December 6th, 2018 Edition

Cops indicted on felony charges

ACLU: ‘St. Louis officials must address this rampant lawlessness by its police’

By Rebecca Rivas

The St. Louis American

A federal grand jury in St. Louis indicted four St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers on November 29 for their conduct in the arrest and assault of Luther Hall, a black St. Louis police officer who was working undercover at a September 17, 2017 protest, when city police beat, maced and arrested more than 100 people while chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!”

The protest occurred two days after former St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley was acquitted of a firstdegree murder charge relating to the 2011 shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith.

The indictment charges officers Dustin Boone, 35, Bailey Colletta, 25, Randy Hays, 31, and Christopher Myers, 27, with various felonies, including deprivation of constitutional rights, conspiracy to obstruct justice, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice.

The four officers have been placed on administrative leave

n The indictment charges four officers with various felonies, including deprivation of constitutional rights, conspiracy to obstruct justice, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice.

without pay.

“Law enforcement officers have an important duty to protect the members of the communities they serve and to enforce the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband in a statement. “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute matters involving allegations of federal criminal civil rights violations.”

According to the indictment, the police department

Hamilton Elementary School

librarian Keisha Pettis helped third grader Makiaya Mayes, 9, make a decorative holiday card in the school library on Wednesday, December 5.

Body cam footage shows cops casually discussing brutality during protest

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

On Christmas Eve 2014, hundreds of people had gathered at a gas station in Berkeley to protest the death of Antonio Martin, 18, at the hands of a Berkeley police officer. Martin’s body – which had just been moved – was still visible when the unrest got underway. That night several protestors were

allegedly beaten, maced and arrested –including Bruce Franks Jr., who was acting as a Peacekeeper, or a conflict de-escalator between protestors and police.

Now almost four years later, Franks

– who was elected to the state House of Representatives in the meantime – obtained footage from the body cameras that St. Louis County police officers wore that night. On November 25, Franks released a two-minute edited video on his Facebook page. The video first shows Franks lying on the ground, shielding his head and yelling repeatedly to an officer standing over him, “I’m not fighting.” Then the video is slowed down to show that officers appear to be beating Franks with a baton and kicking him while he was already held face down with his arm behind his back.

Franks is suing St. Louis County, BelRidge Police Officer Philip Von Der Heydt,

By Marcel Scaife For The St. Louis American

n Black boys often must go to extreme measures to prove how tough they are.

Part of a year-long series, presented by The American and the Brown School at Washington University, on changing the narratives and outcomes of young black males in St. Louis. I grew up in a two-parent, two-income household in Jennings. I would say I had it pretty good. In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, Jennings was a great place to be. I can remember my dad taking me to Northland or River Roads to shop. I had white classmates and white neighbors. I understood that I was black, but in my limited view of the world there was nothing wrong with that. From an early age, my father taught me that a man should always work and provide for his family. This is something I carry with me to this day. With all my fathers’ great attributes, there was still something missing that I now see I needed: emotional support. Most black boys are taught to grow up tough, to man up, not to cry, and that showing their nurturing side makes them weak. Black boys often must go to extreme measures to prove how tough they are. There was also little encouragement growing up. I didn’t hear how great I was or that I could do anything I set my mind to. My father would often tell me that getting good grades was a requirement and that’s the only job I had. Countless rejection after countless rejection would define me as a person. When it was time for me to step out and face the world, I had a lot of insecurities. I struggled with communicating because holding a conversation wasn’t something done too often in my home. While in high school I joined the U.S. Army to

See FELONY,

Photo by Wiley Price

Of

Marcel Scaife

St. Louis police subdued a man during mass arrests at a protest in downtown St. Louis on September 17, 2017. Four officers have been indicted on multiple felony charges for their conduct during that protest, when then-interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole boasted that his officers “owned the night.”

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Cardi B announces Offset split

In an Instagram video entitled “There you go ... peace and love,” rapper Cardi B announced that she was separating from husband Offset.

“So everybody been bugging me and everything and you know I’ve been trying to work things out with my baby father for a hot minute now,” Cardi said in the clip.

“We are really good friends and we are really good business partners – you know he’s always somebody that I run to to talk to, and we got a lot of love for each other, but things just haven’t been working out between us for a long time.

It’s nobody fault I guess we just grew out of love, but we are not together anymore.”

She insisted she will always have “a lot of love” for the 26-year-old Migos rapper as the father of her daughter.

Offset hasn’t made an official statement on the split yet, but he

commented on the video with a cryptic “Y’all won.”

Kevin Hart to host Oscars

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will host the 2019 Academy Awards. He announced the news by way of his social media channels, calling his hosting duties “the opportunity of a lifetime.”

“For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same,” Hart said via Instagram. “I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s supposed to. I am so happy to say the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars.”

Hart, 39, praised the “legendary” stars who have come before him as Oscars host.

“I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time,” Hart.

To be able to join the legendary list of hosts that have graced the stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now.

I will be sure to make this year’s Oscars a special

one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity.... now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars.”

Duane Martin accused of dragging Will and Jada into bankruptcy fiasco

Two years ago, Duane Martin and his estranged wife Tisha Campbell filed for bankruptcy and were later accused of trying to hide assets. According to TMZ.com, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have been unwittingly roped into the scandal.

“Bankruptcy officials claim Duane Martin hid money for years from several different sources ... even though he and Tisha filed for bankruptcy in January 2016,” the celebrity news and gossip site said.

“It’s very complicated, but according to the docs ... Duane had hundreds of thousands of dollars coming in from a clothing store and a real estate investment – but didn’t disclose that info in bankruptcy documentation.”

“Specifically, the docs say Duane used a $1.4 million loan he got from his friends, Will and Jada, through their company to buy a home and sell it later for a million dollar profit “with the intention of pocketing the sales.”

Usher’s male accuser rescinds medical records request

Back in June, the lone male accuser in the Usher herpes lawsuit filed a motion requesting Usher’s medical records. According to The Blast, the accuser – known only as John Doe – is no longer moving forward with the request.

TMZ also says the documents report that officials say they became privy of Duane’s financial moves after Tisha filed for divorce from him in February and discovered her estranged husband “concealed” and “diverted valuable assets” in their bankruptcy case.

“The John Doe suing Usher for allegedly exposing him to herpes during a purported sexual encounter at an L.A. spa has dropped his request for the singer to turn over his medical records,” the entertainment legal news and gossip site said. “According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the unidentified man is withdrawing his motion to compel, which sought to have Usher turn over doctors’ records and information on any possible past settlements over herpes. The docs note that he could bring the motion again, but for now he will continue with ‘further discovery’.”

Sources: Instagram, Twitter, The Blast, TMZ.com, celebretainment.com

Cardi B

Kevin Hart

Duane Martin

Media associations will now designate execution witnesses

Missouri Department of Corrections had denied investigative journalist 17 times

American staff

Professional media associations will now designate a reporter to witness executions in Missouri as part of a settlement following a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Missouri in 2016 on behalf of investigative journalist Chris McDaniel.

Until this settlement, the approval or rejection of a media witness application was solely at the discretion of the director of the Missouri Department of Corrections.

McDaniels, who reports for BuzzFeed News and previously reported for St. Louis Public Radio, was rejected repeatedly by the Missouri Department of Corrections because the director objected to the viewpoint of his reporting. He was denied the opportunity to witness all of the 17 executions that the state has carried out since he applied to be a

witness.

“The government cannot give or deny access to a reporter based on government officials’ feelings about an individual’s reporting,” said Tony Rothert, legal director, ACLU of Missouri.

“A free press is vital to ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people. Allowing the government to pick and choose which reporters have access to government functions is a vital threat to fair and unbiased reporting.”

Under the terms of the settlement, the Associated Press, the Missouri Press Association, and the Missouri Broadcasters’ Association will designate a reporter to witness executions.

McDaniels’ reporting on executions in Missouri has been incisive.

“The state of Missouri has engaged in a wide-ranging scheme - involving

Safer in Cuba

In East St. Louis, assault weapon fire has become so common that one hardly awakens from one’s nightly slumber because of the sheer frequency of shots being randomly fired.

Neighboring St. Louis is no different, with “We Must Stop Killing Each Other” signs prominently displayed on lawns to illustrate the dilemma of an escalating murder rate, which has gotten out of control, with violence and shootings spilling over into once safe suburban communities.

So-called “experts” state the obvious, that this is the result of insufficient education and high unemployment, compounded by cyclical poverty, single-parent homes, blah, blah, blah. But are these really

the reasons?

I’m a product of East Boogie, not exactly the bastion of wealth or the lap of luxury in the Metro-East area. My parents weren’t degreed, but worked hard to achieve the American dream of a home, education for their children and access to upward mobility. I grew up in a neighborhood with everyone from school teachers to blue collar workers to miscreants; there was balance.

Of course there was some criminal activity but nowhere on the scale that we experience today, despite there being a disproportionate number of poor citizens in our midst. That leads me to the conclusion that poverty has become a convenient excuse for crime, murder and devaluation of life.

code names and envelopes stuffed with cash - to hide the fact that it paid a troubled pharmacy for the drugs it used to execute inmates,” McDaniels reported for BuzzFeed in February.

“Procuring execution drugs has

I concluded this upon returning recently from my second visit to Havana, Cuba (which is truly a poor city). The average salary amounts to about $15 to $20 per month, while degreed professionals such as doctors and lawyers are fortunate to make perhaps $40 to $50 per month. Their biggest luxury these days are cell phones with spotty internet accessibility. Most wear no designer brands, own no cars and exist on basic diets, with meat being a luxury. Yet, in two years of travel to Havana, I never encountered a beggar, a homeless individual nor anyone of a sinister or suspect nature. I also never once felt afraid, not even at 3 or 4 a.m., as I roamed darkened streets (which appeared to be more like alleys) and frequented local clubs and music venues.

Chris McDaniel, an investigative journalist who reports for BuzzFeed News and previously reported for St. Louis Public Radio, was denied by the Missouri Department of Corrections to witness executions in Missouri 17 times.

Photo: St. Louis Public Radio

become almost impossible, as major pharmaceutical companies stopped making them or refused to provide them for capital punishment. Missouri itself faced a crisis in early 2014, when the previous pharmacy it had been using was exposed in the press and stopped providing the state with drugs. Scrambling, Missouri found a new pharmacy and stockpiled the lethal injection drug pentobarbital, enabling it to set a record pace for executions, scheduling one a month for more than a year.

Perhaps it was because policia (cops) were walking beats throughout Old Havana to the Malecon seawall or simply because the culture lends itself to peace. And having traveled throughout the Caribbean, I am convinced that Cuba is the safest island despite being the closest (a mere 90 miles) to the USA. And it isn’t a figment of my imagination or some bias on my part. Lonely Planet says of Havana that there is “almost no gun crime, violent robbery, organized gang culture, teenage delinquency, drugs or dangerous no-go zones.” That is simply unheard of in 2018. They also boast of a 99.8 percent literacy rate and one of the highest doctor-topatient ratios in the world, in spite of their poverty.

While back in the USA, East St. Louis is ranked as the “Most Dangerous City in America” by the National Council for Home Safety and Security and St. Louis is ranked as “America’s Most Dangerous City” by the FBI and “the least safe city

“To hide the identity of the new pharmacy, the state has taken extraordinary steps. It uses a code name for the pharmacy in its official documents. Only a handful of state employees know the real name. The state fought at least six lawsuits to stop death row inmates and the press from knowing the pharmacy’s identity. Even the way Missouri buys and collects the drugs is cloakand-dagger: The state sends a highranking corrections officer to a clandestine meeting with a company representative, exchanging an envelope full of cash for vials of pentobarbital. Since 2014, Missouri has spent more than $135,000 in such drug deals.”

Missouri is one of 30 states where state execution is legal, though three states (Colorado, Oregon and Pennsylvania) have suspended executions under a governor’s moratorium.

For more about the case, visit https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/cases/ mcdaniel-v-lombardi.

in America” by a recent WalletHub study.

So what’s the solution? I wish that I knew and refuse to pretend to know as some do. There are groups engaged in everything from foot patrols to concocting clever hooks, slogans and signage (some that are literally bulletriddled), hoping that it will curtail the violence. Police have tried various policing strategies to no avail. Citizens see crimes in progress but are afraid to reveal the names of suspects for fear of their own lives.

Perhaps a field trip to Havana is in order for some answers on gun control, community policing and just plain community pride. Whatever the solution, I am open because clearly we don’t have one in East Boogie, the STL or America. And it’s become so bad that, depending on how America eventually normalizes relations, I can envision my eventual bullet-free, crime-free retirement on the beautiful island of Cuba.

Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com; Twitter@JamesTIngram.

Columnist James Ingram

Another speech for Mayor Krewson to give on police management

In our October 4, 2017 edition, for our editorial we published a “speech for Mayor Krewson to give on police management.” This was during ongoing citizen protests of the bench verdict in the murder trial of former St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley and shortly after the brutal mass arrests of protestors in downtown St. Louis on September 17, 2017, when police chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets!” and then-interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole boasted that his officers “owned the night” with Krewson smiling beside him. Because the mayor did not take our advice then and she needs to now more than ever, we have updated the speech for her in the light of multiple felony indictments filed by the Department of Justice against four of her officers who think they own the streets and the night. I have reviewed the evidence in the felony indictments of four St. Louis police officers for their conduct during a Stockley verdict protest last September, as well as many law suits filed against the City of St. Louis for police behavior, both during those protests of police unaccountability and protests of a police-civilian killing before I was elected mayor. I have reviewed a substantial amount of documentary evidence, including the outrageous words of the indicted officers themselves shared via text messages. And I have decided that constitutional protections and good governance mindful of long-term public safety compel me to contact counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, ArchCity Defenders and personal litigants and call for a settlement conference.

Further, in light of doubts raised about my own accountability, given my protracted silence and focus on things like soccer when these matters of constitutional protections and government accountability were urgently before the public, I hereby invite the public to join us in that settlement conference. And I want to publicly establish the City of St. Louis’ position under my administration on the role of the police in our government.

The role of the police is to patrol the city and investigate apparent or reported incidents

of criminal activity. It is dangerous to interfere with some criminal activity, and we expect our police officers to defend the public and themselves from imminent threat. It is understandable, though regrettable and at times tragic, that sometimes a police officer’s duty-bound elimination of a legitimate public threat ends in injury or loss of life for the suspect. However, let me be clear. And I have lined up with me today many other people from the City of St. Louis. See them standing all around? I invited every citywide elected official, as well as the senior leadership of the police department and my senior staff. They are standing with me today to make this public declaration that our institutions belong to us, no one can take them away from us, and we can and do demand that they change. To be very clear: The police do not have any punitive role in our government. Other than defending against an imminent legitimate threat, police are duty-bound to use minimum necessary force and maximum personal respect when getting the attention of a civilian, interviewing a suspect, or taking a suspect into custody. The police are not authorized to hurt or punish anyone except in legitimate defense of the public or themselves.

So, if you are a police officer because you think that means you get to hurt people, you need to get out now.

If you think aggravation at a protestor – perhaps even someone who has been exercising his freedom of speech to say quite hateful things to your face – means you get to spray that person in the

face with chemical munitions, you need to get out now.

If you think aggravation at a protestor or any suspect means you get to Tase them to make them hurt, you need to get out now.

If you think that when a suspect makes you chase him that means you get to exact a “foot tax” – a beatdown – when you catch him, you need to get out now.

If you think being a police officer means you get to kill people with impunity, even when they pose no imminent threat to you or the public, you need to get out now.

And, now, I want you all to get out your cellphones and make a video of this next statement so you can be very sure where I stand on this:

Our government offers police protection equally to all people. If you think people of any race, gender, sexual orientation, opinion, or creed deserve more or less respect and protection from the police than any other people, you need to get out now.

I am speaking to everyone in my administration and this police department – very much including Assistant Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole –when I say: If you think the police have any punitive role in our government or that any people deserve any more or less respect or protection from the police than any other people, you need to get out now.

Inspired by remarks made by U.S. Air Force Lt. General Jay Silveria, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, on September 28, in response to racial slurs written outside the dorm rooms of five black cadets.

Indictment of cops is not enough

By Jamala Rogers

For The St. Louis American

Every so often the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department gives the community a gift. Sometimes that unplanned generosity is at cost of some poor soul –usually black in skin color. Such is the case of Luther Hall. Prior to 1983, the AfricanAmerican community complained of throw-away guns and drugs that cops keep in their cars to justify shooting or free-casing black citizens. We could never provide the proof. Then came St. Louis cop Joseph Ferrario whose recklessness resulted in the murder of Marilyn Banks, a young, black mother sitting on her porch on a warm, summer day. Ferrario was in hot pursuit of a female teenager who was on foot running for her life as Ferrario fired several shots at her. When it was discovered that Banks had been shot dead, Ferrario claimed selfdefense and produced a gun that allegedly the running teen had used to shoot at him. He was stupid enough to produce a gun with no clip. Without a clip, this gun was incapable of

firing. It was a gift – a gift that gave credibility to the years of declarations by black folks that the practice of police throw-aways was real and commonplace. Back to Luther Hall. He got an oldfashioned cop whupping during a protest of the Jason Stockley notguilty verdict in 2017. Hall is a 22-year veteran, AfricanAmerican officer who was on duty as an undercover cop during the righteous community protests. The irony of this situation is that Hall was assigned to document criminal activity of the protestors that could warrant arrest charges. The three officers involved in his beat-down apparently had a “lot of fun beating the hell out” of people on the scene once the sun went down. There were many protestors and innocent bystanders who suffered at the vicious hands of rogue cops that night, but their

St. Louis’ investment in policing is not working

By Blake Strode For The St.

Louis American Maya Angelou famously said, “When people show you who they are, believe them.” St. Louis-area police have not been shy about showing themselves as of late. Just in the past 10 days, we have seen two separate examples of local officers proudly boasting about the unbridled use of state violence against helpless civilians.

First came the release of a video by state Representative Bruce Franks Jr. (D-St. Louis) showing him being maced and beaten by St. Louis County and municipal officers in December 2014, followed by several of those same officers joking with each other about emptying out cans of mace and beating protesters. (Full disclosure: ArchCity Defenders represents Franks in a civil rights lawsuit challenging his treatment on the evening in question.)

