August 3rd, 2017 Edition

‘Bowing down is not an option’

Rev. William Barber II, paster of Greenleaf Christion Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina, was the keynote speaker of the Gospel Brunch and Family Session on Saturday, July 29.

Rev. Barber preaches against the politics of oppression at Urban League national conference

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

As the keynote speaker of the One Movement Gospel Brunch and Family Session Saturday, July 29, one of the final events of the 107th National Urban League Annual Conference in St. Louis, Rev. William Barber II tied scripture to the current political climate of America – and the importance of doing the work for equality, justice and helping the poor. “The story of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and

Nebuchadnezzar provides us some lessons from the past that inform us in the present,” said the civil rights leader, who is pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina, North Carolina NAACP president and creator of the Moral Mondays Movement. Using the third chapter of the book of Daniel, he drew parallels between Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and the rise of Donald Trump. “Nebuchadnezzar was a narcissistic egomaniac who loved

See BARBER, A6

Back to school with the Urban League

The National Urban League and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis held a Back to School & Community Empowerment Festival on Saturday, July 29 as part of the National Urban League’s 2017 Annual Conference, held July 26-29 in St. Louis.

National Urban League convenes Ferguson forum

New light shed on Rev. Traci Blackmon, Captain Ron Johnson and early protests

By Chris King

Of The St. Louis American The National Urban League’s forum on Ferguson at its 2017 Annual Conference in St. Louis did not feature the voice of a young protestor, but it did feature major players from the Ferguson unrest – and even provided new light on the relationship between two of them.

Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor of Christ the King United Church in Christ, rose to national prominence during Ferguson for her support of front-line protestors. She was later appointed to the Ferguson Commission by Gov. Jay Nixon and then rose to a national leadership position within her denomination. Captain Ron Johnson became an international household name when he became the face of the Unified Command

n “It’s not a point in time, it’s a directional thing. We need to keep it going.”

– Michael Neidorff, president and chairman of Centene and board chair of the National Urban League

after Nixon took control of Ferguson protests away from the St. Louis County Police. Johnson marched alongside protestors when

See FERGUSON, A6

Jason Stockley murder trial underway

Videos of Stockley killing Anthony Smith ‘don’t lie’ – but what do they say?

By Sophie Hurwitz

For The St. Louis American

“The videos don’t lie” was a phrase repeated by the prosecutor, a witness and even the defense attorney during the first day of the Jason Stockley murder trial on Tuesday, August 1. That videos of Stockley killing 24-year-old Anthony Lamar Smith exist and are truthful seemed mostly agreed-upon. Exactly what those videos mean, though, is fiercely contested.

Stockley, a white man who was then a St. Louis police officer, is accused of firstdegree murder in the 2011 killing of Smith, a black St. Louis resident.

On Tuesday the courtroom was packed with observers –activists, cops, clergy, family members. The jury box, however, was empty: Stockley waived his right to a jury trial. St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson carries full responsibility for his fate.

Just after noon on December 20, 2011, Stockley and his partner, Officer Brian Bianchi, were on patrol near West Florissant Boulevard when they saw a man engaged in what they believed to be a hand-to-hand drug deal in the parking lot of a Church’s Chicken at Riverview and Thekla. They pulled into the parking lot to investigate.

The man, Smith, got in his car and pulled out of the parking lot, hitting the police car in the process. The two officers gave pursuit, and “Stockley fired seven shots into the fleeing vehicle,” according to a lawyer for the prosecution. He used a personal weapon, an

See STOCKLEY, A7

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Jason Stockley

Bobby Valentino claims he is being extorted by Transwoman escort

Over the weekend, R&B singer Bobby Valentino was exposed by a transwoman sex worker, who claims she has video footage of Valentino, and that he ran out without paying for services rendered.

Valentino’s camp told TMZ he is being extorted.

“Bobby’s reps said the R&B singer vehemently denies the person he hooked up with over the weekend was a prostitute, says he’s now being extorted after the person filming him realized who he was,” TMZ said. “The rep went on to say, ‘Misrepresentation and deception were maliciously used to target Valentino; during the encounter, Valentino was victimized and threatened by acts of extortion

which continued after his departure was captured on video.”

Valentino’s rep also said he’s reported the extortion attempt to law enforcement and that he had no idea that the woman was transgender.

R. Kelly cutting concert dates

R. Kelly has chopped nearly half of the 10 shows that were a part of his “After Party Tour.” Sources told TMZ that the dates were shut down due to poor ticket sales, but his camp says scheduling issues are to blame.

The nixed shows come after R. Kelly is said to have performed at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach on Friday to a barely half-full venue.

He tweeted afterwards: “VIRGINIA

BEACH showed love last night. Grateful 4 all my fans supportin & lovin’ on ya boy for 30yrs. BALTIMORE...time 2 turn up! See U soon. (sic) I love you all. On to the next one.”

Meanwhile, R. Kelly’s booking agent has distanced himself from the singer. When Billboard Magazine reached out to R. Kelly’s booking agent for more information about the tour, he would not confirm that he is still working with Kelly and referred all questions to R. Kelly’s lawyer.

Lil Duval stands by transphobic remarks

Friday on “The Breakfast Club” morning show, comedian Lil Duval admitted he would kill a transgender woman if she didn’t tell him they were transgender before they engaged in sex. On Sunday, transgender activists crashed The Breakfast Club host CharlamagneTha God’s symposium at Politicon. Meanwhile, Lil Duval is standing by his remarks.

“I’m trying to figure out do y’all see why did I say what I said? I said that because they were saying, taking away someone’s power of choice, and that’s what you did,” the comedian and actor told TMZ. “When you take away somebody’s power of choice, it should be criminal – and you don’t know what that can do to somebody psychologically. I don’t got no problem with transgender, I ain’t got no problem with gay people. I got a problem with somebody trying to take something from me.”

Boosie’s brother busted for skimming cash

Over the weekend, it was revealed that Baton Rouge rapper Boosie’s brother, Taquari Hatch, had been arrested for identity theft and fraud charges after investigators traced $361k in wire transfers from Boosie’s Capital One bank account back to Hatch. Hatch has denied the charges, claiming the truth will come out. Boosie took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the matter.

“I don’t have too much to say about the situation but ‘trust nobody.’ Money is the ruler of all evil,” Boosie said. “This (sic) some real [expletive] up [expletive]. Hopefully since the arrest has been made I can finally get my money and move forward. He and his family are no longer a part of our family at all. I appreciate those who put me in they (sic) prayers when they found out what happen to my money.”

Sources: TMZ.com, Instagram.com, Billboard. com, Celebuzz.com

LUNCHBOXES LAPTOP

Bobby Valentino

Lil Duval

County law confuses protest with riot, according to legal brief

By Sophie Hurwitz

For The St. Louis American

On July 19, the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center of St. Louis, along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, filed an Amici Curiae brief in the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, urging the court to invalidate St. Louis County’s “Interfering with an Officer” law.

The brief was submitted on behalf of audiologist Koach Baruch Frazier and faith leader Melissa Bennett, who were arrested during a Black Lives Matter protest outside of the Ferguson Police station in 2014. It argues that Section 701.110 of the St. Louis County Ordinances, under which the two protesters were arrested, violates two fundamental constitutional principles.

“It both fails to provide notice of what activity is against the law and works to criminalize constitutionally protected free speech,” according to a MacArthur Justice Center statement.

Section 701.110 reads, “It is unlawful for any person to interfere in any manner with a police officer or other employee of the County in the performance of his official duties or to obstruct him in any manner whatsoever while

performing any duty.”

The brief argues that the Court of Appeals should strike down this law, because of its vagueness and its ability to be used as a rationale for arresting people who are not doing anything illegal.

The law in question dates back to the Civil Rights Movement and was created as a rationale for police forces to shut down demonstrations in support of civil rights. Around the same time, in 1968, the St. Louis County SWAT team was formed. The brief notes that rioting and demonstrating were “apparently seen both now and then as legal equivalents in St. Louis County.”

“The historical context for the passage of this provision

is important when considering its constitutionality,” said Mae C. Quinn, Director of the MacArthur Justice Center’s St. Louis office. “And we

dominance, intimidation, and arrest – Section 701.110 is out of step with modern thinking.”

Petitioners Melissa Bennett and Koach Baruch Frazier,

n The brief notes that rioting and demonstrating were “apparently seen both now and then as

in St. Louis County.”

believe continuing to embrace its outdated terms and goals is wrong. Growing out of a time when law enforcement equated demonstrations with rebellions, and saw the only appropriate response as one rooted in

arrested on the National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality in 2014, alleged that they had been “walking and standing in the roadway after being warned not to do so by the police officer.”

Their charges were eventually dropped, but now they are filing this amicus brief to challenge the initial constitutionality of those charges.

African Americans are especially overrepresented in situations where officers make discretionary choices, the brief notes, including in charging and arrest decisions.

And while Michael Brown Jr.’s killing exposed the Ferguson Police Department to the world, racially disparate policing has long been a problem for St. Louis County’s Police Department, the MacArthur Justice Center states.

Aside from ArchCity Defenders and the MacArthur Justice Center, groups who are signatories on the brief

include Citizens Against Discrimination, Missouri Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, the St. Louis Chapter of the National Lawyers’ Guild, Empower Missouri, the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project and MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse, a local hub for the Black Lives Matter movement.

“It’s our hope that the court of appeals sees the problem with this overbroad and sweeping provision, and finds that it is unconstitutional on its face,” Quinn said. “We also believe that this problem is not limited to St. Louis County – municipal courts across the region have similar laws that need to be taken off the books.”

Protestors blocked South Florissant Avenue in Ferguson on October 22, 2014, declared a National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Local police response to Trump comments is shameful

When we saw video of President Donald Trump publicly encouraging police officers to do physical harm to suspects in their custody, and being received with approving laughter and applause by a large group of police officers, we were angered and appalled. We reached out to regional police leaders, command as well rankand-file, and were further angered and appalled.

A spokesman for St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said that the County Police “do not involve ourselves in politics.” This is unacceptable and shameful. The nation’s top law enforcement official publicly encouraging police brutality to police officers is much more than “politics.”

A spokesman for acting St. Louis Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole said the chief was out of town at a summit and could comment when he returns. This failure to promptly denounce the president’s outrageous remarks is unacceptable and disturbing. Belmar and O’Toole should be ashamed of dodging the issue when many of their counterparts nationwide spoke up.

Representatives for local and state police unions pointed to a statement by the national president for the Fraternal Order of Police. This is unacceptable and evasive. The comments of the national president, Chuck Canterbury, themselves were unacceptable and pathetic. His statement begins with praise for Trump and essentially blames those of us angered by Trump as fools for taking him “all too literally.” If police wonder why some segments of the public fear and distrust them and suspect the worst about their treatment of suspects, this shows why.

Sgt. Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police, which advocates for minority police officers, gave the only response that speaks to the outrage at hand.

“The president’s statements were deplorable, even more so because they came from someone in the highest position of power and influence in the world. Equally alarming is that some lawenforcement officers, who’ve taken an oath to protect and serve everyone, regardless of their actions, clapped at his words. His words will only empower those officers who feel it’s okay to mistreat people in their custody and control. We don’t need to empower bad officers,” Taylor stated.

“We in law enforcement face many challenges, that include violence directed at us. The reaction from law-enforcement officers around the country is often swift and vocal whenever someone suggests or commits violence against us. The president’s statements suggesting we allow harm to come to prisoners in our care, custody and control should be met with similar reactions from law-enforcement, because we all took an oath to protect and serve everyone, even prisoners. Simply put, wrong is wrong, no matter who chooses to mistreat someone. We aren’t

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Black politicians have clout they’re not using

By Mike Jones Columnist

There are two things that you need to know about St. Louis city government.

First, every fiscal and important policy decision made in the City of St. Louis involves the Board of Estimate & Apportionment (E&A), consisting of the mayor, the comptroller and the president of the Board of Aldermen. The Board of E&A creates the city budget and approves every contract. The mayor may run the administration, but contrary to popular belief, it’s E&A that controls the government.

above the law we enforce.”

Let’s make it clear to this ignorant, hateful, dangerous president and his enablers that lawenforcement does not have any punitive function in the American justice system. Their duty is to investigate possible criminal action and apprehend people they suspect to be criminals. Though they are entitled to defend themselves and the public in an effort to stop crime and apprehend a suspect, once a suspect is in custody, the police are not entitled or empowered to inflict harm on a suspect unless it’s to prevent the suspect from doing harm.

We know, in fact, that police constantly differentiate “good guys” from “bad guys” and tend to have great confidence in their abilities to distinguish “good” from “bad.” We also know that many police officers are tempted to get the first lick in on whoever they perceive as a “bad guy,” and too many police officers avail themselves of that opportunity at times. They are, however, restrained by law, and anyone who respects the rule of law would call for punishment of any police officer who assumes a punitive role not provided for them by law.

Trump clearly does not respect the rule of law. By inciting law enforcement – the only American institution authorized to kill our citizens – the president encourages a revival of unrestrained police work, precisely when police accountability is a major issue for public safety. Any police officer or commander who is not outraged by the nation’s top law enforcement official taking this unconstitutional and dangerous stance should surrender their badge and gun immediately. They do not deserve to be trusted to enforce the law.

Commentary

The worst is yet to come with Trump

The Court of Mad King Donald is not a presidency. It is an affliction, one that saps the life out of our democratic institutions, and it must be fiercely resisted if the nation as we know it is to survive.

The problem is not just that President Trump is selfish, insecure, egotistical, ignorant and unserious. It is that he neither fully grasps nor minimally respects the concept of honor, without which our governing system falls apart. He believes “honorable” means “obsequious in the service of Trump.”

The Trump administration is, indeed, like the court of some accidental monarch who is tragically unsuited for the duties of his throne. However long it persists, we must never allow ourselves to think of the Trump White House as anything but aberrant. We must fight for the norms of American governance lest we forget them. It gets worse and worse. On Saturday, July 22, Trump began what has been a sustained campaign to goad or humiliate Attorney General Jeff Sessions into resigning. Trump has blasted Sessions on Twitter, at a news conference, in a newspaper interview and at a campaign-style rally.

Forget, for the moment, that Sessions was the first sitting U.S. senator to support Trump’s campaign, giving him new credibility among conservatives. Forget also that Sessions is arguably having more success than any other Cabinet member in getting Trump’s agenda implemented. Those things aside, what kind

of leader treats a lieutenant with such passive-aggressive obnoxiousness?

Trump has no respect for the rule of law. He is enraged that Sessions recused himself from the investigation of Russia’s meddling in the election, and thus is not in a position to protect the House of Trump from special counsel Robert Mueller. According to The New York Times, “Sharing the president’s frustration have been people in his family, some of whom have come under scrutiny in the Russia investigation.” I’m guessing that means the president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and his sonin-law, Jared Kushner. Who elected them by the way?

Trump seeks to govern by whim and fiat. On Wednesday, July 26, he used Twitter to announce a ban on transgender people serving in the military, surprising his own top military leaders. Pentagon spokesmen told reporters to ask the White House for details; White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters to ask the Pentagon. Was Trump trying to reignite the culture wars? Would the thousands of transgender individuals now serving in the military be purged? Was this actual policy or just a fit of indigestion?

Inside the mad king’s court, the internecine battles are

becoming ever more brutal. Members of Trump’s inner circle seek his favor by leaking negative information about their rivals. This administration is more hostile to the media than any in recent memory, but also more eager to whisper juicy dirt about the ambitious courtier down the hall.

Trump’s new favorite, Anthony Scaramucci, struts around more like a chief of staff than a communications director, which is his nominal role. Late on July 26 – after dining with Trump and his head cheerleader, Sean Hannity –Scaramucci took a metaphorical rapier to the actual chief of staff, Reince Priebus, by strongly hinting on Twitter that Priebus leaks to reporters. The next morning, Scaramucci told CNN that “if Reince wants to explain that he’s not a leaker, let him do that.”

Why bring in Scaramucci? Because, I fear, the mad king is girding for war. Trump is reckless enough to fire Mueller if he digs too deeply into the business dealings of the Trump Organization and the Kushner Companies.

What then? Will Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell draft and push through a new special prosecutor statute so that Mueller can quickly be reappointed? Will House Speaker Paul Ryan immediately open debate on articles of impeachment? Will we, the people, defend our democracy?

Do not become numb to the mad king’s outrages. The worst is yet to come.

April 2007 to now – there have been two African Americans on E&A.

Second, the Board of Aldermen is the other coequal branch of city government. E&A may create and manage the budget, but only the Board of Aldermen can pass a budget. The mayor can pretend to be the king of the development universe, but only the Board of Aldermen can approve and authorize development agreements.

You could argue when the authority of the mayor of St. Louis is compared to the authority E&A and the Board of Aldermen, the mayor is a clerk.

From April 1993 to now, there has always been at least one African American on E&A, but what’s important, in18 of the last 24 years – from April 1993 to April 2001 and from

On the Board of Aldermen, there are 28 aldermen, but any 15 get to decide what the board will pass or block. For the last 24 years (really, since 1981), there have been 11 AfricanAmerican aldermen (40 percent of the board), which means a coalition of AfricanAmerican aldermen (if they could all agree) would need four white Aldermen out 17 (24 percent) to pass or block any legislation. If you include the AfricanAmerican board president, you only need three. From personal experience, I know you don’t need to be a political genius to pull that off. So what does it all mean?

Since 1993 – that’s 24 years and counting – AfricanAmerican elected officials have had effective control of St. Louis city government. Given the level of representation the African-American community sends to city government, there is no plausible, rational explanation for the lack of city investment in North St. Louis’ African-American community. While they may not have had the power to do whatever they

Letters to the editor

Racial geography and police behavior

The article “Increasing accountability in Ferguson Police Department” tells of the statistical benefits of donated computer software that will “streamline reporting on traffic stops and use of force.” In our age of data proliferation, collecting and classifying data is a must, particularly for a police agency. How that data is used or abused is a matter that affects both police and those they police.

