December 18th, 2025 edition

The return of the subsidy cliff

St. Louis American See page A7

The

DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025

Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928

stlamerican.com

Vol. 97 No. 36 COMPLIMENTARY

Advocates push residents to claim radiation relief

North County communities face renewed cleanup efforts

Former residents of Robertson Township gather at Robertson M.B. Church in September for a Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) informational meeting.

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American David Hubbard, 68, remembers the carefree days of the 1960s, when he and his friends played sports and other outdoor games near their school playground in the Robertson Township area, a historic, predominantly Black community in St. Louis County.

The children paid little attention to trucks with large containers attached that frequently drove through the neighborhood, dumping unknown substances at what was then called the Kent Landfill, which Hubbard said sat just a couple hundred feet from his grade school.

Nothing sinister registered in their minds, even when

Photo courtesy of former state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal

small fires spontaneously combusted on grass or dirt where the trucks unloaded their waste.

Now, some 50 years later, Hubbard has learned those trucks were dumping radioactive waste in the neighborhood where he lived until his early 20s.

Federal officials say cleanup of radioactive contamination tied to the nation’s early nuclear weapons program is

Officials say cleanup of radioactive contamination is finally accelerating in the St. Louis region finally accelerating in the St. Louis region, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers committing an additional $40 million to remediation efforts.

Advocates say the new funding, combined with

expanded eligibility for federal compensation, could bring long-overdue relief — if residents are informed and able to access it.

For decades, Robertson residents relied on well

water and nearby streams.

“By the 1950s, those water sources were black as a lagoon,” wrote former state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal in a 2016 commentary for The St. Louis American.

Chappelle-Nadal continues to attend meetings with Hubbard, Robertson residents and others who lived near toxic landfills across Missouri.

Investigations by

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have confirmed that the federal government and private companies involved in nuclear bomb production and atomic waste storage in the St. Louis area were aware of contamination risks. Records show officials ignored reports of improper storage, landfill spills and health hazards for decades.

Earlier this month, the Army Corps announced it would direct an additional $40 million toward cleanup along Coldwater Creek in North St. Louis County and at a site near downtown St. Louis. The St. Louis district is one of six nationwide receiving a share of $155 million in new funding aimed at addressing contamination from “the nation’s early atomic energy program,” the agency said.

The contamination traces back to the dawn of the U.S. nuclear weapons program. After World War II, uranium processed in St. Louis was transported to surrounding counties and dumped near Coldwater Creek and the West Lake

Missouri SNAP rule will limit purchases of candy, soda, desserts

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American Brittney Laden says Missouri’s decision to restrict what families can buy with food stamps will force her to reconsider how she feeds her four children.

“I have to rethink my budget,” said Laden, who has relied on SNAP benefits for a total of eight years. “Now I have to budget those things — their favorite candy — or not give it to them at all.”

Laden said the change feels like the state is pushing healthier eating without accounting for how families actually shop or what children are willing to eat, espe-

Black, White and Bold All Over Nelly embraces his wife, Ashanti, at the 2025 Black and White Ball. The annual gala held Sunday, Dec. 14, in downtown St. Louis, brought together community leaders, artists, and supporters for an elegant night of celebration and giving.

cially as grocery prices continue to rise.

Starting next year, Missouri will no longer allow SNAP benefits to be used to purchase candy, prepared desserts, soda and some juices under a waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The restriction, requested by the Missouri Department of Social Services and approved by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, is expected to take effect Oct. 1.

As of September, about 54,943 residents in St. Louis received SNAP benefits, with monthly funding totaling

See page B1

See SNAP, A12

Residents weigh in on draft NGA-area plans

See RADIATION, A13

Photo by John Gitchoff

INSIDE BUSINESS

Business Salute to highlight regional leadership

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Regina Dennis-Nana has lived in the Hyde Park neighborhood for years, watching as the area around the new National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency facility has struggled with vacant lots and aging homes. She hopes the city’s latest development plan will bring homeowners back to the area, restore historic houses and fill long-empty lots.

“Well, so far that hasn’t happened yet,” Dennis-Nana said somberly.

She describes Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods as “deserts on all levels” — places where residents must leave the area to shop, enjoy entertainment or even get a glass of wine. For her, the plan represents an opportunity to finally access amenities that residents in neighborhoods such as Tower Grove or Lafayette Park often take for granted.

The six neighborhoods surrounding the NGA campus in North St. Louis — Carr Square, Columbus Square, Hyde Park, Jeff-Vander-Lou, Old North

Business, nonprofit and community leaders across the region should mark their calendars for one of St. Louis’ longest-running celebrations of leadership and economic impact.

The St. Louis American Foundation will host its 24th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 19, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will draw executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and emerging professionals from across

See NGA, A12

Seeds of business, roots of Ujamaa Saturday Boys Academy, Better Family Life and local business leaders joined forces to give boys a hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship and the idea that ownership is within reach.

~ Page A5 ~

See SALUTE, A13

Editorial/Commentary A2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

Guest Editorial

Commentary

A real ‘Scrooge’ lives Obamacare hatred remains Obama hatred in the White House symbol of a Black man’s authorship over the nation’s moral priorities. In a country still wrestling with its stitched-in contraThe battles over the Affordable Care dictions, the ACA represented a rebuke Act were never only about policy or the of the belief that the poor must earn their price of insurance. They were never simright to live. It dared to reduce disparities. ply arguments about federal subsidies, It dared to remove barriers. It dared to individual mandates or the markets that place humanity above profit. hold the system together.

Republicans answered year after year From the moment America elected a with votes to dismantle it. They draftBlack president and that president dared ed lawsuits aimed at wiping it from the to place the health of the poor and the marginalized at the center of national law, books. They promised its end during the campaigns. Not once have they produced a deeper truth rose to the surface. a plan that meets or exceeds its reach.

That truth has followed the country Politico, academic researchers and pubfor centuries. It was waiting for its next lic opinion studies have all shown that the target. The target became Barack Obama. hostility toward Obamacare has remained The instrument became Obamacare. strongest among groups where resentLong before Republicans vowed to ment of Obama himself was strongest. “repeal and replace,” the lines were already drawn. The same forces that spent The Kaiser Family Foundation’s polling showed that support for ACA tax credits years questioning Obama’s citizenship, drops sharply among Republican and intellect and legitimacy turned their fury MAGA voters, even as the same benefits toward the most expansive health remain popular when described care protections in generations. without Obama’s connection.

Black lawmakers and health These conflicting responses equity advocates understood the reveal a political truth that is not stakes. accidental. It is structural.

They had spent years shaping The hatred of Obama and the the Affordable Care Act so it hatred of Obamacare live in the would cut into the country’s long same house. trail of racial health disparities.

The ACA confronted the very Daniel Dawes, a leading figure inequalities that race created. It in that fight, stated that the ACA attempted to relieve the burden Guest Columnist was “the most comprehensive placed on Black Americans by minority health law” in United Stacy M. centuries of withheld care and States history and identified 62 Brown denied treatment. It reduced provisions that “directly address racial gaps in health insurance coverage. inequities in health care.”

It expanded Medicaid in states willing Republican attacks intensified the to accept it. It forced the country to look moment the bill became law, but the directly at disparities instead of treating pursuit of its destruction began before them as the natural order. a single vote was cast. It followed the Republicans continue their assault on same path as the claims that Obama was the Affordable Care Act, not because the not born in the United States. It echoed law failed but because the law succeeded. the same insistence that he was foreign, It made the country fairer. It made the illegitimate, clever enough to reach the poor healthier. It gave millions access to White House only through something care they had long been denied. And it other than talent or discipline. It came stands as evidence that a Black president from the same places that insisted affirchanged the material conditions of people mative action must explain the achievewho were never meant to be served. ments of a man who graduated from One of the clearest explanations still Columbia University and Harvard Law comes from Daniel Dawes, who called School.

The resentment did not fade. According the ACA “the most inclusive health law” in American history. He said, “It directly to Michael Cohen’s memoir, Donald addresses inequities in health care.”

Trump held “hatred and contempt” for The law did exactly what its creators Obama and even hired a man who resemset out to do. The fight against it did too. bled the 44th president so he could “ritualistically belittle the first Black president Stacy M Brown is a reporter and and then fired him.” columnist for Black Press USA. This This hostility toward Obama cannot article was originally published in the be separated from the fury directed at Washington Informer. the ACA. Obamacare became a symbol of something beyond policy. It became a

By Stacy M. Brown

without Congressional approval; okay with the minions. Using the Department of Justice to go after his political enemies; ’Tis the season and we probably have okay with the minions. all known someone with some of the Enriching himself and his family by characteristics of the fictional Ebenezer using his presidential power; okay with Scrooge, the main character in Charles the minions. Demanding that the federal Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” courts, including the Supreme Court, Dickens describes Scrooge as a do his bidding; Demanding that the “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scrapRepublican-led states institute new redising, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard tricting plans prior to a new census to and sharp as flint; … secret and self-contake away the votes of citizens and assure tained and solitary as an oyster.” That that he and his cohorts stay in power; Scrooge changed after visits from the ghost of his former business partner Jacob okay with the minions.

Demolishing part of the people’s house Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, to have a golden ballroom without any the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come to be “as discussion with Congress; okay with the minions. Getting rid of health care for good a friend, as good a master, and as our elderly and our vulnerable citizens; good a man, as the good old city knew.” okay with the minions. Allowing our Today, we have a real Scrooge, and he citizens who are working in low-paying is the president of the United States. And it is not Christmas that he is bah-humbug- jobs and depending on some government assistance to feed their children ing. It is our democracy. Let us to lose that assistance; okay with remind ourselves of what a demthe minions. ocratic republic is. Democratic Unfortunately, instead of visits means rule by the people, and a by ghosts who remind him of republic is the system of electing the value of our democracy, why representatives of the people to Americans fought and died to get govern according to an estabout from under a monarchy, what lished constitution. ‘rule by the people’ means, and First, President Scrooge sees what this country will be like if himself as a monarch, not as a we keep down this road, we have representative of the people. He Guest Columnist weak and selfish minions who views himself as the executive, bow to his every selfish whim.

Cynthia A. the legislative and the judicial Our Scrooge-like President Baldwin branches all embodied in him. needs an emotional and spiritual He has taken over Congressional rebirth like the one the fictional Scrooge power as well as executive power and is received. We, the people, need to get rid ruling by edict, that is, Executive Orders. of the minions supporting the presidential The representatives and senators in Scrooge and elect representatives who Congress that the people elected to represent them have instead become Scrooge’s reflect the people’s will—one of thoughtfulness, universal goodwill, hope and minions, who are always at his beck and generosity, so we can say what Tiny Tim call.

Rounding up hard- working immigrants said at the end of the story: “God bless us, everyone.” and deporting them to other countries without due process; okay with the minCynthia A. Baldwin is a Pittsburgh ions. Blowing up boats and killing people Courier columnist. without evidence of drug trafficking and

By Cynthia A. Baldwin

Commentary

Missouri GOP has misplaced priorities required legislative districts to be drawn to ensure partisan fairness. That sounds Republican lawmakers are in desperate right and reasonable, doesn’t it?

Yet in 2021, the legislature put a need of a civics lesson. deceptively worded measure on the ballot They must learn — or be reminded — to repeal that amendment, which garnered that as elected officials, their first obliga51% of the vote. The Clean Missouri inition is to uphold the laws of the Missouri tiative never went into effect.

Constitution as they fight for the welfare What we have instead is the practice of the citizens they represent. and pattern of lawmakers going through For years now, Missouri’s Republican extraordinary measures to obfuscate, lawmakers seem perfectly comfortable block or undue laws and measures supignoring that reality if it is convenient or ported and passed by the people. aids in pushing a personal or party agenThis year, we have seen sick pay leave da. that was overwhelmingly approved by The most recent litany of exploits Missouri voters and the cost-of-living involve the gerrymandered map designed minimum wage adjustments undone by to dissolve a Democratic congressional the governor with the stroke of a pen. district in order to give Republicans the In 2024, Missouri voters approved advantage in commandeering another seat access to legal abortions as an option in in the 2026 midterm election — all to reproductive health care services. help the president in his efforts The Republican-controlled legisto maintain control of Congress. lature has since passed a measure The non-stop efforts to force to put the issue back on the balthe gerrymandered map down lot in 2026 in an effort to make Missourians throats continue abortion illegal again. despite: The Trump administration has • A federal judge’s refusmade disregarding the constitual to rule on a case to block a tion, the rule of law and rights statewide vote on the gerrymanof Americans normal operating dered districts filed by Attorney procedure.

General Catherine Hanaway on But the Republican-controlled Guest Columnist behalf of Missouri’s Republican Missouri legislature’s actions leaders.

Janice Ellis over the years show that the • The months of wrangling seeds of oligarchal or authoritari— which continues in the courts — over an rule have existed all along. when the collection of signatures for a What does it mean? statewide petition can be legally started.

Clearly, it means that only lip-service • The gathering and filing of over 300,000 signatures, almost three times the or a passing nod is given to the democratic rules, laws and processes that govern required minimum of 110,000, before the ballot measures, determining the will of deadline. the majority vs. the tyrannical rule of the Despite these actions, perhaps the most brazen of them all in efforts to show few.

To add insult to injury, those same legthat the will of the people be damned, islators must believe that voters also have Secretary of State Denny Hoskins declared that the gerrymandered map will short memories and will continue to vote for them, or those of like-minds, in elecgo into effect anyway. tion cycle after election cycle.

He has claimed unilateral authority to Forcing the gerrymandered map down declare null and void a referendum to put the gerrymandered map on the November our throats is the latest usurpation of the laws and rights of Missourians in a line of 2026 ballot, even if the requisite signamany in recent years. tures are deemed valid.

What will it take to make it the last?

Of particular note is that 62% of Missourians passed a constitutional Janice Ellis is a Missouri Independent amendment in 2018 known as the Clean columnist.

Missouri initiative that would have

By Janice Ellis

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Here is what Trump and his enablers fail to understand: Immigrants love this country deeply. We love democracy. We cherish the rule of law, the promise of due process and the idea that our diversity is a strength, not a threat.

- Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar

News

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

Hood for the holidays

A3

Holiday event returns with food, resources for North St. Louis families

This year, organizers expect attendance to reach the thousands.