Then, late last week came the bombshell indictment of four officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) for criminal civil rights violations, conspiracy, and lying to the grand jury. In one of the less obscene text messages spelled out in the indictment, one of the officers bragged, “[I]t’s gonna be a lot of fun beating the hell out of these sh******* once the sun goes down…” (ArchCity Defenders has also filed more than a dozen civil rights claims on behalf of individuals who were brutalized and arrested by SLMPD during the Stockley protests.)

For too many residents of St. Louis, particularly black residents, this is precisely what policing has shown itself to be when faced with the slightest bit of resistance – even if, as in the case of peaceful protesters, that resistance is merely rhetorical. It is the reason that black mothers and fathers have been giving their children “the talk” for decades, instructing them carefully on the unspoken standards of comportment for the inevitable moment when they find themselves in an officer’s sights. It is the reason that the mantra of “protect and serve,” which carries an air of infallibility for some, rings in the ears of others as mocking

Correction

cases will be harder to prove than Hall’s case.

St. Louis cops Bailey Colletta, Randy Hays, Dustin Boone and Christopher Meyer have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their role in the beat-down and coverup. All four were placed on administrative leave without pay and face up to 20 years in prison.

The prosecuting attorney’s office provided the feds with disgusting text messages by the indicted cops, proof that racist, deceptive and violent behavior abounds in the department. After all, in the face of lawlessness, just “make sure you have an old white dude as a witness,” one cop texted to another.

Let’s not sit around waiting and hoping for justice for victims of September 17, 2017 or any other day. All fairminded, tax-paying citizens must come together to send a clear message to officers who think that “going rogue feels good.” There must be severe consequences for cops who think cracking heads is a “blast.”

A not-guilty verdict is not an option. Guilty as charged is real justice.

scorn. But if the events of the past two weeks are to mean anything, maybe it is finally time to be honest about who and what this institution we call “policing” really is.

Speaking directly to the perennial trolls: it is obviously the case that the officers we have seen in the most recent news accounts are not representative of every single police officer here or in any part of this country. But that statement is as obvious as it is irrelevant. It is like comforting the victims of California’s massive wildfires by reassuring (or perhaps lecturing to) them that San Francisco remains firefree.

The question is not whether every single law enforcement officer is abusive, but rather whether the very concept of modern policing is irreparably, inherently flawed. There is a rot at the core of our system of policing, and we are so deep in denial that we keep trying to shave off the outer bits and insist that they seem just fine.

This is not a problem of a few rogue officers, and thus cannot be solved by addressing behavior on an officer-byofficer basis. If it were, there appears to be very little appetite to correct and discipline even individual officers in a serious way. In fact, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner appears to be the only public safety official in the region making any effort to hold these officers accountable by effectively cutting ties and rejecting cases from those officers shown to be engaged in misconduct and dishonesty.

No, what is needed now is a change of frame. Instead of doing mental gymnastics to reassure ourselves that there must be some good cops, too, we should be focusing our energy on an entirely different conversation that calls for a re-envisioning of public safety.

Another headline tucked into the news this week sounds

similar to many before it: “St. Louis Named the Least Safe City in America.” While this basic idea is, sadly, unoriginal, the study does include one tidbit that is worth noting. In addition to being “least safe,” St. Louis is also tied among all cities for the most law-enforcement employees per capita. The other cities with this designation – New York, Newark, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. – are cultural and financial capitals. Even Wilmington, Delaware, happens to be the national financial hub of the credit card industry. And, in America, big business means people to guard it. Then there’s St. Louis. What’s our excuse?

One thing is certain: our current investment in policing is not working. We need to stop flirting with counterproductive reforms like body cameras and hot-spot technology, and instead start demanding a fundamental shift away from our current investment in unaccountable institutions that continue to abuse the rights of so many in our community. There is no shortage of public safety priorities that are more deserving of our investment – affordable housing, health services, education, employment, and accessible community space, just to name a few. But to start funding these things properly, we must first reject a public safety model that begins and ends with police. We will not do that until we are honest with ourselves about who the police are and what function we permit them to serve. In a rare glimpse last week, some police officers showed us who they really are. A St. Louis County Police officer gloated that he used a whole can of mace on protesters and “had a couple of little good kicks.” An SLMPD officer cheerfully shared with his friends, “[I] t’s still a blast beating people that deserve it… so I’m still enjoying each night.” I, for one, believe them. Blake Strode is an American civil rights lawyer serving as the executive director of ArchCity Defenders.

The November 29 article “Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk” incorrectly reported that the medication for the Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease (rrAD) study, atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor), was connected to the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, or SPRINT study on cardiovascular health. We regret the error.

Decarcerate St. Louis

It’s really puzzling that Judge Jimmie Edwards, with his background, education, skills and commitment to the St. Louis community, would call for an increase in mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of armed criminal action from three years to 15 or 25 years.

Edwards believes that increasing mandatory minimum sentences will help reduce gun violence and act as a deterrent against crime. This is the same theory used by proponents of the death penalty. But, according to Amnesty International, there is “no evidence that the death penalty has been a unique deterrent to crime.”

Studies have shown that most criminals do not study and anticipate the consequences of their crimes. Many, if not most, crimes are spur-of-theminute decisions, made so

much easier by the proliferation of guns in our communities. There is currently an effort underway to decarcerate St. Louis. Too many people are spending way too much time behind bars. Increasing

mandatory minimum sentences will only make this problem worse.

Barbara L. Finch Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice,St. Louis

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Mayor Lyda Krewson, Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards and then-interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole in a December 8, 2017 file photo.

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Eta Boule of Sigma Pi Phi partners with Harris-Stowe

The Eta Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the oldest African-American fraternity in the country, recently announced a $33,500 gift and partnership with Harris-Stowe State University. Both organizations are committed to helping increase the representation of college-educated African-American men in positions of leadership in the St. Louis region.

“Historically, our fraternity has always been committed to the support, growth, and development of young African American men,” said Johnny Furr, president of the Eta Boule, the St. Louis chapter of Sigma Pi Phi.

Eta Boule will conduct a leadership development and career-readiness program for HarrisStowe students that includes a lecture series on career topics and an Eta Boule speaker series where fraternity members will discuss their careers and life lessons.

Ten African-American male students will also be given the opportunity to take part in a twoyear mentorship program. Young men in this program will be assigned a male mentor from Eta Boule, receive a $1,000 scholarship, career and workforce readiness training, and summer jobs or internships.

“There is a lot of evidence that suggests mentoring is critical in early adulthood and during important life transitions,” said Dwaun Warmack, president of Harris-Stowe State University. “Many of our young men at Harris-Stowe are first-generation college students and from singleparent households. Having the guidance and support of an experienced male mentor will be invaluable in their transition from student to professional.”

Candidates sought for St. Louis County Extension Council

Nominations are being accepted for the January 2019 election to the University of Missouri Extension Council in St. Louis County. The council is the local link between county residents and the University of Missouri four-campus system. Council members assist in planning and carrying out extension educational efforts and administer a local budget to support education. It meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at the St. Louis County office.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and reside in the county. Nominations for the council must be made by December 17. Individuals interested in serving on the council may contact Dwayne James, county program director, at 314-400-7391. For more information, visit http://extension.missouri.edu/stlouis.

There is a way around the Electoral College

By Sydell Shayer For The St. Louis American

Did you know that the method for counting votes in a presidential election is different than the way votes are counted in state and local elections? We take for granted that the candidate that gets the most popular votes in an election is the winner. But “winner take all” is not the way presidents are elected in the United States.

Our present electoral system dates back to when the United States Constitution was written in 1787. Then the country only had 13 states of various sizes and populations. Each was reluctant to give up whatever power it had. The electoral system, as set out in the Constitution, is called the Electoral College. The Electoral College method of determining presidential votes is state-based. The Electoral College system is undemocratic. It does not count each person’s vote equally. Each state is allotted electoral votes depending on its population. But the electoral votes are not just numbers; they are represented by real people. Each state chooses an individual elector for each of its electoral votes. The state determines how the elector will vote. With few exceptions, the electors pledge to give their vote to the candidate who gets the most votes in their state.

The total number of electoral votes is 538. To win a presidential election the candidate must win at least a majority of the votes which is 270 electoral votes. Each state gets 1 vote for each senator, plus the 435 representatives divided by population which equals 435 votes plus 3 votes for the District of Columbia. That equals the 538 total electoral votes.

For example, Missouri has 10 electoral votes. In Missouri, If candidate A gets 100,000 votes and candidate B gets 90,000 votes, Candidate A would get all the electoral votes in Missouri. If you add up all the winners of the electoral votes in each state, usually it does not add up to the same number as if you did away with the Electoral College and only counted the direct votes that people cast in the whole country. In the Unites States, the candidate who wins the most electoral votes actually wins the election, not the candidate who wins the majority of popular votes countrywide.

So far, five presidential candidates who won the most votes nationwide did not become president. The most recent case was in the last election. In 2016, Hillary Clinton received 2 and a half million more votes than her opponent but still lost the presidency because of the way votes are counted under the Electoral College.

According to a 2015 poll, between 65 and 75 percent of American voters support direct election of the president by popular vote. According to that same poll, 75 percent of Missouri voters support direct election of the president by popular vote.

Abolishing the Electoral College is not easy. It is part of the original U.S. Constitution and would require a constitutional amendment. It is introduced in Congress every year. It is very difficult to amend the Constitution. It took 100 years to pass the 19th Amendment giving women the vote. And the Equal Rights Amendment has not passed since being introduced 46 years ago.

There is an alternate way to elect the president by a direct popular vote of the people nationwide, which is gaining traction. It would use the Electoral College but change the rules a little bit. It is called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The compact is an agreement among the states to have their electors pledge that they would cast their vote for president to the candidate who won the most votes in all 50 states rather than to the candidate who won the most votes in their state. It is not as farfetched as one might think.

Twelve states and the District of Columbia, totaling 172 electoral votes, have already passed legislation to give their votes to the national presidential winner. That means that only 98 more electoral votes are needed to reach 270 electoral votes, which would guarantee the national majority vote winner. Michigan, with 16 electoral votes, is likely to be the next state to join the compact.

Several legislators in Missouri, from both the Republican and Democratic parties, have introduced legislation to join the compact. It requires public support to urge them on. It seems to be a no brainer to want the president and vice-president of United States to be elected by a majority vote of the people nationwide. What do you think?

Sydell Shayer is a board member of the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis and chair of its National Popular Vote Committee.

Sydell Shayer

FELONY

Continued from A1

activated its protest-response unit, the Civil Disobedience Team, detailing more than 200 officers after Stockley was acquitted. These officers are “tasked with controlling the crowd as needed and arresting those individuals for whom there was probable cause to believe that they had committed crimes.” Boone, Colletta, Hays, and Myers were all assigned to the team during the September 17 protest, which has become known as the night of the mass “kettling” arrests, when police encircled a crowd of protestors and bystanders and attempted to arrest everyone in the group.

Luther Hall, a 22-year veteran city officer, was working the protest in an undercover capacity in order to record and document criminal activity “so that other city officers could lawfully arrest individuals who were committing crimes,” the indictment states.

Boone, Hays, and Myers are charged with willfully violating Hall’s constitutional rights when they used “unreasonable force” on Hall, actions that resulted in bodily injury and included the use of a dangerous weapon – shod feet and a riot baton. The indictment specifically alleges that Boone, Hays and Myers threw Hall to the ground and “then kicked and struck him while he was compliant and not posing a physical threat to anyone.”

Boone, Hays and Myers are also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice for allegedly “conspiring and agreeing to engage in misleading conduct toward witnesses to prevent information about their criminal conduct from reaching federal authorities,” the indictment states.

Myers is charged with destruction of evidence for allegedly “knowingly destroying and mutilating” Hall’s cell phone “with the intent to impede, obstruct, and

influence the investigation into the arrest and assault” of Hall, the indictment states.

Colletta is charged with allegedly “corruptly attempting to obstruct, influence, and impede federal grand jury proceedings by engaging in a series of misleading assertions and false statements when she testified before the grand jury,” the indictment states.

The charge of violating Hall’s constitutional rights carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The other three charges each carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison. All four counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000. An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reginald Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold,

and Trial Attorney Emily Savner of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.

The indictment lists more than a dozen messages sent between Boone, Myers and Hays where they boast about beating protestors on that night and at other protests.

“It’s going to be fun beating the hell out of these ‘expletive’ once the sun goes down and nobody can tell us apart!!” wrote Boone, who also wrote a majority of the messages.

U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen stated that the police department’s leaders recognized the importance of the investigation.

“These are serious charges and the vigorous enforcement of civil rights is essential to maintaining public trust in law enforcement,” Jensen said.

In a statement, St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden said that the department solicited the assistance of the FBI after allegations surfaced that an undercover officer was

assaulted by other officers during the protest.

“I am deeply disappointed in the alleged actions of these individual officers,” Hayden said. “However, it is in no way reflective of the hard work and dedication exhibited by the men and women of our department who serve the community on a daily basis with integrity and honor.”

Hayden said city officers must be held to the highest standard of professionalism.

“I expect them to abide by the very same laws they are sworn to uphold, as they have an ethical obligation to the citizens of this community,” Hayden said. “I want to ensure the community that this department will continue to be open, honest, and transparent in our commitment to make the City of St. Louis a safer place for all to live, work, and visit.”

ACLU: ‘an important step’

Following the protest, the

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri filed a lawsuit against the City of St. Louis, arguing that the police department’s treatment of protestors was not justified.

The suit aims to mandate permanent changes in police policy regarding civil rights.

“Today’s indictment is an important step in addressing the culture that has allowed the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to consistently behave in an unconstitutional manner,” stated Tony Rothert, legal director at ACLU of Missouri.

“While these officers have been indicted for illegally abusing an undercover officer they mistook for a protestor, there has still been no real accountability for the individuals officers who engaged in the same behavior toward protestors. St. Louis officials must address this rampant lawlessness by its police.”

In October 2017, several people testified at a federal

hearing about police conduct during the September 17, 2017 protest. Iris and Alex Nelson, a recently married couple, testified that they had left their apartment on Washington Avenue that night to see what was going on after noticing the increased police presence.

Iris said that as she and her husband walked around the neighborhood, they stuck to the sidewalks and crossed the streets legally, but as they tried to return to their building, they found their path blocked and then realized they were closed in on all sides.

Alex, who is a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, said he realized quickly from his training what was happening. The two got down on the ground to avoiding seeming like they were resisting arrest. Iris testified that she did not see anyone defying police orders.

Nevertheless, both were pepper sprayed while on the ground; Alex was sprayed several times while his eyes were open, blinding him for several hours. He said he was then dragged across the ground and zip-tied as tightly as possible. He testified that he was hit in the head with an implement he couldn’t see and that a police officer said, “Do you like that, cocksucker? We’ll see you again tomorrow night.” Alex said he knows from his military training that his treatment was improper. In his testimony, he said, “It’s reminiscent of counterterrorism tactics.”

The city and police department are facing more than a dozen lawsuits regarding use of force and retaliation, stemming from city police officers’ action while policing Stockley protests. Then-interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole, now an assistant chief, was in charge of the department on September 17, 2017, at which time he boasted that his officers “owned the night.”

St. Louis police subdued a large group of protestors and bystanders and made mass arrests during a protest in downtown St. Louis on September 17, 2017. Four officers have been indicted on multiple felony charges for their conduct during that night’s protest, when they chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets!”

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

COPS

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and St. Louis County Police Officers Timothy Anderer and Stephen Owens for excessive use of force and retaliation.

The lawsuit, which was filed in 2016 by the Arch City Defenders, states that Franks suffered a concussion and torn rotator cuff and wounds to his head and legs.

Aside from footage from Franks’ arrest, three county police officers can be heard boasting about beating protestors with batons, kicking them on the ground and making them.

In one shot, county Officer David Steinmeyer is heard saying, “Some guy was (expletive) kneeling down and I kicked him like there was no (expletive) tomorrow.”

Throughout the footage, the officer wearing the body camera appears to indicate that the exchange is being recorded, at which point the officer talking to him notices the camera and moves away.

Frank’s goal as a Peacekeeper was to “facilitate conversations and manage tensions,” he said in a statement on November 26.

MALES

“We should have been able to partner with law enforcement officials present, but unfortunately that was not the case,” Franks stated. “Instead, officers reacted with excessive force, even against peacekeepers, who raised concerns about their colleagues’ conduct, which is far too common.”

The video shows footage from the body cam of Anderer, who appears to be standing behind from the line of police at the gas station. Anderer is heard saying, “One of the white (expletive) b-tches caught me spraying everybody, so she’s on my ass. I’m hiding back here for a little bit.”

Steinmeyer said, “I got a couple good licks on somebody.”

Anderer said, “This is a terrible place to fight people. Look at all these (expletive) lights and everything else.”

Another unnamed officer asked Anderer, “Did you get any stick time over there?”

Anderer said, “No, but I went through a whole bottle of mace.”

The officer smiled. In response to the video, a police spokesman said, “We can confirm that some of our police officers were involved in the protest shown in the

by Lawrence Bryant

see police brutality locally and nationally, and that’s why he wanted to share the “unfiltered reality” of these interactions.

“My release of the Antonio Martin protest footage is not to fuel tension between law enforcement and civilians, but to give insight into the experiences of communities who are disproportionately subjected to police brutality,” Franks stated. “Moreover, I hope this level of transparency will highlight the need for reform.”

The Arch City Defenders also released a statement saying that the video is consistent with “far too many clients” who have survived brutality and misconduct at the hands of law enforcement.

video from four years ago in December of 2014. The protest turned violent, and subjects were taken into custody. Any use of force that occurred was documented and internal investigations were conducted as part of that review. We cannot further comment on

the actions taken by officers that night due to pending litigation.”

As Steinmeyer is not named in the litigation, The American asked the police spokesman whether or not Steinmeyer’s language of kicking someone who was kneeling down was

documented in the internal investigation of use of force.

The spokesman responded, “All internal records and investigations are closed records. Our office is not aware of what each investigation contains.”

