February 27th, 2020 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

‘Ten years of black excellence’

2020 Young Leaders saluted with passion

By

Mikel D. Whittier was the final name to be called as part of the 2020 cohort at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 10th annual Salute to Young Leaders on Thursday, February 20. His uncle, Casheam Bridges, could not hold his peace. “I want to say something,” Bridges shouted, interrupting the rousing applause that came Whittier’s way. He wasn’t on the podium. He was in the audience. After yelling out, “That’s my nephew!” Bridges took the liberty of a moment to express just how proud he was of Whittier,

See YOUNG LEADERS, A6

Alderman Sam Moore passes at 71

Bishop Wooten: ‘He was a great humanitarian and lover of people’ The Peace Be Still coalition, led by James Clark of Better Family Life, marched down Martin Luther King Boulevard in North St. Louis at night on Monday, February 24 to kick off a week of advocacy for peace. A parallel march was held at the same time down Martin Luther King Boulevard in East St. Louis.

Mistress of ceremonies

Rebeccah Bennett was pleasantly surprised when families at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 10th annual Salute to Young Leaders took her encouraging a “that’s my baby!” response to honorees and raised it to the next level.

No homeless student left behind

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Scott C., a junior at Riverview Gardens High School, loves to play football and can play the saxophone, violin, piano, and guitar. However, in his freshman year, he was not able to participate in school activities because of his absences. That year, he missed almost 120 days because he was homeless — and the school district allegedly did not properly register him for classes or transportation, according to the August 2018 federal lawsuit filed against the Riverview Gardens School District and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The other student named in the federal

n “This settlement will help address the disproportionate impact of educational deprivations on communities of color.”

– Luz María Henríquez of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

lawsuit is Miles M., who

when he missed several months of school because he was homeless. As with Scott C., the lawsuit claims that the school allegedly violated the federal McKinney-Vento Act, which requires school districts to enroll homeless students and provide transportation, as well as offer the necessary academic, mental health and wellness support systems needed to succeed. Now the two students’ stories have changed the way the school district and the state will be addressing homeless students.

“It is incredibly important to me that the district and state understand the challenges my family and I faced and the barriers I had to deal with while just trying to get a good education,” Miles M. said.

By Chris King and Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

was a very close friend,” Bishop Wooten said. “We worked together for the betterment of our neighborhoods and communities. “He was a genuine, loving person, a caring person.” Bishop Wooten remembered Moore as

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price

Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

See MOORE,

Photo by Wiley Price

Lifestyle guru, model and author B. Smith passes at 70

Restaurateur, model and author B. Smith died on Saturday after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 70 years old.

“Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.’s dazzling and unforgettable smile,” her husband Dan Gasby said in a statement.

In addition to building restaurants and a home decor collection, over the years, Smith was a fashion model, actress, broadcast talent and bestselling cookbook author. In 1976 she became one of the first African-American women to appear on the cover of “Mademoiselle” magazine.

“B. Smith with Style,” her syndicated talk show, aired nationally on NBC stations for several years. She also ran three popular restaurants. Smith was diagnosed

with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 64 in 2013.

Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty

Jussie Smollett has pleaded not guilty to new charges in relation to allegations he staged a racist and homophobic attack on himself last year. On Monday, February 24, he appeared in court in Chicago to enter his plea, where he insisted he was not guilty of the charges against him, which are for six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly making four separate false reports about the

After pleading not guilty, he was released on a $20,000 bond – but is required to appear in court again at a later date.

the police spent in overtime on the case.

After charges against him were dropped, local officials in Chicago sued Jussie for around $500,000 to cover various costs, including to compensate for the overtime pay for police who investigated his case. Smollett responded by filing his own lawsuit seeking to sue the City of Chicago “for their conduct underlying the arrest and their conduct thereafter.”

The fresh charges come after special Dan Webb decided to bring charges against Jussie after looking at the “extensive nature” of his alleged falsehoods, as well as the amount of time and money the Chicago Police Department put into the investigation.

Jussie forfeited his $10,000 in bond money in exchange for the first case’s dismissal, which Webb said is less than 10 percent of the approximately $130,000

Incarcerated Bill Cosby speaks out in support of Harvey Weinstein

Comedian Bill Cosby, who is currently serving a three to 10-year sentence for sexual assault, took to Instagram to proclaim that disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was given a fair trial when Weinstein was convicted of 3rd degree rape earlier this week.

“This is a very sad day in the American judicial system,” Cosby said. “Where do we go in this country to find fairness and impartiality? Where do we go in this country to find due process?”

Cosby then implied that the #metoo movement is rooted in the protection of white women.

“If the #metoo movement isn’t just about Becky [white women] I would challenge #metoo and ask them to go back 400+ years and tarnish the names of those oppressors that raped slaves.”

CELEBRATING ST. LOUIS BLACK HISTORY

We are honored to celebrate Black History and a few of our local trailblazers. By celebrating their accomplishments, we recognize the strength in a diverse, equitable and inclusive community.

Nokio exits Dru Hill, leaves Sisqo as sole original member

Singer Nokio confirmed that he is no longer a part of the R&B quartet Dru Hill. Two days after the group’s “Unsung” episode aired on TV One, Nokio spoke with Baltimore Radio One affiliate 95.9 Magic FM and shared that he stepped away from Dru Hill after more than 25 years with the group. Nokio, one of the group’s founding members, suggested that friction between him and Dru Hill’s longtime manager Kevin Peck as a factor in his departure.

“I don’t want to not be on the road, but I’m not going nowhere where Kevin Peck is –and I love him as my brother, but we can’t do business,” Nokio said. “When the decision came down to it, Kevin was more important than me being on the road, so I went home.”

“It’s like you’re making me walk away from what I created because you don’t want to go home and you ain’t in the group and you don’t sing,” Nokio added. “As long as he up there, I ain’t never coming back unless I got everybody with me – Woody, Scola, Jazz and everybody else…”

Nokio’s departure, leaves Sisqo as the only remaining founding member – and comes almost exactly one year after fellow group member Jazz’s departure to pursue solo projects. Original member Woody left the group for a career in the gospel industry.

Sources: CNN.com, Celebretainment.com, Instagram.com, magicbaltimore.com

MILES

B. Smith

Jussie Smollett

‘It’s time to ring

Morial, other advocates warn Congress that Census Bureau is not prepared

By Mark Hedin Ethnic Media Services

With the United States about to begin its monumental task of counting everybody in the country once every 10 years, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing on Thursday, January 9, to see what the Census Bureau is doing to avoid overlooking so-called “hard to count” communities.

Even in its rosiest predictions, the Census Bureau still only expects about a 60 percent initial response rate via online questionnaires, noted Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. For African-American men, 40 percent is probably more realistic, he said.

“The census is a big deal,” Morial said, because accurate census data will improve decision-making and equitable distribution of resources and political representation. He called for increased advertising and media outreach. That outreach, he emphasized, should extend all the way through the non-response follow-up process scheduled into August.

Morial also noted, with chagrin, that in the waning days of the Obama administration, the census had been on the brink of reversing its policy of counting prisoners where they’re incarcerated and not in their home communities.

Morial was joined at the committee hearing dais by Vanita Gupta of the Leadership

Conference, John Yang of Asian American Advancing Justice, Arturo Vargas of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Kevin Allis of the National Congress of American Indians and Darrell Moore of the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact.

Gupta cited the Census Bureau’s slow pace of hiring for the enormous task: “The Census Bureau has acknowledged that it’s way behind. It needs more applicants in all 50 states.”

This year, the Census Bureau is optimistic that computerizing the primary response mechanism for the first time will help minimize the expense of tabulating printed questionnaires and paying enumerators to knock on the doors of non-responders.

But it also is doing all its hiring online, which has depressed interest, and is having to compete in a relatively strong job market as compared to the run-up to the 2010 Census. Other reasons cited for the hiring lag include that, as the first census to prioritize online responses, enumerators have to be comfortable with tech tools. And the hiring and onboarding process, including background checks, has been so drawn out that applicants have drifted off in pursuit of other opportunities.

Yang criticized census hiring for being slow and “inconsistently inclusive” in its diversity. He cited the chilling effect of the failed

the alarm bell’

citizenship question proposal, which makes it even more important that enumerators and partnership specialists be culturally competent.

n Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said a 40 percent initial response rate via online questionnaires was realistic for African-American men.

He also noted that the written questionnaire, available only in Spanish or English, excludes Asian Americans, the fastest-growing minority

outreach efforts to Latinx residents are in Spanish. And despite the U.S. Supreme Court barring the proposed addition of a question about everyone’s citizenship, the Census Bureau, he said, is squandering its “trusted brand” status by forbidding staff from discussing what has become a very alarming concern, particularly in ethnic communities.

Vargas recalled the troubled rollout of the healthcare.gov website set up to enroll people in the Affordable Care Act and recommended that the Census Bureau be ready with plenty of paper questionnaires in case the online response rate falls short of expectations.

The Native American population, which the Census Bureau believes it undercounted by at least 4.9 percent in 2010, is plagued by mistrust, privacy concerns, a sense of futility as to the usefulness of responding at all and the feeling that going online to fill out the census form, not always even possible, is a significant risk, Allis said.

Census-taking began in Alaska on January 21, but no native partnership specialists are on board yet, he said. And as with hiring, the census’ work to establish partnerships with community organizations to help obtain a complete count is behind schedule.

U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico), one of only two Native women ever elected to the House, noted the absence of Navajo-language census materials.

Vargas objected to the “hardto-count” designation: “What makes people hard to count are the enumeration strategies.”

For instance, he said, all

“Does the Census Bureau understand our needs?” Allis asked. “Hard to say.” The way things are going so far, he said, “is deeply concerning” and lacks “proper attention given to the purpose of the census, what it can do, what it can’t. The Census Bureau has identified

this as an issue, but we have yet to see that this will be addressed properly.”

Moore attracted attention for his reports on organizing efforts in rural Georgia. As committee members from both sides of the aisle pressed him for one-sizefits-all ideas on how to reach rural populations, he repeated that the answers lie with local organizers and activists.

“You’ve got to have trusted voices in your community,” he counseled U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Arizona). “The communities know about their needs best –what works in one community will not work in others.”

Responding to concerns voiced by U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-West Virginia) about the mountain communities she represents, considered 60 percent hard to count, Moore advocated more creative outreach efforts, perhaps at sporting events and churches, in addition to the food pantries and mobile mammogram services she had suggested. Vargas listed educators, health care providers, local officials and minority-led organizations including newspapers and radio as trusted sources for census outreach. Many at the hearing advocated using librarians and, particularly as a way to meet the technology concerns, libraries themselves to help maximize participation.

A benefit of the computerized effort is that easily sortable data will reveal where there’s more work to be done in getting people counted, and where the census is being embraced, Yang noted.

“The Census Bureau better step up its game and respond to the concerns we’ve raised today, or the risk is grave,” Morial warned. “It’s time to ring the alarm bell.”

group in the country. Yang did, however, single out for praise the recent announcement of media campaigns in Hindi and Urdu.

Editorial /CommEntary

Clay is misleading about his ability to influence McKee

We have a strong disposition toward giving space for criticism of our coverage by the people we cover critically. And so we print in full this week U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay’s criticism of our coverage of his public silence on developer Paul McKee Jr.’s publicly stated plans to name a three-bed freestanding emergency department by the hallowed name “Homer G. Phillips Hospital.” But Clay statement is an attempt to mislead the public, so we must correct the misleading claims that he is making to our readers and his constituents.

“I have no federal authority to determine or influence what name a private developer may select for a new healthcare facility,” Clay claims. That is true but misleading.

Clay has been one of McKee’s most powerful and reliable supporters in the developer’s many woes with City of St. Louis officials impatient for him to make good on his many unfulfilled obligations and promises. If Clay were to respect the wishes of the community that honors the memory of Homer G. Phillips Hospital and alert McKee that his choice of name is offensive and unacceptable to many of his constituents, McKee would change his plans.

the public in believing he has not signed off on McKee’s choice of hospital name, but we are not fooled.

“The critical issue regarding this new facility is not the name, it is the overwhelming need to increase access to healthcare in this medically deprived neighborhood,” Clay claims. That is true but misleading.

As this newspaper has reported, a three-bed freestanding emergency department like the facility that McKee plans to build on the near North Side may well be ineligible to receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements for patient care. Of course, as Clay claims, he has “no jurisdiction to determine whether” or not the facility will be eligible. But for Clay to lend his support for this facility – and McKee’s appropriation of a sacred hospital name for it – knowing that there may be no federal compensation to serve “the overwhelming need” of the people in his congressional district is unacceptable.

n Clay may wish to fool the public in believing he has not signed off on McKee’s choice of hospital name, but we are not fooled.

The Clay-McKee connection on this project is closer than the option of applying de facto pressure. Clay’s longtime chief of staff Darryl Piggee left his federal office for a position at Stone, Leyton & Gershman, the longtime attorney of record for McKee on his North St. Louis project. When this newspaper wrote to McKee expressing private dismay over his choice of name and letting him now we would make this dismay public if he persisted, it was Piggee, not McKee, who responded. If there is any doubt that Piggee has Clay’s ear, he is overheard on the wiretaps that brought down Steve Stenger saying he will talk to the congressman about business matters of interest to Stenger’s associates. Clay may wish to fool

True, Clay has no federal authority to make the federal government compensate McKee’s facility if it serves the neediest. He has no federal authority to stop McKee’s facility from profiteering off the poor if it is ineligible for federal compensation. But he has the responsibility as a federal elected official to help the community get definitive answers about this crucial matter before he continues to extend McKee his blanket support.

And if Clay does not know how to get McKee and Piggee to change their offensive and unacceptable plans to name this three-bed facility after Homer G. Phillips Hospital, then we suggest that he ask former Congressman Bill Clay how the game is played. The senior Clay would protect the legacy of this historic hospital. And he would be able to explain in very plain and simple terms how the congressman can use the power he is wasting – if not abusing.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Why Kimberly Garner’s Ku Klux Klan Act lawsuit matters

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

For The St. Louis American

I admire St. Louis Circuit

Attorney Kimberly Gardner’s strategic moves to turn the tables on a cadre of powerful, well connected individuals she believes are complicit in a coordinated, racist conspiracy aimed at forcing her out of office.

The rally on January 14, where nearly a dozen black women elected prosecutors came from across the country to support Gardner, was a brilliant way to emphasize a larger point: reform-minded prosecutors are under siege, not only in St. Louis but all over the country. The public event shined light on a legalized structure where well-connected lawyers and judges, an outof-control police department and the mayor’s office are all colluding to maintain an outdated, racist system.

The crème de la crème of Garner’s pushback is the federal lawsuit she filed against city officials, the police union, a special prosecutor and others she alleges are part of the conspiracy. By filing the lawsuit under the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, Gardner can not only expose an insidious local plot, she may also help establish a new template for battling entrenched systematic racism nationwide.

Here’s why: After passage of the Ku Klux Klan Act, the government was obligated to intervene when individuals or groups tried to deny “any person or any class of persons” equal protection and equal privileges under the laws. St. Louis has a long and sordid history of legally compromising the rights and liberties of black people. Ever since the aggressive police response to protestors after the police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014 and the Jason Stockley acquittal in 2017, St. Louis has earned the “new Selma” moniker. People across the country are once again reading about St. Louis and its entrenched Old South style of justice. The circuit attorney’s

lawsuit threatens to expose the clandestine tentacles of the powerful forces desperate to maintain the status quo. Let’s review. In 2016, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was a rising star in the Republican Party and possible future presidential candidate. Greitens’ star faded once it became public that he ran an off-the-books gubernatorial campaign and had a sexual relationship with his hairdresser. The woman alleged that he took nude photos of her and threatened to release them if she ever revealed their tryst. GOP leaders were prepared to impeach the governor but had no real interest in seeing Greitens jailed for his alleged crimes. Gardner eventually charged Greitens with two felony charges: invasion of privacy in connection with extramarital affair and improper use of the donor lists for fundraising purposes. This is when the power players flexed their collective muscles. Gardner filed a report with the St. Louis police, alleging that lawyers representing Greitens told her that her career would be “ruined personally [and] professionally” if she did not drop the criminal charges against Greitens. The legal team is headed by Ed Dowd, one of the most influential legal power players in the region. Gardner said the police initially chose not to investigate the allegations. Jeff Roorda, business agent of the St. Louis Police Officers Association (SLPOA), had already publicly denounced Gardner. The fact that she had tried to create a special unit to investigate police-involved shootings, announced that her office would no longer prosecute nonviolent, low-level marijuana cases and created a Brady List

It’s time to unlock the vote

By state Senator Jamilah Nasheed For The St. Louis American

Throughout my political career, I have believed in second chances. I believe that people can change. I believe that your past shouldn’t get to define you.

Second chances are what motivated me to pursue criminal justice reform during my time in the Missouri General Assembly. It’s what’s led me to sponsor legislation banning the box on job applications and expanding expungement opportunities for those convicted of non-violent crimes. Second chances are also what has led me to my next challenge.

According to information from the Missouri Department of Corrections, there are currently more than 60,000 Missourians who have been found guilty of a felony and who are now on probation and parole. That’s more than 60,000 Missourians who have paid their debt to society and who are trying to move on with their lives and better themselves.

Many of these individuals out on probation or parole try to make a living. They work hard at their jobs. They support their families. They pay their taxes. Overall, they try to do right by their communities. If you talk to these individuals about their lives and what they’re doing, you’ll see their hopes and dreams aren’t that

different from anyone else’s. They want good schools and better communities.

But when the conversation naturally turns to politics in an election year, such as this one, often these individuals shy away. “I can’t vote,” they say. “I’m on probation.” Or “I’m on parole.”

“I can’t vote.”

Now, those are words no citizen should have to say in a democracy such as ours. And yet, Missouri denies these citizens on probation and parole the right to vote every election cycle. Because of the mistakes they have made in the past, these individuals are left out of the political process. Left out of our democracy. Sure, they’re allowed a second chance to get a job and to make a living, but they’re denied a second chance at the ballot box. I believe this is taxation without representation.

That’s unjust. And it must end.

That’s why I have filed Senate Bill 542, the Missouri Restoration of Voting Rights Act. The legislation repeals the prohibition on voting for individuals convicted of a felony and who are now on probation

Letters to the editor

It’s the need, not the name

of officers whom she no longer trusted to put on the witness stand made her a target of the police department. Not trusting the police, Gardner hired a private attorney, former FBI agent William Tisaby, to investigate Greitens. After the governor resigned in June 2018, the focus of scrutiny shifted to Gardner. Greitens’ legal team claimed Tisaby lied during a deposition. Although slow to investigate Gardner’s allegations against Greitens’ lawyers, police eagerly responded to the perjury allegations against Tisaby. With paper-thin evidence, they convinced a judge to appoint a special prosecutor to the case.

Ironically, that prosecutor, attorney Gerard Carmody, was once a co-worker and remains close friends with Dowd. Mayor Lyda Krewson’s appointee, City Counselor Julian Bush, presented the case to a grand jury on behalf of the police department. Carmody was able to obtain a search warrant that allowed the police to seize all files stored on the circuit attorney’s server. Gardner rightly responded that the broad and unlimited scope of the warrant threatened individuals’ privacy and jeopardized criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Krewson and President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed occupy two of three seats on the city’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment board (E&A). They refused to approve the transfer of funds Gardner needed to defend herself against the police department. The third E&A member, Comptroller Darlene Green, disagreed, arguing that if the city was willing pay the special prosecutor’s fees, it should cover Gardner’s legal fees.

Kudos to the black ministers, activists, visiting prosecutors and Gardner herself. In St. Louis, the struggle for justice and accountability continues. Hopefully Gardner’s lawsuit may serve as a much-needed rebuke to the defenders of good-ole-boy racism.

I read with surprise and deep disappointment your story in which one of my uninformed and misguided opponents was provided a public forum to question why I had not expressed an opinion on the name of a future healthcare facility that will be built at the site of the former Pruitt-Igoe housing project.

Facts matter, and so does the truth. And three facts matter most in this situation.

First, I have no federal authority to determine or influence what name a private developer may select for a new healthcare facility.

Second, I have no jurisdiction to determine whether the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will certify this new facility as eligible to receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements for patient care.

Third – and, by far, most important – the critical issue regarding this new facility is not the name, it is the overwhelming need to increase access to healthcare in this medically deprived neighborhood.

As you well know, North St. Louis suffers from significant healthcare disparities in access to both emergency and primary care, high rates of chronic illnesses, and lower life expectancies than other parts of our region.

That is why I helped write, cosponsor, and pass the Affordable Care Act, the landmark law that doubled the federal investment for community-based healthcare at St. Louis’ Federally Qualified Health Centers.

And that is why I provided a $3 million federal investment to help create the Lacy Clay Center for Children’s Health at the Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center on Delmar, the region’s first dedicated facility to treat childhood emotional trauma with a focus on young black children who have been exposed to violence.

So, the real question we face is not the name of this new facility, it is increasing access to quality healthcare in underserved neighborhoods like the corner of Jefferson and

or parole. This legislation will give more than 60,000 Missourians their voices back. It will allow them to be heard once more on all levels of government – from their child’s school board all the way up to the president of the United States.

Senate Bill 542 will allow them a second chance to truly be productive, contributing and voting members of our communities. Because after all, I believe you should never lose your voice just because you committed a crime all those years ago.

Eighteen other states have already stepped up the plate in protecting the voting rights for these individuals. It’s time for Missouri to join them. If we are truly committed to rehabilitation, I believe that should include restoring an individual’s voting rights. Because people deserve a second chance. And a real second chance means allowing them to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

This legislative session, I’m going to work to pass the Missouri Restoration of Voting Rights Act. I believe we’re going to pass SB 542, and we’re going to unlock the vote.

Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) represents Missouri’s 5th Senate District.