Families who attend will As families across North St. receive a hot breakfast, toys for Louis continue to recover from children and winter essentials the May 16 tornado, a longsuch as coats, hats, gloves and time community holiday event socks. Community is returning this weekend with groups will also food, activities and access to be on site to share local resources. information about “Breakfast with Hood Santa” ongoing support and will be held Saturday recovery resources from 10 a.m. available during the to 2 p.m. at holiday season. the Herbert Michael Hoover Boys Brown Sr., & Girls who portrays Club. The Hood Santa, event is When: Saturday, Dec. said the event organized 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. is meant to

by Chosen Where: Herbert Hoover be welcoming for Change, for families Boys & Girls Club, 2901 a nonprofwho may be it founded Grand Blvd., St. Louis. carrying heavy

by Michael burdens.

Brown Sr. “This is a place and his wife, Cal where, if you’re feeling Brown. down in life, you’re surrounded This year marks the fifth the by good vibes,” Brown said.

Browns have hosted the holiday “It’s a place where you can be giveaway. Organizers say the lifted up.” need has grown as many famCal Brown said Hood Santa ilies continue to deal with disoffers children an experience placement, financial strain and that challenges the traditional grief following the tornado. image of Santa while emphasiz“The need is even greater ing representation and belongnow,” Cal Brown said. “A lot ing. of families are still trying to get “Hood Santa is an experiback on their feet.”

Last year’s event served near- ence,” she said. “It shows representation in a way that kids ly 400 community members.

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Breakfast with Hood Santa

Photo by Taylor Marrie | St. Louis American

Michael Brown Sr. portrays Hood Santa at a 2023 Chosen for Change gathering. He returns in the role this weekend at the organization’s Breakfast with Hood Santa event.

don’t always get to see.”

This year’s theme puts what Brown describes as a “hood twist” on a winter wonderland.

Children will be able to take part in a dance contest, decorate ornaments, make a gift for a parent and participate in a snowball fight. Free haircuts will also be available, along with games, photos with Hood Santa and other activities.

“It’s a place where a kid can be a kid,” Cal Brown said. “A place where you can choose joy.”

The event will also feature vendors from Black-owned businesses, many of which are operated by families who have experienced loss themselves.

Organizers say highlighting those businesses is another way to keep resources circulating

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within the community during a difficult time of year.

Chosen for Change was founded in the aftermath of the death of Michael Brown Jr., the son of the Browns, and works year-round to connect families with mentoring, healing-centered programming and support services.

“Breakfast with Hood Santa” is free and open to the public.

A4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025

Community News

Commentary

Standing between two evils

domestic landscape where people of color within our borders are already sicker and dying quicker — not by fate, but by America stands between two evils, design. and the truth is blunt enough to bruise.

Communities of color breathe dirtier If Trump’s birther-style executive air, live in hotter neighborhoods, and order before the Supreme Court were face fewer clinics and hospitals. In the carried out, millions of longtime President’s so called Big Beautiful Bill residents—many of them Latino, billions of dollars are being transferred to African, Caribbean, and Asian— billionaires who are never denied top of would suddenly be reclassified as the line medical care as ordinary citizens “non-citizens,” and candidates for many of whom are people of deportation, even though they color. were born and raised here.

These are political decisions, With Trumps declaration to not natural disasters. When a pause immigration from Third neighborhood is zoned next to World Countries is just one of toxic chemical producers, when many policies carefully grafted the nearest emergency room to stem the tide of America in Black areas is 50 miles or becoming a so-called majormore away, when Medicaid is ity-minority nation where slashed and maternity wards — people of color (Hispanic, close across Black counties Black, Asian, multiracial — those are choices made in and others) will collectively statehouses and Congress. exceed 50% of the population Barbara These are populations weakaround 2040, according to the Reynolds ened not by genetics but by Brookings Institute. policy.

Among children and younger adults, So, while one set of policies blocks the shift has already occurred. IonBlack and brown people from entering white youth are the majority in several the country, another set ensures those U.S. states and territories, including who are already here live fewer years.

California, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, It is a pipeline of demographic control New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, — fewer migrants coming in, fewer people of color living long enough to fully Georgia, Alaska, Mississippi, and thrive, vote, accumulate wealth, or pass Washington D.C. These numbers contribute to the fren- down stability to the next generation.

Must politicians stoking anti-immizy of a militarized response to Haitians, Salvadorans, and Africans at the border, gration fears know immigrants commit fewer crimes and contribute to the econwhile Europeans glide through customs omy. They know that “the border crisis” with little more than a stamp and a is about political theater, not public safesmile. Black and Brown families seekty. ing refuge are cast as criminals, invadUntil the nation approaches a future ers, or burdens — but no one applies where all ethnic groups are treated with those labels to Canadians, Germans, or respect as human beings and are allowed Norwegians. The double standard is all to contribute to the excellence which about the numbers. diversity can bring to this nation, we Trump has used hateful untruths to will always be mere shadows of our best support his crackdown against nonselves. white citizens and Latinos much like was done against Jews in Germany Barbara Reynolds has worked for where they were falsely excoriated for 13 years as a columnist and editorial economic setbacks.

While politicians scream about “bor- board member for USA TODAY and has authored eight books. der security,” the continuous threat is a

By Barbara Reynolds

Photo courtesy of Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

The Hugh J. White Tuskegee Airmen Chapter and Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ ACE Academy have scholarships available to youth programs that include drone flights, discovery flights, and immersive STEM activities.

Take Flight Forum helps send youths skyward

The 2025 Take Flight Forum, hosted by Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway, recently brought together aviation leaders, educators, and students to explore the region’s aerospace industry and opportunities for youth in aviation and STEM careers.

“STEM to Sky!,” featured a panel discussion with Dr. Jennifer Kephart, Washington (Mo.) School District superintendent and Yolandea Wood, president of the Hugh J. White Tuskegee Airmen Chapter and director of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ ACE Academy.

Wood shared that direct experiences, mentorship, and scholarships are available in the St. Louis region, but more students need to apply. She said there are programs through the White Tuskegee Airmen Chapter and ACE Academy designed to motivate youth to achieve, including drone flights, discovery flights, and immersive STEM

activities.

The programs are often in partnership with other regional organizations including Gateway Eagles, Young Eagles, Elite Aviation and Gateway Aerospace Foundation at Creve Coeur Airport. The Tuskegee Airmen chapter also provides a free drone certification program for members and sponsors simulator classes, making advanced aviation experiences accessible to more youth.

Scholarships are for high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need regardless of the applicant’s racial background. Wood said the ACE Academy has 30 slots in the regional area but the maximum she has signed up is 22.

For more information, please visit the Hugh J. White Tuskegee Airmen Chapter Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/HJWTAI/ or Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ ACE Academy at https://obap.org/ace/stlouis/.

Business

DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025 A5

Seeds of business, roots of Ujamaa

W

to give boys as young as 5 a hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship and the idea that ownership is within reach.

“It was an entrepreneurship kind of workhile Better Family Life’s annual Kwanzaa shop presented by Better Family Life to our boys,” said A. Keith Turner, an SBA alum Expo was underway and mentor. “They talked about entreprewith vendors and neurship on a high level and the services that cultural celebrations Better Family Life offers, then they really got recently, a group of into the ecosystem of selling products.” young Black boys The boys, ages 5 to 16, participated in gathered in a separate room at the organizathe two-hour session led tion’s headquarters for a

by Porsha Anderson, an different kind of exchange. award-winning business They leaned into constrategist and executive The fourth principle versations about pricing director of the Heartland St. strategies, branding, target emphasizes building and Louis Black Chamber of audiences and what it truly sustaining businesses Commerce. means to build something within the community — Anderson challenged of value through entreprethem to think critically particularly Black-owned neurship.

The workshop on businesses — by support- about margins, revenue, branding and identifying a Saturday wasn’t part of the ing one another economtarget audience — concepts expo’s official programically, creating and mainmany adults don’t encounming, but it reflected one ter until much later in life. taining enterprises and of Kwanzaa’s central prin“The activity was super ciples: Ujamaa. The fourth building shared wealth. helpful because it gave principle emphasizes buildthem hands-on, thoughtful ing and sustaining businessways of looking at entrees within the community preneurship,” Turner said. “Having a product, — particularly Black-owned businesses — by setting a price, determining who the audience supporting one another economically, creatwould be and why — it helped them undering and maintaining enterprises and building stand what entrepreneurship actually looks shared wealth.

Saturday Boys Academy, Better Family Life and local business leaders joined forces See UJAMAA, A6

Leaders of Better Family Life and Saturday Boys Academy during an entrepreneur workshop presented to the Saturday Boys Academy on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Better Family Life.

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Saturday Boys Academy

Kwanzaa principle takes hold at Saturday Boys Academy’s Better Family Life workshop

Business Spotlight

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Celebrate your financial new year A Q&A with Nakischa Joseph

By JPMorganChase As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the year and set yourself up for success in 2026.

Whether you’re building new habits or refining your financial strategy, Kakischa Joseph, Chase community manager in St. Louis, shares practical tips to strengthen your financial health journey.

personal information. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Q: As the year wraps up, what should the St. Louis community keep in mind about their finances?

A: The new year is a fresh start, and it’s a great time to build habits that set you up for success. Here are a few ways to get started: Q: What’s been a key financial health learning Nakischa • Think of your budget as your personal roadmap for you in 2025?

Joseph — it shows you exactly where your money is going A: This year, I’ve been really inspired by the and helps you steer toward your goals. Take a little enthusiasm in St. Louis for financial education. People time each month to track your income and expenses. When here aren’t afraid to dream big — buy a home, save for retireyou set a budget that truly reflects your priorities, you’re ment, plan for college or grow their business — and are really not just managing money — you’re empowering yourself to excited about the process to get there. One of the most rewardmake confident decisions. ing parts of my job is helping connect them with the tools and • Saving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small, knowledge to turn those dreams into reality. consistent deposits can grow into something meaningful over One trend that stands out is the increasing complexity of time. Try automating your savings so it happens without you fraud and scams. These can have a serious impact on anyone’s even thinking about it — like paying yourself first. Watching financial well-being. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to host workshops focused on fraud prevention — covering the latest See MORGAN CHASE, A6 scams, warning signs and practical steps to help safeguard your

PEOPLE On The Move Brooke Sharp to serve as interim University City manager University City Deputy City Manager Brooke A. Sharp will serve as interim city manager following the retirement of Gregory Rose in February.

Sharp joined University City in 2021 as assistant city manager and was promoted to deputy city manager in 2022. In that role, she has overseen Brooke A. departmental operaSharp tions and worked on strategic initiatives and major city projects.

She is a graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law and holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lindenwood University.

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

A6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025

Ujamaa Continued from A5 like.”

Anderson also stressed the importance of protecting ideas early.

“Make sure your name is trademarked,” she told the boys. “Trademarking is a process every business owner should go through before registering to make sure nobody else across the United States is using your name.”

For Turner, one of the most valuable lessons was that not all businesses exist to solve urgent problems — some simply exist to bring joy or meaning.

“In business, you’re often looking to solve a problem or a pain point,” he explained. “But sometimes people just want something — a fidget, a keychain, something unique or meaningful.

That perspective was really useful for the kids.”

Beyond sparking entrepreneurial interest, the workshop also helped the boys become more informed consumers.

“Once you understand what goes into running a business — pricing, production costs, branding — it changes how you see things,” Turner said. “You understand the dynamics of consumption. You start to understand why prices are set the way they are.”

The boys’ response was positive, Turner said.

“They were excited.

They were engaged,” he said. “Engagement is key.

They participated, asked questions and they were thankful.”

The collaboration came together organically. Better Family Life hosted the workshop in partnership with the Bayer YMCA, where SBA meets multiple times a month.

The event aligned with SBA’s mission to expose young Black males to realworld opportunities and resources.

Founded in 1984 by the late Dr. William J. Harrison, an educator, historian and humanitarian, SBA was created to

Morgan Chase Continued from A5 your savings grow, no matter the amount, is a powerful way to build financial security and peace of mind.

• Your credit score is more than just a number — it’s a key that can unlock new opportunities, from buying a home to starting a business. Strengthen your credit by paying bills on time and keeping your balances manageable.

Q: What are some tips for your neighbors to start the new year on the right financial foot?

Photo courtesy of Saturday Boys Academy

Carlton Jones, director of the Better Family Life Business Center, presents to Saturday Boys Academy participants on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Better Family Life. address a critical need in St. Louis: consistent, intentional mentoring for African American boys.

Dr. Harrison began with eight boys between the ages of 8 and 16, guided by the belief that “young Black men need, desire, and deserve a chance in life.” That philosophy continues to shape SBA today.

The organization supplements families, churches and the broader community by offering programs

that provide training, instruction, exposure and hands-on experiences — from tutoring and college tours to career exploration in trades such as carpentry and technology.

“We set up men to show young men the best examples of manhood,” said Jay Rhodes, SBA’s executive director. “We do what we do because we feel like it is our responsibility.”

Turner echoed that sen-

timent.

“The goal is to provide resources that help prepare them for the future — graduate from high school, go on to college, explore careers,” he said. “Our world is their classroom.

These are the tools we’re going to give you. These are the people we’re going to put in your path.”

That philosophy was evident throughout the entrepreneurship workshop, where the emphasis

was on expanding possibilities rather than promoting a single path. By the end of the session, the boys walked away with more than worksheets and business vocabulary.

They left with greater awareness and confidence and a clearer understanding that entrepreneurship — and informed decision-making — can be part of their future.

“I hope they left inspired,” Turner said.

“Inspired to become entrepreneurs, inspired to think differently and inspired to know that there are resources right here in St. Louis to help them get there.”

For Saturday Boys Academy, that spark of inspiration is the goal.

For more information about Saturday Boys Academy, visit saturdayboysacademy.org

A: No matter where you are in your financial journey, I think everyone should do a year-end financial checkup. Review your budget and savings, set realistic goals and make a plan you can stick to in the new year. Anyone can visit their local Chase branch and ask about getting access to a financial health checkup at no cost — available to all, no matter who you bank with.

Our teams live, work and are rooted here — and we are deeply committed to uplifting the communities and serving our neighbors every day.