Franks said he continues to

“Since 2014, we have filed over a dozen lawsuits challenging unaccountable state violence – and a majority of these cases stem from a militarized police response to people engaging in their First Amendment right to protest,” Arch City Defenders stated.

“In the case of Mr. Franks, we’ve been fighting for justice for two and a half years, and we will continue to work for justice not only for him, but for countless others in the region who have been seriously harmed and traumatized.”

On a cold day in February after a long deployment in Iraq, the bus finally pulled up to the Army Reserve building on Goodfellow Boulevard. Unexpectedly, my father was the first person I saw when I got off the bus. His embrace gave me the best feeling in the world; I felt safe in his arms. I didn’t know then that it would be the last time I would hug him. He passed away a couple of months later from cancer. We talked and laughed in the months leading up to his passing, trying to make up for lost time.

After his passing, I received a box from his long-time employer. To my surprise, my

Continued from A1 prove to my father I was tough. I didn’t imagine I would go to Iraq, but a few months after high school graduation, there I was – fighting for my life. This was one of the darkest periods of my life. This was also the first time I experienced racism. Even in Iraq, the white soldiers made us feel like second-class citizens. Many nights I cried wanting to go home. I was only 19, and I didn’t know what it meant to be a man. I didn’t have a grasp on what I wanted in life. I wanted to go home to my father because I knew he would help me figure out a path.

father had saved every medal I had earned, and my high school diploma was displayed on his desk. The father whose love I grew up questioning had always loved me; he just didn’t know how to show it. The more I learned about him, the more I respected him. He didn’t grow up in a loving household, so he loved me the best way that he knew how.

n When it was time for me to step out and face the world, I had a lot of insecurities. I struggled with communicating.

I was 25, had just lost my dad, and was suffering from undiagnosed PTSD. I was living for the moment. I started attending Ward Chapel AME,

where I was surrounded by men who didn’t have problems opening up, telling me about their mistakes in life, and reassuring me that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Around the same time, I started working at the Fathers’ Support Center. I was able to work with strong men like Halbert Sullivan and Charles Barnes, who would often challenge me to make me a better man. I worked with some wonderful clients, which taught me to have compassion for other men. One of my mentors would tell me to “do what

you’re supposed to do, don’t worry about others.” To this day, when I find myself in a tricky situation, I think of him saying that to me.

I left the Fathers’ Support Center and went to teach a Kindergarten class of 30 black children. I got to be their dad, brother, uncle, motivator, comforter, and teacher. I loved those kids like they were my own.

In my current position at Ready By 21 St. Louis, my focus is working on a grant to reduce youth gun and gang violence, specifically among black males ages 11-24. It’s time for all of us to stop complaining about black boys and help them to heal and heal ourselves in the process. We

all must find the time to plant seeds of faith in them and be that stern yet nurturing voice they need, just as I did.

Marcel Scaife is the manager of Safe and Thriving Communities for Ready by 21 St. Louis at United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“Homegrown Black Males” is a partnership between HomeGrown STL at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and The St. Louis American, edited by Sean Joe, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor and associate dean at the Brown School, and Chris King, managing editor of The American, in memory of Michael Brown.

Bruce Franks Jr. is slumped against a wheel of a car after being arrested at a Mobil station in Berkeley on Christmas Eve 2014 during a protest following the police killing of Antonio Martin. He has sued police for excessive use of force and retaliation during the protest.

Photo

Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon

Over 400 guests attended the 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon on November 30 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel St. Louis. World

and the Steward Family Foundation served as lead sponsors of the event, which was co-presented by the St. Louis

Foundation and the

League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Owens of Premiere Production Choice and Jeanetta Hawkins of Personal Touches by Jeanetta were honored as the 2018 Entrepreneurs of the Year. Vanessa Cooksey of Wells Fargo received the 2018 Corporate Executive of the Year award and James Clark of Better Family Life received the 2018 Non-Profit Executive of the Year award. Three individuals received Excellence in Business Performance awards—Kevin Buie Sr. of Edward Jones, Pamela Kelly of Dot Foods and Patrick Smith Sr. of Ameren Missouri. This year’s recipient of the Corporate Diversity Award was Maryville University. KMOX 1120’s Carol Daniel served as emcee.

25 awardees Gloria Carter-Hicks of Hicks-Carter-Hicks, Nicole and Abe Adelwale of ABNA Engineering and Dana Scott-Person of Centrex Electrical Supply

Vanessa Cooksey and Schnucks President and COO Dave Peacock

Kathy Osborn awarded five business scholarships funded by the Regional Business Council.

Family

James Clark

Non-Profit Executive

Year

Sherri A. Robins, Marcelle Perry-Rhone and awardee James Clark

Entrepreneur of the Year Debra Owens and parents Earnestine and Herbert Carr

Karl Grice, Anne Grice and Steve Lewis

Top 25 awardees Eric Bailey and Gail Brown

Carol Daniel and Corporate Executive of the Year Vanessa Cooksey

All photos by Wiley Price

Business students Jay Ross, Myrina Otey, Le’Asia Harrington, Hope Grant and Darah Ballard received $2,500 scholarships from the St. Louis American Foundation and the Regional Business Council.

Emcee Carol Daniel and Entrepreneur of the Year Jeanetta Hawkins

President Mark Lombardi accepted the Corporate Diversity award on behalf of Maryville University.

Indictments suggest St. Louis police are

violent, racist and unconstitutional

Charles Jaco – journalist, author, and activist (on Twitter at @charlesjaco1) – who took down U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s Republican challenger Todd Akin six years ago in a bruising broadcast interview, came out of retirement to write for The American before the November 6 general election and has stuck with it. He penned this guest Political EYE.

Luther Hall became one of the few black detectives in St. Louis’s racially divided police department despite having cost the city $865,000 in damages in 2010 when a federal jury found that he had beaten a handcuffed suspect in 2008. Since the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners had ruled Hall had not used excessive force, he was able to rise through the ranks.

Stockley had planted the gun found in Smith’s car. In the meantime, the city settled a wrongful death lawsuit by Smith’s daughter for $900,000. Because he was charged with premeditated murder, and not manslaughter or second-degree murder, there was always a good chance Stockley would walk free, since the standard of proof for Murder One is so high. Sure enough, a judge found Stockley not guilty, and protests began, one of which involved a rock being tossed through the window of Mayor Lyda Krewson’s home.

On the night of September 17, cops with the city’s CDT – Civil Disobedience Team – surrounded protestors downtown then closed in, a practice known as “kettling.”

On the night of September 17, 2017, Hall was in civilian clothes, on assignment to infiltrate protestors who were filling downtown’s streets. For three days, protests had erupted in the city and nearby suburbs, as demonstrators reacted to a judge’s not guilty verdict in the case of Police Officer Jason Stockley Just before Christmas in 2011, Stockley shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith after a high-speed chase that ended when Smith’s car crashed. After years of delays, local prosecutors finally charged Stockley with first-degree murder in 2017, claiming

The police, wearing face shields and body armor, carrying batons and chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!” began to beat protestors. Among those bloodied were an U.S. Air Force sergeant who just happened to be walking by, a Post-Dispatch reporter, and undercover Detective Luther Hall.

Hall was knocked to the ground. He claims a baton strike to his tailbone herniated a disc in his back. He claims several kicks to the head herniated two discs in his neck, ripped an almost inch-wide hole in his face above his lip that went through to his teeth, and strained and almost tore his jaw muscles. Fifteen months

St. Louis police in riot gear descend on protestors on September 17, 2017,in an incident that resulted in four police officers being indicted for allegedly beating a black undercover detective and then trying to cover up their crimes.

later, Hall still hasn’t returned to work. He has lost 20 pounds because it’s difficult to chew.

He still wears a neck brace.

When a federal grand jury last week indicted four white police officers for beating Hall and then covering it up, their indictment revealed text messages that illustrate a systemic problem within a police department known both for using excessive force and being incapable of controlling violent crime.

The texts include lines like “Let’s whoop some ass,” “It’s gonna be fun beating the hell out of these s***heads once the sun goes down and nobody can tell us apart!” and how they intended to “just f*** people up when they don’t act right.”

One text, from indicted Officer

Dustin Boone to indicted

Officer Randy Hays, offers advice if Hays even should get caught using excessive force:

“Just make sure you have a white dude as a witness.”

In a city with a rich racist history like St. Louis, that last text needs no translation. But it does raise a larger question: How much more evidence do we need that, like many other police departments nationwide, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is so tainted with violence, racism, and incompetence that it’s no longer capable of fighting real crime?

The statistics, and the body count, both tell the story of a police department unable or unwilling to tackle violent crime effectively. Based on the

number of murders per 100,000 people, St. Louis has the 13th worst murder rate in the world, sandwiched between ganginfested Maceio, Brazil and Culiacan, Mexico, home of the Sinaloa Cartel. According to a crime database of America’s 55 largest cities kept by the Washington Post, getting away with murder in St. Louis is better than a 50-50 proposition. Over the past 11 years, St. Louis police have only made arrests in 46 percent of murder cases. In seven city neighborhoods, police arrest murder suspects less than onethird of the time. Six of those seven neighborhoods are on the city’s largely black North Side. While the city police may be ineffective at fighting or

controlling violent crime, they are doing a decent job of draining the city’s bank account due to violence. Thanks to some dogged reporting by the Post-Dispatch’s Jeremy Kohler in 2016, we know that the city settled 44 wrongful death, excessive force, or wrongful imprisonment cases between 2010 and 2016, carrying a $4.7 million price tag. That number will likely go up, as more protestors injured in September 2017 file lawsuits.

Anticipating that, the police unit of the City Counsellor’s Office got a $2 million budget increase for 2019 to cover more court settlements. This came as the city passed a $1 billion budget. The single biggest chunk of that – $137 million – goes to the St. Louis police, a department unable to deal with crime and prone to court settlements for injuries or deaths caused by excessive force.

Then, there’s the issue of racism. City police have two police associations, one mostly black and one mostly white. While the mostly black Ethical Society of Police has long called for systemic reforms in the department to fight racism, the mostly white St. Louis Police Officer’s Association, the recognized bargaining agent, has uniformly defended cops accused of brutality against black St. Louisans. Which brings us back to the beating Luther Hall suffered. Had he not been an undercover detective, there is a good chance the case against the four white officers would never have made it as far as a federal indictment. Had he been a black protestor, the case would have probably been, at most, an excessive force complaint, and yet another payout by police. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department isn’t alone. Charges of systemic racism and violence have rocked departments from Chicago to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. And that’s the problem with policing in this country. None of this is that unusual.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Charlotte Ottley needs a new kidney

Nearly 200 people show support to Charlotte Ottley on November 26 in the Mahler Ballroom in her quest to find a kidney donor. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President Michael McMillan presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Charlotte Ottley’s new kidney.

She knows it’s out there.

And she and a cadre of supporters are using social media, videos and everything they can to locate that generous someone – the matching donor with a gift of life – one new kidney. A group of about 200 held a rally on November 26 to show her love, and to spread the word about signing up to become a donor.

“This experience has proven to be much bigger than me,” Ottley said. “Families are talking more about uncomfortable topics. Hopefully it’s increasing awareness and an increased interest.”

Here is her backstory: A number of things took its toll on the function of Ottley’s own kidneys over the last several years.

It was thinking that diabetes was a onetime thing, and she just needed to lose a little weight, and that would take care of it.

It was hypertension.

It was the lower limb breakdowns that she thought was arthritis – that could be managed; anemia – managed with iron infusions – health occurrences that seemed unrelated at the time.

It was the stresses of a successful, yet demanding marketing and development consulting career that catered to the needs of businesses and organizations.

It was putting everything and everyone ahead of Charlotte and Charlotte’s wellness.

And even the blessings of being a caregiver to loved ones, while perhaps missing that her own health was deteriorating, bit-by-bit and more than she ever could have imagined.

See OTTLEY, A11

Free program helps school districts cope with substance abuse

By Evie Hemphill Of St. Louis Public Radio

In the midst of a nationwide opioid epidemic among U.S. adults, one organization in the St. Louis region is seeing some more positive trends among younger people when it comes to substance use.

On Monday, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse-St. Louis Area (NCADA) announced that of the nearly 600 St. Louis-area adolescents who have participated in its Transitional Counseling Program (TCP) since 2014, more than 75 percent successfully abstain from substance use throughout their enrollment in the grant-funded program, and more than 65 percent are still abstaining six months later.

“That’s pretty significant,” executive director Nichole Dawsey said. “The biggest area of impact that we have seen – and this is both anecdotally and in the quantitative data – is the improved relationships between teens

and their caregivers as a direct result of this program.”

Nisha Patel, assistant superintendent for secondary education in the Fox C-6 School District in Arnold, has seen positive outcomes in her own district, which has partnered with NCADA for four years.

“We have a 90 percent [TCP] completion rate,” Patel said. “So when students come to me for making poor choices, absolutely they have consequences, but our biggest goal is, ‘How do we transition them back into school to be successful in life and get through high school?’”

TCP has proved pivotal in that regard, she said.

“With the smartphones and the access to social media, we’re having a lot of students experiment, more and more, with drugs and alcohol,” Patel said.

See PROGRAM, A11

By Charles Jaco For The St. Louis American

We’ve known for years that climate change is accelerating more rapidly than anyone thought and that the urban poor will be hit worst. More of them will die, more will get sick, and more will face excess heat, increased floods, and economic disaster with no way to escape. But the media, until last week, mostly yawned.

That’s because of a dirty little secret in mainstream media newsrooms: if research shows an audience isn’t interested in a topic, then that subject will hardly ever make it on the air. Before November’s midterm elections, polls showed only six percent of voters said one of their top concerns was climate change.

Chris Hayes, a host on uber-liberal MSNBC, tweeted the truth about global warming, public opinion, and the media in June: “Almost without exception, every single time we’ve covered (climate change) it’s been a palpable ratings killer, so the incentives (to cover global warming) aren’t great.”

We, the audience, are the problem because we don’t care. That dynamic changed dramatically the day after Thanksgiving, when the Trump administration tried to bury a horrifying scientific report on climate change by dumping it late Friday on a four-day holiday weekend. But the report by hundreds of government scientists is so apocalyptic that the lengthy study made headlines and got TV coverage for days.

n The biggest threat to public health, and especially the health of the urban poor, will come from new diseases that have mutated in the fecund climate of global warming.

The public ignores stories that don’t affect them personally. This one does. And a deep dive into the document reveals the Midwest will suffer the most from deaths related to heat and bad air quality, illnesses like asthma, and economic dislocation. Zooming in on Missouri, and St. Louis, presents a pretty clear picture of what things will look like as our infant children and grandchildren grow old. For example, the study finds that, by the end of the century, Chicago will suffer anywhere from 10 to 40 days a year over 100 degrees. Right now, Chicago averages zero days above 100. St. Louis, 300 miles south, already averages two to five 100-plus days every year. Based on the likely Chicago scenario, you can safely predict that, unless we take drastic and immediate action to fight climate change, St. Louis by the 21st century’s end will see anywhere between 15 and 50 days a year over 100 degrees every year.

Split the difference and say St. Louis will have 30 days a year over 100. That’s twice as many as El Paso, Texas currently has and will turn St. Louis’ miles of brick buildings into a giant heat island. The elderly, infants and toddlers, and people unable to afford skyrocketing electric bills to run air conditioning will die first from heat exposure. According to a 2014 report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, rising temperatures will short out huge swathes of the electric grid, potentially cutting off electricity and air conditioning to tens of millions of people at a time.

Charles Jaco

Photos by Evie Hemphill / St. Louis Public Radio Nichole Dawsey, at left, is the executive director of NCADA, a local organization that has been providing education and prevention services related to drugs and alcohol since 1965. Nisha Patel is an assistant superintendent for the Fox C-6 School District in Arnold.

Photo by Wiley Price

Clinical Medical Assistant Program offers career path

By Patricia Merritt Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Sometime next year, Sherenthia Davis expects to be administering medication, assisting with minor medical procedures, providing patient education and more, thanks to the new Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) course offered by Southern Illinois University

Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Workforce Development Program. SIUE is offering the course in partnership with the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department.

“I’m hoping this program will help me to develop a career and not just be a means to get another job,” said Davis, who lives in Brooklyn.

Davis is one of 17 students in the new program that began October 8 and will end February 22, 2019.

“The program is wonderful, and my teacher is great,” said Davis. “She explains things as simply as she can. She will tutor you and work with you in any way.” Davis keeps going in spite of challenging circumstances because of the encouragement of the CMA staff and her desire to give her children more. She is the mother of five children, ages 4-23.

“I work as a home healthcare aide from about 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Then I have the CMA class from 5:30-9:30 p.m., and I work at FedEx on the loading dock from 10 p.m.-7:30 a.m.,” said Davis. “I

OTTLEY

Continued from A10

In February, Ottley said she went to the doctor thinking they were going to put her on insulin and found out that her kidneys were failing.

“I was told that I was in the fourth stage of renal failure. It’s like someone throwing a bucket of cold water in your face,” Ottley said. Until that moment, kidney failure was nowhere on her radar. She now tells professional women and everyone to listen to your body, pay attention and have a complete understanding of your health condition and how to manage it

PROGRAM

Continued from A10

want to take care of my family, not live from paycheck to paycheck. I strive to be a good role model for my children.”

Her 4-year-old daughter, Kharie Shelby, has been at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start’s Discovery Center for Little Scholars since she was born.

Jackie Brooks, of BellBrown Medical Institute in St. Louis, is the program instructor. Vera Jones, ESLC

n “The healthcare system is rapidly growing. The skills of a medical assistant are in demand in hospitals and clinics across the country.”

– Vera Jones, career counselor

Workforce Development career counselor, is the program coordinator.

“The healthcare system is rapidly growing. The skills of a medical assistant are in demand in hospitals and clinics across the country,” said Jones. The CMA course consists of lecture and lab classes. The diploma-based program meets five days per week for four-hour sessions. A fourweek externship is required to successfully complete the program.

“Clinical medical assistants work to administer medications, assist with

before it is at a critical point.

“The breakdown in your leg was gout because your kidney can’t handle uric acid and the anemia is your cells are not reproducing, because your autoimmune system is low because of your kidneys and everything was leading back to kidney failure,” she said.

