendy Williams allowed to assemble new legal team

Media veteran Wendy Williams complained that she was not allowed to choose her own legal team for the fight to be released from her court ordered guardianship. According to Page Six, she now has the right to select new lawyers.

Kingston, 34, was ordered to be confined to house arrest with electronic monitoring. He must post a surety bond of a home valued at $500,000 and $200,000 in cash, according to the court.

Turner, 61, was remanded into federal custody, where she was ordered to

“Wendy Williams is set to go the way of Britney Spears and hire a new legal team to extract her from what she says is an unnecessary and unfair guardianship,” Page six said.

“The Post has learned Williams, 60, has received permission — rare for someone under the purview of a legal guardian — to hire new lawyers to help her stalled case.”

Willians has been under guardianship for nearly three years and has been vocal about her disdain for her guardian Sabrina Morrissey

Sources: TMZ.com, Pagesix.com, Facebook.com, 11Alive.com

*Prices shown on Schnucks Delivers/Curbside Pickup reflect regular retail prices in your area. In-store sale prices may not be available through the Instacart platform. Delivery at

Young Scooter

Sexxy Red

Sean Kingston

- Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) during his

STLCC opens Advanced Manufacturing Center

Another Flo Valley campus gem

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

St. Louis’ quest to become a leader in high-tech manufacturing took a huge step forward on Tuesday when St. Louis Community College celebrated the opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing Center on the Florissant Valley campus.

The Manufacturing Center is one of six new buildings the College will open this year as part of its STLCC Transformed initiative, a commitment to modernize its four main campuses and programming throughout the district.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Center offers a synergy among nearly 20 programs and our faculty, staff, instructors and students, creating opportunities for collaboration that didn’t previously exist on this campus,” said Jeff L. Pittman, PhD, STLCC chancellor.

“In fact, students have already started using the center, attending classes in robotics, computer information technology, business, accounting, geospatial technology and engineering technology.”

The 96,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center at STLCC-Florissant Valley will combine short-term career training, degree and certificate programs in STEM and advanced manufacturing.

The center will house the College’s business and accounting programs, as well as STLCC’s new remote aircraft pilot certificate program. The campus includes an outdoor classroom with a large, netted enclosure for safe drone piloting practice. Another interesting feature of the new building is a suite for early

college students.

“Through our dual enrollment and early college partnerships with area high schools, students can earn college credit or their associate degree at STLCC at the same time as their high school diploma,” said Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, EdD, campus president and chief academic officer at STLCC-Florissant Valley.

“Now our early college students have a modern, dedicated space to study, receive support, and connect with their peers that was specifically designed for their needs. Our students will be immersed in real-world learning scenarios that build their confidence and their competence. But it’s not just about preparing them for jobs. It’s also about supporting their education and career goals, as well as helping them succeed by meeting their needs in and out of the classroom,”

The Advanced Manufacturing Center will strengthen industry partnerships and align programming with workforce demands.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Center is designed for maximum hands-on training in many manufacturing and engineering technology fields. We are excited to add drones, GIS, surveying, and other programs,” said Tom McGovern, STLCC dean of industrial occupations, business and culinary.

“Visitors to the building can look directly into typical work environments and see the activities that students are engaged in.”

Boeing partnership Boeing, which announced last week it had won a multi-billion contract to produce a new fighter jet, will have a presence at the center.

“This new facility will en-

hance our collaboration with St. Louis Community College and the pre employment program providing additional lab space… classrooms, hands-on training for students aspiring to build their careers in manufacturing. I expect our workforce pipeline in St. Louis to expand significantly because of this advanced manufacturing center,” said James Dewees, Boeing’s vice president of manufacturing and safety, air dominance division.

Dewees said through pre-employment training with students, more than 1,100 STLCC students have been hired as engineers and mechanics for the company’s defense aircraft products.

“This win will continue

Boeing’s legacy of building and enabling the world’s best fighters and it helps secure our future as Missouri’s largest manufacturer for decades to come,” said Dewees.

In addition to the Advanced Manufacturing Center and the new Nursing and Health Sciences Center that opened to students on the Florissant Valley campus in February, STLCC will open four more new buildings and complete major renovations to existing spaces throughout the district.

The new buildings include a Health Sciences and Technology Center on the Wildwood campus, a Financial Services Education Center and an Emerging Tech-

nology Center at Meramec, and a Transportation Education Center on the Forest Park campus. These new construction projects are covered by funds from Proposition R, an eight-cent tax levy approved by

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Faculty and Staff of Florissant Valley Community College along with Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe helped cut the ribbon on the new Tech Lab at Florissant Valley Community College Wed. Apr. 1, 2025.

Editorial/Commentary

Endorsements

Darlene Green for Comptroller

The City of St. Louis faces many daunting challenges but despite some significant progress and needed changes in direction made by its current leadership, much remains to be done. Crime, though reduced, remains too high, decent jobs are still too scarce, and the population exodus, though slowed, continues its years-long trajectory.

Vast racial disparities still impact many aspects of city life. As much as we admire the commitment and hard work of Mayor Tishaura Jones, Comptroller Darlene Green, and many of our other elected officials to fix these problems, we know much remains to be done.

The simple truth is most of them cannot be fixed in one term. They’re generational projects, which require executable visions of bold leaders, longterm strategies, and consistent carrying out of small steps forward. Now is not the time to give up or slow down. Our best option is to keep going.

In these last few couple weeks leading up to Tuesday’s election, some powerbrokers who miss the good ol’ days have spent a fortune to convince city voters to give up on progress and replace some of these seasoned incumbents with their chosen candidates for the most powerful positions in City Hall, no matter how untested, unqualified, or regressive their choices maybe. As their presumptuousness in the mayor’s race grows, they have turned their attention to unseating the incumbent comptroller, Darlene Green.

With much of the public attention

focused on the mayor’s office, we have long tried to remind our readers that the total center of power in City Hall is not the mayor’s office but is instead the three-member Board of Estimate and Apportionment, consisting of the mayor, the comptroller, and the aldermanic board president. Often called simply “E&A,” the board was first desegregated nearly forty years ago. At least one seat has been held by a Black person on that board since then.

Tuesday’s election will decide whether the Black community will retain at least one seat on E&A. For many of our readers, protecting Black representation will be reason enough to vote for both Tishaura Jones and Darlene Green. We too fear what an allwhite E&A would signal to the Black community and what it would say about the future direction of the City of St. Louis.

We know too how critical it will be in the coming years for the city to have a seasoned Comptroller it can count on. Darlene Green doesn’t make many headlines or generate the most excitement. But City Hall has enough people doing that. What the city needs in its Comptroller is a steady, thoughtful and trustworthy leader. Darlene Green has proven herself to be a source of stability through the ups and downs of five mayors. We are endorsing Darlene Green for Comptroller because we know the City of St. Louis needs her experienced and effective leadership over the next four years.

Re-elect Alderpersons Cohn, Sonnier

The St. Louis American feels that two alderpersons have stood out as representatives of their respective wards and the city as a whole. Both deserve re-election.

3rd Ward Alderman Shane Cohn, who ran unopposed in the previous aldermanic balloting, has served his diverse ward well. He has been a voice of reason, yet also a warrior for social and political causes not favored by conservatives and many Jefferson City legislators.

His five terms as 3rd Ward Alderman make him the second-longest-tenured active member of the board, and his experience is invaluable.

Cohn says his ward is a representation of the city, and its needs are the same. He champions public safety and economic development and has proven to be effective in delivering on his promises.

7th Ward Alderwoman Alicia Sonnier is seeking re-election after a masterful

first term serving on the Board of Aldermen.

Sonnier was instrumental in crafting the TRANSFORM STL Act, which could appropriate the Rams Settlement Funds for major investments in infrastructure, development, and families and children.

The Board of Alderman has tabled discussion of the bill, making it vital for Sonnier to return to her seat. She will protect the many aspects of the bill that would serve all St. Louisans, not a select few residents, developers and financial backers of her opponent who wish to see her defeated.

Sonnier is a familiar face in her ward and throughout St. Louis. She has proven she is up to the challenge of St. Louis politics.

The St. Louis American endorses for re-election 3rd Ward Alderman Shane Cohn and 7th Ward Alderwoman Alicia Sonnier.

• The largest

Commentary

The real problem isn’t Jasmine Crockett’s words — it’s the double

ReShonda Tate Houston Defender

Jasmine Crockett is qualified, intelligent, and one of the most brilliant politicians of our time. Period.

She’s sharp, she’s bold and she’s unafraid to speak truth to power — even when it makes people uncomfortable. Maybe she shouldn’t have said out loud what a lot of Texans say behind closed doors. Maybe her passionate dissent keeps some folks from truly hearing her. But regardless of how you feel about her presentation, my issue is the double standard

Crockett called Governor Greg Abbott “Governor Hot Wheels” during a Human Rights Campaign event — a jab, she later clarified, that was about his cruel policy of busing migrants into cities led by Black mayors, not his disability. Was it the best choice of words? No. But the immediate, loud and bipartisan backlash she faced has less to do with the comment itself and more to do with who said it.

standard

rhetoric. From “birdbrain” Nikki Haley to “Lyin’ Ted Cruz,” he’s made personal attacks his political brand. But now suddenly, the same folks who’ve cheered on every Trump insult are clutching their pearls and calling Crockett “unbecoming”?

Make it make sense.

Let’s rewind to 2015. Donald Trump, in full view of the world, mockingly flailed his arms while referencing journalist Serge Kovaleski, who has a disability. It was cruel, it was unmistakable and it was caught on camera. What happened next? Crickets from many of the same conservatives now calling for Crockett’s censure.

When Trump supporters labeled Joe Biden “Sleepy Joe,” hurled misogynistic insults like “Joe and the Ho,” and took every opportunity to demean the Obamas, where was that moral outrage?

Trump has 12 PhDs in name-calling. He’s poisoned the well of political

Let’s be clear: none of it is okay. Not from Democrats. Not from Republicans. Not from anyone. But accountability only means something when it’s applied across the board — not just when it’s politically convenient. Crockett is being dragged through the mud for one comment, while Trump was rewarded with the presidency after years of mocking, bullying and belittling. That’s not accountability. That’s hypocrisy. We absolutely should have conversations about tone, language and the importance of respectful political discourse. But we can’t let those conversations be lopsided. We can’t weaponize decency as a tool to silence Black women while excusing vile behavior from others because it fits a particular narrative.

Crockett can handle critique — she’s built for this. But if we’re going to hold her to a standard, we need to hold everyone to it. Fair is fair.

The real scandal isn’t what Crockett said. It’s how quickly people forget what’s been said — and done — by those they support. If we truly care about creating a respectful political culture, the work has to start with consistency. Not convenience.

ReShonda Tate is a reporter and columnist for the Houston Defender Network

Commentary

We don’t get a ‘do-over’ in history

By Larry Smith

I love studying history. I was first smitten with the subject due in large measure to a late high school teacher, Mr. Terry Wright. He was entertaining, encouraging, and enlightening. He was instrumental in my decision to major in history in college.

As I began to learn more about some of history’s greatest tragedies, I would often wonder what went through people’s minds — especially ordinary people who were witness to extraordinary events.

This is why I love reading old news accounts, watching documentaries, and devouring biographies. History seen through anyone’s eyes is inherently subjective, not to mention subject to all kinds of inaccuracies.

For example, a little more than 80 years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order that authorized the United States government to forcibly move Japanese Americans to ten concentration camps throughout the country (though mostly in the West). Roughly 120,000 people were taken to these locations, which have often been euphemistically referred to as “internment camps.”

of thousands of Latinos from our nation?

This is happening under the guise of ridding our nation of “criminals” and “gang members.”

However, we know that immigrants — including the undocumented — tend to commit fewer crimes than people who were born in the U.S. This includes violent crimes. Tragically, the legitimate anger and grief of American-born victims of crimes that were committed by immigrants is used for nakedly political purposes. It foments racism against people who “fit the description” of “an illegal.”

Now we are beginning to see the threat of deportation being aimed not only at undocumented immigrants. Even people who have obtained a Permanent Resident Card — known colloquially as a “green card” — are now being affected. Mahmoud Khalil, who was issued a green card, has been detained by Immigrations Customs and Enforcement (“ICE”), even though his status is just below that of a U.S. citizen.

This is out of a total Japanese American population of just 127,000.

The majority of the people who were “relocated” — roughly 80,000 of them — were born in the U.S. These secondand even third-generation Americans should have had the same freedoms and protections that their German and Italian American counterparts enjoyed.

As I learned more about this truly shameful period of American history, I couldn’t help but to wonder how millions of Americans could convince themselves that Japanese Americans posed a serious security threat. (We know from the historical record that this was indeed the case.)

This was a version of what has been labeled “the yellow peril.”

I wonder the same thing today.