As community manager, I’m focused on financial education and

community partnership to help strengthen financial health journeys. I host free workshops on essential topics like budgeting, saving, building credit and preventing fraud and scams. These workshops are open to all, not just Chase customers, and can help you start the new year on the right foot.

home, starting a business or simply getting better rates on everyday purchases. In my workshops, I break down the basics: why it’s important to know your credit score, how to check it and simple steps you can take to improve it — like paying bills on time, keeping balances low and avoiding unnecessary debt. We also talk about how your credit score can be a steppingstone to achieving your biggest goals. My advice? Don’t shy away from learning about credit. The more you understand, the more control you have over your financial future.

get involved and benefit from your community work?

A: Getting involved is easy — and it can make a real difference in your financial journey. We have community managers in every state and D.C., all dedicated to supporting their local neighborhoods.

Our free workshops cover essential topics like budgeting, saving, building credit and protecting yourself from fraud and scams. These sessions are open to everyone, not just Chase customers, and are designed to be practical and welcoming.

Whether you’re looking for guidance, want to ask questions or just want to connect with others who are working toward similar goals, we’re here for you.

I encourage you to join us, bring a friend and take advantage of the resources and support available right in your community.

neighbors build a stronger, more resilient financial future — one step at a time.

Q: What financial health initiatives are you excited about in 2026?

A: I’m especially excited to help demystify credit for our community. Credit can feel intimidating, but it’s actually a powerful tool that can help you unlock new opportunities — whether that’s buying a

Q: How can neighbors

Q: If you could give one piece of financial advice to the community for 2026, what would it be?

A: My top advice is to be proactive: take the time to review your finances, set clear and achievable goals and create a plan to reach them. Don’t wait for a crisis or a big life event to get started — small steps today can lead to big results tomorrow. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is here to help, whether you need a quick checkup, want to talk through your options or need help building a plan. You don’t need to be a Chase customer to benefit from our expertise and support. We’re committed to helping our

The bottom line The end of the year is the perfect time to reset your financial goals and take positive steps toward a stronger future. Stop by your local Chase branch for a free financial checkup, sign up for one of my free workshops and let our team help you start 2026 with confidence.

For informational and educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice or recommendations for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professionals. Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not provide or endorse third-party products, services or other content.

Deposit products provided

by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

HealthMatters

DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025 A7

your

The return of the

subsidy cliff

Rural America faces the first cut as ACA support hits a high

O

By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA

ut across the long stretches of the country—where the roads narrow, the hospitals disappear, and the winters sit heavy—health insurance is not an abstraction. It is a quiet bargain that keeps families from slipping into ruin.

That bargain is now on the edge of

collapse.

Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, and rural Americans stand to suffer most. These subsidies, introduced during the pandemic and extended through 2025, lowered premiums, expanded coverage, and pushed enrollment to historic highs. Without congressional action, the cost of insurance will rise sharply, and the hardest hit will be

A survivor’s message to women:

‘Don’t wait, get screened for breast cancer’

Valarie Traynham shares the importance of early detection and community education, particularly in the Black community.

it. In 2022, it was the leading

By Tashi McQueen cause of cancer death for Black women.

During Breast Cancer For those who have faced Awareness Month, advocates this daunting journey and surstressed the importance of reguvived, these statistics highlight lar testing and community educathe need for greater awareness tion to ensure early detection and in the Black community and for empower women to understand self-advocacy in the doctor’s their options. office.

According to the American “As a Black woman, I’ve Cancer Society, breast cancer Valarie learned that sometimes the makes up 34 percent of all canTraynham healthcare system doesn’t ask the cers diagnosed in Black women. deeper questions when it comes Black women are 38 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than to us,” said Valarie Traynham, a breast White women, even though they are 5 See CANCER, A8 percent less likely to be diagnosed with

Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year.

See ACA, A8

All about the ladies

Personal Care Fitness to offer women’s training program in North County Personal Care Fitness will launch a six-week total body training program for women in January at the Urban League Centene Connected Community Center in north St. Louis County.

The program runs from Jan. 6-Feb. 12 and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Organizers say the sessions are designed for women of all fitness levels and will include strength training, cardiovascular exercise and basic nutrition guidance.

Line dancing will also be part of the workouts.

The training is intended to provide a supportive, low-pressure environment for participants, according to the company.

Enrollment is now open, with limited spaces available.

Additional information and registration details are available at PersonalCareFitness.com or by calling 314-599-0771.

Personal Care Fitness is a mobile fitness business that caters to women.

HealthMatters your

‘Taking Care of You’

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025

A8

ACA Continued from A7 communities that already live miles from the nearest clinic, where a single medical bill can decide a family’s direction for a generation.

The math alone tells a story of quiet devastation.

Rural counties, according to reporting in the files, saw some of the greatest gains in coverage after the enhanced subsidies took effect. In states that rejected Medicaid expansion, these subsidies became the last remaining thread tying people to affordable care.

When that thread snaps, millions will confront premiums that double almost overnight. Families who once paid modest monthly amounts could face bills they simply cannot meet.

Hospitals in regions where uncompensated care already threatens survival will be forced closer to closure.

The Congressional Budget Office projects that without an extension of the subsidies through 2026, the number of uninsured Americans will climb by millions in the first years after expiration. Premiums would, on average, rise by more than 100%. For middle-income families, the return of the so-called subsidy cliff will mean costs that outpace budgets already worn thin by inflation and stagnant wages.

Cancer Continued from A7 cancer survivor. “I kept going back to convenient

Nationwide approval of the ACA is at its highest level since the law was enacted. Gallup’s latest findings show 57 percent of Americans support the ACA, driven by a sharp rise among independents.

AC A Yet the geography of the harm is not evenly drawn. Rural communities lean heavily on marketplace coverage. They have fewer employers offering insurance, fewer doctors, fewer mental health providers, and hospitals that operate on margins so narrow they can be undone by a single year of unpaid care. When subsidies disappear, these communities are the first to fall. Their residents are older, sicker, and poorer. Their choices are fewer. Their safety nets are thinner.

The political battle

around them grows louder by the day. Senators Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Susan Collins of Maine have introduced legislation that would extend the subsidies for two years but add new restrictions, including mandatory premiums for all enrollees and an income cap of $200,000 per household. Moreno, in a written statement, accused Democrats of creating a system that favored insurance companies over patients. “I am willing to work with anyone to finally bring down costs for all

Americans and hope my colleagues across the aisle will commit to doing the same,” he said.

Collins said the proposal aims to help families avoid sudden, unaffordable premium increases. A statement from her office said Congress must “pursue practical solutions that increase affordability without creating sudden disruptions in coverage.”

But rural America, which lives with the consequences of every delay, every stalemate, and every partisan declaration, does not have the luxury of

waiting.

The reporting in the files paints a stark portrait: when insurance becomes too expensive, people delay care, skip treatment, or abandon coverage entirely. Highdeductible plans—an alternative promoted by several Republican lawmakers—leave families drowning in out-of-pocket costs. Studies cited in KFF Health News show that patients with these plans often end up buried in medical debt, even when insured, and rural families, with their lower incomes

care with the same issues, and each time they treated the infections but never asked why they kept happening.”

Traynham highlighted that the reason behind the

disparities Black women face in breast cancer outcomes are due to systemic barriers to care, delayed diagnoses and sometimes not being taken seriously when sharing their

symptoms. Generational mistrust in the healthcare system stems from these challenges, further worsening the problem.

Inspired by doctors downplaying her condition, Traynham pushed for answers and eventually discovered that not only did she have myeloma, a cancer of the blood, but breast cancer too.

“When I heard you have breast cancer, it hit me hard,” said Traynham.

“I was just coming out of active treatment for myeloma, so this diagnosis felt like a gut punch. I felt like I couldn’t catch a break.” ​​Although the myeloma was diagnosed at a more aggressive stage, she caught the breast cancer early, giving her more treatment options and a greater chance of survival.

According to a study by the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO), which

analyzed cancer registry data from 8,145 patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2019, the likelihood of a late-stage breast cancer

Inspired by doctors downplaying her condition, Traynham pushed for answers and eventually discovered that not only did she have myeloma, a cancer of the blood, but breast cancer too. diagnosis increases when a person gets fewer screenings.

Researchers found that, of the women studied, 9 percent of the women who had late-stage breast cancer received annual screenings. The number of late-stage diagnoses increased to 14 percent in women who only received

and limited access to providers, are especially vulnerable.

It is in these regions where the distance between lawmaking and lived experience is measured not in political rhetoric but in ambulance rides, in shuttered emergency rooms, in the unpaid bills that arrive like uninvited visitors at the end of each month.

And yet, nationwide approval of the ACA is at its highest level since the law was enacted. Gallup’s latest findings show 57 percent of Americans support the ACA, driven by a sharp rise among independents.

The survey, conducted as the shutdown ended and Congress prepared for another vote, suggests that the public understands what is at stake.

It also shows how deeply the law has become woven into American life, especially in regions where alternatives do not exist.

But approval alone will not keep rural hospitals open or preserve the coverage gains of the last several years.

The national fight now moves toward a deadline that will not wait. When it arrives, rural America will feel it first, and it will feel it hardest.

As one Gallup passage captures, “Approval has been at or above 50 percent in most years since 2017, but the law was less popular before then.”

biennial screenings, or screenings between 15 and 27 months. Of the women in the study who were only screened intermittently, 19 percent of them received late-stage cancer diagnoses.

“The trend persisted regardless of age, race, and menopausal status,” states authors of the study.

Traynham was lucky to catch her breast cancer before it became a latestage diagnosis. Still, she says it was tough, with the side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer being harsher than her treatment for myeloma.

Today, she passes along the valuable lessons she picked up in her fight.

“I learned that if something seems off, you shouldn’t wait or brush it off, get it checked,” said Traynham. “Awareness, vigilance and action can save lives.”

A9

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

Wendy Williams expected to exit guardianship

R&B singer Carl Carlton passes at 72 Carl Carlton, the R&B singer best known for the early 1980s classic “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” has died. He was 72.

According to SoulTracks. com, Carlton’s passing follows a serious stroke he suffered about six years ago.

His friends and family said, “he courageously battled to both live and thrive.”

Launching his career in the mid1960s as “Little Carl” Carlton, the Detroit native recorded minor local hits including “So What” and “Don’t You Need a Boy Like Me” in 1965.

His first major success came with “Everlasting Love” in 1974, which peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” released on 20th Century Records, became his signature song. Written by Leon Haywood, it was a smash in 1981. It reached number 2 on the Soul chart and earning Carlton a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Beyoncé, Venus Williams among 2026 Met Gala cochairs Last week Vogue revealed the cochairs for the 2026 Met Gala. “At the 2026 Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will celebrate its spring Costume Institute exhibition, titled Costume Art,” the magazine revealed on Vogue.com “Set to cochair the fête are major forces from entertainment, sport, and fashion: Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour.” The May 2026 event will mark Beyoncé’s first Met Gala appearance in a decade—she last walked the Met’s steps in 2016 for the “Manus x Machina” gala in Givenchy Haute Couture. Kidman and Williams, meanwhile, have been regulars, including at the “Superfine” gala this past May.

Nearly three years ago, former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams was placed under courtordered guardianship after her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., reportedly made multiple large withdrawals from her bank account without permission.

Williams’ attorney, Joe Tacopina, told Page Six she will be out of guardianship by year’s end. “[Williams] does not have frontotemporal dementia, so that should be game, set, match,” Tacopina said in an interview with ABC’s “Nightline.” “The plan is this … there are guardianship attorneys … and we’re watching and waiting, arlton C l r and they’ve assured Wendy a C by year’s end she’ll be out of guardianship,” Tacopina, 59, added.

Kimora claps back at Russell Simmons Last week Kimora Lee Simmons admitted in an interview with “People Magazine” that she has no relationship with any of her children’s fathers because, “Guys are weird.”

Her exhusband, Russell Simmons, quickly responded on social media.

On Instagram, he posted her “People” cover with an inflammatory caption: “I gave you $50,000 a month for 20 years. I was your best/only friend. I’m the godfather to your other three kids, until the day you stole my stock. I have been fighting for my kids’ love and my bread ever e since. You threatened that ra Le if I sued you, I would never Kimomons speak to my kids again. There Sim are two sides to every story.”

Kimora fired back on her own page: “My ‘girls’ are grown women. You know these are lies. Why are you typing from thousands of miles away in a nonextradition country? Go negotiate and answer your accusers.”

Advertise in The St. Louis American Classified section!

For more info contact Angelita Houston, ahouston@ stlamerican.com or call 314-533-8000

Sources: WBLS.com, People.com, Instagram.com, PageSix.com, SoulTracks.com, Vogue.com

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • •JANUARY -24, 27, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH MARCH 4121-- -10, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • APRIL 18 7, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 19 - 25, 2022 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • •JANUARY -24, 27, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH MARCH 4121-- -10, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • APRIL 18 7, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 182022 - 24, 2025 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 19 - 25,

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Healthy Kids

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The The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips onon nutrition, provides provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips nutrition, exercise exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more.

Healthcare Careers

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A13

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH 6 - 12, 2025

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources more than 8,000 teachers and The St. Louis American’s awardtowinning NIE program offers newspapers students each week throughout the school year, at no charge. and resources to St. Louis area teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

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

SCIENCE STARS

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE STARS SCIENCE STARS African American Meterologist

CLASSROOMSPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT CLASSOOM

Students Aariyah Students Thompson and Ranger Bob, at of Two The American’s Savannah Fisher, in Rivers National Summer Ms. Stovall’s firstWildlife Refuge, Science gradeteaches class at Gateway participating Academy work MST Elementary students safe archery in teams to skills The St. Louis areduring learning how to School, discover the

Atiyah Harmon: AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR:

William “Bill” Parker

Helping GirlsJones LoveWilliam Math Jeanette (Bill) Parker grew up

Jeanette Jones born in New Orleans.

He graduated Atiyah Harmon is was a teacher, leader, on September 19, 1950, in which from JFK High School, and change-maker who believes Valley, Georgia.

Jones thatFort everyone can enjoy math focused on math, science, graduated from Fort Valley especially girls!

She grew up inwas and engineering. Parker Philadelphia and loved math American’s Summer Science State University in 1972 with construct amany series circuit. different interested in hurricanesasata child.

Later, shedegree became a math held at Little Creek Photo byAcademy, Ms. Stovall a bachelor’s in biology computer a ayoung age, but he became teacher, school principal, and a Nature Area. education.