Traffic stops is a reporting category. Data on race, sex and age etcetera is harvested by reporting officers. This data is then applied to appropriate categories and patterns emerge. What information do these patterns yield? One informational tidbit seems to be the race of the cop and the race of those he/she stops. But what does this morsel of information reveal?

Most police agencies require patrol officers to remain in their assigned patrol area unless they receive a radio assignment outside that area. Scenario: a white cop is assigned a patrol area in which 95 percent of the residents are black or Hispanic. Probability dictates that the officer’s traffic stops will mirror the residential composition of his/her patrol area with regard to race. To assess police behavior absent the consideration of the racial makeup of their work environment will reap skewed results. Will police management in Ferguson factor racial geography when assessing police behavior?

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Nothing gained by stricter gun laws

In Barbara Finch’s column on gun violence, her statements were very generalized, and several key points are missing. The murder rate nationwide has been falling to 40 year lows. The absence of guns doesn’t equal the absence of violence. If someone has

wanted, it’s impossible for anyone to move anything in city government without the approval, or at least the passive consent, of African-American elected officials. African-American voters have been flimflammed and bamboozled into thinking African-American elected officials don’t have the wherewithal to push an agenda that speaks to their needs. Now it’s possible that AfricanAmerican elected officials have so internalized a sense of political inferiority that they can’t act in their own interests. It’s what psychologists call “learned helplessness”: If you feel you aren’t in control of your destiny, you will give up and accept whatever situation you are in.

The African-American presence in city government exists in sufficient numbers in all the strategic locations to largely dictate public policy in the City of St. Louis. To a large measure, the condition of the city’s African-American community is a function of the collective failure of African-American political leadership. The reason I can say that? Because on reflection, I’ve been part of that failed leadership. Where shall we go from here? To be continued. This is the first part of a series.

All letters are edited

violence on their mind, not having a gun will not deter them. There is no demonstrable evidence to prove that higher gun ownership leads to more gun owners being crime victims. Guns can’t be purchased from a licensed gun dealer at gun shows (or anywhere else) without a background check. The NRA does not sell guns. There is no profit for them. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by stricter gun laws. Especially, the draconian (and unconstitutional) gun laws in New York. What would yield better results is if we hired, paid, trained and retained well trained cops.

Ron Smith, St. Louis

Nothing to do with protecting women

After seven weeks spent in a second emergency session that has cost Missouri taxpayers

$151,000, Gov. Eric Greitens signed a law that will place even more unnecessary restrictions on Missouri women’s ability to access basic reproductive healthcare, including abortion. This emergency session was political theater for a governor who cares more about grooming himself for higher office than the health and wellbeing of women across Missouri. This wasteful special session had nothing to do with protecting women’s healthcare and everything to do with promoting Greitens’ own agenda to satisfy his fringe base. Women in Missouri already face some of nation’s most burdensome restrictions when it comes to accessing reproductive healthcare. Now, Gov. Greitens is trying to make it even more difficult to access basic care.

Alison Dreith, director NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri St. Louis

Black pioneer love at History Museum

Mama Lisa and the folk performers of Fundisha

cast will return to school in the fall with an enriched knowledge of the sacrifices and challenges black families faced as they traveled along the Oregon Trail.

Free smoke alarms, installed for free

The American Red Cross and the St. Louis Fire Department install free smoke alarms in fire-prone neighborhoods – for free. To set up your free installation of your free fire alarm, call 314-516-2797 or visit getamokealarm.org.

Islamic Relief USA funds summer lunches

Islamic Relief USA, a non-profit humanitarian and advocacy organization, has awarded a total of $76,250 in grants to St. James MB Church, 1644 Semple Ave. in St. Louis, and seven other organizations throughout the country to help feed kids during the summer, as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program. Children under the age of 18 who come from low-income households that qualify for free or reduced-price lunch will continue to have access to a nutritious mid-day meal during their summer breaks, thanks to summer lunch programs. Islamic Relief USA grants will help provide meals to more than 6,800 children.

The rotary-dial phone and me

By Cassandra Walker Guest columnist

My parents were the very last people in the United States of America to still have a rotary-dial phone. What is a rotary-dial phone, you who are under the age of 30 may wonder? It was the phone that embarrassed me all of my teenage years.

It was the phone that kept me from winning the WGCI radio dialin contest the entire year of 1984, because my friends parents had the newfangled push button phones. The phone where you had to put your finger in the circle, rotate it all the way to the top and let it go, then do that same movement over and over again until you dial seven numbers. God forbid you got a busy signal and had to repeat the process!!

I am sure it was a big hit at the same time that the Model T- Ford, hula-hoop and saddle shoes were top dog. By the time the 1980s brought us the end of disco and the beginning of rap, the next phenomenon was the push-button phone. It was sleeker and lighter and faster to dial numbers. So when the radio shows were having “first caller to reach us” competitions, I was stuck rotating the spinning numbers of an antiquated phone system that should have died with disco.

As the 1980s progressed, every one of my friends and neighbors had push-button phones in their homes and the rotary dials were being shipped off to museums – all except the four that were at my parents’ house. I was so embarrassed!

I still remember once when a young man I kind of liked came to visit me and asked to use our phone to call his house. My mouth literally dropped open. I stammered and stuttered. I could not find the words to say, so I said what came out naturally: “We do not have a phone.”

He looked at me like I had two heads, then said, “I spoke to you last night, I know you have a phone.”

I led him to the kitchen and pointed at the wall. He picked up the receiver and started to use his index finger to push a button, then he stopped, stared at the phone for a moment and bust out into a roaring laugh.

“You all still have a rotary dial?” he hollered, mixed with laughing and some tears.

I do not remember much after that. I just know I mentioned to my parents that evening that they were ruining my life. They didn’t bat an eye. My mother simply told me that rotary -dial phones were less costly to have and the price of the push-button phones was triple the monthly bill cost. She threw in that I would understand better when I was grown and paid my own bills.

By the time I graduated from college, it was almost 1990 and my parents still had one rotary-dial phone. The only reason they had three push-button phones was because the other ones needed servicing and AT&T told them they did not repair rotary phones anymore, so they were forced to upgrade.

Now, with my ridiculously high cell phone bill and outrageous cell phone prices, I often think about what my mother told me about growing up and paying my own bills. I can now honestly say I would take a rotary-dial phone in a heartbeat.

Cassandra Walker

Enterprises staged “And the Broom Jumped Back: A Pioneer Tale of Love and Marriage” at the Missouri History Museum on Sunday, July 16. Joining the musical cast this year was violinist Bell Darris, guitarist Atum Jones and returning percussionist Jackie Sharp. This summer’s

Photo by Carla Johnson

FERGUSON

Continued from A1

he first arrived in Ferguson, becoming a national symbol for black police leadership and community policing. (However, Ferguson protestors have not forgotten that some of the heaviest police use of chemical dispersants in Ferguson were authorized by the Unified Command when Johnson was its public face.)

Blackmon and Johnson both participated in the Urban League forum of Friday, July 28, and in their interchange a new detail emerged concerning a critical moment in the Ferguson unrest.

Johnson assumed leadership of Ferguson protest policing on August 14, 2014, the sixth night of protests since the August 9 Ferguson Police killing of Michael Brown Jr. As the world saw live at the time, Johnson marched with protestors that night – a far cry from St. Louis County Police leadership of protest response that first week. It turns out that this almost never happened – and was delicately negotiated by Blackmon and Johnson.

Johnson said he already knew the pastor from living in the area, so when he arrived in Ferguson, knowing her emerging leadership role, he found her and told her he wanted to march alongside her that night in Ferguson.

She said no. Johnson asked again.

Again, she said no. Johnson said he would just march behind her then.

It was then that Blackmon relented and said he could

BARBER

Continued from A1 to build buildings and put his name on them,” Barber said.

He told the audience that Nebuchadnezzar’s name in Hebrew means “one who will do anything to hold onto power,” and that when the king came to power he oppressed the Hebrew people.

“They were former slaves, and he was oppressing them in this historical moment because they were growing in power and influence and he saw this as the last chance to stop a growing diversity,” Barber said.

“He wanted to control their influence. He wanted to control their wealth. He wanted to control their faith. He even wanted to control their health. I don’t know why y’all are getting so excited. I’m talking about something that was 2,600 years ago.” Barber called on the masses to be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in this era that mirrors the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.

march alongside her – and for the first time that night, Ferguson protests did not have a fringe element of property damage, arson or looting.

The very next day, thenFerguson Police Chief Tom Jackson – advised by Ferguson’s then contract city counselor, Stephanie Karr of Curtis, Heinz, Garrett and O’Keefe – released the convenience store video of Michael Brown Jr. shoving a store clerk and stealing a box of cigars –at the same time Brown’s killer was named.

to the enjoyment of their labor – because having labor without enjoyment is a pseudo form of slavery.”

He said the Ku Klux Klan was formed in 1872 initially to attack the white people who were working with black people.

“Deconstruction” was put on the fast track with the Compromise of 1877 –– which led to Rutherford B. Hayes becoming president.

n “These are fiery times, there’s no need for me to lie to you,” Barber said. “But don’t you know if you stand in the fire that my God will stand with you?”

– Rev. William Barber II

“Bowing down is not an option,” Barber said.

Weaving in political history, Barber reminded a capacity audience that the phenomenon of Trump was nothing new – that when transformative change is on the horizon that threatens to give the power to the people, a “narcissistic egomaniac” emerges and rises to power. He used the period after slavery known as Reconstruction as a prime example.

“The laws were rewritten. Voting rights were provided,” Barber said. “In Southern states, blacks and poor whites started working together. They took over every legislature in the South. Blacks and progressive poor whites figured out that it was the rich slave masters that made the poor whites fight in the Civil War and they were in the same boat as black people.” Barber then spoke of the “deconstruction” pushback that began in 1872.

“The former slave owners began to take over the courts. They ended the discussions about living wages that began,” Barber said. “In 1868, Southern constitutions were written that said every person had the right

“They had an election in 1877 and one candidate lost the popular vote, but he was a narcissistic maniac and he wanted power,” Barber said. “He went to the Southern states and he said, ‘if you give me the Electoral College, I’ll turn the South back over to you. I will pull the troops out. I will appoint who you want on the Supreme Court.’ And they did. By 1883, the Civil Rights Act was overturned. By 1896, Plessy vs. Ferguson was passed that made segregation the law of the land.” They took that economic power from black people and progressive whites. And by 1901, all of the black people who were elected during Reconstruction had been run out of office. This helped lead to the formation of the Urban League in 1910. “You all came into existence to deal with black migration,” Barber said. “Black people weren’t leaving the South because they wanted to leave. They left because they were being lynched. Lynching was terrorism, and black men would leave their families and go North. The Urban League was founded to deal with this migration, because folks were leaving lynching in the South and ending up in ghettos in the North.”

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis was formed in direct response to the East St. Louis Race Riots of 1917.

As he brought them to present day, he issued a warning.

“The election of Donald Trump is a symptom of a deeper matter,” Barber said. “I’m not talking Democrat or Republican, I’m talking about something of a spiritual matter, and you can play around with it if you want to. Y’all are talking about, ‘We’ve never seen this before.’ That means two things: You weren’t paying attention

The destructive fringe element returned to Ferguson protests, and Ferguson protestors were tear-gassed under Johnson’s command, ending his status as hero in the eyes of the movement.

Blackmon and Johnson were joined on the forum by Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state representative and political commentator. He said, “Ferguson was a shock to the conscience of the whole nation.”

His father, Cleveland Sellers, was a national field

director for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The son said he was struck by the fact that his generation has the same problems with police violence his father’s generation had.

“My father is 72, I am 32, and we have the same experiences,” Sellers said, “which should not be the case.”

The forum featured one elected official who deserves credit for addressing one of the endemic, system problems that spawned Ferguson: predatory policing to raise revenue.

Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale) was a state senator when he led the effort to pass legislation that (after a court challenge that had some limited success) caps at 20 percent the percentage of revenue a municipality may bring in through traffic tickets. The legislation also included a number of other stipulated reforms to municipal courts. Schmitt described the jigsaw puzzle of municipal courts in St. Louis County sucking for revenue as retail tax bases dwindled and creating debtors’

prisons of people trapped behind bars with municipal court debt for minor, nonviolent violations.

Kathy Osborn, executive director of the Regional Business Council (RBC), talked about her leadership role in organizing a relief fund for small businesses in Ferguson. She admitted she was “frightened” when Tony Thompson of Kwame Building Group took her to Ferguson a few days into protests, but when she saw Canfield Green Apartments and imagined how it would feel to watch your son or friend lie dead on the streets of your apartment complex for hours, she felt deep sympathy. In the end, the RBC raised nearly $1 million for its Reinvest North County Fund through 43 donors and granted funds to 55 small business and four school districts in North County.

From the stage, Osborn recognized one of the grantees, Joshura Davis, owner of Best Insurance and president of the West Florissant Business Association. Davis spoke during a closing audience interaction segment to say that small business owners in Ferguson are still hurting.

“Please help us,” Davis said, “and don’t let it take 5, 10, 15 years.”

Michael Neidorff, president and chairman of Centene and board chair of the National Urban League, addressed this and similar concerns in closing the forum.

“It’s not a point in time, it’s a directional thing,” Neidorff said. “We need to keep it going.”

Back to School

to history, or they didn’t teach it to you in history.”

Blocking the third reconstruction

According to Barber, the 2016 election was really about undermining the influence of black, brown and progressive people.

“Everybody knew he wasn’t qualified to be president. But he was qualified to be the reaction to this notion of a black man with a black wife, a black mother-in-law and black children living in a white house built by slaves. It messed some people up.”

Barber said Trump is a tool to attempt to block what he referred to as a third reconstruction.

“The first reconstruction was from 1868-1880. The second reconstruction was from 19541968 , when black and brown and white people came together – particularly in the South,” Barber said. “And when we broke through the Southern Strategy and elected President Obama, that represented the possibility of a third reconstruction. What we see happening is a Nebuchadnezzar spirit that is trying to block the transformation of America. Nebuchadnezzar might be

dead, but the spirit – that narcissistic stuff still lives.”

According to Barber, the proof is in the 22 states that have passed voter suppression laws.

“Those 22 states represent 54 percent of America, 44 United States Senate seats and 51 percent of Congress,” Barber said. “All of these states that passed these laws have high poverty, the lack of a living wage and denied Medicaid stature. There’s a direct correlation between racism, classism and injustice –and it begins with the vote.”

Sins against the poor

“What bothers me is that they are so loud on things that God is so quiet about,” Barber said of today’s politicians and evangelicals.

“They are so loud on antiabortion. They are so loud attacking the gay community. They are so loud on trying to make Jesus an original member of the NRA. There might be three scriptures in the Bible about homosexuality – and most of them are misinterpreted – and none of them trump the scripture ‘you have to love your neighbor as you love yourself.’”

Barber pointed out several

of the 2500 scriptures he says refer to how God instructs people to treat the poor – or “the least of these.”

“The Nebuchadnezzar spirit doesn’t want us to know that, because they want our faith to be messed up,” Barber said. “That’s why they didn’t want the slaves to read about liberation, so they took charcoal and put it over all the scriptures that talked about deliverance.”

He shared sobering statistics about poverty, suggesting that the Urban League and other civil rights organizations come together with the community to finish the work of Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign, which ended with his assassination in 1968.

“There are 50 million people in the United States who are considered poor. Without social security, more than half of Americans over 65 would be in poverty. There are 24 million women living below the poverty line. There are 14 million poor children in America 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

There are 10 million African Americans – 24 percent –living under the poverty line,” Barber said.

“There are 12 million Hispanic people living below

the poverty line. But watch this: There are 17 million white people living below the poverty line. So you get power through racism, but then use that power to hurt mostly whites and fool them into thinking that you are somehow hurting the ‘undeserved’ poor.”

Gov. Eric Greitens was name checked for political crimes against the poor.

“Whether it’s a president or a governor – like the one in the state of Missouri – the Bible said in Isaiah 10: ‘woe unto those who legislate evil and rob the poor of their rights,’” Barber said. “Ezekiel 22 says your politicians have become like wolves where they devour the poor people.” He closed by suggesting that there be a movement to finish Dr. King’s work by forming a “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Coalition” to push back against the political opposition that targets the poor and blocks progress.

“These are fiery times, there’s no need for me to lie to you,” Barber said. “But don’t you know if you stand in the fire that my God will stand with you?”

Then the audience leapt to their feet in thunderous affirmation of his message.

Urban League volunteer Carolyn Abernathy hands out gifts during the Back to School Fair on Saturday at America’s Center.

Photo by Wiley Price

Rev. Traci Blackmon, RBC Executive Director Kathy Osborn, Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt, Captain Ron Johnson and Bakari Sellers participated in the forum on Ferguson organized by the National Urban League on Friday, July 28 as part of its 2017 Annual Conference in St. Louis.

Photo by Wiley Price

STOCKLEY

Continued from A1 assault rifle, which violated department policy.

In high-speed pursuit, the police cruiser struck a handicapped parking sign and a tree at the intersection of Thekla and Emerson, then continued to pursue Smith, who was in a rented silver Buick.

During the pursuit, Stockley is heard on an internal police car video saying, “Going to kill this [expletive], don’t you know it.” As Smith’s car was slowing to a stop, Stockley is also heard telling Bianchi to “hit him right now,” at which point Bianchi slammed the police SUV into Smith’s car. The airbags deployed. Both cars stopped. Then, within the next few minutes, Stockley got out of his car, walked to the Buick and shot Smith five times. Smith had not left the driver’s seat of his car.

n “Anthony Smith did not deserve to die, but on December 20, 2011, the defendant took his life anyway and tried to cover up his crime.”