Cass avenues. That is a worthy goal which the vast majority of your readers embrace, and I will continue to advocate for.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay St. Louis Shuttering black schools

As Black History Month draws to a close, I wonder how Mary McLeod Bethune, the illustrious educator and civil rights leader, would react to school closures across swaths of land inhabited overwhelmingly by poor blacks. She who sold sweet potato pies door-to-door; scavenged the city dump for furniture; used burnt wood for chalk and berries for ink – all to help sustain the school that she built for Black girls.

I wonder if being born to former slaves (who were prohibited by law from being educated) and being one of only a few of her 14 siblings to receive schooling fueled her educational aspirations.

I wonder if the fact that she did not attend school nor

learn how to read until age 10 fed her indomitable desire to advocate for the educational empowerment of black kids. I wonder if being born during a period when black schools were routinely touched by white supremacist hatred, torched by white supremacist hands strengthened her resolve to construct more learning institutions for black youth. Having ridden countless miles by bike to solicit donations for her fledgling school, I wonder how heartbroken Mrs. Bethune would be to learn that at present, there are leading blacks in our city who have taken to (silently) shuttering black schools, even in absence of the Ku Klux Klan’s flames. While it is impossible to cite Mrs. Bethune’s exact sentiments towards our presentday problems, perhaps her words can enlighten: “I leave you finally a responsibility to our young people.”

Arthurine Harris St. Louis

Guest Columnist Jamilah Nasheed

Guest Columnist Sylvester Brown Jr.

Baby colobus monkey born at zoo

Teak, a baby black and white colobus monkey, cuddles with his big sister Binti at the Saint Louis Zoo. Colobus live in multi-female families throughout the forests of east and central Africa and take turns caring for newborns, a behavior called allomothering. Teak was born on February 3 as part of the AZA Colobus Species Survival Plan, a program to manage a genetically healthy population of black and white colobus monkeys in North American zoos. Teak can be seen with his large family at the Primate House during regular zoo hours. Admission to the zoo is free.

Free app for outdoors activities

The Missouri Department of Conservation has a free mobile app

– MO Outdoors – to help users find outdoor offerings based on the types of outdoor activities – such as birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, or shooting – they want close to home, work, or while traveling. MO Outdoors is available for free download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at missouriconservation.org/mooutdoors.

Normandy Schools to hold Job Fair February 29

The Normandy Schools Collaborative will hold a job fair to fill anticipated openings for the 2020-2021 school year 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 29 at Barack Obama Elementary School, 3883 Jennings Station Rd. The school district has opportunities for qualified, child-centered and caring individuals to work as administrators, certified teachers, substitute teachers, bus drivers, support/clerical staff, food service and maintenance workers, custodians and SSD staff (e.g., paraprofessionals). Depending on the candidate, offers may be made at the job fair.

The Normandy Job Fair is free and open to the community. Registration is not required, but strongly recommended. Register by visiting the Human Resources page at www.normandysc.org.

Obama, Trump and Alice Marie Johnson

By Dorothy Dempsey For The St. Louis American

Barack and Michelle Obama are the most beloved couple that has ever graced the White House. The character, honor, and discipline of Barack Obama is beyond reproach. Michelle’s status as a first lady is also above reproach, as shown by her grace, intelligence and character as a wife, mother and first lady. What an overwhelming sense of pride for us to live and see the first black president and first lady in the White House.

Barack Obama, a man of humble and caring character, is an example to the people who follow in his footsteps who wish to become president of the United States. There are nonstop advertisements for presidential candidates promoting their friendship with Barrack Obama.

Imagine the beauty and character of a man who is so emulated and can turn the other cheek, never uttering a single word or a tweet against president Donald Trump.

Trump should be so wise, yet he has tried in every way possible to degrade Barack Obama. What can be said of the childlike character of Trump that excuses his lack of behavior or intelligence? Everything that has Barack Obama’s name stamped on it has been dismantled by Trump.

Trump granted Alice Marie Johnson, a black woman, an eight-month pardon. He commuted her lifetime sentence after serving 21 years in prison for her involvement in drug trafficking. Johnson, an ordained prison minister and criminal justice reform advocate, had a big impact on the prison population. Her case gained the attention of Kim Kardashian West, who lobbied Trump for Johnson’s release.

However, one pauses to wonder at the timing of her release –just in time for Trump’s State of the Union address. Hopefully her plea for other prisoners does not fall on deaf ears.

Trump now has another Trumpeter in his circle of deceit, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was imprisoned for solicitation of bribes in an attempt to sell Obama’s U.S. Senate seat.

Trump could be reelected to serve four more years as president of the United States. What kind of changes will be made under his leadership? How about changing the number of terms a president is allowed to serve? After all, Trump’s base has agreed in every way possible that he has the status of a king.

Trumps base of evangelicals has ignored all of his wrongdoings. No truly enlightened Christian should ever proclaim Christianity and accept immigrant children in cages. Immigrants’ only desire is for a better life.

The behavior of Trump’s base is beyond decent human imagination. They have a malice so great in their heart for people of color and an ungrounded fear of a non-white world.

Democrats and Republicans are at war for the democracy of our country. It may take an act of God to bring about change and to turn this world around.

Dorothy Dempsey

Photo by Ethan Riepl / Saint Louis Zoo

Young Leaders

a strategist for the Justice and Health Equity arm of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network

“Y’all know what, I changed a lot of diapers,” Bridges said. ‘But I’ma say this: he takes care of his mama, his sister, his brothers, and he does everything that a man is supposed to do. I love you for that.”

Bridges’ much-welcomed outburst was the perfect finale for an evening overflowing with inspiration and celebration.

“I don’t think we’ve seen this at an event like this before,” said mistress of ceremonies Rebeccah Bennett. She was pleasantly surprised that Bridges took her instruction of encouraging a “that’s my baby!” type of responses during each honoree recognition and raised it to the next level. “You will not forget this when you leave,” Bennett said. Every seat was filled. An overflow of individuals stood along the walls of the sixthfloor ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis so that they could cheer on the entire room. Vincent Flewellen, chief diversity officer for Webster University (one of the evening’s sponsors), hailed the night’s festivities as “10 years of celebrating black excellence” within the region.

“That’s 200 young leaders,” Bennett said. “Please do not be fooled by the dominant narratives that say we don’t have talent or that we don’t have the type of leadership and strength in our community that helps to make this a city on the move. They are here. We are here. You are here.”

In addition to Whittier, the 2020 Young Leaders included: Doneisha Bohannan, senior strategist for Missouri Foundation for Health; Johnnica Bolden; Portia Britt; Brittae Gray-Ross; Aaron Harris; Candace Harris; Dasha Kennedy;

Homeless

Continued from A1

On February 12, DESE and the school district entered into a landmark settlement and a consent decree with the students’ families to make substantial changes to state and district policies regarding students experiencing homelessness.

“DESE has agreed to enhance its processes related to monitoring how Missouri school districts provide services to students experiencing homelessness,” a DESE spokeswoman said.

Riverview Gardens denies the allegations in the lawsuit, a district spokesman said, but “are committed to doing the work agreed to in the consent decree.”

“RGSD is always striving to expand and improve upon the assistance we offer our families, despite being one of the most underfunded districts in Missouri,” the district stated.

Ladd; Andrea Lewis; Stephanie McCloud; honoree Aunya McElroy; Ashley O’Neal; Nicola Phillips; Neil Richardson; Marcel Scaife; Christan Shelton; Danielle Smith; Blake Strode; and Deanna Taylor.

“This celebration of these individuals is actually a confrontation,” Bennett said. “We are in the midst of confronting dominant narratives that do not accurately reflect who and what we are and what we’re capable of. The narratives that we get often feature pathology and not excellence – hurt, not outstanding; tragedy, not triumph.”

Representing the evening’s champion sponsor, MLS4TheLou CEO Carolyn Kindle Betz said, as a lifelong

By federal law, the school district is required to have admission specialists who know how to identify families in transition and work with them to get their children into classes and other services quickly. The district has agreed to implement recommendations identified by expert Patricia Julianelle, the consent decree’s mediator. This will also help the district become a model for school districts statewide on addressing homelessness, the families’ attorneys said. Miles M., also now a junior at Riverview Gardens, said he was excited about the settlement and consent decree.

“I love learning, I want a good resume for college, and I care about doing well in school and competing in track,” Miles M. said. “But I didn’t feel like I had the supports to do any of that, and I felt singled out because of my living situation.”

Miles M. and his family moved to the St. Louis region in the summer of 2017, after his abusive step-father left their family and his mother

St. Louisan, that the Salute to Young Leaders is a “great story we should continue to tell.”

“It’s also important that we continue to uplift individuals who are committed to a more inclusive and equitable future for our city,” Betz said.

n “A word of advice to our honorees this evening would be to help someone else as you have been helped.”

– Robert Kirkland, president of Sysco St. Louis

“All of the people being recognized today are not just excelling in their respective professional fields, but are also working in service and community and will help to move St. Louis in the right direction. Your dedication to St. Louis and your community is exactly what this region

lost her job. Making the move was Miles M., his mother, his grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease, and his then 16-year-old sister who was four months pregnant at the time. At first, they stayed with a family friend in his two-bedroom house within the Riverview Gardens School District. Yet while his sister Molly was in the hospital giving birth in October 2017, they were told they had to find a new place to stay. In October and November 2017, the five of them, now including Molly’s infant son, stayed in several different places before ending up in a motel where they stayed from about December 2017 to May 2018. The motel room had one queen-size bed.

needs. I cannot wait to see all of you flourish in your careers and communities as well.”

“Achievement is never a solitary accomplishment – it depends on individuals and relationships we’ve cultivated along the way that support us,” said Robert Kirkland, president of Sysco St. Louis. He presented awards on behalf of sponsor Regional Business Council, where he serves on the Board of Directors.

“A word of advice to our honorees this evening would be to help someone else as you

n DESE has agreed to enhance its processes related to monitoring how Missouri school districts provide services to students experiencing homelessness.

Miles’ mother attempted

to enroll him and his sister in Riverview Gardens High School in the summer of 2017, before the school year began, the lawsuit states. His mother phoned the school multiple times, but no one answered, the suit states. And when she went to the school in person she was allegedly turned away because she did not have an appointment. When, after about three weeks, she finally reached someone at the school, she was told that before her children could begin attending, she needed to produce numerous documents, including a copy of the lease for her friend’s apartment and a notarized letter stating that the family was staying there. The children missed several weeks of school and had to stay in a crowded house with no space

have been helped,” Kirkland added.

Evidence that their practice of Kirkland’s words of wisdom is already in action came just before Robert Crumpton, manager of inclusion and diversity at Edward Jones, served as the final sponsor presenter of the evening.

“At Edward Jones we have the philosophy where we want everyone who comes and joins our firm to have a sense of belonging,” Crumpton said. And said that he learned this to be true from his co-worker and 2020 Young Leader honoree Deanna Taylor. “She was one of the first people that reached out and said, ‘Robert, I want you to be successful and I’m going to help you,’”

to themselves, the lawsuit states.

Then when they moved into the motel, it took the district until December to arrange transportation for Miles, just in time for him to take final exams on material he had missed.

Scott C.’s experience was strikingly similar. His family was living in a small apartment with another family. On warm nights, all eight of them had to sleep in the living room because it was the only one with air conditioning.

Attorneys said even after they had legal representation, it was a battle to get him registered and arrange transportation.

“We brought this lawsuit because of all the barriers I faced just trying to enroll my kids in RGSD,” said Rio M., Miles’ mother. “The years I spent trying to handle all the challenges with the school, on top of finding somewhere to live and providing for my family, has been overwhelming. I sincerely hope that this settlement will help

Crumpton said. He pointed out that she was his mentor and he is her “work husband” at Edward Jones. Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, challenged honorees to use their time, talent and treasures to pour into those in the community who have not been afforded the same opportunities as the Young Leaders.

“So that five years from now, when we come to the 15th anniversary of this event, we can see how North St. Louis has improved because of your leadership and your involvement and your sacrifices and what you have done as leaders in this community so that we can all be proud,” McMillan said. He then presented awards on behalf of the Urban League, also a sponsor for the 10th Salute to Young Leaders. “Not just for those of us who have the privilege of coming to the Four Seasons,” McMillan said, “but for those who will never have the chance to come to the Four Seasons.”

Another of the evening’s most touching moments took place when Bennett singled out McElroy.

“We have to show Aunya some love. She is in the trenches with our babies,” Bennett said of McElroy, who works as a school counselor at Jury Elementary in the Hazelwood School District. “She feels that her most important job is making sure students know that they matter and feel valued, safe and supported. I just want us to sit with that for a moment,” Bennett said. “How many of our babies don’t feel safe, valued and supported? How many are, in fact, not valued? They are endangered. They are not safe and are, in fact, not supported.”

Bennett closed out the evening by calling the honorees an exceptional group of human beings and a “wonderful constellation of our community’s genius.”

ensure no families have to go through what we did just to make sure their kids can go to school and learn. I’m trying not to cry, but I’m eternally grateful for everything that all the advocates working on our behalf have done to make this happen.”

Two nonprofits joined the lawsuit with the two families: Metropolitan Congregations United and Empower Missouri. The representing law firms were Public Counsel, the Education Justice Program of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, and Arnold & Porter.

“This settlement will help address the disproportionate impact of educational deprivations on communities of color,” said Luz María Henríquez, managing attorney at the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Education Justice Program. Legal Services has seen hundreds of these cases over the last decade and across the region, Henríquez said. It was not isolated to Riverview Gardens, by far.

According to Riverview Gardens’ statement, the district was taking proactive measures prior to the lawsuit to address the needs of the nearly 500 students in transition who attend RGSD schools.

“Those measures include training staff to recognize signs of homelessness, providing transportation, monitoring attendance and connecting families with housing and food resources,” it states. The district also has a team of counselors who provide trauma-focused counseling services to our students in transition, as well as many of our other students who have experienced trauma and face challenges, it states.

“It’s emotional to think about everything that my family has been through these past few years,” Miles M. said, “but I’m really proud of the role I played in making things better for all kids by making sure that all kids facing these types of challenges can get a good education.”

“Please do not be fooled by the dominant narratives that say we don’t have talent or that we don’t have leadership and strength in our community,” said emcee Rebeccah Bennett.

George

Photo by Wiley Price

Continued from A1

instrumental to the success of St. Louis hosting the mammoth COGIC Holy Convocation for 10 years, bringing $43 million in revenue to the city.

“Sam was instrumental in getting things we needed to accommodate people,” Bishop Wooten said. “We fed thousands of people, gave out groceries. We were just buddies in our work of Lord and the people of the community.”

Moore had represented the 4th Ward since 2007. He was known for fighting fervently at the Board of Aldermen for more resources for his ward, along with all the neighborhoods north of Delmar.

wearing blue jeans, sneakers, a loose-fitting casual shirt and a ball cap. Though a churchgoing and devout man who looked sharp in a suit, he often dressed like the young men in the street. He once said before the board, “I dress like this ‘cause I’m a ‘hood rat.”

n “We were just buddies in our work of Lord and the people of the community.”

– Williams

Temple COGIC Senior Pastor Bishop Lawrence Wooten

“This is one city called St. Louis; it’s not two cities,” Moore told The American last summer. “It’s hideous. They live like the Jetsons. We live like the Flintstones, but we are not having ‘a gay old time.’ This is the Third World. Our tax dollars pay for a better quality of life. We are being cheated out of our tax dollars.”

These kinds of speeches were commonly heard when Moore debated various board bills that came before the committees he sat on, including the Neighborhood Development Committee and the Transportation and Commerce Committee.

Moore often would testify

McKEE

Continued from A1 for the deadline to be pushed back to August 20. St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green was the only member of E&A who opposed the amendment to the agreement, arguing that it was a substantial change that should go back to the Board of Aldermen.

“Comptroller Green is concerned that they have not even been able to answer how they will finance construction,” according to a statement to The American. “Moreover, Wednesday’s amendment at E&A did not include any remedies for nonperformance by the developer.”

McKee proposes to build the $20.5 million project at the site of the former Pruitt-Igoe housing project, and it’s set to receive $8 million in public funding from the city. He proposes to call the three-bedroom hospital and freestanding emergency department the “Homer G. Phillips Hospital,” which doctor and nurse alumni of the historic African-American hospital have adamantly opposed.

At the meeting, city officials argued that the amendment was better for the city because it means the project financing has to close on August 20. President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed said that he wanted to approve the change because North City needs a medical facility, and he does not want to delay the project.

Alderman John Muhammad-Collins (D-Ward 21) said he first met Moore when Moore visited his middle school. When he saw him again two months later, Moore still remembered his name and even gave him his phone number. “If it wasn’t for Sam Moore, I wouldn’t be an alderman,” MuhammadCollins said. “He’s been my mentor since I was 13. It’s heartbreaking.” MuhammadCollins was with the Moore family in the afternoon after his passing, helping to make arrangements. He said arrangements are forthcoming.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay said, “The ‘Governor’ was a true servant of the people and the historic Ville neighborhood that he loved so much. He was a champion of the Ville’s rich history and a great friend and mentor to me. I send my deepest condolences to his wonderful family and friends who will miss him dearly, as will I.”

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed said on Twitter, “I’m so deeply saddened

the other two members of E&A, voted to approve the extension, while Green abstained. Afterwards, The St. Louis American asked Otis Williams, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation, about the issue with Medicaid and Medicare. Williams said he was unaware of it.

“We will take a look and see whether or not they would be able to deliver the services that they promised,” Williams said. “If they aren’t, then we would obviously bring it back. But at this point they still have an uphill battle to get financing.” Krewson was not as alarmed as Williams.

“I think it would certainly be better if they accept Medicaid or Medicare,” Krewson said. “I think that that is not one of the provisions that’s in the board bill.”

Alderwoman Cara Spencer, who is also a mayoral candidate, said Krewson’s answer was unacceptable as the leader of this city.

n “We will take a look and see whether or not they would be able to deliver the services that they promised.”

– Otis Williams, St.

Louis

Development Corporation

However, project leaders have not been able to confirm that the facility will be able to accept Medicaid or Medicare — despite the hospital being located in the middle of one of the most impoverished and medically underserved areas in the region.

Freestanding emergency departments — which is what project leaders have called the proposed facility — are not recognized by the federal government and cannot accept Medicaid and Medicare. In fact, studies have found that freestanding emergency rooms end up costing patients more than standard emergency room fees. At the meeting, Reed and Mayor Lyda Krewson,

by

“As mayor, I would not even entertain the situation. Period,” Spencer said. “We would put an end to it. We cannot be subsidizing medical facilities who do not care for the most vulnerable people in our city.” Spencer also thought it was “ridiculous” that the Board of E&A would not send the agreement back for the Board of Aldermen’s approval.

“This is a significant change to the agreement,” she said. “And we are in open litigation with the developer.”

McKee’s proposed hospital will be located within his NorthSide Regeneration development footprint, which was originally awarded a $390 million TIF in 2009.

In June 2018, city officials attempted to end the development agreement for the NorthSide Regeneration project. The default notice that the city issued to McKee stated, “After a decade, the promised redevelopment has not come, nor is there any indication that it will.”

In Spencer’s ward in South St. Louis, St. Alexius Hospital recently filed for bankruptcy. This is the second time in two years that St. Alexius has been under the ownership of a company in bankruptcy proceedings.

“The stress that the dysfunction has placed on

at the loss of my spiritual advisor, best friend and brother Alderman Sam Moore. Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart with the loss of such a dear friend. Please hold his family and our entire St. Louis Board of Aldermen in your heart during this difficult time.”

Mayor Lyda Krewson

this community cannot be calculated,” Spencer said. “When we are building and subsidizing a hospital, we should be absolutely certain we wouldn’t be dealing with someone who has a questionable track record and combative relations.”

said Moore was “a dedicated representative, a man of the people, and a good friend.”

This fall, Krewson presented Moore with an official Mayor Proclamation, declaring October 13 “Elder Samuel L. Moore, III Day” in the City of St. Louis.

Bishop Wooten will miss a

St. Alexius’ nursing program is among the more accessible programs for people of “modest means,” she said.

“Getting a nursing degree can be inaccessible to people and especially in an area that desperately needs access to health care,” Spencer said.

singer along with a dear friend and alderman. “Sam was a singer who would always bless us with songs at a meeting,”

Bishop Wooten said. “He was a great singer. He would always give us a little rendition a cappella.”

Bishop Wooten continued to weep quietly as he said, “He

However, with the hospital ownership in flux, this has highly impacted the nursing program and opportunities as well.

“Considering that Paul McKee has had his own issues of default,” she said, “putting that financial record at the

was a great humanitarian and lover of people, so down to earth.”

In Moore’s last tweet posted the day before he passed, he wrote, “Always remember to pray. Always remember to be kind. Always remember to love each other. This is our duty to ourselves and our people.”

helm of a hospital can have a disastrous impact for the people who need it.” Joe Dulle, attorney for NorthSide, told the Board of E&A members that not passing the amendment would greatly hurt the project’s progress.

Alderman Samuel L. Moore III would testify before the board wearing blue jeans, sneakers, a loose-fitting casual shirt and a ball cap. Though a churchgoing and devout man, he often dressed like the young men in the street.

Photo

Wiley Price

Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception

Last week, nearly 300 attended the St. Louis American Foundation’s 10th annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Twenty outstanding African-American professionals, under age 40, were honored at the special recognition event. St. Louis-based #MLS4THELOU served as the Champion Sponsor of the event and Partner sponsors were Edward Jones, the Regional Business Council, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Webster University. It was an evening of celebration that was energized by an appreciative audience that was inspired by the accomplishments and service of these honorees.

Young Leader honoree Aaron Harris and Sysco’s Rob Kirkland, who presented on behalf of the Regional Business Council

The 2020 Class of Young Leaders just after receiving their awards at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Photos by Wiley Price and Kenya Vaughn

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President & CEO Michael P. McMillan and Young Leader honoree Andrea Lewis

Webster University Chief Diversity Officer Vincent Flewellen and Young Leader honoree Christan Shelton

Young Leader honoree Deanna Taylor with colleague Robert Crumpton of Edward Jones

Family, friends and colleagues in the audience make some noise for their guests of honor.