In 1973, Jones programming in the weather directorinterested who helped other teachers received her master’s degree in languages.

Photo

by Cathy Sewell after a high school and students.

Through herstatistics work, botany and mycology (a branch Atiyah saw that many Black class.

In this class, hegirls learned Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis of biology that studies fungi) began school liking math but Teachers, if you are using Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis how to predict the chance of American’s NIE program and would like the St. Louis American’s The got Ohioolder.

State University.

American’s NIEfor program and NIE would like started losing confidence from as they She wanted to nominate your class a Classroom rain. Parker wanted to attend program and would like to to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: to change that.

In 1976, she received her nominate youremail: class for a Spotlight, please csewell@ nie@stlamerican.com. a historically black college/ Classroom Spotlight, please stlamerican.com In 2020, Atiyah founded an organization called Black doctorate (Ph.D.) degree. email: csewell@stlamerican. university (HBCU), so hegroup’s choseofJackson State University Girls Math. missionthe is to help Blackto She alsoLove studied at theThis University Nevada, University com girls feelMedical proud of who they arewith and confident in their meteorology.

He graduated his bachelor’s degree, ofstudy California School, the National Center for Disease math skills. The program gives girls a place to learn, in 1994.

Control-Atlanta, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. make friends, and explore math in Inways 1993, he feel began gain experience in theJones fieldas when that funtoand meanAfter graduation, Alabama A&M University hired an he A hurricane forms over tropical and Hurricanes can last a few hours or several ingful.

Atiyah believes worked as a student meteorologist.

One year later, he assistant biology professor. In 1986, she served as an adjunctwas a subtropical ocean water. Warm water and days. Most hurricanes occur during the math isinnot just about meteorologist intern atPharmacy Shreveport.

In 1998, Parker became professor the College of and Pharmaceutical cool, moist air combine to create strong fall months. How can you stay safe? Have solving equations it’s about Services at Florida Agricultural Mechanical a general forecaster, and tenand years later, aUniversity lead forecaster. solving problems, asking winds that can gust to 200tomiles per an you evacuation and an In order a up computer work, you will need When start theplan computer, theemergency CPU tells kit and workedhe onbecame aand project with NASA. In 1991, Jones served as Inquestions, 2012, a warning coordination meteorologist Fungi arefor organisms made of filaments (called leaves, stems, or roots. Fungi use spores to believing in hour! These winds create waves thatof prepared.

Meteorologists can track these to understand basic parts the hardware to start certain programs. the first female research andthis development hyphe) that arethe stacked together.

Unlike (WCM).

Therevice are president only 122of people with title in the United yourself. reproduce. One common type of fungus is thestorm computer: hardware, software, This isand called “booting up.” Next, you bring the on do shore.

Hurricanes storms keep you informed. atStates, Alabama A&M University.

ShestualsoAfrican served as President Parker of plants, fungi not have chlorophyll, so Atiyah’s work is helping and Parker was the only American. is the mushrooms you find on your pizza. and input. Hardware includes the will provide input when you choose what are verythey destructive.

They can flip cars, University’s Faculty 2001attothe 2006. dents A&M seethe that everyone canSenate be from cannot make their own food. Some For more facts,are also types Alabama currently meteorologist-in-charge (MIC) National Mold,hurricane yeasts, and mildew keyboard, mouse, and command you want to enter. If you want sink boats, trees,speakers, and demolish a1992, “math person.”

Her lessons celeInWeather she was appointed toathe U.S. Science Board by fungiuproot are parasites, which mean they live visit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ of fungus.

Service, leading team ofArmy 26 weather professionals. monitor. Inside the computer, is to surf the Internet, your input/demand is brate creativity and individuality. that there’s houses.off the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Togo West. She Sinceshows 2004 Jones of other organisms. Some fungi feed sciencefacts/weather/hurricane.html.

For More Information, Go to: the central processing unit (CPU). the process of typing in the web address, more than one to Center think for about and solve a problem.

Parker also veryway active has beenis the director of the Biomedical, Behavioral, off ofto dead and decaying matter.

Fungibring are a lot of rain.

In addition powerful winds, hurricanes Instead of just memorizing answers, her students learn The hardware receives commands called theread Uniform Resource Locator Learning Standards: Ihttps://kids.kiddle.co/Fungus can nonfiction text for main as a volunteer in his and Environment Research at Alabama A&M University.

She in the environment, (Taiwaneverywhere received 114 inches of rain inincluding three days during a to understand why math works and how it connects to from the software.

Software includes (URL). The browser software will idea and supporting details. community.

He is a member Learning Standards: I can also worked as a consultant with federal agencies to help them the soil, lakes, river and seas,landslides air, and their lives. hurricane.)

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How can w mouths How long did it take you an African American who has made contributions in science, so that the of the bottle are to type the text? _________ you predict your score would in an additional week? community. If you are interested in meteorology, visit National complete an experiment. I can make observations and draw food manufacturers and restaurant owners e Place the bag with the wet slice of per minute. math, technology, engineering. aligned.e The Calculate bottles will look like _________ your typing speed as words Weather Service or offices and serve as a volunteer or intern,f and conclusions. use this information to help them? bread and one of the bags with a an hourglass.___________ d ts orole find leaders in your community to serve as your personal Resources: To learn more about how to calculate words per ipe un w o c dry slice of bread in a dark place, c be ect Learning Standards: I can follow a r Tape the minute, visit: http://www.typingtestnow.com models. ia a to eff r seam, Next, pressing practice your keyboarding skills by practicing ed

SCIENCE CORNER

Hurricanes

SCIENCE CORNER SCIENCE CORNER

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

How Do Computers Work?

What Are Fungi?

Make Your Own Hurricane!

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

such as a closed cabinet or closet. the duct tape10-15 firmlyminutes to per day. r Place the third bag with a dry slice t After five days of practice, repeat step 1. of bread in the refrigerator. y What was your rate after practice? ________

MATH CONNECTION

sequential directions to complete an experiment.

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Math Storms!

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MATH CONNECTION “Space” Technology

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based methods, such as Facebook, 6 hours. How many miles per hour is Types of News: Twitter, and other social media.

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1,000 kilobytes = 1 megabyte the coast?5______ problem.

1,000 megabytes = 1 gigabyte • the company’s of physical address? ______ jobs people who work in that building Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, Mystery Story: Cut out several 1,000 gigabytes = 1 terabyte 4 could have.

• the company’s telephone number? multiply, and divide to solve a problem. pictures from the newspaper without A tropical storm takes on a hurricane After citizens returned to their q3 If you have a file that takes up 2,016 bytes, reading the caption.

Place the pictures Problem and Solution: Over a period • the hours of operation? status whenhow themany windskilobytes reach 74 miles per houses after the evacuation, reports of does it fill? ______ 2 inof a bag, andclip without looking, pick your weeks, articles from newspapers • information about products/services available? hour. After three days, Tropical Storm damage were totaled. City A reported mystery picture the bag.

That’s 1 that deal withfrom problems and issues • email addressesyour for employees who can assist you a stimulus writing.

Construct facing yourfor local or county government.

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

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

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Content—Jennifer Wirthwein • Design—Beth Sharpe Content—Jennifer Wirthwein• Design—Beth Sharpe

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Learning Standards: their medicines for 4,500 t I can use the newspaper to locate gran onevaluate cti eleLearning sciencefacts/technology/ If a hurricane is particularly Standards: I can a website and find important information. years. information. I can discuss problems and damaging,computers.html the namecaterpillar will be fungus I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can Chinese solutions. can identify types of jobs. I can permanentlyhas retired that is categorize and summarize that Iinformation. been so used foritfatigue make text-to-world connections. and cancer treatment. not used again.

Five hurricane names were retired in 2005.

A12

NGA Continued from A7 St. Louis and St. Louis Place — are the focus of Project Connect, a city-led revitalization effort aimed at bringing development and resources to communities impacted by the federal facility.

Dennis-Nana said she hopes the plan will encourage NGA employees to buy homes in nearby neighborhoods, something residents have anticipated since the facility was announced more than a decade ago. So far, she said, that expectation has not materialized.

She has also seen similar plans come and go.

“It’s not the first time a plan has been developed, and nothing has been done,” Dennis-Nana said.

Despite that history, she remains cautiously hopeful this time will be different.

The St. Louis Development Corporation held an open house Saturday to share draft neighborhood plans for six

SNAP Continued from A7 more than $11.5 million.

Roughly one in five city residents relies on the program, according to city data.

Gov. Mike Kehoe directed the Department of Social Services to file the waiver request.

“We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver,” Kehoe said in a statement released by the USDA. “Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025 communities surrounding the NGA facility. The meeting focused on “Our Plan,” a set of neighborhood strategies developed through SLDC’s Project Connect initiative.

Curtis Griggs, SLDC’s neighborhood transformation manager, said the plans have been in development since 2022, with a focus on housing and vacancy.

“Residents have been involved since the beginning,” Griggs said.

“Community feedback has been a part of the plan since the inception.”

He added, “It’s a way for residents to see the development plan based on the six topics of development, to see how the different communities will grow.” Griggs said SLDC’s role is to ensure the plans move from proposal to reality.

During the meeting, residents highlighted priorities they want reflected in future development, including improved housing, reduced vacancy, expanded economic development, stronger support for arts and culture

supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”

Statewide, an estimated 655,000 to 660,000 Missourians received SNAP benefits each month during the 2024 fiscal year, representing about 10.5% of the population.

More recent data from 2025 shows fluctuations in enrollment as the state continues to update benefit systems.

According to the Missouri SNAP Basics 2025 report, the state’s overall food insecurity rate stands at 15%, higher than the national rate of 13.5%. Disparities persist across racial groups: food insecurity affects 31% of Black Missourians, compared with 22% nationally; 19% of Hispanic

and better transportation options.

Melissa Garcia, also a neighborhood transformation manager with SLDC, said the meeting served not only to share information but also to educate residents and build capacity within the community.

“A lot of residents have never seen eco-development in their neighborhood,” Garcia said.

Participation in the project helps residents learn how to amplify their voices and take ownership of their neighborhoods while working in partnership with the city, she said.

SLDC staff said community feedback gathered during the open house will be used to refine the plans as they move toward adoption. The proposal is expected to go before the Planning and Development Agency and then the Board of Aldermen as early as February.

No funding has been identified for the projects outlined in the plans, though the documents reference potential sources that could support future development.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Regina Dennis-Nana, a longtime Hyde Park resident near the NGA campus, says she remains hopeful the latest development plan will bring real investment to the area.

Starting next year, Missouri will no longer allow SNAP benefits to be used to purchase candy, prepared desserts, soda and some juices under a waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Missourians, compared with 21% nationally; and 12% of white, non-Hispanic Missourians, higher than

the national rate of 9%.

State officials say the policy aims to improve nutrition, but Laden said

it could create new challenges for families already struggling to stretch their benefits. While her own children eat fruits and vegetables, she worries that may not be the case for others.

“For other families, some kids don’t eat many fruits and vegetables,” Laden said. “That can create a struggle during dinner or snacks.”

Laden also pointed to food prices as a major barrier, arguing that restricting purchases without addressing cost leaves families with fewer options.

“The cost of food and living is high as hell altogether,” she said.

She believes lowering the price of fresh fruits and vegetables would do more

to encourage healthier eating than limiting SNAP purchases. “Junk food is cheaper — that’s why people buy it,” she said.

Having worked at gas stations and big-box retail stores, Laden said she has seen firsthand how unhealthy food is marketed to children.

“They make money off kids by putting sugary foods on the lower shelves at their eye level,” she said. “So of course kids are going to ask for it, and nine times out of 10 the parent buys it.”

“If the governor wants to make America healthy again,” Laden added, “start by making unhealthy food less accessible at stores.”

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025

New credit union seeks to build wealth in African and Black communities

By Andrea Y. Henderson St. Louis Public Radio

A financial institution for African immigrants and African Americans opened Monday in St. Ann to help Black St. Louisans and African communities build wealth, strengthen their families and create opportunities.

The African Diaspora Federal Credit Union was established by the African Diaspora Council Inc., a local cultural organization.

The credit union will allow its members to pool their resources and personalize the financial services they receive from the institution.

This credit union is important for Black and African communities, said Michael Anani, CEO of African Diaspora Federal Credit Union.

“They don’t feel comfortable going to them [banks] anymore and explaining to them what their problem is, and that’s

Radiation Continued from A7 Landfill in Bridgeton, near Robertson Township, where radioactive waste remains.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, signed into law in 1990, was created to compensate people who became ill — or families of those who died — from radiation exposure related to World War II-era weapons testing and manufacturing. Despite St. Louis’ central role in uranium processing, area residents were initially excluded from the program.

After years of advocacy

why we have a lot of people in our community who don’t bank anymore,” he said. “They have their money under the mattress, or whatever way they want to save it … so this might be different. We understand each other’s needs.”

Board members say the credit union will offer financial literacy programs for children and adults. It will also provide low-interest loans for education and businesses.

Anani came up with the idea for the credit union 19 years ago. He started researching poverty levels in different states and how they are plaguing their communities.

“The credit union is the place where people come together, put their resources together, put their pennies together, and make investments for themselves,” he said. “It’s a trust issue and lack of capital that’s where poverty exists in our community … but our community is

huge, so we try to solve the trust issue first by bringing our community together.”

The credit union employees are versed in over 20 major African languages, which board member Rayo Animashaun said makes the credit union

by residents and organizations, and lobbying from political leaders including Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, RECA was expanded to include certain Missouri ZIP codes impacted by radioactive waste.

Government records show $8.57 million in approved RECA claims tied to Missouri contamination, but fewer than 1% of eligible residents have applied.

To help close that gap, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen hosted a Zoom information session Dec. 1 for residents of St. Louis, St. Louis County and St.

Charles County who lived, worked or attended school in impacted ZIP codes for at least two years after Jan. 1, 1949, and later developed certain cancers.

Dawn Chapman, co-founder of Just Moms STL, said many residents remain unaware of their eligibility or feel overwhelmed by the application process. Just Moms STL was instrumental in pushing for RECA’s expansion in Missouri.

During the meeting, Chapman listed cancers associated with radiation exposure, including multiple myeloma and cancers of the thyroid, breast, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, bile ducts, gall

Salute Continued from A7 the metropolitan area.