– Assistant Circuit Attorney Aaron Levinson

“Anthony Smith did not deserve to die, but on December 20, 2011, the defendant took his life anyway and tried to cover up his crime,” said Assistant Circuit Attorney Aaron Levinson. Levinson said that Stockley “could have stopped” at several points during his interaction with Smith. After he left the parking lot, they said, “he posed no further danger,” so Stockley could have stopped his pursuit there. Then again, after the police Tahoe crashed into a sign and a tree while pursuing Smith, the prosecution stated, Stockley could have stopped. Again and again, “a series of bad, dangerous, and deadly decisions were made that day,” Levinson said. Prosecutors also claimed that Stockley planted a gun in

the vehicle to provide a false justification for killing Smith. The case was reopened last year by then-Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce because of unspecified “new evidence,” which may have included cell phone video taken by two men who were in a building adjacent to the scene at West Florissant and Acme. Dashcam video from the police car, and some of the cellphone video, was presented at the trial on Tuesday. The cell phone video by Antonio French (not the former alderman of that name), which captured the aftermath of the shooting, was “what the dash camera being turned off was supposed to prevent being documented,” Levinson said. It shows Stockley approach Smith’s crashed car repeatedly. He approaches the vehicle, retreats, and on the second time, he gets in the back of the car. None of the video shown so far, however, shows what was happening inside the car. And Stockley’s defense tells a different story.

According to the defense, Smith was “a parole absconder” who decided to make a “violent” effort not to get arrested. In backing out of the Church’s Chicken parking lot, they asserted, Smith “made every effort in getting away to strike Jason Stockley.”

“We don’t get to look at these facts in the cold light of the morning after,” a defense attorney said. “We have to see them as they were perceived at the time. This is a felon who is trying to flee.”

Stockley’s defense claimed that the shooting was reflexive: a “natural, human response,” caused by his belief that Smith, a dangerous man, was reaching for a gun in the passenger side of his car.

The prosecution, by contrast, called it “an execution,” culminating in a calculated,

Free

for school

deliberate “kill shot” which, according to chemical evidence, was fired only about 6 inches from Smith’s body.

There is also the question of whether or not Stockley planted a gun in Smith’s car, as the prosecution claims.

Stockley was carrying multiple firearms at the time –his department-issued Beretta pistol, and his “personal” AK-47 rifle. Stockley’s possession of that rifle in his police car was a violation of policy, according to witness Officer Elijah Simpson, who arrived on the scene almost at the same time that Stockley shot Smith.

None of the witnesses so far

were able to confirm or deny that there was a gun planted, though blood that might have had DNA corresponding to Stockley’s was found on the firearm in Smith’s vehicle.

Also, video shows Stockley at the crime scene rummaging through a bag in the backseat of the cruiser, next to where he placed his personal firearm.

The second day of the trial mostly concerned the topic of gloves—who was wearing them, and who wasn’t. The courtroom was significantly emptier than the day before, with most of Tuesday’s spectators absent.

The defense argued that Stockley would not have

planted the gun, because his fingerprints are the only ones found on it. He wasn’t wearing gloves when he handled the gun, which the defense asserted was not the action of someone trying to cover his tracks –instead, his handling of the gun found in Smith’s car was simply a necessary (and legal) action to secure the scene.

In court, the defense asked witness John Baumgartner of the police force to demonstrate the grip required to unload a pistol, which he demonstrated using the same pistol that had been found in Smith’s car that day. The witness who handled the gun, however, was asked to wear gloves.

Another topic up for debate Wednesday was whether or not a crowd gathered at the scene. Simpson, along with Stockley’s defense, described the aftermath of the shooting as “crazy.” Cell phone video by French, which shows “about 10” officers gathering in the parking lot after the shooting, contradicts that. It doesn’t show a civilian crowd at all, much less an “aggressive” one. In the upcoming days, a DNA expert is expected to testify, along with other witnesses, possibly including Stockley himself. The trial is expected to continue for up to two weeks.

Hundreds of pairs of shoes were given out during the Urban League’s Back to School Fair on Saturday at America’s Center.

shoes

Photo by Wiley Price

Resources meant to improve health for residents of various ages have sprouted up across the 24:1 community in North County, including free fitness classes, a free summer youth softball league, and a planned expansion of the 7-mile St. Vincent’s Greenway walking and biking trail.

Healthier together

24:1 community health efforts in North County win national recognition

By Sophie Hurwitz

Louis American

For The St.

The 24:1 community, a coalition of the 24 North County municipalities served by the Normandy school district convened by Beyond Housing, was honored this year with the Culture of Health prize from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It is one of 27 winning communities across the nation, which were each given $25,000 to work towards community health.

n “To start healing the community, you have to have everybody involved. If everybody takes ownership, then you’re going to have a healthier community.”

– Vinita Park

Mayor James W. McGee

24:1 has been working together to combine services and improve community health since 2008. In the middle of the 2008 housing crisis, the leaders of the 24:1 municipalities agreed to come together. Along with the nonprofit Beyond Housing, they began to work on several initiatives to heal their communities, together.

Since then, the community has worked hard to improve health. They have established a community land trust, provided access to several early childhood health programs such as Nurses for Newborns, and worked with the Normandy Schools Collaborative to connect families with resources. Other resources meant to improve

health for residents of various ages have sprouted up across 24:1, including free fitness classes, a free summer youth softball league, and a planned expansion of the 7-mile St. Vincent’s Greenway walking and biking trail. Once completed, the trail will diagonally connect one corner of 24:1 to the other, from the City of Wellston to the Village of Bel-Ridge. A project to improve lighting on 24:1 area streets and fix potholes is also in progress.

“If one community fails, we all fail,” said James W. McGee, mayor of the City of Vinita Park on the western edge of the 24:1 footprint. “To start healing the community, you have to have everybody involved. If everybody takes ownership, then you’re going to have a healthier community.” Stephanie Co manages public policy and special projects for Beyond Housing.

By David Eugene Mosley, M.D.

For The St. Louis American

What is diabetes? Let’s start from the beginning.

M.D.

Food you eat that has carbohydrates, like fruit, pasta, rice and crackers, turns into glucose, or sugar. In order for the sugar to be used as energy, an organ called the pancreas needs to make insulin. Diabetes happens if the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. And, because of that, the sugar isn’t used as energy, it stays in the blood and makes the blood thicker. Many things raise the chance of getting diabetes. The ones that you cannot change include weighing more than 9 pounds at birth; being a man; being AfricanAmerican, Latino/ Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander; being older than age 40; having a mother, father, brother or sister with diabetes; and being a woman who had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, who had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), and/or who has polycystic ovary syndrome.

n “Diabetes can hurt us on the inside even when we don’t feel it or there are no clear signs.”

– David Eugene Mosley, MD

If you fit any of the above, see your doctor. Also, see your doctor if you are thirsty more than usual and need to use the restroom more frequently, since these can be signs of diabetes. There are, however, things you can do to lower your chances getting diabetes, including having a smaller waistline (less than 40 inches around for men; less than 35 inches around for women); exercising and being active (10,000 steps per day, parking farther away, taking the stairs); and not smoking. Next, I’ll touch on why it’s important to control blood sugar if you have diabetes and what you can do to live healthy, whether you have diabetes or not. Why control blood sugar? If there isn’t enough insulin, the sugar builds up in the blood. Why can this hurt us?

Think of a road map. Interstates are bigger, like our vessels. They take oxygen, vitamins and minerals to our organs, like the heart and brain. Country roads are small, like the little vessels that wind their way to small

David Eugene Mosley,

Photo by Chris Cross

Photo by Chris Cross

Affinia serves Normandy students with mobile clinic

Ribbon cutting for new clinic at Normandy High School on August 31

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

For the past three weeks, a health care team in the mobile unit of Affinia Healthcare has been stationed at Normandy High School, to offer physicals, immunizations and other services so that area students up to age 18 will be ready for the first day of school on August 9.

“We basically go everywhere,” Anthony Floyd, driver/registration specialist for the mobile medical van, said. “We do anything from complete physicals, sports physicals, immunizations, vision screenings, hearing screenings, and we are working on asthma as well.”

mobile unit or at Affinia’s school-based health center, Medicaid and commercial insurance are billed. Co-pays and other balances left after insurance has paid the claim may be collected at subsequent visits to its health center locations or billed to guardians, Affinia representatives told The American “Fees due from uninsured students seen on the mobile unit or in the school-based health center are waived,” she said.

n “Fees due from uninsured students seen on the mobile unit or in the school-based health center are waived.”

– Kathleen Guerrein, pediatric nurse practitioner at Affinia Healthcare

The mobile unit is staffed by two registered nurses, a driver/registration specialist. It features two private exam rooms, a wheelchair lift and a registration area for up to three children.

“Transportation is a big problem with a lot of families – and sometimes, they have one car, sometimes they have no car – and often that’s the biggest barrier to services, and also, the wait,” said Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Kathleen Guerrein. “We’ve been able to the children scheduled … and we’ve been taking walk-ins.”

For students seen on the

24:1

Continued from A8

The group’s work for early childhood health and kindergarten readiness over the past few years, she said, has involved “over 40 partners coming together, working with over 15 early-childhood centers in the community to make sure that they had access to screenings, to make sure that they had access to other technical assistance to provide higher-quality early-childhood education for the little ones between zero and five.”

That work – involving screenings, support for mothers, and collaboration with early childhood centers – has coincided with a dramatic drop

“Uninsured adults and other members of the community are assessed on the sliding-fee schedule with payment expected on the date of service.”

The mobile health unit’s last day will be Monday, August 7, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., with nurses available to give hearing and vision screenings and immunizations. If vision, hearing or other screenings indicate additional follow-up care is needed, Affinia makes it available.

“We hook them up with Vision for Life for Children, and they will provide free glasses,” Guerrein said. “If they have hearing problems, sometimes it’s just wax and I have to educate families and we prescribe wax removal. If there’s a blood pressure problem, we try to partner up

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Kathleen

are part

August 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

with a nurse to recheck the blood pressure.”

And this is the time of year that families are making sure immunizations are up-to-date so students can go to school.

By the time students reach high school, certain booster

Beyond the Backpack

24:1 will host a Beyond the Backpack event 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, August 5 at Normandy High School, 6701 St. Charles Rock Rd., providing free haircuts, school supplies, eye screenings and immunization for local kids. Contact Vikki at vcollier@beyondhousing.org for additional information.

in infant mortality rates, which have over the last few years in the two zip codes 24:1 covers.

“We know that we can’t take credit for that completely, but we know that around that time a lot of this work happened, bringing in a lot of partners and coordinating those partnerships within the community,” said Co. The Normandy Schools Collaborative has also worked over the past several years to

go beyond the classroom and make sure kids have what they need at home, too.

“We all understand that what goes on outside of the classroom greatly affects the inside of the classroom, so if there are external barriers to the students’ learning, it impounds what they’re doing once they come to school,” said Denitria Neil, coordinator of alternative learning (and former coordinator of family

and

immunizations are required.

“A lot of kids are in need of that when they go into ninth grade – they need their boosters really by eighth grade,” Guerrein said. “Tdap and Menactra, which is a meningococcal meningitis

engagement) for the school district.

“If a student hasn’t had breakfast, or if they don’t have the proper clothing or the proper attire, or if something’s going on in the home, that’s going to greatly affect whether or not the student shows up to school prepared.”

She has worked to make sure that all students have the clothes, transportation and other basics they need to attend school, providing basic needs like backpacks, school supplies, shoes, undergarments, school uniforms, Neil said, as well as counseling.

24:1 will host a Beyond the Backpack event 11 a.m.2 p.m. Saturday, August 5 at Normandy High School, 6701 St. Charles Rock Rd., providing free haircuts, school

vaccine. And then there’s a booster to the meningitis at 16 years of age.”

The Tdap vaccine protects against three bacterial diseases that can be life-threatening, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

In just a few weeks, Affinia will open a healthcare clinic at Normandy High School, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Thursday, August 31. The clinic will be located in its alternative building on the school property. This will provide less disruption to the regular school activities and greater access and privacy for students and community members seeking healthcare. In addition to physicals, immunizations and vision and hearing screenings, the health center will offer comprehensive reproductive and behavioral health services.

The school-based health center at Normandy High School is a community initiative made possible by the support of Affinia, Wyman Center, the For the Sake of All project by Washington University St. Louis and BJC Healthcare. Initially, the clinic will be open for all Normandy students. Sometime later in the 2017-2018 school year, the clinic will be available for the entire community, even for Normandy Schools Collaborative residents who don’t have children in its schools.

Affinia’s mobile medical unit partners with St. Louis Public Schools, charter schools, daycares and other locations as requested to provide medical services. For more information, contact Anthony Floyd with Affinia at 314-814-8564.

supplies, eye screenings and immunization for local kids.

“The most important thing is not only to get access to some of the resources and physical goods for the beginning of the school year,” Co said. “More

than anything it’s about getting people motivated and excited for their first day of school.” For more information on receiving services through 24:1, call 314-533-0600 or visit http://www.beyondhousing.org.

Odds for receiving kidney transplant now equal for blacks

American staff

Improvements in national kidney transplant policy have evened the rates at which African-American transplant candidates receive kidneys from deceased donors, according to data from United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS serves as the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under federal contract.

DIABETES

Continued from A8

parts of our body like behind our eyes.

Too much sugar in the blood thickens it and makes it hard to

National kidney allocation policy has been refined a number of times over the past 25 years to improve equity in transplant access.

A recent analysis of the most recent policy, implemented in December 2014, shows progress on many key goals in its first two years of operation.

As of November 30, 2016, African-Americans represented 33.3 percent of candidates listed for a kidney

move along the highways to make our body run right. If it can’t move like it should, the vessels get hurt. This raises the chance of a heart attack, a stroke or losing your eyesight. It can also stop your kidneys from filtering the bad stuff out like they should.

n “The transplant community has striven for many years to close ethnic gaps between people who are listed for a kidney and those receiving them.”

– Dr. Jerry McCauley

transplant, while 34.5 percent of deceased donor kidney recipients from December 2015 through November 2016

Too much sugar can also hurt our nerves. Nerves are like a traffic light system. They give signals to make our muscles and organs work. If they don’t work right, someone can have pain, burning or no feeling at all in the feet or legs, or have trouble with their

were African-American. The analysis also shows parity in listing and transplant rates among Hispanic and Caucasian

stomach. Diabetes is a headto-toe disease. If the sugar is too high, every part of the body can be hurt. Have you ever heard the phrase “touch of diabetes”? Any time the doctor says you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, it’s serious. I often

candidates.

“The transplant community has striven for many years to close ethnic gaps between people who are listed for a kidney and those receiving them,” said Jerry McCauley, M.D., M.P.H., FACP, immediate past chair of the OPTN/UNOS Minority Affairs Committee

“African-Americans are at higher risk for developing end-stage kidney disease

hear patients say they feel fine, so there is no need to check blood sugar or eat better. But we know that diabetes can hurt us on the inside even when we don’t feel it or there are no clear signs. Finding ways to live healthier, lowers the chance

than other ethnicities, and thus they’re listed for kidney transplantation at a rate higher than they represent in the U.S. population. Minority candidates still face challenges, as they often are not referred for transplant as quickly as others and can take longer to complete their evaluations. Once they are listed, however, the new allocation system provides equal access to transplantation.”

of diabetes hurting you in the ways we discussed above, even if right now it’s just a “touch” of diabetes.

David Eugene Mosley, MD, is a physician specializing in internal medicine at Mercy Clinic in Hazelwood.

Guerrein

Driver/Registration Specialist Anthony Floyd

of the medical mobile team in the mobile clinic that Affinia Healthcare has been offering at Normandy High School. Its last day is Monday,

Photo by Sandra Jordan

GRLS program hosts Inaugural Graduation Cotillion

Native St. Louisan and St. Louis Public Radio morning host Geri Mitchell delivered a timely, thought-provoking message to participants and guests of the GRLS program Inaugural Graduation Cotillion, held at the Infinite Occasions Banquet and Event Center in St. Ann.

Now in its third year, the GRLS program (Girls Ready for Leadership and Success), was founded by Mimsy Hebron, whose mission is to positively nurture girls between the ages of 8 and 18 years old, through community engagement and personal enrichment activities. Since its launch in 2015, GRLS program participants have been introduced to varying topics and life-experiences in the 3-6 week summer program. Sessions are held on Saturdays at Open Door Christian Center, where Hebron serves as a minister, Sunday

school teacher and leader of the New Membership Program. A teacher and social worker by vocation, Hebron is deeply concerned about the perceptions pre-teen and teenage girls often have regarding themselves, and their future.

Some of the topics explored within the program include: “Recognizing Cyber-Predators,” in collaboration with St. Louis County Police Department; “Understanding the Stock Market,” led by a representative from Cardinal Investment Advisors; and “Being Your Own Boss – What it Means to be an Entrepreneur,” which culminated with a visit to 10th Street Gallery, including a lively presentation by owners, Solomon and Pat Smith Thurman.

Mitchell’s message “Who Are You?” resounded with young and old alike. She encouraged each person to

establish their own identity, outside of familial associations and occupational status, then boldly challenged the audience to declare who they are, based upon what brings them the most joy.

In 2017, Hebron established the Albert & Ruth Hebron Foundation to provide support for the educational aspirations of prospective recipients. This year, two GRLS participants were awarded college scholarships at the Graduation Cotillion.

The GRLS 2018 session will begin in May, and will further build upon the belief that each participant has unique potential and is deserving of every opportunity to be happy, healthy and whole. For more information on GRLS, contact Mimsy Hebron 314-625-0364 or bluefly119. mh@gmail.com.

