August 14th, 2025 edition

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St. LouiS AmericAn

Mental health overtakes gun violence as top concern for Blacks

high out of pocket costs all stand in the way.

Some residents don’t recognize their symptoms as mental health issues, while others fear being judged if they admit they’re struggling. Ebony Smith, a licensed professional counselor with BJC Behavioral Health, has heard her Black clients express a “fear based mindset.”

“Like, ‘Oh, I don’t need that,’ or ‘I’m too messed up to navigate therapy or counseling,’ or ‘They’re going to dig deep in my past. It’s going to make me seem like I’m crazy,’” recalled Smith, founder of The Therapy Desk, which provides vir tual mental health care services.

a

professional counselor, says some of her Black clients approach mental health care with a “fear-based mindset.”

Former area prep standouts named preseason All-SEC

Senior Kevin Coleman Jr. of Missouri and sophomore Ryan Wingo of Texas, above, have both received preseason AllConference recognition in the powerful Southeastern Conference. Both are very talented wide receivers. ~ Page B3 ~

expressed the Legislative

mandering in the state.

Jeezy 20th anniversary show was a moment tailored for trap lovers St. Louis was one of the lucky cities selected to make the cut and “TM 101” 20 made for an epic moment Friday night, Aug. 8, at Stifel Theatre.

Jeezy

Redistricting move seen as targeting black representation

Missouri Republicans are considering dismantling the congressional district of one of the state’s two Black con gressmen to gain another conservative seat, prompting a swift rebuke from the

Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and other Democratic leaders.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents the possibly endangered district, said the effort to take the seat from Black residents pushes the nation “further and further away from the dem ocratic ideal.”

“I think this is absolutely awful what they’re doing, it’s not helpful or whole some for our democracy,” Cleaver told Politico. He said Democrats in states like California and New York would have no choice but respond in kind.

Republican leaders in Jefferson City are considering asking Gov. Mike Kehoe to hold a special session in September to redraw the congressional

n “All data tells a story, and Missouri being ranked 27th is a tale of both adversity and opportunity.”

– Miranda Walker Jones

Ebony Smith,
licensed
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Missouri Sen. Angela Mosley, who represents the 13th District,
Black Caucus’ vehement opposition to gerry-
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

‘What’s Happening!!’ star

Danielle Spencer dies at 60

Dr. Danielle Spencer, the actress known for her role as “Dee” on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” has died at 60 years old after a long battle with cancer Aug. 11.

Her “What’s Happening!!” co-star Haywood Nelson paid tribute to her by way of his Instagram page.

“Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body,” Nelson wrote. “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian animal rights propo nent and healer, and cancer her oine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”

Spencer starred in “What’s Happening!!” in the 1970s and the show’s sequel, “What’s Happening Now!!” in the 1980s.

She went on to study veterinary medicine at Tuskegee University in Alabama in the 1990s. She eventually relocated to Virginia.

In 2014, Spencer revealed she had been battling breast cancer, and underwent a double mastectomy. That same year, she was inducted into the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Nelly and Ashanti launch family

YouTube channel

STL rap star Nelly and his wife Ashanti and R&B star have officially launched the Haynes Family Channel on YouTube, giving fans an inside look at their life together.

The pair will share a mix family moments, behindthe-scenes fun, and personal . The channel promises everything from casual at-home content to glimpses into their careers and parenting journey.

The Haynes Family Channel offers a chance to see the couple beyond the stage and red carpets — with more candid, unfiltered moments. In

related Haynes family news, the couple recently celebrated the first birthday of their son Kareem Kincaide Haynes.

Diddy escalates Nexstar lawsuit, files $100M legal action

Sean “Diddy” Combs has upgraded his defamation suit against Courtney Burgess, his attorney Ariel Mitchell and NewsNation’s parent company, Nexstar. The legal action is a significant escalation of a previous $50 million lawsuit – and alleges that the defendants deliberately fabricated false claims about Combs for their own profit.

The lawsuit centers on statements Burgess and Mitchell made during separate interviews on NewsNation. Hypebeast.com and several other outlets claim that court documents say Burgess, who Combs’ team claims he has never met, alleged he was given flash drives containing videos of Combs engaged in sexual assault with celebrities and minors. Combs’ legal team asserts that these tapes are completely fabricated and that the defendants’ claims were made with a “reckless disregard for the truth.”

The lawsuit, originally filed for $50 million, was amended to $100 million in damages. Combs’ attorneys reportedly argued this increase is warranted due to the “severe reputational harm” caused by the statements, which they

claim has tainted public perception and jeopardized his right to a fair trial.

Simon & Schuster backtrack on Al B. Sure book deal

R&B singer Al B. Sure made his rounds in recent months promoting his upcoming memoir “Do You Believe Me Now?” In the book the former Uptown MCA artist makes salacious claims against Sean “Diddy” Combs, including an accusation that Combs was behind Sure’s health battles – which caused him to fall into a coma for three months.

According to Sure’s attorney, publisher Simon & Schuster has put the book’s release on ice.

Robert J. Hantman, told Page Six there have been “creative differences” between Sure and the publisher.

“Simon & Schuster wanted him to include more stuff about P. Diddy, but he didn’t really want to go there,” Hantman said. “He hopes to work it out with them.”

The book is suddenly unavailable for pre-order on Amazon, which, along with Audible, posted a new release date of Dec. 31, 2050. The page for the audio edition of the book has also been removed from Amazon entirely.

Sources: Instagram.com, Pagesix. com, Hypebeast.com

Danielle Spencer

From The Ville to the courtroom, the journey of Judge Booker T. Shaw

Retired from the bench with distinction after 25 years

Booker T. Shaw didn’t set out to become a judge; he was inspired by his older brother, Charles Shaw, a former federal judge, and encouraged by others who were impressed with his intellect.

The native St. Louisan, a partner at the Thompson Coburn law firm, spent 25 years on the bench before retiring. He served on the Missouri Court of Appeals’ Eastern District, as a Special Visiting Judge of the Missouri Supreme Court and is a former trial judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit in St. Louis.

Shaw grew up in The Ville and graduated from historic Sumner High School. In the Shaw household, there was always an appreciation of Black excellence.

“It wasn’t that my parents were civil rights activists,” said Shaw, “but we certainly took pride in the accomplishments of Black people.”

Shaw also knew that Black excellence was mea-

sured differently by some. He recalled a conversation with a former judicial colleague, Michael Cowell, who said some people believe affirmative action leads to hiring less-qualified job applicants. Shaw countered that, in his experience, the opposite is true.

“In the corporate world — in the real world — for a Black person to be successful, they better be overqualified because you’re going to be judged on a different standard,” Shaw said.

But Shaw didn’t worry about others’ perceptions, as he was focused on doing his job and ruling the bench to the best of his ability, with fairness, equity and reasonable understanding.

Although Shaw grew up with a middle-class life and many choices, he understood that not everyone was as fortunate. He often considered that if his life had taken a different turn, he could have been on the other side of the bench. This perspective influenced his approach, leading him to show a

measure of consideration in cases where it was clearly needed.

“That’s why I think it’s important to have a diverse panel of judges,” Shaw said. “Because I understood that, but for the grace of God, it could have been me in this person’s situation. I was very fortunate. I had mom and dad at home. Both had good jobs. I was around professional people. I had mentors and heroes in the house. I grew up in The Ville neighborhood when

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Former Judge Booker T. Shaw, now a lawyer with Thompson Coburn, sits in his office at the Bank of America building in downtown St. Louis last month.

experience so significant is that he brought that all with him. He came from a different life, and I think when you bring that to a case, you can see it differently and maybe help reach a better decision.”

Shaw’s ability to parse through the details of a case, paired with his awareness of the disparities in the judicial system, aided many decisions.

it was a very thriving neighborhood.”

Amany Rajab Hacking, Shaw’s first law clerk, who is now a partner at Hacking Immigration Law, recalls working with him as a valuable learning experience, allowing her to see Shaw apply the law after thorough evaluation.

“What was incredible about working with him, was his different perspective he brought to every case and every proceeding,” Hacking said, “What made his life and legal

He recalled a story that started when he met Judge Michael Calvin at Nikki’s Wine Bar years ago. They both witnessed Calvin’s pristine Monte Carlo, which carried Calvin’s expensive, personalized golf clubs, getting stolen. The thief wound up in Shaw’s courtroom. Instead of sentencing him to jail time, Shaw gave him probation and allowed him to pay for the clubs he’d pawned.

Shaw said he wanted to give the first-time offender a chance to right his wrong without jail time disrupting

his future. While he knew the judicial system often works against Black defendants, his decisions were always driven by a desire to serve and help where he could.

“I don’t have to think about being Black,” Shaw said. “Every day I look in the mirror and see what color I am. Or I walk out here in this world, and people remind me who I am. So, I didn’t have to engage in some analysis of my motivation or actions. I knew I brought my experiences with me. And so, it certainly informed my decisions when it was appropriate, as it does now.”

Wendy Todd is a member of Report for America, which supports local journalists who report on under-covered issues and communities.

Know Before You Vote

Our legal and electoral systems are complex — even the most informed among us may not know all the details. In response to readers’ election-time questions, The St. Louis American is launching the “Unlock the Ballot” initiative to demystify down-ballot propositions, school board candidates’ platforms and voting records of circuit judges up for election.

Youth sports and the first day of school are right around the corner—but if your kid doesn’t get a physical, they could be left on the bench. For just $35, schedule a school or sports physical at a BJC Medical Group Convenient Care.

Same-day appointments are available at 10 locations across Missouri and Illinois.

Reserve your slot online in under two minutes. bjc.org/Youth-Physicals

Photo by Wiley Price/ St. Louis American

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial Commentary

Capital Punishment: Trump manufactures a non-crisis

Some days it takes a little more grit and gumption to stay steady. I say this because this is one of those days. In one of his all-time most outlandish PR stunts, Donald Trump hopes to burnish his image with his MAGA base by turning the nation’s capital into a police state.

There was Trump Monday morning, acting all gruff and tough in the White House press room, usually a place reserved for presidential announcements that are meant to make Americans’ lives better or to unite the country in times of tragedy. Not so for Donald Trump.

No, he joined the press availability to trumpet his federal takeover of the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department and the activation of 800 National Guard troops and 120 FBI agents to the nation’s capital.

The tipping point was apparently the attempted unarmed carjacking and assault of a former DOGE employee in Washington. Nineteen-year-old Edward Coristine, known as “Big Balls” for his outsized role in slashing the federal government, was attacked on the morning of August 6. Two 15-year-olds have been arrested. Trump saw a red-meat opportunity to appeal to his base and change the subject away from some real problems.

ments. From whom is anyone’s guess. No surprise, there are zero reports of a rise in violence against buildings in D.C., unless you include the Trump-sanctioned Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, where 65 D.C. police officers were injured.

Usually National Guard troops are deployed by a state’s governor. In D.C.’s case, since there is no governor, the president has the power to do so. But just because you have the right to do something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. Especially if it is a further lurch in the direction of a dictator-style police state.

“I’m announcing a historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor, and worse. This is Liberation Day in D.C., and we’re going to take our capital back,” he said.

Just one thing. There is no crime epidemic in Washington. Violent crime is actually at a 30-year low, according to statistics from the federal government, and down 35% since 2023. The MPD has employed several new policing methods to get the crime rate down.

So if crime is down by double digits, why does Trump feel the need to “rescue” D.C.?

The 30-day takeover of the MPD and the deployment of National Guard troops is Trump’s latest escalation of presidential power.

He invoked the Home Rule Act, which gives the president the power to use the D.C. police force for “federal purposes,” and plans to use the police to “protect” federal buildings and national monu-

This is not Trump’s first attempt at this kind of overreach. In June, he sent 5,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to what he deemed dangerous protests of federal immigration raids, against the wishes of the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom. Trump suggested D.C. might just be the beginning. He could expand the takeover to other cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, all in blue states. He did not mention Memphis or St. Louis, the two cities with the highest crime rates in the country, which also happen to be in red states.

Reaction to this presidential power grab was swift. Muriel Bowser, D.C.’s mayor, called it “unsettling and unprecedented” and criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller for claiming Washington is “more violent than Baghdad.”

Brian Schwalb, the attorney general for the District of Columbia, called Trump’s actions “unprecedented, unnecessary and unlawful,” perhaps preparing for a legal challenge.

So there is no crime wave or homeless crisis in D.C., but there is a public relations emergency at the White House. It makes one wonder what Trump is trying to hide from: the still lurking Epstein scandal? Rising grocery prices? Criticism over meeting with a war criminal on U.S. soil? It’s becoming embarrassing to watch him manufacture stunts to change the subject. The president must think he needs a win. And he must believe marching the National Guard down Pennsylvania Avenue will give him one. Veteran broadcaster Dan Rather shares his take on a complex and chaotic world in “Steady,” his newsletter on Substack.

Can one man run our entire government?

Carefully assess the actions of Missouri’s governor, Republican members of the state legislature and our Congressional delegation. Then ask yourself: Whose priorities, interests and concerns have they supported, fought for and voted for?

Certainly not those of most Missourians.

Missourians voted for candidates in various elective offices to represent and fight for their interests in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C.

Instead, many of the Republican elected officials seem to have forgotten and folded to the pressure of supporting and carrying out the agenda of the Trump administration, whether it is in the best interest and well-being of Missouri citizens or not.

Look at the behavior of Missouri senators and representatives in Congress. While some bothered to proclaim that Medicaid should not be cut, at the end of the posturing they all went along with approving the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Our representatives in Congress have been silent and given tacit support to other actions of the Trump administration. When it comes to immigration tactics that disrupt business operations, the workforce in agricultural industries and the lives of innocent family members. When it comes to the short and longterm effects of taxation policies and the national debt, the burden of which Missourians like all Americans must bear.

When there is no oversight, no checks and balanced guardrails, how can we be confident that the policies and decisions being made will be in our best interest?

The actions of our Republican governor, Republican-controlled state legislature and other government offices are in lock-step with the Trump administration as well.

Essentially voting for the cuts in Medicaid funding that will deny tens of thousands of Missourians life-saving services. How many rural hospitals will be affected or forced to close in the coming months and years because of these cuts?

Their actions, or failures to act, are disturbing and disconcerting.

When it comes to allowing the Trump administration to usurp Congress’s power and arbitrarily disrupt, disband and defund departments that will negatively impact Missourians. First it was the department of education that was the target, cutting needed funding for school districts.

The most recent is the proposal to decentralize the department of agriculture. Will these changes hurt Missouri farmers, causing them to lose necessary funding and programmatic support? What are the positions of members of the Missouri Congressional delegation?

The latest influence of President Trump on what goes on in Missouri is his request for the legislature to draw a new map to eliminate one of the two Democratic congressional districts to help ensure that the Republicans maintain the majority in the House after the 2026 midterm elections.

Such a move, if successful, would eliminate the congressional district that represents Kansas City and some adjacent counties, thereby diminishing or negating the impact the representation and vote of a large number of constituents, including large minority groups.

The Republican governor and Republican-dominated legislature are seriously considering calling a special legislative session to make President Trump’s wishes happen.

Fundamentally, elected officials, irrespective of their party affiliations, should represent all constituents living within their electoral boundaries despite the racial and ethnic make-up or how they may have voted.

Who, among our state Republican elected officials, is standing steadfast to promote, protect and put the priorities of Missourians first amid this national political morass?

Janice Ellis is a political columnist for the Missouri Independent

Commentary

Trump tantrum overshadows Black women’s losses

The July 2025 unemployment report, released on August 1st, did not meet expectations. Instead of addressing the deficiencies by his own misguided policies, the President of the United States reacted in predictable fashion.