The Salute to Excellence in Business has become the foundation’s signature business leadership event, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work strengthens the regional economy and expands opportunity. The luncheon also serves as a forum for reflection on the role inclusive leadership plays in shaping St. Louis’ future.

“As we head into the 24th year of the Salute to Excellence in Business, we’re excited to welcome both longtime supporters and new faces,” said Raven Whitener, director of the foundation. “Each

Organization, Red Circle, United Way and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis continue to work in this space locally.

Initiatives such as the St. Louis Regional Racial Healing + Justice Fund have helped push the needle forward in the St. Louis region for “Black, brown and people of color to live in an area that demonstrates core rights in housing, education, health, job/career options, policing, and more,” according to former Community Governance Board member and St. Louis American reporter Ashley Winters.

St. Louisans and those in our region can help provide useful insight by filling out this survey, which will help shape the national dialogue on racial healing.

year, the room is filled with leaders who care deeply about this region, which makes the luncheon a meaningful opportunity for connection.”

Whitener said the event will spotlight “the innovation and impact happening across our business and nonprofit communities.”

Each year, the luncheon honors leaders across multiple sectors, recognizing excellence in business, entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, nonprofit service and community impact. Award categories for the 2026 program include Lifetime Achiever in Business, Entrepreneur of the Year, Corporate Executive of the Year, Nonprofit Executive of the Year and Excellence in Community Impact. Honorees will be announced in a series of St. Louis American stories

financial institution. She is looking forward to refinancing her home loan through the bank and getting assistance with repairing her credit.

Board Chairman Charles Bryson said there are many benefits for African and Black Americans to gain from being a member of a credit union. He said what makes the African Diaspora Federal Credit Union different from other nationally recognized credit unions is that its employees are culturally competent.

“This is home for us and now you can see them talk about it (the credit union) in the community … they may say, ‘You know what, let me take my money out of the bank where I don’t get those services, I don’t get those resources, and let me take it into a place that knows and understands who we are as people, and maybe can help us a little better,’” Bryson said.

bladder, brain, colon, ovary, bone, liver and lungs.

More than $12 million has been paid to Missourians who completed RECA applications, Chapman said. Most of the 21 eligible Missouri ZIP codes are in St. Louis County and St. Charles County, but she emphasized that city residents were also exposed.

During school desegregation, she noted, St. Louis children were bused to schools in contaminated county areas. She also pointed to two city ZIP codes still excluded.

“For our Pruitt Igo (Housing Complex) friends, 63102 and 63106

are directly to the left of Mallinckrodt Chemical Works,” Chapman said.

“Those are the two ZIP codes we’re working to get included into RECA.” For Hubbard, the new funding and compensation programs offer limited comfort. He has not been diagnosed with a radiation-related illness, but his wife, Patricia, died from lung cancer last year.

“She never smoked a day in her life,” Hubbard said. He added that Patricia was also raised “right behind” the Kent Landfill in Robertson Township.

Just Moms STL maintains online resources explaining RECA eligibility, impacted ZIP

codes and how to get help completing compensation forms. RECA funds are also available to surviving spouses and children.

Hubbard said he has begun the application process. While he appreciates the assistance now available, the sense of betrayal remains.

“Unfortunately, they targeted Black neighborhoods with that stuff,” Hubbard said.

“You would think if these people knew what they were doing; they would have done it in a safer, better way.”

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

People fill out applications to become members of the African Diaspora Federal Credit Union during its grand opening in St. Ann on Monday.

Take the survey and help inform conversations on the topic The St. Louis American is one of a group of 10 publications that comprise Word In Black. This media collective is exploring the impact of racial healing: a process that helps restore individuals and communities, repair damage caused by racism, and transform societal structures which impact the Black community.

As part of this exploration, we’re conducting a poll to learn more about Black American perspectives on racial healing, including personal beliefs, perceived barriers, and potential solutions.

Please fill out this survey by scanning the QR code to let us know what you think of “racial healing.”

Organizations such as The Michael Brown Sr. Chosen For Change

relatable and stands out from any other financial institution in Missouri.

Board members say if the credit union comes across a language or dialect that is unfamiliar to employees, they will reach out to various African associations in the com-

munity with people from Cameroon, Congo, Togo, Senegal, Burundi and other African countries who can interpret for immigrant members.

Kenyan native Anthony Kamnao has been supporting the African Diaspora Council Inc. for years. He moved to St. Louis nearly 17 years ago.

“I’m so excited about what is happening here in America, especially in St Louis, just changing the perspective,” Kamnao said. “The Jewish community is together. The Chinese are together. They have their businesses, but for us to come together as an African community is amazing.”

Marie Vail believes in supporting Black-owned businesses. The Florissant resident said she filled out membership paperwork on Monday because she did not want to miss out on the opportunity to start building her own wealth through a Black-owned

Photo by Andrea Y. Henderson / St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis American joins national effort to examine racial healing

closer to the event.

Proceeds from the luncheon support the foundation’s education, workforce development and community-impact initiatives, which focus on expanding access to opportunity and strengthening pathways to economic mobility throughout the region.

Organizers said the event continues to grow in relevance as St. Louis navigates persistent economic disparities alongside new opportunities for innovation and growth. By bringing together established leaders and emerging professionals, the luncheon creates space for networking, dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.

Details about tickets, sponsorship opportunities and the full program will be released in the coming weeks.

A13

A14

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

Sledding on Art Hill: An STL Tradition

Winter scene on Art Hill in the 1920s.

By Amanda Clark, Missouri Historical Society Forest Park is home to so many traditions that are considered quintessential to living in St. Louis—like watching a show at the Muny or riding the train at the Saint Louis Zoo. But, to me, the best one of all is sledding on Art Hill. It’s happy chaos: no rules, no order, and open to anyone with something resembling a sled.

The place we call Art Hill has been a favorite spot for sledding since 1904, when a group of World’s Fair construction workers took a quick break from work and tested the slope. And in fact, the first reported injury from sledding on Art Hill was when World’s Fair president David Francis’s wife sprained her ankle doing it in December 1904.

By 1907, sledding on Art Hill became an official activity overseen by the St. Louis Parks Department. The newspaper announcement at the time noted that before the World’s Fair, that particular hill was too steep for sledding, but with the regrade, it was perfect. The first few years, though, the city made a specific area for sliding down the hill—it wasn’t like today’s free-for-all.

In 1912, Parks Commissioner Dwight Davis took the whole thing beyond just a hill for sledding. He had the parks department create snowbanks with a path that would move sledders super-fast through a course—similar to a roller coaster. The entire path was reported to be 1.5 miles long, crossing the frozen Grand Basin and shooting off into the park.

By the 1930s, the city started putting bonfires at the top of Art Hill to warm up sledders. From time to time they would also spray the hill with water to create an icy layer on top of the snow—something that’s a bit tough to imagine as a good

SLAM Celebrates Kwanzaa: Bititi—Resilient, Resplendent, Resourceful

Missouri Historical Society Collections

idea in retrospect.

While there’s danger involved any time someone is flying down a frozen incline, it was definitely more dangerous in the past. In 1960, there was a particularly tough day. Newspapers reported that there were over 5,000 people sledding on Art Hill, and three kids slid into the lake. There were also multiple crashes with serious injuries. About a week later, the parks department initiated something called Operation Safe Sledding, which involved having Red Cross teams on hand, ambulances nearby, and dedicated sledding lanes.

Luckily, none of this danger ever got the best of city officials, and 120 years after the close of the World’s Fair and Mrs. Francis’s sprained ankle, the tradition is still going strong.

Discover more stories about Forest Park in the new exhibit Yours Forever: Forest Park at 150 at the Missouri History Museum, and visit the Museum for the annual Winter Getaway on December 27–28 and December 30–31!

From 10am to 1pm each day, the Museum will host family-friendly timed and drop-in activities based on a different theme. At “Wild Winter” on Saturday, December 27, children can explore the history and importance of animals in our region. On Sunday, December 28, “All Dressed Up” will include a fashion-filled story time and impromptu fashion show.

“Carols and Customs: Christmas across Europe” on Tuesday, December 30, will feature songs, poems, and dances from various cultural groups across Europe. On Wednesday, December 31, Noon Year’s Eve returns with a family celebration of the new year that ends at noon—with two giant balloon drops! Visit mohistory.org/ events for more information and details.

On Friday, December 26, The St. Louis Art Museum invites visitors to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa with a full day of art making, performances, workshops, and a self-guided scavenger hunt. and dance and drumming lessons. A rich This year marks a milestone—the lineup of performances animates the day, 25th anniversary of the Saint Louis Art beginning with a Kickoff Celebration by Museum’s Kwanzaa Celebration, presented in partnership with the Saint Louis members of Delta Sigma Theta at 10:30 am. Additional performances include a Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta kora performance by Charles “Babatu” Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Created in Murphy and a step performance by 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa Gentlemen of Vision is a celebration of famiat 11:30 am, African ly, culture and commudancing and drumnity inspired by African Kwanzaa Celebration: ming by Spirit of “first fruits” traditions.

Angela at 1 pm, and Its seven guiding prinBititi—Resilient, an interactive storyciples promote unity, Resplendent, telling performance self-determination,

by Mama Katambwa collective work and Resourceful and Afriky Lolo at responsibility, coop6 pm. Throughout erative economics, Friday, December 26 the day, enjoy music purpose, creativity and 10 am-8 pm and emcee sets by faith. Today millions Syna So Pro, DJ Phill of people celebrate Saint Louis Art Museum B, and Dsmoovee Kwanzaa as a cultural FREE and vThom, while recognition of values creating your own and inspiration to live musical instrument; them throughout the design a Kwanzaa photo frame; contribnew year. ute ideas for how Kwanzaa principles On Friday, December 26, the Museum show up in your daily life to the Kwanzaa invites visitors to celebrate the first day Graffiti Wall; or share information about of Kwanzaa with a full day of art makBlack-owned businesses in the Kwanzaa ing, performances, workshops, and a Lounge. self-guided scavenger hunt. This year’s For full details and a complete theme, “Bititi—Resilient, Resplendent, schedule, visit slam.org/Kwanzaa.

Resourceful,” is drawn from a Swahili This program is supported by the Dana term honoring strong women who live Brown Endowed Fund for Education with purpose. In recognition of the 25th anniversary, the celebration has expanded and Community Programs and generous support provided by Art Bridges into a Museum-wide experience filled Foundation’s Access for All program. with opportunities to learn, connect, and reflect.

Every activity throughout the day is rooted in the first principle of Kwanzaa, Umoja (Unity) and shaped by a community advisory committee. Visitors will SAVE THE DATE encounter an experience designed to foster multigenerational engagement, mean2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ingful reflection, and the living practice Celebration: The Dream Reimagined: of the Kwanzaa principles year-round.

Youth Voices Uplifted The event invites families to participate Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 2–3:30 pm actively—through storytelling, hands-on The Farrell Auditorium art making, shared rituals, and spaces that encourage connection. Activities for St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine all ages along with take-home materials, Anderson will lead a poetic journey influhelp extend the celebration beyond the enced by Moneta Sleet Jr’s photographs of Museum and deepen ties to the broader Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, Kwanzaa community in St. Louis. in conjunction with performances by This year’s Kwanzaa celebration feayoung people from multiple local schools tures a full day of activities including and performing arts institutions. Supportworkshops throughout the day which include Swahili classes for all ages, work- ed by the Dana Brown Endowed Fund for Education and Community Programs. shops for celebrating Kwanzaa at home,

Living It

“I figure I got to start off with like plants and dogs. “If I can take care of a plant, I can take care of the dog.

If the dog’s cool, then I have a shot.”

- Michael B. Jordan on becoming a parent in the future

B1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

Above: Ashanti and Nelly Left: Jermaine Dupri, Murphy Lee and Nelly Photos by John Gitchoff

Nelly’s Black and White Ball 2025 was full of glamour, giving and St. Louis pride

By Zaria Mac and Brandin Vaughn St. Louis American

Nelly with Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Above: Doug E. Fresh

A line from Nelly’s verse on Jagged Edge’s 2001 club anthem felt like life imitating art at this year’s Black and White Ball. “Just show me where that party at, dirty, somewhere where it’s crackin’ right around onethirty,” he rapped on “Where The Party At.” And right around 1:30 a.m., the festivities wound down at the Four Seasons Ballroom—proof that when Nelly throws a party, St. Louis shows up and shows out.

His annual event returned with flair, turning the ball-

room into a highenergy mix of star power, bold fashion, unforgettable performances, and a mission rooted in giving back. More than a party, it was a civic moment—evidence that when this city dresses to the nines, it does so with purpose.

From the first step onto the white carpet, guests understood the assignment. Black and white wasn’t just a dress code—it was a declaration. Sequined gowns, ruched satin silhouettes, high slits, and tulle skirts shimmered under See NELLY, B3

Right: Spliff Star and Busta Rhymes

Eric Benét delivers holiday soul at City Winery

R&B veteran gave STL festive charm, timeless vocals and Christmas classics

Backed by a live band, Eric Benét blew fans away with the St. Louis stop of his ‘Holiday Tour’ Sunday night at City Winery.

Photo by Kenya Vaughn I St. Louis American

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American His delayed flight from Philadelphia pushed the show back an hour, but veteran R&B crooner Eric Benét proved worth the wait at City Winery Sunday night.

Billed as “The Holiday Tour” to promote his firstever Christmas album “It’s Christmas,” he leaned on familiar hits, covers, and seasonal gems to give fans the perfect show for the intimate setting.

Benét’s signature charm shone brighter than his festive red suit. He shared stories and delivered mintcondition vocals— including the pristine falsetto that set him apart from his male R&B crooner peers nearly thirty years ago with his solo debut “True to Myself.” The first of his two sets

moved seamlessly from past to present, including selections from the two projects he released this year.

He took the audience on a journey through his career with backstories as engaging as his voice. He opened with the midtempo hit “Love Don’t Love Me” before sliding into “Sunshine,” a newer track that borrows from Mtume’s quiet storm classic “You, Me and He.” Holiday spirit arrived with “I Really Don’t Want Much for Christmas,” orig-

inally performed with trumpeter Chris Botti. “I said, ‘If I ever did a Christmas record, this song would be on there,’” Benét said. He paid tribute to the song’s composer Jeremy Lubbock, whom he discovered as a teen through Al Jarreau’s “Not Like This.”