COGIC leader turns 100

Mother Bolden

supervises Department of Women for regional jurisdiction

American staff

Mother Theresa E. Bolden, Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction supervisor of the Department of Women for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

She was born on May 24, 1917 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to the union of Mae Liza Knight and Wilson Wallace. She is the oldest child with one sister (Dorothy) and one brother (Wilson Jr.).

Mother Bolden’s family moved to Alton, Illinois when she was a baby. When she was about 9 years old, her mother left Alton with her and her sister and moved to Chicago. Her baby brother was left in Mississippi with relatives. She speaks on how her father searched “high and low” for them and brought the two of them back to Alton. She and her sister Dorothy were inseparable. They were later raised by a stepmother, Theola Hazel Coefield from San Antonio, Texas – a mailordered bride.

Mother Bolden talks about how she and her sister walked the hills of Alton to attend school. She graduated from Alton Senior High School in 1936 with the famous Alton giant, Robert Wadlow.

Upon graduation from high school, she attended Illinois State Normal University in Bloomington, Illinois for one year. She went back to college after raising her children and graduated from Harris-Stowe State Teachers College with

Mother Theresa E. Bolden with gospel legends The Clark Sisters (Karen Clark Sheard, Jacky Clark Chisholm, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Twinkie Clark Terrell). Mother Bolden, who serves as Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction supervisor of the Department of Women for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974. She later received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Virginia College of the Bible in 1984.

As a young child, Mother Bolden attended St. John Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and walked other children to church. She said she would go to the “holiness church” with her neighbor and got saved at the age of 13 at Monroe Memorial COGIC under Elder

Ralph J. Monroe.

Mother Bolden met Elder Varney Bolden when he came to Alton as an evangelist. They were married in December 1939. They traveled as an evangelist team for a year, then moved to St. Louis when their first child was born. To this union, they were blessed with five children – four girls one boy. She has 13 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren – and the lineage continues.

Mother Bolden joined

Kennerly Temple COGIC in 1940 and worked diligently in many capacities: choir director, Sunshine Band, Vacation Bible School and Ministers’ Wives. Along with her church responsibilities, Mother Bolden worked actively in her community: president of the Marshall School and Sumner High Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA), president of the Board of Trustees for Channel 9, member of the White House Conference on Education. She worked with the White House Conference of Christians and Jews and spoke at the Missouri House of Representative in Jefferson City for the development of community schools. She was appointed as supervisor of the Department of Women for COGIC’s Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction in 1981 by Bishop William E. Turner, where she has devoted her time and efforts until the present.

Detention in the Workhouse is cruel and unusual

By Kennard Williams Guest columnist

With the recent protests and renewed spotlight on the conditions at the Medium Security Institution (MSI, or the Workhouse) in North St. Louis, we have heard every manner of local and state level politician speak about the facility. However, what we have not heard from our elected officials is fresh ideas or solutions about what to do about the facility. The 8th Amendment expressly prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. In my work as the organizer of Decarcerate STL, I’ve had countless conversations with individuals who have spent time in the facility and have also heard numerous accounts of the conditions and abuses that occur there. I have been told stories of individuals being placed on suicide watch without access to doctors, as well as individuals being denied the mental health prescriptions they need to live healthy lives. I’ve been told of the rats and roaches that scurry around the people

forced to sleep on the floor because of overcrowding, and of the freezing temperatures in the winter because the heating either doesn’t work, or someone doesn’t want it to.

I classify these conditions as cruel and unusual punishment, and a breach of our constitution. So why are literally all of the elected officials who have commented on the conditions of the facility, failing to condemn its existence?

We know that upwards of 95 percent of the people inside of the facility are pre-trial, that the average stay in the facility can range up to months at a time (breaching the constitution again with the right to a speedy trial), and that it is basically used as a debtors’ prison.

Calling for the closure of such an institution isn’t radical, progressive or even centrist; it’s a stance of basic human and moral obligation.

Solutions for what to do with people who are deemed a threat to public safety will have to be created outside of incarcerating every other individual. Being elected as a public official carries the task of working with the community and coming up with innovative solutions. When fighting the social injustices that occur inside of the places like the workhouse and other institutions within the framework of mass incarceration, mediocrity is not enough.

Elected officials calling for investment into jails because their conditions are abhorrent

is counterproductive and fails to address the systemic problems that fill them in the first place. Furthermore, when Mayor Krewson stated that the conditions inside of MSI are “okay for a jail,” she exhibited the same level of disregard often dealt to abuse victims, questioning their integrity and disbelieving their claims. Ignoring the abuses that occur in the jails because some of the people in there are accused of crimes is akin to saying that they deserve it.

Our local criminal justice system, the City of St. Louis Division of Corrections, The Board of Aldermen and the political mechanics who operate even further behind the curtain are labyrinthine and complex. It remains evident, however, that everyday people are the ones who fall victim to being consumed by it. Perpetual blame-gaming between the mayor, the circuit attorney and the Board of Aldermen does not do justice for any of the people of the city whose lives are held ransom by this faulty system. The narrative of only protecting some people inside of the Workhouse is also unjust, as in St. Louis it’s not difficult to find yourself on the wrong side of the law if you have the wrong skin color or don’t have the financial means to pay your way out of trouble.

Kennard Williams is a community organizer.

House passes bill to preserve civil rights sites

No increase in funding thought

American staff

On Wednesday, July 26, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a new bill to support the preservation of historical sites from the Civil Rights Movement.

H.R. 1927, the African American Civil Rights Network Act of 2017, was authored by U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri). The bipartisan act – which was approved with

72 cosponsors from across the nation, including U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Missouri) – is designed to help preserve, illuminate and tell the still largely untold story of the 20th century struggle for civil rights. The legislation requires the Department of the Interior to establish a network of all current National Parks Services sites that relate to the Civil Rights Movement, along with other federal, state, local and privately owned properties that are significant to the movement. The Department of the interior will also produce educational materials “such as handbooks, maps, interpretive guides, or

electronic information” to all the different places in the network.

“The historic network that H.R. 1927 would create would offer tremendous educational opportunities, by recognizing those brave souls from all walks of life who fought to make the promises enshrined in our constitution finally ring true for every American, regardless of the color of their skin,” Clay said in remarks on the House floor Wednesday.

“Young Americans find it difficult to believe that racial segregation was once considered normal and necessary in some parts of the

United States,” Clay said. “I truly believe that the healing potential for this legislation is essential to bringing our nation together. Across this great country, precious historic waypoints along the routes of that still largely untold story are at risk of being lost forever.”

Though this legislation does not include increased funding for the preservation of historic places relevant to the Civil Rights Movement, it is designed to bring greater attention to those places so that they will not be forgotten. The program is set to expire after seven years.

Election commission represents a dark moment in American democracy

By Kristen Clarke Guest columnist

In the July 19 meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, members promoted false and unsubstantiated claims of vote fraud while failing to provide meaningful focus on real problems that threaten our democracy such as ongoing voting discrimination, voter suppression and Russia’s interference with our elections.

The discussion among commission members makes clear that they are laying the groundwork to promote dangerous policies and laws that will make it more difficult for Americans to register and to vote. This commission represents a dark moment in American democracy and makes clear this administration’s hostility to advancing voting rights.

Guest Columnist

Kristen Clarke

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has undertaken a series of comprehensive actions to challenge the Pence-Kobach Commission. This includes: the launch of a hotline for the public to report instances of voter suppression (866-OURVOTE); letters sent to Secretaries of State demanding they not comply with Kobach’s request for voter roll data; filing a Hatch Act complaint against Kobach regarding his repeated exploitation of his commission role to solicit campaign contributions and promote his candidacy for governor of Kansas; requesting documents regarding the commission made pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA); and urging Secretaries of State to adopt a bipartisan resolution condemning the so-called Election Integrity Commission. Kristen Clarke is president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the enactment of the bipartisan Voting Rights Act, we urge Democrats and Republicans to condemn the so-called Election Integrity Commission and work together to protect the voting rights of all Americans. We intend to challenge this commission at every turn as it continues to violate federal laws that require transparency and remains a vehicle to promote voter suppression on a national scale.

Guest Columnist Kennard Williams

Sparks fly on national, local politics at Urban League conference

The keynote to the opening plenary of the National Urban League’s 2017 national conference was struck by Allan C. Golston, who leads the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s efforts to advance educational opportunity.

“We have to protect our progress, because – maybe more than at any other time – we are at risk,” Golston said to a large crowd at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis on Thursday, July 27.

After all, the National Urban League is named for a nation presently governed by Donald Trump Angela Rye, a political strategist and commentator, said the new president and his “cabinet of imps” are deliberately trying to undo reforms in criminal justice, health care and environmental stewardship ordered or enacted during President Barack Obama’s tenure. After the conference concluded, Trump’s Department of Justice – headed by an imp from Alabama, Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III – announced it would sue universities that have race-conscious admissions policies.

“Progress is on the line,” Rye said.

The brightest name on the plenary marquee, scholar Michael Eric Dyson, infamously has argued over the Obama administration with other black public intellectuals (who have been mysteriously silent since the election of Trump).

“There were legitimate criticisms of President Obama,” Dyson said, “but, Lord, we miss him now.”

The plenary panel included one local voice, St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones. She inspired one of a placid morning crowd’s few spontaneous bursts of enthusiasm when she discussed the child college savings accounts she set up for St. Louis Public School kids with

the parking revenues her office administers. Nearly 9,000 city children are now enrolled, Jones said, which was the spontaneous applause line.

Michael Grant, president of the National Bankers Association, advocated for economic selfsufficiency, quoting Paul Robeson about doing for oneself and citing unsourced data that the black community fails to benefit from a fair share of the money it spends. Grant did not dismiss criticisms of outside parties, but said he wants to focus on “what we can do for us.”

Tamika D. Mallory provided the activist voice on a National Urban League opening plenary panel being hosted in the metropolitan area that spawned Ferguson. Mallory said, “You need to love, protect and defend your protestors,” but sparked not one clap or cry from the crowd.

When moderator Judge Glenda Hatchett – perhaps having noted the lack of a crowd response – restated the sentiment and openly rallied the crowd, a small ripple of applause passed through the exhibit hall, which was carpeted for the occasion and luxuriously decorated.

In fact, it was Hatchett who sounded the loudest cry on what was a fairly mild opening plenary on a rainy Thursday morning in St. Louis.

Hatchett talked herself into getting upset over people and institutions who profit from poverty programs, moving from grant-to-grant, administering salaries but not having much impact on poverty.

Hatchett shrieked, “We’ve got to call out poverty pimps!”

National Urban League President Marc Morial and St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson spoke before the panel, both receiving light applause, but the warmest reception among

“We need to stop splitting the black and progressive vote,” she said, after recounting the (familiar to the readers of the EYE) scrum for St. Louis mayor earlier this year, when Jones lost by 888 votes to Krewson, trailed distantly by a number of other black candidates, including Reed and Antonio French She also implied that the black community needs not only fewer candidates filing for the same office, but also better candidates: “We need to build our bench politically.” She praised progressive organizations that groom black candidates as trying to help. And she hammered the community and the wider public as well for not exercising their right to vote in pivotal local elections, citing the voter turnout stat of 28 percent for the St. Louis mayoral primary election she narrowly lost in March. (Actually, it was 28.6 percent.)

‘Intersectional’ Dyson

the opening speakers was given spontaneously to Rmani Crawford The youth was presented as a success story for Project Ready, an Urban League after-school enrichment program.

Crawford said he grew up on the edge in Rochester, New York, but Project Ready steadied him and helped him to find a voice. Now he is completing a Master’s of Divinity and a law degree from Pepperdine University.

He brought the quiet house to his feet when he said, “Someone like me is more likely to be told ‘you have the right to remain silent’ than ‘you have the right to speak.’”

Local politics at the plenary

Local politics flared up at the opening plenary, as might be expected.

The mayor brought up the unacceptable conditions at the city’s Medium Security Institution, or Workhouse, a subject of recent protests. She mentioned the city’s temporary installation of air conditioning units in the jail (first suggested by Aldermanic President Lewis Reed days before protests began) and went further to say there must be a more equitable system than

cash bail, which disproportionately keeps low-income people in jail awaiting trial.

“We must find a way to stop criminalizing poverty,” Krewson said.

Chelsea Merta, an attorney for ArchCity Defenders, responded to this tweeted quote: “Hopefully Krewson credited @Tishaura [Jones] for this recently-adopted position. Lord knows she didn’t come up with that on her own.”

Jones had plenty of other ideas of her own at the plenary. Most striking was her claim that no black citywide elected official in the city cooperates with any other black citywide elected official. “Blacks are six out of nine citywide elected officials in St. Louis, and how many of us are working together?” Jones asked. “Zero.”

It was a startling claim, given that she is one of those six people, so in effect she admitted that she herself is not working cooperatively with any of the others: Reed, Comptroller Darlene Green, Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner, License Collector Mavis Thompson and Sheriff Vernon Betts State Senator Jamilah Nasheed not quite a citywide elected official, though she is talking about running against Reed – tweeted, “Not true!” to Jones’ claim, but did not elaborate. Jones let more sparks fly.

Dyson – not unusually – made provocative comments of his own. He trashed elements of the black community for their anti-intellectual attitude, which he sees in Twitter attacks on him. “We’re the only community that dogs the scholars in our midst,” Dyson said. He also called for black activists and advocates to collaborate with other marginalized groups, using the trendy term of “intersectionality” in urging black advocates to claim as “their issue” Trump’s (to date, ineffectual) call for banning transgendered people from the U.S. military. “We need to work with trans and gay and women rights advocates,” Dyson said. That goes for intersecting with environmental activists as well. “You are a cosmic citizen,” Dyson told the majority-black crowd. “You belong to this universe.”

He also pointedly reminded the audience that there are women misogynists, citing the horrific statistic that a majority of white women voted for Trump.

No one mentioned that the National Urban League had booked Gov. Eric Greitens to speak at the conference’s Empowering Women brunch, when he just called an expensive special legislative session simply to get national attention for trying to further curtail Missouri women’s rights to make their own reproductive health decisions.

Photo by Wiley Price

Judge Glenda Hatchett moderated the opening plenary of the National Urban League’s 2017 national conference, featuring Tamika D. Mallory, St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones, Michael Grant, Michael Eric Dyson, Angela Rye and Allan C. Golston.

FASHIONETTA(SM) Scholarship Cotillion

Pierce Olivia Sams Crowned Miss

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Gamma Omega Chapter presented its 33rd Annual FASHIONETTA(SM) Scholarship

Cotillion on Sunday, May 28, 2017 in the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel in St. Louis, MO with over 600 people in attendance.

Sixteen lovely young ladies were presented at the annual event: Churnae Allred, Jasmine Blackburn, Elyse Bonner, Danyelle Coleman, Claudae Goodrich, Erika Gunn, Sydni Hall, Aryan Hudson, Jordyn Jackson, Donjayla Jenkins, Maya Jones, Reese Roberts, Pierce Sams, Sidni Sands, Kenyae Shelton and Desiree Warren.

The escorts for this event were: Azonti Anderson, Evan Bordes, Eric Brice, LaVaughn Caradine, Jr., Lyell Champagne, Jr., Andrew Clair, Homer Dula, Clinton Heffner, Kirren Hopson-Whittier, Isaiah Jones, Jordan Nelson, Thomas Patton, IV, Cameron Peal-Smith, Ephriam Todd, Jeremy Townsend, Mark Wheeler and Keion Willis.

FASHIONETTA(SM) is a trademark of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and a fundraising activity for the sorority’s philanthropic

(SM) 2017

endeavors. Debutantes and escorts participate in an .eight-month experience, which includes church service, college preparation workshops, community service, entrepreneurial workshops, etiquette & fine dining experiences, healthcare, Mother –Daughter Luncheon and an overnight retreat. Debutantes and escorts receive a monetary award at this Scholarship Cotillion. Over $34,500 was awarded to the debutantes and escorts in scholarships.

Pierce Olivia Sams was crowned Miss FASHIONETTA(SM) 2017, daughter of Alvin and Karen Sams. Pierce is a 2017 graduate of Clayton High School. She will attend Spelman College and major in Biology.

First runner-up was Miss Elyse Noelle Bonner, daughter of Walter and Carmen Bonner. Elyse is a 2017 graduate of Metro Academic & Classical High School. She will attend Tuskegee University and major in Business and Environmental Science.

Second runner-up was Miss Jordyn Megan Jackson, daughter of Chuck and Robin Jackson. Jordyn is a 2017 graduate of Clayton High

School. She will attend University of Miami and major in Biology.

Third runner-up was Miss Danyelle Alfre Coleman, daughter of Nelson and Valerie Coleman.

Danyelle is a 2017 graduate of Tower Grove Christian Academy. She will attend Webster University and major in Acting/Theater and Photography.

Fourth runner-up was Miss Maya Michelle Jones, daughter of LeRoye

and LaWanda Jones. Maya is a 2017 graduate of Soldan International High School. She will attend Hampton University and major in Biology.

Debutantes Colleges for Fall 2017

C. Allred - Missouri State University, Jasmine Blackburn - St. Louis University, Claudae’ GoodrichLipscomb University, Erika Gunn - Missouri Southern State University, Sydni Hall - Loyola

and Desiree

of

- Tuskegee

Photos by J.W. Photography

James Arnold Finley passes at 76

James A. Finley was born in Brooklyn, Illinois to James Oliver Finley and William Etta Cole. He was reared in

Brooklyn and East St. Louis, Illinois by Mr. and Mrs. Helen and Theodore Thomas Sr. Finley graduated from East

St. Louis Lincoln Senior High School in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 - 1963. He attended college at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. While in college, Finley pledged and was initiated into the Southern Illinois Gamma Upsilon Swing Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1968. He later returned to SIUE to obtain a Master’s degree in Education in 1976. Finley also taught mathematics at Southern Illinois University’s East St. Louis campus and at State Community College. In May 1970, he married Earline Cotton and to that union their daughter, Daria Lannette, was born.