Carolyn Kindle-Betz brought greetings on behalf of Champion Sponsor #MLS4THELOU.

Audience members react to their Young Leader being awarded.

Young Leader Danielle Smith with Patricia Smith-Thurman and Solomon Thurman

Young Leader Mikel Whittier with some of his many supporters

Rebeccah Bennett, Founder and Principal of Emerging Wisdom, was captivating and engaging as emcee.

Caitlin Ladd and Young Leader honoree Portia Britt

Elizabeth Brown and Young Leader honoree Doneisha Bohannon take a selfie.

Prioritizing your family’s plan to pay for college

When it comes to financial goals, a new survey suggests that creating a plan to pay for college should be top of mind for more families.

Only 54 percent of parents are comfortable with their plan to pay for their child’s college education, according to a College Ave Students Loan survey conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights.

To pay for college, consider the following financial strategies:

• Apply for reputable scholarships and grants early and often. One easy one to apply for is the College Ave Student Loans $1,000 Monthly Scholarship Sweepstakes.

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if your family has a high income. Doing so is the only way to access the big pool of financial aid available from the U.S. Department of Education, which awards over $120 billion annually in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study programs and loans. What’s more, states and some

individual schools use it to determine aid packages as well.

• Ask family members to gift or contribute toward the cost of education.

• Fine-tune the college application process to save money. For example, zero in on state schools for in-state tuition, or on schools where your child’s grades and SAT scores are above average to boost the likelihood of receiving merit aid.

• Ninety-one percent of parents currently help or plan to help their child pay for college and 75 percent of parents expect their child to help pay, which means that for most families, a candid discussion about what you can afford and how much you expect him or her to contribute is essential.

• Financial aid letters arrive in the spring. Review this, and if your expected family contribution (EFC) is more than you can afford, reach out to the financial aid office to discuss.

• If needed, borrow federal loans in the student’s name first. They carry special benefits, such as public service

forgiveness and income-driven repayment options not typically available on private loans.

• When federal loans in the student’s name don’t cover you fully, consider a private student loan or parent loan with a good interest rate. You may also need to find a cosigner with strong credit. With the pre-qualification tool offered by College Ave Student loans, you can find out if your credit qualifies for a College Ave loan and what rates to expect before applying. Pre-qualification does not affect your credit score, making this a convenient way to get your ducks in a row. To learn more, visit CollegeAveStudentLoans. com.

“Families would be wise to prioritize their plan for financing college so they are not taken by surprise when the first tuition bill is received,” said Joe DePaulo, CEO and cofounder of College Ave Student Loans. “Knowing where the money is going to come from is essential.”

Benefits:

• Loan amounts from $2,000–$10,000

• Flexible, lower minimum credit score

• Minimal closing costs

Eligibility Requirements:

• Single-family home

• Repairs must be made to a home you own and occupy

• Improvements must be

Ferguson extends contract of Jeff Blume, a villain of DOJ report

If the “prevalent” rumors are true, Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III’s plan to become the permanent city manager are right on track.

Knowles’ term as mayor ends in April, and he’s termlimited. He can’t apply for city employment until a year after he’s out of office, according to the City Charter.

On February 25, Ferguson City Council members voted 5-2 to approve extending interim City Manager Jeff Blume’s contract and to start the search for a permanent city manager in May 2021. That’s the exact month Knowles would be eligible for the position.

When Knowles announced the resolution at the council meeting, residents jumped to their feet in opposition. Resident Mildred Clines was at the front of the frustrated crowd, trying to get the council members’ attention through the podium microphone.

city manager for more than two years.

Councilwoman Ella Jones said having an interim manager leading the city for this length of time is “unhealthy.” At the meeting, Jones offered an alternative resolution: to let Blume’s contract expire and have him work monthto-month while they search for a permanent city manager. However, Councilwoman Heather Robinett said that the city has made progress with the consent decree under Blume, and they should keep him in the position.

“You’re not going to kick us in our teeth like this,” Clines said. “You’re going to hear what we have to say. The community does not want this.”

Residents have called Blume “the architect of the black body ATM” because the U.S. Department of Justice (D.O.J.) found in 2016 that he orchestrated the city’s push to increase municipal and traffic tickets for more city revenue. Blume’s actions are why the city had to enter into a consent decree with the DOJ, residents decried.

Blume’s interim contract was set to expire on March 1. Now he’s set to be the interim

Jones and Robinett will vie for mayor in April –and Robinett is Knowles’ handpicked successor. Jones’ motion was not entertained, and Knowles carried on with the meeting’s business over chants, “No, no! Jeffrey Blume has got to go!”

Knowles ordered the police to have the people removed, but the police only contained the situation and did not remove anyone.

Clines even pointed at Blume and said, “You’re looking at us, and you’re laughing at the black people. Looking at the smirk on your face: ‘I’m screwing them, and I’m getting away with it.’ We’re telling you we are not accepting this, and we’re not going to go quietly.”

Knowles finally moved to adjourn the meeting without hearing public comment — which is normally heard at the beginning of the meeting. The council recently moved public comment to the end, and residents believe it’s to

Ferguson police officers had to escort a resident from a City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 25. Community members were upset about interim City Manager Jeffrey Blume receiving a contract extension.

discourage public input because they often have to wait through hours of city business to speak.

Officer Ira Walker defuses situation

After the council members left the room, one white officer attempted to physically remove an African-American man. There was a tussle, and several women residents adamantly opposed the police touching the man. The man was finally put outside and was about to get arrested. However, Officer Ira Walker put a stop to it.

“One really good cop

stated that “unless ticket writing ramps up significantly before the end of the year, it will be hard to significantly raise collections next year.”

In another email, Blume recommended an “I-270 traffic enforcement initiative” in order to “begin to fill the revenue pipeline.”

“The willingness of the rest of the council to keep him in that position is a slap in the face to the people who were most impacted by the system that Blume created,” Griffin said.

Last month, she motioned to open up the search process for a city manager, but no one seconded it and she doesn’t understand why, she said.

However, Griffin has also heard the rumor that Knowles is using his allies and handpicked people on the council — council members Robinett, Linda Lipka, J. Toni Burrow and Byron Fry — to help him pave a path for him to become city manager in 2021.

deactivated the situation,” said Ferguson resident and protestor Tony Rice, who was livestreaming the meeting, “and just said there will be no arrest made and everybody just kind of talked it out.”

Jones said that Officer Walker is a “good person” and Ferguson has many great police officers.

“When you get a situation like that where people are emotional and passionate, the police officers should be trained enough to identify that and not escalate,” Jones said. “He did a great job.”

‘Behind every rumor’ in Ferguson

Former Ferguson Police Chief Delrish Moss confirmed that the rumors were prevalent while he was working in Ferguson.

“I had long heard rumors that the mayor [Knowles] hopes to be city manager once he leaves office,” Moss told the American. “And while I don’t know it to be a fact, 36 years in municipal government has taught me that behind every rumor is at least a hint of truth.”

Councilwoman Ella Jones said that although she hasn’t heard Knowles announce these plans, the timeline is undeniable. “Why would a person not assume that?” Jones said.

The American reached out to Knowles, but has not received a response.

Councilwoman Francesca Griffin voted against the extension of Blume’s contract, largely because of the community’s concern with his background.

In a complaint filed against the City of Ferguson on February 10, 2016, the D.O.J. cited several emails written from Blume to then-police chief Thomas Jackson. One

Knowles ally Fry is another story. A year ago, the council appointed him to fill the 3rd Ward seat on the City Council left vacant by Wesley Bell when he was elected St. Louis County prosecutor. Many community members opposed the appointment of Fry, who is black, based on Facebook posts he wrote days after Michael Brown was shot and killed about wanting to run protestors over and shoot them if they came on his lawn during the Ferguson unrest in 2014.

Fry posted, “I do not give a damn about protestors right (now) who do not live in Ferguson!!!! I want to go bust some skulls so right now, I can taste their blood.”

There was recently a presentation for the re-branding of the city of Ferguson, Griffin said.

“One of the words was ‘respect,’” she said. “I just feel like there is very little of that when it comes to the concerns of the community. Last night was a clear example of that. It was the complete opposite of respect in a city where we have over 70 percent black population.”

St. Louis County Police promotions

The names of four AfricanAmerican St. Louis County police officers were removed from a list of promotions for sergeant, according to documents obtained by the St. Louis American

On February 11, the commander of the Personnel Services Unit sent out an interoffice memorandum that listed 33 officers as being eligible to go to the next phase of the promotional process — an oral interview. Four AfricanAmerican officers were on the list.

However, on February 14, the commander, Lt. Jack Webb, sent out an “amended

notice,” listing only 24 names. None of them were AfricanAmerican.

In his explanation, Webb stated that “upon closer examination” of the department’s Promotional Policy, “at least three candidates must be considered to have passed the test for every projected opening at the time the promotion process is announced.”

The number of original projected openings was eight, he stated. By this explanation, 24 names would only be the bare minimum.

The Ethical Society of Police, a police association for city and county officers who advocate for diversity and equity, tweeted about the promotion list’s downsizing on the morning of February 20. ESOP claimed the downsizing was done at the “urging” of the bargaining police union for the county, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 111. ESOP also called on the department’s new Diversity and Inclusion Unit (DIU) to make a public statement on “how awful this is.”

“The FOP and DIU claim to be for fairness for ALL officers,” according to the tweet. “Will the FOP and DIU do anything to address this?”

Nine people in total were dropped from the list, and four of them were African American.

“They have done harm to nine people,” said Heather Taylor, president of ESOP. “This process didn’t lend to equality. It was a terrible process. They did not handle it professionally.”

Matt Crecelius, the business manager for the FOP, said that the police officers themselves sent emails and text messages to police department leaders flagging a violation of the promotional policy. Crecelius said that early in January, the department announced the promotional process, asking officers to turn in their forms. At that time, the police chief was required to announce the number of openings, which was stated as eight.

Crecelius said that 72 officers took the written test. The promotional policy states that, “Any candidate who scores in the 70 percentile or higher on the written test will be placed on the list for oral boards.” Crecelius said that this is the 70 percentile of their peers, not on the test itself, and that would limit the list to 24 candidates.

“I feel horrible they got taken off the list,” he said in response to the AfricanAmerican officers. “But this is a competitive process.”

He said it was unfair to the 24 candidates to expand the number of openings to 11 after the announcement, flooding the list to 33 candidates. And it was not done to exclude black police officers, he said.

“As ESOP is aware, our association has zero decision making authority in this matter,” according to an FOP statement. “That authority rests solely with the Board of Police Commissioners and the Department. This matter was brought to the Police Board and it was determined that the policy had been violated.” The American reached out to the St. Louis County Police Department, and a spokesman said, “The number of expected openings at the rank of sergeant increased early in the promotional process. While that presented an opportunity to expand the field of candidates, the amount of participants in the process must align with the Department’s policy.”

In regards to the ESOP’s concern about lack of diversity in the promotions list, the department spokesman said, “The participants were determined solely by test scores with no other factor involved.” The American also reached out to the chair Police Board of Commissioners and is awaiting a response. The American also reached out to the County Executive Sam Page’s staff about the issue, and a spokesman said they are looking into the issue.

Photo by Wiley Price

ESL cheerleaders were punished for defending themselves

By Edna C. Farmer

For The St. Louis American

According to the Thursday, February 13, edition of the Monitor, East St. Louis Superintendent Arthur Culver said, “We expect our teams to conduct themselves in a manner that will protect the safety of athletes, officials, coaches, and spectators at sporting events. We regret that our cheerleading team did not conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with these expectations. Following a thorough investigation, consequences were administered which resulted in the immediate conclusion of the cheerleading season for the school year.”

This sounds like the quote you could have said two years ago when a few members of the track team went into the stands and fought with someone. This quote does not apply to the cheerleaders who were simply protecting themselves when a Trinity cheerleader started the fight. They were concerned about their own safety.

We understand that there are consequences for what happened, but consequences should be related to how these cheerleaders were attacked and abused at the hands of Trinity. The consequences should be about their humanity as our children in our community of East St. Louis.

It seems as if the quick judgment you handed down was not about the cheerleaders. It seems like the judgment is about preserving or trying to maintain a certain image. The cheerleaders should not have to bear the effects of a disciplinary measure that is being used to help outsiders to our city feel better about our city. It is problematic when you are more concerned about outsiders’ perception of the City of East

St. Louis than about treating our cheerleaders as human beings – most importantly, as children in your care.

Did you acknowledge who our cheerleaders are?

Their good grades, their good behavior? They were on the Homecoming Court (making all of East St. Louis proud), the Mayor’s Council, and they have great supportive parents. They are supposed to be your children, and you serve as the parent or guardian figure when they are at school or at a school activity away from school.

Deep down inside they know you don’t care about them or their feelings. I haven’t heard whether you asked if any of them were hurt physically, not to mention the psychological damage they experienced to know not even the principal or the superintendent or the Board of Education is concerned about them personally. They work hard to learn the cheers, they cheer at all the games (crisp, clear and clean steps and cheers), and this is the thanks they get: to be put down so quickly for defending themselves, for their uniforms to be snatched, and to be suspended for the rest of the season. So quick to punish before even the aggressors, the Trinity Cheerleaders, were punished for starting the fight. You never acknowledged that the Trinity Cheerleaders threw the first punch. They started the fight. They were the aggressors. Our cheerleaders were simply protecting themselves, which the principal, the Superintendent, and the

school board are charged to do: protect our children and make sure they are safe.

As the renowned black poet Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Our East St. Louis Senior High School cheerleaders will never forget how you made them feel about this traumatic incident.

Edna Collins Farmer is a retired English teacher from East St. Louis School District 189. This was edited from her remarks presented at the School District 189 Board of Education meeting on Friday, February 21.

Celebration of Life

Mrs. Mary Thomas Wake

Friday, February 28, 2020 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Kreigshauser Mortuary, West Chapel, 9450 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63132

Funeral

Saturday, February 29, 2020 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church 401 S. Lindbergh Blvd , St. Louis, MO 63131

Guest Columnist Edna C. Farmer

“TakingCareofYou”

Housing expanded for those living with HIV

Doorways’ planned expansion includes a new campus in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood of North St. Louis. Doorways is the largest housing agency in Missouri that serves individuals and families affected by HIV and homelessness.

Low-income tax credits spur $23 million capital campaign to fund Doorways services

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

A $23 million capital campaign is well underway to fund Doorways housing and services expansion for persons living with HIV/ AIDS, which includes a new campus in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood of North St. Louis.

Doorways is the largest housing agency in Missouri that serves individuals and families affected by HIV and homelessness. Its service area includes 77 counties in Missouri and 55 counties in Illinois.

The HIV/AIDS nonprofit organization already owns and operates seven apartment buildings in the city of St. Louis, serving 3,200 men, women and children in 2019.

Doorways President and CEO Opal Jones said the expansion will take place in two phases.

“The first phase is about $17 million, and that is going to fund a new programmatic and administrative headquarters for our

n “We see it as really pivotal in moving the needle for caring for people with HIV and ending the epidemic.”

– April Jones, Doorways

organization, as well as 50 housing units, particularly for those in emergency situations, coming directly out of homelessness and affected by HIV,” Jones said.

It will break ground this fall. Rise is the development consultant, Trivers is the architect and BSI Constructors is the

general contractor for the project.

“We were recently awarded low-income tax credits, which gave us a lot of money for the project,” said Jones, “and those units will be open by the end of 2021.”

Those tax credits came from the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

“We got about $9.5 million in tax credits and other incentives from the state,” Jones said. “And when you look at that, money we got from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund through the City of St. Louis and other funders, we’ve so far raised $10 million in public funding and $4 million through our capital campaign. We’re just a few million short of raising all the money for our phase 1.”

Doorways has been working on strategic plans, finding the land, and fundraising for about three years, she said.

“It’s a huge effort, the largest thing our agency has done by far, and we see it as

By Mellve Shahid Sr.

For The St. Louis American

I was always taught that during Black History Month there are two types of history: the one you read about in the history books and the one that you make for yourself.

I honor and give reverence to the great leaders, personalities and historical figures and events that shaped the history of African Americans in the United States. However, let me share a moment in time that is history in the making.

I have been blessed and honored to be part of The Empowerment Network, an organization that has become history makers in the prostate cancer community of greater St. Louis. From its inception in 2008, we started the first nationally acclaimed, community-based prostate cancer support group in the St. Louis community, followed by the establishment of the first community Cancer Informational and Educational Center.

Since then, hundreds of men’s lives have been saved through early testing. We’ve connected survivors to urologists and other medical professionals, as well as giving out countless treatment referrals, educational sessions, resources and support. Our prayer teams and speaker’s bureau are actively in the community.

We are history makers. But history always has a beginning. My history with The Empowerment Network is very personal, painful and all so real. It started in 2007 when my doctor gave me two years to live following discovery that I had prostate cancer, but God gave me new life. On the day of my surgery on March 6, 2007, I asked God to heal my body, restore my health and to give me a second chance. I promised God that if he would do that for me, I would spend the rest of my life in service to prostate cancer survivors.

In that promise, in that moment in time, The Empowerment Network was birthed.

Inflammation expert appointed to endowed chair at WUSTL

Abu-Amer named J. Albert Key Professor at medical school

American staff

Yousef Abu-Amer, a leading expert in inflammatory joint disease and bone loss, has been named the inaugural Dr. J. Albert Key Professor at Washington University School of Medicine.

Estimates indicate more than 60 million Americans suffer from inflammatory joint diseases and that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. AbuAmer studies some of the most devastating complications of inflammatory arthritis: joint erosion and excessive bone loss associated with advanced and late stages of the disease. He is interested in deciphering the molecular mechanisms at the interface of inflammation

for

n Estimates indicate more than 60 million Americans suffer from inflammatory joint diseases and that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

and skeletal tissue to help doctors pinpoint therapeutic interventions.

“Yousef is a leader in the investigation of inflammation and its molecular signatures in immune cells, bone cells

See ABU-AMER, A13

At the installation of Yousef Abu-Amer as the J. Albert Key Professor were Dr. David H. Perlmutter, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, the George and Carol Bauer Dean of the School of Medicine and the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor; Dr. Regis J. O’Keefe, the Fred C. Reynolds Professor and head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Abu-Amer; and Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

Mellve Shahid Sr.

Photo: Healthcare for Missouri

Photo by Mark Beaven

“TakingCareofYou”

Coronavirus tests public health infrastructure

Missouri has

yet to have a confirmed case, yet state prepares

By Lauren Weber Kaiser Health News

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Every weekday at noon since January 27, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams gathers his outbreak response team for a meeting on coronavirus.

Missouri has yet to have a confirmed case of what officials are now calling COVID-19. Individuals in the state who were being monitored for the novel viral infection originating from Wuhan, China have tested negative. While 35 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. so far, tens of thousands of people have been infected worldwide and more than 2,628 have died. Global — and local — fears of the spread of the respiratory virus are fueling concerns about a lack of preparation in the U.S. Missouri health department staff have been working overtime preparing for if and when the cases come by ensuring they have adequate supplies of non-expired protective gear like masks and planning how to trace the movements of those who have come in contact with potentially infected people. They’re also helping set up coronavirus testing capabilities at a regional lab based here in the state capital to evaluate potential cases from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has started shipping testing

Abu-Amer

Continued from A12

and cartilage cells,” said Dr. Regis J. O’Keefe, the Fred C. Reynolds Professor and head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Doorways

Continued from A12

really pivotal in moving the needle for caring for people with HIV and ending the epidemic,” Jones said. “We are looking at HIV care not through the biomedical approach first, but through the housing lens and the behavioral health lens.”

She said the goal is to get HIV-positive people to

Shahid

Continued from A12

On March 6, I’ll celebrate 13 years of being cancer free. God has kept his promise; I’m endeavoring every day to keep mine. Yes, I’m still surviving a disease that invaded my body but not my mind nor my spirit. So, I am holding fast to my dreams that I can help change the dynamic of this disease with a promise rooted in my faith and in my passion.

The Empowerment Network is part of God’s master plan to change the conversation about this disease among men in St. Louis. Men are now talking about this disease with more comfort and more ease.

kits around the country.

Coronavirus may not require a front-line battle yet in places like Missouri as it does in states with confirmed cases, such as Washington, California, Illinois and Texas. But it’s still taxing public health officials in Missouri, which has one of the lowest levels in the nation for public health spending per person. And they, like health officials in other states, are stuck in the tricky position of trying not to be over- or underprepared for a potential public health crisis that may never come.

Missouri’s legislature is considering an additional $300,000 in emergency funding for events like coronavirus. This money is vital for responding to outbreaks in the state, Williams said, including more common concerns like mumps and measles or ongoing fights against hepatitis A and tuberculosis.

However, according to Williams, the legislature denied such an appeal for $300,000 last year. “We are essentially like a fire department, right? People want us to be available when there’s a fire,” the director said. “But when there’s not a fire, they don’t really give a lot of thought to it.”

As state officials gear up for possible problems from coronavirus, local health departments in Missouri are at a disadvantage because they have lost staff amid state budget cuts, according to Lindsey Baker, research director for the Missouri Budget Project, a nonprofit

“He is working to improve our understanding of bone and joint degeneration and to develop better preventive and therapeutic responses. His work is significantly advancing our understanding of the relationship between inflammatory molecular pathways and major events,

undetectable status.

“People with undetectable status, it is known that there is effectively no risk of them transmitting HIV to other people.” Jones said. “So, you care for the individual and you also care for the community by ending this epidemic.”

Phase 2 of the expansion project will unfold on the same three-acre campus, which is located near the NGA expansion site.