What is going through the minds of millions of ordinary people who are witnessing the forced deportation of what portends to become tens (if not hundreds)

Khalil, who is married to an American citizen, was flagged because he participated in protests against the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza at Columbia University. Khalil has not been charged with any crime. The government — our government — is claiming that he “supports” Hamas, which has rightly been designated a terrorist organization. Protesting inhumane treatment is not remotely the same as supporting terrorists. When free speech becomes a crime in America, every other right becomes fair game.

It is often difficult to know when history-defining events are taking place in real time. Yet, it is crystal clear that this is one such time. Each of us must make an affirmative decision not to be one of the people about whom future generations of Americans will ask, in disbelief, “What were they thinking?” We need to do some deep soul-searching.

We won’t get a do-over.

Larry Smith is a political columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder

Columnist ReShonda Tate

Guest Columnist

Larry Smith

Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, shared a story with kids during the Head Start Diamond Jubilee celebration at the Centene Connected Center on March 13, 2025.

Urban League celebrates Head Start Jubilee

St. Louis American

On May 18, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the transformative program Head Start.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis got a head start on the program’s Diamond Jubilee with a celebration at the Centene Connected Center on March 13, 2025.

The diamond, like Head Start, has durability, sustainability, and long-lasting impact, according to Urban League President and CEO Mike McMillan.

“Just as diamonds are the hardest substance known to science, Head Start has withstood the test of time, proving its resilience and importance in shaping young minds for generations to come,” said McMillan.

“For 60 years, Head Start has been a pillar of opportunity for children and families, ensuring they receive the education, nutrition, and

support necessary for success.”

This celebration included the provision of essential resources to the children and educators who make Head Start a success. Families received coats, toys, formula, and diapers to support children’s well-being.

“The Urban League is committed to continuing this momentum with a series of events throughout the year, further raising awareness and strengthening the impact of Head Start in our community,” said McMillan.

The Urban League has eight Head Start locations, along with the Centene Connected Center headquarters.

It serves over 900 children age 6 weeks to 5 years from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Families must meet the federal income guidelines.

For additional information on Urban League Head Start, please visit www.ulstl.com/ head-start.html#/

Why representation still matters

By Camike Jones

As a part of Indiana Comic Con during March, Women’s History Month, I interviewed two history-making women.

Tony Award-winning actor Anika Noni Rose is the first Black woman to portray a Disney princess — tiara, amusement park ride and all. She took on the role of Princess Tiana in 2009’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Sonequa Matin-Green is the first Black woman to play a captain in the TV series “Star Trek: Discovery.”

Both were the first Black women to step into pivotal roles. Both rose to the occasion while maintaining their dignity in the face of all the backlash they received. Both took seriously the responsibility of being the first Black women to hold these iconic positions.

There can only be one first, and by being first in their respective roles, they have each solidified their places in history. Both Martin-Green and Rose, a.k.a. Princess Tiana, hugged me, confirming they were as real as their undeniable influence on our culture. Pinch me!

Some may argue that it’s just entertainment and these fictional characters are not so significant. Tell that to all the girls and women of different races who dressed as Princess Tiana for the convention. Or try telling that to the racially diverse crowd that erupted in applause as Martin-Green talked about being the first Black woman to captain a ship in the entire history of the Star Trek franchise.

For the generations that have grown up with Princess Tiana, it may be hard to imagine there was a time when a Black American Disney princess was unthinkable. Rose said having a Black woman in this role was a chance for little Black and brown girls to see themselves differently and in turn for other people to see them differently. The princess’ skin tone and facial features were even modeled after Rose.

n While representation has recently become a controversial word, it still matters.

In “Star Trek: Discovery,” we see Marin-Green take her character, Michael Burnham, from captain to commander to admiral by the end of the series. Fans watched for five seasons as her character stepped into her full power. Rose and Martin-Green’s work provides an example of what is possible if we let go of our narrow views.

In the current political climate, diversity initiatives are being rolled back across the country. DEI is blamed for various failures from plane crashes to wildfires and even an attempted assassination. It should be noted that in two of the instances, a woman was in the top role.

Being born into a specific skin color and gender can become a political statement when you dare try and do something that is deemed “not for you.” But as Rose stated during the Comic Con interview, no one can tell you that you don’t belong in any space because no one owns belonging.

While representation has recently become a controversial word, it still matters. Because if people don’t see women and women of color in leadership, they will not know what is achievable and we miss out on the brilliance that others have to offer.

Camike Jones is Indianapolis Recorder editor-in-chief.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Camike Jones

SLDC

Continued from A1 complaints, and cited Richardson’s dual role as chair and president as a conflict of interest.

Richardson, who thought he had a good relationship with Spencer, was taken aback. The role of CEO and president has been utilized by other administrations, he said, adding that anyone who has reviewed public board meeting minutes knows that Spencer’s concerns were addressed. There was nothing clandestine about how the agency operated, he insisted.

Spencer certainly had no qualms with SLDC in 2023, Richardson said, when it helped draft eminent domain legislation that she sponsored to advance development of the Railway Exchange building.

Nor were there any complaints in 2024, when SLDC helped get a 20-year tax abatement to aid in the redevelopment of the Millennium Hotel.

Both projects are in the downtown part of Spencer’s Ward.

Spencer’s criticism of SLDC, Richardson said, began after she announced her candidacy for mayor and SLDC began administering funds from a $37 million federal grant program aimed at business development in North St. Louis.

“People pick and choose what they want to use for their political platforms, and that’s what happened here,” said Alderwoman Shameen Clark-Hubbard (10th Ward) an SLDC board member. Alderman Rasheem Aldridge (14th Ward) had a similar recollection.

“I remember when the northside grants first rolled out and how (Spencer) became very critical but so were other aldermen, including myself. We all wanted to see the project happen, but it’s been her only pushback with

SLDC.”

A month prior to Spencer’s resignation, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch published a series of articles on SLDC. Stories noted how “tens of millions of dollars in federal grant funds” were awarded to businesses with addresses attached to vacant lots and how well-funded nonprofits like the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and politically connected families, including relatives of Clark Hubbard, were given preference.

There was an omission in the newspaper’s coverage. The fraudulent or suspicious businesses and individuals they listed were only “conditionally” approved meaning no money was to be allocated until a vetting process was completed.

“Based on the information provided at the time,” Richardson explained, “we conditionally approved about 335 businesses for a total of about $33 million. The word “conditional” was repeatedly stressed because we still had to go through the vetting and negotiations processes to make sure those applicants could meet all guidelines.”

If the newspaper had reviewed SLDC’s August 22, 2024, board minutes perhaps it would have noticed that all grant awards were “contingent upon a “viability assessment.”

Lorna Alexander, SLDC’s vice president of programmatic compliance, explained the assessment process.

“On paper, you look great, right? You look viable but, until we actually go out there, our partners go out there, and then we get reports from the collector of revenue and the license collector, we can’t say ‘you’ve been awarded,”’ she said.

Clark-Hubbard was incensed by the Post’s insinuation that her family members received preference over other applicants. She said the newspaper knew she had immediately recused herself from vot-

ing on applications submitted by her father-in-law, an employee of his and a distant niece.

The viability assessments have now been completed, Richardson said, adding that roughly 50 businesses-many which were highlighted in the Post, including those associated with Clark Hubbard-have been deemed ‘not viable.’

The “conditionally approved” money, Richardson added, has been “reallocated to other projects on the list that have been deemed viable.”

Spencer, who publicly called Jones and the agency “corrupt,” amended her denunciation during our interview last week, now referring to their actions as “mismanaged.” But she’s still running political ads asking voters if they’re “tired of four years of corruption” under Jones.

Likewise, the Post is stubbornly sticking to its narrative. In its endorsement of Spencer, the editorial board claimed she “sounded the alarm about the city’s “fumbling, corrupt handling of a $37 million grant program… that was Jones’ brainchild.”

Following the money

Spencer’s campaign has raised more than $1 million dollars in total contributions, according to finance reports filed on Monday. A Brighter Future for St Louis PAC, which supports her, raised another $580,000.

Her largest donors are developers including influential Clayco founder Bob Clark, whose companies donated more than $130,000 to Spencer. This doesn’t include another $50,000 from a Clayco affiliated firm or donations to Spencer or her PAC.

She has also received campaign contributions from developers including the Lamar Johnson Collaborative, an architecture firm that works with Clayco and Brinkmann Construction, Grewe Brokerage & Development

Joy ride gone wrong

A EMS attendant checks on a young driver after crashing his car into a building while racing down the 2900 block of Gravois Blvd. Wednesday morning Apr. 1, 2025.

and ARCO Construction.

Spencer claims that her developer donors are simply “serious business folk who want to see the city succeed.”

Clark, for instance, has serious problems with Jones and Richardson. He blames the two for SLDC’s decision to reject his proposal to build a 200,000-square-foot concrete manufacturing warehouse on the site of the former St. Louis Army Ammunition Plant on Goodfellow Blvd. near Hwy 70.

Incensed, Clark told the press that he donated the exact amount he’d spent on his business proposal-more than $111,000-to Spencer’s campaign.

In explaining the rejection of Clark’s proposal, Richardson and Jones cited what they said were residents’ wishes for the site.

“We asked for retail, not a cement plant,” Jones said.

“Since he doesn’t like being told no, he’s throwing a temper tantrum.”

In an interview with KSDK in January, Clark noted the trouble with Paul McKee’s North Side Regeneration project near the $1.7 billion National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) on Jefferson and Cass Avenues.

Regarding Mckee’s battles with the city, Clark described Richardson as someone “working in a failed administration,” adding that he lacks the experience “to move projects forward.”

Spencer has publicly alleged that she will fire Richardson if she’s elected.

Aldridge disagrees with both Clark and Spencer.

“I feel bad for Neal because he’s looked at as a ‘Tishaura appointee.’

But he’s honestly been

Biles

Continued from A1

Biles is married to St. Louis native Jonathan Owens, who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers.

Apart from being one of the most decorated athletes in the world, Biles also works to advocate for athletes’ mental health, sexual assault victims and foster care children. She also earned the distinction of having five skills named in her honor, named “The Biles” which include beam, floor and vault skills.

“Simone is a wonderful example of the power of living life on one’s own terms with determination, grit and grace.” Martin said last week when announcing the commencement activities.

“I am confident that she will inspire our graduates as they set out on their own journeys to greatness.

working on behalf of the city and has done a fantastic job.”

Aldridge admits he’s the one actively trying to remove McKee’s imprint from any development surrounding the NGA site. Early last year, he sponsored a bill granting the city eminent domain rights over the area where McKee owns property.

The blight redevelopment bill will impact more than 800 acres in the St. Louis Place, JeffVanderLou and Carr Square neighborhoods.

The legislation passed and, in March, the St. Louis Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA), the public/private real estate arm of SLDC, took steps to seize more than 100 properties owned by Paul McKee’s NorthSide Regeneration.

Some developers fear the loss of properties now under eminent domain, Aldrige said. “A lot of those properties are McKee’s, who has not done the necessary work to move the northside forward. I would say there’s an uncertainty with what’s going to happen or if she (Spencer) becomes mayor, will she keep Neal on or not.”

Clark’s company, Clayco, has partnered with Northside on projects including a Bottle District transaction that netted them millions in tax credits. According to a March 2025 article by the Post Dispatch, the FBI investigated the tax credit deals, one of which involved a company partially owned by Steve Stone, Northside’s longtime attorney, who helped write the distressed area state tax credit legislation.

McKee’s name hasn’t appeared in Spencer’s campaign finance reports but, along with Clark, there’s Stone, McKee

As the most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone’s dominance on the mat is well documented. But what is even more impressive is her work off the mat.”

St. Louis native Jenifer Lewis and four other recipients will be presented honorary degrees at the ceremony.

Lewis, an Emmy Award nominated actor, singer and bestselling author, will receive a Doctor of Fine Arts honorary degree. The Kinloch native was honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in July 2024.

“I sang my first solo at First Baptist Church [of Kinloch] when I was five years old,” Lewis said during the ceremony in The Loop.

“And from the reaction of the congregation – they were screaming and crying and carrying on and saying, ‘sing Jenny. Sing Jenny.’ I stood there and said, ‘this is the life.’ And I never looked back.”

business partner, Larry Chapman, and McKee’s lender, the Bank of Washington who launched a lawsuit against LCRA in 2018. The bank was then represented by McKee’s lawyers, Stone, Leyton & Gershman.

So, why are so many developers-some associated with Mckee’s property near the NGA site-investing in Spencer’s campaign?

“To be honest, I’m trying to figure it out, too,” Aldridge confessed.

“I know Tishaura has been very intentional… she wants to make sure developers meet certain criteria before they get tax abatements like if they’re building in economically distressed neighborhoods. Maybe some of that has turned some developers off.

“Maybe they’ve seen that Cara has been critical of SLDC and think they may have a better footing with someone who may not have the same requirements when it comes to making things…not equal but more equitable. But to be honest, maybe some just feel more comfortable working with a white woman instead of a Black woman.”

Aldrige said he respects Spencer, but she won’t get his vote.