Finley fell in love with photography at an early age while sneaking out to take pictures with his uncle’s camera. He later learned to print black and white photos while serving as a U.S. Marine. His passion for photography led him to pursue opportunities with various newspapers, including the East St. Louis Crusader and the East St. Louis Monitor

His work with the newspapers prepared him for an introduction to Fred Waters, a prominent photojournalist in St. Louis. Finley worked as a freelancer for five years under the mentorship of Waters; during that time he covered many assignments, including St. Louis Cardinals baseball and football, University of Missouri-Columbia football and visits of U.S. presidents. In May 1984, Finley joined the Associated Press (AP), where he served as a photographer for more than 25 years in the St. Louis AP Bureau. During his years as a staff photographer, Finley worked Super Bowls, baseball playoffs and World Series, Stanley Cup hockey playoffs and other sports and news events. Finley’s other memorable work includes assignments such as the Times Beach environmental disaster, the great flood of 1993, the Oklahoma City’s federal building explosion site, and the 2000 Sydney Olympics in Australia. Finley retired from the AP in 2006. In addition to photography, he enjoyed travel, jazz music and fine foods. He was also a respected mentor to many aspiring photographers, a devoted friend to his colleagues, and a patriarch among his family members. His memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 1 from 5-9 p.m. at the Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108.

James Finley (left) at the induction of St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame in October 2012. They are the only two African Americans in the hall.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Business

Urban League hails ‘economic first-responders’

Michael Neidorff

of Centene, David Steward of WWT co-chair Annual Conference

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

As the 107th National Urban League Annual Conference kicked off in St. Louis with a State of The Urban League Address on Wednesday, July 26 at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, the organization was still full from the festivities surrounding the ribbon cutting for the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center earlier that day. A collaborative effort between The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and The Salvation Army, the center stands at the site of a burned down QuikTrip referred to as “Ground Zero” of Ferguson protests.

“I could not think of a more important, special way to mark the opening of the 107th Annual Conference of the National League Conference or more representative of what the Urban League movement is truly all about,” said National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial. “Out of the ashes, this morning there was hope. Where the flames of righteous anger once burned, lives will be transformed.”

n “When others may have wanted to run away from the challenges in Ferguson, our chairman – like an economic first responder – ran towards the fire.”

– Marc Morial on Michael Neidorff

The co-chairs of the conference were regional business leaders Michael Neidorff, chairman, president and CEO of Centene Corporation (who is also board chair of the National Urban League) and David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology.

“Since the unrest of 2014 our experiences – particularly in Ferguson – can serve as an example of the progress that can be made when the businesses, community organizations and elected officials work together for the transformation of a community,” Neidorff said. “As St. Louis continues to build out a model for positive social change, it has benefited from constructive reflection and action.”

Morial said that Centene should also be a model of corporate leadership because of its post-Ferguson work. Early in the unrest, Centene committed to building a $25 million Ferguson Service Center that brought more than 250 jobs to the region, with an emphasis on staffing from Ferguson and North St. Louis County.

“When others may have wanted to run away from the challenges in Ferguson, our chairman – like an economic first responder – ran towards the fire,” Morial said of Neidorff. “He is an outstanding example of responsible corporate leadership. He has set forth an example that we want business leaders to take note of – and that is great corporate social responsibility.”

Just before the conference opened, Centene announced that with its Home State Health subsidiary it would fund the more than $1.3 million initial capital necessary to build a health clinic inside the Ferguson Schnucks that will be operated by Betty Jean Kerr’s Peoples Health

Michael Neidorff, president and CEO of Centene Corporation (and board chair of the National Urban League) co-chaired the 107th National Urban League Annual Conference in St. Louis and spoke at the State of The Urban League Address on Wednesday, July 26 at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church. Early in the Ferguson unrest, Centene committed to building a $25 million Ferguson Service Center that brought more than 250 jobs to the region, with an emphasis on staffing from Ferguson and North St. Louis County.

Centers.

“Although we are still learning, St. Louis and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis are also in a position to share and teach – this is so important,” Neidorff said. “That’s why Centene and Worldwide Technology are proud to be title sponsors for this year’s conference – to

showcase the work that is being done to make our community a beacon of hope.”

When conference co-chair David Steward addressed the crowd, he reminded them that he was once a struggling entrepreneur whose

See URBAN, B6

First black CEO at Epworth

American staff

Michelle D. Tucker shifts from banking

When Bank of America Senior Vice President Michelle D. Tucker announced her early retirement from a 20-year career in banking to accept the role of chief executive officer at Epworth Children & Family Services, she never doubted that it was the right decision to make.

“I have a tremendous passion for the well-being of youth and families across our community,” she said. “Providing leadership to Epworth’s historic efforts will enable me to more directly impact vulnerable populations and connect closer to a vital mission.”

Tucker joined Epworth in April as the first African-American CEO in the agency’s history. For over 152 years, Epworth has been committed to keeping families together, preventing abuse and neglect, and encouraging

Michelle D. Tucker

self-sufficiency for at-risk youth and families through a continuum of services. With a staff of nearly 250 employees made up of psychologists, caseworkers, youth advisers and others, Epworth provides services to more than 13,000 youth and families annually.

Chris Jones of BancorpSouth, Epworth’s Governing Board chair, said Tucker’s “demonstrated successful history combined with her extensive knowledge of our community uniquely position her to lead Epworth as we continue growing forward.”

Tucker is originally from East St. Louis, spending the past nine years as a community

to social services

n “Many times we simply don’t recognize the signs of an abusive home, mental health challenges or homeless situations, especially when it involves youth and families.”

– Michelle D. Tucker

leader while collaborating with various nonprofit agencies to provide advisory and support. She has dedicated a significant degree of time to understanding issues and challenges facing youth and families experiencing difficult times.

See TUCKER, B2

Ron Himes received the Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award at the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival. The award “recognizes profound contributions producers have made to the American Theatre and the entertainment industry as a whole.” Himes is founder and producing director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company.

Candance Virgil was appointed to the External Review Panel of the American Library Association. She will travel to libraries across the country and internationally to review Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies to ensure they meet accreditation standards. She is director of Reference Services at Lindenwood University’s St. Charles’ campuses Library and Academic Resource Center.

Calvin Thomas IV was appointed chief of Clinic Operations and Strategic Innovation at Logan University. He oversees Logan’s health system and is responsible for the innovation of new health center partnerships to advance interdisciplinary collaboration. He most recently served as vice president of healthcare at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana.

Melanie Davis is the primary Family Empowerment counselor at the St. Louis Crisis Nursery’s new Ferguson Outreach Center, located in the Ferguson-Dellwood Community Resource Center. She has a Master’s of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University and joined the Crisis Nursery in March 2016. She has served over 150 families and recently initiated a free diaper giveaway.

Decorda McGee joined KAI Design & Build as an intern architect 2. He has five years of industry experience, with a Masters of Architecture from the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Engineering from Chicago State University in Chicago.

Taibi Magar will direct Shakespeare Festival St. Louis’ production of “Romeo and Juliet” next summer. She is an Egyptian-American director based in New York and a graduate of the Brown/Trinity MFA program. She has directed and developed work at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare & Company and Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

On the move? Congratulations! Send

com

Ron Himes

Candance Virgil

Calvin Thomas IV

Melanie Davis

Taibi Magar

Decorda McGee

Photo by Wiley Price

By Nathaniel Sillin

Prepare for major life expenses with tax-advantaged accounts

College tuition, a new pair of glasses and retirement may seem unrelated, but the tax law says otherwise. By knowing how and where to save your money, you could pay for each of these expenses with taxadvantaged – or in some cases income-tax-free – money.

Individual Retirement Agreements (IRAs) and 401(k) s are perhaps the two most well-known examples of these types of accounts. But they’re not alone. With educational and medical expenses in mind, consider the following types of accounts and how you might be able to use one to help yourself or your family.

Invest your college fund in a 529 plan. State-sponsored 549 plans come in two forms Prepaid tuition plans let you lock in today’s rate for in-state public schools and 529 college savings plans allow you to invest your savings based on your goals and risk tolerance. Contributions aren’t a federal tax write-off, but if you invest in your state’s plan, there might be a state income tax write-off.

As new parents ourselves, my wife and I made the decision to start preparing for our son’s education with a 529 college savings plan. However, the state where we live doesn’t offer a tax incentive. After diligently researching our options, we chose to establish the account in another state.

Many states let nonresidents invest in their 529 plans and you can compare the state-based benefits, investment options, fees and contribution rules when choosing your plan. The College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) has tools to compare 529 plans by features or by state. If the money is spent on qualified educational expenses, such as tuition, fees or school supplies, you don’t pay federal

income tax (and may not have to pay state income tax) on investment gains.

Provide financial support for a disabled person using an ABLE account. News of a life-changing disability could come at any time. Following the Achieving a Better Life

Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014, states can now sponsor ABLE savings accounts. Like 529 plans, contributions may be tax-deductible on the state (but not federal) level and the investment earnings can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for qualified expenses related to a mental or physical disability.

Beneficiaries must meet two criteria to qualify for an ABLE account: the disability must have begun before they were 26 and it must have “marked and severe functional limitations.” Anyone can contribute to the beneficiary’s ABLE account, and there is a limit on the total annual contributions – $14,000 as of 2017.

For individuals dealing with a disability and those taking care of a loved one, an ABLE account could make it easier to manage and plan finances. Generally, if you have a disability you’re disqualified from some types of federal government aid if you have over $2,000 in assets. The first

$100,000 in an ABLE account doesn’t count against the limit for non-Medicaid services, and the entire account balance doesn’t count against the Medicaid limit.

Collectively known as ABLE 2.0, several new bills may increase the annual contribution for those who have a disability and are working, increase the eligibility age to 46 and allow families to rollover money from a 529 college savings plan to an ABLE account.

Make medical expenses more affordable with an FSA. Some employers offer a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) as a benefit to their employees. Employees can fund the accounts by putting aside a portion of their paychecks. You can then spend the money on qualified medical expenses, including eye exams, glasses and dental procedures, without paying income tax.

FSA accounts have a useit-or-lose it provision and the

money you don’t use could be forfeited at the end of the year. Employers could, but aren’t required to, allow employees to roll over up to $500 each year or give them an additional two-and-a-halfmonth grace period to use the money.

Bottom line: Paying for higher education, covering medical-related expenses and saving for retirement are three important financial goals. Incorporating tax-advantaged accounts into your long-term plan could be a win-win for your wallet. You might be able to save money now by lowering your tax bill and lower your effective costs later by withdrawing and using the money for qualified expenses.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

Southwest will fly daily to Cancun starting in March

Airlines will expands its schedule of flights from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to Cancun to daily service in March 2018. A weekly non-stop flight with single-day, Saturday service, announced in May, is scheduled to begin November 11. “To see an expansion of service before the very first flight shows that ticket sales are strong for Cancun,” said Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, St. Louis airport director. The March 2018 schedule for

TUCKER

continued from page B1

“Although not always intentional, many times we simply don’t recognize the signs of an abusive home, mental health challenges or homeless situations, especially when it involves youth and families right here in our community,” Tucker said.

“My challenge to myself and others is to take the time to notice, acknowledge, report, support and truly get involved in providing solutions and assistance to those in need that have become invisible to too many.”

Tucker is a certified Six Sigma Greenbelt professional with a B.A. in English from SIU-Edwardsville and an M.A. in Business from Webster University, with experience in strategic planning, process design and operations management. She was one

of the establishing chairs of the Bank of America Black Professional Affinity Group in St. Louis and was a member of their national Diversity Action Council. She most recently worked as Bank of America’s Enterprise Business and Community Engagement market manager responsible for local grant-making, corporate sponsorships and community outreach. She has held numerous leadership positions and been recognized for various accomplishments in the community. Tucker will be featured among four Leading Women in Business from St. Louis in the September issues of The Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine and Fortune Magazine reaching nearly 135,000 subscribers. Her award distinctions include the St. Louis America Foundation’s Excellence in Business Award, St. Louis Business Journal’s Most

Influential Diverse Business Leader, YWCA Leader of Distinction (corporate), Professional Organization of Women’s Leader of Distinction, Webster University’s George Walker School of Technology Alumnus of the Year and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Women in Leadership Award. She is a member of the Board of Directors at Downtown STL, Inc. and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. She is a graduate of FOCUS’ Leadership St. Louis program and the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Program. Tucker is a member of the United Way’s

n “Anybody can win a championship. Everybody can’t get into the Hall of Fame.”

– Former NBA star

Tracy McGrady

Molina doesn’t back down, he doubles down; Smith’s light shines in HOF

~ See ‘Sports Eye’ page B4 ~

Malcolm Hill to play in Philippines

Earl Austin Jr.

Former Belleville East and University of Illinois basketball standout Malcolm Hill, Jr. recently signed a professional contract to play with the Star Hotshots in the Philippines. It did not take long for the 6’7” Hill to make an impact as he scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Star past the Alaska Aces in his professional debut in the PBA. He was named the Player of the Game for his outstanding effort. Hill graduated from the University of Illinois as the school’s third career-leading scorer. After going undrafted by the National Basketball Association, Hill spent a week playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Orlando Summer League. He signed with the Star Hotshots shortly after his participation in the Summer League. Not only is Malcolm Hill, Jr. an outstanding basketball player, he is also a wonderful young man. It is great to see him continue to enjoy great success on the basketball court. The kid can really put the ball in the basket.

Sug takes home the Silver Former Parkway North standout girls’ basketball player Alecia “Sug” Sutton took home a silver medal with the USA Basketball team that competed at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Udina, Italy last week. The University of Texas sophomore guard averaged eight points in the team’s seven games, including three double-digit scoring games. She had a high of 19 points in the USA’s victory over Mali to open the tournament. Sutton also had 12 points, three rebounds and three assists in a victory over Puerto Rico and 11 points and three

Adrien Broner has earned a good living by attempting to emulate Floyd Mayweather Jr. The million dollar purse he earned versus Mikey Garcia doesn’t put him anywhere near “Money” Mayweather’s tax bracket, but most prizefighters never reach million dollar mark for a single fight. Broner (33-3-0, 24 KO) has been a million dollar fighter for years. Part of the draw was his oversized “AB” persona. His “Can Man” and “About Billions” shticks were endearing to some and annoying to others. Still, whether people were cheering for him or rooting against him, people tuned in to watch. After suffering the third loss of his career, via unanimous decision to Garcia (37-0-0, 30 KO), Broner finds himself at a serious career crossroads. The loss proved what hardcore fight fans have known for a while. Broner simply cannot handle strong, skilled, pressure fighters. Marcos Maidana set

the blueprint in 2013 when he battered and bruised a then-undefeated Broner around the ring for twelve rounds. Shawn Porter carried by torch by pressuring and roughing up Broner en route to another unanimous decision two years ago. Now it was Garcia’s turn to play the bully role against Broner. Despite the fact that Garcia moved up in weight from 135-pounds and while Broner moved down from 147-pounds, Garcia was the aggressor. He outpunched his opponent by landing 244 of 789 punches (31 percent) compared to 125 of 400 punches (31 percent) by Broner. After watching Broner’s latest disappointing performance, one thing is clear. If he wants to continue to be a force in boxing, he needs to immediately abandon his Mayweather imitation. Welcome to the AB closeout sale! Everything must go: the

Adrien Broner fails at an attempted shoulder roll and eats a jab from Mikey Garcia. Broner needs to abandon his attempts

Former Belleville East and University of Illinois basketball standout Malcolm Hill, Jr. recently signed a professional contract to play with the Star Hotshots in the Philippines.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Molina doesn’t back down, he doubles down; Smith’s light shines in HOF

The tiff between St. Louis Cardinals All-Star catcher Yadier Molina and manager

Mike Matheny has now escalated – and Molina also probably caught the team’s owner and chairman in the social media crossfire.

After Matheny hinted that Molina needed a day off because he was tired last week, Molina took to social media to tweak his manager. Matheny stopped just short of using the word “tired” in comments to the media, but it was obvious what he was inferring.

Molina said Matheny was doling out misinformation.

Cards owner and chair

William DeWitt Jr., seemed to side with Matheny on that matter, saying Molina misconstrued what his manager was saying the previous day. He also wasn’t happy with Molina going public with his unhappiness.

“I didn’t like that situation. That wasn’t necessary, and I think there’s better ways to express your displeasures than tweeting or Instagramming the world,” he told Post-Dispatch columnist Jose de Jesus Ortiz

I find it interesting how quickly fans and management turn on even the greatest of Cardinals if they dare question authority. Obviously, Molina must have felt the sting of this too.

Instead of backing down, Molina doubled down. On Monday, Molina posted a photo of him and former Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo, with the following:

“missing this (man) right here ‘secret weapon’ old school baseball #oquendocheito.”

Take that Matheny. Take that DeWitt Jr. Take that Cardinal fans who reacted with F-bombs and other profanity to the latest Molina Twitter post. Molina might have more to say Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday in Milwaukee. Everyone could have kissed and made up by Thursday. But as of Tuesday morning, I think I know what Molina suggests that Matheny can kiss.

A beacon for baseball Claire Smith was awarded the J.G. Taylor Spink Award by the Baseball Writers Association of America for “meritorious contributions to baseball writing,” last Sunday in Cooperstown, N.Y. during the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. She became just the fourth

black journalist to receive the award and the first woman of any race or color. It’s fitting that her story begins like that of millions of other Americans – with immigration.

Her father came to New York from Jamaica. Smith could have been raised there too had it not been for an illness that threatened her life.