“It will be a minimum of 30 permanent supportive housing

I am an advocate and a servant to cancer victims. My faith walk is helping to shatter the silence of this disease and the urban myths that surround it.

Our impact is significant. Our records tell our story. We have nearly 600 survivors in our database. We’ve counseled more than 4,700. More than 1,400 men have been tested. We’ve had over 1,300 support group attendees. We’ve done about 325 outreach events and 120 church tours. We’ve had more than 160 physician referrals to our organization. And at least 144 men had positive test results, meaning treatment was needed. Never would I have expected my new life to touch the lives of so many men, new friends and survivors, who are

focused on public policy decisions.

Similar patterns hold true across the nation. Almost a quarter of local health department jobs have been lost since 2008, according to the National Association of County and City Health Officials, and a quarter of local health departments experienced budget cuts last year.

While federal funding has supplemented public health funding in Missouri, Baker said, the federal cash comes with strict rules on how it can be used.

Williams stressed that, despite Missouri’s limited budget, his state ranked in the top tier for emergency preparedness by Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit advocacy group promoting

such as joint failure, that can require extensive surgical interventions.”

Abu-Amer is a fellow of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and a former member of the organization’s policy and publication committees. In 2002, he received the Kappa

units,” Jones said. “We’re right at Jefferson and Stoddard streets.” She said that Doorways is working with the City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, Project Connect, and 3rd Ward Alderman Brandon Bosley to get necessary approvals for the project.

Jones said she anticipates that phase 2 is five years away.

“We got a year and a half construction period, we’re raising money, and then we

public health.

Money notwithstanding, viruses like COVID-19 force the staff to work longer hours, according to state epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze, as the health department juggles its existing workload with pressing concerns.

“Everything else is happening — it’s not like we can switch, we have to do all this at once,” Turabelidze said.

Plus, he added, since this outbreak involves world travelers arriving at all times of the day, his staff has had to work weekends to track down where travelers have come from and whether they’ve had contact with infected people.

For now, salaried staffers — who do not receive overtime — are expected to shoulder the

Delta Young Investigator Award from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He is a standing member of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Skeletal Biology Structure and Regeneration Study Section and previously was a grant reviewer for NASA,

got to go and apply for funds again,” she said. “So we think that’s about five years out before that’s done.”

Expansion plans call for at two elements of retail, Jones said, “so people can come and go, whether they are customers of the retail or they are visiting Doorways, and everybody can do so with a level of anonymity. We welcome as many people on the campus as possible.”

And what may seem like a small gesture to some –

n My history with The Empowerment Network started in 2007 when my doctor gave me two years to live following discovery that I had prostate cancer, but God gave me new life.

in my life to help me complete this journey.

A cancer journey can sometimes lead many survivors to frustration and hopelessness.

I make it a point to visit men in hospitals suffering from the disease. I remember one patient I visited who thanked me for the support of the organization which gave him the strength to keep fighting. The man died the next morning. I cried.

I see a new joy emerging from this army of prostate cancer survivors. St. Louis has

a voice and a vessel to spread the message of hope that men can survive prostate cancer.

The behavior of men is rapidly changing when confronted with a prostate cancer diagnosis and the new awareness about getting tested.

During a recent support group meeting, a survivor stood up and openly talked about the impact of the disease in his life. The pain in his voice echoed the hurt in his body from dealing with the disheartening side effects of post-radiation

extra load.

Even as they work extra hours, some routine health department matters such as onsite sewage inspections

“get put in the back seat,” said Adam Crumbliss, chief director of Missouri’s Division of Community and Public Health.

If coronavirus reaches a pandemic level — in which it spreads worldwide — Crumbliss said the National Guard could be activated.

Vital to any public health emergency response are the underlying relationships, stressed Paula Nickelson, the state’s program coordinator for health care system readiness.

Knowing whom to call and having an established rapport with key health care providers such as the Missouri Hospital

the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the Arthritis Foundation, and other funding agencies. He has had continuous funding from the NIH since 1999 and from Shriners Hospitals for Children since 2002.

The new professorship

having an actual Doorways sign at the entrance of the new headquarters – is a large public gesture to welcome the agency’s clients and to publicly rebuke and defy any stigma that anyone might attach to living with HIV or AIDS.

“It was very intentional for us to land on Jefferson Avenue, because it will be our first branded building. Doorways has never had a building with our name on it,” Jones said.

treatment. My brother in the fight boldly shared the personal details about his male bodily functions to about 50 other men in the room that day.

The survivors I saw in that room that day are some of the many men that are battling prostate cancer. I saw the faces of survivors who need my help and intervention from The Empowerment Network, which is emerging as the new ambassador for prostate awareness. Yet, I hold fast that I must do more to help decrease the mortality rate in men who battle this disease.

Association is critical during a crisis.

As is experience.

Nickelson said the state’s response capabilities were tested and strengthened during a successful practice transport of a hypothetical Ebola patient from St. Louis to the University of Iowa in May.

Through that exercise, they learned that the material of their ISOPODs — portable, see-through isolation units that quarantine infected patients while allowing them to still see and speak to other people — was so thick it made it hard to hear those inside. Now, they are equipping them with walkietalkies.

Another major question in recent days is a potential onslaught of shortages of protective medical equipment — everything from masks to latex gloves – often manufactured in China. Nickelson said the state has assessed what materials are on hand.

“They’re fairly small amounts,” she said. “What we found over the course of a decade is that a lot of that stuff sits on the shelf, doesn’t necessarily get used, and so we’re better off to have justin-time, vendor-managed processes in place.”

Still, Nickelson noted, that could become a problem for everyone if a pandemic occurs and those vendors become swamped with orders.

“This is by no means a sprint,” Crumbliss said. “This is a long-wind race.”

was created through the philanthropic legacy of J. Albert Key, MD, who chaired the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University from 1930 until his death in 1955.

“We want to basically put a stake in the ground and say that even if you have HIV, that’s okay; we can live stigma-free, and there’s no reason to hide.” The current Doorways HQ is on Maryland Avenue in the Central West End of St. Louis. For more information about the capital campaign or Doorways’ programs and services, call 314-328-2705, email info@doorwayshousing. org or visit doorwayshousing. org.

There are still too many fatherless children and wives raising those children alone. There are still too many men contemplating suicide after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis. They have yet to see or know their true greatness. I attend far too many funerals. I believe that true greatness is a true extension of one’s self fighting the cancer that has invaded one’s body. Nelson Mandela said it best: “When individuals rise above their circumstances and use problems to push them to become more, they grasp greatness.” The greatness that survivors possess is the stories that they carry into the community to help build hope, inspiration and encouragement. I am filled with happiness and joy to live the new life God has given me. Mellve Shahid Sr. is a prostate cancer survivor and president and founder of The Empowerment Network, a prostate cancer advocacy organization.

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids

GRAINS

Keep‘em Whole!

Nutrition Challenge:

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

Do This. Not That!

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more information.

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

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior?

Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

INGREDIENTS:Whole Grain Corn,Sugar,Corn Meal,Corn Syrup,Canola and/or Rice Bran Oil,Cocoa Processed withAlkali,ColorAdded,Salt,Fructose,Natural andArtificial Flavor,Trisodium Phosphate,BHTAdded to Preserve Freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Tricalcium Phosphate,Calcium Carbonate,Zinc and Iron (mineral nutrients), Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), A B Vitamin (niacinamide), Vitamin

(pyridoxine hydrochloride), Vitamin

(riboflavin),

(thiamin mononi- trate),

(palmitate),

,Vitamin

CONTAIN WHEAT INGREDIENTS.

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

(folic

Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

Learning Standards: HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Ingredients: 1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

1 Garlic clove, crushed

2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

Desiree’ N. Williams Project Coordinator

Where do you work? I am a project coordinator and strategic finance and certified passenger safety technician. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Hazelwood East High School, and I then majored in biology at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

What does a project coordinator do? As the Project Coordinator of Finance, I help to make sure donations received are properly given to each department to make sure donor gifts are used to its best ability. Lucky for me, as a Certified Safety Tech, I get to see those dollars go to work! I make sure all infants and children that leave the hospital are kept safe while traveling in the car and while they are at home. Injury and death prevention is the number one focus. Why did you choose this career? Several years ago, my son was a patient of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The care he received was phenomenal, so working here is like my way of giving back. (It made me become a donor myself.) Every department in which I award funds to, my son was able to benefit from such dollars. It’s pretty neat to see it come full circle.

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 Easy Hummus Dip

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I don’t think I can pick just one. The teams I work on are amazing and they make being at work enjoyable. Seeing the smile on a patient’s face, receiving a thank you email, or just knowing I am building the confidence of caretakers are worthwhile. St. Louis Children’s Hospital is a truly special place!

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Meadows Elementary School

5th grade teacher

Jessica Genteman shows students D’Quan Chatman, Jacie Johnson and Ranoldo Mosley how to work STEM lessons they found in the newspaper’s NIE page.

SCIENCE CORNER

Animation is the process of creating a video or moving picture from a series of images. It is created by an animator. Animators create video game graphics, television program animation, online simulations, movies and virtual reality games. There are three main ways to create animation: 1. Draw frames by hand, 2. Stop motion—a moveable model is changed for each image to create a moving scene, 3. Computer graphics—3D software is used to create animated characters and settings. Animation can be created by individuals and there are many well-known animation studios, such as DreamWorks, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Disney, and Warner Brothers. Animation is usually filmed at 12-24 moving frames per second.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this activity, you will use logic to form and test a hypothesis to solve the problem.

Materials Needed: 12 toothpicks

Process:

q Create three triangles of the same size using only 7 toothpicks. How many tries did it take before you were successful? What helped you solve the challenge?

w Next, use 10 toothpicks to create 6 triangles of the same size.

MATH CONNECTION

Hand drawn animation takes a lot of time to create and is expensive to pay the animator for all of the time involved. Older Disney movies were created by hand drawn animation. Stop motion uses moveable models or clay. The animator takes a picture of each scene and uses computer software (such as Movie Maker) to make the scenes move and animate. The original Rudolph movie uses clay animation. Modern computer animation uses 3D software to control the characters and settings. Movies such as Toy Story use this animation.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text

Toothpick Challenge

e Finally, use 12 toothpicks to create your own challenge for a friend to solve.

Evaluate: What was difficult about this challenge? What method helped you solve the problem?

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze results and draw conclusions. I can make text-to-world connections.

Movie Math

q If the movie starts at 7:15 p.m. and you need to leave the house 45 minutes in advance, what time do you need to leave? _________

w You purchase 2 adults tickets at $11.50 each and 3 children’s tickets at $6.50 each, how much money do you spend in tickets? _________

e The concession stand sells small popcorn for $3.00 and a medium for $4.50. Small drinks are $4.50 each and medium drinks are $6.00 each. Which is the better deal: to buy two small drinks and two small popcorns OR to buy one medium popcorn and 2 medium drinks? Why? _________

DID YOU KNOW?

r The movie starts at 7:15 and the running time is 113 minutes. What time does it end? _________

Challenge question: 500 tickets are sold for a Sunday movie matinee. Tickets are $7.50 for adults and $4.00 per child. The theater collected $3,312.50 in ticket sales. How many adult tickets were sold? 375, 200, 125, or 500

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

African American Computer Scientist Marlon West

Marlon West grew up in St. Louis and he loved drawing. After he graduated from University City High School in 1981, he attended Columbia College in Chicago where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in film and video animation in 1985. Upon graduation, West began creating educational videos for Encyclopedia Britannica. In 1989, he moved to Los Angeles where he created music videos and television commercials— including Michael Jackson’s commercial for California Raisins. In 1993, he was hired by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The first film that he worked on animating was Lion King.

West assisted in animating many more films for Disney, including Pocahontas, Mulan, Princess and the Frog, Tarzan, Chicken Little, Hercules, and Frozen. His latest project was the movie Moana where he was the head of effects animator. West enjoys researching the background of the characters and bringing their traditions to life. West wants the animations to be accurate and to honor the culture. He wants the story lines to encourage and inspire audiences. The biggest challenge in Moana was all of the ocean scenes. It took a lot of physics to get the depth of the water to look realistic. West recently visited St. Louis where he completed numerous interviews and spoke at Webster University. He was awarded the SLIFF (St. Louis International Film Festival) Cinema St. Louis Award. For more information about computer animation, visit: http:// thekidshouldseethis.com/ post/17452504790. Learning Standards: I can read about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I can make text-to-text connections.

SCIENCE STARS MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activities —

Computer Usage: newspaper to find examples of ways that people use computers to communicate— websites, blogs, email, social network. How do computers help people communicate with each other?

Research a Sports Star:

Read an article in the sports section. Choose a sports star to research. Enter their name in a search engine. How many hits did you get? How can you tell which sites are reliable?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can evaluate information and draw conclusions. I can make text-to-world connections.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

LeBron James

From the desk of MIKE BLOOMBERG

Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time to learn about The Greenwood Initiative.

As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would only have been possible in America — and that’s true. But I also know that because of the artificial barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white.

Building Generational Wealth for Black Families is Critical. That’s why I launched The Greenwood Initiative in Tulsa last month. I visited the site of the Black Wall Street Massacre, where a white mob decimated the prosperous community of Greenwood. It is to the memory of the lost lives and promise of Greenwood that we’ve dedicated The Greenwood Initiative: a plan to address the systematic bias that has kept Black Americans from building wealth.

THE GREENWOOD PLAN WILL:

• Create 1 million new Black homeowners

• Double the number of new Black-owned businesses

• Invest $70 billion in the country’s 100 most disadvantaged neighborhoods

Fixing the System for Black Families. When I was mayor of New York, I was proud to take on the systematic inequality that held back too many New Yorkers. We increased education funding, built 650 new schools and raised Black graduation rates to record highs. We led an ambitious effort to reduce poverty and managed the largest amount of affordable housing in the nation. And as President, I will work even more aggressively to combat inequality nationwide.

I understand that undoing generations of systematic discrimination won’t happen overnight, but we can make progress with a clear vision and a comprehensive plan. I’ve included a pamphlet along with this letter that lays out my plan. When I’m President, implementing The Greenwood Initiative: will be a top priority.

Join me in ending the systemic inequality that has held Black Americans back for too long!

Sincerely,

PAID FOR BY MIKE BLOOMBERG 2020

Robert Kirkland is president of Sysco St. Louis. Acting through its subsidiaries and divisions, Sysco Corporation, is the largest global distributor of food and related products, providing products and related services to over 650,000 customer locations, including restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers, according to its 2019 Annual Report.

Business

‘Food can be a window into your culture’

Robert Kirkland of Sysco St. Louis explores and serves the community through food

By Sophie Hurwitz

For the St. Louis American

When Robert Kirkland, now president of Sysco St. Louis, was informed that he would finish his management-track training after a move from Houston to St. Louis, he wasn’t sure what to expect here. Sysco Corporation is the nation’s largest food-distribution company, so to keep moving up at his employer, Kirkland ended up moving across the country, too. “I was somewhat familiar with the city but it was never an extended stay, it was always a day or two or three in and out,” he said. “So what I didn’t know was about all the hidden riches of the city – Forest Park, or the zoo, or all the tremendous restaurants that are here in the city. So all of those things are a treasure find.”

n “Where there are pockets of the region where food is not easy to come by, we want to be able to go out and do our business activities and service restaurants out there.”

– Robert Kirkland, president of Sysco St. Louis

Now, Kirkland is intimately familiar with the city. As Sysco is a massive distributor of, primarily, food products, the way Kirkland sees St. Louis is through food – the restaurants they

distribute to, the most interesting places to get food, the food banks Sysco works with, and how the weather will affect supply shipments.

Kirkland gets to sample different foods the company may be adding to its distribution list, he said, “every day, multiple times a day.” But that’s not the best aspect of the job.

“The greatest aspect of this job is working with people,” he said. “You get an opportunity to work with really good people in St. Louis that are passionate about food. And they’re passionate about food not because it tastes good – and most places I go, it really does taste good – they’re passionate about it because food can be a window into your culture.”

The dishes that his restaurant customers create

See KIRKLAND, B2

An ‘Oasis’ on Goodfellow

Terrance Fuller turned clemency from President Obama into fine dining for the North Side

By Sharee Silerio For The St. Louis American

n “We’re just doing something different, bringing something different to the community.”

– Executive Chef Laurence “Chef Law” Reynolds

When Terrance Fuller opened Oasis Grill in St. Louis two years ago, it was nothing short of a dream. He was supposed to be somewhere else. He wasn’t supposed to be free. In February 2004, he had been sentenced to 20 years in prison with 10 years of supervised release. He was supposed to be in federal prison. The offense was conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

“It’s kind of amazing,” Fuller said. “It’s scary at times, you know? I’m extremely thankful. Had it not been for President Obama, I’d still be there right now.” After 10 years of trial and appeals, in

See OASIS, B2

Terrance Fuller, owner of Oasis Grill, 8736 Goodfellow Blvd., with Laurence “Chef Law” Reynolds, executive chef and co-owner of Oasis Grill.

Dr. Will Ross will be honored at the 2020 Academy of Science - St. Louis Outstanding Scientists Awards Dinner with the Science Leadership Award on April 2. He is principal officer for Community Partnerships at Washington University School of Medicine. He is co-founder of the BJH Center for Diversity and Cultural Competence and served on the task force that created the Washington University Institute for Public Health. He is a founding associate editor of the public health journal Frontiers in Public Health Education and Promotion

Jalilah Otto was on the panel of nominees submitted to Governor Michael L. Parson to fill the vacancy on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District. She is a circuit judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit (Jackson County). She was born in 1977 and resides in Kansas City. She earned her law degree in 2002 from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and earned her bachelor of arts in communication and political science in 1999 from Tulane University in New Orleans.

Toyin Oduwole has opened St Louis Realty Partners, a residential real estate brokerage that will be based out of WestPort Plaza. He is approaching 10 years of real estate sales experience in the St. Louis metropolitan area and has received numerous awards for his sales production that exceeds $41 million in closed sales since being licensed in 2011. He is a member of St. Louis Realtors, one of the largest real estate associations in the United States.

Sonette Magnus was named a member of the St. Louis office of law firm Lewis Rice. She counsels corporate clients through all phases of commercial litigation, including pre-suit evaluations, discovery, mediation, expert witness preparation, trial preparation and when advisable, trial. She also practices in the Governmental Solutions and Administrative Law Department, where her experience includes implementing practical strategies to achieve business results and influencing public policy in the greater St. Louis area.

Richard R. Wilson was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) by St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. He is a retired colonel in the United States Army, having served seven years of active duty and 25 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. His military assignments include serving as the commander of the 25th Reserve Training Unit and as the director of Special Projects Army Materiel Command.

Sandra Stith was named Employee of the Month for Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in January. She is a Long Term Care specialist for Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS). She has worked for the State of Missouri for over 30 years

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Elizabeth Donielle

By Charlene Crowell

White House budget cuts $5.6B from education

A total of $339.1

For The St. Louis American

For consumers, businesses, organizations and governments alike, annual budgets typically reflect not only line items but priorities as well. As A. Philip Randolph reminded us more than 50 years ago with the release of the “Freedom Budget”, such documents reflect the morals of our nation. Especially when they show how much we value the most vulnerable among us.

The recent White House fiscal year FY 2021 proposal would fund the Defense Department at $636.4 billion, a slight increase above that of FY 2020. At the same time, $339.1 billion in budget cuts are proposed. These cuts would severely impact the nation’s social service safety network, comprised of a wide range of services and programs like food stamps, consumer financial protection, low-income energy assistance, enforcement of federal laws, transportation

Kirkland

continued from page B1 using Sysco’s supplies can help people tell their stories

projects, environmental remediation and more.

And at a time when higher education is increasingly essential to the nation’s economic future, the White House proposal would eliminate $5.6 billion, a 7.8% reduction from current levels.

“Eliminated programs include Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, which duplicates Pell Grants but are less targeted on those who need the most help,” states the Education budget summary.” Its summary also notes how the budget “protects students by eliminating default for impoverished borrowers” and “closing loopholes currently allowing high-earning graduate degree holding borrowers to avoid repaying their student loans, leaving taxpayers holding the bag”.

To be clear – no one really chooses to default on a student loan. Defaults occur when loan payments exceed a borrower’s ability-to-repay, not a willful choice. A significant number of these defaults were incurred at high-cost for-profit colleges.

Research and analysis by the Center for Responsible Lending finds that although for-profit college enrollment represents 6% of all college students, these schools generate over 33% of all students who default on their loans. Further,

and connect in what can often be a siloed and isolating city. “It tells a lot about who that individual is preparing that food,” Kirkland said. “When you get an opportunity to help people tell that story, that’s

billion in budget cuts are proposed

n “Instead of preventing predatory institutions from wasting taxpayer dollars, Secretary DeVos is undermining the federal investment.”

– Ashley Harrington, Center for Responsible Lending

CRL found that only 21% of all for-profit students in four-year programs graduate within six years.

Today there are over 44 million student loan borrowers whose growing reliance on loans corresponds with the still-rising cost of higher education. Except for the financially well-off, student loans are being used more, not less, and include consumers of varying income levels.

If these cuts take effect with Congress’ approval, the federal commitment to higher education will become yet another funding retreat begun nearly a decade ago at the state level.

“State funding for public colleges and universities has steadily declined, contributing to higher tuitions

fulfilling.”

However, St. Louis has a 23.3 percent food insecurity rate in the city and a 13.8 percent food insecurity rate in the county. Along with his restaurant recommendations,

for most students,” said James Kvaal and Jessica Thompson, co-authors of a new policy brief by the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey School of Public Policy. “State funding is not only declining but it is also distributed inequitably.”

“The maximum Pell grant – the federal college scholarship that helps lowincome students pay tuition and living expenses – today covers only 28% of college costs, the lowest share in over 40 year,” continued Kvaal and Thompson. “The current financial aid system is not only underfunded but is not designed to help students meet extra needs or absorb unexpected financial blows.”