Covers added flavor throughout the night. His take on Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover” came with a hilarious backstory: the time Prince called him on stage in Milwaukee, only for Benét to freeze in

awe. “Prince knows my name—and that I’m from Milwaukee,” he recalled, before mimicking Prince’s expletive laced scolding afterward.

Benét’s spot on Prince impersonation of the expletive laden choice words when he confronted Benét following the missed opportunity. “[N-word expletive], the next time I call you up to my stage, you better sing your [expletive] off,” Prince said, according to Benét.

Before covering Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” Benét shared how the two once sat side by side on a bus ride commemorating the Selma march. He turned the crowd into his choir, directing them through the anthem’s joyful refrain. He also confessed that inviting Tamia to record “Spend My Life” was partly a romantic ploy. He found out otherwise when her future husband arrived with her.

“Grant [Hill] showed up at the studio and I was like, ‘Damn, this is about to be just work,” Benét said.

He circled back to holiday classics with Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” then offered a threesong taste of his The CoStar album: “Something to Make Love To” with Tamar Braxton, “Must Be Love” with India.Arie, and “So Distracted” with Chante Moore. “People expected me and Chante to make a ballad,” he said.

See BENE´T, B3

Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.

B2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Thu., Dec. 18, 7:00 p.m. 27th Annual Phat Buddha Holidaze Party, Atomic Garage, 4140 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. Purchase ticket here, www.ticketweb.com.

Thurs., Dec. 18 – Fri., Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus presents IN UNISON Christmas with the Clark Sisters, Powell Symphony Hall.

For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Fri., Dec. 19, doors 7 p.m.

Funky Butt Brass Band BRASSTRAVAGANZA, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Fri., Dec. 19 – Sat., Dec. 20, Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis present Gaslight Dreams, Skip Viragh Center, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit stldancetheatre.org.

Sat., Dec. 20 – Tues., Dec. 23, Mercy Holiday Celebration starring Kennedy Holmes and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Powell Symphony Hall. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Fri., Dec. 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum Kwanzaa Celebration is presented in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Saint Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter, Saint Louis Art Museum. For more information and full schedule of programming, visit www.slam.org.

Through Jan. 4, 11 a.m.

Weirdly Wonderful Holidays, City Museum, 750 N 16th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more

visit www.straydogtheatre.org.

information, visit https://citymuseum.org.

Jan. 7 – Jan 25, The Black Rep presents The Dance on Widow’s Row, Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org.

Through Jan. 11, Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s Winterfest, Kiener Plaza, 500 Pine St, St. Louis, MO 63101.

Build your experience at www. archpark.org.

Fri., Jan. 9 - 10, 8 p.m. A New Line Cabaret VII: Broadway Noir Deux!, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit www.newlinetheatre.com.

CONCERTS Mon., Dec. 22- 23, 6 p.m.

Raheem DeVaughn in 20 Lessons of Love Tour, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https:// citywinery.com.

Sun., Dec. 28, doors 5:20 p.m. The Purple Madness: The Ultimate Prince Tribute Experience led by Bobby Miller, City Winery St. Louis, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Sun., Feb, 15, 7 p.m. The Queens! 4 Legends 1 Stage featuring Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knights & Stephanie Mills, Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave, St Louis, Missouri 63103. For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter.com.

COMEDY Fri., Dec. 19, Special Event: Corey Holcomb, Helium Comedy Club, 11151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

Sun., Dec. 21, 3 p.m. How It All Started Christmas Comedy Special, HollyLou Entertainment, 155 South Florissant Rd, Ferguson, MO 63135. For more information,

ART

Sing along with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Raheem DeVaughn—host of WHUR FM’s Original Quiet Storm—as he brings his ‘20 Lessons of Love Tour’ to City Winery for two unforgettable nights. See CONCERTS for details.

visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Dec. 28, 7 p.m. Special Event: Charleston White, Helium Comedy Club, 11151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. Various showtimes, for more information visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy. com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT Fri., Dec. 19, 10 p.m. DJ MuDa Presents: Vol. 3 Reimagined, The Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Sq, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Sat., Dec. 20, 7 p.m., National Blues Museum presents Rhythm & Roots with Tish Period, National Blues Museum,

615 Washington Avenue. For tickets or more information, visit nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Sat., Dec 27, doors 7 p.m. Sir Eddie C & Friends 4, Atomic Garage, 4140 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www.jamopresents.com.

Through Dec. 31, 11 a.m.

Jazz Sunday, Beatnik Bob’s in City Museum, 750 N. 16 St. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://citymuseum.org.

THEATRE Through December 20, Superhero book by John Logan, Stray Dog Theatre, 2336 Tennessee Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104. For more information,

January 9 – February 14, 2026, Portfolio Inc. presents the All Colors Arts Invitation and Juried Exhibition, opening reception will take place on Saturday, January 9 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., The St. Louis Artist Guild, 12 North Jackson Ave, Clayton, MO 63105. For more information, visit www. portfoliogallerystl.org Through February 1, 2026, Jennie C. Jones: A Line When Broken Begins Again, Pulitzer Arts Foundation and Museum, 3716 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://pulitzerarts.org.

Through February 8, 2026, Teresa Baker: Somewhere Between Earth and Sky, Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information visit, https://camstl. org.

Through June 2026, The Future Is Female, 21c Hotel and Museum Hotel St. Louis, 1528 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://21cmuseumhotels.com.

Opens Saturday at 10am! Free Admission!

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B3

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

NELLY Continued from B1 the lights. Crochet mermaid-style dresses and reflective metallic finishes caught every flash.

Silver accents—jewelry, appliqués, and embellishments—sparkled throughout the room.

Men matched the moment with tailored suits and couture-level details.

Brooches, pins, beaded lace, and even a standout wooden bow tie pushed menswear into new territory. Texture ruled the night.

Ostrich feathers, fringe, and 3-D floral elements added movement and drama, making the fashion feel alive.

The guest list read like a who’s who across music, sports, and culture: Ashanti, Metro Boomin, Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ozzie Smith, and Madison Rian. Yet despite the celebrity presence, the energy stayed warm and communal—rooted in generosity, hometown pride, and shared joy.

Beyond the glamour, the Ball’s heartbeat was philanthropy. Funds raised supported MakeA-Wish Missouri Kansas and Harris-Stowe State University scholarships.

In one of the night’s most powerful moments, Nelly granted a wish on stage to 4-year-old Elijah Gilligan, sending him and his family to Disney World. MakeA-Wish surprised Nelly in return, presenting him with its highest honor, the Wish Icon Award.

Nelly also awarded Harris-Stowe student Te’Ron Moore a fouryear full-ride scholarship.

Tuition, books, fees, and supplies came courtesy of Walmart. “I’m truly humbled by the incredible support from the St. Louis community,” Nelly said.

“Everyone came together for a shared purpose— granting scholarships and fulfilling wishes.”

Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee received the third annual Legend Award, underscoring the evening’s focus on legacy and service. “This event is a true testament to

BENE´T Continued from B1 “Instead, we just had fun—and I thank y’all for making this number one.”

He dipped into his solo catalog, bringing the house

Baseball legend Ozzie Smith and media personality Yolanda Lankford joined Ashanti and Nelly

Photos by John Gitchoff

Nelly set the stage ablaze at his Black and White Ball 2025 on Sunday, December 14, at The Four Seasons.

Nelly’s philanthropic spirit and the caring nature of the St. Louis community,” said Stephanie HamptonBoeglin of Make-A-Wish.

Harris-Stowe President Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith added that the scholarship exemplified “leadership, legacy, and a deep commitment to empowering our scholars to succeed.”

As dinner concluded, anticipation built for the entertainment—a hallmark of the Ball. The Dirty Muggs kicked off with hip-hop covers delivered with rock-star intensity, setting the tone for the night.

Doug E. Fresh followed, igniting the crowd with live beatboxing beneath classics like “It Takes Two” and “Love Like This.” His finale—a beatbox behind a saxophonist’s rendition of “What a Wonderful World”—left the ballroom in awe.

Then came Busta Rhymes, opening with “Put Ya Hands Where My Eyes Could See” before launching into a rapid-fire set. He shared how Nelly inadvertently led him to record his now-iconic verse on “Look at Me Now,” a story punctuated by laughter and nostalgia.

“First of all, the whole

reason I ended up on this song is 100 percent Nelly’s fault,” Busta said.

“Yes sir,” Nelly chimed in.

“Talk to ‘em, champ.”

Busta recalled being in the studio with Nelly in 2010 when Chris Brown stopped by. Brown played the track, and the booming 808s rattled so loud they disrupted Busta’s mix. He went next door to ask them to turn it down—but forgot once he saw Nelly and Brown vibing.

“We were in there trying to rap like you,” Nelly laughed. “And you came in—it was hilarious.”

Busta grinned: “I said, let me show y’all how to do this.” That’s how his verse made the record.

Phones shot into the air as he delivered it live, closing with “All I Do Is Win” and a surprise Bone Crusher cameo.

Nelly kept the momentum rolling past midnight. Glow sticks lit the crowd as he performed “Grillz” with Ashanti, followed by Murphy Lee’s “Wat Da Hook Gon Be.” He announced a new St. Lunatics album, executive produced by Metro Boomin, slated for 2026—a major hometown moment.

The night stretched

down with “Sometimes I Cry—and lifting them to their feet with “Georgie Porgie.” The falsetto on “Sometimes I Cry” left the deepest mark. “You better sing your [expletive] off,” one woman shouted, echoing the Prince story Benét had shared earlier.

Eric Benét’s City Winery set was more than a holiday concert—it was a master class in storytelling, soul, and stamina. Delayed flight or not, Benét proved that when he takes the stage, the wait is always worth it.

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into the early hours with Blanco Brown’s “The Git Up,” Jermaine Dupri’s “Money Ain’t a Thang,” and Nelly and Ashanti’s seamless run through “Foolish,” “Happy,” “Hot in Herre,” and “Love in This Club.”

After a challenging year for the region, the Ball felt especially meaningful. It was glamorous, joyful, and necessary—a reminder that St. Louis still knows how to show up, show out, and give back. More than a party, the night stood as a celebration of community, culture, and compassion— another defining chapter in the legacy of Nelly’s Black and White Ball.

Bone Crusher surprised the crowd with a highenergy performance alongside Nelly

Nelly (center) with nationally known St. Louis fashion designers Chelsey Carter and Brandin Vaughn

B4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

Black and White Ball: Legends, looks and Lunatics news. Y’all’s timelines were flooded with the moment that was Nelly’s Black & White Ball 2025, so you already know what it was. I won’t bore you with what you already saw on social media: Busta Rhymes killed it, Ashanti is adorable and Doug E. Fresh can get the party started like few people on this planet.

The Four Seasons was litty lit!

And the folks came through with looks on top of looks on top of looks.

I do want to shout out Mai Lee’s classic Hollywood glamour, tell Vanessa TownsendVann I loved her gown, and say that I’m to the point where I’m sick of Micha 1 Brown making the slay look so easy. It’s one thing to eat. Ms. Brown has been pulling up a chair to the buffet and throwing down every time she popped out for the nights of a thousand galas from September through December 2025.

But let me stop beating around the bush. What should have been all over the internet is the fact that The St. Lunatics are dropping a new project in 2026—produced by Metro Boomin! Let that marinate for a second. When the announcement was made, I almost fell out.

2026 can’t get here fast enough!

Okay, now that I’ve given up that tea, let’s talk about another fun fact I learned at Black and White Ball 2025. I was Sunday years old when I found out Nelly was the one who got Busta Rhymes on the “Look At Me Now” remix with Breezy. Busta told the story as part of his headlining set. I was like, “look at Mo…and look at STL!” Our city

had a hand in bringing forth one of the most epic verses in hip hop history.

All props to Power 100. A day before the Black and White Ball was another can’t miss gala of the season. It was a Black excellence takeover at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch thanks to Delux’s Power 100. I would need this whole Partyline to shout out all the folks I want to give props to amongst the 2025 cohort, so take this as a collective “y’all did that” for all of the honorees.

Now let’s get into the outfits.

Was I the only one who felt like the menfolk stepped their formalwear game up into 2029? Bennie GilliamWilliams, that velvet lapel tux jacket had me ready to pose you with a glass of cognac and a cigar on the cover of somebody’s R&B album.

And while I’m on the subject of velvet, let me flip what’s left of this “Girl 6” wig-inspired silk press bob in honor of Lamar Harris and Will Henton—who will from this point forward be referred to as the Blue Velvet Brothers. I don’t endorse his Snickers nougat colored turtleneck, but everything else about that beachhouse blue suit was a slay—right down to the matching shoes. Hear me out, Will was very much giving Jeremy Strong in Loro Piana at the Golden Globes. I didn’t see it for Jeremy’s turtleneck either—but just like Will, I was here for every single thing else about the ensemble.

And Lamar’s navy jacket had me ready to rename him DJ Nune Blue. If I had to name a favorite couple, Jimmie Howlett and Angel had it on lock with their impeccably coordinated burgundy.

As for the ladies, Pierre

3

2

1. KiKi the First Lady and Jermaine Dupri at the Black and White Ball 2025 Sunday night at The Four Seasons 2. 2025 Delux Power 100 honorees Dr. Cierra Wourman and Dr. Jilana Cavalier Williams Saturday night at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch 3. Vincent Flewellen, Naim Gray, and Kenya Gray at the Delux Power 100 Saturday at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch 4. Blanco Brown at Nelly’s Black and White Ball 2025 on Sunday night at The Four Seasons - Photo by John Gitchoff

McCleary was giving in her black and gold gown. But my favorite look of the evening was Nikole Shurn’s green dress with the builtin gold belt. Girl, that neckline was plunging—and I wasn’t mad. Too bad my bosom and my spare tire have been warring longer than The Crusades, or I would steal that whole look.

But just my luck, the day I try to pull it off my midsection would be peeking through that V-neck like my niece when she’s supposed to be under the covers sleep.

But for real, shout to Jami Ballentine, Keith Griffin, and the whole Delux crew for another Power 100 for the books.

Daytime gala energy. My soul wouldn’t be well if I didn’t shout out the 100 Black Men for their winter wonderland midday gala Saturday afternoon.

When I tell you the folks were so fresh and so clean that I want to rewrite “The Wiz” so that Emerald City has an all white moment!