Her grandmother was a village “healer” in Jamaica and Smith was returned to Jamaica to reside there and, hopefully, return to health.

Instead of baseball, there is a chance that Smith could have been one of the first women of color to be honored for covering soccer in England. Before Smith’s birth, at the outbreak of World War II, her mother boarded a ship

for England to pursue her education, but it was rerouted to Philadelphia. Smith would grow up there, learn the skills of journalism through a class at Temple University and begin the baseball journey that landed her in Cooperstown.

Jackie Robinson had become MLB’s first recognized black player in 1947 and Smith, like many other Americans, became a Brooklyn Dodgers fan.

I doubt I had a choice but to inherit the Dodgers,” Smith said. “Although my father was a (New York) Giants fan, I listened more to my mother.”

Her parents were examples of what immigrants add to the tapestry of the United States.

Smith’s mother would become a chemist at GE who helped with America’s devel-

oping space technology. Smith calls her a “hidden figure” at GE. Her father was a successful painter.

Her parents gifted her with a manual typewriter just as she was going to leave school and seek a career in retail. But after taking a journalism class at Temple, she combined her love for baseball with writing.

She said in her acceptance speech that her role is to “shine the light where it needs to be shown.”

“A reporter who stands tall not just as a journalist but of a woman of color, matters great. I stand here representing every person in my profession stung by racism and sexism and any other insidious bias but who persevered. You are unbreakable. You make me proud.” Smith, 63, began her newspaper career with the Bucks County (Pa.) Courier Times and then moved to the Philadelphia Bulletin. She covered the 1984 NLCS between

the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs for the Bulletin and was physically shoved out of the Cubs’ clubhouse following a game.

The following day

MLB Commissioner Peter Ueberroth ordered all locker rooms open to anyone with a working credential — male or female.

Smith covered the New York Yankees for the Hartford Courant, becoming the first female on a full-time MLB beat (1982-90). She was a New York Times’ Yankees beat writer and baseball columnist (1990-98) and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist (19982007).

She is now coordinating editor and baseball remote news editor at ESPN, working for “Sunday Night Baseball.”

As history would dictate, Smith sat next to Jackie Robinson’s widow, Rachel, on stage at Cooperstown.

How ‘bout this lineup?

Cardinals rookie catcher Carson Kelly is behind the plate on any day that Molina is not in the starting lineup. That got me to thinking, the Redbirds could have possibly fielded the following lineup, positions one through nine this week.

Pitcher, Lance Lynn (or any starter other than Carlos Martinez); C, Kelly; 1B, Luke Voit; 2B, Matt Carpenter; 3B, Jedd Gyorko; SS, Paul DeJong; LF, Randal Grichuk; CF, Harrison Bader; RF, Stephen Piscotty

Yes, this is a stretch. Yes, I realize that Bader was returned to Memphis as Piscotty returned from the disabled list. Yes, I realize that Dexter Fowler is on the DL. But if Bader had been kept in the Majors, the Cardinals could have fielded an all-white baseball team.

Popping corn

If you need further proof that baseball is struggling to draw younger fans, here it is. SportsMediaWatch.com examined the Nielsen ratings that Saturday and found that ESPN2 coverage of “Cornhole: 2017 Championship of Bags” drew a larger audience in the adult 18-49 demographic (204,000) than that weekend’s MLB games on FS1 (CubsCardinals, 153,000) and TBS (Rangers-Rays, 150,000). Cornhole consists of throwing corn-filled bags through holes in a wooden target. The cornhole competition also topped the WNBA All-Star Game on ABC (195,000) and the final stage of the Tour de France on NBCSN (106,000). The MLB games dominated in overall ratings, but the younger demographic got more kicks out of watching a tailgating/party game than baseball. Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report, including Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box” on KFNS. His

Alvin A. Reid

Recently, Yadier Molina publicly denied comments made by St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny which has sparked controversy.

By Earl Austin Jr. Of the St.

St. Louis Surge’s Rebecca Harris ‘just keeps getting better’

Team goes after third national championship weekend at Fontbonne

Louis American

Rebecca Harris was just looking to get a taste of professional basketball when she joined the St. Louis Surge of the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League in 2014. It turned out to be a great decision for both parties, as the Surge has become the dominant franchise in the WBCBL with a couple of national of championships. Meanwhile, Harris has emerged as not only one of the premier players in the league, but the face of the Surge franchise as well.

“At first, I looked at it as an opportunity to play in front of friends and family,” said Harris. “I didn’t know what to expect, but we won the championship my first year. It was a great experience. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” A former standout at Mascoutah (Ill.) High and the University of Illinois, Harris is the epitome of an all-around player who is not only a great player, but a great leader as well. The 5’8” point guard is a two-time national champion, a WBCBL All-Star and the Most Valuable Player of the national tournament last season.

“Rebecca is the definition of a champion,” said Surge owner Khalia Collier. “Her character,

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

ing and reflexes are on another level. A young Mayweather spent as much time coming forward and leading with his jab and he did utilizing his superior footspeed to stay out of punching range. By the time Mayweather entered his mid30s, he didn’t need to move as much because he was able to read what’s coming.

Broner’s attempts to shoulder roll or use a high guard to combat pressure don’t work because his defensive reflexes and punch recognition are simply not good enough. At 28-years-old, Broner should be in his physical prime. He should be able to stalk, move, punch, retreat and slip punches whenever he needs to.

Much of Broner’s movement is ineffective. He moves just for the sake of moving. When opponents are in close range, Broner often plants his feet and starts his poor Mayweather imitation.

If Broner wants to keep the million dollar paydays rolling, he has to do two things: dedicate himself to his craft and fight like a bully.

INSIDE

Continued from B3 rebounds in the USA’s loss to Russia in the gold medal game.

Local basketball teams win championships

The Ramey-Jets United 17U boys’ team won the Silver Division championship at the Adidas Summer Championships in Las Vegas. The Ramey-Jets United defeated Team Rose (IL) 72-68 in the championship game. The Brad Beal Elite 15U boys’ team won the championship at the Jayhawk Summer Finale in Overland Park, KS last weekend. BBE defeated KC Run GMC 56-52 in the championship game. They were led in scoring by Terrell Rush (Trinity) and Phillip Russell (Vashon) with 11 points each. In the semifinals, BBE defeated Team Thad from Memphis 69-68 as Jayce Catchings scored a teamhigh 19 points, including five 3-pointers.

talent and just natural ability to lead is impressive to watch on and off the court. She just never ceases to amaze me. She just keeps getting better.”

After leading the Surge to WBCBL national championships in 2014 and 2016, Harris will be looking to lead the team to a third title this weekend in St. Louis. The Surge will be hosting the national tournament on Saturday and Sunday at Fontbonne University.

The No. 1 seed Surge will open postseason play on Saturday against the California Splash on Saturday at noon. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday evening at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the championship game slated for Sunday at 2:05 p.m.

“It’s going to be a different feel being at home this time,” Harris said. “Our fans are the best in the country and I’m expecting the place to be packed. It will be the best hosted national championship, so I’m excited about it.” St. Louis Surge fans will be equally excited to see Harris back in action to perform her all-around brilliance on the basketball court. In leading the Surge to a perfect 10-0 regular season, Harris is averaging 18.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 3.1 steals a game while shooting 56 percent from the field, 39 percent from 3-point

If you believe Broner’s subdued talking points before the Garcia fight, he could be well on his way to the first part. At the advice of Mayweather, Broner moved from his hometown of Cincinnati to South Florida in effort to focus on his craft. He also relocated his training camp to the mountains of Colorado.

“It’s like Floyd once told me, ‘You’ve got to move out of Cincinnati to reach your full potential. You’ve already did all you can do there. It’s time for you to move out and expand,” Broner told CBS Sports. “I finally got it after these last few incidents that I’ve been in and it’s time to move on.”

After the loss, Broner summoned up the tired “Can Man” shtick and tried to ooze confidence. Meanwhile the crowd booed when he brought up the idea of a rematch despite being soundly defeated.

Hopefully the loss will inspire Broner to double down on his dedication, rather than discourage him. For the past few years, Broner has been plagued with legal problems, weight issues and drama. Working hard in one training camp isn’t enough to beat a fighter of Garcia’s caliber.

Blake Ahearn is headed to the G-League

Former area basketball standout Blake Ahearn was named the head coach of the Austin Spurs of the National Basketball Association’s

range and 87 percent from the free throw line. That, folks, is the definition of the stat-sheet stuffer. Last season, she averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists a game while shooting 42 percent from 3-point range.

“I think I fill out the stat line pretty well,” Harris said. “I like to be all over the place. If I’m going to be out there on the court all of the time, I might as well do more than just shoot the ball.”

When Harris isn’t playing for the Surge during the summer, she maintains an active schedule as a player and coach. She was recently named the new head women’s basketball coach at Rend Lake College, a two-year institution in Ina, Ill. She is also a self-proclaimed gym rat who is always playing ball, which explains her continued development into a great player.

“I love to play,” Harris said.

“During the winter, I play in a

lot of men’s leagues around St. Louis. The game evolves and I try to evolve with it. I just never stop playing.”

As long as Rebecca Harris keeps playing, it’s a safe bet that that the St. Louis Surge will keep winning.

For ticket information for this weekend’s WBCBL national tournament, you can visit the team’s website at stlsurgebasketball.com.

Sustained dedication could still take Broner a long way.

Since his defense is not good enough to avoid pressure fighters, he’ll need to use his exceptional speed and solid chin in order to take the fight to

G-League this week. They are the G-League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. A former standout at DeSmet High and Missouri State, Ahearn had just completed his first year as the head coach at DeSmet. Before joining the coaching ranks,

his opponents.

In his prime, Manny Pacquiao overwhelmed opponents with his speed and ferocity, rather than raw power.

Above the lightweight division, Broner’s power is decent, but

Ahearn enjoyed a very productive professional career, which included several stops overseas and a run of high-scoring seasons in the then NBA D-League. Ahearn also had 10-day contracts with the Spurs and the Miami Heat.

not intimidating. Therefore he needs to throw punches in bunches to discourage fighters from stalking him around the ring.

Somebody send Broner some tapes clips of old

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk. Rebecca Harris has emerged as not only one of the premier players in the league, but the face of the St. Louis Surge franchise as well.

Semifinals

Dallas-Cleveland

F.T.C wins River City Pro-Am

Congratulations to F.T.C on winning the championship of the River City Pro-Am Basketball League. F.T.C. defeated Y Lie 73-70 in the

August 6 National Championship Game, 2 p.m.

the

Julio Cesar Chavez

Those fighters each had different styles and strengths, but they all were effective at pressure fighting.

For years, Broner has talked tough and tried to fight cute. With each loss to an A-level opponent, the talk becomes cheaper and so does the ticket prices and demand for his fights. The next chapter of Adrien Broner must be one that is exciting inside the ring and dedicated inside the gym. If he can make the transition, Broner can become a force once again. If he doesn’t change his fighting style, he’s doomed to become a division gatekeeper to separate the contenders from the pretenders. People will pay to watch an exciting fighter. Loud fighters however, have to be perfect. Otherwise, all that talk just becomes background noise. “AB” needs to be a bully or else he’ll be just another B-level opponent.

championship game. Some of F.T.C.’s top players include current Saint Louis University standout Davel Roby, former Vashon and SLU standout Dwayne Polk and former Madison Prep standout Martavious Payne.

Pacquiao,

late Diego Corrales and Arturo Gatti Kostya Tszyu, Erik Morales or

Physically Adrien Broner has the speed, talent and chin to remain a star, but he should be more focus on being entertaining with his fists rather than his mouth.

David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, co-chaired the 107th National Urban League Annual Conference in St. Louis and spoke at the State of The Urban League Address on Wednesday, July 26 at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church.

URBAN

continued from page B1

success was made possible by the support of the Urban League.

“As I stand before you with a $9 billion company, the future of our company is bright because of the people who gave me opportunities and put me on the right track and provided me with the core values that our company still operates on today,” Steward said. “It’s all because of people like you in this room who decided I was important.”

Morial quoted Black Enterprise magazine as saying Worldwide Technology is the largest back-owned business in the United States – and took it one step further by saying that it is the largest black-owned business in the history of the United States.

A sizable portion of the programming of this year’s conference included resources and information to help minority business owners grow and thrive. Sessions included “Turn Your Hustle into a Strategy,” The State of Diversity and the Color of Change in American Business”

and “Innovating with Inclusion: Advocating for Diversity & Why It Matters.”

“We will not have muchneeded innovation if we don’t bring diversity to the table with us,” Steward said. “That is what made World Wide what it is today,”

Urban League in Ferguson

The work done in Ferguson by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis underscored the entire conference, held July 26-29 in St. Louis. Those walking into the central exhibit halls at America’s Center passed

“Outside In: Painting For Peace,” an exhibit of visual art painted on plywood that protected business windows in Ferguson during the height of the unrest.

And Ferguson was often a talking point as an illustration of what’s possible when the Urban League works with corporate and community partners to facilitate change.

“People should not ignore that three years ago, when a young man’s body was laying in the streets of Ferguson, the Urban League turned the pain into power,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said at the second

plenary session on Thursday, July 27 at America’s Center.

“What happened yesterday at the center showed that we can not only burn, we can build –and we can heal. There is now a building to show that we will build and rejuvenate.”

According to Morial, the St. Louis affiliate’s work in Ferguson and legacy of excellence were deciding factors for bringing the conference back to the region.

“For years St. Louis, has been an incubator for excellence and activism, so it’s only fitting that we hold this year’s conference here,” Morial said.

August 5, 2014 marked Michael McMillan’s one-year anniversary as president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. A few days later, he and many others in leadership positions would be challenged in a way that few would have imagined as the region became undone because of nonstop unrest.

“Michael’s baptism of fire was the tragic death of Michael Brown and the uprising that followed,” Morial said. “His steady, responsible leadership has continued the momentum of healing in the community.”

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman

Women business owners need retirement plans

the

of the market, the difference between

Photo by Wiley Price

Living It

‘Whose Streets?’ comes to the masses

Nationwide release of Ferguson doc comes on heels of unrest’s 3rd Anniversary

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“To be successful at something that is based on such an ugly premise is a challenge and I think about it all the time,” said Sabaah Folayan, co-director of “Whose Streets?”

“I didn’t go to Ferguson thinking this [film] would happen. But now that I have these opportunities, I would completely give everything up for Mike Brown’s mother and father just to have their son back.”

After a critically acclaimed run at the Sundance Film Festival this winter – which led to the acquisition by Magnolia Pictures –“Whose Streets?” opens in major cities next

Friday (August 11). As the filmmakers hoped, the film’s release comes just days after the third anniversary of the Ferguson unrest. There will be a special screening presented by the Organization For Black Struggle on Saturday, August 12 at the Tivoli.

“The goal that we had from the beginning was to make sure that the story was able to be put out on a national scale because the misinformation was put out on a national scale,” Folayan said. “To partner with Magnolia and have it roll out in over 20 major cities just feels like we are going to get the chance to set the record straight for a

See FILM, C4

National Urban League gets

Guests of the National Urban League Conference’s Whitney Young Gala got the surprise of their lives when singer/actor Vanessa Williams and Academy-Award and Grammy Award winning singer/actor/ comedian Jamie Foxx were presented as the evening’s entertainment Friday night at America’s Center.

for Dred and Harriet

By American Staff

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St.

St. Louis Black Repertory Company Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes receives the Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award at The National Black Theatre Festival This week in WinstonSalem, North Carolina.

Himes said.

The award celebrates individuals for their contribution to theatre and the entertainment industry as a whole. It is named after the Founder and Executive Producer and Artistic

See HIMES, C4

Damon Davis and Sabaah Folayan’s Ferguson documentary ‘Whose Streets?’ opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, August 11.

Photos by Wiley Price

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

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

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

back to school events

Sat., Aug. 5, 10 a.m., Beyond Housing/Back to School Normandy High School, 6701 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63121. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Aug. 6, 1 p.m., Shalom Church presents Back to School Physical & Haircuts. Berkley Campus, 6136 Garfield Ave., 63134. For more information, call (314) 653-2300.

Sat., Aug. 12, 9 a.m., Grace Hill invites you to Strong Women and Families Health and Resource Fair. We will have back to school immunizations, credit counseling, school supplies, and more. 2600 Hadley St., 63106. For more information, call (314) 822-2344.

Sat. Aug. 12, 10 a.m., Craig Blac’s 17th Annual Community Cuts for Kids, The Urban B.A.T. Cave Salon/ Barber Shop, 109 Colinsville Ave., East St. Louis IL.

Sat., Aug. 12, 10 a.m., Agape Christian Center hosts Healthy Body, Soul & Spirit: Community Health Fair & Back To School Event Screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI, free back to school supplies. 2410 Gardner, 63136. For

more information, visit www. agape-cc.org.

Sun., Aug. 13, 2 p.m. Craig Blac’s 17th Annual Community Cuts for Kids, The O’Fallon Rec Plex, 4343 West Florissant.

Aug, 19, 11 a.m., A Step Beyond Inc. Back to School Fair, Musick Park, 8617 Latty Ave. Hazelwood Mo. 63042. For more information, e-mail astep.beyond@yahoo. com

concerts

Fri., Aug. 4, 5 p.m., Peda Peda presents NBA Youngboy. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Aug. 6, 7 p.m., The Ready Room presents Jidenna – Long Live the Chief Tour. 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.

Thur., Aug. 10, 7 p.m., OutTheGateway feat. MBz Live & Friends. The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.ticketfly.com.

Thurs., Aug. 10, 7 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Herbie Hancock Live sponsored by World Wide Technology and the Steward Family

The St. Louis American recommends

Foundation. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700.