Even so, the White House education budget proposal

Kirkland is keenly aware of this issue. He wants Sysco St. Louis to play a role in solving it, both as a part of the community and because a healthier community is more likely to buy from restaurants like those stocking Sysco products.

“It is a role that we want to play very prominently,” Kirkland said. “Where there are pockets of the city and the region where food is not easy to come by, we want to be able to go out and do our business activities and service restaurants out there.”

Each year, Sysco hosts an event called “Taste of the Nation/No Kid Hungry,” where it recruits top mixologists and chefs from across the region to cook for a charity dinner.

Kirkland also detailed Sysco’s involvement in several well-known anti-hunger initiatives, such as March of Dimes and Operation Food Search, and its direct work with food pantries such as the Urban League Food Pantry, St. Louis Food Bank, and Circle

would carve out more than $2 billion for Career and Technical Education (CTE) state grants and CTE National Programs. Eligible CTE recipients could be private businesses offering short-term, training or apprenticeships.

Under the proposal, Pell Grants could be also used for CTE training, siphoning off funds traditionally used at two and four-year institutions.

To put it another way, taxpayer-funded on-the-job training – as short as 30 days or as long as six months – could soon enhance the profit margins of businesses.

Historically, higher education leads to a credential – an associate, bachelor, or graduate course of study that upon completion leads to a higher competitive edge in the general marketplace.

“As states begin to think about their long-term career and technical education strategies,” said Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, “I would encourage them to continue to act boldly and break down the silos that exist between education and industry so that all students are prepared for the in-demand, high-paying jobs of today’s economy and tomorrow’s.”

What does seem to be bold is an administration that consistently and deliberately

of Concern, where Sysco’s surplus warehouse stock often ends up.

“Because of the nature of the business that we’re in, you’ll find us at those major things, just as much as you’ll find us at the very small things,” he said, “where folks might say, ‘You know, we have a church event that we’re out here doing and we could use a helping hand.’”

At Better Family Life’s recent Grills to Glory event, Sysco supplied over 6,000 hot dogs in a single day, he said.

Of course, Sysco is still a business – and one that has to adapt to a rapidly changing food landscape. One of the trends Sysco is adapting to is the shift towards a more health-conscious view of food. Sysco landed a deal to become the exclusive distributor of Beyond Meat products – the faux-meat base now sold as an alternative meat in some Subways and Denny’s restaurants, as well as in stores like Costco and

seeks new ways to benefit private enterprise at the public trough. These new funding streams are also accompanied by departmental deregulation that “streamline and reduce unnecessary costs with accreditation”, states the budget summary.

Sounds like in the name of “deregulation,” this administration is intent on eliminating more “checks and balances” on the use public monies.

“Instead of preventing predatory institutions from wasting taxpayer dollars, Secretary DeVos is undermining the federal investment in higher education by shielding the interests of for-profit institutions and private corporations that prey on students of color, lowincome borrowers, veterans, women, and older Americans,” said Ashley Harrington, CRL’s Federal Advocacy director. “We urge Congress and the current Administration to stop protecting these predatory institutions at the expense of already vulnerable and marginalized groups.”

Charlene Crowell is the deputy director of communications with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

Whole Foods.

“These plant-based alternatives are here to stay, whether it’s the Impossible Burger, which you may have seen Burger King advertising quite a bit here lately, or Beyond Meat,” Kirkland said. “We’ve done extremely well with these products. We have several restaurants that are wedded to having this on their menu. Even though they have beef products on their menu, we’ll hear more if they don’t have that plant-based alternative than we would if they didn’t have the meat products.”

As restaurants and consumers keep asking for new products, Kirkland said, Sysco will evolve with them.

“The food industry is changing every day,” Kirkland said. “As the world becomes a smaller place, people are open to trying new and different things, and it’s our job to go out and make sure we can source those ingredients they need in order to bring those recipes to life.”

Charlene Crowell

n “I just wish my corner would’ve let me go out on my shield. I’m a warrior. That’s what I do.”

— Deontay Wilder, after his loss to Tyson Fury for the heavyweight title

Sports

Teams to watch in district play

Earl picks the winners

The road to the state championship begins next week for Class 4 and 5 schools in the state of Missouri with the beginning of the district playoffs. Here is a preview of the upcoming district tournaments involving St. Louis area teams. For a complete look at the district tournament brackets, you can go to www.mshsaa.org.

Class 5

District 2 (at Mehlville)

Boys Outlook: Top-seeded Mehlville has a loaded team that is looking for another deep postseason run. Host Vianney and Oakville are the top contenders.

Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Mehlville

Lafayette. Championship Game: Thursday, March, 7:30

p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Eureka

Girls Teams to Watch: Marquette, Eureka, Lafayette Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m.

Girls Teams to Watch: Oakville, Cor Jesu, Lindbergh Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 6 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Cor Jesu

District 3 (at Parkway South)

Boys Outlook: This is annually a very competitive district that features top seed Eureka along with Rockwood district rivals Marquette and

Earl’s Prediction: Marquette District 4 (at SLUH)

Boys Outlook: A four-team district that is led by No. 1 seed Chaminade, which has the talent to make a big postseason run. Some interesting challenges look from the likes of host SLUH and Webster Groves. Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 7 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Chaminade

Girls Teams to Watch: Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Nerinx Hall Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Kirkwood

Special Edition

A good time was had by all on Sunday as the St. Louis Battlehawks made their home debut at the Dome of America’s Center.

The capacity crowd of more than 29,000 that witnessed the ‘Hawks 29-6 thrashing of the pitiful New York Guardians was quite diverse with many black and minority fans in attendance.

Draped in Battlehawks shirts and blue Mardi Gras beads, Tony Stephenson and his brother Thomas were part of the raucous, white rally towel waving crowd.

“Man, this is so exciting. This city is starved for football.

58-yard field goal skimmed over the cross bar to push the Battlehawks lead to 26-3, Persephone Campbell of Fairview Heights celebrated as if a St. Louis Cardinal had hit a postseason home run or a St. Louis Blue scored a playoff overtime goal.

“I’m so excited,” she beamed as the crowd roared.

It’s an event,” Tony Stephenson said at halftime with the Battlehawks holding a 23-3 lead.

“It’s more fast-paced, more exciting (than the NFL.)”

Brother Thomas flew in from Denver to take in the festivities of St. Louis’ famed Mardi Gras celebration and the XFL game.

“I had watched a little bit of (Battlehawks and XFL games) on television. This is special. I’m happy to get a chance to be here.”

As kicker Taylor Russolino’s XFL-record

“It’s finally something huge for St. Louis again.”

Former St. Louis Rams receiver Tory Holt was an honorary captain and the cheers rained down upon him.

“It’s good to this turnout. It’s great to see football back in St. Louis,” he said moments before the kickoff. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Pierre Deser, a product of Francis Howell Central High School who caught NFL scours’ eyes at Lindenwood University, was on the Battlehawks sideline and saluted the team and sell-out crowd. “I really like (the XFL kickoff rule),” he said. He added that the atmosphere in the dome “is great.”

St. Louis Battlehawks defensive end Andrew Ankrah charges onto the field before a soldout crowd at the Dome on

Persephone Campbell traveled over from Fairview Heights, Ill., to cheer on the Battlehawks.

Photo by Wiley Price

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Thomas and Tony Stephenson were decked out in the same style Blues shirts that St. Louis Battlehawks players wore as they greeted fans before the game and ‘Hawks beads as pro football returned to St. Louis on Sunday.

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

“Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.” – Jay-Z

Numerous numbers were strewn about leading up to last Saturday’s heavyweight title matchup between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. The bout was the second between the world’s top-two heavyweights. Three titles were on the line if you include Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title, The Ring championship belt and Fury’s status as the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.

Entering the bout, Wilder had accumulated 42 victories, 41 by knockout, and zero losses. Fury’s unbeaten record also included 30 wins and 21 knockouts. Each fighter’s record contained one draw – from their first matchup. Both men earned a guaranteed $28 million, plus a percentage of the PPV profits. Add in ages, height, reach, punch stats, etc. and there seems to be an infinite amount of numbers that impacted the fight in some way. However, one particular number stood out and raised red flags for me: 231. That is how many pounds Wilder weighed when he stepped onto the scales Friday afternoon. Though 231 pounds is far from excessive for a modern heavyweight – especially one who stands at 6-foot-7 – it was the heaviest weight of Wilder’s career. During his first bout against Fury in 2016, Wilder weighed 212.5. In Wilder’s previous fight, a Round 7 KO against Luis Ortiz in November, Wilder weighed 219.5.

So when Wilder tipped the scales at north of 230 pounds,

Fury-ous beatdown will make Deontay Wilder better

I wondered whether we might see another Andy Ruiz Jr. moment. To be fair, Ruiz was terribly out-of-shape when he was easily out-boxed by Anthony Joshua in their second bout. Meanwhile, Wilder was ripped and certainly passed the visual test of what a power-punching heavyweight champion should look like. Still, I couldn’t shake the question of why the extra weight was there.

The 6-foot-9 Fury weighed in a robust 273 pounds, nearly 17 pounds heavier than he weighed during their first fight. However, for months Fury stated that he intended to enter the fight around 270 pounds so that he could bully and batter Wilder. His weight gain was intentional. It was designed to give him extra power to hurt Wilder and extra stability to stand up to Wilder’s vaunted right hand.

Wilder’s extra weight seemed coincidental.

“At the end of the day, we’re heavyweights, so it really doesn’t matter about the weight,” Wilder told reporters after the pre-fight weigh-in.

“As you can see throughout my whole career, I’ve been underweight. I probably outweighed my opponent maybe four times in my career. So I really don’t care about weight.”

It’s fair to ask whether Wilder fell in love with his power and failed to properly prepare for the fight. It is possible that he read into the press clippings, with sports writers around the globe (including this one) picking him to win via vicious knockout. It’s quite possible that Wilder thought all he needed to do was show up, throw some right hands and Fury would have no choice but to crumble to the canvas.

When the bell rang Saturday night, it was evident that Wilder was not moving the same as usual. He did not appear as agile or athletic as in the past. Nobody will confuse him with Willie Pep. In fact, he’ll probably never be considered a “good” defensive fighter due to the fact that he often keeps his hands low and his wild swings routinely leave him in vulnerable positions on the defensive end. Still, Wilder has often shown the ability and agility to lean, duck or step back out of the way of incoming punches.

He did none of that Saturday night. His feet looked like they were in quicksand from the jump.

Following his stunning stoppage loss, Wilder pinned part of the blame on his elaborate costume.

“I paid a severe price In The CluTCh

because my legs were how they were because of my uniform. My uniform was way too heavy. It was 40-plus pounds,” Wilder told ESPN. “We had it on 10 or 15 minutes before we even walked out and then put the helmet on. That was extra weight, then the ring walk, then going up the stairs. It was like a real workout for my legs. When I took it off, I knew immediately that game has changed.”

Many fans and sports personalities aren’t buying the excuse. I don’t know whether it holds weight, but I do know I noticed Wilder’s legs didn’t look the same at start of the fight.

Let’s not take anything from Fury though. He utilized his extra weight to overpower Wilder. Fury brought the fight to Wilder, just like he said he would before the fight.

Fury landed 58 power punches en route to the stunning seventh-round stoppage. In their previous bout, Fury landed just 38 power punches over the full 12-round fight.

Let’s take an even broader look at Fury’s change in strategy. In the first fight, Fury threw 223 jabs versus just 104 power punches. In the rematch, he threw 160 power punches versus just 107 jabs.

What I don’t have the numbers for, but what was equally

important for Fury’s victory, is how many clenches, headlocks and choke holds Fury used while infighting. That helped drain energy from an already weary Wilder. Though I hate when fighters use that tactic, it is often highly-effective.

After the KO loss, Wilder was derided and ridiculed in memes across the internet.

The costume excuse and his criticism of trainer Mark Breland for throwing in the towel have drawn the ire of many. Let’s be clear. Breland’s decision was absolutely the correct one. Wilder was in such poor condition that his right hand couldn’t save him. Despite his battered pride, it’s better to live to fight another day.

One thing I hope Wilder draws from the loss is the need to prepare for 12 round every fight. Yes, his knockout power is extreme. However, the moment a fighter truly believes that no opponent can last 12 rounds in the ring is the moment that fighter is set up for failure.

Marvelous Marvin Hagler once stated, “It’s tough to get out of bed to do roadwork at 5AM when you’ve been sleeping in silk pajamas.”

I have a feeling that the money and fame may have

caused Wilder to get a little too comfortable. By believing that his right hand was inherently unstoppable, he may have failed to put in the work and dedication that made it so. The humbling loss may help Wilder in the long run. After the second Ortiz fight, Wilder argued he was the “hardest puncher in boxing history.” Like Tommy Hearns or Mike Tyson, much of Wilder’s power is predicated on the speed generated by his punches. The extra weight likely took away some of that speed. Wilder is the most dangerous when he’s hungry, dedicated, hungry and fit. Hopefully the “L” Fury handed him will light a fire under the now-former WBC heavyweight champ. Some have proclaimed that after the loss, Wilder shouldn’t even bother exercising his rematch clause. I disagree. I think Wilder should exercise the rematch clause, and exercise a bit harder in his training to ensure that he’s ready for Tyson’s fury in the third bout. There should be no ridicule for Wilder’s loss. He left it all in the ring. Next time he should leave it all in the gym. Then maybe that ridicule will turn into redemption.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch online at stlamerican. com and on Twitter @ishcreates.

Tyson Fury dropped Deontay Wilder twice leading up to a seventh-round stoppage Saturday night. With the win, Fury snatched away Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title and earned The Ring’s heavyweight title.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Sports Eye

Continued from B3 miscues that were the result of crowd noise.

Hayes also helped mastermind the first kickoff return for a touchdown in the game’s second quarter.

The Guardians had just cut a St. Louis lead to 6-3 on a shortlived XFL record 53-yard field goal by Matthew McCrane. On the ensuing kickoff, wide receiver Keith Mumphery caught the football then pitched it to Joe Powell on a reverse. Powell hit the sideline and dashed 84 yards for the TD.

“When Joe hit that next gear I was like, ‘Oh man, this could be a good one,’” Hayes said.

“I couldn’t hear myself think when he was running down the sideline.”

On the run

The one-two punch of running backs Matt jones and Christine Michael was a bruising force that the Guardians never controlled.

Jones rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries and Michael added 44 yards and a TD on 13 carries.

Jones leads the XFL with 224 yards rushing after three games.

Hoops

Continued from B3

District 5 (at Hazelwood Central)

Boys Outlook: The host Hawks are the top seed and are coming off a very good month of February, where they have seemed to hit their stride.

Championship Game:

Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Hazelwood Central

Girls Teams to Watch: Hazelwood Central, Hazelwood West, McCluer North

Championship Game:

Thursday, March 5, 6:30 p.m.

District 6 (at Parkway Central)

Boys

Outlook: Metro Catholic Conference rivals CBC and DeSmet have split their two meetings in conference play this season. A third meeting for a district championship is a very good possibility.

Championship Game: Friday, March 8, 6 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: CBC

Girls Teams to Watch: Parkway Central, Pattonville, Howell North

Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 8 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Parkway Central

District 7 (at Fort Zumwalt South)

Boys

Outlook: A four-team district

The Reid XFL Roundup The Battlehawks’ roster includes several players from the St. Louis area or Missouri. Guard Brian Folkerts, Florissant (Washburn University); defensive lineman Dewayne Hendrix O’Fallon, Ill. (Pitt); receiver Marcus Lucas, Liberty, Mo. (Mizzou); and guard/tackle Brian Wallace, Florissant (Arkansas)… Receiver L’Damian Washington played for Mizzou and declared after the game, “We’ve got to open those upper decks. I think we can fill them up.”

All fans were limited to the lower bowl of The Dome… Every XFL officiating crew includes at least one woman. Tangela Mitchell, an African American official, served as down judge. She is coordinator of student affairs services at Mercer University in Atlanta… Guardians starting quarterback Matt McGloin is flat-out terrible and was benched for the second time in two weeks on Sunday… As excellent as Jonathan Hayes has been as Battlehawks head coach, Guardians coach Kevin Gilbride has been as awful. His team is undisciplined, uninspired and was an embarrassment on Sunday… Hayes heard is first moment of discontent from fans when he chose to punt on fourth-

with host Fort Zumwalt South, Fort Zumwalt North, Howell Central and Fort Zumwalt West all capable of winning the title. Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 7 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Fort Zumwalt South

Girls Teams to Watch: Howell Central, Fort Zumwalt North, Fort Zumwalt West

Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 5:30 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Howell Central

District 8 (at Troy)

Boys Outlook: Top seeded Francis Howell enters the playoffs with a 24-1 record after a historic run to the Final Four last season. Host Troy and Holt are also teams to watch. Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 7 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Francis Howell

Girls Teams to Watch: Wentzville Holt, Troy, Timberland Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 5:30 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Holt Class 4

Boys District 2 (at Park Hills Central)

Outlook: The top two seeds Hillsboro and Park Hills Central have split their first two meetings with both being exciting contests. North County and Farmington are also solid teams.

and-two from the Guardians’ 42-yead line in the first quarter… OK, I know it will not happen. Can we drop the

Earl’s Prediction: Park Hills

Central

Girls Teams to Watch: Park Hills Central, Farmington Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Park Hills

Central

District 3 (at St. Mary’s)

Boys

Outlook: Host St. Mary’s gets the top seed in a transition year after playing for a state title last season. Windsor and Gateway could challenge.

Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: St. Mary’s

Girls Teams to Watch: Gateway STEM, Ursuline Academy, Festus Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Gateway STEM

District 4 (at Westminster Christian)

Boys

Outlook: A very competitive district that features host Westminster along with Priory, Borgia and Washington. All are potential winners. Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Westminster Christian

Girls

Teams to Watch: Westminster, Summit, St. Joseph’s Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m.

District 5 (at Clayton)

Boys

Outlook: An excellent group of teams that includes top seed MICDS, along with University City and Ladue, a Final Four participant from last season.

Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 6 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Ladue

Girls Teams to Watch: Ladue, MICDS, John Burroughs Championship Game: Friday, March 6, 4:30 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Ladue

District 6 (at Riverview Gardens)

Boys Outlook: Top seed Vashon is back in Class 4 after winning the Class 3 state championship last season. Hazelwood East, Confluence and Jennings are solid teams as well.

Championship Game:

Thursday, March 5, 4 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Vashon

Girls

Teams to Watch: Vashon, Jennings, Rosati-Kain Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 5:30 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Vashon

Championship Game: Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. next season and it is scheduled to host the Super Bowl and the Olympics. It’s like chanting “IRS sucks.” You might hate

Earl’s Prediction: Westminster

The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTeS of The Week

Triniya Walker McCluer North – Girls Wrestling

The senior standout took home a third-place medal in the 235pound weight class from last weekend’s MSHSAA state wrestling championships in Columbia. Walker finished with a 4-1 record at the state championships with her only loss coming in a tie-breaker in the semifinals. She came back to defeat Claire

Pritchett of Nevada in the consolation semifinals and Kyla Cornine of Tipton 5-1 in the third-place match. Walker defeated Pritchett 15-11 in the first round and Remy Asta of Staley by fall in the quarterfinals. She finished the season with a 25-2 record.

Jackson DeSmet – Boys Wrestling

The standout junior was the Class 4 state champion at 285 pounds at last weekend’s MSHSAA State Championships in Columbia.

In the championship match, Jackson defeated Ryan Skillington of Francis Howell 5-2 in a rematch of last year’s state final. Jackson was able to gain of measure of revenge by defeating Skillington, who was

last year’s state champion. Jackson finished the season with a 31-3 record. Jackson pinned all three of his opponents to advance to the championship match on Saturday night. He defeated Matt Ludwig of Lindbergh in the first round, Hunter Tennison of Ozark in the quarterfinals and Nick Biesemeyer of Liberty in the semifinals.

District 7 (at St. Charles)

Boys

Outlook: Top seed McCluer comes in with 20 victories and a conference championship. No. 2 seed St. Dominic is also a team to watch.

Championship Game: Saturday, March 7, 5 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: McCluer

Girls Teams to Watch: Incarnate Word, Parkway North, Fort Zumwalt East Championship Game: Saturday, March 7, 3:30 p.m.

Earl’s Prediction: Incarnate Word

“Kroenke sucks” chant? Stan Kroenke is gone, his Rams are now worth more than $3 billion, his new stadium opens

Jacobi

St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle Casey Sayles attempts to tackle New York Guardians quarterback Marquise Williams during action Sunday at the Dome. The Battlehawks went on to win 29-9.

Photo by Wiley Price

Oasis

continued from page B1

2014 he received from a lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice saying he was a good candidate for clemency. “I didn’t respond right away,” he said, “because I was kinda beaten already, honestly.”

After several more letters from the DOJ, Fuller decided to take the chance. He completed the four-page application and sent it back. A year later, everything changed.

He said, “I got the call: ‘You’re going home. You ready?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go.’”

On November 4, 2016, President Barack Obama commuted Fuller’s sentence, granting him clemency. On December 6, 2016, Fuller came home. He completed 400-plus hours of community service and completed a program to fulfill his last 10 years of supervised release, which meant he was totally free as of March 2018.

“I don’t care if I lose my wallet, all my credit cards and someone stole everything I had, what I’d say to myself is, ‘You’re still supposed to be in jail.’ That removes any type of anger or hostility that I might come across,” he said. “I’m overly blessed because there were so many people who didn’t get what I got.”

Part of making the most of his second chance has been establishing Oasis Grill, located at 8736 Goodfellow Blvd., with dishes that include Seafood Grits, Crabcake BLT, Lobstertail Rockefeller and Cajun Pasta.

“Cooking and serving people is what I like,” he said. “I’ve experienced a few other businesses, and there were none that I really liked personally. But this here, I actually enjoy. I was like, ‘Well, if I’m going to work the rest of my life, then let me do something I love.’” He said he took a chance by going upscale on the North Side. “What I wanted to offer was

expensive and pricey, and I’m kind of in the hood. So, I was like, ‘Man, are people going to pay that?’ And they have,” he said.