Melanie Johnson: first of all, congratulations on your new gig at 5 On Your Side. Secondly, Miss Girl, where did you get that jumpsuit? I’m going to have my seamstress make a version of it for my next wedding ensemble.

Somebody hurry up and find me a second husband before I forget what it looks like.

Eric Benét’s holiday heat.

Speaking of the holiday spirit, before I scooted over to the Black and White Ball, I spent time with my forever boo Eric Benét at City Winery. His flight was delayed, which meant we had to wait almost an hour to get into our seats while they did an abbreviated soundcheck.

Inspirational Jayne

Attendees of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ annual Whitney M. Young Society Fundraiser already knew the evening would be special—even before Board Vice Chair Emily Pitts took the stage at the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten Tuesday night.

That’s because this year’s headliner, pioneering media personality, actress, and author Jayne Kennedy Overton had been making her rounds with St. Louis media from the moment she landed. “She has done 10 interviews today,” Urban League President and CEO Michael McMillan said. “That’s because upon learning she was here, every single media outlet in St. Louis wanted to have a moment of her time.”

Kennedy was as beautiful and gracious as when she first broke barriers as a beauty queen and created the blueprint for Black women in sports media. Her fireside chat with McMillan about her new memoir Plain Jayne was the culminating event of the evening, but the commitment of area businesses to support the Urban League’s mission was also front and center.

McMillan beamed with pride as he spoke of the centurylong partnership between the Urban League and event host Anheuser-Busch. “The relation-

ship remains strong with a six figure commitment to Save Our Sons, Save Our Sisters, workforce development, jobs, economic opportunity, and providing ways for people to live the American Dream,” he said.

Mike Marusic, Senior Director of Community Affairs, praised McMillan and his team’s efforts to uplift the region. McMillan, in turn, lauded his staff, board, and supporters for their resilience in 2025—a year marked by federal and state budget cuts, attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and even tornado damage to four Urban League buildings totaling up to $15 million. “They have reached deep down within themselves once again like they did during Ferguson, during our national conference, during our centennial, during the Stockley verdict, during George Floyd, during COVID,” McMillan said. Pitts declared him “Urban League CEO of the Century.”

He paid the compliment forward to the people who have helped him during his tenure.

“During our national conference, during our centennial, during the Stockley verdict, during George Floyd, during COVID, and all of the times we have had to show that the Urban League was willing to lead the way in terms of providing service.”

The evening also included two major check presentations: $35,000 from the Wolff

City Winery did their best to be hospitable, passing out complimentary wine and constant apologies. But they should have been passing out Icy Hot and Salonpas lidocaine patches. His fanbase is no longer the type of crowd to be waiting in a line.

And by fanbase, I mean me. By the time I got to my seat, these dogs were barking.

But Eric made up for every bit of my discomfort with that wonderful show. I started to follow suit when he took his shoes off halfway through. Do you know how handsome, talented, and charming you have to be to distract me from the fact that your feet look like you’ve been rolling out Christmas pie crusts with your toes? And that’s exactly what he did.

He already had my full attention, but his spot on impersonation of Prince’s speaking voice locked me in for the rest of the night. And then he took “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and made it all his own. Him and that “elf on the shelf” suit were the reason for the season!

Actress and author Jane Kennedy was a special guest at the Urban League’s annual Whitney M. Young Society fundraiser.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Trailblazing media icon shares her story at Urban League fundraiser

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

4

Foundation and $90,000 from American Family Insurance.

“The resources you give us are the lifeblood of what we then give to the community—support for 200,000 people every single year,” McMillan said.

A memoir 25 years in the making When McMillan and Kennedy sat down to discuss her book, she revealed she began writing it in 2000. “I wanted to finally put down on paper the things I have experienced over the course of my career,” she said. “When you see a celebrity on camera, you don’t really know who they are, especially back in the 1970s and 80s. It was important to me to share my real story.”

Kennedy showered love on her family—her four daughters, her husband, and her 95 year-old mother, who despite having only a third grade education, instilled invaluable lessons that guided her journey. “I was raised by parents who told me I could be anything in the world,” she said.

She recalled how Black male athletes supported her career, including Muhammad Ali and Walter Payton. Payton, she said, demanded that Black NFL players “take care of our Jayne Kennedy,” ensuring she received respect and opportunities.

Born Jayne Harrison in Washington, D.C., in 1951, Kennedy grew up in Ohio and made history in 1970 as the first African American woman crowned Miss Ohio USA, later becoming a semifinalist in the

Miss USA pageant. She moved to California to pursue acting, appearing on shows like Sanford and Son, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Rockford Files.

Her biggest breakthrough came in 1978 when she joined CBS’s The NFL Today, becoming the first Black woman to host a nationally syndicated sports broadcast program.

Though a contract dispute ended her tenure by 1980, Kennedy had already cemented her place as a cultural icon.

“She has been on the cover of more Jet Magazines than anybody you will ever meet,” McMillan said. “And she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.”

Kennedy added, “I just appreciate all the people who have helped me. I’ve worked with so many wonderful people in the industry.”

One of the most compelling moments from their conversation was Kennedy speaking about how Black male athletes supported her throughout her career—particularly Muhammad Ali and Walter Payton. She talked about her lifelong friendship with Ali, and how Payton demanded that the Black NFL players “take care of our Jayne Kennedy.”

“He said, ‘We’re going to make sure that she gets treated properly, that she gets the stories she needs,’” Payton said according to Kennedy. “‘Because we’re not going to let someone push a Black woman under the table anymore.’”

Sports

B5

DECEMBER 18 – 24, 2025

Prep Basketball Notebook With Earl Austin Jr.

Defending champions highlight boys’ hoops season The high school basketball season has been going strong for the last couple of weeks. There will be plenty of excellent teams to look at, including defending state champions Vashon, Principia and Webster Groves.

Some of the other teams to look at this season are East St. Louis, DeSmet, Chaminade, McCluer North and many others.

Here is a look at some of the top boys’ players to watch this season.

Northern Iowa.

Sekou Cisse (Principia): A 6’9” junior forward who returns as one of the top young big men in the area. He was an inside force as a sophomore for the Panthers’ Class 3 state championship team.

Webster Groves junior guard Scottie Adkinson returns after leading the Statesmen to the Class 5 state championship. He has committed to Missouri.

Brandon Clemens (MICDS): A 6’2” senior guard who returns for his fourth year as a varsity starter for the Rams.

He averaged 18 points a game as a junior in earning All-State honors. He has committed to Missouri Southern.

Scottie Adkinson (Webster Groves): The 6’3” junior guard returns after leading the Statesmen Quentin to the Class 5 state Earl Coleman title last season. He Austin Jr. (Principia): A 6’4” was the St. Louis senior guard who American Player of the returns after leading the Year in 2025. He recently Panthers to the Class 3 led the Statesmen to the state championship. He championship of their scored 30 points in the own tournament. He has state championship game already committed to the victory over KC Kipp University of Missouri.

Legacy. He has already committed to Wake Forest.

Sebastian Bolden (Clayton): A 6’1” junior Jamel Hawkins guard who is one of the (McCluer North): A 6’5” top perimeter shooters junior forward who has led in the area. He led the the Stars to a 4-1 record Greyhounds to the Class 4 and the championship of state quarterfinals last sea- the Borgia Thanksgiving son. He is currently averTournament. He is currentaging 30 points a game. ly averaging 14 points and nine rebounds a game.

Jordan Boyd (De Smet): A 6’4” senior Alex Johnson (East guard who returns for St. Louis): A 6’3” senior his third year as a starter guard who is one of the for the Spartans. He is a top players in the Metro strong all-around player East area. He is currentwho is currently averaging ly averaging 21 points a 12 points and six rebounds game in leading the Flyers for the 3-0 Spartans. He to a 4-1 record to start the has given a commitment to season.

games of scoring at least 30 points in leading the Phoenix to a 3-0 start. He has a high game of 38 points in a victory over Bayless.

Tyler Ray (MICDS): A 6’4” junior forward who is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on the floor. He is currently averaging 14 points and 13 rebounds a game to start the season.

Will Salonies (Holt): A 6’0” senior point guard who returns after earning Class 5 All-State honors last season. The talented left-hander averaged 20 points a game as a junior.

He has been a standout since his freshman year.

Photo by Earl Austin Jr. / St. Louis American

Gary Johnson Jr. (St. Mary’s): A 6’4” senior forward who is one of the most explosive athletes in the state of Missouri. He is also one of the most entertaining dunkers. He is currently averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds a game.

Jonny Jordan (Chaminade): A 6’2” senior guard who returns after leading the Red Devils to a berth in the Class 6 state championship game. He averaged 12 points a game as a junior.

He has given a commitment to Omaha.

J’Dyn Lloyd (Belleville West): A 6’6”

junior guard who returns as one of the top prospects in the Metro East area. He is currently averaging 20 points and four rebounds a game for the 4-2 Maroons.

4 state championship. He is currently averaging 16 points a game in leading Vashon to a 5-0 start against some excellent outof-state competition.

Kain McCaskill (Vashon): A 6’1” senior guard who is an explosive athlete with excellent scoring ability. He is currently averaging 15 points a game in leading the Wolverines to a 5-0 start against a schedule of talented out-of-town teams.

Abraham Nayou (Maplewood): A 6’2” senior guard who has been a dynamic offensive player for the Blue Devils since entering the program as a freshman. He is currently averaging 32 points a game to lead the St. Louis area in scoring.

Jimmy McKinney III (Vashon): A 6’2” junior shooting guard who returns after helping lead the Wolverines to a Class

Carlaun Nelson (Miller Career Academy): A 6’1” senior shooting guard who is off to a hot start with three

Semaj Stampley (Alton): A 6’2” guard who is one of the top players in the Metro East area. He averaged 20 points a game as a junior. He is also the school’s career leader in 3-point field goals. He has given a commitment to South Dakota.

Ian Thomas (DeSmet): A 6’3” junior guard who has been DeSmet’s floor leader since his sophomore year, when the Spartans won a state championship.

He has given a commitment to Indiana State.

Jamison White (East St. Louis): A 6’8” senior forward transferred to East St. Louis after earning All-State honors as a junior at Chaminade. He is averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds a game and has committed to Penn State.

Sports Eye With Alvin A. Reid

HBCU’s deliver sensational Celebration Bowl

College football bowl a four-overtime classic games have changed in my which saw the MEAC lifetime. champion South Carolina While some still hold State Bulldogs come back their luster, many bowls from a 21-0 halftime defiare left on the backburner cit to upend the SWAC as the College Football champion Prairie View Playoff tournament begins. Panthers 40-38.

Postseason games, No CFP contest or bowl which are designed to game will top this one’s celebrate achievement of excitement and passion teams that reach the sixdisplayed by the respective win plateau and teams. showcase a host There was a community and its Cinderella story civic spirit, now in SC State quarseem to be burdenterback Ryan some.

Stubblefield, The games have who was named become victims of Celebration Bowl player and coach MVP. Alvin A. indifference and He only entered Reid the transfer portal. the game after startA record 10 teams ing QB William turned down bowl invitaAtkins IV was injured. He tions. It’s a sad commenfinished 15-of-29 for 234 tary on the state of college yards, a pair of passing football. touchdowns, and one on There is at least one the ground. bowl game where every “I’m still dreaming participant – players, this,” Stubblefield said coaches, band members, after his game-saving perstaff, and fans – truly formance. wants to be.

“This is what I play College football should the game for. This is why fall to its knees in praise I came to South Carolina of the Celebration Bowl State.” in Atlanta, which crowns There was a controveran HBCU “National sial officiating decision Champion.” that had a major impact This year’s game was on the sensational contest.

Photo courtesy of HBCU Gameday /Sports Illustrated

Backup QB Ryan Stubblefield saved the day for South Carolina State in a Celebration Bowl win over Prairie View on Dec. 12, 2025, in Atlanta.

During the fourth OT, when teams must attempt a two-point conversion, the Bulldogs’ Tyler Smith converted on a pass from Stubblefield. While video replays did not clearly show the football reaching the goal line, the call was upheld on review.

Prairie View failed on its final two-point attempt which ended the game.

There was a receiving performance that certainly caught the eyes of NFL scouts. SC State receiver

Jordan Smith snagged nine passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored a TD rushing.

Prairie View did not leave Mercedes-Benz Stadium without displaying its talent to the almost 27,000 in attendance and a national TV audience on ABC. Quarterback Cameron Peters completed 24 of 36 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns, among the best performances in Celebration Bowl histo-

ry. Prairie View tallied an amazing 436 passing yards to go with 51 on the ground.

Panther receiver Andre Dennis caught seven passes for 181 yards – 18.7 yards per catch - and a touchdown, and teammate Cameron Bonner turned two receptions into 91 yards receiving and a touchdown.

The Panthers had a chance to win in double overtime following a Cornelius Davis interception. However, kicker Diego Alfaro missed a 38-yard field goal.

The game, which officially kicked off the bowl season, saw just two turnovers, one from each team.

HBCU football stood tall in the Celebration Bowl, and every player and coach should take pride in providing a reminder of what a bowl game is supposed to be.

The Reid Roundup More fans attended the Celebration Bowl (26,970) than the L.A. Bucked Up Bowl (23,239) in Stan Kroenke’s Sofi Stadium that featured Boise State and Washington…Patrick

Mahomes writhing in agony with a devastating knee injury late in Kansas City’s 16-13 loss to the L.A. Chargers made me sick. His inspirational X post later that evening cheered me up…Micah Parson’s non-contact knee injury in the Green Bay Packers’ game at Denver also was a punch to my gut…The Sherrone Moore saga at the University of Michigan is embarrassing to Black America, and you can save the ‘mental health’ copout…

Indiana QB and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza delivered a moving acceptance speech that praised his mother, Elsa, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis. “You’ve always been my biggest fan.

You’re my light, you’re my ‘why,’ you’re my biggest supporter. You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong.”…

Compare that to the postHeisman social media post by finalist Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt QB. “F*** all the voters.” Pavia later apologized calling his post “disrespectful.”

THE THE

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Career Center ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

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THETHE

St. Louis american

DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGER Provide case management services for children in foster care. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field. Minimum of one year of employment in child welfare field. Interested candidates forward letter of interest and resume to:vatkins@posimpacts. com, Attention: Valerie Atkins.

Employee will be employed by Positive Impacts, Inc. and contracted to Epworth Children & Family Services.