“And it was a lack of knowledge of how that impacts your body that I just didn’t know.

“I was stuck on what I heard about diabetes – I was worried about not getting a leg cut off; I was worried about not going on insulin. I was worried about not getting a sore that didn’t heal. I didn’t have a clue about the conse-

minor procedures, obtain laboratory specimens, perform electrocardiograms, provide patient education, perform phlebotomy procedures, prepare rooms and prepare patients for examinations,” Jones said.

“Clinical medical assistants may also assist nurses and physicians to provide direct patient care by taking medical histories, charting vitals and assisting in examinations and procedures. In some cases, clinical medical assistants may perform more advanced tasks under the supervision of a physician, which may include cleaning and dressing wounds, removing sutures, collecting blood and other specimens, as well as administering medication.”

Students are provided the opportunity to take the National Healthcareer Association’s certification exam to become recognized as a clinical medical assistant, receive a blood-borne pathogen training certification and the American Red Cross’ basic life support CPR and healthcare provider certification.

“Students can secure three certifications in six months,” said Johanna Jones, director of Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships at the ESLC. “In addition, it is a fulltime evening program meeting the needs of non-traditional students who also work fulltime. We already have a waiting list for this program.”

For more information, visit http://www.siue.edu/eslc.

quences of kidney failure.”

For months, shock and shame isolated her and she concealed her illness, until August, when a friend, Dorinda Walker, created a graphic that spread through social media.

Ottley knows now that she is not alone – and was never alone. And people do care and want to help.

Now, the 71-year-old St. Louisan is laser-focused on finding that one person with that one kidney that will keep her from going on dialysis next month and will restore her to back to health. She knows it’s a longshot (nurses told her so) –but that is what Ottley specializes in – making things happen for others.

This time, her ultimate client is Charlotte Ottley, in search of a new kidney.

“I have coached many people over the years on surviving success through changes, challenges and choices. I written handbooks, a book, given seminars and tried to live what I teach,” Ottley said. “Now I am up to bat.”

She decided to do two things: Trust God and use the gifts He gave her to save herself.

The first step to signing up to become a kidney donor for Charlotte Ottley is to call the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Kidney Transplant Office at 1-800-6339906, ext. 4. Extension 4 is where callers specify they want to donate for Charlotte. The

person on the other line will do a donor prescreen, which is a series of health history questions to determine whether the caller can indeed become a potential donor.

Blood tests determine if a recipient and potential donor are kidney matches. Blood type, tissue typing and antibody cross matching are all analyzed for compatibility to lessen the risk of organ rejection. If a match is found, the potential donor determines whether they want to proceed.

“The donor has all the way up until they put the anesthesia cup on them to say no. I won’t know who my donor is until we are up on the operating tables looking at each other, Ottley said. “And that donor

gets the chance to choose the date, so somebody has the power to determine my life by date and time.”

Find out more about Charlotte’s journey for a new kidney by searching the hashtag #KidneyForCharlotteSTL. To inquire about becoming a kidney donor for Charlotte Ottley, call the Barnes- Jewish Hospital Kidney Transplant office at 1-800-633-9906, ext. 4.

“Kidneys do not last more than 10 to 15 years, so I know what I spend my next 10 to 15 years,” Ottley said. “As a desirable, productive (she laughs) sexy senior citizen!

“Help me save my life please.”

“So one of the things that we wanted to do is to make sure that when kids do experiment with something like that, that we have not only just [the option of] disciplining the kids but we have a program in place that can help them overcome that.” Dawsey said it originated in an effort to “close the motivation gap” that NCADA staff were noticing after completing the sorts of assessments the organization has been providing for more than five decades.

CLIMATE

Continued from A10

As temperatures climb, air quality will get worse, especially in cities like St. Louis, surrounded by river valleys and already known for wicked humidity. As increased heat and humidity trap polluted air, people will get sick and die from respiratory illnesses. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation already ranks St. Louis as the sixth worst city in the country for asthma.

“Particularly with our adolescents, we were finding a high motivation to change once they left our office, but

Because of inability to afford regular health care and the indoor pollution in older inner-city apartments and homes, African Americans already suffer from asthma at three times the rate for the overall population. That means the urban poor, already the least able to withstand rising temperatures, will be the first to become seriously ill from declining air quality. The government scientists’ report also predicts a drastic increase in severe storms and floods. For the St. Louis region, that means floods along the Mississippi

then we did some follow ups [and] they weren’t taking the steps that our counselors had recommended,” Dawsey said.

“And so we really were kind of scratching our heads figuring out why that was.”

TCP, she added, helps schools, students and families with the “now what” aspect of substance-related incidents.

“Let’s say that you have a young person that gets

and its tributaries that will regularly inundate hundreds of thousands of low-income people, almost exclusively black, that live in the flatas-a-pool-table flood plain that runs miles inland on the Illinois side of the river. The urban poor have always been the first to feel, and the worst affected by, economic downturns. The report predicts the entire U.S. economy will shrink by 10 percent due to climaterelated effects by the end of the century. In Missouri, agriculture will take the first and biggest hit because it

caught juuling or vaping in the school bathroom. Let’s say they are caught coming drunk to a school dance. Does that teenager need treatment?” Dawsey said.

“Maybe. Maybe not. Does the school need to act on that?

Absolutely. Many schools, though, are not necessarily equipped to deal with that, and many teens and their families need some sort of resource to

will be too hot to grow either corn or soybeans, the state’s two biggest crops. Their most likely replacement is temperate sugar cane. (If you saw the movie “Interstellar,” it opens in the near future with Kansas farmer Matthew McConaughey tending his sugar cane crop.) Economic decline and physical survival are tied together. The study predicts that over 2,000 people a year in the Midwest will die prematurely from the cascading dominoes of high heat, poor air quality, and declining quality of both the food and the water supply.

help them navigate that. And that’s where we stepped in.”

If a parent or caregiver suspects their teen is already using substances, NCADA encourages them to visit TalkAboutItMO.com to access

a free talking kit on how to address the unhealthy behavior, express their concern, and, if necessary, suggest professional help. Currently dependent on

The biggest threat to public health, and especially the health of the urban poor, will come from new diseases that have mutated in the fecund climate of global warming, and from diseases carried by a population forced into mass migration. If St. Louis will have the climate of El Paso, El Paso will have the climate of Hell, and millions of Americans with the resources to do so will migrate north from areas either too hot or too flooded to support much human life. People from Missouri looking for a climate like the state

funding from the Missouri Foundation for Health that runs out at the end of the year, the Transitional Counseling Program is free to those it serves and runs anywhere from four to six weeks.

For more information about the Transitional Counseling Program, call NCADA at 314962-3456 or visit ncada-stl. org.

used to have will end up near the Canadian border. Unless we go on essentially a war footing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this is the future. And it was caused by polluters supported by conservatives who denied science, profiteered from oil and coal, and installed as a matter of tribal faith the rightwing claim that none of this is happening. Until it does.

Charles Jaco is a journalist, author, and activist. Follow him on Twitter at @ charlesjaco1.

Practicing CPR techniques are Clinical Medical Assistant program students

Janessa Avery, Amanda Ellis and Taraha Simms.

Photo courtesy of Vera Jones

Healthy Kids Kids

RightEating on a Budget

Circuit Training

Nutrition Challenge:

We often hear people talk about how hard it is to eat healthy on a budget. Let’s look at some ways to be successful at this challenge!

> Cook from “scratch” whenever possible. This is the best way to know exactly what ingredients go into a dish. And it is usually cheaper than buying pre-packaged products.

> Use coupons and buy the healthy items in bulk when they’re on sale.

Create a list of 6-10 different kinds of exercise. You can ask your health or P.E. teacher for suggestions. You and your friends should spread out in an open room. Each friend chooses a different exercise.

Set a timer for two minutes. For

This time of year many of your family, friends and neighbors are putting up holiday decorations. Stay safe this holiday season by following a few simple rules:

> Never use Holiday Lights with broken or frayed wiring. (And make sure there are no empty bulb sockets!)

> Comparison shop — use the grocery ads found in The St. Louis American to compare prices for similar, healthy food choices at different stores.

> Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. These will be the lower-cost options.

> Think about packaging. For example, a head of lettuce will make more salads than a smaller, more expensive bag of lettuce.

> What are other ways that you can save and shop smart?

Learning Standards:

HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

those two minutes you work hard to see how many times you can do the exercise you chose. When the timer goes off, switch places and reset the timer – until you have all done each of the exercises.

Keeping your heart rate up and

> Keep pets and younger siblings away from tiny, poisonous or electrical decorations.

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5 Deck the Halls— Safely!

> If you decorate a real tree in your house, water it often and place it far away from a fireplace or space heater. Dried-out trees are extremely flammable!

> If you use candles, never leave one unattended, keep it away from anything flammable, and make sure it is in a glass or fire-proof container (and out of reach of small hands or pets).

> Remember that some holiday plants are poisonous including holly berries and mistletoe!

breathing heavily helps build a stronger heart, burn calories and increases your lung capacity.

Set a goal to do Circuit Training at least three days a week with your friends!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Healthy Snacks

Tunatopped Carrots

Ingredients: Large carrot (cut into ¼ in diagonal slices)

1 6-oz Can of tuna (packed in water, drained)

2 Green onions, chopped (optional)

1 Tbsp Low-fat mayonnaise.

Directions: Mix last three ingredients.

Top carrot slices with the tuna mixture or use as a dip for the carrots. You can also use wheat crackers or celery sticks.

Jamila Owens-Todd, Naturopathic Doctor/Owner

Where do you work? I am a naturopathic doctor and owner of The Meridian Institute for Naturopathic Therapies.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from University City High School. I then earned a bachelor’s in chemistry and French from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from The Canadian College for Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario, in Canada.

What does a naturopathic doctor do? I talk about poop! Being able to go to the bathroom regularly is a good sign of a healthy gut. A healthy gut makes a healthy mind. I discuss how you feel emotionally; stress, anger and sadness can cause physical problems such as headaches or pain. I speak to children about making the right food choices. Choosing water instead of soda can make a big difference in health.

Why did you choose this career? I wanted to help people heal their bodies naturally. It is important that you understand the science of your body and how foods, herbs/plants and vitamins can heal your body, instead of using chemicals or drugs. I discuss with patients when to choose natural medicines instead of chemical drugs.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy working with children. My favorite people are usually kids, and their health can be the center of the family’s health. I love helping people figure out natural ways to heal their bodies, and I get to wear sneakers to work!

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

We offer a variety of programs, tours and learning opportunities.

Visit stlzoo.org/education for a complete list of our program offerings and teacher resources.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

In Ms.

using the STEM page in the newspaper. Avant Elementary is in the East St. Louis School District.

by Wiley Price/St. Louis American

SCIENCE CORNER

The Science of Sports Physical Therapy!

Have you ever heard of a sports physical therapist? They learn about the body and help athletes prevent, treat, and recover from injuries. Therapists also assist with enhancing athletes’ performance. They develop training programs and are able to alter routines to meet the individual needs of each person.

Sports physical therapists have to keep current with research and make sure their techniques are current and up to date. They have to communicate with athletes, coaches, and trainers to educate them. Preventing injuries and helping athletes recover

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

In this experiment, you will see the transfer of potential and kinetic energy.

Materials Needed:

• A Basketball or Soccer Ball (large and heavy) • A Tennis Ball or

Inflatable Rubber Ball (small and light)

Procedure:

q Carefully put the tennis ball on top of the basketball, holding one hand under the basketball and one on top of the tennis ball.

w Let go of both the balls at exactly the same time and observe what happens.

MATH CONNECTION

Test your math skills with these sports-themed word problems!

q Ryan got a hit 4 out of 12 times; Sarah got a hit 47 out of 100 times. What is the batting average for each player? Who has the better batting average?

w Team Wildcats won the football game against the Eagles. The score was 24-14. What are all of the possible ways each team may have scored during the game?

DID YOU KNOW?

Learning

from injuries is an important job. Therapists must earn a college degree and pass an exam that shows they are

If you are patient, compassionate and interested in the science of the human body, this may be a career for you. Sports physical therapists can work in schools, hospitals, research labs, home health care, spas, gyms, and even for

I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Transfer of Energy: When you are holding the balls in the air, they have potential energy. As they are dropped into motion, the energy becomes kinetic energy. When the balls hit the ground and bump into each other, some of the kinetic energy in the basketball transfers to the tennis ball, sending it in motion.

Want More? Visit: http://www. sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make predictions and analyze results.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN ANATOMIST & PHYSIOLOGIST: Albert Crenshaw

On March 20, 1952, Albert Crenshaw was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Chowan Junior College on a basketball scholarship, earning his associate’s degree in 1973. Four years later, he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from West Virginia University. Crenshaw worked in an orthopedic research lab at the University of California in San Diego. In 1994, he traveled to Sweden as part of a laboratory exchange program. From there, he went to San Francisco to work at the NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field.

After his career at NASA, Crenshaw was invited to return to Sweden as a graduate student. He earned a PhD in anatomy and physiology from the University of Umeå. He was the first African American in Sweden to earn a doctorate degree in medical science.

After earning his PhD, he served as a research assistant and professor of physiology at the Swedish National Institute for Working Life in the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research.

Crenshaw has published several research articles for science journals and won a Certificate of Recognition from NASA. He is also a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made a contribution in the fields of science, technology, or mathematics.

Use the newspaper to complete these activities to sharpen your critical thinking skills.

Activity One —

Main Idea: Select an article in the newspaper.

After you read the article, state the main idea. Find three supporting details for the main idea.

Activity Two — Measuring: Find 3 measurements in the paper. Convert the standard measurements to metric measurements and vice versa.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can find the main idea and supporting details. I can convert measurements.

Mecheah Williams (right) 3rd grade class students Adaiya Lee, Samantha Gooch, Jayden Farmer, Marquis McDougle, and Da’Veon Pointer, with the help of teacher’s aid Corliss Humphrey (left), work math equations found

Photo

Business

Social equity, inclusion stressed at Business Salute

‘We have to focus on the human capital,’ says James Clark

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

It is time to dig in and do the hard work.

That was the repeated message from the inspiring awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Business, presented by the St. Louis American Foundation and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis at Ritz-Carlton Hotel St. Louis on Friday, November 30.

n “I ask you today that we all continue to be intentional about developing the talent around us, both in our companies and in this community.”

– Vanessa Cooksey, senior vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo

“Lip service will no longer serve us,” said James Clark, vice president of community outreach at Better Family Life, who received the 2018 Non-Profit Executive of the Year award.

“We need a real social equity lens. This social equity lens starts at the neighborhood, front porch and living room. That’s where we have to be to come up with realtime programs to impact the lives of the people trapped in the urban core.” Clark talked about the initiatives that Better Family Life has done in neighborhoods that he called resource deserts, “where you have families trapped in neighborhoods where the only resource providers for them are the police,” he said. Two other awardees – Vanessa Cooksey, senior vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo, and Maryville University President Mark Lombardi – expressed the importance of

See SALUTE, B2

Living and leading in St. Louis

By Vanessa Cooksey For The St. Louis American

n When it is strategic, thoughtful and intentional, community relations is dynamic, it is hard and it is unique. It touches every employee, in every function at every level.

I recently celebrated my 10th anniversary as a St. Louisan. In 2008, when I moved to St. Louis, Bill Shaner, then president and CEO of Save-ALot Food Stores, could have easily said, “I got you here, now you go figure it out!” Instead, he was intentional about ensuring my success in the company and in the community. He immediately introduced me to Kathy Osborn, Donald M. Suggs, Marlene Davis, Michael McMillan and Valerie Patton. This changed my trajectory and my life. Each of these phenomenal leaders not only taught me how to live in St. Louis, but also how to lead in St. Louis, and I am grateful they are still doing it today. I joined Anheuser Busch Inbev in 2011. While working with Margarita Flores and David Peacock, I learned that leaders get the best results from teams who are having fun, learning and being creative. I joined Wells Fargo in 2013. I am fortunate that my leaders, Molly Porter and Joe Nadreau, empower me to lead and influence with courage and humility – especially in the face of significant challenges, volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. I believe the best experience a person can have is to be loved intentionally and unconditionally.

I am blessed that I have a mom, husband, son and a whole bunch of friends in St. Louis, like Jasonee Foster, that not only love me in this way, but they also support and champion my passion for and commitment to make the St. Louis and the world a better place.

I also share the 2018 Corporate Executive of the Year Award with my team. I am grateful

American Foundation.

Adia Harvey Wingfield was awarded the American Sociological Association’s 2018 Public Understanding of Sociology Award, which recognizes “exemplary contributions to advance the public understanding of sociology and sociological research.” She is professor of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis. The association hailed her as a “nationally known public voice” who has made “profound contributions” to our understanding of diversity, race and gender at work.

Sean Joe directs the HomeGrown STL project at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, which was recognized by the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance as a community to watch. The foundation noted that the project “has a strong track record of working on behalf of boys and young men of color and presented promising plans to scale or replicate evidence-based interventions.”

Jasmine McWherter was promoted to Client Experience manager at Psychological Associates, a consulting company that applies behavioral science to business performance. Her responsibilities include serving as the primary contact for highlevel clients throughout their entire assessment process. Before this promotion, she served as a psychometrist and Client Solutions specialist. Previously she worked at a behavioral health company as a grievance and appeals reviewer.

Michael Butler was appointed to the Deaconess Foundation Board of Trustees. He is recorder of deeds-elect for the City of St. Louis and previously represented part of St. Louis City (District 79) in the Missouri House of Representatives and served as chair of the House Democratic Caucus. For the past two years, he co-chaired Deaconess Foundation’s Policy Advisory Board.

Cheri Tillis was appointed to St. Louis city’s Workforce Development Board by Mayor Lyda Krewson. She is chief operating officer at Fathers Support Center. The board, which consists of 35 volunteer citizens, is the governing entity overseeing programs implemented by the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment.

Rance Thomas received the Award of Merit from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for exemplary leadership and outstanding dedication to the values of the Urban League for empowering communities and changing lives. He is co-founder and president of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice and was the first professor emeritus at Lewis & Clark Community College.