“The thing that sold me on it was that when I go to nice places, like Capital Grille and Ruth’s Chris, I look around, and I see us there. So, I know that we will patronize those types of places. Like they said in the movie, ‘Build it and they’ll come.’ So, I have been surprised.”

According to Executive Chef Laurence “Chef Law” Reynolds, the food lover favorite is the Seafood Grits – creamy, cheesy grits topped with tender shrimp, lobster, crab meat and garlic with a sprinkle of scallions. The Crabcake BLT – seasoned lump crab served on a buttery

n “What I wanted to offer was expensive and pricey, and I’m kind of in the hood. So, I was like, ‘Man, are people going to pay that?’ And they have.”

– Terrance Fuller, owner of Oasis Grill

brioche bun with crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato remoulade with a side of house-cut fries –is a close second.

“I’m definitely not afraid to try stuff, definitely not afraid to fail,” said Reynolds, who is also co-owner. “I’ve done that all my life: fail hard, fail fast. We’re just doing something different, bringing something different to the community.”

Reynolds, a L’Ecole Culinaire-St. Louis graduate

born and raised in Chicago, comes from generations of cooks. His great grandmother had her own restaurant during the Depression, his grandmother owned a catering business for over 20 years, and his mother is a good cook, too.

The youngest of seven children, Reynolds got his start making eggs, bacon and waffles for breakfast in the microwave and toaster as a kid. He then moved on to making

grilled cheese sandwiches for his older sisters and brothers.

Now he has been practicing the art of cooking for years, blending fresh ingredients in eclectic dishes with a charming presentation.

“There’s a bus lady who drives this route. She calls, orders, pays on the phone, stops the bus and comes in to pick up her order, twice a week,” Reynolds said.

“Faithfully. Just because you’re in this location doesn’t mean you can’t get quality.”

Driving through predominately black neighborhoods in St. Louis, it’s hard not to notice the abundance of soul food, barbeque, fried chicken and fish joints. As a patron tasted an item from Oasis’ menu, he coined the restaurant’s

is a signature

and

unofficial tagline: “Real Deal, Oasis Grill.”

“Oasis is exactly what it is,” Fuller said. “It’s a relief. It’s a break. It’s something off the beaten path of where we are.” Oasis Grill is open for breakfast (all day) and lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Brunch is every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about Oasis Grill, visit their https://www.oasisgrillstl.com/ or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Sharee Silerio is a St. Louisbased writer and filmmaker. For more information, visit SincerelySharee.com or ShareeSilerio.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Oasis Crabcake BLT

dish

delectable twist on two classics.

Photo by Erica Leigh

Audiences amazed by Ailey II

Triumph for Dance St. Louis’ sold-out presentation of famed troupe’s B company

Ailey II, the

company of

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I just can’t for the life of me believe that this is a second company,” a woman said to no one in particular as the lights came up for the first intermission of the Dance St. Louis showcase of Ailey II Saturday night at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. The woman couldn’t contain her excitement

after seeing the troupe’s performance of “Still,” which was choreographed by St. Louis transplant and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater alum Kirven Douthit-Boyd.

The intricate piece that displays DouthitBoyd’s stunning attention to detail made it clear why he remains a much sought after choreographer while simultaneously co-directing COCA’s dance department with husband Antonio DouthitBoyd, a St. Louis native whose gift allowed him

to dance his way from COCA to Ailey.

Emotionally charged and physically demanding, “Still” showcased the best of what the troupe had to offer.

“Outstanding!” the woman said. She was so excited about the first performance, because she was almost unable to attend due to the high demand.

“I would have liked to have been closer, but was blessed to get the seat that I’m in,” the

Soprano Marlissa Hudson sings her way back home

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“Y’all…I’m home,” Marlissa Hudson said as she stood with her hand across her chest. She soaked in the evening’s first round of thunderous applause – which started before she sang a single note. It wouldn’t be the last.

Hudson is a soprano known the world over within the classical music community.

She was the featured soloist for “Lift Every Voice,” the annual St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus Black History Month concert held Friday night at Powell Symphony Hall. But the fact that Hudson was singing on the stage that was the launching pad for her musical career was not lost on her.

“I believe I was a charter member of this chorus,” Hudson said. “I just want to thank Dr. Robert Ray (founder and director emeritus of IN UNISON). He gave me my start. Can someone please tell him how thankful I am?” Hudson also took a moment to thank her mother and give her credit for the role she played in her career.

“Animato,” the third movement from William Grant Still’s “Afro-American Symphony” by the SLSO. IN UNISON Chorus alum headlines annual Black History Month concert

“It was her fortitude and her faith that got me here,” Hudson said while pointing to her mother as she sat near the front in the center section.

Renowned soprano and St. Louis native Marlissa

she says catapulted her classical music career.

was the

the SLSO IN UNISON Chorus Black History Month concert Friday night at Powell Symphony Hall.

Under the direction of Kevin McBeth, she joined IN UNISON and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in a multifaceted tribute to black history and black music. The homage started before Hudson took the stage, thanks to a sweeping performance of

woman said. “My friend, who I came with, is way up there,” she said, pointing to the balcony. The show was sold-out by Christmas. And the second company of the dance institution that is synonymous with excellence within the art form lived up to the Ailey reputation of presenting world-class dance.

for Oscarnominated film

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Katherine Johnson, a physicist and mathematician for NASA who became a national treasure even before her story reached the masses through the blockbuster “Hidden Figures,” passed away on Monday, February 24. She was 101.

“At NASA we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said, calling Johnson a “NASA legend.” By the time her story thrust her into the spotlight by the award-winning film, Johnson was among the last of

Photo by Wiley Price

Hudson on the stage that

She

featured soloist for

Louis American

katherine Johnson

second

world-renowned dance troupe Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, brought the audience to its feet on more than one occasion during their concert presented by Dance St. Louis Saturday night at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Photo by Wiley Price

See Ailey, C4

Johnson, C4

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.

black history

Fri., Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m., Black History Trivia Night. Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, visit www. brownpreneurs.org.

Sat., Feb. 29, 10 a.m., Black History Month – The Story of Black St. Louis Bus Tour. Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Feb. 29, 1 p.m., Black History Trivia Extravaganza Ferguson Community Center, For tickets, visit www. eventbrite.com or email: ronnieb42@gmail.com.

concerts

Thur., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., Georgia on My Mind: A Celebration of the Music of Ray Charles feat. Take 6, Nnenna Freelon, Kirk Whalum, and Clint Holmes Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Fri., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Mike Judy presents 2 Chainz. Feat. Worl, Hott Lockdown, SB Skooly, and Sleepy Rose Pops Concert Venue, 401 Monsanto Ave., Sauget, IL. 62201. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Feb. 29, 8:30 p.m., R&B Only 2020 feat. Tiara Monique and Apex Laurent The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. rnbonly.com.

Mar. 4 – 8, Jazz at the Bistro presents Etienne Charles: Creole Soul. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Sun., Mar. 8, 4:30 p.m.,

World Renowned Morehouse College Glee Club. Carr Lane Visual & Performing Arts Middle School, 1004 N. Jefferson Ave., 63106. For more information email rmcgowan@stlcc.edu

Fri., Mar. 13, 8 p.m., Pops Concert Venue presents Young Dolph – No Rules Tour. Feat. Key Glock. 401 Monsanto Ave., Sauget, IL. 62201. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Mar. 14, 7 p.m., The Sheldon presents San Francisco Jazz Collective 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Mar. 18 – 21, Jazz at the Bistro presents Kandace Springs. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. jazzstl.org.

Sat., Mar. 28, 7 p.m., 2020 Sheldon Gala: An Evening with Renee Elise Goldsberry. Goldsberry is the winner of the Tony, Grammy and Drama Desk Awards for her performance in the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

local gigs

Fri., Mar. 6, 6 p.m., House Of Soul presents Rhoda G Live. 1204 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Tues., Mar. 17, 6 p.m., Gordon’s Entertainment presents Honoring Our Own: Miz Renee Smith Performances by Denise Thimes, Joe Mancuso, Eugene Johnson, Laura Green, and more. Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Mar. 20, 7 p.m., Kim

Massie’s Tribute to Aretha Franklin. National Blues Museumm, 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Sat., Mar. 21, 3 p.m., Show Me Kids Concert Series feat. That Girl Lay Lay & Tha Slay Gang. With guest ZaZa Live. Hosted by Nelly Da Celeb. Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

special events

Thur., Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m., 7th Annual Whitney M. Young Society Reception. Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, 1127 Pestalozzi, 63118. For more information, visit www. ulstl.com.

Thur., Feb. 27, 6 p.m., St. Louis University Black Alumni Association Happy Hour and Game Night. Up-Down STL, 405 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Fri., Feb. 28, 6 p.m., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Xi Zeta Chapter invites you to Finer Friday Sisterhood Social

Donations of toiletries items for a local women’s shelter are welcomed. Elmo’s Love Lounge, 7828 Olive Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Feb. 29, 11 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter invites you to Founder’s Day Luncheon. With special guest speaker Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. The America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.dst-sla.org.

Sat., Feb. 29, 2:30 p.m., Better Family Life’s 7th Annual Jr. Unity Ball. 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. bflyouth.org/jrunityball.html.

Sun., Mar. 1, 1 p.m., Off White: The Wedding Show 2020. Palladium, 1400 Park Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www. offwhitestl.com.

Fri., Mar. 6, 5 p.m., Gold Star Promotions presents Boxing Madness Extravaganza. Featuring Lisa King, Floyd Mayweather Sr & Nadia The Lion Scheduled to appear Groovy Taj, Cruz, YBF Meech, Kode Red, Vendetta, and more. Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For

Sat., Mar. 21, 10 a.m., Minority Vendor Fair. Jewelry, art, treats, crafts, clothing, and more. North County Christian School, 845 Dunn Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Mar. 21 – 26, Shalom Church City of Peace HBCU Experience Tour 2020. Schools include Florida A&M University, Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, and Alabama A&M University. For more information, visit www. shalomccop.org.

Sun., Mar. 22, 1 p.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter and St. Louis Delta Foundation invite you to Gospel, Jazz, and Blues Brunch. Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, www.dst-sla.org. Mon., Mar. 23, 5 p.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ 102nd Annual Dinner. Marriott Grand, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. ulstl.org.

more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Mar. 7, 6 p.m., International Food Festival 2020. Sample foods from Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and more. Proceeds benefit local food banks. 5 N. Skinker Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., Mar. 8, 3 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter invite you to The Phirst Experience Fashion Show. 1600 N. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Mar. 8, 6:30 p.m., Bust, Gut, & Jiggly Stuff: Bra and Shapewear Fit Event for Your Curves. Lane Bryant, 8 Brentwood Promenade Court, 63144. For more information, www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Mar. 13, 6:30 p.m., Shalom Church City of Peace invites you to Generation Next Basketball Tournament. Proceeds will be donated to the St. Children’s Research Hospital. North County Recreational Complex, 2577 Redman Ave., 63136. For more information, visit www.shalomccop.org.

Sat., Mar. 14, 9 a.m., Phenomenal I Am Women’s Conference: Still I Rise. Bridgeton Conference Center, 12259 Natural Bridge Rd., 63044. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Mar. 14, 8:30 p.m., GRC Records presents 1st Annual 314 Day Festival. Performances by Da Banggaz, Tripp Heaven, Big Homie Meech, Beretta, and more. Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Mar. 29, 7:30 p.m., Kode Redd Company Show: Vibrations. With Works From Anthony Redd Williams, Jasmine Spencer & Special Performances From STLs Own Mai Lee & Kennedy Holmes. Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

comedy

Sat., Mar. 7, 8 p.m., Stifel Theatre presents Chris Tucker. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Mar. 8, 6:30 p.m., Helium Comedy Club presents KevOnStage Slightly Problematic Tour. 1151 St. Louis Galleria, 63117. For more information, visit www. heliumcomedy.com.

Mar. 13 – 15, Stifel Theatre presents Gabriel Iglesias: Beyond the Fluffy World Tour. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Fri., Mar. 20, 8 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Festival of Laughs starring Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Michael Blackson, and Don DC Curry. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

literary

Mon., Mar. 2, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Poetry Center presents Observable Readings: Justin Phillip Reed and Diana Khoi Nguyen. The High Low, 3301 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.stlouispoetrycenter.org/ observable.

Sun., Mar. 8, 3 p.m., Dream Builders 4 Equity & Your Words STL present Dreams Made Real: Book Signing

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Chaifetz Arena presents Festival of Laughs starring Sommore, Lavell Crawford (above), Michael Blackson, and Don DC Curry. For more information, see COMEDY.

& Poetry Slam. .Zack, 3224

Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Mar. 8, 3 p.m., Dream Builders 4 Equity & Your Words STL present Dreams Made Real: Book Signing & Poetry Slam. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Mar. 12, 2 p.m., STL Village Women’s History Month Celebration with speaker Malaika B. Horner PhD, author of Mother Wit: Exalting Motherhood while Honoring a Great Mother. Second Presbyterian Church, 4501Westminster Pl., 63108. For more information, visit www.stlvillage.org.

Thur., Mar. 12, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Lisa M. Corrigan, author of Black Feelings: Race and Affect in the Long Sixties. Central Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www.slpl. org.

Mon., Mar. 16, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Malaika B. Horner PhD, author of Mother Wit: Exalting Motherhood while Honoring a Great Mother. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Thur., Feb. 27, 6 p.m., Mound City Bar Association @ Contemporary Art Museum. Dr. Reynaldo Anderson will offer a discussion followed by a curated presentation of art from the Afrofuturism genre. 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.moundcitybar.com.

Sat., Mar. 7, 11 a.m., Don’t Touch My Hair: A Talk and Demonstration by Maurice Harris. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

metrotix.com.

Sun., Mar. 8, 2 p.m., Who Is My Neighbor? Designed to get locals to think about what it means to live in a more harmonious community, students in high school and college give their interpretations of their idea of a more cooperative world. Good Shepherd Arts Center, 252 S. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www.goodshepherdarts.org.

Thur., Mar. 19, 6:30 p.m., Contemporary Art Museum presents RE: Soul Liz Johnson Artur creates photographic representations of people of African descent around the world. James Biko traces the history of soul in an interactive spinning session. 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

Through Apr. 19, Derek Fordjour: Shelter. A New

York-based artist of Ghanaian heritage, Fordjour works primarily in the realm of portrait painting to create vibrant, multi-textured images. 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

theatre

Through March 1, Metro Theater Company presents Ghost, Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square. For more information, visit www. metroplays.org

Through Mar. 8, The Black Rep presents Ntozake Shange’s “Spell #7,” AE Hotchner Studio Theatre inside Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth. Tickets are available at www. theblackrep.org/, or by calling the box office at 314-5343807.

Sat., Mar. 14, 12 p.m.,

Refuse to Lose: A Victory Tour with Sarah Jakes Roberts.

See SPIRITUAL for details.

Harriet Tubman. Onewoman show by Glynis Brooks. Calvary M.B. Church, 2822 Dr. M. L. King Dr., 63106. For more information, call (314) 4223720.

Sat., Mar. 14, 7 p.m., Change to Passage. A new original musical that tells of the lives of the many historical black figures that made changes in America. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Mar. 28, 7 p.m., Tre Floyd presents Before Black Lives Matter. This drama chronicles Daniel’s journey to the realization that he is a Black male and there are certain things he cannot do. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m., We Live Here and AIGA St. Louis invite you to Designing Equity. UMSL at Grand Center, 3651 Olive St., 63108. For more information, call (314) 516-6779.

Sat., Feb. 29, 6 p.m., Queen of Resilience presents SIP & Speak. An evening of networking, conversation and music. Fresh & Co. Studio, 4366 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Mar. 6, 7:30 p.m.,

National Geographic Live: When Women Ruled the Earth with Dr. Kara Cooney, Egyptologist. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Sat., Mar. 14, 1 p.m., Sts. Teresa and Bridget Church, will host a Domestic Violence conference, Hear the dynamic testimony of Evangelist Lizzie Harrison, and others. 2401 North Grand Blvd.

Sat., Mar. 14, 6 p.m., Sing for Siteman. Feat. Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ finest singing Broadway, jazz, and more. Also feat. the Sheldon All-Star Chorus and performers from The Bach Society of Saint Louis. Haertter Hall, John Burroughs, 755 S. Price Rd., 63124. For more information, visit www.singforsiteman.org

Sat., Mar. 21, 9 a.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter & Ivy Alliance Foundation present Health Fair 2020 Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 12200 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63033. For more information or to pre-register visit, www.signupgenius.com.

Fri., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Refuse to Lose: A Victory Tour with Sarah Jakes Roberts. Friendly Temple Church, 5553 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. womanevolve.com.

Sat., Mar. 8, 6 p.m., Annual Metro Singers Songfest Members Come hear the Metro Singers Chorus, Area Congregational Chorus and our guest chorus. West Central Church of Christ, 4662 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Mar. 28, 9 a.m., Christ Alive Through Mary, a Women’s Witness Ministry, prayer breakfast, Cardinal Ritter Prep, 701 North Spring Ave. Register at catholicrenewalcenter@ archstl.org, or call 314-7316100, by March 24.

Continued from C1

In “Still,” Ailey II delivered their best performance of the three ballets, though the audience responded most to “Revelations.”

Bradley Shelver’s “Where There Are Tongues” saw the dancers masterfully execute the difficult task of keeping an invisible beat as much of the music was acapella voice.

Ailey’s masterpiece of a ballet that sets the African American experience to dance is the company’s signature production – and was the only time during the two-plus hour show that Ailey II hinted at being a second company. Wonderful by most measures and with the talent and capacity to stand among the principal dancers within the world’s esteemed dance troupe, seeing the primary core dancers of Ailey perform “Revelations” more than

IN UNISON

Continued from C1

The stunning composition, written by Still in 1930, became the first symphony written by an African American and performed for a United States audience by a leading orchestra when the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra premiered the work in 1931.

IN UNISON and SLSO followed up with the song for which their annual program is named. A tradition of the program, classic Negro spirituals, contemporary gospel and traditional classical music are combined with a few selections to showcase the range of SLSO and IN UNISON.

The South African tune “Tshotsholoza” gave the concert a taste of global flavor.

“If you are sitting here and feel like you don’t understand a word the chorus is saying, relax,” McBeth joked. “You’re not supposed to.” Also included in the program was Civil Rights Movement anthem “We Shall Overcome” and the spiritual “Old Time Religion,” which highlighted the impressive vocals of soprano Nadia Maddex and baritone Wynton Stuart.

Hudson’s portion of the show began with Mozart’s “Laudate Dominum” from Vesperae Solemnes de Confessore (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor) and continued with “Mary Had A Little Baby” from Ballad of the Brown King. “Y’all will have to excuse me if my hips move a bit; this wonderful orchestra plays this with such a swing,” Hudson said just ahead of “Mary Had A Little Baby.” In between selections, she

laughed and talked with the type of ease and comfort that performing before hometown audience can conjure. Her rich tone, delightful pitch and the pristine high notes she generously delivered made it clear that IN UNISON groomed a world-class singer.

She used her voice to pick up where her words left off in paying tribute to the influence the chorus, and its founder Robert Ray, for laying the foundation for her music career with the “Lift Every Voice” finale.

Backed by the chorus and the symphony, Hudson poured her soul into a stunning rendition of “Credo: I Believe in God” from Ray’s internationally renowned “Gospel Mass.”

She dramatically concluded with a powerful, piercing note that Hudson held until the audience was compelled without prompting to rise to their feet.

Johnson

Continued from C1

the surviving “hidden figures.” She was among the cohort of black women mathematical and scientific masterminds that were a secret weapon for the United States during the “space race” between the United States and the Soviet Union in the early 1960s.

There’s a particularly emotionally climactic scene in “Hidden Figures” where Kevin Costner’s character, Al Harrison, demolishes a “Coloreds Only” sign above a restroom. In a heated exchange, he learned that that his most talented equation computer, Johnson – played by Taraji P. Henson – was losing time she was expected to devote to mathematical problem solving because she had to travel across NASA’s campus to use the segregated facilities. That part of the film was fiction. In real life, Mrs. Johnson was the hero in her own story. She refused to work unless the restrooms were integrated. That act of righteous defiance spoke to her fortitude and unyielding resolve.

She was born Creola Katherine Coleman on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. She was the youngest of four children born to Joylette Coleman, a schoolteacher and Joshua Coleman, a farmer, handyman and lumberman.

Because there was no public education for black students beyond the 8th grade in her region, her family arranged for her and her siblings to attend high school in Institute, West Virginia. She graduated at 14 and immediately enrolled in West Virginia State. While there she earned dual degrees in Mathematics and French with a Suma Cum Laude honors.

Johnson was the first African American woman to attend graduate school at West Virginia University. Through WVSC’s president, Dr. John W. Davis, she became one of three African American students, and the only woman, selected to integrate the graduate school after the 1938 United States Supreme Court ruling Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada.

In 1953, Johnson went to work for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which was folded into NASA in 1958.

In 1956, her first husband passed away. She was a widow charged with caring for her three daughters at a time when working women head of households were a rare exception. And through her life’s work –that she balanced with mother-

as the finale revealed that Ailey’s intention of creating a religious experience through dance was once again fulfilled.

“The ballet is still so relevant, and it is something to celebrate,” Ailey II Artistic Director Troy Powell told Dance St. Louis Managing Director Christopher Mohnani in a pre-show discussion that also featured Antonio and Kirven Douthit-Boyd.

“When you perform it, it’s almost like an out of body experience,” Powell said, adding that Ailey would want the audience to see it and leave with a new perspective of the human experience.

“If he were here, I feel like he would say, ‘I hope that from this journey that we are about to take you on, that afterwards you say, ‘I learned something about myself,’” Powell said.