“Crime is down. The Northside corridor grant program didn’t go perfectly but the intentionality in using those funds in North St. Louis is well-intentioned,” he said.

“The mayor is trying to do a lot to change the city and make it more equitable, which can’t happen in just four years. So, I’ll be supporting Tishaura Jones for mayor.”

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

Also receiving honorary degrees are:

• Paula C. Riney, philanthropist and co-founder of the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation, will receive a Doctor of Humanities.

• Roger O. Riney, philanthropist, CEO of brokerage firm Scottrade and co-founder of the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation, will receive a Doctor of Humanities.

• Dr. Rochelle Walensky, WashU graduate, world-renowned physician-scientist and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will receive a Doctor of Science.

• Jess B. Yawitz, WashU graduate and founder, retired chair and CEO of NISA Investment Advisors, will receive a Doctor of Business. The commencement ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. Monday May 12 on Francis Olympic Field on the Danforth campus.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

AKA

Continued from A1

down on us and just being proud of the organization we’ve become.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha has grown from that original nine in 1908 to more than 360,000 initiated members in 2025.

Hedgeman Lyle –known throughout the sorority as “The Guiding Light” – is probably smiling even brighter at the thought of the positive impact sorors from the Central Region will have on her city from April 3 –April 6.

Davis is thrilled that St. Louis will host the Central Regional Conference for the first time since 2018.

“Actually, I wanted it to be the first conference of my administration,” Davis said.

The 2025 conference theme is “Soaring in the Lou: Opulence in Bloom.”

“The theme of our current administration, under the leadership of Danette Anthony Reed (International President & CEO) is ‘Soaring to greater heights in sisterhood,’” Davis said. “We added the tagline ‘opulence in bloom.’

The tagline is a nod to members being able to pour into each other hav-

Crime

Continued from A1 homicides in 2023, 37 in 2022, and 43 in 2021. Compared to last year, there has been a reduction of 45% in homicides. In addition, robberies are down 20%, burglaries are down 33%, and auto thefts are down 39%, year-todate. Shooting incidents and shooting victims are

ing a level of wholeness, wellness and a level of femininity through the lens of blooming and opulence.

“I tell people, if you want to rekindle the love and admiration for the organization and the members in it, come to a regional conference,” Davis said.

This year’s conference is a ‘thank you’ to sorors – in the eight states that make up the Central Region, and beyond – for their hard work in 2024 with respect to community service, advocacy and political engagement.

“It will be us saying, ‘We see you and we saw the work that you did, and we want to love on you. And that it is okay to get your rest,’” Davis said.

“Then, once you have had your break, let’s roll up our sleeves and work like women of Alpha Kappa Alpha have always worked and advocated – not only for ourselves, but for our family and our communities. There are more barriers for us to break down and forces for us to fight. Our community needs us more than ever.”

Most of the conference will be closed for members to handle sorority business, attend workshops, participate in community service events and fellowship. But the sorority is sponsoring several public events and

also down 39%, respectively.

“Residents, visitors, and businesses in St. Louis deserve to live in a safe city, and we continue to make our city safer each and every day,” Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said in a release.

“This is an all-handson-deck effort, and these positive numbers wouldn’t be possible without the brave men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan

activities that align with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission of “Service to All Mankind.”

“Not everybody understands Black Greek letter organizations – our impact, our legacy and our longevity. I think we are the best kept secret when it comes to service, when it comes to economic power, when it comes to influence and political power,” Davis said. “When we talk about a $5.5 million impact in

Police Department, our community partners, and the residents who work with us to prevent crime and hold bad actors accountable.”

Chief Robert Tracy said there has been “positive progress,” but there is much more to accomplish.

“As we enter the next quarter, we will remain steadfast on the mission to protect and serve, while working with our

Alpha Kappa Alpha Central Regional Director Kiahna W. Davis joined FOX2 morning co-anchor Blair Ledet on Tuesday to preview the AKA 91st Central Regional Conference beginning April 3 in St. Louis.

Among them are two former Central Regional Directors – Kathy Walker Steele and the AKA icon Peggy Lewis LeCompte. “She is the chairman of all of the regional directors in Central,” Davis said of Lewis LeCompte. “We honor her, we respect her, and we thank God that she could impart the knowledge she has from the decades she served – not only the community here in the St. Louis area, but in AKA as a whole.” They’ve already touched down on the soil where the seed for AKA was planted and are excited about the shift in the atmosphere that they will provide during the 91st Central Regional Conference.

four days, that should get someone’s attention.”

She hopes that the city takes notice of the impact.

“I hope it is not taken for granted that when we step into a place with our pink and green that not only do we enjoy each other and serve the community, we spend our money,” Davis said. “I want people to say, ‘Who are those women walking down the streets of St. Louis, creating this level

community and Crime Control Strategies to strategically deploy our patrol resources.”

Among those successful strategies is creation of the Office of Violence Prevention, which includes violence intervention programs, collaboration with dozens of community organizations such as Show Me Peace (de-escalation and life coaching), the Diamond Diva

of buzz, imparting all of this wonderful service in our community and leaving all of this cash in the registers.’”

Davis sang the praises of the local host chapters.

“We have three wonderful chapters in St. Louis and two across the bridge in East St. Louis and the surrounding area,” Davis said. “They do hard work on a daily basis carrying out the dream of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle.”

Empowerment Foundation (supporting survivors of domestic violence), and Living in Victory (housing for people recovering from substance abuse).

The office’s goal “is to stop violence before it happens by helping people get onto and stay on a non-violent path where they can thrive.”

Since Jones’ election, police officer salaries have been raised twice,

“When you really analyze that impact, it’s enormous,” Davis said. “I’m also really proud that we get to do that in the birthplace of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. I’m sure she is dancing because what she dreamt here in St. Louis came to fruition – and more.”

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated 91st Central Regional Conference will take place from April 3-6 at America’s Center. For more information, visit https://aka1908.com/central/events

including raises ranging from 8% to 13% in 2023. Jones also recently signed another round of raises of up to 7%. Crime statistics for the City of St. Louis are accessible to the public and can be found on SLMPD’s website at www.slmpd.org./stats while a map of where crimes are recorded can be found at www.slmpd. org/mapping

Kiahna Davis Instagram photo

The mayor’s race: A Trumpian Affair

“Oh, I say, and I say again: Ya been had…Ya been took… Ya been hoodwinked… Bamboozled…Led astray…

Run amok!”

The words of the late, great Malcolm X appropriately apply to the mayoral race.

In her effort to oust incumbent Mayor Tishaura Jones, Ald. Cara Spencer (8th Ward) has launched a political campaign heavily supported by millionaire donors and misleading rhetoric

It’s all very…well, Trumpian.

Trump convinced voters that President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris were a disaster for the nation. His scheme worked even after the country rebounded from a historic pandemic quicker than

most advanced nations.

The U.S. experienced the fastest GDP growth since 1984, and the unemployment rate fell at the fastest pace on record. Yet, Trump convinced the country the Biden/ Harris administration was incompetent, corrupt and even racist.

Sound familiar?

Although the Jones’ Administration navigated COVID, implemented more than $2 billion in new market tax credits, business development, revitalization and incentivized projects downtown, in north St. Louis and throughout the city, Spencer characterizes her as “incompetent.”

The alderwoman paints a dim future for St. Louis under Jones, even as its hailed

“America’s Next Big Hub for Industry, Tech, and Talent,” according to a Missouri Partnership, a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri’s business strengths.

Trump exposed a very disturbing societal aspect during his run for office. His election solidified the fact that a significant number of white people still have serious hangups with Black people.

dabbled in misogynistic, xenophobic and racist rhetoric…who vowed to end diversity, equity and inclusion and, thus, “Make America Great Again.”

Spencer’s vow to “Make St. Louis Better” has similar cadence with an expected result.

Spencer’s Trump-inspired verbiage is built on an indoctrinated, outdated mentality that truly needs to believe that somehow things were much better (and can be better again) under an imaginary bygone era.

It’s no accident that so many voted for a convicted felon who

This mentality is the reason Spencer has pushed political ads with coded words like “incompetent, irresponsible or corrupt” words that have defined Black people, Black politicians and Black women for centuries.

But voters must ask, ‘who’s paying for this messaging and why?’

Spencer’s biggest and most influential donor is Bob Clark, CEO of Clayco Construction, and also the Bank of Washington that has partnered with controversial and disgraced developer, Paul McKee.

Jones had the audacity to announce she would direct millions of dollars into long neglected northside neighborhoods including those near the NGA area.

As the Trump administration is intent on dismantling diversity and equity programs, Jones has doubled down on the city’s commitment to sustain and create “opportunities” for small minority and women-owned enterprises.

She’s made it clear that wealthy, influential developers won’t have a monopoly on major developments like the $650 million St. Louis Lambert International Airport project.

Because of Jones’ meddling with the “goodole-boy” network, millions in public funds won’t just be doled out to wealthy white developers. Now, under her leadership, less influential developers, potential business and homeowners can invest, build and benefit (with public funds) in potentially lucrative areas, like the NGA site.

This is something Spencer’s wealthy donors seem anxious to halt.

It’s naïve to believe that her abrupt resignation from SLDC’s amid her claims of impropriety just coincidentally started at the same time wealthy developers, Mckee’s bank, his lawyers and powerful “others” started

Under the Jones’ administration, the St. Louis Development corporation (SLDC) has instituted an eminent domain process, near the $1.7 billion National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), that can potentially strip ownership of hundreds of parcels of McKee’s property.

pumping hundreds of thousands into the political action committee (PAC) supporting Spencer’s campaign.

Some of these same deep-pocketed donors are behind the “71 Percent PAC” that’s targeting Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (7th Ward) with similar racist, sexist and coded language used against Jones. In endorsing Spencer, the St. Louis Post Dispatch used the word “corrupt” to define the Jones Administration and SLDC. “More recently, Spencer has sounded the alarm about the city’s fumbling, corrupt handling of a $37 million grant program for North Side economic development, a program that was Jones’ brainchild.”

It was a word it never assigned to McKee or his many government-funded failed projects.

The Trumpian style of politicking can work as well in St. Louis as it has nation-wide. Jones’ only chance of victory depends on progressive, liberal and Black voter’s refusal to succumb to racist messaging via wealthy developers.

It will be inspiring if voters resisted being hoodwinked, led astray or bamboozled.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow. The views in this commentary are not necessarily those of the St. Louis American

Columnist Sylvester Brown Jr.

The Power of Objects

By Dr. Jody Sowell, Missouri Historical Society President

If my house ever catches fire, I know the first thing I am rescuing (after the family and the cat). Before I search out photos or look for money, I will find Big Bunny, a stuffed animal that my grandmother-inlaw gave my wife when she was a kid. She slept with Big Bunny every night. That stuffed animal was passed down to my older daughter when she was a baby and then to my youngest daughter when she was a baby. Big Bunny was a big part of the childhoods of the three women I love most in the world. That simple stuffed animal holds so many memories, so many stories, and so much value. That is the power of objects.

When the British burned Washington, DC, during the War of 1812, Dolley Madison famously saved Gibert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington. She is given credit, but it was others who did the work. The painting was eight feet tall and bolted to the wall. Madison asked a steward and gardener to cut away at the frame so the painting could be freed. The fact that they worked so hard to save the painting even as the city burned showed their understanding of the power of this particular object.

MHS was founded in 1866—not during a fire, but during a time of blazing growth in St. Louis. The city grew in population by 85 percent during the 1860s, becoming the fourth largest city in the country. Local leaders saw how much history

was being lost as the city grew and decided to form an organization to protect, preserve, and share that history. Our collections now include more than 175,000 three-dimensional objects, more than 1 million photographs, and nearly 8,000 linear feet of documents.

Each artifact in our collections has its own story to tell about the past, and each was donated because someone thought that object would help future generations better understand St. Louis, Missouri, the country, or the world.

Our commitment in the years and decades ahead is to share more of our collections than we ever have before.

Just a few weeks ago we launched a new Curated Collections website showcasing a variety of themes exploring our collections,

from topics like St. Louis Neon to moments like the World’s Fair to artists like daguerreotypist Thomas Easterly. We will add new themes to the site each month. You can find it at mohistory.org/curated-collections.

And on March 29, the Museum will open a new 6,000-square-foot artifact showcase gallery. Because we usually do themed exhibits, most of our artifacts stay in storage, waiting for an exhibit they fit into. Our new Collected gallery allows individual artifacts to stand on their own and tell their own story. You will find a baby tooth that led to a nuclear test ban treaty, a costume worn by Katherine Dunham, the oldest book in our collections, objects that speak to Indigenous history, movies, a sledge that went

Collected opens this weekend at the Missouri History Museum. Visit mohistory. org/events for the complete schedule of events and activities.

to the North Pole (or at least came very close), and so much more. Every year we will add new artifacts and films to this space, ensuring that visitors always have new objects to see.