He fired Dr. Erika Entarfer, Commissioner of Labor Statistics, because he didn’t like the report, and accused the economist of rigging the data, whose appointment was approved by a Senate vote of 86-8.

A bipartisan group, friends of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which includes former labor commissioners, economists, and statisticians, strongly supported her confirmation.

Even Trump acolytes like JD Vance (Ohio) and Marco Rubio (Florida) supported her confirmation. Rabid Trumpies like Ted Cruz (Texas) and Rick Scott (Florida) were among those opposing her nomination, but their numbers were few.

There has been widespread protest to Dr. McEntarfer’s firing, because it was nothing more than an autocratic tantrum from a misguided so-called “leader” whose sole purpose seems to be to create chaos and destroy our infrastructure including, in the words of Heidi Shierholtz, “one of the most respected statistical agencies in the world, known for its methodological rigor, independence, and transparency.”

The President seems unwilling or unable to understand the process of producing the monthly “Employment Situation” report, which many (myself included) look forward to perusing on the first Friday of each month.

Why? The data comes from businesses and other establishments (like government agencies), large and small. Many report data promptly, mostly because they have the apparatus to do so. Smaller businesses, a large part of our economy, may report on a delayed basis, hence the

adjustments. The August 1st firing of the BLS Commissioner diverted attention from the actual contents of the report. In a tantrum using loaded words like “rigged,” our feckless leader has undermined confidence in the fundamentals of our economy. EPI’s Shierholtz states, “The economy runs on reliable data. The Federal Reserve uses the data to set interest rates. State and local governments use them to plan budgets. If policymakers and the public can’t trust the data – or suspect the data is being manipulated –confidence collapses and reasonable economic decision making becomes impossible.” Shierholz likened using faulty data to driving a car blindfolded.

Language in the report says that most of the indicators “changed little,” whether we are addressing the unemployment rate, the employment population ratio or the labor force participation rate.

But the summary does not highlight the fact that only Black women saw their employment population ratio (or the percentage of the population with jobs), drop significantly. While most groups (white men, white women, Black men) saw drops of a tenth of a percentage point, Black women’s employment population ratio dropped from 59.5% to 56.7%, or 2.8%. That’s an extremely concerning drop and it is one that has not been highlighted.

We must pay attention to the appointment of the next Commissioner of Labor Statistics. If the new commissioner is a sycophantic loyalist, like Attorney General Pam Bondi, we might look forward to only seeing data that this President approves. Driving a car blind-

crashing everywhere, with data on Black women as collateral damage.

Julianne

Guest Columnist Dan Rather

100 Black Men event inspires youth through Aviation Day

The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis recently hosted its Aviation Day at St. Louis Lambert International Airport for youth in a mentorship program.

Sponsored by Southwest Airlines, mentees saw the inner workings of the airport, from

the ticketing counter to the baggage claim area. They also were granted access to the tarmac to see ground operations, including an airplane de-icing machine, how snacks are loaded onto aircraft and specialized vehicles used to service planes.

The tour also included visits to the control centers for Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, giving

n “This was more than just a field trip — it was a career-building experience.”

— Jeremiah Hawthorne, president of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis

students an understanding of the coordination and precision required to keep air travel running smoothly. “This was more than just a field trip — it was a career-building expe-

rience,” said Jeremiah Hawthorne, president of the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. “Our goal is to open doors and expand our mentees’ vision for what’s possible. Aviation Day did exactly that.”

A lunch discussion with a Boeing guest focused on career pathways in aviation and aerospace, inspiring stu-

dents to consider futures in these industries.

“Seeing our students light up as they learned about different roles in aviation was incredible. Opportunities like this give them a competitive edge as they think about their futures,” said Jeray Perkins, a 100 Black Men board member.

100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis mentors and youths in a mentorship program showed their love for Southwest Airlines during Aviation Day recently at Lambert International Airport.
Photo courtesy of 100 Black Men

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boundaries.

Although no official map has been released, Kehoe has said he is open to the idea of redrawing Missouri’s congressional map. In July, Gabrielle Picard, a spokeswoman for Kehoe told reporters, “discussions are always being held to ensure that conservative Missouri values are represented in Washington.”

Similar redistricting pushes are underway elsewhere. In Texas, a major effort to redraw political boundaries gained momentum after advisers to President Donald Trump encouraged lawmakers to secure more Republican seats in Congress. More than 50 Democratic legislators fled the state to block the GOP’s proposed map.

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus made clear its opposition to the move during a press conference Monday. One of the speakers, Rev. Darryl Gray, director of general social justice at the Progressive National Baptist Convention, warned against ceding ground to Trump.

“When we allow politicians like Donald Trump to have their way, they don’t just have

Little Bit

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implement impactful programs, develop new community partnerships and much more.”

According to Jones, the foundation is working to address these challenges through embedded programs. She says the data can serve as a valuable guide to inform policies, investments and systems that give youth a strong start in life.

With fewer than half of students performing at grade level in reading and

their way with Black and brown people — he has his way with all of them.”

State Rep. Yolanda Fountain Henderson, vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said she hopes “the governor does not hold a special session and waste the taxpayers’ money.”

Missouri last redrew its congressional districts in May 2022, as required every 10 years following the U.S. Census.

The state’s U.S. House delegation includes six Republicans and two Democrats — both Black, with Cleaver representing the Fifth District and Wesley Bell the First.

The conversation in Missouri is centered on dividing Cleaver’s District, which encompasses almost all of Kansas City and some suburbs in Jackson and Clay counties. Bell’s district includes all of St. Louis City and parts of St. Louis County. “I think Democrats are going to be required not only by their constituency, but by the demands of democracy, to fight back,” Cleaver said.

Democratic governors Gavin Newsom in California and Kathy Hochul in New York have promised to launch their own retaliatory redistricting plans if Texas passes the new map.

math, and preschool participation still struggling to rebound, Missouri faces significant educational challenges. Chronic absenteeism is undermining academic recovery, as the effects of pandemic-era setbacks persist. As a result, Missouri ranks 33rd in education nationwide, according to the latest data.

For St. Louis advocates, educators and policymakers, the 2025 Data Book, now in its 36th year, is as much a roadmap as it is a snapshot. It shows where families are gaining ground and where urgent, targeted investment is

still needed. In a recent interview, a teacher at the St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS), a local charter offering wraparound services for students, teachers and staff, emphasized the need to address the whole child in academic recovery.

“Teachers are often the unsung heroes in our communities,” SLLIS Instructional Coach Samantha Shiver said. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the trajectory of a child’s life and help shape them into productive, empowered

members of society. As educators, we’re constantly evolving to give our students what they need, not just academically, but emotionally and socially, too. At SLLIS, we aim to create a just, equitable, and transformative school — and that starts with our teachers.”

At SLLIS, the focus is on nurturing students, celebrating their successes and empowering them to embrace challenges.

According to the school’s STAR and MAP assessments, the students’ academic growth in reading and math outpaces more than 90% and 80% of

schools statewide.

But why aren’t other schools in St. Louis and the state performing at this level? The answer, Jones said, is poverty. She believes poverty robs children in a myriad of ways, especially academically.

Serving more than 17,000 students each year, the foundation targets schools where 90 percent to 100 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. To close academic gaps, the organization uses a holistic model centered on health and nutrition, wellness and family support, academic enrichment and college and career readiness. What sets the local chapter apart is its embedded approach that puts staff directly inside communities to work alongside educators and students.

Academic enrichment programs, like BookFairs and the 1-2-3 Read! program brings book fairs to every partner school once per semester where each student can select two age-appropriate books to keep. The FIRST LEGO League program, or FLL, is an international competition for elementary and middle school students who learn to design and program LEGO Education robots to complete tasks.

During the year, Little Bit helps FLL teams build their robots and program them to perform a series of missions. The year culminates in a competition organized by Little Bit and judged by FLL-certified officials.

The data book also shows that Missouri ranks 27th in the nation for overall child well-being. The report makes clear that a child’s chance to thrive is deeply tied to where they’re born. State-level differences in wealth, public policy, and longterm investment all shape the resources children can access. Some of those resources may include services for learners with special needs.

“The Kids Count Data Book helps us understand trends in poverty across our community, allowing us to ensure our Mobile Food Markets, In School Food Markets, and programs like Healthy Kids, Better Learners are in schools and communities with higher poverty rates and/or zip codes that demonstrate the greatest need,” said Jones.

President Donald

Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. The Special School District in St. Louis County receives about $72 million in federal funding each year, with $41 million from the IDEA. Those funds are essential to the students served by districts across St. Louis County, especially those with the greatest needs. Budget cuts put critical services at risk, including individualized support plans, specialized instruction, and access to vital resources for students with disabilities.

Between 2019 and 2023, 57% of children aged 3 to 4 were not enrolled in school, up slightly from 56% between 2014 and 2018. Reading and math proficiency among older students has also declined. In 2024, 73% of fourth-graders were not proficient in reading, a notable increase from 66% in 2019. By fourth grade, children are expected to use reading to learn other subjects, according to the report. Children who reach fourth grade without being able to read proficiently are more likely to struggle academically and have lower overall educational attainment. Low reading proficiency can also reduce earning potential and chances for career success as adults. This widens the racial and income disparities that remain. Among eighth-graders, math proficiency dropped even more sharply, with 77% not meeting standards in 2024 compared to 68% five years earlier. Still, Jones remains hopeful. She acknowledges that the region faces challenges, but believes lasting change is possible. Over the past 24 years, the Little Bit Foundation — working closely with schools and community partners — has served 54 schools across 42 ZIP codes, providing wraparound services that include individualized mentorship, nutrition, essential supplies, career readiness events and broader community-based support.

“We are all working together to improve key indicators of success, like attendance, on-time graduation rates, wellness, academics and more,” Jones said. For her, the work is a reminder that when communities come together, progress isn’t just possible — it’s already happening.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Reverend Dr. Linden Bowie joined the Legislative Black Caucus to voice his opposition to possible gerrymandering in Missouri.

John Bowman enters five-way race for 14th Senate District seat

John Bowman, St. Louis County NAACP president, spoke of the importance of “second chances” while announcing his candidacy for the 14th District state Senate seat this week.

He included himself as second-chance worthy.

In 2008, Bowman resigned as a Missouri state representative after pleading guilty in federal court to a charge related to a credit card application.

He was indicted in 2007 for bank fraud and unauthorized use of an access device for allegedly lying on a credit application and paying a Bank of America vice president for assistance in obtaining a credit card.

Bowman agreed to plead guilty to a lesser, misdemeanor charge of paying the vice president $1,000 to influence the approval of the credit application.

“I am not a perfect man,” Bowman said during his announcement at City Jump on Natural Bridge

“In 2008, I made a mistake and stepped away

Williams

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another level. But we must tell our story better,” Williams said in his University City office on Monday.

“This should be a great place for every person and every community to thrive.” Williams said he was adept at “navigating two chambers” in the state legislature and working “both sides of the aisle.

Mental

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A recent survey by iHeard St. Louis, a health information response system that collects public health data through weekly surveys and annual polls, found that while gun violence remains the top public health concern for all St. Louisans, mental health is rising sharply, particularly among Black residents, who made up 49% of respondents.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, the Black community nationally experienced higher rates of infection, hospitalization and death, resulting in increased grief, trauma and stress. In St. Louis, the devastating

from public life. It was a comma, not a period in my life. Since then, I have never stopped working for the community.”

Bowman said he is running for the seat being vacated by state Sen. Brian Williams because “now is a critical time for the wisdom needed to get us through these turbulent times.”

“We don’t need more political theater. We need action. Our community can’t wait. I won’t wait.”

Bowman was named St. Louis County NAACP president in 2019 and has served as a director of the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District, Normandy Township committeeman, St. Louis Lambert International Airport commissioner.

Bowman is joining a crowded field seeking to replace Williams, who is running for St. Louis County Executive. The declared candidates for the 14th District Senate include:

• State Rep. Doug Clemens. Clemens was elected to the Missouri House in November 2018. He has served as chair of the West Lake/Bridgeton

“That experience will help me work with the (St. Louis County Council.) I’m familiar with all its members and all parts of the county.”

Williams’ state senate district is unique in that it includes 45 municipalities, covering a wide swath of the county that stretches from parts of Ladue to mid-County to the Missouri River.

“It encompasses some of the region’s most affluent areas and some where there is poverty,” Williams explained.

tornado on May 16 added to these mental health challenges.

“The proportion of Black St. Louisans who said mental health is the number one health problem in St. Louis has increased from 9% in 2023, to 12% in 2024, to 22% in this year’s survey,” said Matthew Kreuter, the founder of iHeard St. Louis and a public health professor at Washington University in Saint Louis.

“There was a strong sentiment among Black respondents in our survey that many St. Louisans either don’t realize that they have mental health issues or don’t seek help for it.”

Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the National Alliance on Mental Health and other organizations show that

Landfill Community Advisory Group and is active in efforts to remove radioactive waste from the community. He is scheduled to formally announce his candidacy on Aug. 17.

• Shaunte Duncan. Duncan is owner of SMD Consulting, which provides development and consulting services to

“The County Executive must be a regional leader. A lot of people view leaders as being monolithic. That is not me. That is not what is best for St. Louis County.”

Williams said the sometimes-contentious relationship between the Council and Page, and other County problems are “symptoms of a lack of collaboration in county government.”

“People want a county government that supports them. They want a leader that shows empathy, com-

rising mental health concerns are centered on racial disparities and distress, or “complex trauma,” as behavioral health executive Tiffany Lacy Clark calls it.

“The repercussions of violence, strained relationships both intimate and familial, as well as social and civil unrest contribute to this complex trauma,” said Clark, president and CEO of Behavioral Health Response, a St. Louis nonprofit that provides 24-hour crisis line counseling. She also noted that natural disasters, such as the tornado, adds to distress.

“Disparities in access to employment and economic opportunities and discriminatory treatment” are other factors in mental health issues in the Black

organizations, businesses, and political candidates. “My passion for social justice, community empowerment, and equitable policies is the driving force behind my decision to run for state Senator,” she states on her campaign website.

• Joe Palm. Palm is a former chief of

passion, and vision.

“They need a leader that will not be bogged down by all the negativity.”

The American reported in 2021 that a police reform bill sponsored by Williams would implement several key changes. These changes include prohibiting law enforcement from using chokeholds unless deadly force is authorized, increasing the penalty for officers who engage in sexual conduct with a person in their custody, and preventing officers

community, she said. Insurance coverage disparities are another.

In 2023, 9.7% of Black Americans were uninsured compared to 6.5% of white Americans. Federal cuts to Medicaid and Medicare are projected to leave 10.5 million people without coverage by 2034. Upcoming eligibility changes — including work requirements and more frequent re-certifications — could push some off insurance much sooner.

Even for those with insurance, many mental health providers do not accept it, leaving patients to shoulder unaffordable out-ofpocket costs.

Finding a provider with a cultural connection to the Black community is another challenge. According to the American

the Missouri Office of Minority and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regional director. “[I am] committed to tackling the real challenges facing St. Louis families — from rebuilding trust in local government to addressing crime, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and creat-

who were discharged for wrongdoing from simply moving to another department

This was hard fought for legislation that passed seven years after the shooting and killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown by Police Officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9, 2014.

Williams grew up in Ferguson, Missouri, and said his mother taught him “to be motivated to work hard and be motivated to find the best outcomes.”

In 2018, he became

Psychological Association, only 4% of the U.S. psychology workforce is African American. This shortage makes it harder for patients seeking a Black provider to find one.

Cultural stigma around mental health also persists. Smith believes more Black individuals are seeking help, but often not the full scope of care they might need. “They’re not seeking wraparound care, like seeing a psychiatrist, getting psychological testing and other assessments that can lead to the most appropriate treatment,” she said.