“We hope to change lives tonight.”

Based on the thunderous ovation from the seats, Powell’s expression of Ailey’s wish was fulfilled.

hood – she helped put the first American in space. Johnson calculated the trajectory for the May 5, 1961 space flight of Alan Shepard, the first American in space. She also calculated the launch window for his 1961 Mercury mission. She plotted backup navigation charts for astronauts in case of electronic failures. When NASA used electronic computers for the first time to calculate John Glenn’s orbit around Earth, officials called on Johnson to verify the computer’s numbers; Glenn had asked for her specifically and had refused to fly unless Johnson verified the calculations.

President Barack Obama awarded Johnson, who retired from NASA after 30 years of service, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

Even with acclaim from the White House, Johnson and her peers would have been one of the best kept secrets of the black press had it not been for author Margot Lee Shetterly.

After hearing the stories about the group of brilliant black women from her father, who was a scientist at the NASA Langley Research Center, and armed with research found within the archives of the New Journal and Guide, a black newspaper serving Norfolk, Virginia, Shetterly went on to write “Hidden Figures: The Story of the African American Women Who Helped Win the Space

Race.” Film rights were sold before the book was completed, which went on to become a New York Times Bestseller. The film starred Costner, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae and Taraji P. Henson as Johnson and was directed by Theodore Melfi. “Hidden Figures” grossed more than $235 million at the box office and earned several honors – including three Oscar nominations (“Best Adapted Screenplay,” “Best Supporting Actress” for Octavia Spencer and “Best Picture).

Though already in her late 90s when the book and film were released, Johnson was blessed to live to see her story become a cultural phenomenon that inspired little black girls to consider careers in the fields of math and science.

In 2019, she received a Congressional Gold Medal.

“After a lifetime of reaching for the stars, Katherine Johnson landed among them,” Obama said via Twitter. “She spent decades as a hidden figure, breaking barriers behind the scenes. But by the end of her life, she had become a hero to millions – including Michelle and me.”

In addition to her daughters, Johnson is survived by six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. James A. Johnson, her husband of five decades, passed away last year.

Photo by Wiley Price

NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson, one of the African American women whose groundbreaking work inspired the blockbuster film ‘Hidden Figures’ passed away on Monday, February 24 at the age of 101. Google Katherine Johnson awarding She is pictured here with President Barack Obama being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Welcome the St. Louis BattleHawks

And other springtime activities in St. Louis

By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American

Throughout the month of March, enjoy sports, exhibits and everything in between. As spring approaches, find your reason to explore St. Louis this year.

Football fans, the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks have been cleared to engage! Fans were thrilled to experience our first St. Louis BattleHawks home game at The Dome at America’s Center on Sunday, February 23. Just like fans from across the region, our team at the America’s Center Convention Complex anticipated for the season to begin. From food vendors to ticket takers, our team was pleased to welcome football fans back to The Dome.

And it’s not only our team but the many restaurants, bars and attractions downtown that look forward to hosting fans during the team’s five home games this spring. We encourage you to come down early and grab a bite. Or enjoy pre-game libations and stay afterward to celebrate a BattleHawks’ victory. Great seats are still available for all games. Secure your tickets for this action-packed XFL season and be there as the BattleHawks take on Seattle Dragons on Feb. 29, the Los Angeles Wildcats on Mar. 21, Tampa Bay Vipers on Apr. 5 and the DC Defenders on April 12. All you need to do is visit Ticketmaster online or go to the BattleHawks website for more information. Go BattleHawks!

Can you believe this year marks 30 years of Arch Madness? Get ready as March Madness returns to St. Louis once again. The Enterprise Center welcomes back the State Farm MVC Men’s Basketball Championship on March 5-8. Ten teams will compete to determine who will be granted an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. And the road to the Final Four is near as the Missouri Valley Conference will also host the 2020 Men’s Basketball First & Second Rounds of the NCAA March Madness Tournament, March 19 & 21, at the Enterprise Center.

On March 5-8, 42nd Annual Builders St. Louis Home & Garden Show is the place to be to learn about the latest in home products and services all under one roof at the America’s Center Complex. From lawn and garden to kitchen and bath, find everything you need for making upgrades to your home.

Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained? The St. Louis Public Library has the answer for you with the TapeScape exhibit through May 31. TapeScape takes any ordinary

everyday material and repurposes it for a fun adventure. Children can crawl through an indoor climbing, sliding, rolling landscape made of miles of packing tape.

Opening Feb. 19-Mar. 8 is The Black Rep’s Spell #7 by poet and playwright, Ntozake Shange who brings to life a series of dreamlike vignettes and poetic monologues set in a bar in St. Louis frequented by black artists who commiserate about the difficulties they face.

The Saint Louis Science Center is now showcasing “Da Vinci: The Exhibition” through April 19. This hands-on exhibit explores the innovation, creativity and science of polymath, Leonardo da Vinci. We invite you to see more than 60 replicas of inventions and paintings in addition to learning about his discoveries in engineering, flight, hydraulics, art, music, light and more.

Celebrate flowers and fine art as Art in Bloom returns to the Saint Louis Art Museum, March 6-8. Intricate floral displays become works of art at this free festival which features lectures, presentations and other activities.

We’re just getting started when it comes to great ideas and things do in St. Louis this spring. Please visit www.explorestlouis.com for more exciting events and upcoming entertainment that may peak your interest.

Jordan Ta’amu of the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks.

Two Reasons to Celebrate

Celebrations

New Release

Congratulations to you, Juanita Brooks on your newly released mystery- thriller, entitled “Deadly Suspicions.” We are so proud of you and so happy that you are following your dreams and visions. This novel has gotten such excellent reviews and it is flying off the shelves. Keep up the great work sis.

Reunions

Beaumont High Class of 1965 has scheduled its 55-year reunion celebration for the weekend of Sept. 25-26th 2020. The Meet and Greet (9/25) and Dinner/ Dance (9/26) will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn St. Louis Airport, 4450 Evans Place, St. Louis, MO 63134.

Cost is $100 per person. Make your check payable to Beaumont Class of 1965 & mail to: Verdell Thomas Marshall, 1224 Hudson Hills Drive, 63135. For additional info contact Geraldine Reid (314)868-8284.

Beaumont High Class of 1970 has scheduled its 50-year reunion celebration for the weekend of 10/16/2010/18/20. The banquet will be held at The Embassy Suites (downtown), 610 N. 7th St. We are currently working on finalizing plans to make this our best reunion

yet! Please forward your current contact info to: beaumontclassof1970@gmail. com, so that we can keep you informed.

Beaumont High Class of 1975 is planning its 45-year reunion for August 14-16, 2020. For information contact Gale Bailey at 314-838-8493, Brady Colvin at 314-954-7537 or Cynthia Parham at 314-8694049.

Central High Class of 1970 is planning its 50-year reunion in 2020. If you would like to receive additional information

as we plan this momentous occasion, please provide your contact information to either Lillian McKinney at mamajoyce314@icloud. com or (314) 335-9760, Eric Armstrong at elarmstr@yahoo. com or (918) 650-3385, Sabra Morris-Pernod at Saboots@ centurytel.net or (314) 7030812.

Northwest High Class of 1975 is planning its 45-year reunion and requests all 1975 classmates to update their contact information at nwhs75@gmail.com to get additional details. Please save

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

Religion

Church hosts informal swearing-in for judicial administrator

Hope E. Whitehead wanted to show church youth an example of success

American staff

Although Hope E. Whitehead took her official oath as St. Louis County Circuit Court’s first African-American judicial administrator at the courthouse in Clayton, she wanted the opportunity to show children at her church, Restoration House Community Church in Hazelwood, that with hard work and education they can accomplish big things. So she had Judge Gloria C. Reno, the court’s first AfricanAmerican presiding judge, administered the oath at an informal ceremony at the church as well.

“This was a great day for our church” said Pastor Frederick Joseph McCullough. “Our children need to see positive role models with people of faith who accomplish their dreams. I am so glad Attorney Whitehead and Judge Reno gave us this memory.”

With 43 judges and nearly 400 employees, the 21st Judicial Circuit is the largest circuit in Missouri, serving nearly one million residents of St. Louis County.

“St. Louis County has an amazing group of judges with great ideas for the court and the diverse community we serve,” Whitehead said. “I look forward to using the resources and tools at my disposal to allow our judges and employees to do their job better. My priorities are increasing access to justice, while promoting efficiency, consistency and transparency.”

As attorney and former state representative, Whitehead received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Fordham University in New York in 1981 and was employed as a social worker until 1988. In 1990, she received a juris doctorate from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and immediately became

a prosecutor for the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.

Whitehead left the Circuit Attorney’s Office to enforce housing regulations as the associate general counsel for the St. Louis Housing Authority. In 1997, she was appointed by Governor Mel Carnahan to be the state supervisor for the Division of Liquor Control. Whitehead has the unique distinction of being appointed by four different governors to positions in their administration.

From 2001 to 2005, Whitehead served as a legal advisor for the Division of Workers’ Compensation. She was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, District 57, in a special election in February 2010 and represented part of St. Louis city.

Whitehead has served on the board of the following organizations: Washington University School of Law Community Advisory Board, Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic Affairs; Missouri

Lawyers Trust Foundation; Land Reutilization Authority for the City of St. Louis; Missouri Real Estate Appraisal Commission and The Empowerment Network (TEN) for prostate cancer advocacy.

She also was a coordinator with the Washington University School of Law mentoring program and has served as an annual lecturer for the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life. Whitehead is a past president of the Mound City Bar Association, Missouri’s oldest AfricanAmerican lawyers association. She is a former member of The Missouri Bar Board of Governors Women’s Political Caucus and the Women Lawyers Association. Prior to her appointment at St. Louis County Circuit Court, Whitehead was in private practice at the firm she founded, Whitehead & Associates, LLC. She lives with her husband and two sons in St. Louis.

The Message

Have you ever wondered how a lawyer feels who knows his or her client is guilty of a crime, but is able to get that person off based on a legal technicality? According to our legal system, the person is innocent. But actually, morally, that person is as guilty as, shall we say, sin.

This must have been one of the most important issues being debated by the traditional Jew of Christ’s time and those early Christians who chose to follow Him. This is probably the focal point of what got Him crucified and the focal point of many a debate today.

When Jesus was trying to get the Pharisees and the Sadducees to understand that the will of God was more important than the strict traditional interpretation of the Law of Moses, they were more interested in being right than being moral. Thus, you nullify the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.

The point of God’s Word is that Christ is indeed His Son, risen from the dead, who died for our original sin and through Whom we have obtained everlasting life. Out of love and compassion for our fellow man, out of service in God’s name, out of honoring Him will we, too, fulfill our purpose here on earth.

“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.” Matthew 15:6-9.

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus tells us He is the fulfillment of the Law. He is the embodiment of God’s Word. He is the point, not the rule. The point of law is to protect the innocent, punish the guilty and thereby preserve the social and political order of man. Technicality or not, the law was never intended to let a murderer go free.

Law or no law, the Word of God was never intended to punish the pure of heart when acting on behalf of the Almighty. So, Jesus was constantly at odds with the religious scholars of His times (you know, church folk) about the literal interpretation of the Law of Moses versus the holy activities of serving the Lord. Hence his parables were constantly illustrating to those who would listen that, yes, you might be right, but according to the will of God, what’s your point? Can’t you hear Jesus imploring the traditionalists with, “Okay! You’re right. Technically I shouldn’t be healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding the hungry and teaching the gospel on the Sabbath. But what are you arguing about? Why are you so angry? I’m merely doing my Daddy’s will. It seems you’re more interested in being politically correct than you are in bringing the righteous closer to God. So what you gone do, crucify me?”

Play by the rules. But, remember, don’t ever forget the point.

Columnist James Washington

Photo by Rosalind Guy

Jon Whitehead; Judicial Administrator Hope E. Whitehead, St. Louis County

Circuit Court; Judge Gloria C. Reno, presiding judge, 21st Judicial Circuit of Missouri

ELECTROMAGNETIC ENGINEER

Nidec Motor Corporation St. Louis, Missouri 8050 West Florissant, St. Louis Mo 63136

Using exp w/Electromagnetic design concepts & permanent magnet motor design, apply theoretical & practical skills in electromagnetic motor design and development for precision motor brushless DC motor drive systems. Reqs: Bach’s or frgn equiv in EE. Send CV to Nicholas.Emas@nidec-motor. com. Please reference code: LL-01

SENIOR MANAGER –CLAIMS OPERATIONS

Responsible for oversight, performance and quality of work of all Claims Department technical support staff and their corresponding support functions as well as duties specifically assigned.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Forest Park Forever has an opening for a Development Associate. Interested applicants should apply online at: www.forestparkforever.org/jobs. Forest Park Forever is a drug free workplace in accordance with federal law. Equal Opportunity Employer

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Webster University has an opening for a Public Safety Officer. Please visit our website at https://apptrkr.com/1829701 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.

CITY OF JENNINGS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Code Enforcement Inspectors, Correctional Officers, Public Works Street/Park Laborers, Court Clerk, Economic Development Coordinator, P/T Bus Driver, P/T Concession Stand Workers, P/T Umpires, & P/T Scorekeeper. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org. Applications are available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website at www.cityofjennings.org.

The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

LEARNING CONSULTANT

DE SMET JESUIT

HIGH SCHOOL

To learn more about the position and submit an application, please visit https:// www.desmet.org/about/careers.

EOE, Committed to Diversity and Inclusion, M/F/D/V

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

The Marketing and Communications Specialist is responsible for the production of a full range of communications materials and special events to effectively support the organization’s brand and strategic goals and to convey CHMO’s mission to diverse constituencies in a manner which reflects the mission, philosophy and policies of Covenant House Missouri. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

SERVANT LEADER INTERNS

Deaconess Foundation is looking for young adults, as Servant Leader Interns, who are committed to active lives of leadership and service for children. Servant Leader Interns will serve in the capacity of classroom facilitators for seven weeks serving children in grades kindergarten through five in the St. Louis region. More information is available at www. deaconess.org/applycdf. Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume by February 28, 2020 for consideration.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

To learn more about the position and submit an application, please visit https:// www.desmet.org/about/careers. EOE, Committed to Diversity and Inclusion, M/F/D/V

POLICE CHIEF AND DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

The City of Clayton is now accepting applications for the positions of Police Chief and Director of Public Works. To apply, visit www.claytonmo.gov/jobs.

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS MANAGER

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

World Trade Center St. Louis is seeking applications for instructors to teach in the Chancellor’s Certificate in International Trade program. Instructors are needed for six International Trade subjects. To learn about requirements, visit: www.worldtradecenter-stl.com.

Interested applicants should reply by 5PM (CST), March 12, 2020. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Explore St. Louis is seeking a Mechanical Systems Manager to manage and oversee the activities of HVAC Techs & Stationary Engineers engaged in maintaining the building mechanical systems & associated building assets for the America’s Center complex. Overall responsibilities include: operation, maintenance & optimization, planning & coordinating the installation of new equipment, modifying & improving existing equipment, and ensuring that all preventive maintenance is carried out in a correct and timely manner. Required to work a flexible schedule including nights / weekends / holidays, and be on call 24/7. HS Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or experience working in arenas, convention centers or stadiums preferred.

PART-TIME, PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIP

The Slavery, History, Memory, and Reconciliation Project (Jesuits) invites applications for a part-time, paid summer internship. The intern will have the opportunity to learn and contribute in a variety of ways, such as historical research, translation of documents, and social media communications. Visit http://jesuitscentralsouthern. org/joblistings to learn more and apply by March 15, 2020.

HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR

Explore St. Louis has an immediate opening for a Human Resources Coordinator to assist the VP of Human Resources and perform highly confidential administrative tasks & services to support the effective and efficient operations of the HR Department. Essential duties include: maintaining employee files / records and documentation, conducting new hire orientations, assisting with job fairs, benefit enrollment and various employee events, processing bills, and supporting the Payroll Specialist. preferred. Bachelor’s degree in HR or HR experience is beneficial. Excellent organizational skills + attention to detail required. Effective written & oral communication is critical. Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights/weekends & holidays is necessary. Experience with HRIS & payroll systems including UltiPro & ADP is beneficial. Must possess a valid drivers license. To apply, go to https:// explorestlouis.com/job-opportunitiesinternships/ . NO PHONE CALLS!

MARIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL OPENINGS

Marian Middle School, an all-girls, Catholic school committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through a life-altering education, seeks the following for 2020-2021.

6th-8th grade social studies teacher. Ideal candidates have certification, content area degree and 2+ years’ experience teaching adolescents from low-income backgrounds.

Administrative assistant. Ideal candidates have 2+ years’ experience in school office; are dependable, flexible, and welcoming, wtih strong communication and technology skills.

Send letter of interest and resume to broche@mms-stl.org. Applicants of all racial and ethnic backgrounds encouraged to apply. FOSTER CARE CASE

MANAGER

The Urban League

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

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 Brunston Dr. #4875 Bank Stabilization

Unincorporated St. Louis County Contract Letting No. 11623-015.1

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor member:

Two Alpha Contracting

110 Sierra Ridge Dr., Wright City, MO 63390 636/356-4045

The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. March 5, 2020

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.

LETTING #8717

RELOCATION OF FAA ASDE-X FACILITY AND AIRPORT BEACON at St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 208, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on March 17, 2020, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org (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.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City and State laws (including MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 10:00 A.M. in the Ozark Conference Room (AO-4066) at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044. 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 (Virtual Plan Room).

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Construction Services, Kansas City Region, Project No. ZASIDIQ-0026 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 19, 2020 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

Bidsfor Construction Services,Springfield Region,ProjectNo.

AS

Q0027 willbereceivedby FMDC,State ofMO, UNTIL1:30PM, March19,2020 viaMissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificproject informationand orderingplans,go to:http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS # 57820056

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for a Search Firm to assist the University with selecting the new Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs and the new Dean of the Anheuser-Busch School of Business. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by emailing: morrowb@hssu.edu; calling (314) 340-5763 or faxing a written request to: (314) 340-3322.

Proposals must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and should be mailed or delivered in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Search Firm” to Harris-Stowe State University, Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., Administration (HGA) building, ATTN: B. A. Morrow, 3026 Laclede Avenue, Room 105, St. Louis, MO 63103. Proposals will be opened and the names read at 10:15 in HGA Conference Room 208.

I-35 Monarch

Highway/ Pollinator Roadside RFP 2020

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to work with the Zoo along with the MoDOT to develop and plant the I-35 “Monarch Highway”/Pollinator Roadsides within Missouri to benefit and support declining monarch/pollinator populations as well as restore native habitat/vegetation. Bid documents are available as of 2/26/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Cranbrook Dr. #731 Storm Improvements (IR) under Letting No. 13242-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION-St. Louis County Drain Layers License Required 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 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit

www.stlamerican.com TO ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS, CAREER

CITY OF FERGUSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

In accordance with the requirements of Chapter 27, Amendments, of the Zoning Code of the City of Ferguson, Missouri, notice is hereby given by the Council of the City of Ferguson that a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the Ferguson City Hall, 110 Church Street. Said hearing will be for the purpose of considering replacing the existing zoning districts of all parcels along the length of West Florissant Road within the Ferguson city limits with the West Florissant Corridor District Land Use and Development Code. Copies of the proposal are on file in the office of the City Clerk, at 110 Church Street, Ferguson, Missouri, and are available for public review in that office during the normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All persons interested may appear and be heard at that meeting. Anyone with special needs should contact the City Clerk at least 5 days before said Public Hearing by calling (314) 524-5152.

Octavia Pittman City Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ON DESIGN OF THE JEFFERSON AVENUE/22ND STREET CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that an open house public hearing will be held at the St. Louis City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 on Monday, March 16, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time. Handicap access is available. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning their views on the design of the Jefferson Avenue/ 22nd Street Corridor Improvements with reference to the economic and social effects of such design, its impact of the environment and its consistency with the goals and objectives of the community. The presently contemplated improvement is as follows:

In conjunction with the Jefferson I-64 intersection improvement being undertaken by MoDOT, this project will improve vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic of 8 streets in downtown west St. Louis. Some of the street improvements included in the project are: new pedestrian and bike facilities, the reconnection of the City grid on Clark Avenue and 22nd Street, pavement rehabilitation to Market Street and Jefferson Avenue, new traffic signals and integrated signal timing, new street lighting, landscaping, and other aesthetic enhancements.

Maps, plats, environmental documentation, and other detail information prepared by the City of St. Louis and their consultant will be available for public inspection and copying at the office of the City of St. Louis, Board of Public Service, Room 301 City Hall. Written statements and exhibits as well as oral statements will be received at the hearing. Written statements and exhibits will be made a part of the public hearing transcript if received within ten days after the date of the hearing.

Tentative schedules for right of way acquisition and construction will be discussed at the hearing.

If you are disabled and require special services at the public hearing, please notify the City of St. Louis Office of the Disabled by March 13, 2020 at (314) 622-3686 so that arrangements for those services can be made.

For information prior to the hearing, please contact (314) 589-6637.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

BY Brenna Brown

Service

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer

REQUESTS FOR BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting Bids for Riverfront Vendors - St. Louis City Riverfront Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by February 28, 2020.

Notice of Funding Availability

St. Louis City Housing

The St. Louis City Community Development Administration (CDA) seeks proposals through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) from developers interested in facilitating the new construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing defined as housing sold or rented to households earning at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Market-rate projects will be allowed on a limited basis (see NOFA for details). The NOFA will be issued on February 28th, 2020. A copy of the NOFA can be obtained from CDA’s website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda. Deadline for proposal submission is April 24th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. A workshop to explain the NOFA process and answer questions will be held on March 3rd, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at CDA at 1520 Market, Ste. 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Any questions concerning this NOFA may be directed only by e-mail to cdanofa@stlouis-mo.gov.

CDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, disability, or national origin in the administration of the program. CDA is an equal opportunity Agency. Minority participation is encouraged.