In his book Do Museums Still Need Objects?, history professor Steven Conn argued that museums are now just as important as gathering places where people of different ages, races, and backgrounds can share the same public space and that museums help build civic pride and connection. Gone are the days when museums were just warehouses of artifacts.

Conn is right that museums have evolved, but I think even he might agree that the title of his book is asking the wrong question. Museums today serve as more than collections of

objects, but those artifacts still possess an immense power to connect us to the past.

I felt that power when I sat on the seat that Rosa Parks refused to give up at the Henry Ford Museum outside of Detroit; when I held onto the same handrail as Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Home in Springfield, Illinois; and when the Missouri History Museum displayed the original Louisiana Purchase document signed by Thomas Jefferson. And I believe you will feel it when you explore our Curated Collections website and our Collected gallery. And if anyone questions the power of objects, well, I have a stuffed bunny I would like to introduce you to.

Prop B does nothing to protect the communities we serve Commentary

Proposition B is a poorly written measure that Saint Louis County voters will see on the April 8 ballot. This proposition allows the County Council to fire Department Directors without any reason.

This legislation does nothing to protect the communities we serve as Department leaders. Instead, it puts our communities in danger. Voting yes for this legislation allows chaotic politics to seep into the quality of your public services and disrupt the separation of three co-equal branches of government.

Instability in the leadership of our County Departments could stall important services you rely upon. Here are some questions we ask you to consider before voting on Prop B:

• Did you know, it’s a department director who advocates for safe neighborhoods while also addressing bad policing in Saint Louis County?

• Did you know, it’s a department director who ensures that you can safely eat in a restaurant without getting sick?

• Did you know, it’s a department director who ensures all County roads get plowed during a snowstorm and that potholes are filled?

• Did you know, it’s a department director who fights to ensure our local justice system is fair and equitable?

• Did you know, it’s a department director who fights to make sure those who don’t have insurance have access to quality healthcare?

• Did you know, it’s a team of extremely qualified department directors who fight to make sure our community gets millions of dollars in federal grants to address housing and food insecurity, mental health services, substance use resources, and job placement?

• Do you want strong, experienced leadership that prioritizes the well-being of Saint Louis County?

Then we ask you to vote NO on Proposition B to protect our

community, protect our services, and protect the integrity of our local government. Let’s make sure our County remains a place where leadership is accountable to the people.

Ambur Banner, director of Human Services; Kito Bess director of Justice Services; Kanika Cunningham, M.D., director of Public Health; Rodney Gee, director of Administration

Brain aneurysms

A silent killer in Black community

Know the symptoms n “The federal government spends only $2.08 per year on brain aneurysm research for each person afflicted.”

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

On May 19, 2024, Jacqueline Rhone passed away after being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm – an ailment that strikes Black Americans at a higher rate than other ethnic groups. Her mother Jazzie Ford created the LaLa Speaks Foundation in honor of the daughter she describes as “a rare soul.”

“She was kind, smart, and deeply

rooted in her faith,” said Ford. Since that life changing day Ford has been on a mission to raise awareness, advocate for early detection, and support research to help prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss.

“She had so much ahead of her.

Losing her has left an unimaginable void, not just in my life, but in the

Keeping ahead of concussion threats in sports

Soccer sees increasing rate

By Gene A. Lambey The Afro

March is Brain Injury Month and while it has passed and spring is here, bringing attention and support to an issue often overlooked in the Black community continues year-round.

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) reports that “every year, an estimated 2.8 million Americans suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI),” leaving “more than five million Americans with permanent brain injury

Spilling the beans on coffee and health

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

For the morning coffee drinkers out there, a recent study found there may be one more reason to enjoy that first cup of the day. In a study of over 40,000 people in a national health survey, researchers found that morning coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying prematurely than non-coffee drinkers. And the biggest beneficiaries might be those who drank coffee only in the morning rather than throughout the day.

Of course, these findings are from a single study, so further research is needed on the timing of coffee drinking. At the same time, this new study adds to a large and growing amount of research showing that coffee drinking overall can have many health benefits.

Researchers found that morning coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying prematurely than non-coffee drinkers.

lives of everyone she touched. She was more than my daughter—she was a light to so many,” said Ford describing her late daughter.

“No parent should endure this pain. No family should ever be left so uneducated about this silent killer,”

She said her daughter made others feel like they mattered. She was an ordained minister, who carried herself with grace and wisdom beyond her years. Her daughter took her education seriously, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She was set to begin her doctorate in the summer of 2024. Unfortunately, Rhone never got the chance to earn her doctorate.

See ANEURYSM, A11

That could sound a little surprising. For whatever reason, coffee can still feel like one of those things we enjoy but that may not be good for us. Yet coffee has over 1,000 compounds that could aid health. Among other possible benefits, these compounds could help improve the gut microbiome, ease inflammation, help with DNA repair and help control blood sugar.

And studies have linked moderate coffee drinking with a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease and some cancers. It may even help with longevity. And many of these possible benefits seem to include decaf as well as regular, caffeinated coffee.

Coffee drinkers in the U.S. average around two cups a day — within the range of up to two to four eight-ounce cups (or up to 400 milligrams of total daily caffeine) that’s likely safe for most adults, according to the federal

See COLDITZ, A11

related disabilities.”

Dr. Rebecca Timko, of the Clarity Brain and Body Clinic in Bethesda, Md., works with athletes, people who have been in car accidents, employees who have experienced workplace injuries and those who have suffered brain trauma from domestic violence or military service.

“[ABIs] are a broad group of injuries, encompassing anything that is an injury to the brain after birth. It encompasses both non-traumatic brain injuries and TBIs,” said Dr. Timko. “Non-traumatic brain injuries are caused by internal body factors: strokes, tumors and infections. The ABI category encompasses TBIs caused See BRAIN, A11

Jazzie Ford holds a portrait of her daughter Jacqueline Rhone. Ford for whom she created the LaLa Speaks Foundation. Rhone tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm May 19, 2024.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

‘Taking Care of You’

Aneurysm

Continued from A10

According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, aneurysms form in weak spots in arteries, often where the blood vessels form branches.

For roughly 6.8 million Americans currently living with aneurysms, blisters that occur in the brain.

A Penn State article, ‘The Medical Minute: The dangers of cerebral aneurysms’. states women are more likely than men to have a brain aneurysm and African Americans and Hispanics have more brain aneurysms than white people.

Also, in most cases aneurysms don’t rupture, grow or cause problems, and doctors opt to keep them under surveillance to make sure they stay that way.

Surgery is usually required to remove an aneurysm that’s a threat, and doctors weigh a number of factors, like the lesion’s location and the age and health of the patient.

The Brain Aneurysms Statistics and Facts report paints a more startling picture–about 30,000 people in the United States suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each year.

A brain aneurysm ruptures every 18 minutes. There are almost 500,000 deaths worldwide each

Brain

Continued from A10

by external forces to the body and to the brain.”

And then there are concussions.

“There is nothing mild about a concussion,” said Dr. Timko.

“It doesn’t mean the effects on the individual are mild at all–that is just how it is categorized.”

According to Dr. Timko, concussions are diagnosed based on a range of symptoms. A series of tests are set with patients.

The BIAA listed headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of consciousness, ringing in the ears, slurred speech and nausea as just some of the symptoms of a concussion. Cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions may occur as well as mood swings, brain fog, lack of concentration and slowed reaction time.

“It’s not diagnosed on things like imaging. An x-ray, CT or MRI in a mild concussion won’t show anything…the brain cells are disrupted and that can cause problems with the communication between cells and disruption of pathways. Unless it’s a more severe type of injury with some sort of fracture or brain bleed, [nothing] will show up on imaging,” said Dr. Timko.

year caused by brain aneurysms, and half the victims are younger than 50. African Americans and Hispanics are about twice as likely to have a brain aneurysm rupture compared to whites.

Before Rhone’s brain aneurysm Ford says her daughter was showing symptoms that were either dismissed or misdiagnosed. The symptoms were caused by the size of her aneurysm and the pressure it was putting on her daughter’s brain. She experienced vision problems but when she went to the ophthalmologist she was told ‘her glasses were just dirty’.

Ford said the ophthalmologist cleaned her glasses and insinuated that she wasn’t wearing

her bifocals as expected and to give her eyes time to adjust to her prescription. Rhone followed the doctors orders, however, when she went back, her vision had deteriorated so much that they retested her prescription and saw significant changes. The aneurysm was pressing on a vessel, rapidly causing her eyesight to decline. Rhone had to wear a patch over one eye just to help her focus.

But Rhone’s health issues didn’t end with her eyesight, she told her doctor that her ears constantly felt clogged–she was told to get an over the counter ear cleaning kit. She had weakness and numbness.

The doctor told her it was because of inflammation. Her brain aneu-

rysm caused confusion and occasional vomiting.

When Rhone was finally diagnosed a doctor said her aneurysm was the largest he had ever seen. It was pressing against a vessel in her brain, which explained her symptoms.

Ford said many people, especially in the Black community, don’t know the warning signs. Oftentimes we don’t get screened early and the medical system dismisses our concerns.

“We need to push for change. We need education, funding, and advocacy. That’s what LaLa Speaks Foundation is here to do,” said Ford when talking about the healthcare system and how it impacted her daughter’s life.

Even though there is widespread availability of brain imaging that can detect a ruptured brain aneurysm, misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis occur in up to one quarter of patients when initially seeking medical attention.

In three out of four cases, misdiagnosis results from a failure to do a scan, according to the The Brain Aneurysms Statistics and Facts report

The report shows treatment of ruptured brain aneurysms is far more costly than the treatment of unruptured aneurysms, the cost of a brain aneurysm treated by surgical clipping more than doubles after the aneurysm has ruptured.

The cost of a brain aneurysm treated by endovascular coiling increases

by about 70% after the aneurysm has ruptured. The federal government spends only $2.08 per year on brain aneurysm research for each person afflicted.

Rhone’s passing affected everyone around her. Every morning, she would send out motivational messages —words of encouragement, scriptures, or just a simple reminder that she was praying for them. People looked forward to those messages.

Ford told the American that doctors told her high blood pressure and kidney failure could have contributed to her daughter’s death.

“It was the hardest moment of my life,” said Ford.

“I was devastated, confused, and in complete shock. I didn’t even know what a brain aneurysm was.”

After her daughter’s death Ford began to think about all of her daughter’s symptoms and soon realized they were something more serious.

“If we had known more about brain aneurysms, maybe we could have pushed for answers sooner,” said Ford reflecting on her daughter’s illnesses.

“If I can educate our community, provide them with resources, and advocate for change, then I can better accept that God saw fit for my daughter to be with the angels.”

changed a lot,” Timko said, “Men are generally more physical but have lower rates of concussion compared to girls’ soccer because of that anatomy.”

St. Louis SC midfielder Njabulo Blom (6) moved past Charlotte FC defender Andre Shinyashiki (16) during an MLS game last season. As more Black youths are making soccer their sport of choice, parents are reminded that concussions are part of the game, just as in football or basketball.

“[Generally], in most sports, women suffer higher rates of concussions due to those factors; neck muscles, hormones and different ways to play the game.”

“The research is showing ‘heading’ is a big discussion in the soccer community. Making contact with your head, anytime you’re in the game puts yourself and your brain at risk. Concussions happen from player-to-player contact.

“

Dr. Timko urged athletes with a concussion to connect to concussion providers “who education within the neuroscience field.” Athletes should adhere to the “return to play protocol.” Seeing a provider early leads to “better outcomes and fewer long-term symptoms” in the future.

“The best way to recover as an athlete from a sports related concussion or TBI is what’s called a ‘return to play’ protocol,” said Dr. Timko.

As more Black and brown students and adults branch out into sports outside of the traditional football, basketball and baseball offerings, doctors are stressing the importance of safety on the soccer field.

Colditz

Continued from A10

“Concussions occur in different sports. [The] most wellknown are hockey and football, but soccer is in the top three. The top rate of concussion is male football. The number two right now is [women’s] soc-

cer. Not a lot of people talk about that,” said Dr. Timko.

She explained that women’s soccer has the second highest rate of concussions among players because women have “less strong musculature in their necks,” making the impact much more severe com-

pared to men.

Dr. Jamil Neme, who directs the Concussion Clinic at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital and is an associate professor in the SLU medical school’s family and community medicine department, told St. Louis Public radio, there is a bias when

Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Depending on the type of coffee and how it’s made, an eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee can have around 95–180 milligrams of caffeine. For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, general recommendations are lower — often under 200 milligrams of caffeine a day. Women who are pregnant, wanting to become pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to a health-care provider about how much coffee or caffeine is safe for them. Keeping it simple is usually the best approach when it comes to coffee drinks. Choose black, unsweetened coffee — or with just a little sugar and splash of milk. Try to limit specialty coffee drinks that have a lot of added sugar, unhealthy fats and calories, which can offset some of the benefits we may be getting from our coffee. Unsweetened coffee can also be a great alternative to sugary soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks and other less-healthy, high-sugar options. For something so many

it comes to concussions and women playing soccer.