Other persistent issues such as lack of access to specialized treatments, transportation and long waitlists prevent some from accessing mental health care.

“Mental health services

ing economic opportunities.” Palm states on his campaign website.

• State Rep. Raychel Proudie. Proudie was elected to the Missouri legislature in November 2018. “This isn’t about party politics or petty rivalries. This is about who can actually get things done in a volatile, divided legislature,” Proudie states on her campaign website, adding that she is “redefining what effective leadership looks like in Jefferson City.”

Both Clemens and Proudie are ending their service as House members following the 2026 legislative session because of term limits. Williams will serve as state senator representing the 14th District during the 2026 legislative session and will take on incumbent County Executive Dr. Sam Page in the Missouri Democratic Primary on Aug. 4, 2026. The primary election to select a Democratic nomination for the open 14th District senate seat will also be on August 4, 2026.

the first Black man elected to the state Senate in 20 years. Williams said he did not support Proposition B, a proposal that would have allowed the Couty Council to remove County department directors.

“The County should hire great, capable people and they should not fear losing their jobs,” he said. He said he also supports property tax relief for seniors and that he would “always put County residents first.”

can feel like a mirage in a desert when access is limited,” Clark said. “The best illustration I can give is of a person dragging their depression through a desert looking for help and realizing once they reach the waterspout there’s a three-month wait for water. It can be the difference between life and death in a very real way.” If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential help is available 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

Wendy Todd is a member of Report for America, which supports local journalists who report on under-covered issues and communities.

Photo Alvin A. Reid / St. Louis American
John Bowman, St. Louis County NAACP president, announced on Tuesday he is entering the race for the Missouri state Senate 14th District Democratic nomination. From left are Lew Moye, president emeritus of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Cheryl Brown-Bowman, Bowman, Councilwoman Nicole Greer of Creve Coeur, and Faye Davis, CBTU secretary and UAW member.

Trump’s DC police takeover raises fears in black communities

President Donald Trump has seized direct control of Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, stripping authority from Mayor Muriel Bowser and handing it over to Attorney General Tom Cotton.

The move, made under a “crime emergency” declaration, invokes a rarely used law that exists only because the District lacks statehood.

Bowser no longer has operational control of her police department. All deployment decisions now go through the Justice Department, including the authority to shift officers from neighborhood patrols to guarding federal buildings, securing monuments and policing protests — even if it results in fewer officers in local communities. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said the city received no warning of Trump’s plan, expecting instead a National Guard announcement. She said she will work with Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“Having our Metropolitan Police Department working alongside our federal partners who have come into the city to help us assess and deal with the crime,” Smith said. “We will work alongside them, but intentionally, we want to make

sure that our community understands that we are there. We’re going to be boots on the ground.”

For African Americans — nearly half the city’s population — the change puts local policing under a president who has called for racial profiling, attacked other predominantly Black-led cities such as Baltimore and Chicago and backed “law and order” policies that

disproportionately target Black communities.

Residents may see federal priorities overriding local strategies, with increased policing at demonstrations and broader latitude for aggressive tactics.

Trump justified the takeover by citing D.C.’s 2024 homicide and vehicle theft rates, even though other majority-Black cities he has targeted have seen significant crime reduc-

tions this year. His order has no end date, but the law limits control to 30 days unless extended by Congress.

This is only possible because D.C. is not a state — a political reality that leaves its leadership vulnerable to federal override and its residents without complete control of its government.

Courtesy photo
President Trump justified the takeover by citing D.C.’s 2024 homicide and vehicle theft rates, even though other majority-Black cities he has targeted have seen significant crime reductions this year.

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

Dads to doulas

Empowering fathers to advocate amid maternal health crisis

and skills needed to serve as advocates for their families during pregnancy, birth and infancy.

A new program is empowering Black men to advocate for their families’ maternal health, addressing disparities in outcomes.

In the face of an escalating Black maternal health crisis, a new program is empowering Black men and expectant fathers with the education and training needed to advocate for their families from pregnancy to infancy. Dads to Doulas was launched in 2024 by Dear Fathers, a St. Louis-based platform, in an effort to reduce disparities in Black maternal and infant health outcomes.

Brad Edwards, community engagement and program strategy director for

n According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than their White counterparts.

Dear Fathers, designed the program alongside Kyra Betts, a full-spectrum doula, lactation counselor and infant care specialist. Edwards was moved to create the program after the stillbirth of his twin boys in 2017.

“There was nothing that I could say to blame the medical system. Their mom was in Chicago finishing pharmacy school, and I was in St. Louis. I went to one doctor’s visit during her pregnancy,” said Edwards.

“I didn’t know that things could go

left so quickly, and I didn’t know that there were so many different things I needed to do to prepare myself for that process.”

He thinks if he had been a part of a program, like Dads to Doulas, he would have navigated the situation differently. Later, Edwards began working on a mental health initiative with friends from college. The work introduced him to more Black families who experienced their own tragedies during childbirth.

“I had a unique opportunity to interview all of these Black moms that were doctors and high-earners—everything you think would save you from a horrific experience, yet they all had these traumatic stories,” said Edwards.

“The one thing I noticed was that they were all avoidable if they would have had medical staff that understood or a partner that could properly advocate for them.”

See DADS, A11

I quit smoking and now help others

Eleven years old is way too young to walk into a store and be able to buy a pack of cigarettes. That’s how old I was when I experimented with my first cigarette.

I was a shy but very curious and smart little kid, and no one in my family smoked. I desperately wanted to fit in with the “cool” crowd. At that time, I considered you to be cool if you were older than me and blew circles with your cigarette smoke, among other things. This also was the beginning of a long history of smoking. My smoking didn’t become an everyday thing, however, until I was about 16 or 17 years old. My cig of choice was menthol, after trying all types and brands.

n “Once I quit, food tasted better, the smell of tobacco went away, I smiled more.”

– Charles Debnam

I remember that smoking was everywhere — at all the parties I went to and in school, adult gatherings, airplanes, etc. And the label “warning” wasn’t something that was discussed much, let alone looked at. Toward the end of my smoking addiction, I hated it. I hated the smell. I hated the fact that every morning I woke up, the first thing I reached for was a cigarette. I hated that the only friends I had or wanted close to me were other people who smoked.

I knew I needed to quit but never really considered it until one day in 1989 after taking a medication I was on. I threw up and couldn’t stop. I looked down and saw the medication I had just taken lying in the sink and realized that even though I was taking this medication, I wasn’t getting any better. In fact, I was getting worse because that medication wasn’t working like it should due to my smoking.

October 31, 1989 — almost 34 years

See DEBNAM, A11

On cutting edge of breast cancer detection

WashU AI breast cancer risk detection software scores major FDA designation

Breast cancer may become easier to detect before it even develops with the help of new AI-based software created in St. Louis.

Prognosia Breast, which was developed by a team of Washington University School of Medicine researchers, analyzes mammograms to determine a person’s risk of developing breast cancer within five years.

The technology recently cleared a major hurdle earning a breakthrough device designation from the Food and Drug Administration. Joy Jiang, a codeveloper of the software and an associate professor of surgery at the university, said the designation means it is a step closer to full market approval.

“(This) is a huge step forward,” Jiang

n Prognosia Breast, which was developed by a team of Washington University School of Medicine researchers, analyzes mammograms to determine a person’s risk of developing breast cancer within five years.

said. “It’s being recognized that breast cancer is a huge burden and early detection and prevention is very important right now.”

The current standard procedure for

See CANCER, A11

Brad Edwards launched the Dads to Doulas program in 2024 to prepare fathers with the knowledge
Photo courtesy of Brad Edwards
Photo by Susannah Lohr / St. Louis Public Radio
Prognosia Breast was developed by Washington University School of Medicine researchers as a cancer prevention measure.
Charles Debnam

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

Protecting the health of Black women during pregnancy and beyond

(StatePoint) Regardless of socioeconomic status, Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from pregnancy than their white counterparts.

Pregnant Black women are also 23% more likely to have a heart attack, 57% more likely to have a stroke, 42% more likely to develop a blood clot in the lungs, and 71% more likely to develop muscle weakness.

With increasing evidence suggesting that the prenatal period impacts the lifelong physical and mental health of children, these statistics show how important it is to eliminate these inequities for the wellbeing of not only moms, but the next generation as well.

“Black mothers deserve far more than the current maternity and health care systems that have failed us and our families for generations. But there are sustainable solutions and actionable steps we can take—centered on physicians, midwives, doulas and other care providers working together as holistic, collaborative care teams—to ensure Black mamas receive comprehensive, culturally grounded care that honors our needs and supports thriving pregnancies and full, healthy lives,” says Angela D. Aina, executive director, BMMA, Inc. According to advocates with the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers, the following policies could help protect Black women during pregnancy and beyond:

• Transforming the delivery of Black maternal care by making investments in social drivers of health that influence

Cancer

Continued from A10

breast cancer prevention is through a questionnaire that includes BMI and general family health

Dads

Continued from A10

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than their White counterparts. This disproportion becomes even more troubling given that 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

After collaborating with Betts on virtual maternal health workshops, the pair decided to formalize the coursework with the Dads to Doulas program. The six-week curriculum covers topics, including the history of birth, pregnancy

Debnam

Continued from A10

ago — I stopped for good and have never picked up a cigarette since.

I didn’t go cold turkey

With increasing evidence suggesting that the prenatal period impacts the lifelong physical and mental health of children, these statistics show how important it is to eliminate these inequities for the wellbeing of not only moms, but the next generation as well.

maternal health outcomes.

• Widening access to maternal health care services by extending Medicaid 12-month postpartum coverage nationwide, and by growing and diversifying the doula workforce.

• Addressing structural barriers and systemic stigma that prevent Black mothers from receiving

history, as well as cancer history. Jiang said this tool will improve accuracy. “We were motivated to invent this new tool by using mammogram images alone, so women wouldn’t have to fill in these questionnaires anymore,” she

and labor physiology, perinatal mood disorders and intervention, partner advocacy and infant care.

“One thing that I’ve learned in my time as a doula is that we don’t give dads enough to do and, therefore, we have very low expectations of them,” said Betts, curriculum designer and lead facilitator for Dads to Doulas. “We have created a culture in which they’re not involved, but there’s such a place for them.”

She pointed out that since women typically only receive minimal instruction on reproductive health, men’s knowledge on the subject is likely even more limited.

“We need our partners to be informed and to be able to be present and

because I knew I would need some type of assistance, and the only thing I knew about was the awful-tasting gum. At that time, there were no flavors like cherry or mint — just a tobacco-tasting hard piece of gum. It worked

treatment and support services for prenatal and postpartum complications.

• Eliminating economic inequities by strengthening equal-pay legislation and raising the minimum wage to at least $17 an hour.

• Passing legislation that guarantees access to paid leave to meet the needs of pregnant people,

said. “Because everybody would get a mammogram every year or two. So given that availability of data, we can directly use that data to predict accurately who’s at risk.”

Prognosia Breast can reach up to 85% accuracy

supportive,” said Betts. “So much of that is going to have to come from the right education.”

Many of the program’s concepts were not new to Julian Pearson, father of five daughters. His wife is a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. Over the years, he’s absorbed much of her knowledge through a kind of osmosis—learning about medical racism, the Black maternal mortality rate and the roles of doulas and midwives.

caregivers and families.

• Collecting and using intersectional data to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis and inform solutions to address it.

• Growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce to ensure Black mothers’ care teams include providers who share

for early cancer detection in comparison to the standard process of up to 65%.

The process is straightforward. Once a patient gets a mammogram, the image will go through Prognosia Breast. The software will then analyze

n “My biggest thing was if my wife can’t speak for herself at the moment, I have to know exactly what to do—not only for her, but for my daughter.”

– Julian Pearson

“My biggest thing was if my wife can’t speak for herself at the moment, I have to know exactly what to say and what to do—not only for her, but for my daughter,” said Pearson. “That’s been my stance five times over.”

Pearson joined Dads to Doulas last August to learn about other fathers’ experiences. Though he said he and his wife were fortunate to never encounter racial bias during their reproductive journey, his second daugh-

for me, so I won’t complain. Once I quit, food tasted better, the smell of tobacco went away, I smiled more and yes, my medications began to work like they should. It’s been over 33 years

since I last smoked, and now I have dedicated my life to helping others quit — when they are ready. I feel it’s important to share with others the methods and comments the tobacco industry executives have used over the years

their background, and to ensure their care teams include a range of clinical care providers, from obstetricians and midwives to nonclinical support personnel, such as care navigators and community health workers.

To get involved, visit https://ncit.org/take-action/ to learn how you can help ensure mothers and their

it and provide a risk score for the likelihood of developing breast cancer within five years.

“Based on that output, there may be a conversation between the provider and the woman in terms of what can be done,” Jiang

ter’s birth was somewhat traumatic.

After a long labor at home caused by what they believe was a miscalculated due date and a difficult fetal position, their midwife recommended a hospital transfer out of concern for blood loss. But, before they could make it inside, his wife gave birth in the emergency room bay. He said the experience was so intense that hospital staff still recall it today.

Dads to Doulas has helped Pearson to better understand the intricacies and nuances of what the mother’s body endures during pregnancy and labor. It also provided him with more knowledge about the postpartum recovery process and how

to target specific populations, such as the African American and youth communities. Success in quitting smoking begins with each and every one of us helping the next person.

Your Health Matters is provided in partnership with

babies have a strong start.

“A future where all individuals, families and communities thrive is possible. Everyday Americans can chip in by contacting their elected officials and lawmakers and telling them to support policies that protect the health of Black mothers,” says Christy Ross, co-chair of the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers.

said. “And how can we prevent the breast cancer from happening if the woman is actually at high risk.” A clinical trial for the software will start by the end of the year.

to offer meaningful support during that critical period.

Pearson praised Betts for engaging him and the other fathers and holding them accountable for their coursework, which he called “phenomenal.” He said his participation in the program has reaffirmed that he has a voice in the reproductive journey, and he can use it to stand up for himself, his wife and his children.

“You can support your partner. You can support yourself. You can stand up for what you believe in. You can make your birth plan and stick to it. You can feel confident that if you’re being pressured into something you can stand on what you wanted to do,” said Pearson.

and

of the DC Tobacco Free Coalition.

Charles Debnam is DC Representative for the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council
chair
Photo courtesy of iStock via Getty Images Plus

AUGUST 14 – 20, 2025

American-raised wagyu beef can fetch $100 a pound

Wagyu cattle are raised with humane practices and limited production. Douglas

Missouri farms are signing up for business

The chance of finding premium Japanese wagyu beef can be pretty rare in the U.S., and Missouri farmers are starting to fill the gap.

A prime cut of wagyu beef exported from Japan on Amazon can cost up to $250 a pound, but what you’re buying is considered the finest piece of meat you can put on a plate.

To be considered authentic wagyu beef, it must come from purebred cows in specific regions in Japan — cows that are relatively scarce with deliberately formulated diets to achieve the proper ratio of fat to red

meat, called “marbling.”

And the prices reflect the scarcity: 4 pounds of imported ground wagyu cost $69 on Amazon, a 12-ounce ribeye is $134 and two 8-ounce filets mignons are $250. A 10-pound Japanese wagyu rib roast on Amazon costs $1,215.

So, it is no surprise that Missouri farmers have tried to find a way to get into the wagyu business. Today, 51 wagyu beef farms in Missouri are listed with the American Wagyu Association.

But because Japan stopped exporting genetically pure wagyu cattle in 1997, declaring it a “national treasure,” most American farmers crossbreed the cattle with Angus beef cows.

Only a very small percentage of farmers in the U.S. have full-blooded stock descended from original bloodlines that are registered with the association.