Fri., Aug. 11, 6 p.m., Blues at the Arch with Carolyn Mason, David Dee and Mickey Rodgers. For more information, visit www. bluesatthearch.com.

Fri., Aug. 11, 8 p.m., Fubar presents Sahbii. 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketfly.com.

Fri., Aug. 11, 8 p.m., Concert For Kids: A Night Benefitting SouthSide Early Childhood Center. 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. ticketfly.com.

Aug. 11 – 12, 8 p.m., 2nd Annual Louis Armstrong Festival. Webster Groves Concert Hall, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For

more information, visit www. websterconcerthall.org.

Sat., Aug. 12, 6 p.m., An Evening of Tea and Tunes feat. Anita Jackson. Proceeds will benefit Changing Lives Today Mission Home for Women. Creative Arts Building, 3617 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Aug. 20, 4 p.m., The National Blues Museum presents Soulful Sundays with Johnny King. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

local gigs

Thur., Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m., Tonia Saputo and Syna So Pro. The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketfly.com.

Fri., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Shawn Maxwell New Tomorrow Quintet. Webster Groves Concert Hall, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 962-7000 or visit www. websterconcerthall.org.

Fri., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., The National Blues Museum presents Howlin’ Friday with Rhythm Tribe. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www.

nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Sat., Aug. 5, 7 p.m., Marvin F. Cockrell & Focus 13th Annual Smooth Jazz Concert: Champagne On Ice. The Grandel Theatre, 3619 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, call (314) 304-6499 or visit www. marvinfcockrellstl.com.

Sun., Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m., Union Communion Ministries presents Dirty Muggs Concert. Activities include yoga, arts and crafts, bouncy house, a raffle, and more. Ivory Perry Park, 800 North Belt, 63112. For more information, call (314) 3672112 or visit www.ippconcerts. com.

special events

Aug. 3 – 4, Little Chef DJ’s Eat Colorful Garden. Little Chef DJ continues to strive to start his garden to serve the north county community. St. Louis Bread Company, 4561 Forest Park Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Thur., Aug. 3, 6 p.m., YWCA Metro St. Louis invites you to the 5th Annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes. Join us in walking to show support of the importance of sexual assault awareness. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For

Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club presents the 2nd Annual Family Reunion Weekend featuring ‘A Serenade by Brian McKnight & Ginuwine.’ For more information, see SPECIAL EVENTS.

more information, visit www. ywcastlouis.org.

Sat., Aug. 5, Miss Divine Destiny Pageant. An event to promote positive selfimage, wellness, and unity among girls in the community. RLCC Banquet Hall, 1651 Redman Rd., 63138. For more information, call (314) 246-9498 or visit www. thequeensguidetolife.com.

Sat., Aug. 5, 4 p.m., KlassCPromotions, LLC and SwagToMyLou present the Glo Up Fashion Show. 2543 N. Grand Blvd., 63106. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Aug. 5, 5 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Eta Chapter presents Midwest Marchdown Scholarship Stepshow. Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Aug. 5, 7 p.m., Families United hosts its 2nd Annual Community Benefit Megafest.. 9001 Lucas & Hunt, 63136. For more information, call (314) 772-2260 or visit www. healthyrelationshipstl.com.

Sun., Aug. 6, 11 a.m., St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine presents The Wedding Show. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Aug. 10, 6 p.m., Pins and Needles Designer Competition. Six designers from across the country will showcase their designs. Majorette, 7150 Manchester Ave., 63143. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m., TLT Productions presents Black Girl Magic. St. Louis’ unique young artists join to celebrate the beauty, power, and resilience of black women. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Aug. 11, 2 p.m., Wyman invites you to Summer Fest: Together in the Pursuit of Success festival and golf tournament. Norman K. Probstein Golf Course, Forest Park, 6141 Lagoon Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.wymancenter.org/ summerfest.

Sat., Aug. 12, 10 a.m., Etiquette for Youth. Spencer Road Library, 427 Spencer Rd., 63376. For more information, call (314) 374-2804 or visit www. jacksonetiquette.com.

Sat., Aug. 12, 11 a.m., Missouri History Museum presents Dred Scott Festival of Freedom. Commemorating Scott’s sacrifice and commitment to justice with live art, music, and more. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Sun., Aug. 13, 11 a.m., The Great Muslim Cook-Off. We will have an international bazaar and food competition. World’s Fair Pavilion, Forest

Park, 1904 Concourse Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www.cair-mo.org/ cookoff.

Tues., Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m., The Young Nonprofit Professionals and Association of Fundraising Professionals invite you to Speed Networking Among Nonprofits. Llewellyn’s, 17 W. Moody, 63119. For more information, call (314) 4162237 or visit www.csprc.org.

Thur., Aug. 17, 6 p.m., Gateway Hemophilia Association’s Wine Tasting Fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the Matthew Wilson Scholarship Fund. Farotto’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzaria, 9525 Manchester Rd., 63119. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Aug. 17 – 26, St. Lou Fringe Festival 2017. A performing arts festival showcasing theatre, dance, spoken word, and more. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Aug. 18, 6 p.m., Young Friends of the Arts invites you to A Midsummer Night’s Drink. Enjoy food, drinks, and music while seeing the impact of your support for the Arts and Education Council. 3547 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www. keeparthappening.kintera.org.

Fri., Aug. 18, 8:10 p.m., The Glo Run 5K. Run through a Neon Luau themed glowing wonderworld of a course. Forest Park, Summit Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.theglorun.com/ stlouis.

Sat., Aug. 19, 2 p.m., 2017 Rise Up Festival. An arts festival to celebrate the revitalization of St. Louis. We will also have a kid’s carnival, circus, and vendors. 1627 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. riseupfestival.org.

Thur., Aug. 24, 4 p.m., Saint Louis Crisis Nursery presents Celebrity Waiters Night 2017. 80 West County Center Dr., 63131. For more information, call (314) 292-5770 or visit www. crisisnurserykids.org.

Aug. 25 – 26, MathewsDickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club presents the 2nd Annual Family Reunion Weekend. Fri: Hoopin’ & Hollerin’: Basketball, Hip-Hop & Comedy (4525 N. Kingshighway); Sat: A Serenade by Brian McKnight & Ginuwine (527 N. Grand Blvd.). For more information, visit www.mathews-dickey. com.

Sat., Aug. 26, 10 a.m., Taste of COCA. A free open house event for families to sample bite-sized classes and see live performances. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl. org.

Sat., Aug. 26, 6 p.m., Summer Fusion. Come out for food stations, drinks, a raffle, and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit those living with severe and persistent mental illness. Independence Center, 4245 Forest Park Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.independencecenter. org/events.

Fri., Sept. 29, 8 p.m., The Sumner Alumni Association presents its Maroon &

White Homecoming Dance, Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road 63044. For tickets, call 314.556.3944 or 314.452.1275. For more info email: sumneralumniassn@ yahoo.com.

comedy

Sun., Aug. 6, 7 p.m., Hang 10 Productions presents the #FunniestMfrsInTheLou Featuring Jamie Fritz, HD Reeves, Precious J, and more. Live Juke Joint Dueling Piano Bar, 7376 Manchester, 63143. For more information, visit www.hang10productions.com.

Sat., Aug. 12, 6 p.m., The Pageant presents Lavell Crawford: Home for the Holiday Comedy Special. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

literary

Mon., Aug. 7, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Donald Ray Pollack author of The Heavenly Table In 1917 in the border between Georgia and Alabama, Pearl Jewett ekes out a hardscrabble existence while Ellsworth Fiddler is swindled out of his fortune…until their lives collide.

Sat., Aug. 12, 7 p.m., Ethical Society of St. Louis hosts author Sen. Al Franken, author of Al Franken, Giant of the Senate. 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

art

Thur., Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m., Ferguson Voices Exhibit Opening Panel and Reception. The exhibit will be on display all of August. The panel includes people featured in the exhibit. St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. slpl.org.

Through October 7, The Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents Blue Black curated by Glenn Ligon, The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

lectures and workshops

Wed., Aug. 9, 5 p.m., Financial and Legal Strategies for Success: A Workshop to Kickstart Your Business. The MET Center, 6347 Plymouth Ave., 63133. For more information, call (314) 746-0768.

Thur., Aug. 10, 5:30 p.m., FOCUS St. Louis presents a Jobs, Skills & Innovation Forum. Building 100, Boeing Company, 63134. For more information, visit www.focusstl.org/events.

Sat., Aug. 12, 1 p.m., 7 Mindset Shifts to Ignite Your Vision. Author Alisa J. Henley will help you learn how to find, follow, and finish your vision. JC Penny Building, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.eventbrit.com.

theatre

Aug. 3 – 5, Ragtime the Musical. Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave., 63104. For more information visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

Through Aug. 4, The Muny presents A Chorus Line. 1 Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.muny. org.

Through Aug. 6, Hawthorne Players present Once Upon A Mattress. This beloved musical version of “The Princess & the Pea”. Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Dr.,

63033. For information, visit www.hawthorneplayers.info.

Aug. 7 – Aug. 13, Musical Theatre Workshop for ages 8-15 (flexible), STLCC –Forest Park Student Center. For more information, visit www.HowToDance.us or Eventbrite.com.

Through Aug. 17, Stages St. Louis presents 9 to 5 The Musical. Robert G. Reim Theatre, 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www.stagesstlouis.org.

health

Fri., Aug. 4, 9 a.m., ARCH’S

STL Educare: Child Care & Development Fund Health and Safety Training. Harris Stowe, 10 N. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Aug. 12, 9 a.m., Grace Hill invites you to Strong Women and Families Health and Resource Fair. 2600 Hadley St., 63106. For more information, call (314) 8222344.

Sat., Aug. 12, 10 a.m., Agape Christian Center hosts Healthy Body, Soul & Spirit: Community Health Fair & Back To School Event. 2410 Gardner, 63136. For more information, visit www.agapecc.org.

spiritual

Thurs., Aug. 3 – Sun., Aug. 6, 2017 Joint Holy Convocation “Living the Christian Life with Consistency,” featuring Bishop J. Drew Sheard (Thurs., Aug. 3, 7 p.m.), Dr. Michael Eric Dyson (Fri., Aug. 4, 7 p.m.) and host pastor Bishop Luther J. Blackwell, Jr. (Sun., Aug. 6, 10:30 a.m.), 10191 Halls Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63136. Aug. 5 – 11, EMFJ 36th Annual Women’s Conference. Kennerly Temple Church of God in Christ, 4307 Kennerly Ave., 63113. For more information, call (314) 535-6708.

Sat., Aug. 5, 1 & 3 p.m., Aiming for the Truth. To help good people be able to protect themselves; but also reduce the amount of overall violence we all encounter. Good Samaritan Church, 1488 Belt Ave., 63112.

Sun., Aug. 6, 3:30 p.m., Rest Outreach Ministry COGIC invites you to the Pastoral Installation of Pastor Kenneth Williams. 7302 W. Florissant Ave., 63136. For

more information, call (314) 541-0342.

Aug. 11 – 12, 6:30 p.m., Faith Miracle Temple Church presents the Misfit Youth Conference. Fri: Worship Service; Sat: Concert feat. Social Club Misfits. 870 Pershall Rd., 63137. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Aug. 12, 5 p.m., Joy Bryant CD Release “Higher Ground”. Ark of Safety Christian Church, 2529 Charwood St., 63301. For more information, visit www. joybryantministries.com.

Sun., Aug. 13, 8 a.m., Southern Mission Baptist Church 92nd Anniversary with featured speaker Pastor Jimmie Daniels of Shiloh MB Church in Summit Argo, IL, 8171 Wesley Ave, Kinloch, MO. For more information, call (314) 521-3951.

Thur., Aug. 24, 7 p.m., First Community Baptist Church of Pagedale Spiritual Healing and Restoration. Elder Ricardo Malone of The Bethel Church shares his testimony of God’s healing and restoration. 6815 Page Ave., 63133. For more information, call (314) 644-4120.

Aug. 4 – 8, Tivoli Theater presents City of Ghosts. The story of a handful of anonymous activists who banded together after their homeland was taken over by ISIS in 2014. 6350 Delmar Blvd., 63130.

Sat., Aug. 12, The Organization for Black Struggle presents a special screening of the Ferguson documentary “Whose Streets,” The Tivoli, 6350 Delmar. For more information, call 314.367.5959 or visit http:// www.obs-stl.org/whose-streetsweekend/

Jazz St. Louis presents Herbie Hancock Live. See CONCERTS for details.

Continued from C1

lot of people.”

Folayan and co-director Damon Davis didn’t know each other before the Ferguson unrest that began with the death of Michael Brown Jr. on August 9, 2014. They went into the thick of it for completely different reasons.

A native of South Central Los Angeles, Folayan came from New York City to bear witness to what was happening with the intention of bringing public health into the fold as far as resources for protesters. The plan was to help them unpack what that led them to the streets to push back. With the trauma underway, it was impossible to collect data, so she started collecting stories.

Davis originally came as an activist. As a visual artist and musician, the East St. Louis, Illinois native was there from the beginning. He knew he wanted to respond creatively, but his usual outlets didn’t seem to do it justice.

“It was like, ‘What could I do to best use the skills that I have and what medium could capture it?’” Davis asked himself. “A record couldn’t do it, a song couldn’t do it, a painting couldn’t do it, but a movie could.”

Folayan had come to the same conclusion after obtaining narratives from the front line. She sought to team with a native to help her tell the story. As the events continued to unfold, Folayan and Davis teamed up after meeting at his art show. “Whose Streets?” was the outcome.

HIMES

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Director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. Hamlin also founded the National Black Theatre Festival, which has been convening since 1989.

“The festival is like the family reunion, so it’s good to be going to the family reunion and being recognized,” Himes said.

The National Black Theatre Festival is more like the ESSENCE Music Festival for black theatre. Actors, playwrights, directors and administrators are all on hand.

Established and emerging artists and executives get an opportunity to talk shop and have a look at what’s to come in the industry.

The 2017 festival is expected to draw an estimated 65,000 visitors to see 125 performances of 35 shows at 20 venues in addition to workshops, films and seminars.

“It’s wonderful because the people who are there are bonding with people, reconnecting with people – and making new connections with people,” Himes said. “You walk through the lobby and there is Sam Art Williams and Woodie King.

Davis remembered living experiences in Ferguson only to have them told back to him via mainstream media in a way that looked and sounded nothing like what actually happened.

“That was one of the biggest things that got us together to work on this in the first place,” Davis said. “We had the same analysis that the whole story was not being told – and that somebody had to tell the missing pieces. I’m glad that it is going to reach the masses – and communities like ours that have felt this way will have access to this story as they have to everybody else’s story and everybody else’s version of our story.”

Protester portraits

Events surrounding the unrest are touched upon through footage from more than 40 sources, but the crux of “Whose Streets?” comes from the portraits of people who relentlessly fought back against the system.

“This film is about the changes we can make in our lives today,” Folayan said. “It’s about individual human beings and honoring those people who came out and stood up and these people are heroes.”

Folayan said the streets of Ferguson were filled with people standing up for values that America has always professed, but never upheld.

“A lot of times activists get put to the side like they are thugs or are against law and order – and all the things that make America great,” Folayan said. “In reality, they are trying to uphold the standards that this country set. I hope that a

In the old days there would be Ms. Dee and Ossie Davis sitting there. Because everybody is just there as practitioners, you can sit down and talk with anybody.”

One of those reconnections came for Himes before he even arrived in WinstonSalem. When he looked at the list of honorees, he saw that longtime Black Rep designer Greg Horton was receiving an award for outstanding costume design. He called him up to

n The National Black Theatre Festival is more like the ESSENCE Music Festival for black theatre.

congratulate Horton. By the end of the conversation, Horton had agreed to come back to The Black Rep and design costumes for the 41st season opening production “Dot.”

“That’s the kind of thing that the festival does,” Himes said.

The festival also gives regional black theatre organizations from across the nation have the opportunity to present

real internal change takes place with how people see each other, with how people see activism and protest – and the people involved in it.”

The Brown family themselves were featured in the film through footage, but out of respect for their privacy and grief they were not among the key subjects.

“This is very special for those of us who lived through this, but it’s a different thing for the people who had a death in their family be the catalyst for everybody’s awakening,” Davis said.

Both Davis and Folayan say their intention was for the activists to see themselves glorified and humanized – and for the people who did not protest to see the dignity, necessity of what they were doing and to have a new perspective on the protests.

“I want the people who lived it to feel good about the movie – and what they did in the streets,” Davis said. “I hope those people who were out there see the glory and the magic in what they’ve done –and who they are.

I hope through the film they feel vindicated in what they have been telling people as far as how it really was – and I hope they feel inspired to keep fighting.”

“Whose Streets?” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, August 11. The Organization for Black Struggle will present a special screening at The Tivoli, 6350 Delmar on Saturday, August 12. For more information on the OBS screening, call (314) 367 – 5959 or visit http://www.obs-stl.org/ whose-streets-weekend/.

their work on a broader stage.

“Good actors and good companies are out here practicing their craft and we are telling good stories and it’s a matter of people realizing that these stories are being told on stages all over the country and for them to come out and support it,” Himes said. “A part of what the festival does is it broadens the exposure that the companies can get in terms of showcasing their work.”

Through the festival, companies have the opportunity to come together and discuss the challenges that come with the work that they do –and put their heads together to work on solutions.

“We are all constantly trying to find ways to do the work that we do better and are constantly trying to find audiences as well as support for the work that we do,” said Himes.

As a collective, they use the “for us, by us” concept of telling the stories of the black experience on stage.

“There is an audience that wants the work. There is a community that supports the work,” Himes said. “One of the original reasons we all started these companies was to fill a void – and I think that void persists.”

SCOTT

Continued from C1

surprise happy ending for the couple who took their fight for freedom from the steps of the Old Courthouse to the U.S. Supreme Court – and changed the course of American history in the process.