“We know that the boy is going to get into rough things and want to play contact sports. We’re going to want to make sure that we give them the right information. We just don’t expect that from our girls, but that’s certainly

of us enjoy — and that’s so integrated into daily and social routines — it’s nice to know that moderate coffee drinking can be a healthy part of most people’s days. And that may make our next morning cup taste that much better. Enjoy.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz,

“It is a six-step protocol with a health care provider. Each step lasts at least 24 hours. It is a gradual return to activity, ultimately sports related activity and then full gameplay at the end.” This protocol on average takes about a week but some players may be on for longer depending on the severity of the injury and its symptoms.

associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and the creator of the 8ightWays® to Prevent Cancer series.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

at no charge.

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

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students Aarin Bernard, Jayla Jenkins, and LaNaiya Tolliver,

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

Teachers, if you are using the

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

SCIENCE CORNER

SCIENCE STARS

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR: Jeanette Jones

Bryant York

Bryant York was born on May 15, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts. York grew up in the Orchard Park Housing Projects with his five siblings and attended Boston Latin School. He attended a summer mathematics program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and was inspired to pursue a career in computer science. York graduated from high school in 1963 and received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Brandeis University four years later.

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.

SCIENCE CORNER

Click, click, click! This may be a familiar sound as you sit at the computer using your mouse to navigate, but did you ever wonder how a mouse works? A computer mouse consists of several parts that work together to translate motions from your hands into data the computer understands.

What Are Fungi ?

While working towards his master’s degree, York worked as an actuarial analyst at John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1976, he received his master’s degree in computer science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Ball: Sometimes, a mouse will have a ball that rolls when moved over a surface.

Rollers: Usually a mouse has two rollers, one to detect motion on the X axis, and one to detect motion on the Y axis.

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

Shafts: Each roller connects to a shaft.

Disks: the shafts connect to a disk with holes in it. These disks will spin when the rollers roll.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Processor: This will read the pulses, changing them into digital signals for the computer.

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

Materials Needed:

• 3 slices of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags

In this experiment, you will determine if an optical mouse can perform on a black surface.

• 10x10 square centimeter grid • Ruler

Materials Needed:

Process:

Optical Mouse • Computer • Black

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

Surface (such as a black desk or black mousepad) • Traditional Mousepad (one that is not black)

• Notebook • Pencil

Procedure:

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

MATH CONNECTION

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

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

Infared LED sensors: These sensors are found on either side of each disk, and the LED light beam is broken by the holes to create a pulse that the sensor detects. This pulse is able to control the speed and distance the mouse is able to move.

For more information, visit: http://www.ehow.com/video_4950925_acomputer-mouse-work.html

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

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to locate main idea and supporting details.

Growing Mold!

Can An Optical Mouse Work on a Black Surface?

w Move the optical mouse around to see how the mouse moves. Is it easy to navigate and move in the direction you want it to?

e Next, use the optical mouse on a black surface. Try to repeat the same movements you did in step one.

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.

Observations: Does the mouse move more easily, the same, or with more difficulty on the black surface? Write your observations in your notebook.

q Use the traditional mousepad first. Using a word processing program, find the mouse’s icon on your screen.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete a task. I can make predictions and record my observations.

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?

Compute these problems!

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

MATH CONNECTION

How quickly can you “compute” these math problems? Have a partner time you to see how long it takes.

Scientists

As

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

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?

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

“Typewriter” is the longest word that can be made using letters on only one row of a keyboard.

This special Newspaper In Education initiative is made possible, and delivered to classrooms

There are over 10,000 species of

From there, York worked at the IBM research lab in San Jose, California, while working on his doctorate degree in computer science, which he received in 1981 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. York worked as a software engineer with the Digital Equipment Corporation and then became an associate professor at Boston University in 1986 and also served as a program director at the National Science Foundation (NSF). York also worked as a professor and research director at Northeastern University and became a professor and research director at Portland State University in 2001. York’s research focuses on computer vision, software engineering, and computer assistance for people with disabilities.

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.

In 2006, York was named one of the 100 Most Important Blacks in Technology by the Black Engineer of the Year Awards. He was a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery and received the first University of Massachusetts at Amherst Alumni 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award.

Questions:

q What kind of jobs did Dr. York have throughout his career and how do you think those experiences impacted his research?

w If you were a computer scientist, what topics would you study?

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.

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?

e What is your favorite video game or computer game? What components go into designing a video game or computer game?

r Part of York’s focus in doing research has been to develop computer programs that can assist people with disabilities. If you could create an invention that would assist people with disabilities, what would it be? Who would it help?

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: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Learning Standards:

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities:

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Types of News:

Activity One: Scan the newspaper for basic science-related terms (explore, analysis, discovery, theory, experiment) and write definitions for these words based on their usage in the newspaper. Compare your definitions with the definitions in the dictionary.

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.

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.

Activity Two: Compute the time difference between your city and various cities featured in the main news section of the newspaper.

Learning Standards: I can locate information in nonfiction text. I can use context clues for definitions. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve problems.

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

“Stewardesses” is the longest word which can be typed with only the left hand.

How A Computer Mouse Works !

Photo by Ms. Stovall

Jordyn Norde has prescription for equity in her field

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Jordyn Norde, the founder and president of Saint Louis Black Pharmacists Association, Inc., and the Pharmacist in Charge at Rx Outreach Community Pharmacy, is on a mission to educate underserved communities and bring more people of color into her field.

The Black pharmacists group was created in June of 2022 so that Black students could see that this profession is available to them if they put in the work, Norde said.

“I wanted to create something specifically for us by us,” Norde said. The association had its first scholarship reception in the Spring of 2023,

n “I wanted to create something specifically for us by us.” – Jordyn Norde

where three $500 scholarships were awarded. The following year, the association awarded four $1,000 scholarships. “This was the best thing for me to see; this little idea I had as a student did make an impact.”

Norde credits her mother for inspiring her to enter the medical field, even though she said becoming a pharmacist wasn’t the first option on her radar. At one point, she considered anesthesiolo-

gy but she didn’t care for the gore of the operating room. So, after a field trip to the St. Louis College of Pharmacy where she learned some of the ins and outs of the business, Norde found her calling.

“We read some of the technician training books, we counted Skittles, it was a fun interactive experience,” she said.

The following summer, Norde participated in the Walgreens Explorers Program. Kids in the program visited the College of Pharmacy campus a few times a week while getting hands-on experience at Walgreens. Norde values the time she had in the program because it introduced her to the retail side of the business.

Norde has been in the pharmacy space since her junior year in high school. She

See NORDE, B2

Keeping a healthy economy

SLATE hosts healthcare job fair amid job losses

By Namratha Prasad St. Louis American

The city’s SLATE job center hosted a job fair for those interested in the healthcare sector on March 26. After widespread layoffs and worksite closures, job seekers gathered in the SLATE office on Market Street.

The unemployment rate in the St. Louis region increased in 2024, according to statistics gathered by researchers at St. Louis Community College. The region saw an increase in unemployment last year jumping from 2.7% in April 2023 to 3.4% in March 2024.

The healthcare sector took a hit after a three-bed urgent care center controversially named Homer G. Phillips Hospital was shut down earlier this month, displacing at least 80 employees.

SLATE Executive Director Fredrecka McGlown said the former hospital’s employees, many of which were hourly, are in search of a job.

“We wanted to be very intentional to ensure that this one helped focus on healthcare and biosciences in particular,” McGlown said.

“So not just your traditional nurses and doctors, but anything that helps operate a facility with regard to healthcare.”

Among those who participated in the fair included the city’s department

of personnel, BJC, and job corps.

Tonya Farr, with the city’s department of personnel, said the importance of a career fair is the personal touch that it provides for job seekers.

“It’s so important, whether it’s with the city or with some of these other organizations, especially those who

are not skilled in interviewing to be able to help walk them through the process, to help them understand how to get their resumes seen,” Farr said.

“It means a lot, and it really can mean a lot in them being able to get that job with

See JOB FAIR, B2

Beyond Housing promotes Carrie Collins

Carrie Collins

Beyond Housing has promoted Carrie Collins to chief transformation officer, head of the organization’s Transformative Services department. Collins joined Beyond Housing in 2018 and served as senior director of education, As a key member of Beyond Housing’s executive team she worked with the Normandy Schools Collaborative, community residents and stakeholders. She began her career as a special education teacher at Sumner High School. Collins holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Education in Education.

Hart named Coldwell Banker Award nominee

LaVicki Foxwell Hart, Realtor and Certified Relocation Specialist, was recently recognized at the Coldwell Banker Awards Celebration, honoring the top performers for outstanding accomplishments in 2024. Hart, a retired corporate finance executive and dedicated civic leader and non-profit volunteer, has an office in the Town & Country location. She received her MBA/Finance from St. Louis University after graduating from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

Harris a 2025 Global Impact Award finalist

Angelica Harris, founder of Top Tutors for Us, is one of six finalists for the 2025 Global Impact Award to be presented on April 17, 2025, by the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Washington University Top Tutors for Us is an online standardized test preparation and tutoring service that connects minority high school students with minority tutors currently enrolled in college. Harris’ firm was also recipient of a $75,000 award from Arch Grants and was recognized as a 2024 Startup to Watch by St. Louis Innovation.

Smith named to interim SLPS executive post

Dr. Latisha Smith

Dr. LaTisha Smith has been named SLPS interim chief of student support services and has served as the district’s director of professional development. She holds a Doctor of Education degree in Child and Youth Studies from Nova Southeastern University and certifications in special education, curriculum and instruction, and administration.

Smith is also the author of several children’s books and an active member of the Missouri Literacy Association Board, which is a member of the International Literacy Association board.

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

Jordyn Norde is the founder and president of Saint Louis Black Pharmacists Association, Inc., and the Pharmacist in Charge at Rx Outreach Community Pharmacy.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Ahmeenah Howard speaks with Tonya McNair-Farr of the St. Louis City Dept. of Personnel at the Career Fair Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025.

LaVicki Hart

Angelica Harris

Continued from B1

started working full-time in a pharmacy her second year in college, but her curiosity was piqued at home. She recalls seeing her grandmother’s pill bottles on the counter and wondering what they were for. Her passion for helping those in her community better understand their medication is a driving force in her career.

“I started to see very early on in this field a lack of understanding and education,” she said. Customers didn’t grasp the explanation of their medical plan from their physicians, and Norde says part of her role is to fill in the gap by explaining what the medication is, side effects, or other medical alternatives. “My passion is the patient education piece, making sure they understand what they are putting in their bodies,” Norde said.

Norde wants to see more Black people in pharmacy and she wants to expand access to more healthy options for Black and brown communities. From Norde’s experience, many people don’t know what to ask for when it comes to their health. She’s seen many times when patients don’t know how the medication is supposed to treat the problem.

“That is my new mission

Continued from B1

their CV.”

Farr said though the job market may seem bleak, there are people willing and able to hire those who are diligent and persevere through multiple rejections.

“Keep applying. Don’t

to educate,” said Norde. And part of that education is representation. Norde hopes to encourage more Black people to become pharmacists. According to the American Pharmacists Association, in 2019, Black pharmacists represented about 2.3 % of the total number of pharmacists in the country. However, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy report shows the percentage of nonwhite licensed pharmacists increased by 46%, from 14.9% in 2014 to 21.8% in 2019, with the percentage of Black pharmacists more than doubling, from 2.3% to 4.9%.

Norde plans to continue the efforts of diversifying her field. When she attended pharmacy school, it was during the height of the killing of Michael Brown Jr., and all eyes were on her. It was her freshman year, and a civil rights uprising was happening in her hometown. She was on social media fuming from the racist comments made about the young teen’s death and the Ferguson Uprising. Instead of going back and forth with strangers, Norde took her parents’ advice: ‘You win by getting that degree’. She started the Black Student Union on campus.

“When I know people on the receiving side get quality care, that keeps me going,” said Norde.

“This has just been amazing.”

give up just because you don’t get a call back from the first job. Keep applying, keep asking questions, and keep improving on your own skills so that you make yourself a viable employee,” she said.

McGlown said the biggest barrier to the hiring process is that people don’t know how to market their soft skills. Earning degrees and certifications

are not the only ways to get hired in this market, so long as job seekers can market themselves in a way that sets them apart from others.

“I think people put a lot of emphasis on the credential, the certification, the degree, but you also have to make sure that our young people specifically are effective communicators, and that they know

how to communicate, that they know how to show up to work on time, that they’re punctual, and that they work well with other people,” McGlown said.

Ahmeenah Howard is a job seeker who currently styles hair. She said she wants to get back to a nine-to-five lifestyle, and she showed up to the job fair as soon as the doors opened at 9 a.m. She came

to the fair to find a job as a receptionist or in the trades.

“These career fairs help younger people stay off the streets. It helps them find something to do, as well as find them a career they can stick with and bring some money home to their families,” Howard said.