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To apply online and see a full job description go to https://www.developstlouis.org/careers and then click “Open Positions & Apply Online.”

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Bids for Bids for Service and REBID, Statewide Job Interior Add Electrical Order Renovation Circuits to Contract, of Infectious Emergency Project No. Control Wing, Generator, IDIQMCA Project No. Food Service U1503-01 -6005, will be Warehouse, Missouri received by Project Veterans FMDC, Home, No. will be State of MO, St James, received in January Missouri will

by FMDC, be received 2026.

State of MO,

by FMDC, When released, UNTIL 1:30 State of MO, bid documents PM, January UNTIL 1:30 will be PM, 1/6/26.

29, 2026. available Project inforProject information availat: http:// mation available at: http:// oa.mo. able at: http:// oa.mo.gov/ gov/facilities oa.mo.gov/ facilities facilities

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

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY, INC. (CAASTLC) LOW INCOME WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM (LIWAP) CAASTLC is accepting sealed bids to provide assumed asbestos encapsulation and enclosure services for its residential weatherization program. LIWAP (made available through CAASTLC) is federally funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

This weatherization grant is funded through the DOE and is subject to all of its provisions. Bid packages will be available to be picked up at CAASTLC starting Monday, 12/22/2025, at 9:00 a.m. and will be available for downloading on CAASTLC’s homepage at https://www.caas tlc.org.

Bids must be sealed, marked “LIWAP – DNR Sealed Bid” and delivered to CAASTLC, Inc., 2709 Woodson Road, St. Louis, MO 63114, no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, 01/06/2026.

Bids will be opened and read publicly, via online Zoom Conference, at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, 01/08/2026 at CAASTLC’s main office. The meeting link for this Conference will be available on CAASTLC’s homepage (https://www.caastlc.org/) the day of the bid opening and the login attendee ID and password for this Conference will be in the bid packages.

SEALED BIDS Bids for Campground #4 Shower House Replacement, Bennett Spring State Park, Project No X2528-01, will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, February 3, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities The State of Missouri, OA-FMDC, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award.

Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

BIDS REQUESTED NEW CONSTRUCTION Section 3 / MBE / WBE Encouraged 40 units (20 Duplexes) Headstart Facility DESOTO, MO For Bid Information: 573-204-3097 or nleoni@sbcglobal.net or zventura@vendev.cc Double Diamond Construction 2201 Walton Road, Ste. B Jackson, MO 63755

CITY OF BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS, MO REQUEST FOR BIDS: TREE REMOVALS The City of Bellefontaine Neighbors will be accepting sealed bid proposals for the removal of trees within the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors. Bids must be received no later than January 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) to the attention of the City Clerk.

If you are interested in submitting a bid, information is available at www.cityofbn.com and can be picked up at the city hall 9641 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63137. Questions, contact the Public Works Dept. at (314) 867-0700.

BID REQUEST BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS RECREATION CENTER BOILER REPLACEMENT The City of Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO requests sealed bid proposals for the repair of 54 Bryan tubes for the City Recreation Center’s boiler and also a proposal for a new boiler to replace the existing boiler. Bid forms are available at www. cityofbn.com and can be picked up at city hall 9641 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63137. Forms should be submitted no later than noon on Monday, December 29, 2025. Attention: Denise Johnson, City Clerk. Questions, contact Marvin Crumer, Parks and Recreation Director mcrumer@cityofbn.com (314) 867-0700.

www.stlamerican.com

CITY OF BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS, MO IS HIRING The City of Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO is currently seeking applicants for the following position in our Public Works Department.

Public Works Director Public Works Foreman Public Works Laborer I Public Works Laborer II These full-time positions are responsible for the daily maintenance of all public areas of the City, including the city complex, parks, and all city streets, rights-of-way, landscaping, storm water facilities and other public infrastructures. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize daily tasks. Desired qualifications include experience in municipal public works/streets departments, management, and/ or equivalent combination of training and experience. Salary is DOQ. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, LAGERS pension, and uniform reimbursement. For a complete job description and qualifications, visit www.cityofbn.com . Applications may be obtained at the city hall located at 9671 Bellefontaine Rd. St. Louis, MO 63137 and will be accepted until the positions are filled. Submit to the City Clerk Denise Johnson at djohnson@cityofbn.com.

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Bids for Improvements Replace / to Food Preparation Upgrade Area, Support Rooftop Units, Building, Project No. Missouri Eastern O2516-01 will Correctional be received Center Project No.C2509by FMDC, 01 will be State of MO, received UNTIL 1:30

by FMDC, State of MO, PM, January UNTIL 1:30 8, 2026.

PM, January 20, 2026.

Project inforProject infor- mation availmation available at: http:// able at: http:// oa.mo.gov/ oa.mo.gov/ facilities facilities

SOLICITING BIDS Millstone Weber, LLC is soliciting proposals for the removal and replacement of Greenwood & Pacific bridges, including demo, excavation, pavement markings, underdrains, electrical, asphalt and miscellaneous other work as indicated on the plans and specifications for the St. Louis County Greenwood & Pacific Project. Please phone 636-688-8794, fax 636949-3129 or email bob. stubbs@millstoneweber. com, quotes to bids@ millstoneweber.com by 12:00 PM CDT on 12/22/2025. Millstone Weber encourages qualified MBE/WBE subcontractors & vendors to bid this project. For Access to Plans and Specifications, please email bids@millstoneweber. com.

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B7

Bids & Public Notices ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

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St. Louis american THE

DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

REQUEST FOR BIDS The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (“SLEDP”), in conjunction with the City of Kinloch, Missouri, solicits bids from firms to demolish fourteen (14) structures in the former Belue Hadnot Apartment Complex in Kinloch, Missouri, located at 8119 Brennen Street. The work generally consists of abatement of hazardous material as needed, demolition of structures, removal of demolition debris, site clearing, and grading. SLEDP will accept sealed bids for the work until Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 2 PM CT, at which time all bids will be opened and read publicly via Microsoft Teams. Bid documents and bid opening details are available at https:// stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfqs/.

Electronic proposals should be sent to SKroner@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Develo pment Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR BIDS Great Rivers Greenway is requesting Bids : Procurement of Two (2) Exercise Bikes and Installation. Go to www.greatriversgre enway.org/bids and submit by February 06, 2026.

ROOM FOR RENT Single Occupancy, $150 per week + Dep, All Utilities included, WiFi, W&D, Near Bus line.

Call

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

ROOMS FOR RENT

Choice of A or B room, Util. Includ., Rear Parking, East side of Belleville,IL $850/mo

618-235-8239

Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com

To Advertise Real Estate, Rentals, Cars, Garage Sale, Contact Angelita Houston at ahouston@ stlamerican.com 314-289-5430

FOR RENT North City, 1 br. apt. stove, fridge, $700/mo + Dep Sec 8 Wel. Call

(314) 243-2222 for details.

314-518-1629 ROOMS FOR RENT

Midtown, near downtown, $150-$600/mo W/D, All Util., Heat Cent. Air, Cable TV, Internet, Off Str. Park.

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PEACEFUL LIVING-ROOMS

Modern, Spacious, Furnished, Incl.

Util, WiFi, W/D. $600/mo Call 314-565-0169

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1 BR $525/mo or 2 BR $625/ mo + deposit near Natural Bridge & Union leave a message

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NEWLY DESIGN 1 BED APT FOR RENT $850/mo + Deposit, Can be fully furnished for $1,100/mo + Deposit. Call 314-518-1629

FOR RENT

1, 3 & 4 Bed Apts & Rooms for Rent $600 - $1,000/mo Plus $500/Dep Section 8 Accepted

618-781-7968

Religion B8

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025

12 books and Bibles to give (or read) this Christmas

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word In Black Everyone has at least one friend who would rather curl up with a good book during the holidays than make the rounds with family and friends. They’re the ones sneaking in chapters between conversations, earbuds in while listening to audiobooks, or clutching a well-worn Kindle and giving thanks for yet another Christmas reading companion.

Luckily, book lovers are often the easiest people to shop for — if you know what they like to read.

These suggestions include some of the best books and Bibles for Christmas gifts, featuring new Bible editions, beloved classics, and a few personal favorites perfect for meaningful holiday reading and gifting.

Bibles CSB Grace Bible By 2K/Denmark and Cambridge University This Bible is changing the game for young readers with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Cutting-edge, research-backed design principles — like unique letter shapes and extra space between letters, words, and lines — make

his readers express at the news of his recent death.

Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human

By Cole Arthur Riley Unable to find a suitable liturgy for her own worship, Riley has written something for herself and young people of faith like her.

The Day God Saw Me As Black

By D. Danyelle Thomas This book was written as a manifesto on the church whose walls are not wide enough to include those who’ve been systematically excluded from the mainstream of hope and faith.

Bible reading more accessible and engaging than ever

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

By Francis Chan

The Breathe Life Bible

By Thomas Nelson This Bible “invites you to experience scripture through the lens of the BREATHE acronym: believe, reconcile, exalt, act, trust, hope and elevate,” according to its website. The intent is that the life of the Bible is so internalized that readers become better “agents of reconciliation.”

The author, pastor, and church planter reminds the reader of the Holy Spirit, the member of the Trinity that is often neglected, to the detriment of the believer.

The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity

By William Paul Young

First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament From InterVarsity Press The First Nations Version reimagines the New Testament through the lens of Native storytelling, blending simplicity, clarity, and beauty in English while staying true to the Bible’s original language. This groundbreaking translation, shaped by over five years of collaboration, brings together Indigenous voices from 25+ tribes, organizations like OneBook and Wycliffe Associates, and a diverse council of Native elders, pastors, and young adults from across North America.

The New Revised Standard

Version Updated Edition Published by the National Council of the Churches of Christ “The NRSVue extends the New Revised Standard Version’s (NRSV) purpose to deliver an accurate, readable, up-to-date, and inclusive version of the Bible,” according to the website.

“It also continues the work of offering a version as free as possible from the gender bias inherent in the English language, which can obscure earlier oral and written renditions.”

The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary

This commentary comes from a multiethnic team of scholars, bringing together diverse perspectives to create something that’s not just reflective in their backgrounds, but also deeply contextual, informative, and — hopefully — prophetic and inspiring.

Books A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics and Salvation Read Gustavo Gutierrez’s classic liberation theology to discover the reason for the grief

A personal favorite and teaching tool of mine. I recently heard a testimony that she learned how much God really loves her from The Shack. No strings attached. No ifs, and, or, buts. The book received a ton of criticism when it was published, and again when the motion picture was made. But read it for yourself and let me know your thoughts.

They Like to Never Quit Praisin’ God

By Frank A. Thomas It’s not a new book, but it holds its place as a classic for anyone who feels the call to preach. It highlights the strength and joy of celebration in Black preaching.

From Scarcity to Stewardship: Building Legacy with the Triple R Method™

ORVIN T. KIMBROUGH Chairman and CEO, Midwest BankCentre Author, Twice Over a Man

Earl A Childress, II Chairman & CEO

Author’s note: Over the next several weeks, I will focus on an approach I developed called the Triple R Method™, and how to use it to break free from roles, mindsets, and habits that may be holding you back from growth.

Legacy isn’t about what you leave behind in a will. It’s about what you build into people while you’re still here.

When I look back at my journey — from foster care to nonprofit leadership to banking — one truth stands out: legacy is never an accident. For years, my mindset was survival. How do I get through today? How do I stretch this paycheck? How do I push past the struggle right in front of me?

GET A FREE FUNERAL QUOTE Know before you go. Funeral homes vary widely in the services and amenities they offer, the experience they create, and the price points they serve. Whether you’re facing an immediate need or making Advance Arrangements, understanding the different types of funeral homes before you go can help you choose the right funeral home that fits your family’s vision, values and budget. Call for a Free Quote Today!

But survival thinking will only get you so far. At some point, you have to shift to stewardship — asking, “What am I building today that will outlast me tomorrow?”

Did you catch that? Legacy doesn’t show up at the end of your life. It’s being built right now — choice by choice, decision by decision.

That’s why I teach the Triple R Method™ — Reframe, Reclaim, Rename. It doesn’t just free people from being stuck. It equips them to create impact that lives beyond their years.

1. Reframe Your Thinking Legacy requires reframing work itself.

Too many of us see work only as survival — a paycheck, a job, a grind.

When I pivoted into banking, I had to reframe my role. It wasn’t just about numbers or transactions. It was about expanding opportunity for overlooked communities. That shift from survival to stewardship turned daily work into generational impact.

w w w. R o y a l t y M e m o r i a l . c o m

Your Move: Ask yourself, “Am I working only for survival, or am I building for stewardship?”

The Royalty Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation, cemetery and floral providers which are committed to Excellent in Service.

Scripture says: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).

2. Reclaim Your Personal Agency Legacy doesn’t happen by accident.

The Next MOVE

It’s not luck. It’s the fruit of intentional choices stacked over time.

At United Way, and later at Midwest BankCentre, I had to reclaim my agency by aligning daily decisions with longterm vision. That meant saying no to opportunities that didn’t fit the bigger picture, and yes to ones that stretched me. Agency is choosing to live in decades, not days.

One decision I made at the Bank was to push for investment in communities most people overlooked. That single choice didn’t just move numbers on a spreadsheet; it created access to capital for families and entrepreneurs, shaping futures that will ripple for generations.

Your Move: Write down one daily habit that doesn’t align with the legacy you want. Replace it with a step that does.

Scripture says: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

3. Rename Your Social Networks Your legacy is shaped by the company you keep. If your circle only talks about short-term wins, you’ll never think beyond next week.

I’ve learned to surround myself with legacy builders — people who think in terms of generations, not just quarterly results. Walking with them has stretched my perspective and deepened my sense of responsibility.

Your Move: Identify one legacy builder you can learn from. Spend more time with them and less with people who are only chasing temporary success.

Scripture says: “He who walks with the wise grows wise” (Proverbs 13:20).

The Bottom Line Legacy isn’t built by chance. It’s built by reframing work as stewardship, reclaiming your agency through intentional choices, and renaming your networks so you walk with visionaries.

Do this, and your impact won’t just outlast you; it will multiply through the generations.

Reflection Question What one decision, habit, or relationship are you investing in today that your children — or your community — will thank you for 20 years from now?

For more, visit OrvinKimbrough.com or MidwestBankCentre.com.