On the move?

Cheri Tillis

Vanessa Cooksey, senior vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo, received the 2018 Corporate Executive of the Year Award from the St. Louis

Sean Joe

Rance Thomas

Michael Butler

Adia Harvey Wingfield

Jasmine McWherter

Emcee Carol Daniel with James Clark, vice president of community outreach at Better Family Life, who received the 2018 Non-Profit Executive of the Year Award.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

SALUTE

continued from page B1

creating a more inclusive St. Louis.

“I ask you today that we all continue to be intentional about developing the talent around us, both in our companies and in this community,” said Cooksey, who received the 2018 Corporate Executive of the Year Award.

“Look not just at people that you like or who make you comfortable, but find ways to engage and include all of our region’s talent – especially our young people and our elders – so that everyone in our St. Louis community will grow and prosper.” Lombardi said that America has always been challenged with inclusion and the universities and business sector need to lead the way in creating a more welcoming country. Maryville University received the 2018 Corporate Diversity Award.

“Let’s show this country what a truly diverse community looks like,” Lombardi said to the crowd. “Let’s get back to

work.” The two 2018 Entrepreneurs of the Year – Jeanetta Hawkins and Debra Owens – were called “any meeting planner’s dream” as they often work together.

Hawkins owns Personal Touches by Jeanetta Inc. and Owens is the CEO of Premiere Production Choice. Hawkins provided the gorgeous table decorations for the event, and Owens’ team was in the back seamlessly holding down the audio/video productions.

“This was the best thing I ever did in my life,” Owens said. “If you want to be an entrepreneur, step out on faith because that’s exactly what I did.”

Hawkins said that she was raised in a foster home that loved her the best way they knew how, but often told her she would end up just like her mother, a “nothing.”

“What I want people to understand is your beginning does not have to define your end,” Owens said.

Three people received Excellence in Business Performance Awards for their outstanding performance in their respective corporate organizations: Kevin Buie

and its programs that support job training and employment opportunities that strengthening our local economy.

Kathy Osborn with the council announced that five high-achieving AfricanAmerican college students from the greater St. Louis area have received $2,500 scholarships.

“Not only are they excelling in their pursuit of businessrelated degrees, they’re also active as leaders on campus and at community-based activities and organizations,” Osborn said.

Top 25 African-American Businesses of the Year, which create jobs and improve conditions in our community. Special congratulations went to Document Imaging Systems, Regency Enterprise Services and X-L Contracting, which made the Top 25 for the first time this year.

The event’s lead sponsors were World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation.

By Evie Hemphill

Of St. Louis Public Radio

The median credit score in St. Louis is 665, just a few points beneath the national median. But a closer look at ZIP-code-level data shows a median score of just 532 in areas of the city that are predominantly non-white, whereas the median credit score for predominantly white areas is 732.

“That’s a very large gap, and we are here to do something about that,” said Jared Boyd, chief of staff and

Sr., department leader of U.S. and Canada receipts and Canada disbursements at Edward Jones, Pamela Kelly, talent and inclusion manager at Dot Foods, and Patrick Smith Sr., vice president of division operations for Ameren Missouri.

Back in September, the Regional Business Council

committed $12,500 to the St. Louis American Foundation to fund scholarships for students pursuing businessrelated college degrees. The gift was made in honor of Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, in recognition of his vital work in leading the Urban League

Darah Ballard is a junior at Maryville University pursuing her accounting and business administration bachelor’s degrees. Hope Grant is a junior at Harris-Stowe State University majoring in accounting. Le’Asia Harrington is majoring in business administration at Southeast Missouri State University.

Myrina Otey is studying psychology and workplace and organizational science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Jay Ross attends HarrisStowe State University, where he’s pursuing an undergraduate accounting major.

The event celebrated the

What’s in a credit score?

Representatives from Treasurer’s Office, FICO explain

counsel for the City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office. Boyd was specifically referring to how the office partnered with consumer advocates, financial educators and the FICO company to help community members “Score a Better Future” at Harris-Stowe State University on November 29.

“In today’s economy, one needs to be able to access credit on fair, affordable terms in order to purchase an auto, a mortgage,” said Joanne Gaskin, FICO’s senior director for scores and analytics, “and so

this is an opportunity [to] help people meet their financial goals [and] financial dreams in life.”

Boyd, who noted that his office opened its Office of Financial Empowerment in 2014 to “help people make better decisions with their money,” said that meeting community needs when it comes to money matters starts with financial literacy. But it also can’t stop there, he added. “When we talk about

Jared Boyd

helping people avoid payday loans,” he said, “we also have to talk about making sure they live close to a bank or making sure a credit union is available for them if they’ve had difficulty maintaining accounts.”

Gaskin emphasized that FICO was instrumental in “democratizing” access to credit about three decades ago and said that FICO scores –which use algorithms based on credit-bureau data – are used to inform more than 90 percent of lending decisions today.

“From a FICO perspective … when we look at the key ingredients for the credit score, we make certain to [avoid factoring in] race, income, wealth, geography – these are

COOKSEY

continued from page B1 for those able to join me today – Ashley Williams, Courtney Hemmer and Vianey Beltran. This award salutes the value of community relations in business.

Often times, awards for corporate executives go to people in the business line or on the revenue side. Folks often think our jobs in community relations are cushy and that all we do is hand out big checks

all very important from a fair lending perspective as well as equal opportunity,” Gaskin said. “We certainly would suggest that if there was bias in the lending decision, that that should be addressed by the regulators.”

She said people can improve their credit scores by making payments on time and paying down the full amount owed on revolving debt such as credit cards. “Payment history is 35 percent of what drives a consumer’s FICO score,” Gaskin said, and another 30 percent has to do with the total amount owed.

Gaskin said FICO Score 9 is the company’s “most predictive score,” which is “the score that is going to allow more consumers to gain access to credit.” She said it weighs medical collections less,

in nice suits and pretty dresses. That’s only a small part of it. When it is strategic, thoughtful and intentional, community relations is dynamic, it is hard and it is unique. It touches every employee, in every function at every level, and connects them in meaningful ways to the community in which they live and work.

In his final words, Clark stressed that development of buildings cannot continue to be the region’s sole focus.

“We have to focus on the human capital. We can no longer continue to focus on brick and mortar,” Clark said.

“I am happy to hear that we are in the running to get a soccer team, but in one year someone will be robbed leaving a soccer game. I’m happy to hear the trolley is up and running. Before the end of the upcoming warm season, an innocent unassuming person will have a violent act happen to them getting on or off the trolley. We cannot continue to overlook the human capital crisis we have in the St. Louis metropolitan area.”

ignores any paid collections on file – “and, importantly, includes rent to the degree that it’s available within the creditbureau file.” Boyd called the inclusion of rent-payment history a “promising” sign. “For a lot of Americans who have been locked out of home ownership, it’s also the fact that you’re locked out of the ability to build your credit score,” he said. “So we have people in St. Louis and people in other places that have paid their utility bills, have paid their rent on time, and figuring [out] a way for FICO and other places to factor that in for benefit could help those people lower their bills.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

My St. Louis success story is grounded in being intentional. Today I ask us continue to be intentional about developing the talent around us, both in our companies and in this community. Look not just at the people that you like or that make you comfortable but find ways to engage and include all of our region’s talent, especially our young people and our elders, so that everyone in our St. Louis community will grow and prosper.

Edited from remarks made at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2018 Salute to Excellence in Business on Friday, November 30. Vanessa Cooksey is senior vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo.

Three people received Excellence in Business Performance Awards: Kevin Buie Sr., department leader of U.S. and Canada receipts and Canada disbursements at Edward Jones, Pamela Kelly, talent and inclusion manager at Dot Foods, and Patrick Smith Sr., vice president of division operations for Ameren Missouri.

Photo by Wiley Price

n “The Chiefs are right. I didn’t tell them everything. I don’t blame them for anything. My actions caused this.”

— Former Kansas City

Running back Kareem Hunt

Sports

P

STL dominates at state

It was a tremendous season for high school football in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

A highly successful 2018 season in St. Louis culminated with a historic showing at the annual Show-Me Bowl, where four St. Louis teams brought home state championships. It was the first time that it has happened in the history of the Show-Me Bowl.

The St. Louis area swept every state championship from Class 3 up to Class 6 as Trinity won the Class 3 state championship for the first time in school history. Ladue won the Class 4 state title, which was also its first in school history. Vianney took home the Class 5 state title for the second time in three years and CBC won the Class 6 state championship for the third time in four years.

Adding to the dominance of St. Louis was Cardinal Ritter and MICDS, which took home state runner-up trophies in Class 3 and Class 4, respectively as they participated in all-St. Louis state championship games.

In the Class 3 championship game, Trinity defeated Cardinal Ritter 45-19 in an all St. Louis final. Ladue defeated MICDS 48-11 to win the Class 4 championship in the battle of Warson Road. Vianney made it a clean sweep for St. Louis with a 28-14 victory over Fort Osage.

The Golden Griffins trailed 14-0 at halftime, but stormed back with 28 unanswered points to take the championship.

Top Show-Me Bowl Individual Performers

• Kyren Williams of Vianney concluded a spectacular career by rush-

Instant classic

“Styles make fights.”

Anybody who follows the sport of boxing should be familiar with the aforementioned age-old adage. The premise is that in boxing, it is the styles of two combatants that will determine how exciting the fight will be for fans.

Two sluggers going full wack-a-mole until one is left unconscious is always an exciting adventure. Two defensive-minded tacticians tiptoeing around the ring is often a recipe for yawns and power naps. However, the Holy Grail for boxing matchups has always been the boxer versus the puncher.

was simple: throw two jabs followed by a concussive right hand. If unsuccessful, repeat until Fury’s face runs into a “one hitter quitter.”

That’s exactly what we got Saturday night when WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder faced off against the lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury For 12 rounds, the 6-foot-7, 212.5-pound Wilder stalked his larger opponent. The Bronze Bomber’s recipe for success

The 6-foot-9, 256.5pound Fury had an opposite strategy. Fury was like a gargantuan Joe Calzaghe. He threw quick and crisp combinations, stayed out of punching range and often dodged Wilder’s haymakers. Fury also often mocked Wilder, making faces, waving his arms and talking trash to his opponent. Both men had successes and struggles. At times, Fury boxed circles around Wilder. In Round 3, Fury landed 11-of-30 blows compared to Wilder’s 4-of-31. At other times, Wilder landed pulverizing punches that could’ve (and should’ve) put Fury to sleep. The biggest example was the most iconic moment of the fight. In Round 12, down on two of the judges’ scorecards, Wilder landed a vicious combination that left

Fury seemingly unconscious before he hit the

The crowd and the Showtime announcer’s went nuts. Wilder’s wife screamed, “I [freaking] love you” from the crowd. The fight was over….except it wasn’t. After lying frighteningly still for the first six seconds of the referee’s count, Fury came to and somehow managed to get to his feet before the referee reached 10. Not only did he get to his feet, but as Wilder furiously fought to close the show, the “Gypsy King” landed a few solid counter punches that likely altered his seemingly-sealed fate

Earl Austin Jr.

See PREP, B5

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Trinity celebrates after defeating Cardinal Ritter 45-19 to win the Class 3 state championship.

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder battled to a draw Saturday night. Fury showed off his boxing skills while Wilder showed his tremendous punching power.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

An open letter to incoming state Rep. Wiley Price on sports wagering

Also, Kareem Hunt the NFL’s chief fool

To: Wiley “Chip” Price

From: Alvin A. Reid

Greetings Chip, and congratulations on your election as incoming Democratic state representative for the 84th District.

I’ll save all the “I’ve known you since you were a kid” talk, because I’m sure you’ve already grown weary of it. You’re a bright young man with a solid political career ahead of you, should you decide to pursue it. In your campaign literature and on your website, the first two items you promised to focus on if elected were “strengthening and improving our education system” and “attracting jobs and businesses to the district.”

I have a suggestion on how to immediately begin fulfilling these campaign pledges. You need to be a force in legislation that approves sports wagering in the state of Missouri. More importantly, you should drive the effort to insure north St. Louis and your 84th District is home to a legal wagering facility.

Several bills will be filed soon that could bring sports wagering to Missouri – the key for St. Louis is to make the best deal for itself. The word is that the Missouri Lottery folks want the entire deal to be run through its auspices. Personally, I think the Missouri Lottery would foul up

the deal. Where were its leaders when other states were making their respective moves? This entity is catching the wave, not helping create one. If the money generated through sports wagering is destined for the state’s public school systems, the Missouri Lottery does not need to be included. However, this would be your and fellow legislators’ decision. Remember this, the SLPS district continues to make improvement, but we both know it still has a way to go. It, like many school districts, desperately needs more financial resources.

Sports wagering is already proving to be a financial winner for the states that were quick to embrace it. Nevada has had it for decades.

New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island are now cashing in. Missouri should be No. 8. New Jersey, the first state to take advantage of the Supreme Court ruling allowing states to adopt sports betting saw more then $250 million wagered in September.

Delaware, a state much smaller than Missouri, is looking at almost a million dollars a month in wagering during football season.

If the bettor loses, the entire amount wagered is collected by the state and it is taxable. If the bettor wins, there is still tax

on the winnings and a service charge could be taxable. The house wins. Thus, Missouri should be the house.

Chip, you’re old enough to remember this: “Mo money, mo money, mo money.”

Missouri doesn’t have time to wait, Chip. The Kansas City Star reported this week that “Kansas lawmakers will get a crash course in sports gambling this week as they consider how to capitalize on … it.”

Kansas Democratic Gov.elect Laura Kelly said during her campaign she supports the idea. Kansas budget officials estimate that sports wagering would have created $75 million in taxable income in 2018.

Unfortunately, Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons seems chilly to the idea although he said he would not oppose the effort. The door is open for progressive thinking legislators like yourself to usher Missouri into the present – the future is here.

How long do you think it will be before Illinois Democratic Gov.-elect J.B.

Pritzker has his state reaping the dollars that sports wagering would bring? It’s not a question of if, it’s when.

During his campaign he said sports betting “was an important thing to consider” when it comes to getting the state’s budget out of the red and increasing education funding. Importantly, he also said local control is essential. The communities that want legalized gambling should be able to have it.

Several of the seven states that have legalized wagering allow it in bars and restaurants. Why can’t there be a home in north St. Louis’ 84th District? There is no reason that it can’t.

This could bring new business – or bolster existing ones – and create jobs and revenue for your district. This was Promise No. 2 during your campaign and you can make it happen through sports wagering.

Republican state representatives are taking the lead in sports wagering legislation here and in Kansas. Do they have urban areas’ best interest at heart?

This state needs a progressive, African-American legislator to quickly get involved and make sure St. Louis gets its fair share of sports wagering dollars.

My guess is that other black elected officials will read this letter, but make sure you share it with them if they don’t.

This isn’t a gamble, Chip. It’s a winner and you should be an important part of Missouri’s effort to get the job done.

Never too late to ask

To high-five celebrations and jubilance, the St. Louis

Board of Aldermen passed a package of tax incentives for construction of a downtown soccer stadium in the legitimate effort to attract a MLS franchise to the region by a 26-2 vote.

While the prospective owners and area fans await the MLS expansion decision, now is the time for the city to ask a few pertinent questions of the MLS.

Just how solvent is the MLS? What is its future five, 10 and 15 years down the road?

Does the MLS business model include adding new franchises every few years to acquire expansion fees that then balance the MLS books?

Why would a franchise such as Columbus’ struggle financially when it had enormous fan support?

Does the MLS insist on minority participation on construction jobs and employment once the stadium is operational? I realize the city can set its own goals, but maybe the MLS’ are more stringent – or maybe they have none. It’s worth finding out.

A Chief fool

Kareem means “generous, giving” in Arabic. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deserves to carry this name. Kareem Hunt certainly does not.

Hunt was caught on a Cleveland hotel security video pushing a woman in the face, knocking one of his posse into the woman and sending

her sprawling to the floor and then kicking her when she was down.

The Kansas City Chiefs released him. He cleared waivers on Saturday. He could be signed by any team in the NFL today. The NFL knew of the incident but inexplicably did not interview Hunt, the woman or witnesses. When the video was released by TMZ, Hunt was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list. Reports are that some owners are “livid” with Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision not to pursue action against Hunt last February when the incident occurred.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is certainly one of them. Ezekiel Elliott should demand an explanation, as well. He served a six-game suspension based on an alleged victim’s testimony – and no video evidence. Hunt will play again in the NFL. It won’t be until late next season or in 2020. Shameful.

The Reid roundup If the St. Louis Cardinals need Nelly to attract freeagent Bryce Harper to town, the cause is lost … Ladue 48, MICDS 11 in the Class 4 football state championship. I’m told it could have been worse, but the Rams let up … The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognizes the achievement of former St. Louis Cardinal and San Diego Chargers coach Don Coryell and “Air Coryell” at www.profootballhof.com/news/air-coryell1. Yet, Coryell has yet to be enshrined. Once again, the voters have continued to snub a deserving candidate. Hopefully, this changes in February during Super Bowl weekend … One reason the Missouri Tigers continue to have trouble filling their stadium is because many fans still long to see Big 8 opponents. The Liberty Bowl in Memphis featuring the Tigers against Oklahoma State will be a rocking affair … Look, I want to see UCF take its 25-game unbeaten streak on the road to Alabama in the first game of an eight-team college playoff – especially if star quarterback and emotional leader McKenzie Milton had not been lost to injury … If there was an eight-team battle the other first-round games (at the higher seed’s home) it would be Michigan at Clemson, Ohio State at Notre Dame and Georgia at Oklahoma. This would be fantastic!

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

WIley “Chip” Price is the incoming Democratic state representative for the 84th District.

Photo by Wiley Price

PREP

Continued from C7

ing for a state record 289 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown on a 71-yard sprint in the second half. Williams finished the season with 2,035 yards rushing, 727 yards receiving and 40 touchdowns.

• Senior Percy Mitchell of Vianney rushed for 190 yards and scored three touchdowns in the state finals. Mitchell finished the season with 1,849 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns.

• Senior Marcus Washington of Trinity had three receptions for 104 yards and three touchdowns in the victory over Cardinal Ritter.