She said she’s thankful to the SLATE offices for

credits her mother for inspiring her to enter the medical field, even though she said becoming a pharmacist wasn’t the first option on her radar.

caring about the unemployed youth who are trying to better their lives. She enjoys the energy and all the people that work for the program.

“After this,” Howard said. “I’m going to go home, get online and start the process of finding my new career.”

Namratha Prasad is an NBC Universal/reporter for the St. Louis American.

Jordyn Norde

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

n “That stat stuff is more for y’all than it is for us.”

– Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams his team’s record win pace

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Justin Tatum’s Aussie team on top ‘Down Under’

Winning basketball championships in the Tatum family has become commonplace in recent years.

Last June, former Chaminade College Prep All-American Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to its record 18th National Basketball Association championship.

His father, Justin Tatum, is now also a professional sports champion. The elder Tatum coached the Illawarra Hawks to the championship of the National Basketball League, the top professional league in Australia.

The Hawks defeated Melbourne United 114-104 in the fifth and deciding game of the best of five NBL championship series. Among the most excited fans was of course Jayson, who sent a taped video message to his father before the deciding fifth game for his team to watch. Jayson and his Celtics teammates also watched the game.

In his first full season at the helm, Tatum led the Hawks to the best record in the regular season and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and eventually the championship.

Lorenzo Brinkley to Lutheran North

Lorenzo Brinkley was tabbed as the new head football coach at Lutheran North. Brinkley replaces Kyle Wagner, who left to become an assistant coach at Sacramento State after leading the Crusaders to the Class 4 state championship.

Brinkley is a veteran coach who has spent many years on the sidelines as a head coach and assistant coach. He was an offensive coordinator for Kirkwood High for two state championship teams under two different head coaches. He was also a head coach at Beaumont and Hazelwood East during his career.

Tatum was a successful high school coach in St. Louis before moving to Australia. He led Soldan to a state championship in 2012 and CBC to state championships in 2014 and 2022. After the 2023 season, he ventured to the “Land Down Under” to begin his professional career. He was an assistant coach for the Hawks last season when he was promoted to the top spot after a 2-7 start. Tatum immediately turned the Hawks around and led them to the NBL playoffs.

Earl’s World Incarnate Word Academy girls’ basketball standout Nevaeh Caffey was named Miss Show Me Basketball in the state of Missouri. The 5’10” senior guard averaged 17 points a game to lead the Red Knights to the Class 6 state championship. She is headed to the University of Indiana…Sophomore Scottie Adkinson of Webster Groves was selected as the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Missouri. The 6’3” Adkinson averaged

Justin

crowd after the

beat Melbourne to win the National Basketball

24 points in leading the Statesmen to the Class 5 state championship…The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament resumes this weekend with the Final Four in San Antonio. It’s Duke vs. Houston and Florida vs. Auburn. There is a familiar face on the Duke sidelines in Blue Devils assistant coach Chris Carrawell. He is the top assistant for head coach John Scheyer Carrawell was a former star player at Cardinal Ritter who was a standout player at Duke from 19972000. Carrawell served as head coach on January 4 when Scheyer was ill and coached the Blue Devils to a win at SMU…Paige

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Bueckers and UCONN topped USC on Monday night to reach the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four. USC’s injured JuJu Watkins did not play in the game which could have set a women’s college basketball viewership record…Coach Niele Ivey, a St. Louis native, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost to Big 12 power TCU in a Sweet 16 game…After injuring his ankle and missing a game at Phoenix, Jayson Tatum returned on Saturday to score 29 points and lead the Boston Celtics over San Antonio 121-111.

Will Venable guides wayward White Sox

Quietly, Will Venable was hired as manager of the Chicago White Sox in November 2024.

On Opening Day, he joined Dave Roberts of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Ron Washington of the Los Angeles Angles as Major League Baseball’s three respective Black managers.

No big deal, according to his three daughters, led by 9-year-old McKinley.

He also paid his dues before landing his first managerial position.

“I woke up to my daughters tapping me on the shoulder telling me that they’re ready to start the day and to wake up and get out of bed,” Venable said before the game.

“But yeah, once I got up and going, [I] certainly felt the spirit of the day and certainly felt the butterflies for sure.”

Venable, who played nine MLB seasons, was a star in baseball and basketball at Princeton. He batted .249 with 81 homers and 135 stolen bases, mostly for the San Diego Padres during his career.

He was hired by the Chicago Cubs in 2017 as a special assistant to team president Theo Epstein, then served as first-base coach, and thirdbase coach. He was a bench coach for the Boston Red Sox during the 202122 seasons, before becoming Texas manager Bruce Bochy’s associate manager. Bochy says Venable was invaluable during the team’s 2023 World Series title campaign.

During the 2023 offseason, Venable turned down a chance to interview for the New York Mets managerial opening, saying he preferred to remain in Texas.

He now guides a team predicted to win under 54 games in 2025.

While Venable’s job is not easy, he has at least a few years of job security as he attempts to improve the lowly White Sox. Venable got off to a great start with an 8-1

home win over the Angels. It marked the first time Chicago had a winning record since March 30, 2023. The first-year skipper was doused with Gatorade and White Sox players joyously paraded him around the clubhouse in a shopping cart.

“Opening Day, it’s fresh, it’s new and it’s

exciting,” Venable told reporters.

“And it’s the one time that you are really uninhibited in your focus on how special this opportunity is.” Naturally, Chicago lost its next two games to fall under .500, but Venable has his shot at managing and that is all that matters.

The Reid

Roundup

Will Venable enjoyed his first game as manager of the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day at age 42. L.A. Angels manager Ron Washington, 72, was managing his 1,438th…L.A. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently signed a four-year contract extension worth about $8.2 million annually, making him MLB’s highest-paid manager… St. Louis Cardinals centerfielder Victor Scott II hit a three-run home run in the Cardinals’ 9-2 series sweep clinching a win over Minnesota on March 30. He also made several sparkling catches during the weekend…Caleb Love ended his collegiate carer with a heroic 35-point effort in Arizona’s loss to Duke in an NCAA Tournament East Region semifinal. The St. Louis native finished 5-5 against Duke during his career with North Carolina and Arizona…Kelvin Sampson, who preaches tough defense, saw his Cougars hold Tennessee to just 15 first-half points in a dominant 69-50 win

in the Midwest Reginal final. Houston will face Duke at the Alamodome in San Antonio for a spot in the national championship game…Walter Clayton Jr. and Florida will face Johni Broome and Auburn in the other national semifinal game… QB Manny Wilkins completed 17 of 22 passes for 189 yards and rushed for 43 yards and two touchdowns in the St. Louis Battlehawks’ season-opening 31-6 win over host Houston last Friday… Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network has former Missouri receiver Luther Burden falling into the second round of the NFL Draft. Other mock drafts have the ESL native tumbling too. The silver lining is that Burden, if picked late in the first round, could join QB Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders or Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City…Former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day for the Chicago White Sox. Sporting a White Sox jersey, Rose threw a strike.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Coach

Tatum enjoys the cheers of the jubilant

Illawarra Hawks

League title in Australia.

Photo courtesy of Illawarra Hawks

Manager Will Venable has a tough task in turning around the Chicago White Sox but is eager for the opportunity.

Photo courtesy of mlb.com

Brickline Greenway breaks ground on North Connector

The north connector section of the Brickline Greenway took a major step forward on the path to completion when ground was broken on Monday, March 24, 2025. The route will connect Fairground Park to Midtown, bringing safter bike travel and beautification projects through north St. Louis to North Grand Blvd. and Spring Ave.

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said a bicycle trip in the city “will make you fall in love with the city all over again.”

“Too often, north city and its residents have been forgotten when transformational projects like this have rolled through St Louis. Part of town has been left on the sidelines for far too long, but those days are over.”

Great Rivers Greenway CEO Susan Trautman called the project, “a total overhaul.”

“We’re going to have to rebuild everything: new greenway, new roadway, new sidewalks. We’ll be going down from five lanes to one lane in each direction and a center turn lane.”

Trautman said concerns and desires of community members have been structured into the plan, including pedestrian safety, lighting, and “elements that add to the experience of the neighborhood, like public art, native plants, and trees.”

“You’ll feel safe in ways that you don’t right now, and that really changes how people view a place,” she said.

“We all want to live in a place that’s beautiful, that feels safe. That’s the goal here, to make north St. Louis city, a place where people really want to go and live.”

CDA opens application portal for Transformation Grants

The St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA) is launching the third year of Neighborhood Transformation Grants, with more than $16 million in available funding for projects that support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and public space improvements.

The Transformation Grants have directed millions of dollars toward new housing construction, rehabilitation of vacant properties, neighborhood clean ups, community art, neighborhood organization capacity CDA Executive Director Nahuel Fefer called the grants, “a critical tool for addressing vacancy, improving public

spaces, and expanding affordable housing opportunities.”

“We are excited to see how these funds [are used] to implement impactful projects to heal the historic scars of segregation and redlining that we see in vacant buildings.”

For the 2025 funding cycle, CDA will invest in five Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) categories:

• Affordable Housing Production NOFA ($6 million) – This funding, provided through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds, will support new construction and rehabilitation of

residential and mixeduse developments. It will also fund homeownership assistance for residents purchasing city-subsidized homes.

• HOME-ARP Permanent Supportive Housing NOFA ($4.89 million) – Supported by HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds, this grant will assist in the development of permanent supportive housing and related services for qualifying populations, including those experiencing homelessness.

• PRO Housing NOFA ($3.25 million) – Funded through the federal Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing)

program, this initiative will provide resources for the rehabilitation of city-owned residential properties in the Dr. Martin Luther King Drive Demonstration Area.

• Neighborhood Plan Implementation NOFA ($1.5 million) – This funding, sourced from Economic Development Sales Tax revenue, will support large-scale implementation of adopted neighborhood plans. Awarded funds must be used to support the implementation of a neighborhood plan that has been adopted by the City of St. Louis Planning Commission within the last 6 years or anticipates adoption by July 1, 2025.

• Community Development Grants: Neighborhood Beautification & Green Community Spaces NOFA ($500,000) – This funding will support vacant lot beautification, green infrastructure, and public space activation. Grant awards will range from $50,000 to $100,000, ensuring that projects transform underutilized land into publicly accessible parks, gardens, and gathering spaces. It will also fund community-driven efforts to improve green infrastructure, scaleup litter pick-ups, install public art, and activate vacant spaces.

Proposals are due on June 13, 2025. CDA will host a NOFA

Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 24, 2025, at 1520 Market Street. The workshop is mandatory for first-time applicants and will provide critical guidance on HUD regulations, funding priorities, compliance requirements, and the application process. Attendees will receive assistance with forms and budget submission requirements and learn how to successfully manage federally funded projects. The workshop is part of CDA’s Community Development Week. In-person attendance is encouraged, and lunch will be provided. A hybrid option will be available, with Zoom details posted prior to the event.

Living It SLUM Fest Awards return

Gem of St. Louis music scene celebrated contributors to the culture

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

The St. Louis Underground Music Festival (SLUM FEST) was back this weekend after a 6-year hiatus to honor the up-and-coming artists who continue to hold stake in the St. Louis community. Held at Atomic by Jamo, this premiere artist event was attended by musicians and media specialists. They were all there simply to uplift one another. The awards show gave artists a chance to connect and gain a deeper appreciation for St. Louis music.

“Rap is something you do, hip hop is something that you live,” host So’n’So said in his address to the hungry artists in the crowd. He was joined on stage by Robert “Rob Boo” Ford and DJ Speed – who made the award show feel like a party.

The evening consisted of award presentations and several performances. One of the first to take the stage was Larry Sheppard, better known as “The Original Godfather.” The East St. Louis native has been in the industry for 50 years. He performed a hip-hop history freestyle recounting his musical origins over an instrumental of Kendric Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which was one of the highlights of the night.

There were also R&B performances, one by Aide Ade – who won the 2025 SLUM Fest “Best R&B Soul” award. She performed “Cartoons on Saturday” with soulful runs. Though shy, she came to life when singing her music. She could have captivated the audience for the entire night.

“2025 SLUM Fest Best New Artist” winner Thr3e Caliph also hit the stage. He brought a mix of School Boy Q and Bryson Tiller to his performance of “Yamaha” before receiving his award. Though most were unfamiliar, he intrigued us with his animated performance – and gained a room of new fans.

- John Boyega who starred as Finn in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

Bo Dean was a three-time 2025 SLUM Fest award winner. He won the categories of “Best Male Rap,” “Best Music Album” and “Artist of the Year.” He blessed the crowd with “Champagne Showers,” which had a strong Swizz Beats feel. He finished with “Goats Don't Choke.” The cypher-turned-single is also featured on his “Game Over” EP. He won Best Album for “Memento Mori.”

n “Rap is something you do, hip hop is something that you live.”