Crossbreeding lowers the price, but American-raised wagyu beef is still quite expensive: Ground wagyu averages $14 to $16 per pound, ribeyes can cost $60 to $120 or more per pound, and a 7-pound rib roast costs more than $400.

Wagyu in Missouri

Douglas Wagyu Cattle Co. in Greenfield was established in 2020 by Jake and Cristina Douglas. The couple

See WAGYU, B2

Black funeral homes reflect on a century of service and resilience

Despite the many adversities they have encountered — or, perhaps, because of them — Black people have a long history of entrepreneurship, and their innovation has had lasting impacts on Black families, communities and the wider American culture and economy. Barred by racism and segregation from participation in the broader economy, Black entrepreneurs created businesses tailored to the needs of their communities, some lasting for more than a century.

n Black funeral homes are among the list of those that have withstood the test of time, serving generations of Black families in their times of grief and during pivotal moments in history.

Black funeral homes are among the list of those that have withstood the test of time, serving generations of Black families in their times of grief and during pivotal moments in history. The Baltimorebased Afro spoke with a couple of noted historically Black funeral homes to discuss their history, impact and advice for other Black businesses.

Raphael Watson is the office administrator and service director for Bynes-Royall Funeral Home in Savannah, Georgia.

“We have employees who are non-family members, but we treat them as family members,” he said. “We are a close funeral home still serving in our community. We are family…serving families.”

Bynes-Royall Funeral Home was founded by Major

PeoPle on the Move

Farrington appointed to board of curators

Belinda Farrington

Belinda Farrington of St. Charles, Mo., has been appointed to the Lincoln University Board of Curators. Farrington is a human resources leader at Friendly Temple Church in St. Louis and has served several St. Louis County departments and divisions during a 30-year career. She sits on several boards, including Friendly Village Senior Housing, Robert Fulton Development Corporation, and the Lincoln University Alumni Association. Farrington earned her master’s degree in human resources development from Webster University.

East St. Louis School District 189 announces new principals

Quanshanda Nicholson

Quanshanda Nicholson, a former principal at James Avant Elementary School, has been appointed to lead Lincoln Middle School. Under her leadership since 2018, Avant School honors include 2025 Model School presenter, 2025 Award of Excellence (School Leadership Team) from the Illinois State Board of Education, 2023 Award of Excellence (Principal) from the Illinois State Board of Education, and the 2020 Bayer School of Excellence and honor during the St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education.

Harriel

Roshonda Harriel has been named the new principal of James Avant Elementary School. A product of the East St. Louis School District, Harriel has served the last three years as the assistant principal at Officer Elementary. She helped guide Officer through measurable improvements in both academic performance and climate and was part of the Officer Instructional Leadership Team to earn the 2024 Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Craige Edwards

Dr. Craige Edwards joins District 189 as the principal of Mason/ Clark Middle School. Edwards has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum developer, professional development facilitator, and most recently, head principal at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in St. Louis from 2020 to 2025. With over two decades of experience in education, Edwards has helped educators and students discover and implement strategies that increase effectiveness, efficiency and meaningful success.

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

See FUNERAL, B2

Photo courtesy of Jake Douglas
Wagyu Cattle Co. in Greenfield was established in 2020 by Jake and Cristina Douglas.
William H. Royall in 1878. It is the oldest Black business in Savannah and the oldest continuously-owned Black funeral home in the state of Georgia. Watson also explained that the funeral home was a major service provider for Black families through the decades, including during the Great Depression
Roshonda
Photo courtesy of Bynes-Royall Funeral Home via Meta Left to right, Frank Howard Bynes Sr., (June 19, 1916-March 24, 2002); Raleigh DeWitt Bynes, (Dec. 1, 1953- Nov. 29, 2009) and Frenchye M. Bynes (Jan. 24, 1923-May 26, 2012). Frank Howard Bynes Sr. and Frenchye M. Bynes were founders of BynesRoyall Funeral Home in Savannah, Georgia, and both were licensed funeral directors, while Raleigh DeWitt Bynes served as manager during his tenure.

Wagyu

Continued from B1

started the farm after Jake Douglas retired from the Navy and fell in love with Japanese A5 wagyu beef, the highest grade available.

“We both love wagyu,” Douglas said.

The farm was named grand champion winner at the 2024 Triple Crown Steak challenge, the only wagyu steak competition in the U.S.

Douglas said he and his wife follow the traditional Japanese model of raising wagyu beef on their farm, with humane practices, special feed, handpicked genetics and limited production.

The farm typically raises 80 to 100 wagyu cattle at a time, with eight to 10 feeder steers kept in a barn in separate pens. This allows them to monitor each animal’s health and measure the amount of grain and wheat each cow is fed.

“My goal is to make the perfect steak,” Douglas said.

Hiroshi Ranch in Kaiser, Missouri, was founded in 2016 and sells its wagyu beef throughout the country.

The cattle at Hiroshi Ranch are free range, said Stephen George, who works at the ranch.

Funeral

Continued from B1

McGuire Funeral Service, located in Washington, D.C., is another family-owned and operated Black business.

They graze on grass in the pasture and are fed a combination of organic cacao powder, flaxseed oil and pirella oil.

The diet is designed to add a distinctive flavor to the meat, with a subtle chocolate essence, according to the Hiroshi Ranch website.

Why is it so expensive?

In Japan, wagyu is the collective name for the four principal Japanese breeds of beef cattle,

all stemming from early 20th-century crossbreeding between native Japanese cattle and imported stock, mostly from Europe.

In addition to wagyu, the same breeds of cattle can be referred to as Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, Yonezawa beef or Omi beef.

In Japan, smaller land parcels allow only 10 to 100 cattle to graze on a feedlot, which gives farmers a chance to monitor them directly. They are fed for up to two years with a special diet. If cared for

properly, the cattle mature with a natural ability to marble a high-caliber piece of beef.

Usually, the end product of wagyu beef grades higher on the USDA grading scale, Smith said.

• F1: 50% Wagyu and 50% Angus beef

• F2: 75% Wagyu and 25% Angus beef

• Purebred: Almost fully Wagyu, but not 100%

• Full blood: 100% Wagyu

In the 1970s and ’80s, Japanese wagyu was intro-

duced to an international audience, which drove demand in the U.S. The limited number of wagyu cattle after Japan banned exports in the ’90s only contributed to its appeal, as it banned both live cattle and their DNA.

In recent years, influential chefs and upscale restaurants began to market wagyu beef as luxury items on their menu. When American ranchers and farmers successfully began to raise beef that rivaled its Japanese counterparts, it became more available to

home cooks. Today, history, scarcity, reviews and marketing have converged to elevate wagyu beef to premium status.

“Wagyu cattle produce arguably the finest beef in the world,” said Gracie Smith, director of marketing and promotions for the American Wagyu Association.

was originally

Robert G. McGuire founded the business in 1912 and

the leadership operations have been passed down through generations. Now, John McGuire, the grandson, handles the business in the role of vice president. He spoke with Afro alongside his wife, Lynne McGuire, who is president of the company, about how times have changed for the world of funeral services but also Black businesses. “The story goes that and the Civil Rights Movement.

back in those early days, when he first began, if someone died at home –and most people did back then — he would grab his embalming board, chemicals and instruments, and jump on the street car and go to where the person’s residence was to do the embalming in the house.”

McGuire explained how the implementation of the computer and internet

allowed for faster communication. Commodification of the automobile established quicker commute times. Even something as simple as refrigeration helped, as it allowed for the embalming process to be delayed a few days because the body could be preserved longer.

The McGuire family said that one of the biggest changes has been in

their target audiences, as Black businesses were significantly impacted by integration.

“A number of years ago, you would start a business and think that your primary customers would be an African American community,”

John McGuire said.

“[Now,] our folks may not support Black enterprises like they used to years

ago. Years ago, there were no other options. You couldn’t go over to Connecticut Avenue to shop.”

“If anyone is starting a business now, I would say if they want to really succeed, they have to do something in a field that is color blind,” said McGuire. “It has to be something that everybody wants to buy or use.”

This story
published by the Columbia Missourian. It was distributed by St. Louis Public Radio.
Photo by ava Kitzi / Columbia Missourian
Cattle standing at Hiroshi Ranch in Kaiser, Missouri, on March 18 at Hiroshi Ranch in Kaiser, Missouri. Founded in 2016, Hiroshi Ranch provides wagyu beef for customers nationwide.

n “I want to thank every single one of you who came out to support me. You guys were incredible.”

– 18-year-old tennis star Victoria Mboko after winning the Canadian Open

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Former area prep standouts named preseason All-SEC

We are 10 days away from the beginning of another exciting season of college football, and a pair of former St. Louis area prep standouts have received preseason accolades.

Senior Kevin Coleman Jr. of Missouri and sophomore Ryan Wingo of Texas have both received preseason All-Conference recognition in the powerful Southeastern Conference. Both are very talented wide receivers.

Wingo, a former star at SLUH, was a Preseason Second Team selection. Coleman, a former star at St. Mary’s, was selected to the Preseason All-SEC Third Team.

Wingo entered Texas as one of the top recruits in the country last season and he delivered a strong debut season in helping the Longhorns to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. He finished with 29 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns. He was a big-play threat as he averaged 16.3 yards per reception. During his stellar four-year career at SLUH, Wingo had 129 receptions for 2,160 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Conference (SWAC) Freshman of the Year honors. He transferred to Louisville for his sophomore year, where he caught 26 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns. As a senior at St. Mary’s, Coleman scored 29 touchdowns to lead the Dragons to the Class 3 state championship.

High school football practice begins this week

On Monday, high school football teams from around the St. Louis metro area began their official practice sessions. In a week, most schools will be participating in preseason jamborees on Aug. 22. The following weekend, the regular season will get underway. There are four area teams that won state championships last season. DeSmet and Lutheran North won state titles in Missouri while East St. Louis and Belleville Althof were state champions on the Illinois side.

Jermel Thomas Commits to SLU

Coleman comes to Mizzou after playing his junior season at Mississippi State. He was an All-SEC Third Team selection last season, when he caught 74 passes for 932 yards and six touchdowns. Coleman started his career at Jackson State, where he played for then-head coach Deion Sanders. He had 33 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns to earn Southwestern Athletic

Dallas

September means football. Since I was 7, football has meant the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1966, the Packers beat host Dallas in the NFL Championship game when Don Meredith threw an interception in the end zone in the game’s waning seconds. Green Bay then beat Kansas City in the first NFL vs. AFL Championship game. It wasn’t called the Super Bowl yet.

Saint Louis University basketball coach Josh Schertz received a big commitment from standout point guard Jermel Thomas from Our Savior Lutheran in New York. The 6’3” Thomas is a four-star prospect who chose the Billikens over Big East Conference programs Providence and Seton Hall. Nicknamed “Magic Mel,” Thomas played for the Riverside Hawks during the summer

grassroots season on the Under Armour Circuit. He averaged 11.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.0 rebounds during the summer.

Hensgens and Willary bring home gold medals from AAU Nationals

Area track and field standouts Bailey Hensgens of Incarnate Word Academy and Aaliyah Willary of Pacific brought home gold medals in the high jump from the recent Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics in Humble, Texas.

Hensgens, a rising junior, won the high jump in the 15-16 age division with a clearance of 5 feet 7 inches. She also earned All-American recognition by finishing seventh in the long jump. Hensgens is a two-time state champion in the high jump at IWA.

Willary, a rising senior, won the high jump in the

the high jump to Hensgens at the Class 4 state championships in Jefferson City in May.

Area girls basketball standouts participating in Overtime Select

A group of top high school girls basketball players are in Atlanta to compete in the Overtime Select League. The OT Select is an eight-team league that features many of the top prep girls players in the country. Amaya Manuel of Lift for Life, Dasia Scott of Principia and Moriyah Douglass of John Burroughs are participants in the league.

Manuel is playing for the Venom Tears, who are coached by former Tennessee star and WNBA All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw. Scott and Douglass both play for the

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Cowboys ‘dramedy’

As he shook Kroenke’s hand, Prescott said, “We’ll meet y’all in the NFC Championship.”

On Dec. 31, 1967, Dallas lost to the host Green Bay Packers in the famed Ice Bowl NFL Championship game. I became a Cowboys fan that day. The Packers would beat the Oakland Raiders two weeks later in the first “Super Bowl.” Fast forward to last Saturday and the Cowboys at L.A. Rams preseason game. Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, quarterback Dak Prescott, and Dallas front office folks exchanged pleasantries with Rams owner Stan Kroenke at midfield before the game.

While I would rather have Prescott say that than, “I doubt we will make the playoffs,” history and my age fly in the face of that statement. Let’s return to the historical journey that is my Cowboys life when it comes to the NFC Championship game. Dallas played for the right to advance to the Super Bowl when I was 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22. A decade passed, then the Cowboys returned to the NFC Championship game when I was 32, 33, 34 and 35. If Prescott’s prediction comes to fruition, a Cowboys’ appearance in the NFC Championship will end 30 years of waiting. I doubt Prescott is correct, so the dismal beat will likely go on. The common denominator for the Cowboys over those three decades is the team’s owner and general manager — Jerry

University of Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo, a former star at SLUH, was an All-SEC Preseason Second Team selection.

Drifty Dreamerz, who are coached by Vashon head coach John Albert.

Another Show-Me State player in the league is Park Hill South standout Addison Bjorn, who is ranked among the top 10 players in the country in the senior class.

Another player with local ties is Texas prep standout Kamora Pruitt, who is the daughter of Tracy Harris and niece of Tara “Peaches” Harris, who were standout players at Gateway Tech.

The Overtime Select will wrap up this weekend with the tournament beginning on Friday night. The semifinals will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. (St. Louis time) with the championship game set for Sunday at 2 p.m. (St. Louis time).

The games are being broadcast on the Overtime Select Youtube page.

Tyran Frazier is headed to OTE

High level St. Louis basketball prospect Tyran Frazier will be continuing his high school career playing for Rod Wave Elite (RWE) in the Overtime Elite program. The 6’11” Frazier played his first two seasons at Hazelwood East, where he averaged 14.5 points and 12.3 rebounds as a sophomore. He was ranked among the top five players in the state of Missouri in the Class of 2027. Overtime Elite (OTE) is a professional league for players between the ages of 16 and 20. Athletes can play for an annual salary or they can maintain their college eligibility by playing for a scholarship.

Fraz and John John have New Podcast

Corey Frazier and John Albert are a pair of excellent basketball minds who are now co-hosting a new podcast titled “Gloves Off.” New episodes air on Sunday evenings. In addition to being outstanding basketball coaches, Fraz and John John also have strong opinions and they are never afraid to express them. In their first episode, they discussed the top 25 high school players from St. Louis over the past 25 years. It is some very entertaining banter. Check it out.

(Earl Austin Jr. is the host of the “Earl Austin Experience” on Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. on 590 KLIS, The Lou Information Station. If you listen to the show live, you can catch it via podcast on various platforms).

opens on Sept. 4 in Philly

Jones. My guess is he or his family will own the Cowboys for at least another 30 years. Unfortunately, I think the championship game drought will continue until Jones relinquishes the GM title.

Chris Canty, a co-host of ESPN radio’s “Unsportsmanlike,” recently likened Prescott to the Jim Carey character ‘Truman’ in “The Truman Show.” Truman lives his daily life unaware that it is a sitcom that the entire world can view. He is

crushed when he learns the truth — that the joke is on him.

Canty’s point is that Prescott thinks Jones is serious about winning games, returning to the NFC Championship, and possibly the Super Bowl. The reality is that Jones is more interested in the astronomical value of his team, marketing, popularity, and fame.