• Running back Reggie Love of Trinity rushed for 203 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown in the victory over Cardinal Ritter.

• Quarterback Isaiah Williams of Trinity passed for 175 yards and four touchdowns in the victory over Cardinal Ritter.

• Senior Jameson Williams of Cardinal Ritter closed out his great football career with six receptions for 140 yards and a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Trinity.

Senior Andrew Hunt of Ladue rushed for 154 yards on 26 carries and scored two touchdowns, plus added an interception, in the victory over MICDS.

• Quarterback Henry McIntosh of Ladue threw for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the victory over MICDS.

McCluer North wins Troy Tournament Championship

The McCluer North Stars won the championship of the People’s Bank and Trust Tournament last week in Troy, Mo.

defeated top-ranked Columbia

68-63 in the semifinals and Francis

in the championship

off in the ring. The ringside judges couldn’t agree on a victor either as the fight was declared a draw.

Alejandro Rochin scored the bout 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper scored the fight 114-112 for Fury and Phil Edwards scored it even at 113-113.

As always happens in competitive fights, a faction of fight fans screamed “robbery.” They felt Wilder, the American, received some home cooking over his British opponent on U.S. soil. That idea defies that Edwards, the judge who scored the bout even, is

also British. It also defies that fact that many of the earlier rounds of the fight were extremely close as neither fighter landed many punches. In fact, during the first eight rounds of the fight, only one round (Round 3) featured a difference of more than two landed punches between the two fighters. And in only four rounds of the fight, did either boxer land at least 10 punches. That means there were a bunch of rounds where the total punches landed was 7-5, 4-6, 3-5, etc. Fury was superior from a technical aspect but Wilder landed the harder and more impactful punches. I scored the bout 113-113; seven rounds-to-five for Fury with the extra point from the two knock-

downs evening things out.

Ridiculous outrage aside, Saturday’s fight was a phenomenal event. It proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that the heavyweight division is back! Despite several (contrived) shoving matches during the promotional tour, after the bout, the two combatants embraced and heaped praises upon each other. The hype, controversy and excitement of the first fight means the rematch clause will likely be activated immediately.

“I’m willing and ready to give Fury the opportunity ASAP. It’s only right to give Fury a rematch as soon as possible,” Wilder told reporters on a teleconference, according to ESPN. “I’m ready whenever he’s ready to do it. I’m ready to

give the fans what they want to see and end this talk once and for all.” Fury has yet to commit to an immediate rematch, but the man certainly deserves time to rest, relax and take some time to make a decision. An immediately rematch seems to be a slam dunk considering

the goodwill between the two fighters, the praise Fury gave to his opponent and the lucrative paydays that will be created by the spectacular first fight. Before this bout, I questioned the PPV-worthiness of the event. After the brilliant performance by the two combatants, dropping PPV bread on

Ishmael and In the Clutch on

Also, subscribe to The St. Louis American’s YouTube page to watch weekly sports videos with Ishmael and Melvin Moore.

The ST. LouiS AmericAn AreA coLLege AThLeTeS of The Week

The senior wide receiver closed out his brilliant career in style as the Titans won the Class 3 state championship last Saturday in Columbia. Washington caught three passes for 104 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Titans’ 45-19 victory over Cardinal Ritter. His touchdown receptions were from 34, 34 and 39 yards.

For the season, Washington caught

35 passes for 638 yards and 13 touchdowns. He recently gave a commitment to the University of Texas, where he will begin his collegiate football career in the fall. Washington was also selected to play in the American Family Insurance Under Armour AllAmerican Football Game, which will be held on January 3 in Orlando, Florida.

Jeramy

Shaw Valley Park – Basketball

The senior guard had an explosive weekend as he led the Hawks to a 2-1 record and a runner-up finish at the Valley Park Tournament.

The 6’4” Shaw averaged 34 points, 17 rebounds and four assists during the three-day tournament. His best performance came in the semifinals against Brentwood where he had 44

points, 20 rebounds and five steals in a 64-63 victory. In the championship game against Orchard Farm, Shaw had 33 points, 16 rebounds and four assists. A four-year starter at Valley Park, Shaw averaged 22.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.2 steals a game as a junior in leading the Hawks to an 18-7 record.

The Stars

Rock Bridge

Howell 70-62

game. The team members are (in alphabetical order): A’Tavian Butler, Isaiah Carpenter, Aaron Daniels, Leonard Davie, Patrick Evans, Quentin Hall, Steve Lee, Sylvon Mosley, Jermond Mosley II, Marlon Owens, Lamarie Pigram, Mekai Ray, and AJ Traylor. The head coach of McCluer North is Trevor Laney, assisted by Gold Wise, Steve Lee and Rashad Lindsey.

Color Coded Kids launches partnership with Mastercard

‘Another

STEM opportunity for minority students’

American staff

Color Coded Kids recently launched its partnership with Mastercard St. Louis with a two-hour workshop on Mastercard’s O’Fallon campus. The team hosted 25 students from Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary School of the Jennings School District.

The founder of Color Coded Kids, Shay Gillespie, wants to expose and educate as many children as possible to the computer programming field, regardless of what economic background they come from.

“I believe every child should have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of coding to increase the diversity and inclusivity in the technology field,” Gillespie said.

“That’s the purpose of this organization.” Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary, part of the Jennings School District in North St. Louis County, houses students grades four through six from some of the St. Louis region’s lowest-income communities.

“We are so grateful for this partnership,” Art McCoy, superintendent of the Jennings School District, said after attending the Color Coded Kids workshop. “Each student was empowered, enlightened, and engaged. Each student scholar saw where they could go in life and what great things they can do today and in the future.”

The 25 pre-selected students who participated in the workshop have the

opportunity to be one of 10 awardees of a newly created Mastercard-Color Coded Kids Scholarship. The final 10 students will receive a full Mastercard scholarship for the Color Coded Kids 12-week video game design course. This course teaches students how to create their very own video games.

“It was important for LEAD – Leading Employees of African American Descent, a business resource group at Mastercard – to find a way to create another STEM opportunity for minority students,” said Tracee Green, a consultant in Project Management and Employee Digital Experience at Mastercard.

“We are excited about partnering with Jennings and Color Coded Kids to help to educate more students on the

Color Coded Kids recently launched its partnership with Mastercard St. Louis with a two-hour workshop on Mastercard’s O’Fallon campus.

Financial Focus

By Andre Nelson

How

careers that are available to them outside of what they may normally be exposed to. Having those students onsite with us for our pilot workshop was extremely valued across the board.”

Color Coded Kids was established in 2016, designed for elementary, middle school and high school students to develop, nurture, and create an early interest in the technology sector. This classroom setting focuses on the fundamentals of programming while ensuring the environment is interactive, educational and fun. Its goal is to help kids to develop a love for technology at an early age to ultimately increase the talent pool of qualified candidates in technology-related careers.

For more information, visit https://www.colorcodedkids. com/ or email shay@ colorcodedkids.com.

‘An old time Christmas spirit feeling’

Renowned jazz diva Denise Thimes will host and perform at the 67th annual The Bach Society of Saint Louis Chorus & Orchestra Christmas Candlelight Concert presented on Tuesday, December 11th at Powell Symphony Hall.

‘

You are ready for the game’

Kennedy Holmes sails through to semifinals on ‘The Voice’

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Kennedy Holmes, the 13-year-old 8th grader from John Burroughs, was the second name called during Tuesday night’s results episode of NBC’s “The Voice.” She was voted through to the season 15 semifinals of the hit NBC vocal talent competition. What a shock – said absolutely no one.

The fact that everyone presumed she was safe on the strength of her performance and connection with viewers didn’t stop the Florissant native’s celebrity coach Jennifer Hudson from screaming at the top of her lungs and leaping from her seat with a double fist pump.

contemporary pop music.

“How are you breathing?” host Carson Daly asked Holmes after the performance.

“Oh my gosh, that was amazing! Being 13 and having fun is one thing. Nailing professional choreography like that is a whole other ballgame. You were incredible.”

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis

American

“This is really a huge step that Dr. [A.] Dennis Sparger, who is the conductor of The Bach Society – and Melissa Payton, who is the executive director, took for diversity,” said jazz diva Denise Thimes. “They didn’t have to do this.”

Thimes will serve as host and featured performer for the 67th annual The Bach Society of Saint Louis Chorus & Orchestra Christmas Candlelight Concert presented by Emerson on Tuesday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Powell Symphony Hall.

The concert was hailed as one of the “Top 20 Live Christmas Events in North America” by BBC Music Magazine. In addition to Thimes, this year’s show also will feature Soprano Emily Birsan and baritone Ian Greenlaw open the concert with Mendelssohn’s angelic cantata “Vom Himmel hoch” as well as the St. Louis Children’s Choirs, under the direction of Barbara Berner.

“I think it gives a nice variety for whatever you’re interested in,” Payton told St. Louis Public Radio about the concert back in 2013. “If you’re interested in the classics, you get to hear a little bit of that. But a lot of people really love to come and just hear Christmas carols. And the candlelight processional, where we travel through singing down the aisle – that’s always a special time during the concert that everyone looks forward to.” Sparger agrees.

“This concert was created by our founder in 1951 by our founder and the format still works so well today,” he added. “There are multiple generations of people that come and have been coming for decades to this concert and wouldn’t think of missing it. It’s truly a St. Louis tradition.”

Thimes is thrilled to make her debut as part of the tradition – and that her fan base is onboard to step outside of their box of jazz, R&B, blues and soul and offer their support by attending.

“‘Girl, you are going to be performing with the Bach Society…well then, I’m going to get my tickets,’” Thimes said. “That’s the See CONCERT, C4

Kennedy Holmes, a 13-year-old Florissant native, secured her spot on the semifinals of NBC’s ‘The Voice’ with a choreographed performance of Meghan Trainor’s ‘Me Too.’ With the diversion from her typical ballads, Holmes’ take on the pop tune also introduced viewers to her impressive dance skills.

could let loose and show her age. Holmes has already made her vocal range and ability clear with poised, controlled and stoic performances. But with her latest showing, she proved herself a double threat by working the entire stage –even hopping down in the judging station pit – with some seriously impressive dance moves,

As usual, Holmes blew all the coaches and voters away with her performance of Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too” the night before. But the pop tune, which Holmes performed with a heap of choreography to show off her dance skills, was a departure from her usual format of powerhouse ballads from the divas of See VOICE, C4

Her coach Jennifer Hudson selected the pop track with a pulsating dance beat so the teen

Crooning for Christmas

As the 200-plus elementary students from the Normandy School District filed into the Grandel Theater to catch a morning matinee, I couldn’t help but wonder how these children would connect with Metro Theater Company’s staging of Rachel Rockwell and Michael Mahler’s “Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll

The playbill cover’s illustration of a little black girl with long braids strumming a guitar was cute.

But would director Jamie McKittrick and musical director Lamar Harris be able to give these children – who have been raised almost exclusively on hip-hop – a stage experience that would resonate? Midway into the opening musical sequence the answer was crystal clear. As the supporting players laid out the turn of events that were about to unfold in a medley, the students got so into music they were clapping along to the beat. The unified chorus of hands felt

Velvet voiced Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. and his band helped kick off the Christmas concert season of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Sunday night at Powell Hall. Backed by the symphony, which was under the direction of Kevin McBeth, Odom delivered performed holiday classics, selections from his ‘Simply Christmas’ album and a brief tribute to Nat King Cole. He also blessed the crowd with two songs from the musical ‘Hamilton.’ Odom was an original Broadway cast member of the cultural phenomenon – and won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Aaron Burr. For a full review and additional photos, visit www.stlamerican.com

as if it was another instrument within the rock band.

But when Sankofa B. Soleil scooted across the stage as Alice, followed by her onstage sister Alicia Reve Like, there was an audible gasp. The entire group leaned forward in their seats to get a closer look at the women. The simple, instinctive gestures were an illustration of the power of representation. These women looked like them. Seeing a reflection of themselves made the students all the more eager to engage with the story unfolding on stage.

With “Wonderland,” – which is geared towards young audiences – McKittrick, Harris, the band and ensemble of players present an exciting production that is musical theater anarchy in the best way imaginable. It’s billed as a rock show, but in its defiance of the traditional roles and norms of musicals, punk rock would be more of a proper description of this production. The artistic defiance becomes apparent when Soleil emerges as Alice. Instead of a shiny, synthetic wig, she comes onstage with her natural cropped fade – and without a hint of the

C4

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

holiday haps

Thur., Dec. 6, 7 p.m., A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. stifeltheatre.com.

Dec. 6 – 9, Fox Theatre presents A Christmas Carol Dickens’ classic tale follows Mr. Scrooge as he learns the values of brotherhood and unselfishness. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Dec. 7 – 9, Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Ambassadors of Harmony: Sounds of the Season. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Sat., Dec. 8, 9 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter presents Breakfast with Santa. Free pancake breakfast and Christmas presents for all children. Innovative Concept Academy, 1927 Cass Ave., 63107. For more information, visit www.dst-sla.org.

Sat., Dec. 8, 10 a.m., Foundry Arts Center presents Santa’s Workshop. 520 N. Main Center, 63301. For more information, visit www.foundryartcentre.org.

Sat., Dec. 8, 5 p.m., Northside Seventh-Day Adventist Church presents Rejoice, How Great Our Joy. A Christmas musical Feat. Angelo “Sax” Shaw and Michael Green. 9001 Lucas & Hunt Rd., 63138. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., Gift Chronicles V feat. God’s Chosen, Dello Thedford, and Anita W. Stevens Central Baptist Church, 2842 Washington Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit

www.facebook.com.

Sun., Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m., Holiday Jazz feat. Brian Owens and the Adam Maness Trio. Special performance by Chancellor Thomas F. George. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.umslalumni.org.

Sun., Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m., Allusion Entertainment Productions presents A Duke Ellington Tribute: Take the Holiday Train. Performances by Andrew Bethany, Anita Jackson, Gregg Haynes, and more. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Dec. 7 – 9, Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Ambassadors of Harmony: Sounds of the Season. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

December 9, 4 PM, The Voices of St. Alphonsus present their Annual Christmas Concert featuring the North City Deanery Choir, St. Matthews Angels of Harmony, Liturgical Leaders in Motions praise dancers and Carolyn Yandell as MC. St. Alphonsus Liguori ‘Rock’ Church 1118 North Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information visit www.stalphonsusrock.org

Sun., Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m., Holiday Jazz feat. Brian Owens and the Adam Maness Trio. Special performance by Chancellor Thomas F. George. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.umslalumni.org.

Sun., Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m., Allusion Entertainment Productions presents A Duke Ellington Tribute: Take the Holiday Train. Performances by Andrew Bethany, Anita Jackson, Gregg Haynes, and more. The Ambassador, 9800

The Guide

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Enterprise Center welcomes The Original Harlem Globetrotters. Enterprise Center. See SPECIAL EVENTS for details.

Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Tues., Dec. 11, 9:30 p.m., Bach Society of St. Louis presents Christmas Candlelight Concert Special guests include The St. Louis Children’s Choirs and legendary jazz singer Denise Thimes. Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd., 63013. For more information, visit www. bachsociety.org.

Dec. 13 – 16, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. stifeltheatre.com.

Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Kirk Whalum presents the 7th Annual A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas Performances by Sheila E, John Stoddart, Brian Owens and more. Friendly Temple Church, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. friendlytemple.org.

Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Smino’s 3rd Annual Kribmas concert, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar.

For more information visit www.thepageant.com

Sat., Dec. 15, 10 a.m., Better Family Life Kwanzaa Holiday Expo. Enjoy purchasing hand crafted goods, performances, lectures and discussion panels, a children’s village, and more. 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Dec. 14 – 15, Gateway Men’s Chorus presents ‘Twas The Night. Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.gmcstl. org.

Sat., Dec. 15, 1p.m., 2018 Saint Louis Healthcare Community Choir Concert. Donations of winter hats, scarves, and gloves are requested for donation to St. Louis Transitional Hope House. Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School, 1004 N. Jefferson, 63106. For more information, call (314) 446-6454.

Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m., Broken but Recovered invites you to

Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slso. org.

concerts

Thur., Dec. 13, 6 p.m., Rockhouse Ent. presents Lover’s Winter Fest with Dru Hill, Silk and Troop. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Thur., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., Live Nation presents Justin Timberlake: The Man of the Woods Tour. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter. com.

special events

Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 7 p.m., The Original Harlem Globetrotters. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter. com.

Hope for the Holidays. St. Louis Skatium, 120 E. Catalan, 63111. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Dec. 16, 3 p.m., CHRISTmas Concert. Newstead Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 4370 N. Market St., 63113. For more information, call (314) 3714436.

Sun., Dec. 16, 5 p.m., 2JO’s and FOYO Entertainment present A Motown Christmas Tribute. Feat. Enkore. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 496-9358 or (314) 680-9539.

Thur., Dec. 20, Metro Boomin Christmas Giveaway for Single Mothers. Join us for refreshments and giveaways. Greater Bethlehem Church, 4005 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 4849984.

Dec. 21 – 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents the Mercy Holiday Celebration. Enjoy festive sounds of the season with the SLSO and Santa Claus. 718 N.

Sat., Dec. 8, 11 a.m., 2018 Double Dutch Showcase. Gather a team of 3-5 people and participate in this showcase. Wohl Rec Center, 1515 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63113. For more information, call (314) 286-0527.

Sun., Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Edwardsville Collinsville Alumni Chapter 2018 Black & White Gala. Four Points, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL. 62208. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tues., Dec. 11, 11 a.m., National Career Fair’s St. Louis Career Fair. Participating employers include New York Life, AAA, Spectrum, Fresenius Medical Care, and more. Doubletree Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information or to register, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m., Urban League St. Louis 6th Annual Whitney M. Young Society Reception. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.ulstl.com.

Thur., Dec. 13, 6 p.m., Experience The Mission. Join

the Red Cross and learn how easy and little time it takes to have such an enormous impact on your local community.