“I didn’t even want to put the album out, I was real personal with this album,” Dean said. “I didn’t think people would [like it] like that, but I’m glad this album touched a lot of people's souls.”

He also echoed the spirit of collaboration and community that SLUM Fest is

known for “I want to work with everyone that has been nominated, let’s build, let’s work,” Dean said. Artist and event producer Khiro Kano – who is currently curating artists for an event also coming to Atomic on April 19th –agreed with Dean’s call for joining forces to strengthen the platform for St. Louis music.

- So’n’So

The performances showcased the diversity within the music scene.

They included hip-hop rocker Retro Champ; K Money the Poet, who recited self- love affirmations in both English and Spanish; Stringz EMB, who could be the hip hop Anthony Hamilton; Jai Davis; Track Vandals, whose sound was a blend of old school New York style rap over a

Houston chopped and screwed beat. Rap groups Treevilla and Rent Due also took the stage.

Between these performances were award presentations by the SLUM Fest Advisory Board. The group was made up of distinguished creatives like pop artist and radio personality Greze Gutta and award-winning photographer Joe “JLR” Richardson. The awards of the night covered an array of creative and media fields. Town favorite KV The Writer took home two awards. She won “Best Female Hip Hop Artist” and “People’s Choice Song of the Year” for “Figure Out the Rest.”

The song has been remixed twice – by Mai Lee and Reggie Son – and is even getting plays in London.

“You don’t win something like this

See Slum Fest, C3

The gift of ‘Iyanu’ Remembering The Muny’s icon

Life and legacy of Ken Page will be celebrated April 11th at The Sheldon

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

About 60 years ago, a little boy from Carr Square Village sat in The Muny’s free seats and saw his future. Ken Page had found his place in the world as he entered a new one presented on stage in Forest Park. That moment was the catalyst for a career that spanned nearly fifty years – and a life of service to the field of theater, particularly musical theatre. Page passed away on September 30 at the age of 70. That boy in the free seats went on to become a legend – and “The Voice of The Muny.” Next week the Muny will honor his life with a special celebration at The Sheldon.

with excitement upon learning what she will be having for dinner.

“Pounded yam and goat meat,” Iyanu

exclaims upon receiving her bowl. Most of the viewers expected to tune in Saturday morning (April 5th) for the premiere of the animated series on Cartoon Network will have never heard of the staple Nigerian dish. That’s what

Iyanu, C3

Friends, family and fans are invited to take part in a Community Celebration & Memorial age, honoring his life and work on April 11th at The Sheldon.

“I miss Ken every day,” said Muny Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. “This memorial is a chance for all of us to celebrate his life and to honor a true individual.”

his

his

Photos by Grand Martell (Martell Stepney)

Bo Dean was a three-time 2025 SLUM Fest award winner. He won the categories of “Best Male Rap,” “Best Music Album” and “Artist of the Year.” He also won Best Album for “Memento Mori.”

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

Early in the first episode of “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” the title character jumps

Page made

Muny debut in 1972 in the ensemble of “South Pacific.” In less than a decade he went from Muny ensemble cast to Broadway star – and role originator. He made

Broadway debut as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the all-Black revival of “Guys and Dolls” and starred as Old Deuteronomy in the original See Page, C3

Photo courtesy of The Muny

The contributions of Broadway veteran and Muny staple Ken Page, who passed away September 30, 2024, will be celebrated with a special night of music and love on Friday, April 11th at The Sheldon.

Photo courtesy of Lion Forge Entertainment

“Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” based on the graphic novel series by Roye Okupe, will premiere as part of the Saturday morning lineup for Cartoon Network on Saturday, April 5. The series is produced by David Steward II’s Lion Forge Entertainment.

CONCERTS

Fri., Apr. 4, 7 p.m.

St. Louis Symphony

Orchestra: Batman In Concert, Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://shop.slso.org.

Thu., Apr. 10 7:30 p.m.

Sy Smith, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Thurs., Apr. 10, 8 p.m., Big 30 Still King Tour, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar. For More information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Fri., Apr. 11, 7:30 p.m.

AJ Ghent, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://explorestlouis.com.

Fri., Apr. 11, 7:30 p.m.

This Will Be: The Spirit and Soul of Natalie Cole, Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://bluestrawberrystl.com.

Sat., Apr. 12, 8 p.m.

Joe, Musiq Soulchild, & Eric Benét: The R&B Invitation Tour, Chaifetz Arena, 1 Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63101. For more information, visit www.chaifetzarena.com.

Wed., Apr. 30, 8 p.m.

The Wooten Brothers, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar

STL Sites & Sounds

Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Through Apr. 3, 9:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m., SLSO, Ready Readers and COCA present excerpts from Tiny Tunes Tortoise and the Hare, Lee Theatre, Touhill Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.slso.org/tinytunes.

Sat., Apr. 5, 7:30 p.m., Dance St. Louis presents Collage Dance Collective, Touhill Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.dancestlouis.org.

Sat., Apr. 12, 1 p.m., Photos with the Easter Bunny, Emerson YMCA, 3390 Pershall Rd., Ferguson MO 63135.

COMEDY

Fri., Apr. 11, 8 p.m. We Them Ones Comedy Tour, Chaifetz Arena, 1 Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Apr. 12, 6 p.m.

The Derrick Sr. AllStar Comedy Jam, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63136. For more information, visit www.eventbrite. 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.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Thur. Arp. 17, 7:30 p.m. Samantha Clemons, Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://bluestrawberrystl. com.

Fri., Apr 4, 9 p.m. Lou

Vibes: Aida Ade, The Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Sat., Apr 5, 9 p.m.

available. For more information, visit https://www. repstl.org/.

Fri., Apr. 11, 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.

Apr. 11 – Apr. 13, COCA presents Kaleidoscope Crown by Ashleigh Akilah Rucker, COCA, 6880 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.

ART

Through Apr. 13, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Federal Art Project 1935-1945, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www. slam.org.

THEATRE

Abstrakt Beat-Etiquette: Rhythmic Dance Palette & Live Brass w/ The Lamar Harris, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, 3333 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Fri., Apr. 4, 7:30 p.m. RENT, Third Baptist Church, 620 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more www. taketwoproductions.org.

Through Apr. 14, 7 p.m. Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, 130 Edgar Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119. Matinee showtimes

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/.

The ‘We Them Ones Comedy Tour’ hosted by Mike Epps is on its way to Chaifetz Arena. The show features some of the biggest names in urban comedy – including Lil Duval, Kountry Wayne, Karlous Miller and more.

makes the moment so special.

“I grew up watching cartoons and even now as an adult I love watching cartoons,” said Serah Johnson, who voices Iyanu. “But I never got to see people like me – with our food and our culture and wearing our kinds of clothes. Being the voice behind that is so surreal.

I get goosebumps just talking about it.”

“Iyanu” is based on the Graphic Novel series by award-winning creator and filmmaker Roye Okupe. The series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment.

“I feel like the luckiest guy in the world,” Okupe said. “To see how far it has come and to have it is really humbling.”

Okupe used Kickstarter to raise the funds he needed to create the novels, which were published through Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios. He is now working with one of the leading Blackowned animation studios in the world, running a show that will be seen around the world – including 44 countries in Africa.

He approached David Steward II and Lion Forge Entertainment to bring his ‘Iyanu’ novels to life via 2-D animation.

“I’m like ‘absolutely,’” said Steward, founder and CEO of Lion Forge and executive producer for ‘Iyanu.’ “It checks all the boxes that are important to us as a company. Our motto is, ‘diverse stories, authentically told.’”

Based on Yoruba mythology and set in Nigeria, ‘Iyanu’ tells the story of a young girl who

But we also get to portray ourselves to the world – as we really are. Do others see us as leaders and warriors? We get to provide a better understanding of our lived experiences. Those aspects are extremely important.”

They are critical when one considers how ‘Iyanu’ will change the viewing experiences of young people searching for kindred identities within animated series. Johnson wanted her two-year-old niece to be one of the first people from her circle of loved ones to see ‘Iyanu.’

“She lives in Canada,” Johnson said. “She is going to grow up as a Nigerian girl who is away from Nigeria – seeing so many other people with so many other skin colors. Being able to have a superhero who is a little girl that is Black she looks like her…I try to picture it from her eyes.”

Okupe calls the series “a love letter to his daughter,” and Kugbiyi is over the moon about his twoyear-old son engaging with ‘Iyanu.’

Broadway company of Cats. His name is permanently etched in the Broadway musical theatre canon thanks to the Tony Awardwinning musical “Ain’t Misbehavin,’’’ which highlighted the genius of Thomas “Fats” Waller. The role he originated in 1978 bears his name and continues to be a Black musical theatre classic. In London’s West End, he performed in “Children of Eden and “My One and Only in Concert” (London Palladium).

unknowingly activates her divine powers and begins a journey to save her community.

“We’ve gotten Greek mythology; we’ve gotten Roman mythology,” Steward said. “We haven’t received mythology from the continent of Africa on a global scale. I’m glad ‘Black Panther’ put Africa on screen, but Wakanda is fictitious. ‘Iyanu’ is based on real culture – and in a real place.”

And with ‘Iyanu,’ there was extreme care taken to make sure diversity was paramount behind the scenes as well.

“The writer’s room looks like us. The art team

looks like us. The voice talent looks like us. That doesn’t happen often,” Steward said. “Especially if you look behind the scenes. They are showing you the Black experience, but most of that room is not black. Most of the decision making is not made by people who look like what’s being portrayed on screen.”

Even though they have been immersed in Iyanu’s world, the actors who portray the characters are still in awe of the opportunity they were blessed with by way of ‘Iyanu.’

“I’ve been doing voice work for about seven years – and I’m pretty good with

Muny President & CEO Kwofe Coleman. “He cared deeply for his work but valued most the people who had the gift of knowing him.”

Page received lifetime achievement awards from the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Artists, Project One Voice/Black Theatre, and the St. Louis Arts and Education Council.

Produced by The Muny, The Community Celebration & Memorial for Ken Page has been organized by a friends committee that includes Carrie Houk, Isaacson, Lana Pepper, Laura Peters, Greg Schweizer, Mary Strauss and Pat Vogelsang.

accents,” Johnson said. “A lot of times to do the work, I’ve had to use a lot of accents that weren’t like mine.’

Iyanu was an experience that gave her a new sense of agency in her voiceover work.

“It was like, ‘We want to hear you – in your full Nigerian glory,’” Johnson said. “And through this a lot of Black women, black men, black girls and black boys get to know that there is nothing wrong with your accent – and can appreciate its beauty.”

Samuel Kugbiyi, who voices Toye, grew up in a small town in Nigeria. He loved cartoons, but he

hardly ever saw anyone who looked like him in them.

“I am part of a project where it is not just seeing someone who looks like me, but I am seeing that it is all about people who look like me – and come from where I’m from,” Kugbiyi said. “It is an amazing feeling that I can’t fully describe with words.”

The benefit is two-fold and goes beyond seeing one’s experience reflected on screen.

“There are two sides to representation,” Steward said. “Yes, Black kids get the opportunity to be able to see themselves.

“My son is gonna see someone who looks just like him – and looks just like his pops – telling his stories,” “A lot of barriers are going to be broken, and new opportunities created, because of this show. It is truly a blessing – and a gift.”

“Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” will premiere on Cartoon Network at 8:30 a.m. CST on Saturday, April 5th and will be available to stream the next day on Max. Check local listings for and channels. For more information on the series, visit www.iyanutheseries.com.

“Ken Page — through his excellence, his poise and above all his remarkable spirit — was so much more than an icon,” said

Page provided the voice for Mr. Oogie Boogie in the Disney/ Tim Burton animated film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and performed the score live around the world. His other film credits include “Dreamgirls,” “Torch Song Trilogy” and “All Dogs Go to Heaven.” Throughout his impressive career – that also included writing and directing – he was never far from where it all began. He graced the Muny stage in more than 45 shows, most recently as the Bishop of Digne in Les Misérables during the 2024 season. Since 2013, Page served as “the voice of The Muny,” his singular baritone welcoming audience members before each performance. He also voiced the theatre’s TV and radio advertisements.

“Like so many in St. Louis and across the country, he inspired me, made me laugh and foremost was with me from day one on my journey at The Muny,” Isaacson said.

The Community Celebration & Memorial for Ken Page will be held Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. at The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd. in Grand Center. Tickets are available through MetroTix.com. Tickets are free, and each order is limited to two tickets. All seating will be general admission. For more information, visit www.muny. org.

Photo courtesy

Image courtesy of Lion Forge Entertainment

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL -DBE SUBCONTRACTORS

Wright Construction Services, Inc. is soliciting DBE subcontractors for the following project for the month of April 2025- Relocation of AFM and SRE Facilities at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. To acquire plans and specs please call us at 636.220.6850. Please submit bids by April 14th, 2025 to Bids@WrightConstruct.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SEALED BIDS FOR: TEMPORARY KIEFER EXHIBITION THE SAINT LOUIS ART MUESEUM PROJECT NO. 24.01141.00

Will be received by The Saint Louis Art Museum, Mark Macinski, at 1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 at 2:00 p.m. on May 8, 2025. Alternatively, bidders may submit bids electronically at mark.macinski@ slam.org. The bids will be privately opened and read. Bids from certified M/ WBE contractors are encouraged.