I’ve watched the Dallas Cowboys movie for 59 years and it was a blockbuster hit until 30 years ago. It has become a “dram-

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott predicts his team will reach NFC title game.

edy.” Each season brings laughter and sorrow — but no championship game. New actors come and go, and the franchise valuation has soared to $10 billion. But there is never an “Oscar,” or an Academy Award nomination. The prolonged failure falls on the shoulders of the studio mogul, Jerry Jones. Lights, camera, and action begins on Sept. 4 on the road against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The curtain will likely fall before the NFC title game.

The Reid Roundup

At the MLB All-Star Game break, I wrote that time was running out on St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker’s time with the franchise. In the 22 games following break, Walker batted .318 with a home run and eight RBIs. The turnaround raised his overall average from .206 to .241…Last week, when speaking on KMOX about Walker and other young players, manager Ollie Mormol said, “At some point, you have to make it impossible for the manager to take you out.” I think Walker was listening…18-year-old Victoria Mboko, who was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and lives in Montreal, defeated fourtime Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final of the Canadian Open to earn the first WTA title of her career. By beating Osaka, Coco Gauff Elena Rybakina, and Sofia Kenin, Mboko became the second-youngest player to defeat four Grand Slam champions in a single tournament. The youngest was Serena Williams

Earl Austin Jr.
Alvin A. Reid
Photo courtesy of the University of Texas
girls 17-18 age division by clearing 5’8’’. She finished second in
Photo by Sam Smith / Courtesy of dallascowboys.com

Wesley Bell: Job fair will ‘help close gap’ in employment

U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell

hosted an inaugural job fair on July 31, 2025, and welcomed hundreds of job seekers and over 50 employers to the event at the Millennium Student Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Bell said one of his top priorities is “driving regional growth by helping people access employment opportunities and the resources they need to thrive.”

“We put together this job fair with a simple belief: that regional growth starts from the ground up,” said Bell in a statement.

“St. Louis is full of talented, hardworking people who are ready to build a better life for themselves and a stronger economy for all of us. But for too long, too many have been left on the sidelines.

“Folks with the skills, the drive, and the heart, but without the right

opportunity. That’s why we’re here today, to help close that gap.”

The July jobs report released by the Department of Labor shows that Black

unemployment rose to 7.2%. It is the highest rate since 7.8% in October 2021 during the COVID19 pandemic.

Black unemployment is up from 6.3% a year ago and 6.8% the month before. The Black unemployment rate reached a historic low at 5% during May 2023.

The Labor Department statistics also show that Black women have experienced a significant increase in unemployment over the past year. Their rate has climbed from 5.5% to 6.3%.

Bell said there are plans to make the job fair an annual event.

[“My team] is already in talks to expand the event next year — with more employers, more resources, and more opportunities for job seekers,” he said.

Black families pay heavy toll for incarcerated loved ones

U.S. families lose nearly $350 billion each year due to the incarceration of a loved one in jail or prison, according to a recent report from the criminal justice advocacy group FWD.us. The estimate includes both direct expenses and longterm losses in household income.

The burden is especially acute for Black families, who reported sig-

nificantly higher expenses, according to the report.

Black families reported spending an average of $8,005 per year supporting incarcerated loved ones — 2.5 times more than white families with an average of $3,251.

One in 5 family members reported being forced to move due to a loved one’s incarceration, including 1 in 3 children of incarcerated parents, according to the report.

Overall, 9% of family members said they experienced a period of home-

lessness, a figure that rose to 18% — or roughly 1 in 6 — among those who had an incarcerated parent.

Low wages for incarcerated people, often just cents per hour, only deepen this strain, leaving families to fill in the financial gaps, according to the report. Meanwhile, extended prison lockdowns, staff shortages and overcrowded conditions have further limited access to basic services, including phone calls, visitation, medical care

and rehabilitative programming.

The findings are based on a national survey of just over 1,600 adults conducted in partnership with researchers at Duke University and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.

Families reported losing an average of $1,803 in income per month when a loved one is incarcerated. That includes the loss of the incarcerated person’s wages and may also

reflect reduced work hours by family members to manage court proceedings or provide childcare, according to the report.

The researchers also found that families spend an average of $4,200 annually per incarcerated relative.

These expenses include phone and email communication, travel for visits, child care and commissary purchases — such as food, hygiene products and clothing — some of which are marked up as much as

600% above retail prices, according to the report. The survey has some limitations. Many of the cost estimates were self-reported and rounded by participants. Still, previous research has reached similar conclusions. A 2017 report from the Prison Policy Initiative, a nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization, estimated that mass incarceration costs governments and the families of incarcerated people at least $182 billion annually.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell

Living It

Putting on for Jeezy

‘TM 101’ 20th anniversary show was a moment tailored for trap lovers

In 1995, Andre 3000 was booed off stage at the Source Awards after he boldly proclaimed, “the South got something to say.” He and fellow OutKast member Big Boi took home “Best New Rap Group” honors, but they were outsiders in a field dominated by East Coast and West Coast artists.

A decade later, an emerging Atlanta rap artist named Young Jeezy dropped his commercial debut, “Let’s Get It: TM (Thug Motivation) 101.” With the release, he further solidified the fulfillment of Three Stacks’ prophecy with a culture shifting album that brought the subgenre of trap music to the mainstream.

Jeezy is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking release by shifting the culture yet again through his commemorative tour. St. Louis was one of the lucky select cities to make the cut and “TM 101” 20 made for an epic moment Friday night (August 8) at Stifel Theatre. Jeezy dressed up the album with the accompaniment of a live orchestra and encouraged his fans to put their “good clothes” on. All parties involved understood the assignment.

A play on the hook from one of Jeezy’s most beloved trap music classics best described the night. We put on for our city.

Thanks to Jeezy and his Color of

Jeezy, C3

“I’m open to work with Denzel Washington and this not be the last film of the dynamic duo, D and Lee.”

- Spike Lee on working again with Denzel washington after filming “Highest 2 Lowest”

Jeezy and a few thousand St. Louis fans dressed up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking ‘TM 101’ album on Friday, August 8 at Stifel Theatre with a special performance that was accompanied by the Color of Noize Orchestra.

Function and sophistication

New nightlife series hopes to upgrade the St. Louis club scene

St. Louis transplant Yonnick Jones saw what he thought was a need on the local nightlife scene.

“With larger cities getting more expensive, people are looking for the next best place that provides a live, work/ play balance,” Jones said. “And I think St. Louis has that, but we need to bring more sophistication to the nightlife component.”

Instead of just complaining, Jones stepped into action. He founded The Function, a six-week semiannual party series. Its goal is to bring a “vibrant and

sophisticated” experience to St. Louis as a way of providing elevated night life.

“The Function [also] sparked as an idea to give people more activity during the week,” Jones said. The inaugural installment took place on Wednesdays at the 21c Museum Hotel.

“Every week has been different based on the people that show up,” said Jones.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air for the city and for the people that want to get out in

The Function, a nightlife series created by St. Louis transplant Yonnick Jones, recently wrapped its summer session that was held on Wednesdays at 21c Museum Hotel. It will return for its winter session this fall and culminate for 2025 with a New Year’s Eve party.

the middle of the week.”

The Function’s summer series recently wrapped. They will return in September for its winter series – which will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Raleigh, North Carolina native moved to St. Louis in 2022 to partner in developing William Academy,

Kenyan artist and

Resident

Nyaribo will discuss her new exhibition ‘Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry & Afrofuturism’ on Saturday, August 16 at The Gallery at The Kranzberg.

Kenyan artist Moraa

Nyaribo celebrates

richness

of

African tradition and creativity

For African Americans, the interruption of our cultural connections to Africa is one of many ripple effects from the institution of slavery that has impacted our identity.

n Restoring that cultural connection is at the core of Kenyan artist Moraa Nyaribo’s practice.

But the interruption wasn’t exclusive to those who were abducted and disseminated around the world. There was a disruption of tradition amongst those who remained on the continent imposed on them by colonizers. Native cultural identity was criminalized, and the damage was irreparable. While they didn’t bear the chains of slavery, colonization resulted in a broken link between Africans and the rich, unique traditions that birthed the cultural richness and diversity that is as broad and valuable as the natural – and human – resources that drew Western Europeans to the continent in the first place.

Restoring that cultural connection is at the core of Kenyan artist Moraa Nyaribo’s practice.

“I look at it as an outsider the same way as if you saw a lot of these traditions,” Moraa said “I am being introduced to them for the first time because I never took part in them. For me, I felt like it was important to try to be able to bridge the gap between when they stopped being practiced and what they would have looked like in today’s age.”

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, she will discuss her exhibition Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry & Afrofuturism. The collection is on dis-

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American
Photo courtesy of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation
Kranzberg Arts Foundation
Artist Moraa
Photos by Taylor Marrie/ St. Louis American

CONCERTS

Sat. Aug. 16, 2 p.m Tacos & Tequila Festival with T.I., Lil John, Chingy, Chamilionaire, Ying Yang Twins, Petey Pablo, Mike Jones, and DJ Ashton Martin, Carshield Field, 900 TR Hughes Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63366. For more information, visit https://tacosand tequilafestival.com.

Sun., Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Robert Randolph in Preacher Kids Tour with Blessing Offor, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Mon., Aug. 18, The Factory welcomes Clipse, Factory at The District, 17105 North Outer 40 Road Chesterfield, MO 63005. For more information, visit www.thefactorystl.com.

Thurs., Aug. 28, 8 p.m. The Muny Presents: Diana Ross & Jon Batiste, The Muny, 1 Theatre Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit https://muny.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Through Aug. 17, STLFringe Fest, Grand Center, Saint Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.stlfringe.org.

Thur., Aug. 14, 6 p.m. Movie Night: The Wiz, Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. For more information, visit www.stlsummernights.com.

Thur., Aug 28, 5 p.m. RAC’s 40th Birthday Bash, Midway West @ Union Station, 1820 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information,

STL Sites & Sounds

visit https://racstl.org.

Fri., Aug. 29-31, 8 a.m. Paint

Louis: The World’s Largest Graffiti Festival, The Mural Mile, 1000 South Wharf Street, St. Louis, MO, 63104. For more information https:// paintlouis.com.

Fri., Sept. 5, 3 p.m., Future Focus by TEDxStLouis Women, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL. For more information, visit btpac.vbotickets. com/event/Future_Focus_by_ TEDxStLouis_Women/164514

Thur., Sept. 11 (3 pm.) – Fri., Sept. 12 (12 noon), The Own Your Now Show presents OYN Wellness Experience. Moonrise Hotel/The Vue 17. For more information, visit www.tickettailor.com.

Sat., Sept. 13, 10 a.m., Galilee

M.B. Church in collaboration with The Witness Project of Greater St. Louis present a Community Health and Wellness Fair, Galilee Baptist Church, 4300 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108.

COMEDY

Thur., Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Luenell in The Original Bad Girl of Comedy, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Wed., Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m.

Special Event: Tee Sanders, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

Fri., Sep. 12, 7 p.m. DeRay

Davis: Live On Stage, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Sat., Aug. 16, 5 p.m. Outdoor

Concert: Tina Turner Tribute ft. Laka, Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. For more information, visit www.stlsummernights.com.

Sat., Aug. 30, 1 p.m. Jazz & Blues Festival, Central West End, Euclid Ave & Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https:// cwescene.com.

Thur., Sep. 21, 3 p.m. Starlight Concert Series featuring Adrianne Felton- King, Heman Park Miracle Playground, 7200, Olive Blvd, University City, MO 63130. For more information, visit www.ucitymo.org.

THEATRE

Through Aug. 14, 8:15 p.m.

The Muny presents La Cage aux Folles, The Muny, 1 Theatre Dr. St. Louis, MO 62112. For more information, https://muny. org.

Through Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. Saint Louis Zoo and St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents Romeo and Zooliet, Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://stlzoo. org.

Sat., Aug. 23, 8 p.m. YOU GOT SERVED STL, Warehouse West, 1397 Hamilton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

ART

Sat., Aug. 16, 11 a.m. Artist

Talk: Discover Cultural Heritage Through Textile Art with Moraa, KAC Studio - Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Through Aug. 30, A Quiet Composition, Saint Louis Artist’ Guild, 12 N Jackson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105. For more information, visit www. stlouisartistsguild.org.

Through Sept. 27, Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry & Afrofuturism, Kranzberg Arts Foundation, 501 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation.org/.

Music icon Diana Ross and Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste will grace The Muny stage for one night only to headline the 2025 season finale concert. See CONCERTS for more details.

Jeezy

Continued from C1

Noize Orchestra – which included orchestral musicians and a traditional live band – a time was had Friday night. And that time began before a single note was played or verse was rapped.

Drivers in both directions along Market Street slowed down when they came towards the venue to see what all the fuss was about. A few thousand hip hop lovers made their way in the building in tuxedos and evening gowns. It was as if they were attending an opera or a night at the symphony during “The Gilded Age” – except for the fact that nearly all the faces of these patrons were Black.

The moment demonstrated the evolution of hip hop – and hip hop lovers.

Oversized t-shirts, fitted snapbacks and freakum dresses worn during the era of the album’s release gave way to glamorously grown and sexy attire. Among the best in show were hair maven Tiffany J’s chartreuse jumpsuit, a stunning white wide-leg tuxedo with black trim worn by Dr. LaTonia Collins-Smith, a shape shifting floor-length black

Function

Continued from C1

a Montessori school in North St. Louis that focuses on S.T.E.A.M. education.

gown with black and white ombre fringe worn by Louise Thomas of Epiphany Boutique and the elegant all-black ensemble from Christopher Stevens Salon owner Steve Lacy.

The man of the hour also deserved a bestdressed nod for his impeccably tailored black tux with a red carnation on the lapel.

“We gonna sweat these tuxedos out, I promise you that [expletive],” Jeezy told the crowd. He kept his promise.

The show opened with the orchestra playing alongside a recording of the rugged, passionate baritone vocals of Teddy Pendergrass on the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes classic, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.”

A slideshow of photos from various periods in Jeezy’s career flashed across the screen before he emerged on stage to “Standing Ovation.” An actual standing ovation followed from the soldout crowd as he powered through tracks from his career-defining Def Jam debut.

“We got any day one’s in the building St. Louis?” Jeezy asked the crowd. They answered with an eruption. “We gon’ have some fun tonight,” he said He kept that promise, too.

The show wasn’t long, but it was a great jaunt down trap music’s memory lane by the artist who helped it kick the door in with respect to its footprint on popular culture. St. Louis had a hand in his global success thanks to the second single from

“The school is doing well at this point,” Jones said. “So, this is me branching out to create more activity for the community as a whole, but specifically that age group 25 to 50 years old.” The first iteration of The Function had different themes that were connected to musical genres and subgenres. So far they have had EDM, Hip Hop and R&B, and Afro Beats. “I think Afro beats has a really special place

in people’s hearts right now,” Jones said. “And the outfits people will come wearing to Afro beats night is all high fashion. I feel like I’m in New York.”

For more information and updates about The Function, including the upcoming winter installment, visit www.tfstl.com

“TM 101.” St. Louis-born Akon produced the track –and sang the hook. The crowd exploded again when Akon’s voice signified the beginning of the track, “Akon and Young Jeezy…time to take it easy…” They rapped every word of every verse and sang every lyric – as they did for most of the songs in the “TM 101” portion of the show. Jeezy could have put the microphone down and directed the audience like they were a choir – in the same manner that the conductor helmed the orchestra. “My Hood,” “Let’s Get It/Sky’s the Limit,” and “Gangsta

Music” were amongst the liveliest.

“St. Louis, I [expletive] wit y’all for real,” Jeezy told the crowd. “Do y’all know how many times I been to this [expletive]?”

About twenty years –and he’s played on stages from amphitheaters to East St. Louis nightclubs. Friday night showed how the artist, who now simply goes by Jeezy, and his audience have grown up. And did so without losing any grit.