10195 Corporate Square Dr., 63132. For more information, call (314) 281-7968.

Sat., Dec. 15, 11 a.m., 9th

Annual NAACP St. Louis County Soulful Jazz Brunch

Extravaganza. Enjoy a fashion show, silent auction, bazaar, and more. Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, 191 West Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 15, 11 a.m., Sheer Elegance No. 30. A fashion show and featuring “Project Runway” alumni, celebrity escorts, door prizes, and more. Proceeds benefit MathewsDickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63115. For more information, visit www.mathews-dickey. com.

Sat., Dec. 15, 11 a.m., 9th

Annual NAACP St. Louis County Soulful Jazz Brunch Extravaganza. Enjoy a fashion show, silent auction, bazaar, and more. Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, 191 West Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Dec. 15 – 16, 5:30

p.m.,JoliMel Women’s Fashion Show. JoliMel’s first showing of her Afro-American clothing designs, inspired by her life in Ivory Coast and America. St. Louis Photo Authority, 858 Hodiamont Ave., 63112. For more information, call (714) 9103738.

Thur., Dec. 20, Metro Boomin Christmas Giveaway for Single Mothers. Join us for refreshments and giveaways. Greater Bethlehem Church, 4005 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 4849984.

literary

Wed., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Andrew Delbanco, author of The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America’s Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www.slcl. org.

Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Dani Skye LLC presents Smokin Da Mic with special guest Cassius The Poet, Medici Media Space, 2055 Walton Rd.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

For more information, email daniskye1980@yahoo.com

comedy

Dec. 27 – 29, Helium Comedy Club presents Nicole Byer 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117. For more information, visit www.heliumcomedy.com.

Sat., Dec. 29, 8 p.m., New Year’s Weekend Comedy Festival. Feat. Mike Epps, Sommore, DC Young Fly, Guy Torry, and Mark Curry. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

theatre

Through December 30, Metro Theater Company presents Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure 7-1/2-year-old Alice chases through Wonderland in search of her own inner musical voice. Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For

more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Dec. 6 – 15, Black Mirror Theatre presents Of Human Kindness - An Evening of Short Plays. Stories include Letters From Mom and Dad, Ravensbruck, and Etchings Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. blackmirrortheatre.com.

Dec. 7 – 9, Gateway Center for Performing Arts presents The Music Man. Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, 3125 S. Kinshighway Blvd., 63139. For more information, visit www.gcpastl.org.

Dec. 11 – 16, Fox Theatre presents Les Miserables. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Dec. 14 – 23, Tesseract Theatre presents Facing Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 14 – 16, COCA presents The Little Dancer. The tale of the famous sculpture, The Little Dancer of 14 Years, as it comes to life and discovers the world in magical ways. Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.cocastl. org.

Through February 10, Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis,

Saint Louis Art Museum. One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 721-0072 or visit http://www.slam.org/ exhibitions/kehinde-wiley. php

lectures and workshops

Thur., Dec. 13, 2 p.m., St. Louis Public Library’s Grants & Foundation Center presents Financial

Management Basics for Nonprofits. CPA managers present best practices for financial statements and overseeing budgeting. 1301 Olive Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slpl. org.

Sat., Dec. 15, 10 a.m., 3rd Annual Lead in High Heels: A Women in Leadership Workshop. Hear from guest speakers and learn your personal brand and leadership strengths. One US Bank Plaza, 505 N. 7th St., 63101. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Tues., Dec. 18, 5 p.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business Center presents a Legal Clinic. Meet with an attorney from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri to discuss business related questions. 2125 Bissell St., 63107. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Wed., Dec. 19, 1 p.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business Center presents Office Hours with a Banker. Sign up for a 30-minute session with a banker. Discuss business/ personal finance questions and concerns. 2125 Bissell St., 63107. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

spiritual

Sun., Dec. 16, 3 p.m., Oh Jesus: An Abstract Worship Experience Enjoy dance, spoken word, lifted voices, and dramatic presentations. Barak Christian Church, 7370 N Hanley Rd., 63042. For more information, visit www. barakchristianchurch.org.

Nov. 16, Widows starring Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo ope

The Pageant welcomes Smino’s 3rd Annual Kribmas concert. For more information, see HOLIDAY HAPS. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

including an impeccably executed moonwalk.

“I love that you can sing a ballad and I love that you can nail a song like a professional,” Kelly Clarkson said. “But you’re 13, and it’s awesome to see you being your age and doing something fun as well.”

Holmes – who was labeled a leading contender to win the hit NBC vocal competition show from her first appearance during the blind auditions for the 15th season opener – made it through to the top ten with a steady stream of pop and R&B ballads. But Monday night she showed another side for fans to love.

“If that was being 13, then I sucked at being 13,” celebrity coach Adam Levine said.

“That’s crazy that you can dance like that. A lot of times people are put in the position where they are dancing with people, but they can’t necessarily dance. But you can move. That’s a strength that we really didn’t know much about until this moment.”

Just as she has done from the very beginning, Holmes left her own coach beaming with pride as one of two performers representing for “Team J-Hud.” And now she’ll join seven other contests vying for a chance at being crowned the winner of the hit vocal competition’s 15th season.

“You never disappoint,” Hudson said following the performance. “I don’t even know what to say to you. I’m

response I’ve been getting. I have been so pleased and somewhat overwhelmed.”

The minister of music at her home church of New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist – a classically trained composer and professor of music – had some encouraging words when she heard Thimes was a part of this year’s program.

“Dr. Anita Watkins Stevens saw me at church on Sunday and said, “‘Okay, Bach Society…that’s huge,’” Thimes said.

“Once you think you have taken all of your giant steps, God puts another giant step in your life, in your career and in your musical moment. This is another musical moment that I can say ‘thank you’ to my God – and thank you to the powers that be at The Bach Society for thinking enough of me to say, ‘we want to do this with you.’” Thimes attended last year’s concert and is over-the-moon that she and her musical director Adaron “Pops” Jackson will be a part of the experience for 2018.

just so proud and I enjoyed watching every single thing that you just did on that stage. You are ready for the game – I don’t care if you are 12 or 13.” NBC’s The Voice airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. CST on NBC. For more information, visit https://www. nbc.com/the-voice.

WONDER

into the score.

the painstaking process of dyeing themselves to please the queen. There are also lessons of the true meaning of leadership that Alice learns by witnessing what happens when authority is abused.

“You know that feeling you got as a child when you got everything on your Christmas list? That’s how this concert will make you feel.”

The 67th annual The Bach Society of Saint Louis Chorus & Orchestra Christmas Candlelight Concert presented by Emerson and featuring Denise Thimes will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11 at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.powellhall.com or through the Powell Hall box office: 314-534-1700.

“It’s an old time Christmas spirit feeling,” Thimes said. “When that snow was coming down Tuesday and I was in my car singing ‘Sleigh bells ring –are you listening?’ That’s also what I felt at the show last year.

standard layers of stage makeup that accompany the hair and make the actor portraying the character barely recognizable. Bare face, short hair and a nose ring, Soleil is the last Alice anyone who grew up on Lewis Carroll’s 1865 children’s fantasy. Despite countless variations over the past 150-plus years, a dainty blonde Alice in her white stockings is what instantly comes to mind.

Continued from C1 n “Wonderland” is a story of selfacceptance and selflessness and embracing the journey while in the moment.

For “Wonderland” Alice has combat boots instead of shiny patent leather – and her dress is transformed into a denim romper for the life-altering trip (literally and figuratively) she embarks on over the course of the 85-minute production.

“Wonderland” is a story of self-acceptance and selflessness and embracing the journey while in the moment. “You can’t subtract the past and add the future if the answer is the present,” the Cheshire Cat (played by Patrick Blindauer) tells Alice. Another compelling scene within “Wonderland” happens when it is revealed that the red roses were really white roses who went through

With an electric guitar strapped to her back, Alice maneuvers her way through the mystical “Wonderland” by trusting her instincts, admin-

istering the lessons that she didn’t know were preparing her for life and conquering her fears.

As the play carries on, the rule-breaking continues. Band members who transition themselves in and out of the play by hopping down from their station to take part in the show. It is billed as a “Rock & Roll Adventure,” but Harris liberally incorporates elements of soul, R&B, house, funk and hip-hop

Diversity and inclusion also seemed to be top of mind for the production with respect to both race and gender norms. When Omega Jones, a male, emerges as the “The Red Queen” after nearly an hour of singing counter tenor – he brilliantly captured the essence of the role by presenting a true diva. With his bright red fire crown and matching lipstick, he was an instant favorite of the young audience.

The students danced in their seats after the music was over as they waited to be ushered to their buses.

Their connection to the play – and the music reminded me of the words Sacha Jenkins of the band 1865 used to describe his experience as part of the punk rock scene.

“When you are black, you are punk rock all the time,” Jenkins said. “Not only is rock and roll native to people myself, it’s almost like my birthright.”

Metro Theater Company’s presentation of “Wonderland” Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure” continues through December 30 at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square. For more information, visit www.metroplays.org or call (314) 932-7414.

or

Holmes

Metro Theater Company’s “Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure” is playing at The Grandel Theatre through December 30.

Celebrations

Nuptials

On November 11, Timothy Wilson Jr. and Tynnetta Lee became one in a timeless, beautiful ceremony. They said their “I do’s” in front of 250 family members, friends and their two beautiful children Aiden (age four) and Aiyanna (two months).

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Class of 1971 is holding a happy hour “Road to 50” Kick-off and 50/50 Raffle fundraiser on Friday, December 7, 2018. It will

be held at Déjà Vu ll, 2805 Target Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63136 from 5:30-7:30 pm. All classes are invited to attend. For more information, send email to Gladys Smith at beaumontalumni1971@aol. com.

Northwest Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and would love for you to join us! Date to sail is set for July 20, 2019 and you can feel free to contact: Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further

information. Please don’t miss the boat!

Soldan Class of 1979 is planning its 40th year reunion for the weekend of August 2-3, 2019. Yearlong reunion activities will begin with a kickoff at Soldan High School Homecoming on Saturday, October 13, 2018 prior to the game at 1 p.m. For more information or to assist with reunion activities, please email at: soldanclassof1979@gmail. com or call Barbara at 314 456-3391. Sumner Class of 1976

Anniversaries

On November 29, Bishop Alton Davis Jr. and First Lady Michelle Davis Founder and Pastors of True Redemption Center Church (TRC) celebrated their 32nd Wedding Anniversary! We thank God for this awesome blessed couple, Thank you for your kindness, support, teachings, and mostly the love of God in your hearts and everyday lives. Bishop and First Lady Davis we salute you! Love, your TRC Family and Friends

Annual Christmas Party, Friday, December 21, 2018, 7pm @ DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr., 63136. 2 for 1 Drink Specials (5:307:30pm), free parking, band performs from 7:30 - 9:30pm. no cover charge; classmates and guest each pays $5 for the catered food, served during intermission, whether you partake of it or not. Limited reserved seating available until 10 pm. (Doors open 5 pm/ close 1 am) For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843. Sumner Class Of 1969 50th

Congratulations to John and Portia Simpson as they celebrate 54 years of marriage on December 12.

reunion “Living Life Like It’s Golden” June 28-30, 2019. Looking for classmates of 1969 to contact us with your updated information via address:sumnerclass1969@ gmail.com or our FB page: Sumner High.

Sumner Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact information to sumner1979@ ymail.com or call 314-4064309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79.

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

Our email address is: reunions@stlamerican.com

Yes for Yo Gotti. I made my way to the Branded Mogul and RockHouse Ent. presentation of Yo Gotti Sunday night and like most St. Louisans, I have a special place in my heart for him, but even if I were being partial, I would say the concert was a win. I know a few of y’all felt like the show should have started earlier, but I was happy with 10 p.m. because I was able to make an event and two concerts and not miss a beat. Hot 104.1 FM held down the stage in the meantime and the folks didn’t even seem bothered. By the time they got a little antsy, Gotti was hitting the stage. As per usual, I was not the least bit mad at his show. He did most of my jams. I was satisfied, but can somebody please explain the need for your cousins to stand on the chairs and the tables? Even when it’s packed, there is not a bad seat in the house at The Pageant. Even if you were trying get a clear shot of Gotti for your social media, you could have done it without almost breaking your neck – and obstructing everybody’s view. I know it was packed, but it was still possible. Y’all worked security and the Pageant employees’ nerves with that – well, except for the one that was the most unlikely Gotti fan I’ve ever seen. He was about 55 and looked like he wore khaki shorts and Sperry shoes when he wasn’t in their red shirt uniform. But when the beat dropped and Gotti hit the stage, that elderly man of the general population persuasion got his whole life for the entire set. When he started rapping all the words to “It Goes Down in the DM,” while looking like Steve Martin’s younger brother, it almost took me to glory.

Founders Day fun with the Alphas. Saturday night, me and just about everybody else in this city kicked it with the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha for their Founder’s Day turnup. AKAs, Ques and Deltas were deep in there as well. It felt like a college homecoming after-set and the strolls were in abundance. Listen, did y’all know that the Deltas here have a special strut to Juvenile’s “Back That Thang Up,” that is absolutely everything? If I start to name all the folks I know who were in the building, I’m sure that I will leave somebody off. Just know that it was the who’s who of the Lou.

A roll bounce birthday. Saturday night I made my way to Skate King to poke my head in for a special party for Kisha and Dee Dee. I felt like I had been transported back to 1987. I couldn’t skate then either, so I didn’t lace up. I would probably need a hip replacement if I took one of those hard hits when trying to be cute and skate with a bit of style when I knew I couldn’t even skate backwards. That old Woolworth’s got plenty of my coins in the name of my recovery – mainly IcyHot. But back to 2018. That skate party was life! I forgot how much fun it was even to watch the folks who actually can make it around the rink without holding their arms out like Frankenstein when they skate. They were getting it with all sorts of different skate styles. There was this one gentleman who had me ready to be the only adult in a kids’ beginners lesson or two, so I can learn to move like he does before my arthritis kicks all the way in. Kisha never gets it wrong with her fashion choices –and Saturday night was no exception with her army green Adidas get up. I ran into a couple of folks I envy on the fashion tip, including makeup artist Scotti, who stays slaying!

Doubling back to big-up a brunch. I know it was last week, but I didn’t have room for it and I feel like the #IssaBrunch set Sunday at Shisha deserves a nod. I tell you I absolutely have never seen folks so lit while gathering in the name of midday breakfast food. What did y’all put in the mimosas – Hennessy? Anyway, it was gloriously crunk and all wouldn’t have been well with my soul if I didn’t show them love. Midnight Breakfast with Santa and sorors. Since I’m already speaking on sororities and morning meals, I might as well hip y’all to the Monday night turnup that took place inside the Harris-Stowe State University Cafeteria thanks to the lovely ladies of the Omicron Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Their 2nd Annual Midnight Breakfast is designed to give students studying for finals a couple of hours to break the monotony of the books. It is the turnup of all turnups as the folks eat, fellowship, frat/sorority stroll and drop it like its hot. And just when I was shaking my head at them twerking like their grade depended it on it to 2 Chainz, they turned around and had a praise party to Kirk Franklin. It was the cutest of events that also included selfies with Santa – and because the ladies of OTO show up ready to work their events, I didn’t feel like the auntie chaperone in the café full of college students. Oh, and let me mention that the OTO gave away two book stipend scholarships to cap off the night. And shout to the ladies of their most recent line, who were in the building celebrating their first AKAversary.

Stone Soul. Listen, I know he’s not most of y’all’s cup of tea, but I have to tell you about the life that was given by blue-eyed soul singer Allen Stone Tuesday night at Delmar Hall. He might not look like he fits the St. Louis American reader demographic, but baby when he got to playing and singing, you could not tell me that folks wouldn’t have been into it the same way that we invite Adele and Justin Timberlake to our proverbial cookout. He dresses like a skateboarding beach bum, but he might as well have on a shiny 70s leisure suit when he opens his mouth. I knew he could throw down from when I saw him at The Ready Room, but he brought that heat at Delmar Hall. It’s to the point where I’m giving him Bobby Caldwell and Michael McDonald props up in here by the way he threw down on that stage. And it was so packed up in there that I didn’t have room enough to put my hand on my hip and wave the other one forward while shouting “You betta saing.” I tried it once and accidentally elbowed one neighbor and popped the other in the back of the head. He’ll definitely have to come to the Pageant when he makes his way back to town.

The lovely Omicron Theta Omega AKAs encouraged Harris-Stowe State University students to power through finals with their 2nd Midnight Breakfast

Redd, Diamond, Mai Lee and Mel came through to show love to rap vixen Tiffany Foxx @ her annual Black Friday party @ The Marquee

Shoni, Fareda, Mena Darre and Dawn @ Exodus Gallery for Mena’s The Seasons of Melanin Photography Exhibition Sunday evening

The Alphas were deep in the building for their Founder’s Day party Saturday night @ Dos Salas

Kappa Alpha Psi was in the house The 2nd Annual Midnight Breakfast sponsored by the Omicron Theta Omega Chapter of AKA Monday night @ Harris-Stowe

Delta divas Ana and Chesley came through to help the men of Alpha Phi Alpha celebrate their Founder’s Day Saturday night @ Dos Salas

Allecia, Shannon and Allana @ Mena Darre’s The Seasons of Melanin Photography Exhibition Sunday evening @ Exodus Gallery

Porcha and Jay were just a couple of the beauties checking out Yo Gotti Sunday night @ The Pageant

Brandon and April were among the stylish guests who stopped by Exodus Gallery on Sunday for Mena’s The Seasons of Melanin Photography Exhibition

Kisha and Dee Dee celebrated their birthdays old school style with a skate party Saturday night @ Skate King

Hot 104.1 FM’s T-Marley with Memphis rap star Yo Gotti before he hit the stage Sunday December 2 for a concert presented by Branded Mogul and RockHouse Ent. A rap veteran with 20 plus years under his bel in the industry, Gotti has a strong St. Louis following and calls our city his second home.

Photo by Christopher Hawkins

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Webster University is seeking a Public Safety Officer in the Department of Public Safety. Please visit our website at https:// webster.peopleadmin.com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

The City of Jennings is seeking applications for Public Works. Duties include maintenance and repair of streets, snow plowing, maintenance to public buildings and facilities.