Electronic copies of the drawings, specifications and other related contract information will be available beginning April 8, 2025 and may be downloaded from Dodge Construction Network at the following website: https://apps. construction.com.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10am at the West Loading Dock, 1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.

Questions regarding the scope of work should be directed, in writing, to Rebecca Savage, AIA, HOK, Rebecca.savage@hok.com. Questions over the phone will not be accepted. Deadline for questions is May 1, 2025.

The Owner reserves the right to waive informalities in bids and to reject any and all bids.

CASE MANAGER

Criminal Justice Ministry seeks Case Managers for our successful Release to Rent Reentry Housing program. Assist returning citizens to become independent. We encourage those with experience in the justice system to apply. See www.cjmstlouis.org. Send resume and cover letter to apply@cjmstlouis.org

TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER

REFRATECHNIK North America in St. Louis, MO seeks Technical Sales Manager-Eastern Region for remote work-fromhome position (from anywhere w/in US central or eastern time zone) to provide automation enginrng expertise & prod support. 10% dom & 30% intrnat’l travel req’d. Resumes to: Debra.Burgess@ REFRA.COM

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate Lobby and Restroom 1st and 2nd Floor, Project No. O233901 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 22, 2025. Project information available at: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Ozark Correction CenterInstall Single Generator Backup, Fordland, MO, Project No. C241401 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 22, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ELEPHANT RETAINING WALL STABILIZATION RFP 2025

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 4/2/25 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Hazelwood School District is seeking a bid to replace two 1,600-amp panels at Northwest Middle School.

Interested parties should submit their bid proposal through Vendor Registry via the district’s website at https://www. hazelwoodschools.org/ Page/2238 on or before Monday, April 14, 2025 not later than 9:00 a.m.

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

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Standby Generator, Project No. R2312-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 1, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting Qualifications for Public Art Project Management Services on the Brickline Greenway. Go to https:// greatriversgreenway. org/vendors/ And submit by April 18, 2025.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B25-1234 Banking Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg, JCMO 65101 until 2PM CT on 09APR2025 Download Proposal Request at “https:// www.lincolnu.edu/ about-lincoln/ purchasing/bidinformation/index.html

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.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The School District of University City is seeking bids for roofing at UCHS and Jackson Park Elementary. Deadline for bids is 2pm April 23th. The Mandatory Pre-Bid Walkthrough is at 10am on April 11th. 7401 Balson Ave, University City, MO 63130, UCHS Kwame Field Office Room 138. Email Likitha Kaki, lkaki@ kwamebuildinggroup.com for more information.

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plansLTE 1C RRH SWAP at 3674 FOREST PARK AVENUE SAINT LOUIS, MO 63108. Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-391-0449 regarding the site MO2788. 4/4/25 CNS-3911565#

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

PARIC Corporation (GC) is requesting bids for the Relocation of Airfield Maintenance (AFM) and Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) Facilities at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

The proposed Work includes Construction of a new 35-acre campus with (2) main buildings built upon the land totaling 230,000 sq ft of enclosed space. For mor information on this project please contact Trena Alexander (TALexander@paric.com).

Proposals are due on April 11th at 3:00pm CST. We request that you send in your scope clarification with inclusions and exclusions by April 10th at 10:00am CST.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for this Letting is 20%. DBE firms must be certified and listed in the Missouri Regional Certification Committee (MRCC) DBE Directory as of the bid opening date and listed here: https://flystl. diversitycompliance.com.

INVITATION TO BID

PREMIER CHARTER SCHOOL-AGREEMENT #115-903

is accepting proposals for Fixed Price Food Management Services for the 2025-26 school year. The proposal is due on or before May 23 at 12:01pm local time. Bid packages may be acquired by contacting K. G. Doyle, Head of Operations, at (314) 645-9600 ext. 606 or by emailing doyle@ premiercharterschool.org. Walkthrough scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2025 at 10:00am local time.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Door Maintenance under the direction of the circuit court in the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Juvenile Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108; Juvenile Detention Center, 3847 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108; and Juvenile Annex, 3827 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on May 20, 2025.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roof - B Wing at St. Louis Veterans Home, Project No. U250201, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 29, 2024. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Improvements to Exterior, Playground & Courtyard, Project No. E2408-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 13, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Proposal for Parking Facilities Justice Garage

Lighting Proposals will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM April 30, 2025 For specific project information, go to https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

INVITATION TO BID

The Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District’s Front Lobby Upgrade.

Sealed bids are being requested from the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District and will be received and publicly available on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 4:30 pm during the open public meeting held at 7100 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. Pre-bid walk throughs will begin on Thursday, April 3, 202:5 at 9:00 am at 7100 Natural Bridge Road. All bids must be received by the end of the business day on Thursday, April 10, 2025. For further information or questions, contact Deputy Chief Albert Calmese, JR at (acalmese@neafpd.org).

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Contract Security Services under the direction of the Circuit Court in the Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108; Juvenile Detention Center, 3847 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108; and Juvenile Annex, 3827 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on May 13, 2025.

NOTICE OF ELECTION

GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held at the designated polling place for each precinct in the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The polls will be open between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of electing candidates for Mayor, Comptroller, and Alderman/woman in Wards 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. As a result of the passage of Proposition D on November 3, 2020, all candidates for municipal office on April 8, 2025, will run as non-partisan candidates, but voters may only vote for one candidate for each office other than for candidates for Member of the Board of Education. Voters may vote for three Board of Education candidates. In addition, eligible voters in Sub-District 3 of the St. Louis Community College will be able to vote on a candidate for Trustee.

The last day the Board of Election Commissioners can accept an application to vote an absentee ballot by mail in the April 8, 2025 General Municipal Election is 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Absentee voting in person will conclude at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 7, 2025. The office of the Board of Election Commissioners will be open on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.

THE OFFICIAL BALLOT WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FOLLOWING FORM:

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: In today’s election, you will receive a paper ballot that contains the names of the candidates for whom you may vote, regardless of your polling location. To cast your ballot, completely darken the box to the left of the name(s) of the candidate(s) of your choice. When you finish marking your ballot, insert it into the scanner.

Do not try to punch through the ballot. Use only a black or blue ink pen to mark your ballot. If you tear, deface or make a mistake and incorrectly mark your ballot, return it to the Election Judges and obtain a new ballot.

FOR MAYOR (Vote for One)

TISHAURA O. JONES

CARA SPENCER Write-In _______________

FOR COMPTROLLER (Vote for One)

DONNA M.C. BARINGER

DARLENE GREEN Write-In _______________

FOR ALDERMAN WARD 1 (Vote for One)

ANNE SCHWEITZER

TONY KIRCHNER

Write-In _______________

FOR ALDERMAN WARD 3 (Vote for One)

DALLAS ADAMS

SHANE COHN

Write-In _______________

FOR ALDERMAN WARD 5 (Vote for One)

MATT DEVOTI

Write-In _______________

FOR ALDERMAN WARD 7 (Vote for One)

ALISHA SONNIER

CEDRIC REDMON

Write-In _______________

FOR ALDERMAN WARD 9 (Vote for One)

MICHAEL BROWNING

Write-In _______________

To Advertise your Job Opportunity in the newspaper ad online please email Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Anti-Ligature Upgrades, Multiple Assets at Fulton State Hospital, Project No. M231201, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 17, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

FOR ALDERMAN WARD 11 (Vote for One)

REBECCA MCCLOUD

LAURA M. KEYS

Write-In _______________

FOR ALDERMAN WARD 13 (Vote for One)

PAMELA BOYD Write-In _______________

FOR MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Four-Year Term – Vote for Three)

KAREN COLLINS-ADAMS

BRIAN H. MARSTON

DAVID L. JACKSON, JR.

ALLISA (AJ) FOSTER

WILLIAM (BILL) MONROE

KRYSAL BARNETT

ZACHERIAH (ZACH) DAVIS

ANTIONETTE (TONI) COUSINS

TAVON BROOKS

ANDRE D. WALKER

TERI POWERS

ROBERT TERRY MASON II

Write-In _______________

Write-In _______________

Write-In _______________

FOR ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEE IN SUB-DISTRICT 3 (Six-Year Term – Vote for One)

DAVID ADDISON HOLLY TALIR

Write-In _______________

YOU HAVE NOW COMPLETED VOTING.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF: The undersigned, comprising the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri, have caused this notice to be signed and the official seal of the office to be affixed at the office of the Board of Election Commissioners in St. Louis, Missouri, this 26th day of February, 2025.

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS FOR THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS

JERRY M. HUNTER Chairman/Member

GERALDINE M. KRAEMER ANDREW L. SCHWARTZ Member Member

(Seal) Attest: JOSEPH A. BARBAGLIA Secretary/Member

Religion Bishop Michael Curry:

Evil is afoot, but so is goodness

By Dorothy Boulware Word In Black

Bishop Michael Curry has no doubt: There is evil in the world.

Turn on the evening news, as he does most days, and you’ll see plenty of controversy, tragedy and pain, with just a few minutes of positive news at the end. America, the country he loves, is hopelessly divided, with apostates fueling the division.

Even so-called Christians bypass the teachings of Jesus — the loving, compassionate New Testament savior who stood for justice — for Old Testament judgment, exclusion and hate.

“I wouldn’t have said it when I first came out of seminary, but let me tell you, I’ve been around now,” says Curry, past presiding prelate of the Episcopal Church.

where he grew up, to presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the first Black person to hold the faith’s top position. Since his installation in November 2015, Curry’s term has been an eventful one. Injecting Black spiritual and cultural energy into a faith so staid Episcopalians are nicknamed “the Frozen Chosen,” Curry facilitated the church’s reconciliation with racism, guided it through the COVID-19 lockdowns and established his gospel of love as the antidote to strife.

“There’s some wrong and evil at work, and a devil. My grandmother was right.”

No doubt, he says, the world is crazy. It has always been crazy. Yet the bishop also believes there is hope — for the nation, for young people, for the faithful who choose love over hate.

“There is real evil afoot,” Curry says. “But there’s also goodness.”

That message — goodness, and the power of love — came up repeatedly in a wide-ranging conversation Curry had with Word In Black. In it, Curry reflected on his remarkable journey from Buffalo, N.Y.,

For all his accomplishments as a faith leader, Curry is perhaps best known as the charismatic minister who delivered the sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in May 2018. That sermon, broadcast worldwide, introduced Curry and his belief in the power of love to an audience of millions.

“We must discover love. The redemptive power of love,” he told the congregation of crowned heads and international dignitaries that day. “And when we do that, we will make of this old world a new world … If humanity ever captures the energy of love, it will be the second time in history that we have discovered fire.”

The bishop, 72, almost always enlisted a parable of Jesus to make the point. His message, delivered with passion, is consistent: “We are Jesus’ people. And the church can

never go wrong if it just follows Jesus and his teachings.”

Though it’s hard to see past troubled times, the bishop says he’s hopeful, due in part to young people in ministry.

“It’s heartening just seeing them taking their place in the work of the Kingdom, in the work of proclaiming the good news and their commitment to justice and right and truth and goodness,” he says.

“It’s confirmation that “the ‘Jesus work’ goes on and it’s gonna go on. That, more than anything else, gives me hope and assurance that the world will be fine.”

Things seem so dire because negativity gets more attention, Curry says, comparing

but not more than I love my God.”

the situation to kids on a playground: Calm is taken for granted, and if a schoolyard fight breaks out, everyone runs over to watch.

“The Bible says love is stronger than hate, and I think that is true,” he said. “It’s just much quieter. It’s not as demonstrative.”

That’s why, he says, the church must remain focused on Jesus. He recalled the parable of Peter, awakened at night, seeing Jesus walk on water. As long as Peter focused on Jesus, Curry says, “he was able to walk on the water” like Jesus but sank when he turned his attention to the wind, the waves, and the storm around them.

If the modern church, he said,

remained “‘stayed on Jesus’ — really stayed on Jesus, focused on Jesus — it would make a tremendous difference,” he says.

Then, Curry quickly clarified. ” I’m not talking about the Jesus who hails from some cultural right wing. You won’t find that Jesus in the Bible. I love my country, but not more than I love my God,” he says.

Blurring the lines between nationalism and faith “is putting our loyalty to our country on par with our loyalty to our Lord.”

“The early Christians said Jesus is Lord, Caesar is not. And that’s true whether it’s in the first century or the 21st Century. To claim otherwise “is heresy and blasphemy.”

Bishop Micheal Curry, presiding prelate of the Episcopal Church said the Jesus we must worship doesn’t “hail from some cultural right wing. You won’t find that Jesus in the Bible. I love my country,

Photo by Janet Kawamoto / Episcopal News Service