A DJ break allowed Jeezy to change out of his sweaty tux. He reappeared on stage wearing a black t-shirt with the sleeves cut off. DJ Drama relieved the band and orchestra of their duties for the second half of the show, which featured some of his biggest hits from subsequent albums and features – including “Lose My Mind,” “Super freak,” and “Put On.”

“Y’all know I couldn’t leave St. Louis without giving y’all some [expletive] thug motivation, because that’s what the [expletive] I do,” Jeezy said as he bid the crowd farewell. “When y’all leave up outta here and look up at the stars, just know that the sky is the [expletive] limit.”

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American
Jeezy took St. Louis down trap music’s memory lane during the 20th anniversary of the ‘TM 101’ album on Friday, August 8 at Stifel Theatre.

Culture

Continued from C1

play through September 27 at The Gallery at The Kranzberg.

“This exhibition is a love letter to myself and my culture,” said Nyaribo, who also serves as the Kranzberg Arts Foundation Resident Artist.

“My take on Afrofuturism is the imagination of how traditions would have naturally evolved had they not been interrupted.”

In her native Kenya, colonization is propagandized as this wonderful institution that brought “civilization” to the continent where the concept originates. Those who fought against the British were demonized in her school’s history books.

“They were fighting for us to have independence,” Nyaribo said.

It wasn’t until she arrived in America for the first time– to attend the famed Savannah College of Art and Design in 2019 – that she realized how truly disconnected she was to the history of cultural richness in the country where she was born and raised.

“I was like, ‘Wait, hold up, I don’t even know who I am or who my people are,’” Nyaribo said.

She felt disconnected because she didn’t see things she could relate to as an African and as an artist, so she is trying to create those relatable experiences that provide a pathway back to the culture.

“Yes, I am a new artist, but hopefully I am a little dot in the sea of contributions to Black art and representation,” Nyaribo said.

“That’s really the basis of my practice – to talk about our traditions in a positive light.” Before obtaining her MFA in Fibers from

SCAD, Nyaribo was an established designer within the fashion industry in Kenya. She is a second generation designer. Her mother owned and operated a shop that made custom garments.

“I grew up in her store,” Nyaribo said. “We went there every day after school – which was not too far from the shop.”

She saw the creativity that took place on a daily basis. The careful selection of fabrics – with bold colors and patterns. The joy expressed by customers from the experience upon receiving the finished garments that began with mere sketches was another inspiration for Nyaribo to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

After earning an undergraduate degree in Textiles from the University of Nairobi, Nyaribo embarked on a career of her own coming to the United States to further her education within the field.

“The culture I grew up in, you never need an excuse to dress up,” Nyaribo said. “So, when I first came to America, no offense, I was a bit underwhelmed. Joggers were all people wore. People didn’t come out and wear their best fabric or have this elaborate sleeve or all this jewelry. I grew up seeing people do this every weekend – seeing people dress and accessorize like this for church or whatever function.”

“Beauty Lies Within,” Moraa Nyaribo, synthetic hair, clay, dressmaking pins 2024

She expanded beyond fashion design because she wasn’t able to fully communicate her creativity through fabric alone. She felt boxed in and wanted to explore additional mediums to express her deepened appreciation and newly established connection with her culture.

“Africa is the present and the future because it is timeless,” Nyaribo said. “You can’t deny the beauty that is in Africa, the cultural traditions that are in Africa or the spirit of Africa.”

She hopes that through the exhibition and the talk that she compels others to embrace African culture as a form of self-love.

“I want them to feel as if their Blackness is enough – in whatever form or in whatever way they choose to express themselves, their Blackness is good enough,” Nyaribo said. “I hope they know that they can take up space, be brilliant, be unapologetic – and just be.”

The gallery talk for Moraa Nyaribo’s Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry & Afrofuturism will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 16 at The Gallery at The Kranzberg, 501 North Grand Blvd. The exhibition will be on display through September 27. For more information, visit kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Spend Thursday nights at the museum

St. Louis holds a unique place in American drinking history—it’s the home of the very first documented cocktail party, hosted in 1917 by socialite Clara Walsh, setting a national trend that still shapes how we gather today. But the story doesn’t stop there. St. Louis also gave rise to a trailblazing figure in mixology history: Tom Bullock, the first Black author to publish a cocktail manual in the United States. His 1917 book “The Ideal Bartender” remains a foundational work in American bartending, blending craft, culture, and resilience. As one of the last cocktail manuals released before Prohibition (1920–1933), it offers a fascinating glimpse into cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks in the early 20th century.

For well over a decade, Bullock served up both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages to the delight of members of the prestigious St. Louis Country Club in Clayton. In September 1917, Bullock published “The Ideal Bartender.” The cover of the book features the club’s logo, and the introduction of the book was written by member George Herbert Walker, a St. Louisan who was the grandfather and great-grandfather of the 41st and 43rd presidents.

Some of Bullock’s alcoholic recipes include the Fog Horn–Country Club Style, a mix of citrus, gin, and ginger ale; the Blue Blazer, a whiskey cocktail that requires pewter or silver mugs since it’s served ablaze; and the Horse Thief cocktail, made with gin, absinthe, and vermouth.

Bullock also published his recipes for both a Kentucky-style Mint Julep and a St. Louis–style Overall Julep made with grenadine. Among the nonalcoholic offerings are the Black Cow (cream and sarsaparilla), the Samton cocktail (orange juice and ginger ale), and the Golfer’s Delight (featuring Bevo, a nonalcoholic malt beverage produced by Anheuser-Busch).

Bullock continued to live and work in St. Louis into the early 1920s, when his occupation changed from bartender to butler and laborer. Sometime in the mid-1920s, Bullock left St. Louis. There is some evidence that he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad and that he spent time in New York; however, there is virtually no information about his life from the late 1920s to his death in February 1964.

The Missouri Historical Society’s Library & Research Center at 225 S. Skinker Boulevard is one of only 10 libraries with an original copy of “The Ideal Bartender.” It can be requested by any visitor to the library.

On Thursday, August 14, step back in time and toast to this rich history with a night of live music, cocktail demonstrations, and quick sips of history at the Missouri History Museum. Christopher Gordon and Magdalene Linck of MHS will delve into the history of these historic milestones, Chillax Tap &

Co. will demonstrate the art of mixology, and Confluence Chamber Orchestra will perform a musical tribute to the historic cocktail party. A cash bar will offer a selection of beer, wine, popular mixed drinks, mocktails, and historic cocktails featured in The Ideal Bartender. Enjoy elevated small plates for purchase from Amighetti’s. Before the presentations begin at 6:30pm, join us to eat, drink, and be merry with fun activities including trivia, a museum-wide game of “Who am I?,” a 19th-century parlor memory game, and more! This Thursday Nights at the Museum event is open to all ages.

The following week, August 21, the Thursday Nights at the Museum theme is “The Power of Printing.” Discover stories about St. Louis people and moments that put the power of the printing press into action. Presenters include Marie Oberkirsch of Central Print; Chris Gordon; Jessica Payne of Osiyo Design and Engagement; Rod Hicks of the St. Louis American; and Mary Maxfield of Saint Louis University.

Due to the Diana Ross and Jon Batiste concert at the Muny on Thursday, August 28, that week’s Thursday Nights program will instead take place on Wednesday, August 27. Richard Claxton Gregory, better known as Dick Gregory, was an American comedian, an actor, a writer, an activist, a social critic, and a St. Louisan. At 6:30pm, come to the Lee Auditorium for a vibrant program beginning with a spoken word performance by Sumner High School graduate Steph’on Riggins before a conversation with Dick Gregory’s brother, son Ron Gregory and Yohance Maqubela to discuss the lasting impact this prominent Sumner High school alumnus had on St. Louis and the United States as a whole. The Thursday Nights at the Museum series is presented by WashU.

Portrait of Tom Bullock from The Ideal Bartender, 1917. Missouri Historical Society Collections.
Photo courtesy of Moraa Nyaribo

Music at the Intersection expands for year five

Additional main stage, robust conference programming on deck for MATI 2025

Music at the Intersection is expanding this year’s festival with a fourth main stage and a longer conference over multiple days as it marks its five-year milestone.

The festival, now known as MATI, announced the full schedule and festival map on Thursday, August 7.

Sophie’s Artist Lounge will host a main stage along with the Big Top, the Sovereign and the Field Stage. Main stage performances begin at 5 p.m. Sept. 12, 3 p.m. Sept. 13 and 2 p.m. Sept. 14.

Main stage headliners include three-time Grammy winning rapper Common with super producer Pete Rock, soul legend Patti LaBelle, New Orleans R&B singer-songwriter Lucky Daye, neosoul R&B singer-producer Leon Thomas, legendary hip-hop group De La Soul, and jazz great Branford Marsalis.

More than 100 artists will grace the 19 MATI stages and venues over the course of the festival.

The additional main stage is just the latest change to the annual festival. Organizers announced earlier this year that it would spread this year’s conference across the

weekend instead of just Friday like previous festivals. Conference panels, hosted at the .Zack, are aimed at helping local artists learn about the music industry, network with industry leaders and other artists and develop their craft.

“MATI stands for more than Music at the Intersection,” said Chris Hansen, Executive Director of Kranzberg Arts Foundation. “Especially for the conference portion of the weekend, programming and speakers are strategically centered around Music, Art, Thought and Innovation.

This year features new panel topics, heavyhitting keynotes, and the opportunity for attendees to interact directly with industry influencers.”

The conference portion of MATI, previously held on Friday, is now part of MATI Places and spread throughout the weekend, allowing attendees (musicians, entrepreneurs, creative professionals and more) to sprinkle learning, discovery - and freely exploring Midtown - into their music festival schedule. Conference programming is presented in collaboration with the Recording Academy and Evntiv.

Friday’s conference

MATI 2024 brought some of the

ly – to their mainstages, including soul icon Chaka

For year five, MATI will be bigger and better with 19 stages and an augmented conference portion and mainstage headliners that include Patti LaBelle, Common and Lucky

and more with more than 100 artists preparing to grace the stage Sept. 12-14.

panels include a focus on entrepreneurship, corporate building and social media and podcast strategy to promote music. Some sessions will be led by Arch Grants as well as former Carnival Cruise Line CEO Arnold Donald.

Saturday’s conference will include sessions on video content creation, the history of hip-hop and social activism as well as a session led by the Recording Academy on how to sustain success in the music industry.

“We’re providing

resources to artists while building capacity and attracting industry - all embedded within a fun weekend of world-class music,” Hansen said.

Local community groups including Poetry in Motion, Frizz Fest and Black Quilters Association will host events at various festival venues throughout the weekend. Artists arts’ collectives including Laz Jazz and S.L.U.M. Fest will curate arts events during the weekend. Locations include the High Low,

Hidden Gems, Scene, Strauss Park, Harris-Stowe Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, KAF Art Yard and Sophie’s Artist Lounge. Organizers also say this year’s event will prioritize tornado relief efforts with donation tents throughout the event and donate $10 from each pass sold to the North St. Louis community organization 4theVille.

“We wanted to directly impact one of the organizations on the ground that are doing the good work, helping their com-

munity before the tornado, through the tornado, and will be there on the ground with them in the future,” Kranzberg Arts Foundation Executive Director Chris Hansen said.

The festival is also designing benefit T-shirts honoring Tina Turner, with proceeds to benefit 4theVille.

For more information, to view the full schedule or to purchase tickets for MATI 2025, visit matistl. org.

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American
biggest names in music – locally, regionally, nationally and global-
Khan and Grammy winners The Black Pumas.
Daye

TECHNOLOGIES HAS OPENINGS IN ST. LOUIS

Town & Country, MO location. Send resume Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 1755 Des Peres Rd Town & Country MO 63131.

Attn: G. Simos.

FULL-TIME MARKETING STRATEGIST

Heritage Hardwood Floors Inc in Fenton, MO seeks full-time Marketing Strategist for online marketing for social media. Req Bachelor’s degree in any major. $45,302/ year. Mail resume to M. Evering, 1505 Oakglen Drive, Fenton, MO 63026.

Ascension Health – IS, Inc dba Ascension Technologies has openings in St. Louis, MO for: (1) Sr Data Engr (Ref#HP25) to design & implement active integration processes using diff ingestion methods, Bach in CS, CE, Data Science, or rel + 3 yrs exp in SW devpt/eng + demos exp. (2) SW Engr (Ref#SP25) to dev high quality cloud-native web apps using Javascript/Typescript in React. Bach in CS or rel + 1 yr exp in SW devpt + demos exp. (3) Sr SW Engr (Ref#BS25) to perform test automation across React web platforms multiple mobile platforms applying user design principles, Bach in CS, CE, Electronic Eng, or rel + 5 yrs exp as SW eng in QA/testing + demos exp. (4) SW Development Manager (Ref#JGN25) to serve as leader of a dev team & own creation & delivery of set of cloud-native enterprise apps in healthcare SW industry, Bach in eng, technology, CS or rel + 8 yrs exp in SW devpt + demos exp. (5) Java & Python Developer (Ref#IA25) to work w/ assigned customers/ areas to translate bus req’ts into app/sys solutions. Bach in CS, CE or rel + 6 months exp in SW devpt using Python & Java + demos exp. (6) Devpt Program Manager (Ref#HK25) resp for managing all aspects of assigned IT app dev projs. Bach in CS, CE, Electronic Eng, or rel + 8 yrs exp as a devlpr or comparable position in IT + demos exp. (7) Sr Director, Technology – Data Delivery (Ref#GS25) to lead data delivery & governance team. MS in CS, CE or rel + 5 yrs exp leading data & analytics projects & teams + demos exp. (8) Sr Cloud Director (Ref#PT25) resp for leading cloud transformation initiatives, defining architecture & delivering scalable, secure cloud-native solutions. Bach in CS, CIS, IT, Eng or rel + 10 yrs exp om IT incl 3 yrs in cloud tech & archit. & 3 yrs in leadership role + dem exp. All 100% remote positions, report to co HQ in St. Louis, MO. To learn/ apply, send resume to mostl-recruitment@ascension. org, incl Ref # in subject line. #LI-DNI

Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.

Clinical Laboratory TechnicianSiteman Cancer Center

Don’t miss this opportunity to join an international leader in cancer treatment, research, prevention, education and community outreach.

The Siteman Cancer Center is seeking an organized and motivated individual to join the Molecular Specimen Processing Group within the Tissue Procurement Core (TPC) shared resource laboratory. This position is responsible for a broad range of laboratory tasks needed to support cancer and other biomedical research studies. Duties include human tissue and fluid biospecimen processing to isolate nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), basic laboratory equipment use and maintenance, and support of general quality control functions needed for laboratory operations. A successful candidate will have experience working in a laboratory environment, strong clerical accuracy, exceptional organization and time-management skills, a solid understanding of basic computer applications, and should be motivated to join a fast-paced laboratory environment.

WashU is committed to providing you with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. You and your family have access to benefits and resources, such as health care coverage, employee wellness program, tuition assistance and help in establishing your financial future.

For the full job description and to apply, visit jobs. washu.edu, JR88827

seek

Great Rivers Greenway are soliciting bids for Mississippi Greenway: Kiener Plaza Implementation in St. Louis City, Missouri. Go to www. greatriversgreen way.org/bids/ submit by September 12, 2025.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hankins Construction Co. is requesting bids from MBE/ WBE/DBE Subcontractors and Suppliers for our proposal on the University of MissouriSt. Louis (UMSL) School of Engineering Stadler Hall Renovation. Diversity goals of 10% MBE, 10% WBE, and 3% SDVE are established. To access the bid documents, or if you have any questions, please email/call Nicole at Bids@HankinsMidwest. com/314-426-7030. Please submit bids to Bids@ HankinsMidwest.com by 10:00 AM on 8/28/2025. Hankins Construction Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hankins Construction Co. is requesting proposals for the St. Louis Housing Authority AI Chappelle Community Center. Bids are due on 8/26/2025 at 10:00AM. This project has diversity goals of 25% MBE and 5% WBE. To access the plans and specifications, or if you have any questions, please email/call Nicole at Bids@ HankinsMidwest.com/ 314-426-7030. Please submit bids to Bids@HankinsMidwest. com

NOTICE OF OPEN ENROLLMENT

BUILD YOUR FUTURE ENROLL NOW IN ABC’S 2025-2026 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS!