The case was first brought to trial in 1846. After being granted a second trial, a jury decided that the Scotts should be allowed their freedom in 1850. The decision was overturned on appeal by Scott’s owner Irene Emerson to the Missouri Supreme Court. Dred Scott filed suit in St. Louis Federal Court in 1854 against John F. A. Sanford, Emerson’s brother and executor of the Emerson estate. The case was decided in favor of Sanford, but Dred Scott appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court – which also ruled in Sanford’s favor in 1857 and with the ruling deemed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 unconstitutional. The decision added an unprecedented level of fervor to the abolitionist movement.

“For 12 years they actively fought for justice and freedom, the core values of the American dream,” said Jackson, who is also the great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott. “Their brave and tireless efforts led directly to the abolition of slavery in our country.”

Their freedom didn’t come through the courts, but it eventually came.

Irene Emerson was remarried in 1850 to Calvin C. Chaffee, a northern congressman opposed to slavery. After the Supreme Court decision, Mrs. Chaffee turned Dred and Harriet Scott and their two daughters over to Dred’s old friends, the Blows, who gave the Scotts their freedom on May 26, 1857.

Saturday will feature a full day of festivities and presentations to commemorate the historic moment.

They will include: • A play, A Man of His

Time, written by Kate Taney Billingsley, a descendant of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney of the Dred Scott Decision, and performed and directed by the St Louis Black Repertory Company

• A presentation by Lynne Madison Jackson titled Dred Scott: The History You Never Knew, revealing little known facts about St. Louis’ history and its relationship to the Dred Scott case

• A musical composition entitled Freedom Suite, a powerful three-part movement written for the Dred Scott family by Dr. Barbara Harbach, Professor of Music at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, to be performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, featuring Alison Harney, Jessica Cheng, Chris Tantillo, Melissa Brooks and David DeRiso.

• Panel discussion of Dred Scott Presents: Sons and Daughters of Reconciliation. Panelists include the families of Thomas Jefferson, (Shannon Lanier) Peter Blow, Scott’s owners (John LeBourgeois), Dred Scott (Lynne Jackson), Justice Roger B. Taney (Kate Taney Billingsley) and Jefferson Davis (Bertram Hayes-Davis). Their stories will reveal facts known and unknown facts about how their families are connected to the Dred Scott Decision.

For younger participants, the History Clubhouse will have special Dred Scott activities, and games provided by Anthony Clair, owner of Time 4Fun Events. Children will have the opportunity to learn from the Dred Scott Activity and Coloring Book, written by Lynne Madison Jackson, for the Foundation, supported by Really Big Coloring Books. In addition, local actors John LaGrone and Peggy Nealy Harris from the Dred Scott Theatre Troupe and the Missouri History Museum’s Civil Rights Exhibit will portray famous characters of the Dred Scott Decision. Local artists Debi Pickler and CBABI Bayoc will create art in the grand hall.

“The memory of Dred Scott and the important shift he helped to bring about in American society is a story that deserves to be recognized and remembered for all future generations,” said Jackson.

The commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the freedom of Dred and Harriet Scott will take place from 11 a.m. –5 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd in Forest Park. The event is free and open to the public. The program was initiated and generously sponsored by Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. For more information on the event, visit https://dredscottlives.org/

Celebrations

Retirement

As part of the organization’s 40th annual breakfast celebration, North County Incorporated (NCI) presented Special Recognition Awards to Joshura Davis and Professor Terry Freeman Davis is Vice President of Best Insurance Agency and has been a tireless advocate for the business stabilization of the North County community. He recently became the first president of the DellwoodFerguson West Florissant Business Association. Terry Freeman is a professor at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and campus liaison and advisor the National Society of Black Engineers Chapter 1540. He is dedicated to stimulating student interest in engineering disciplines and increasing the number of minority students studying engineering at the undergraduate level.

Reunions

Beaumont High Class of 1967 will meet at the Normandy County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121 on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 1 p.m.

Beaumont High Class of 1968 Reunion Committee will begin planning for our 50th Class Reunion to be held in

St. Louis, Missouri in 2018. For more information contact Vanetta Cobbs, 314-869-5665, or email vanetta.cobbs@ sbcglobal.net.

Beaumont High Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@ sbcglobal.net.

Cleveland High School is hosting a reunion for all attending 1980-1984 on August 19, 2017 at Catering To You Banquet Center (12775 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO 63033) For information, please contact Babette Perkins-Anderson at 314-345-0939.

Kinloch High Class of 1967 Committee has finalized plans for an outstanding “50th Year Class Reunion.” If you haven’t received your registration letter or email, please call 310-346-7235. You may also email your contact information to alreemc@aol. com .

Northwest High Class of 1978 is planning its 40 year reunion for next year. PLEASE reach out to our classmates, tell them get ready for this. If you have any questions please contact Sly at ( 314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

Congratulations to Major Ian M. Howard on his recent retirement from military service. A St. Louis native, Maj. Howard was commissioned in 1998 as an Army Aviation Officer and later transitioned to Military Intelligence. He held every leadership position from platoon leader to Brigade S2 and his overseas assignments included Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and many others.

Soldan High Class of 1965 will be holding first Luncheon on August 8, 2017 at 2 pm at Bristol Seafood Grill’s Creve Coeur Room, 11801 Olive Street, 63141, 314-567-0272. No need to send any money. Each person will pay for their meals at the restaurant. Your family members and Friends are welcome to join us.

Sumner High Class of 1972 reunion will be held September 15-17, 2017 at the Airport Hilton, 10330 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. Please contact Earlene Brown 314-2267019/314-534-0467 or Jazelle Brown 314-954-1470 or Kathi Washington Scott 314-4454715.

University City High Class of

1982 has planned a awesome weekend for our 35th reunion July 29-31, 2017. For tickets and information please call Kimberly Milton-Nelson at (314)541-9568 or Patricia Yates-Mcintosh (314)2291675.

Vashon High School will celebrate its 90th anniversary October 5-7, 2017 for alumni, students and community activities to celebrate educational commitment and tradition. For additional information, go to Vashonhigh. org or contact Elvis Hopson, elvishopson@att.net, (314) 535-0243, Pearl Lake, lakep6@aol.com, (314) 3880743 or Cozy W. Marks, Jr., jr3810@sbcglobal.net, (314) 383-5682.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Joshura Davis

Terry Freeman

Swag Snap of the Week

Taking it back to the old school. Thursday night the folks at the National Urban League proved without a shadow of a doubt that old saying “ain’t no party like an old-school party” with their concert/dance party featuring the Alumni at The Grand Marriott as part of the celebratory element of their national conference that was held in St. Louis. For those of you who don’t know and by “those of you” I mean everybody in the entire world hip-hop veterans Chubb Rock, Dana Dane, Kwame, Moni Love and Special Ed have formed a super group and have taken their show on the road. Some may feel I’m using the term “super group” too loosely with them, but if you saw their performance and how they had the floor shaking in that ballroom, you would agree. Everybody has aged magnificently and Kwame is even cuter than when he used to be draped in polka dots. He was serving a chocolate well-fed Ralph Tresvant and I was checking for it! That party was so live. I saw DJ Kut, DJ Charlie Chan Soprano, Rochelle “Coco Soul” Walker, Dana Christian, Tim Lampley, Keisha Mabry and more. I also ran into my girl Lee Haynes chopping it up with CBS correspondent Michelle Miller, who is the wife of National Urban League president Marc Morial. I can’t even tell you how fun the night was – if I had known that I was going to feel like I was in a scene from “Krush Groove” I would have practiced my pop lock.

Praise for Paul Mooney. Legendary funnyman Paul Mooney took the stage in St. Louis for what is being advertised as his final comedy tour. Paul was not at his best, but the show was great overall – and he deserves respect for what he’s done for the art form. There was not a single seat to be had at The Laugh Lounge on Friday night, do you hear me? Lady Re had me on the floor when she called herself a “Real Housewife of Wellston!” And Maurice G. just won’t stop being fine! I finally realized that he looks like a life-sized Bow Wow. But back to the show…Paul Mooney took the stage and he started off great by trolling the mess out of this beautiful woman of a certain age in the front. He let the kids have it by claiming they looked too old to be her children. It was hilarious and reminded me of Paul Mooney in his prime. The show wandered from there and eventually ended, but I’m glad I got to see him one more time.

YP Patois takeover. Patois was filled with power suits and power players for “The Exchange” a.k.a. Urban League Young Professionals evening mixer. Former St. Louis Rams Derek Stanley and Hall of Famer Orlando Pace were in the place – as were some of the young movers and shakers from around the nation. Among the local who’s who were Asha Hornaday, Morgan Bradley, Darius Chapman, Jami Ballentine Dolby, Keith Harris, Kevin C. Johnson and all sorts of folks I know I’m forgetting. The young folks were in their corporate attire, but trust that it didn’t stop them from having a good time. Saved the worst for last. I know this is where you expect me to give you my thoughts what Jamie Foxx and Vanessa Williams served up on stage as the surprise headliners for the Whitney Young Gala. But for reasons I still am not clear on, I was not welcome to watch that part of the gala – and was escorted out by security before either of them took the stage. Upon my entry (with full credentials, by the way) I was told that I couldn’t stay for the entire gala and at the appointed time a security guard would walk me out of the ballroom – and, if I didn’t comply, the police would be involved. I was told to stand behind the sound booth for the portion that I was allowed to watch, but could not sit at the table. I was allowed to see Miss Robbie Montgomery and Congressmen Lacy Clay get awards from the Urban League, but was literally shown the door immediately afterwards. I sent a note to the National Urban League and they responded. Here’s an excerpt: Please accept my apologies on behalf of the National Urban League and Mr. Morial for your experience at our Gala. Our Conference is a large and complex undertaking involving coordination among the national staff, the affiliate staff, our vendors and local volunteers. Mistakes of this kind are rare, but they do occur.”

I’m so glad they told me that coordinating a national conference was complex, because I never would have known. I would tell them to work on a more sincere and effective stock apology, in case a mistake like this occurs again. But if they didn’t bother, why should I?

More slayage from Monica. On Saturday night my excessive fandom for my girl Monica went to new levels when she made her way back to the Ambassador. People go on and on about her singing, but Saturday I decided that she doesn’t get enough props for how pretty she is. I am convinced that she can pull of any single look her heart desires. Her latest trip to The Lou proved me right. She was serving NeNe Leakes’ season one of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” realness with her short blonde cut and wearing an outfit that had her looking like she was styled by like someone named Miss Phyllis who still smokes Benson & Hedges Menthol Lights. And yet, she was slaying absolutely everything. And her voice was better than she looked. As per usual, I got my life from that show – including the Whitney Houston medley. And even with the “So Gone” challenge that was all over social media, I forgot how much that song was my jam until the beat dropped Saturday night at The Ambassador. As usual, she was life more abundantly!

Sunday evening with some STL UNCF stars. Since I’m on the subject of life, I might

as well jump into the 2nd Evening of the Stars Gala presented by UNCF St. Louis and supported by the Cedric The Entertainer Foundation. Chante Moore was dressed way too casual for a gala with her white jeans, but she made up for in with that singing – and Denise Thimes had enough glamour for the both of them! It was a lovely night and I was thrilled to see Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO Michael McMillan receive the Cedric The Entertainer Keeper of the Flame Award for his work in the community. He’s one of my favorite civic leaders and deserves to be recognized for his work. And Cedric raised the bar when he said he would make a $10,000 donation – and had me hollering when he asked for 16 envelopes and joked that he would be paying in installments.

Word of Mouth Entertainment’s St. Louis Steppers showed the crowd how to get down @ You Know I got Soul @ Mandarin Banquet Center on Friday

British Williams showcased her designs and Countess Danielle coordinated runway models Saturday @ What Would Fashion Do? @ The Jewell Event Center

Rapper/activist David Banner on deck as Dee Dee of Zenith Flair Productions hosted the Day Party Fashion Show @ Patois on Saturday

Grammy Award winning singer Monica with Jo Jo of 2 Jo’s Entertainment after she sang her face of Saturday night @ The Ambassador

Greg the Poet, Unspoken, EmCee, and Sista SOLS and the traveling poetry slam team Ill Dialects spit their latest works @ The So Ill Show Friday @ UrbArts

Daya flew in from New York for a family weekend with her brothers Donte and Desmond Saturday @ The Olive Bar

Aisha and James arrived at Grandel Theatre early to support the UNCF Sunday evening

Jennifer and Maurice decided chill with the Day Party STL crew on Sunday @ Copia

Morgan and Leslie made it a Marquee night on Saturday as the Urban League Young Professionals hosted their Grand Finale

Kea and TJ showed watched the city’s best barbers do their thing for Fade in the Cage Sunday @ The Ambassador

Rochelle “Coco Soul” Walker served as the mistress of ceremonies for the 2nd Annual UNCF St. Louis Evening of the Stars Benefit Concert and gala that featured Chante Moore and St. Louis own Cedric The Entertainer Sunday at the Grandel Theatre.

Photos by V. Lang

Church must drop stigma attached to behavioral health needs

By Pastor B T Rice Guest columnist

It’s nearly impossible to pick up the newspaper or visit your social media pages without hearing or reading about negative events in our community-deaths by suicide, drug overdoses, and crime and violence against one another. People are either directly or indirectly impacted by these events and it creates a culture of toxic stress and trauma.

As these stories seem to become commonplace, there is an integral piece of the puzzle missing which hinders the minority community in seeing the full picture. These stories illuminate the multitudes of people who may not have access to what they need, whether it is basic human needs (food, shelter, housing) or access to needed care, including behavioral healthcare.

As pastors, it is important to know how to handle individuals who may be experiencing, or who may have a family member, who needs the support to find the right kind of help they need. To assist people who are suffering, we must all learn to share resources about mental health issues and how to access services that our church and community members need.

Gone are the days when we concealed our family members from public scrutiny who may have been suffering for fear that someone would witness their confusion and pain and make it public fodder. No more are we forced to have to wear a mask of happiness on our faces while suffering in silence. The days of alienating sufferers should be behind us. Our community is in dire straits, and we do not have the luxury to turn a blind eye to those who need help.

As a pastor, it is important to learn as much as we can about behavioral health issues as a means to become a voice of help and support. Though ministers encourage their congregations to pray and allow God to fix their ills, we must be actively attempting to find resources that God has made available to us.

Leaders in the church have to offer more information and resources because God did not call us to stand idly by, but to utilize the information and the abilities. He has given us to

help ourselves and those we are serving.

Let us encourage our congregation and the community to seek assistance when they are grieving, feeling anxiety and depression. There is help available, and providers of mental health services are waiting to hear from people who need their services.

One such service is Bridges to Care and Recovery. The mission of Bridges to Care and Recovery is to mobilize clusters of churches in North St. Louis and North County to support the behavioral health treatment and recovery of congregants and other community members with behavioral health challenges.

In addition, Bridges to Care and Recovery has received a two-year grant from the Missouri Foundation of Health to work with pregnant women or women with children less than 12 months to address infant mortality in the City of St. Louis. This new project is called, Project PREP (Peer

The road to spiritual salvation is sometimes so obvious, so apparent that we just miss it. Like most of Jesus’ message, it doesn’t seem possible that by simply changing ones’ outlook, the Kingdom of heaven is yours.

Resources and Engagement for Women). This project, in the spirit of training the faith based community will engage the First Ladies Networks (Pastor’s Wives) to be trained as peers for pregnant women through the first year of their child’s life.

As pastors, we have to encourage our congregants, and the community to deal with behavioral health issues by showing our support and by being knowledgeable about services that are available to ease the burden of mental illness.

Remember, when our bodies ache, or we feel physically miserable, we call a doctor. We should do the same when our minds are not functioning at its best. There’s help available if you take the appropriate steps to become mentally healthy. If you, or someone you know, is in need of counseling, please call the Bridges to Care and Recovery hotline at 314-6286272, and someone will call you back within 48 hours.

Pastor B T Rice is pastor of New Horizon Christian church and a faith-based consultant for Bridges to Care and Recovery.

“Teacher, which is greatest commandment of the law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is just like it; “Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40. It is not always through guile and deceit that the devil works his evil. He can accomplish his goals if he can convince you that what is very important is of little matter and no consequence. This love thing is pretty well documented throughout the Bible and Christ certainly clarifies its importance in the above passage. Remember this is the Son of God talking. The single most important thing I can do to abide in God’s will is to possess love in my heart for God and my fellow man. Is that it? Yeah. That’s it! If that’s as close to a guarantee as we can get, why are many of us hell bent on doing the things that will insure our place at the table in hell’s kitchen? I personally think the concept of loving God is pretty easy to comprehend. Most of us, dare I say, are arguably trying to accomplish this in one way or another. It’s the loving your neighbor as yourself that’s causing the problem. The devil is having a field day with this one. Count how many people you can’t stand at this very moment. Take your shoes off and add to your list those people, who if they died tomorrow, you would be among those who would say “good riddance.” The devil has us so confused and dumbfounded on this issue that we can’t see that the hatred we harbor for others, the contempt we feel for people we don’t even know, masks an underlying reality that won’t allow us to love our neighbor. In actuality, we hate ourselves. You see the devil has tricked us into hating the mirror image of who we really are. The devil knows man is not perfect so he entices us into hating the imperfection of others, all the while, being imperfect ourselves. Isn’t it interesting that most people, who claim being saved, tell you they first had to realize that God through Jesus’ sacrifice loved them warts and all?

The stories come from former drug addicts, adulterers, petty gossipers, murderers and greedy self-absorbed takers in life, who wished they knew how to have a healthy respectful loving relationship with another human being. One by one, they, we, line up and confess that once we accepted that God indeed loves us, then and

Columnist James Washington