Applicants must have a current driver’s license and be able

with some evenings or weekends. Starting salary without a CDL/B license $28,401.00 (W-4). Starting salary with a CDL/B license $29,666.00 (W-5)

Applicants must have a current valid driver license. Applications are available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave. or at www.cityofjennings.org. NO RESUMES ACCEPTED WITHOUT COMPLETION OF OUR APPLICATION! Completed applications may be mailed, emailed to jobs@cityofjennings.org, or faxed to 314388-3999. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday November 27, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. CST.

ENTERPRISE PROGRAM MANAGER

Senior level professional position which contributes to the accomplishment of project/ program management practices and objectives that will achieve business goals and objectives. Works without immediate supervision and direction. Leads and mentors others within Program Management. Demonstrates advanced working knowledge and concepts of Information Technology. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/.

MISSOURI HISTORICALSOCIETY NEW OPENINGS!

Missouri Historical Society has position openings for the following:

Please visit www.mohistory.org under the “Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply. An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB POSTING

with

of

Sciences and blends the

Logan College of Chiropractic is one of the largest and most respected chiropractic colleges in North America. Through the College of Health Sciences, Logan offers master’s degrees in sports science and rehabilitation, and nutrition and human performance that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of North Central. Other program offerings include undergraduate coursework including an Accelerated Science Program to help students complete their basic science coursework at an accelerated pace, offered in both online and on-campus formats, and two baccalaureate degrees- A Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Science.

Learn more about this position at Logan University, please visit our website at https://www.logan.edu/about-logan/human-resources-department

Job Title: Faculty

Department: College of Chiropractic

Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Summary: The relationship of faculty to student is one of leader, teacher, adviser, mentor, scholar, and facilitator or learning. As part of this process, the College of Chiropractic faculty is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering highly engaging courses that deliver and assess course outcomes that align with program outcomes using evidence-informed content and pedagogical approaches. In addition to engaging classroom teaching, this highly engaged faculty member will be involved with university service and actively engage in scholarship at the level appropriate to their rank or higher and will demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence that includes an ability to incorporate innovative strategies an integrate technology appropriately into their teaching. Qualifications: To perform

ASSISTANTUNDERWRITINGTECHNICALSUPPORT OPERATIONS

Responsible for assisting in the testing, organizing, documenting of the policy administration system, imaging system, and various software applications, and continually aiding in the assessment and improvement of all Underwriting system support including training end users. Responsible for the preparation of scheduled reports and queries as defined by Underwriting Department Management. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/.

YOUTH

ment primary

offerings - Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Surety Bonds and Large Casualty Insurance - by providing a high performance, detailed orientated, and team first skill set to the department. The Credit Risk Underwriter (CRU) underwrites the financial/credit risk associated with Safety National’s (SN) Large Casualty (LC) insurance products and SN’s Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation (WC) Surety Bond (Bond) products by analyzing the financial/credit risk of these accounts/companies. This credit risk analysis is performed primarily through an extensive evaluation of an account’s financial statements. Once the financial/ credit risk analysis has been completed and properly approved, new or renewal LC/ Bond terms are quoted. Works under general supervision. Applies specific educational knowledge of accounting and/or finance concepts to assigned credit risk tasks. Works in conjunction with exempt personnel to fully complete tasks. May refer more difficult and complex tasks to higher level exempt personnel.To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/.

please

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Webster University is seeking an AdministrativeAssistant to the University Secretary. Please visit our website at https://webster. peopleadmin.com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

EXPLORE

LOUIS ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR

Explore St. Louis is the official destination marketing organization responsible for selling St. Louis City and St. Louis County as a convention and meeting site and as a leisure travel destination. Explore St. Louis

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for a Part Time Site Monitor for the Recreation Department. Duties include: overseeing the activity sites, installation and removal of program equipment, maintaining a safe and clean environment for participants and spectators. Rate of pay is $10.20 per hour.

Applications available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave. or at www.cityofjennings.org.

CST.

- CLAIMS CALLCENTER

Responsible for various support tasks related to: providing phone support for claimants and providers for the Large Casualty unit. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/.

MODULAR CLASSROOM BID ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed bids are requested from qualified Modular Classroom Suppliers for a single 2 classroom unit to the Webster Groves School District Service Center, 3232 S. Brentwood Blvd, Webster Groves, Missouri, 63119.

Bidding documents will be available by December 5th on the Webster Groves School District website at: www.webster.k12.mo.us

“Need to Know” RFQ/RFP Bids are due at the Webster Groves School District Facilities Building, Attention: Mr. Robert Steuber, 3232 South Brentwood Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119, no later than Friday January 4th, 2019 at 1:00 PM. A

63119

or

bids and

appears to be in the best interest of Webster Groves School District.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for OPENENDED CIVIL, STRUCTURAL, SURVEYING, GEOTECHNICAL, ESTIMATING, AND DRAFTING SERVICES AT ST. LOUIS

LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, DECEMBER 12, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room, or call Helen Bryant at 314-589-6214. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Donald Maggi, Inc. is accepting bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on the Salem WWTF Phase 1B Improvements located in Salem MO 65560

Bid Date and Time: December 18 2018 at 1:00 pm Plans and specifications are available for purchase from:

A complete digital set of the bidding documents are available for a non-refundable fee of $100.00 by going to the Engineer website www.archer-elgin.com and clicking on Project Bid Information or by going to QuestCDN at www.questcdn.com and by entering Quest Project #5986207 on the website’s project search page. Please contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or email at info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. Paper specifications and plans are on file for examination at the office of City of Salem, Missouri, 400 North Iron Street, Salem, Missouri 65560 and at the office of the Engineers, Archer-Elgin Engineering, Surveying and Architecture, 310 East 6th Street; Rolla,, Missouri 65401. Paper copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from the Engineer upon payment of a non-refundable sum of $200.00 for each complete set. An additional amount of $50.00 will be charged for mailing of bidding documents. Or may be inspected at our office at 13104 South US Hwy 63, Rolla, Missouri 65401 Our telephone number is 573-364-7733, fax 573-341-5065. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Email: maggiconst@gmail.com Any items than can be emailed will be upon request. Donald Maggi, Inc.

SEALED BIDS for Replace Seawall, Wa l k w a y sand Docks, Thousand Hills State Park, Adair County, Missouri, Project No. X1808-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/20/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS

NO.

SOLICITATION NO. HM 19-03: 419 units

19-04: 460 units La Salle Park, South Side and North Side Scattered Sites Clinton Peabody, Cochran Plaza and King Louis III The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) invites proposals for Property Management Services for two (2) housing clusters at various developments. Offerors can provide proposals for one or both housing clusters. Solicitation documents will be available for pick up at SLHA, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 on Monday, December 10, 2018. Interested firms may request a copy of the RFP by calling 314-286-4365 or e-mailing fbruce@slha.org.

A Pre-Proposal conference is scheduled for Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. in the 1st

Room at the above mentioned address. SLHA will receive sealed proposals for this service until 3:00 p.m. (local time) on January 25, 2019.

Krista S. Peyton Contracting Officer

BIDS

C. Rallo Contacting is seeking bids from Certified MBE/WBE/SDVE contractors for the Medical Science Building – Vivarium Upgrade project at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Bids are due to C. Rallo by 2:00 PM on December 12, 2018. Interested Bidders should call (314)633-9703 to obtain drawings and for more information. FAX all bids to (314)664-2901.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: 3 (Three) New 2019 VACTOR Ramjet Model F850 truck mounted sewer jet cleaners mounted on New 2019 Freightliner Chassis Model 108SD 4x2 SBA chassis. The District is proposing single source procurement to COE Equipment for this purchase because COE Equipment is the exclusive distributor of VACTOR models and parts in the Metro Region. Any inquiries should be sent to ameyer@stlmsd.com. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of First Publication: 12/6/2018

City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) Planning & Urban Design Agency (PDA) Saint Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TTY)

NOTICE FOR CANDIDACY FILING

THE VILLAGE OF HANLEY HILLS CANDIDACY FILING FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF HANLEY HILLS IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018 AT 8:00 A.M. AND WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 AT 5:00 PM

POLLING PLACE: VILLAGE OF HANLEY HILLS, CITY HALL, 7713 UTICA DRIVE, HANLEY HILLS, MO 63133 Election Day: April 2, 2019

CANDIDACY INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM: Dorothy Matthews, Village Clerk/Ofc Mgr

The Village of Hanley Hills City Hall 7713 Utica Drive St. Louis, Missouri 314-725-0909

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 22, 2019, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on December 18, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. in Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis MO 63103.

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

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

carpentry repairs, with kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacements; landscaping, site improvements and parking lot repaving are also included. The anticipated performance period for this project is twelve (12) months.

Solicitation documents will be available for pick up at the St. Louis Housing Authority, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106; Attention Tamara Servick – Sr. Contract Specialist (Phone: 314-286-4360, Fax: 314-289-7360) after 2:00 p.m. (Local Time) on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. There will be a $100.00 non-refundable fee by cashier’s check or money order charged for each set of bid documents.

A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. (Local Time), Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106. A site visit will immediately follow the pre-bid conference at LaSalle Park Apartments, 1001 Hickory Place, St. Louis, MO 63104 to allow prospective bidders to familiarize themselves with the existing conditions. One additional site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2019, and will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. at the site management office located at 1001 Hickory Place, St. Louis, MO 63104.

The St. Louis Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for this project at 3:00 p.m. (Local Time) on Friday, January 18, 2019, at the St. Louis Housing Authority, Board Room A, 1st Floor, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis MO 63106. At which time and place, all qualified bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. All bidders must comply with Section 3 requirements and MBE/WBE requirements. Krista Peyton Contracting Officer AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

for New Fulton State Hospital, Furniture, F i x t u r e s , a n d Equipment, Fulton, Missouri , Project N o . M 1 4 11 - 11 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/27/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, goto: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

On or after 12/14/18, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq., to undertake the following programs comprising part of the City’s 2019 Action Plan, within the City:

For Sale Rehab & New Construction of Housing Program, under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling $3,003,297.00, and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds [Award # M-19-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,000,000.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in the City’s aging housing stock, through an estimated 25 single-family rehabilitation projects, an estimated 20 single-family construction projects, and an estimated 20 multi-family units, at locations to be determined; Healthy Home Repair Program Loan Pool, under CDBG funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 1,500,000.00, and under HOME funds [Award # M-19-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,348,921.00 for the purpose of assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 148 emergency repair projects and an estimated 56 comprehensive repair projects, at locations to be determined; Carondelet Minor Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling $75,000.00, for the purpose of providing minor home repairs to low- to moderate income homeowners, through an estimated 40 small repair projects;

Mission St. Louis Minor Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totalling

$150,000.00, for the purpose of providing minor home repairs for the elderly, through an estimated 50 small repair projects, at locations to be determined;

Harambee Tuckpointing/Youth Training Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling

$100,000.00, for the purpose of providing tuckpointing services to low- to moderate income homeowners, through an estimated 24 projects;

North Newstead Minor Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling

$ 150,000.00, for the purpose of providing home repairs to low- to moderate income senior and disabled homeowners, through an estimated 40 repair projects

UL (Urban League) Minor Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling $150,000.00, for the purpose of providing home repairs to low- to moderate income senior and disabled homeowners, through an estimated 50 repair projects;

Neighborhood Commercial District Managers & Commercial Incentives Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling $ 850,000.00, for the purpose of reviving neighborhood commercial districts, through an estimated 33 façade and exterior improvement projects, at locations to be determined; Business Development Support Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-19-MC-29-0006] totaling $200,000.00, for the purpose of encouraging commercial and industrial development through financial assistance loans to up to 2 businesses, at locations to be determined;

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the City’s PDA, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, by contacting Mark G. Jefferies, PDA, Environmental Review Officer, at (314) 314-657-3874.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Mark G. Jefferies, Environmental Review Officer, PDA, at the address listed above. Comments and questions pertaining to these programs can be directed William Rataj, Acting Executive Director, CDA, at the address listed above. All comments received by 12/13/2018 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Certifying Officer of the City of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson, in her capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use these program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/State; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Renee Ryles, Acting Community Planning & Development Director, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 418-5405. Potential objectors should contact HUD to

description of the work to be done under these contract documents can be found in Section 01 01 00 of Part 5 – Specifications of the Bidding Documents. The work to be done under these contract documents consists of: · Removal and replacement of six (6) sluice gates, associated actuators and all appurtenances at Lemay Pump Station P-301. · Removal of existing stop log gate at P-301 and procurement/installation of two (2) new stop log gates. · Removal and replacement of river gate and associated actuator and all appurtenances at Lemay Pump Station P-302.

· Removal and disposal of grit/debris from raw sewage on the floor of each wet well.

The Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Construction Cost is $2,717,021. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Contractors. Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at the Lemay WWTF (Back Conference Room) at 201 Hoffmeister Avenue, St. Louis Missouri 63125. A site visit will be conducted following the Pre-Bid Conference.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: MU Medical Science Building – Research Vivarium Upgrade.

Renovation of the existing Vivarium Space on the first floor of the Medical Science Building including work in the mechanical basement and a new penthouse enclosure. The work consists of abatement, demolition, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, woodwork, metal wall panels, EPDM roofing, firestopping, doors, glass, drywall, ACT ceilings, tile and resilient flooring, epoxy flooring and wall systems, painting, specialties, lockers, laboratory equipment and casework, plumbing, fire protection , mechanical, electrical and associated site work.

A prebid meeting will be held at 9:30 am, November 27, 2018 in the Medical Science Addition, Acuff Auditorium, Rm MA217, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, followed by a walk-through at the site.

This project has a diversity participation goal of 10% MBE and 10% combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE.

Bids for this project are due on December 12th, at 2:00 p.m. For any questions or would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Evan Chiles at 636-561-9544 or emchiles@paric.com.

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@ paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

Plans and specifications will be available to view at Paric’s Main office at 77 Westport Plaza, Suite 250, St. Louis, MO 63146.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination

are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s FF-18 Villa DoradoLackland-Page Sanitary Relief (Adie Rd to Villa Dorado Dr) Contract Letting No. 10018-015.1

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: Fred M. Luth & Sons, Inc. 4516 McRee Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 314/771-3892

The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. December 13, 2018 SITE Improvement Association Office, 2071 Exchange Drive St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/3/2019. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

2019, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on December 4, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis MO 63103.

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

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”) has issued an open request for qualifications from DBE, MBE, and/or WBE professional services/consulting firms for various projects initiated in 2019. The Partnership seeks to be more intentional and deliberate in connecting to diverse firms as it works to advance economic opportunities for all businesses in the St. Louis region. This is an “Open RFQ” from which

Challenging whiteness in the faith space

as a tool for both good and evil.

Terrell Carter publishes ‘Healing Racial Divides: Finding Strength in Our Diversity’

American staff

As our nation prepared to bid farewell to its first African-American president in 2016, a public debate had already begun about whether race relations in America had gotten better or worse during his tenure. Leaders within churches and the overall Christian scholarly community were largely silent during those public conversations. This was an important dialogue for both groups to engage in, because some would say that faith in God is evidenced not only by what people say they believe, but in how people do or don’t get along with people who are different from them.

normative and superior.” This mindset is found not only in the political realm, but in theological schools, churches, and ministries throughout our nation.

In his new book “Healing Racial Divides: Finding Strength in Our Diversity,” Terrell Carter, a local pastor and professor, challenges the idea of whiteness as the standard by showing how it has negatively affected our nation, as well as the reputation of Christian faith and the church.

Churches and Christian scholars may have been silent about the spiritual implications of this debate, due to an unspoken understanding of how Obama’s presidency challenged the normality of whiteness and its status as the standard for viewing all things in the United States. According to Drake University professor Jennifer Harvey, the normality of whiteness is “a mindset that assumes whiteness to be

“The goal of the book is to provide insight into the idea of the normality of whiteness and the part it plays in facilitating and maintaining tension between certain people groups, primarily African Americans and whites, within the church,” Carter said. “We all know that there is tension surrounding race in our political discussions, but there’s also tension about race in the theological spectrum.” Carter, a full-time seminary professor, said that tension is evident in the curriculum and books used, and not used, when teaching people how to think about God and ministry.

In

“What denominations and religious educational institutions think about race

is clearly visible through the resources they employ to teach their people about God, God’s

character, the Church, and how to do ministry,” Carter said. “If what’s taught is primarily through a lens of whiteness (ideas created by white men and sustained from a position of superiority or their preferred place in God’s kingdom) and from the vantage point of malecentered ideas, that gives you an idea of what they think about the equality of women and minorities.

Minorities and women don’t have enough value to be included in the discussion.”

n “There’s also tension about race in the theological spectrum.”

– Terrell Carter

In “Healing Racial Divides,” Carter deals with the tension between what historically white denominations and institutions have taught about what Christian faith looks like versus how they have actually treated minority groups when they have been in relationship with them.

“In general, white evangelical leaders and churches have been willing to partner with minority cultures in order to see tangible improvements in race relations, but these efforts have been executed from a position where whites have been viewed as the experts and facilitators of reconciliation and minorities have been the benefactors of white wisdom and kindness,” Carter said. “We have to recognize that, call it out, and seek to be in relationship in a more equitable way.”

Carter attempts to do this by giving a historic overview of how Christianity has been used

“I give an overview of the ways natural science, medicine and medical science, social science, legal systems, and media practices have been used as tools by certain Christian leaders to frame African American lives and culture in ways that were not always true or beneficial,” Carter said. Carter’s book isn’t simply a criticism of white Christians. He hopes to use historic information to inform improved relationships between all people for the future.

“The underlying goal of this book is to have an open discussion about what has happened in the past, name the things that were wrong, and then start a healing and reconciliation process,” Carter said. “I give multiple suggestions for steps to help us not see those who are different from us as ‘other’ but instead as equally valuable members of God’s family so we can learn to work together for more common good.”

“Healing Racial Divides: Finding Strength in Our Diversity” can be purchased from Chalice Press at https:// www.chalicepress.com/ HealingRacialDivides or through book sellers. For more information about Carter, visit www.terrellcarter.net or follow him on Twitter @tcarterstl.

Terrell Carter

“Healing Racial Divides: Finding Strength in Our Diversity,” Terrell Carter, a local pastor and professor, challenges the idea of whiteness as the standard by showing how it has negatively affected the reputation of Christian faith and the church.