Are you ready to launch a hands-on, highdemand career in the construction industry?

Associated Builders and Contractors – Heart of America Chapter is now accepting applications for its Laborer, Pipefitting and Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs for the 2025–2026 school year. Classes are held at our Eastern Missouri Training Facility, and open enrollment is officially underway!

We’re looking for individuals who are: Dependable

• Hands-on learners

• Team players Eager for career growth

• Passionate about building their community

If this sounds like you, now is the time to apply! You must be 18 years or older, attend a scheduled orientation, and provide the following documents in person:

• Valid Driver’s License

• High School Diploma, GED Certificate, or Transcripts

• DD214 – Veteran Documentation (if applicable)

Visit www.abcksmo.org to learn more and fill out an interest form. Our team will contact you to schedule your orientation and help you take the first step toward an exciting and rewarding career.

We proudly encourage all individuals — including women, veterans, and minorities — to apply. Apprenticeship opportunities are offered without discrimination and all participating contractors are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Don’t just get a job. Build a future. Apply today with ABC – Heart of America Chapter!

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the 2024-2025 CDBG Accessible Ramp Improvements (2024PW-02) will be received by the City of Chesterfield Department of Public Works, 690 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017-0760, until 10:00 a.m. (prevailing central time) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud.

This activity is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect.

Plans and specifications for this project will be available after 12:00 noon on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 on the City of Chesterfield’s website: https://www. chesterfield.mo.us/726/Request-forBidsProposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS MO GREAT STREETS

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to develop a detailed vision and conceptual plan for the Route N Corridor Great Streets project in St. Charles County, MO. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on September 2, 2025. Submittal details and specifications can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the NFL Fund Subdivision Program Package 2 project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1909, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on September 10, 2025

Plans and specifications will be available on August 11, 2025 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscounty mo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Proposal for Elevator Services

Proposals will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM August 26, 2025 For specific project information, go to https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

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 Dome at The America’s Center is seeking bids from qualified companies to “Dryfall Paint” the ceiling of the Concourse level, approximately 150,000 sq. feet. Interested bidders must attend a pre-bid meeting and walk through which will be held at The Dome at Americas Center conference room on Wednesday August 20th at 10AM. Park off Broadway across from the park in front of The Broadway Central entrance. The facility reserves the right to reject any or all bids. EOE.

University of Missouri online bidding platform, e-builder, and in person at Missouri University of Science & Technology, Design and Construction Management, General Services Building, 1701 Spruce Dr., Rolla, MO 65409:

• 01.1 – Site Services

• 31.1A – Excavation & Site Utilities

• 31.1B – Earth Retention

• 32.1 – Temporary Irrigation

Additionally, River City Construction, LLC is pursuing the work categories below as a General Contractor and will be receiving bids from applicable subcontractors and suppliers on September 3rd, 2025, at 1:00PM. Bids should be submitted to the email addresses noted by each bid package below.

• 01.1 – Site Services (Justin Beaty, jbeaty@rccllc.com)

Bid documents can be obtained by visiting our website at: https://www.rccllc.com/smart-bid/.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis County Port Authority (“Port”) seeks proposals from qualified graphic designers, design firms, or creative firms to develop a new logo and accompanying brand guide. A copy of the full RFP is available at https:// stlpartnership.com/ rfp-rfq/. Submissions should be received no later than 3PM CT on Friday, September 5, 2025.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS REGIONAL

Transportation Economic Vitality Assessment

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to develop a Regional Transportation Economic Vitality Assessment. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on September 11, 2025. Submittal details and specifications can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org

SINGLE FEASIBLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT

for procurement of Rise Display LED Ticker Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) anticipates procuring the product listed above from Rise Display, Rise Display is the sole entity responsible for development, sales, and support of the LED Ticker products. The University is obtaining Rise Display LED Ticker products. The anticipated dollar amount of the product is $13,540.35.

The contact for the University is Corey Freeman, Senior University Buyer, email address: freemanc@ hssu.edu or telephone #: (314) 340-3325.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for George Washington Carver State Office Building, Rework Parking Lot and Sidewalks, Project No. O2426-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 8/26/25. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for St Louis Veterans Home-Interior Renovations, A Wing, Project No. U2307-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30PM, 8/26/25. Project information available at: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Pennsylvania Avenue Page to 180 project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1824, Federal Project No. STBG-9901(686) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymoven dors.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default. aspx, until 2:00 PM on September 10, 2025

Plans and specifications will be available on August 11, 2025 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlou iscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS COUNTY

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Snow Removal Services under the direction of the circuit court in the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Clyde S. Cahill Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101; and Juvenile Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108 and Juvenile Annex, 3847 Enright Avenue;

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roofs, Multiple Sites and Assets, St. Louis Region, St. Louis, Missouri Project No. O2513-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 9, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www.stlcity circuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals. Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on September 30, 2025.

Cote Brilliante Presbyterian: A symbol of hope and inspiration

Nearly three months after the May 16 tornado, the Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church congregation has found an unexpected new home in Ferguson, where Sunday services continue in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church — a move that was supposed to be temporary, but is now permanent.

“The church has moved out of necessity and availability,” said interim pastor Rev. Douglass Petty of the historical church.

Cote Brilliante Presbyterian — a historic Black church that has stood as a spiritual and community anchor in north St. Louis since 1956 — lost its original building, an 80-year-old structure already showing its age, after it was declared a total loss.

Within hours of the tornado, the Presbytery of GiddingsLovejoy, which oversees the church, offered space at First Presbyterian of Ferguson. By that Sunday, just two days later, the congregation had resumed worship, even as they mourned their historic sanctuary. What began as a stopgap has since become a symbol of resilience and rebirth. Petty says parishioners have mixed emotions about the move, but as a whole, they are excited about the journey.

“Considering the cost associated with things, such as asbes-

tos and lead remediation, excavation, engineering and architectural costs, just to name a few, makes it cost-prohibitive to consider rebuilding,” Rev. Petty said. “The insurance proceeds are insufficient to accommodate the previously described needs and build a new edifice.”

In the days following after the storm, help began to arrive — not just in supplies, but in solidarity. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance issued a small grant to Cote Brilliante to help meet the immediate needs of both its congregation and the surrounding community, as church elders continue to discern the path forward.

A damage assessment team was also deployed to the region, offering guidance and support. The organization has extended aid across multiple states impacted by the same powerful weather system, reaching at least three presbyteries: Giddings-Lovejoy in St. Louis, Transylvania in Kentucky and one covering Middle Tennessee.

The interim pastor has been serving at the Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church since October 2024. He said leading his congregation, especially during these times, has been an honor.

“Personally, I don’t view this experience as difficult — I see it as an opportunity for growth,” Rev. Petty said.

As Cote Brilliante remains in transition, Petty’s focus has been guiding his congregation through uncertainty while continuing to support the church’s existing ministries. “The proudest moment is still unfolding,” he said, “and that’s being able to consistently model Christ-like behavior in the face of adversity.”

The physical building is gone, but the mission and spirit of Christ remain in the community. The empty lot on Labadie Avenue still serves a purpose — in partnership with North Star Community Partners, the church has turned its former parking lot into a relief hub, distributing food, water, diapers and other essentials to neighbors still

recovering from the storm. The church’s legacy extends far beyond its Sunday services.

For decades, Cote Brilliante served as a hub for community empowerment, giving rise to several nonprofit organizations that worked to expand affordable housing on nearby properties the church acquired over the years. It also helped beautify the neighborhood by creating a community garden on Labadie Avenue — a symbol of growth and care that mirrored the church’s mission. The impact of the church endures through the ongoing efforts of its congregation and neighbors.

“Under the leadership of Dr. William Gillespie for 50 plus years, Cote Brilliante became a

symbol of hope and inspiration for people in the region and beyond,” the interim pastor said. “Those who have followed in the pastorate have sought to uphold his legacy. I am honored because he was a mentor to me personally.”

The Church’s Roots in St. Louis

Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church has deep roots in north St. Louis. Organized by the St. Louis Presbytery in 1885, the congregation built its first church nine years later. Originally a fast-growing, all-white church, its membership began to decline in the late 1940s as legal segregation ended and Black families began moving into the neighborhood.

A pivotal moment came in 1945, just one block from the church, when J.D. and Ethel Shelley, a Black couple, purchased a home that was under a racially restrictive covenant. The seller, a white man named Louis Kraemer, sued to keep the Shelleys out, and won. The case ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which, in 1948, ruled that racially restrictive covenants were unenforceable.

The landmark civil rights decision not only reshaped housing rights nationwide but also deeply impacted the racial makeup of the neighborhood — and the future of Cote Brilliante.

As white flight accelerated, the once-thriving church was left with few members. Rather than adapting to minister to the changing community, the church leadership allowed the congregation to dwindle. Eventually, the building stood empty. That changed in 1957, when the Presbytery appointed the Rev. William Gillespie to lead a new chapter — one built by and for the Black families who now called the neighborhood home.

Leadership That Breathes Life: How You Lead Matters More Than What You Achieve

What if the true measure of leadership isn’t what you accomplish — but what others accomplish because of you?

Recently, someone stunned me: “Orvin, you always talk about knowing your audience of significance. For me, that audience is you. My goal is to do what you’ve assigned me to do.” I felt the weight of that statement. The responsibility. A reminder that people aren’t just following our direction — they’re aligning their energy, their hope, even their identity with our leadership.

Something clicked: Every meaningful success I’ve had has come through helping someone else win.

Success Comes Through Service

When I’ve been compassionate, present, and engaged in someone else’s journey, my own has expanded in ways I couldn’t have orchestrated. And if you’re in leadership you know this: Helping people grow isn’t a side mission. It is the mission.

The temptation is to lead with pressure, to push people toward productivity.

But if we’re not careful, we’ll win shortterm battles while silently tearing away the trust that makes long-term victory possible.

The Moments That Expose the Truth I’ll never forget watching a young leader walk past a janitor like he didn’t exist — then light up with charm when a VP walked in. That kind of inconsistency eventually shows. People remember how you made them feel when you thought no one was watching. That message hit even harder during a company gathering. A member of our maintenance team quietly said to me: “This is the most I’ve ever engaged with the executives — in all my years at the Bank.” The system I was part of had allowed that kind of separation to go unaddressed for far too long. And I was accountable to change it.

Influence Without Authority:

The True Test Leadership is easy when you’ve got a

title. But real leadership shows up when you don’t. The best leaders influence when they’re not in charge. Some lead through fear. Others through faith.

Fear-based leadership extracts life. It creates silence, not trust. Compliance, not creativity. People walk on eggshells, doubt your praise, retreat. But faithbased leadership inspires. It gives people room to grow. It believes that transformation is possible — even when performance is messy.

Words Are Your Legacy in Motion

Here are three things I learned the hard way:

1. What you say matters. Are your words a mirror or a magnifier?

Do they build people up or chip away at their confidence?

2. How you say it matters. You can challenge someone without crushing them. You can correct without shame. Are you teaching or tearing?

3. When you say it matters. Not every thought deserves airtime. Timing can turn truth into wisdom — or into a weapon.

Next-Level Leadership Requires Soul Work

Too many people rise through the ranks by hitting metrics, but stay stuck in mid-level leadership because they never do the inner work. To truly lead — to shape systems, steward culture, and leave something lasting — you need self-awareness, emotional intelligence, patience, presence, and the unshakable belief that your gifts were given through you, not just for you.

I believe all gifts flow from God — and they are meant to be used to uplift, serve, and ignite purpose in others. The real work of leadership is not in performance reviews or quarterly goals. It’s in the moments where you breathe life instead of extracting it. Where you lift people — even when no one’s watching.

One Final Question

Think about your last difficult conversation. Did your words build trust or raise doubt? Did your tone invite growth or instill fear?

If you want to lead at the next level, you can’t just drive outcomes. You have to steward hearts. And that starts with what you say, how you say it, and when you choose to speak at all.

Let’s rise with purpose. Let’s lead with life.

ORVIN T. KIMBROUGH Chairman and CEO, Midwest BankCentre Author, Twice Over a Man
The Next MOVE
Photo by Andrea Y. Henderson/ St. Louis Public Radio
Pastor Douglass Petty delivers a message on June 1, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Ferguson.

INSIDE:

Get back-to-school ready with free or low-cost health care

(StatePoint) It’s back to school time and there is so much for families to do to get ready for the school year ahead, from getting school supplies to signing up for after school programs. Making sure kids have health care needs covered should be a part of those preparations.

Free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help children be prepared for the school year. When enrolled, kids up to age 19 have access to a comprehensive range of health services, including well-child and sick visits, emergency visits, dental and vision care, behavioral health care and more.

If a kid needs a physical for afterschool activities, it’s covered. If a child has a fever, the doctor’s visit and prescriptions to get them back to school are covered. If a child has an accident, the emergency care they need to get back on their feet is covered.

When kids have health insurance, they are less likely to miss school due to sick days, less likely to be distracted by pain or vision problems, and more likely to be able to focus on learning. This leads to more participation in the classroom and a better chance of finishing high school.

Medicaid and CHIP support students

Whether a child is learning their ABCs or getting ready to earn their high school diploma, access to health care services at any stage of schooling keeps them healthy. Having health insurance can help connect families with a consistent health care provider, which means having a doctor or practice to call for preventive treatment, annual physicals or sick visits. It can also reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 37 million children and teens across the United States.

The ABCs of getting insured with Medicaid and CHIP

Enrollment is open year-round, meaning families don’t have to wait for a

special time of the year to get covered. Medicaid and CHIP eligibility varies by state, depending on family income and household size. In most states, children up to age 19 with a family income of up to $80,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify. Families can apply online, over the phone, by mail, or in-person with their state’s

Medicaid office or visit the “Find Coverage for Your Family” section on InsureKidsNow.gov. Coverage must be renewed each year, and it’s important for families to make sure their address, email, and phone number stay up to date with their state Medicaid office so they can receive communications about important renewal information. For

call

Communities can work together to make sure children get the health care they need to succeed this school year.

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri launch AdvanceHER Leadership Program

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is taking bold strides to prepare the next generation of leaders with the launch of its new AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program. Unveiled in 2024, the initiative represents a transformative approach to leadership development—one that combines academic enrichment, social support, and real-world skill-building to ensure girls are equipped to succeed in college, careers and beyond.

With a clear focus on post-secondary success, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is actively forging partnerships with higher education and technical institutions. These collaborations will provide Girl Scouts and their families with vital resources for college planning, financial aid guidance and career exploration.

Current college partners for the program include Missouri State University, Saint Louis University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, St. Louis Community College and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

At the heart of AdvanceHER™ is a holistic model that prioritizes socio-emotional well-being alongside academic and professional development. Through hands-on workshops, college tours, mentorship and immersive learning experiences, participants build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.

“The historic launch of the AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program signifies our deliberate effort to elim-

inate barriers that can impede programs for all girls interested in seeking a post-secondary degree,” said Dr. Natissia Small, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO. “Our unwavering commitment to cultivating future leaders, both today and tomorrow, remains strong.”

The initiative reflects the organization’s enduring commitment to developing changemakers, innovators and community leaders. By investing in girls today, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is shaping the future of tomorrow.

The AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program is open to all Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri members.. To join Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri this fall, visit girlscoutsem.org/join. At Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, we believe every

girl deserves the chance to explore her potential, try new things and be part of a strong, supportive community—no matter her circumstances. We’re committed to making the full Girl Scout experience accessible to all families, and offer support for membership, programs, uniforms and camp. We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and all requests for assistance are handled with care, respect and complete confidentiality. No matter the need, we’re here to ensure every girl can shine.

To learn more about the AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program, scholarship opportunities, and a growing list of college partners, visit girlscoutsem.org/advanceher

Trend report: Back to school

(StatePoint) Sharpen those pencils and pack those book bags, back-to-school season is upon us. Before the first day, study up on this shoe style study guide for the hottest looks to hit the hallway this year.

1. Mocha Mousse: Earthy hues just became the next big thing. This sumptuously soft look feels like a well-deserved treat from PUMA, adidas and Nike.

2. Y2K 2.0: Take a course in Just Do It-osophy with the Nike V5 to truly embrace the early 2000s distinctive chunky silhouettes and an innovative mix of materials.

3. Color Theory: Look to adidas to find every 3-stripe in the rainbow. Let

your toddlers, teens and in-betweens play with every crayon in their box to help them stand out this year.

4. Classic Culture Studies: New Balance has earned its place as the home for truly classic styles over decades and across generations.

Find the perfect pair for everyone by visiting rackroomshoes.com. For one-stop shopping, visit Rack Room Shoes in your area for more fun and exclusive accessories only available in-store.

Heading back to classes is a fresh start, and the right shoes can help students of all ages confidently step into the new school year with comfort and style.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Preparing to head back to the classroom includes immunizations

(StatePoint) Young people ages 7 to 18 are busy checking off their backto-school or college lists. Visiting their pediatrician or family doctor to get up to date on immunizations should be part of that list. Immunizations will prepare their immune systems to recognize and resist viruses that spread quickly once classes begin. These are viruses that can lead to health issues like infertility, muscle paralysis, brain damage, blindness, deafness and cancer.

The recommended immunization schedule approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific data and relies on two main factors: when the vaccine works best with your child’s immune system, and when they need protection most.

“Seeing your pediatrician to catch up on vaccinations helps keep classmates, teachers and others in the school community healthy, too.” says Rebekah Fenton, MD, FAAP, an adolescent medicine physician at a community health center in Chicago.

The AAP is sharing this information about recommended vaccines and the diseases they prevent:

Meningococcal Disease

At 11 or 12, your pre-teen should get their first dose of meningococcal vaccine to protect against meningococcal disease, a fast-acting disease that is life-threatening if not caught and treated within a few hours. Caused by bacteria that can infect the bloodstream, brain and spinal cord, anyone can get meningococcal disease. Among young people, it’s most common in babies and 16 to 20-year-olds. Infections are spread through close contact like coughing or kissing and lengthy contact in spaces like college dorms.

Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine protects against four bacterial strains, labeled A, C, W and Y. Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine protects against another bacterial strain and is recommended for kids with cer-

tain chronic health conditions that make them more vulnerable or anyone 16-18 whose pediatrician recommends it.

Meningococcal ABCWY (MenABCWY) combines protection from MenACWY and MenB. If both vaccines are recommended at the same visit, it can be used instead of separate injections.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis

At 11 or 12, pediatricians give the Tdap booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). It’s a slightly different version of a vaccine your child received as a baby

(DTaP), with lower doses of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines. After this, they’ll need additional boosters every 10 years.

Tetanus is caused by exposure to naturally occurring bacteria in soil or dust through a break in the skin. Tetanus produces a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions. Also known as lockjaw, it can cause neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow.

Diphtheria causes serious throat infection, breathing problems and heart failure. The vaccine is a lifesaver. Before it existed, diphtheria killed 1 of every 5 kids

infected.

Pertussis can cause a cough that won’t go away and sometimes vomiting or trouble breathing. The protection your teen got from their childhood vaccine starts to wear off around age 11, making the booster essential. Teens can easily spread the disease, including to infants, who are at even more risk.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The HPV vaccine prevents genital warts and works well to protect against

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Immunizations

Continued from D5

strains of the virus that cause more than 90% of six types of cancer, including cervical cancer, penile and anal cancers, and cancers of the mouth and throat. Vaccinating kids ages 9-12 allows them to build strong immunity against the virus before exposure. If they don’t get the first dose until age 15, they’ll need three doses.

Influenza

The flu is unpredictable and there is no way to know if your child will have mild illness and miss just a few days of school or if they will get seriously ill and need hospital care. But be wary. U.S. flu deaths in children broke records during the 2024-25 season, with at least 216 deaths. The AAP recommends flu shots annually for everyone 6 months and older to prevent severe illness.

COVID-19

Millions globally, including teenagers and

children, have received the COVID-19 vaccine. If your child has never had this vaccine, their immune system won’t be ready to recognize and resist the virus that can lead to long-term problems associated with COVID.

Behind on Other Vaccines?

Delaying vaccines leaves your child vulnerable to preventable diseases. The AAP vaccine schedule is designed to prepare their body to resist contagious diseases as early and fully as possible. This keeps them healthy and active, instead of missing out while they’re sick.

Learn more about vaccines at www. HealthyChildren.org and catch up on those your child missed. Most vaccines can be given at the same time as others.

“Kids and teen’s bodies can handle multiple vaccines in a short time because their immune system is in constant learning mode. Vaccines help kids stay healthy by keeping them ahead of serious, preventable diseases,” says Dr. Fenton.

Things doctors wish families knew this back-to-school season

(StatePoint) As you prepare children to return to the classroom this fall, the American Medical Association (AMA) has seven tips to help your family have a healthy school year.

“As you purchase school supplies and prepare the students in your family for academic success, you can take concrete steps that prioritize physical and mental health, too,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “A healthy start can set the tone for a strong, successful year ahead.”

n Consuming ultra-processed foods regularly increases the risk of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

1. Ultra-processed foods are associated with health risks. Many busy families rely on ultra-processed foods due to their convenience. However, consuming these foods regularly increases the risk of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Read nutrition labels carefully with attention to sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, shop the perimeter of the grocery store where fresh, whole foods tend to be located, and prepare meals that prioritize whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, for growing children and adults.

2. Eating disorders are misunderstood. This silent epidemic affects people of all ages and backgrounds, striking at the core of their physical and mental well-being. Despite its widespread impact, the gravity of eating disorders often remains private, leaving many to battle the condition silently. If you believe your child or teenager has an eating disorder, their physician can direct you to helpful resources.

3. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations help protect you and your family against severe disease and disability, and save millions of lives each year. Check with your physician during the back-to-school season to

ensure everyone in the family is up to date on vaccinations. When respiratory virus season starts later in the fall, get up to date on the influenza vaccine to help reduce time away from school or work.

4. Norovirus is very contagious, but preventable. It seems everyone has experienced the sudden turn of the stomach, causing a mad rush to the bathroom

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Protecting kids’ mental health this school year

(StatePoint) From schoolwork and homework to friendships and extracurriculars to potentially dealing with difficult situations like bullying, there is a lot for kids to navigate during the school year. Fortunately, efforts are being made to provide tools that help protect kids’ mental health—and parents and teachers can be proactive about getting involved.

Preventing bullying

Bullying is a direct cause of mental health issues and can be one of the major stressors kids face both at school and after hours due to the rise in cyberbullying. It’s important that children treat each other with compassion, as unkind words and actions can have devastating effects on the long-term wellbeing of classmates. Celebrating 10 years, Pilot Pen’s “Erase Bullying for Good” initiative helps students, parents and teachers understand and stop bullying. Sales from Pilot’s FriXion Clicker erasable gel pens support STOMP Out Bullying, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to this issue. In fact, Pilot’s contributions to anti-bullying organizations between 2015-2025 will equal over $650,000, helping fund a variety of initiatives that are making communities a safer place for students.

The campaign recommends these tips to help erase bullying before it starts at your child’s school:

• Advocate for the adoption of bullying prevention programs. This might include special teacher and faculty training, peer mentoring and “Bullying Boxes,” where students can file anonymous reports of bullying.

• Institute wellness rooms, which are safe spaces where students experiencing distress can retreat and relax.

• Ensure your school actively celebrates both diversity and differences, and that all students are respected and valued. Establish programs that teach empathy, tolerance, kindness, acceptance and conflict resolution.

• Ask your school to establish internet use guidelines to educate students and help stop after-hours cyberbullying.

• Teach kids about the difference between being a bystander – someone who watches bullying happen – and being an upstander – someone who intervenes when bullying is taking place. Encourage them to be an upstander when it feels safe to do so and to report bullying when they witness it.

If you’re experiencing bullying, or if you have a friend, child or student who

is, lean on resources designed to help. Pilot’s “Erase Bullying for Good” campaign and STOMP Out Bullying provide tools to help you react effectively to bullying when it happens and learn what to do next. To access these resources, visit powertothepen.com/erase-bullying.

Navigating emotions

It’s easy for students to get overwhelmed by the demands of their classes. Be sure that kids have the time and space outside of schoolwork to have fun, cultivate friendships and practice self-care. Encourage hobbies like exercise, meditation, team sports and outlets for their

creative expression like journaling, drawing and music. These activities can help kids build self-confidence and manage relationships; skills they need to be resilient in the face of stressful situations.

Parents can help by establishing open lines of communication and equipping kids with tools that can encourage them to express themselves more freely and help eliminate some homework-related frustration.

Cultivating kindness and compassion in communities and giving kids the tools they need to build their self-confidence helps protect students’ mental health and helps ensure everyone has a safe, healthy and successful school year.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Doctors

Continued from D7

due to vomiting, diarrhea or both. And, unfortunately, remaining near the bathroom may be the only plan for the next day or two. The most likely culprit is norovirus, and it can happen to anyone. When buying school supplies, stock up on cleaning supplies as well so you can keep frequently touched surfaces sanitized. Model good hand-washing habits for your children. Keep children with norovirus symptoms home from school for at least 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop to help prevent the spread of the virus.

5. Too much screen time is bad for health. People are on their devices more than ever before. But too much screen time can have negative mental and physical health effects and increase feelings of loneliness. The start of a new school

year is a good time to replace screen time with other activities, such as after school clubs and sports, playdates, quality family time and sleep.

6. Eye health is essential. Don’t take eye health for granted. Fall is a good time for an ophthalmologist checkup. If your tween or teen wears contacts, be sure that they wash their lenses and lens case and take their lenses off at night. Frequent computer breaks, wearing sunglasses and a healthy diet can also promote good eye health.

7. Sleep is important for overall health. From school stress to illnesses, many factors can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Instituting a consistent sleep routine for the entire family is a good start. For teens, 8-10 hours of sleep is recommended, and children aged 6-12 should be getting 9-12 hours of sleep. Consider consulting a physician for persistent sleep issues to determine whether they’re caused by a sleep disorder and to get help.

From suitcase to styled space

Your 48-hour college apartment guide

(StatePoint) College move-in weekend hits fast. Once the cars are unpacked and family and friends bid farewell, the first few hours in your new white-walled place can feel weird. But this is an exciting opportunity to make it yours. This go-to guide provides a flexible framework for styling on- and off-campus dwellings quickly, so you can go from unpacked to unreal by the end of the weekend. The best part: no tools are required.

Hours 0-8: Envision your new home

Unpack the basics that will make your dorm or apartment instantly livable— think bedding, toiletries, chargers and snacks (non-negotiable). Then, map out key areas, like the entryway, bedroom and workspace, and imagine how you want them to look.

“Prioritize the parts that make the biggest impact first,” says Natalie Guillaume, director of product marketing at FrogTape brand, which makes removable mounting products and other easy décor solutions. “Don’t stress out about perfection—focus on comfort, functionality and your personal style. Using transformable mounting solutions and removable décor can make it all happen.”

Hours 8-24: Decorate and organize with zero tools

Maximize every inch of your space with new FrogTape reMOVEables, an array of temporary, damage-free hooks, strips and picture-hanging solutions that are offered in a variety of sizes, colors and finishes. Designed to hold up to 3 pounds, the FrogTape reMOVEables Heavy-Duty Medium White Hook is perfect for hanging keys, bags, towels and even bulkier items like cutting boards, to add immediate utility to cramped areas. While the hooks help keep essentials in one place, the picture-hanging strips promise function and personality. Mount a mirror on the back of a door or wall to make the room feel larger or make a styl-

ish gallery wall that’s easy to rearrange and update. Try displaying family photos, vision boards and neon wall signs in a fun grid or shape, like a heart.

Hours 25-36: Make a Statement (Wall)

Create a colorful focal point in the living area or your bedroom to draw the eye and add depth. Whether used as removable wallpaper or for a DIY resurfacing project, Duck Brand EasyLiner

& Stick Décor Premium Removable

Adhesive will transform a space for a small price. Simply cut to the desired length, peel the backing paper from the laminate and smooth across the desired surface, like a wall, headboard or side table, by hand. Try the sea glass for an energetic vibe or the white beadboard pattern for a calm, earthy environment.

Hours 37–48: Set the mood

Give a final personal touch by layering

in cozy textures. Drape soft string lighting from the ceiling, cover the floor with a plush rug, hang curtains using removable tension rods and add oversized pillows to the backs of chairs and couches for a room that invites you to relax.

With your move-in checklist complete, you’ve turned a blank box into a polished and personal home that has switchable style for a smoother start to the semester.

Peel
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How to borrow for college without the stress

(StatePoint) A student loan can be a valuable tool to help you earn your degree – and with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

“Smart borrowing starts with knowing the basics. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel,” says Dan Kennedy, chief marketing officer, College Ave. “Our research finds that while a majority of students are focused on money management, they could use a little more information about how borrowing works.”

To help ensure your student loan helps pave the way for your future success, not a future headache, Kennedy recommends avoiding these common borrowing mistakes:

Skipping federal student loans: Before taking out a private student loan, exhaust your other options first. Free money you don’t have to pay back is always preferable to a loan, so look into scholarships. You should also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock federal student aid, including grants, scholarships and federal student loans. Getting your Federal Direct student loans from the government will often beat private loans in terms of interest rates and repayment options. Plus, if you go into a qualifying field, the government may even grant you student loan forgiveness.

Borrowing too much: Borrow only what you need to pay for schooling and basic living expenses. This will help eliminate the temptation to use the money on items that are not an investment in your future. You should also avoid borrowing more than you can comfortably repay based on your expected future income. A College Ave March 2025 student survey found that 67% of those who expected to have student loan debt post-graduation didn’t know or were unsure of how much their monthly payments would be. Before taking out a loan, use CollegeAve.com’s student loan calculator to get a sense of its overall cost and monthly loan payments.

Not shopping around: If you do end up taking out a private student loan, it’s important to pay attention to lenders’ interest rates and repayment options. Unlike federal loans, which have fixed interest rates for all borrowers, private student loan interest rates vary from lender to lender. And because your repayment plan can impact your monthly payment and overall cost, it’s key to choose one that fits your budget. Whatever loan you do go with, understand its terms, so there are no surprises down the line.

Not having a cosigner, if needed: As a college student, you likely don’t have an established credit history or sufficient income and may not get approved for a private loan on your own. Consider improving your chances of getting approved and securing a lower interest rate by adding a cosigner, like a parent, to your loan application.

Not having a repayment strategy:

The College Ave survey found that 76% of students say that they confidently pay

their bills on time each month and 63% are working toward personal financial goals. Carry these healthy financial habits with you to the repayment stage of your loan. Having a plan for repayment can make a big difference down the road. Think about when you’ll start making payments and how much you can afford each month. The more prepared you are, the less stressful it’ll be when it’s time to pay it back.

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