Great

Greenway is requesting proposals for

and submit by March 5, 2020.

2020.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL STATIONARY CONVEYOR SYSTEM

RAIL UPGRADE, PHASE II-B MUNICIPAL RIVER TERMINAL 14 NORTH MARKET STREET ST. LOUIS, MO, 63102

The City of St. Louis Port Authority will receive sealed bids for the installation of a stationary conveyor system at the Municipal River Terminal on 2/19/2020. For more info, visit https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/sldc/procurement/index.cfm

INVITATION TO BID

Ferguson-Florissant School District/ Operations & Maintenance

Modular Walk-In Freezer Purchase & Installation

Sealed bids for a “Modular Walk-In Freezer Purchase & Installation” are being requested from the FergusonFlorissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Monday, March 16, 2020 1:15 P.M. CST at the Operations & Maintenance Facility located at 8855 Dunn Road (Rear); Hazelwood, MO 63042. Bid specs must be obtained at: http://new.fergflor.K12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro (314) 824-2418

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Brunston Dr. #4875 Bank Stabilization under Letting No. 11623-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2020, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: NATURAL CHANNEL STABILIZATION 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 1712 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.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing.

The project includes demolishing the existing School of Nursing to construct a new building in its place. The new building is a 4 story building approximately 60,000 sf.

The project includes but is not limited to the following scopes of work: Demolition, concrete foundations & flatwork, masonry, structural steel, carpentry, architectural woodwork, waterproofing, EIFS, air barrier, metal wall panels, membrane roofing, applied fireproofing, firestopping, joint sealants, doors/frames/hardware, sluminum entrances and storefronts, drywall, tile, acoustical ceilings, relilient flooring, epoxy-resin flooring, carpet, operable partitions, specialties, roller window shades, elevators, fire sprinklers, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, earthwork, asphalt paving, site utilities. All bids should be sent to bids@paric.com.

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 February 26th, at 1:00 p.m. For any questions or would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Evan Chiles at 816-878-6003 or emchiles@paric.com.

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

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The St. Louis Development Corporation (“SLDC”) of the City of St. Louis is requesting qualifications for grass maintenance and trash and debris removal. The complete RFQ can be viewed online at www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc or picked up at the office of the St. Louis Development Corporation located at 1520 Market Street, 2nd floor in the Real Estate Department.

The funding of this project, is financed in part through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Community Development Administration under the provision of Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Pub. L 93-383 42 USC 5301 et seq) and/or HOME Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended (Public Law 101-625).

Life more abundantly at Young Leaders 2020. Listen y’all, I know I say every year that the St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Young Leaders Awards and Networking Reception is something special – and mean it every time. But for the 10th Anniversary last week, there was an energy and spirit in the air that I don’t have the words to explain. You just had to be there – and if you were one of the folks who packed the Four Seasons 6th floor ballroom to the point where people lined up along the walls because there was no more seating available, I’m certain your life was changed. That Rebeccah Bennett! Trust me, our city has a special gem in her. Folks at this year’s Young Leaders event saw it for themselves when she slayed as mistress of ceremonies. “Where can I buy her book?” my seat neighbor asked. “This woman is the truth. I have chills.” I told her, “She doesn’t have one yet. But stay tuned.” I was so caught up in her rapture that I was one motivational moment away from getting a shadow fade, clipping on some statement earrings and declaring myself her disciple. Y’all can think I’m playing if you want to! But let me get to celebrating the 2020 class of Young Leaders – and I’m celebrating all y’all with the same energy as Mikel Whittier’s uncle. And just as I expected, folks gave me some corporate realness style goals. Ashley O’Neal and that emerald ensemble…girl, you did that! And Doneisha Bohannan made a color choice I never would have had the nerve to consider with that yellow power suit. But I loved it so much that I want to apply for a job just so I can wear a version of it to the interview so that I can have my prospective employer assume that I am a bold and creative and knows how to take risks that pay off. Deanna Taylor, that bow neck teal number was begging to be in my closet. And can we take a moment to offer the highest of praise to Danielle Smith’s phenomenal footwear? Elvis Presley would’ve have wished he could – your blue suede shoe game is undefeated. I love saying “I told you so,” especially when it comes to our events. And Young Leaders 2020 was a whole black excellence vibe. For those of you who missed year ten, y’all better get on this wave for 2021. So-so sized crowd for Saadiq. Please, riddle me this: How is it that every single time Tony!Toni!Tone! comes to town (which is about every other year) y’all show up in droves and spend half the time complaining about how you thought you were hoping to hear Raphael Saadiq, even though he hasn’t been in the group for 50-11 years? Then, when Raphael Saadiq comes to town – for the first time since he left the group – y’all aren’t bothered enough to even fill up the balcony of The Pageant. But let the Tonys make their biennial show at Ballpark Village. It will be crammed to the max with folks whining about how the new lead singer (who has been singing with the group for going on two decades) doesn’t sound as good as Raphael Saadiq. I want somebody to make it make sense. Let me just go on with the show I’ve been waiting months to see. Saadiq brought his “Jimmy Lee” tour to the Pageant Wednesday night. It being on a weeknight might have had something to do with the non-capacity crowd. But he hasn’t been here forever, so he probably thought he was going to sell out too. Raphael was good. But I feel if he had a more robust group of R&B lovers to pack the place out, the energy would have had him teeter from good to great. The audience was medium but mighty though. And for those faithful Tony!Toni!Tone! whiners who missed out, he gave a healthy serving of songs from his days in the group. I think my favorite part was when he played hits that folks might not have known he wrote and/or produced. Looking back on it, Total’s “Kissing You” is totally a Saadiq record. I’ve spent every night since he gave us a sip of it wishing he had kept the track for himself.

Mardi Gras in the mix. After a break from partaking in the St. Louis Mardi Gras celebration in Soulard, I hit it up Saturday morning and it was worth me almost saying “forget it” and just parking on the highway on-ramp and walking up like some of y’all’s general population coworkers did. It was packed with plenty of patches of soulfulness to keep me amused and distracted from a sensory overload because of all the folks and sounds. Y’all, has it always been that crowded and colorful? And by colorful, I mean way more of us than I expected. I made it over to James Biko’s station just in time for him and Corey Black to create a vibe that had Mardi Gras lowkey feeling like The Roots Picnic. It was every single solitary thing. All that walking had me requesting special seating to prop my feet up and rest my ankles, but I have no regrets.

Club Chaifetz on lock. I still had a bit of residual trauma stepping up into the Chaifetz Arena for the Streetz on Lock 2K20 tour starring Yo Gotti, Boosie, Lil Baby and ‘nem after being held captive there a couple of weeks before, but I went ahead and proceeded as if it never happened. And when I tell you that the show went on with military precision – with the sound right tight and everything – and ended at a decent hour too. Understand that Vanessa Townsend, Darion Brown and the rest of the crew working behind the scenes kept it moving to the point where they needed their own round of applause. I started to go late. Had I not trusted my instinct to go ahead and be punctual, I would have stepped up in there just as Lil Baby saying “thank y’all for coming out.” It was packed to the gills up in there and the energy was on 9000. It was like a plus-sized Marquee and I wasn’t mad. All the acts did their thing and I enjoyed the show from start to finish, even if the order didn’t make sense to me. I don’t understand why Lil Baby closed the show when Gotti was the one with the key to the city no comment (because I don’t have anything nice to say). As usual, Gotti didn’t let me down on stage. He had me gagging though, when he pulled a move straight out of the handbook of the late great Queen of Soul and Shade Aretha Franklin. When he finished his set, he was giving his goodbyes and shaking hands from the stage to give the impression that he was the last act. I enjoyed it almost as much as I did his set.

2020 honoree Aunya McElroy was supported by her siblings Wesley and Tasha during the 10th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Thursday evening @ The Four Seasons

The BLACLUVE crew showcased a few tracks from their latest project and dropped a few surprise freestyles sessions @ CLR-MNSTR Sunday

G, Tiffany, Tiffany and Ivan stylishly stepped into the Sound Wave Comic Xpo after set Saturday @ Sophies

These gentlemen made their way to Soulard for the 2020 Mardi Gras festivities Saturday afternoon

Kappa Alpha Si Alumni Chapter leadership team @ The Wilder vs. Fury fight watch party Saturday @ The Kappa House

Nic Irby and Nick Clemons came early to see Stephanie McCloud receive her award @ St. Louis American Foundation’s 10th Salute To Young Leaders

Yung Ro and Quita were in the building to party with Lucky for his birthday Friday @ Blue Dine + Lounge

Victoria and Tyonna started their week with Poetic Justice Sunday @ The Ready Room

Dre’Co, STL Topp and DJ F.U. Nasty were on deck to keep things live for the latest edition of Trap Soul & Pant @ House of Soul

Brittany and 2020 honoree Johnnica paused their selfie photo shoot for a quick ‘us-ie’ Thursday @ The 10th Annual Salute to Young Leaders @ The Four Seasons

Local favorite musician Rhoda G. with recently retired radio legend Tom Joyner. She was a featured entertainer and he was an awardee at the Royal Vagabonds Inc. 9th Annual Leadership Awards Luncheon Saturday afternoon at Harris-Stowe.

Photos by V. Lang

Celebrating Black History

Racism and Route 66

Candacy Taylor discusses ‘The Green Book’ and traveling while black

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“Get your kicks on Route 66,” Nat King Cole

famously sang on the classic pop musical tribute named in honor of the famous highway back in 1957.

Ironically, as a black man he would not have been welcome to ride or drive along much of the famous strip of interstate that runs right through the St. Louis region during the time that his song was in rotation.

The group who filled Left Bank Books to capacity on February 13 to hear Candacy Taylor discuss her book “Overground Railroad: The Green Book & Roots of Black Travel” learned

about the racist history of the famous highway –and the hardships that black people faced while traveling on interstates across the country.

In fact, it was a commission to write a historic travel guide for the legendary stretch of road that inspired her to write the “Overground Railroad.”

She had been commissioned to write a historic travel guide for Route 66. As she was doing her research, a question haunted her: “Where are all the black people?” Upon further research, Taylor learned that nearly half of all the towns along Route 66 were sundown towns, meaning that African Americans were subject to racial terror and were putting their lives at risk if caught there after dark.

Candacy Taylor discussed her book “Overground Railroad: The Green Book & Roots of Black Travel” on February 13 at Left Bank Books.

Blazing trails at the National Park Service

“It was a very serious situation if you were black and traveling at that time,” Taylor said.

Enter “The Negro Motorist Green Book.”

Victor Hugo Green printed the invaluable resource from 1936-1966 to give AfricanAmerican travelers a road map for safe spaces in the form of retail, rest areas, hotels, restaurants and other places where they could be accommodated during their travels.

“St. Louis is important because there were

Claiming James Baldwin’s heritage

His protégé Cecil Brown remembers spending the summer of 1973 with him

By Chris King

St. Louis American

The

Of

“I got away with not even crying” was how Cecil Brown concluded his presentation on the writer James Baldwin (1924-1987) at Washington University on Friday, February 21. Brown had just finished delivering his participant observations of Baldwin, based on many years of friendship, illustrated with candid photographs.

Much of Brown’s witness to Baldwin the writer and person was centered around the summer of 1973, when he visited the expatriate in the south of France. Baldwin was then a world-famous writer, both lionized and reviled, with a fat publisher’s advance and a staff to manage his living conditions while he worked. The advance was for the novel that would become “If Beale Street Could Talk” and be published the following year by Dial Press.

Baldwin’s fifth novel, “If Beale Street Could

Presenting sPonsors

Talk” may be his best known work today thanks to the film adaptation by Barry Jenkins released in December 2018. Brown structured his essay about these experiences around a screening of that film at the Mill Valley Film Festival. Brown’s essay, “With James Baldwin at the Welcome Table,” is essential reading for students and fans of Baldwin (or Brown). It was published last year in a special “James Baldwin & American Democracy” edition of The Common Reader (Volume 4, Number 1), a journal of the essay founded and edited by Gerald Early.

Cecil Brown spoke about his friendship with James Baldwin (1924-1987) at Washington University on Friday, February 21. The photograph enlarged on the screen shows the writer with his brother David Baldwin.

Photo by Chris King

Listening to or reading Brown’s experiences with Baldwin, it’s easy to appreciate his temptation for tears. In the summer of 1973, Brown was a young (he turned 30 that July) writer recently celebrated for his first novel, published in 1969 with a title that is not printable in a family newspaper. Baldwin, though no longer at the height of his powers in 1973, was still writing (with difficulty) and finishing the last of his major works. Brown had a seat literally at the table as Baldwin fretted

See Brown, D3

Sylvester Putman was the first black superintendent in the 10-state Midwest region

By Sandra Jordan Of

The St. Louis American

A St. Louisan with a long interest in history turned it into a career where he made history himself. The late Sylvester Putman was one of the first tour guides at the Gateway Arch and he was one of the first African-American superintendents for the National Park Service. In a National Park Service magazine story in 1988, the year he retired, Putman is quoted as saying he originally joined the National Park Service “so my wife Arlene and I could buy a house for our family.”

“I think he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy,” his widow, Arlene Putman said. According to the National Park Service (NPS), Putman was the second AfricanAmerican superintendent and the first AfricanAmerican superintendent in the 10-state Midwest region of the NPS and only one of three African-American superintendents in the entire park service at that time.

Mrs. Putman wants others to know that her husband was also part of black U.S. history. Putnam’s NPS career began in 1961 as a tour leader at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at the Old Courthouse. In 1965, as the Gateway Arch was built at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in downtown St. Louis, Putnam led photographers to the top of the Arch – all 1,076 steps.

He was promoted to supervisory technician in 1969 and later served as a park guide at the George Washington Carver National Monument Park in Diamond, Missouri. In the early 1970s, Putman became a management assistant and then moved to North Dakota when he became the first superintendent of the Fort Union Trading Post (which was one of the most important fur trading posts of the upper Missouri River in the early 1800s) in Williston, N.D.

“This is the first time we’ve had anyone out here from the National Park Service with See Parks, D3

NPS Photo provided courtesy of Maggie L. Walker NHS Richmond National Battlefield Park Superintendent Sylvester Putman with Maggie Laura Walker Lewis at the July 14, 1985 opening ceremony for Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond, Virginia. Putman managed the Walker site.

Photo by Kenya Vaughn

See 66, D3

That colorblind society jive A fairytale for contemporary America

By William L. Clay For The St. Louis American

Many blacks and progressive whites are deeply troubled by the state of race relations in America today. Monumental civil rights initiatives have been constantly under severe attack by court, legislative, and executive challenges that have led to the threat of reversal of historic, established equal rights.

Ignorant, devilish, soulless, race-baiting politicians seemingly have been transformed into legitimate spokespersons for a large number of voters without changing their habits or ingrained prejudices. Without atonement of past deeds, rascals have been showered with an aura of respectability by oncestaunch defenders of constitutional rights.

or reasonable thought, the Machiavellian, meaningless phrase took on a fairytale character of its own. Centuries of racial oppression and the attendant collective guilt of white Americans was exonerated, abolished, marginalized by a second Declaration of Independence – the heavenly inspired, colorblind society. Affirmative Action became an attack on the rights of white men. Denying them privileged status and forcing them to compete with women and minorities based on merit and ability became the pinnacle of the racist claim that reverse discrimination was prevalent and illegal.

Then-U.S. Rep. William L. Clay fought with National Park Service officials over the language to be inscribed on a plaque to commemorate Dred and Harriet Scott at the Old Court House in St. Louis. The officials opposed inclusion of the language from Chief Justice Roger B. Taney’s ruling on the Scotts’ case that blacks “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” Clay prevailed.

To explain this 20th century’s transformation or one of history’s greatest political miracles, a fantastic all-forgiving term was coined to celebrate the occasion: “a colorblind society.” This was the most ingenious stroke of chicanery that our countrymen have ever invented. It even surpasses that of our earliest and most creative architects of duplicitous meanings, the ones who devised the slogan “All men are created equal” –even those we allow to be born slaves. With the utterance of the magical phrase “colorblind society,” a more genteel racial atmosphere came into being. Without rhyme or reason, sound judgment

Enforcement of fair employment policies, in this new, dichotomized anti-logic vocabulary, equated to imposition of racial quotas. Black political gigolos who once opposed equal voting rights and setasides for minority contractors were no longer traitors to racial causes. According to the conservative media, these Uncle Toms were greatly needed and appreciated courageous proponents of something called “free thinking.” Court orders to desegregate public schools suddenly became a justifiable reason to provoke white mobs, even in Northern cities such as Boston, to fight against imagined forced integration. As recent as the advent of the 21st century, highranking government officials were still trying to revise America’s sordid history to fit their warped affection for

THE POWER TO make

the concept that racial bigotry never really existed in this colorblind society.

One example involved the placing of a plaque commemorating the Dred Scott Decision in front of the Old Court House in St. Louis and the fight I waged to deny the distortion of historical fact in the Supreme Court Dred Scott Decision. I insisted the wording include “blacks had no rights which the white man is bound to respect,” which was part of the court decision.

But William W. Shenk, regional director of the National Park Service in the United States Department of Interior, rejected the proposed language. And, in an unbelievable attempt to rewrite history, he adamantly insisted

that Chief Justice Roger B. Taney did not directly say that blacks “had no rights” and that was neither the purpose nor an implied meaning of his decision.

Shenk wrote, “Passages quoted were not reflective of Taney’s personal opinions about blacks, nor did they represent his decision. His obnoxious position was supported by his superior, Catherine A. Damon of the Omaha, Nebraska office of the department.

One St. Louis newspaper reported, “Congressman Clay was not only shocked, he was angrier than he had been in a long time” and then reported my reply.

“Dear Ms. Damon: I am horrified that such a

a difference

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Helping businesses grow the right way.

Supporting today’s entrepreneurs and tomorrow’s innovators.

Standing by the ones who day in and day out are putting in the hard work to make things happen. What would you like the power to do?

distinguished panel of intellectuals cited by you as reviewing the proposed language for the plaque could arrive at such a conclusion.

If these outstanding scholars are upholding Mr. Shenk’s position, I am appalled. It is amazing that such convoluted logic has been put forth by revisionists of American history, in order to deny the horrors of slavery and to distort facts in failing to reveal these atrocities,” I was quoted.

“Your refusal to accept the obvious is in sync with other pervasive and misleading jive turkey interpretations and the guilt of disciples that shamefully distort historical events. If you prefer to join these rogues, please do. But, as far as I am concerned, I would

rather see no plaque dedicated to Dred Scott than the one you have proposed.”

The aftermath was then reported: “Subsequently, Clay gathered a panel of distinguished historians who decimated the frivolous arguments advanced by the Park Service. The language that Congressman Clay insisted on was incorporated into the wording on the plaque and placed under the Gateway Arch where it hangs today.”

William L. Clay represented Missouri’s 1st Congressional District from 1968-2000 and is the author of “Clarence Thomas: A Black Knight in Tainted Armor,” “The Jefferson Bank Confrontation,” “Bill Clay: A Political Voice at the Grass Roots,” “Racism in the White House: A Common Practice of Most United States,” “Just Permanent Interests: Black Americans in Congress, 1870–1991” and “To Kill or Not to Kill: Thoughts on Capital Punishment.”

Guest Columnist William L. Clay

2020 Black History

MontH celeBrations

Thur., Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m., 7th Annual Whitney M. Young Society Reception. Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, 1127 Pestalozzi, 63118. For more information, visit www. ulstl.com.

Thur., Feb. 27, 6 p.m., St. Louis University Black Alumni Association Happy Hour and Game Night. Up-Down STL, 405 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Thur., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., Georgia on My Mind: A Celebration of the Music of Ray Charles feat. Take 6, Nnenna Freelon, Kirk Whalum, and Clint Holmes Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Fri., Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m., Black History Trivia Night. Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, visit www. brownpreneurs.org.

Sat., Feb. 29, 11 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter invites you to Founder’s Day Luncheon. With special guest speaker Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. The America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.dst-sla.org.

Sat., Feb. 29, 10 a.m., Black History Month – The Story of Black St. Louis Bus Tour. The tour introduces participants to the rich African-American history of St. Louis since its founding in 1764. Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., Georgia on My Mind: A Celebration of the Music of Ray Charles feat. Take 6, Nnenna Freelon, Kirk Whalum, and Clint Holmes. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Sat., Feb. 29, 1 p.m., The Gift of Gospel featuring emcee Pastor Shaun Williams, gospel music artist Jean Vann and additional performances by Christ Pilgrim Rest Children’s Choir, violinist Andrea Bell Darris and others. St. Louis County Library – Florissant Valley Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., S. For more information, visit https://www.

slcl.org/black-history-celebration

Sat., Feb. 29, 2:30 p.m., Better Family Life’s 7th Annual Jr. Unity Ball. Enjoy the 5th Annual America Scores Poetry Slam, awards ceremony, art activities, special guests, and more. 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.bflyouth.org/jrunityball.html.

Centene Corporation presents

BLACK HISTORY

How Their Life Changed Yours Otis Boykin

Continued from D1

about 250 Green Book businesses here,” Taylor said. “It was in the top three cities of Green Book listings behind Los Angeles and New York.”

Her talk was accompanied by a slide show of photographs she had taken of what were once thriving businesses listed in the Green Book, like SaraLou’s Café.

“There are only a handful of them left in operation, less than three percent around the nation,” Taylor said.

Most of them were in black communities and often spread out, meaning that black travelers had to drive long distances without stopping – even on the side of the road for a restroom break. A stop in the wrong place could put their entire families’ lives at risk. The threat of racial terror gave way to another hazard – fatigue. Stopping to rest and recharge was often not an option for black drivers, which meant

Parks

Continued from D1

genuine enthusiasm for the fort,” Williston resident and reconstruction advocate Ben Innis told the Williston Daily Herald in July 1972, which is posted on the NPS website.

“We should take advantage of his enthusiasm and get things done.”

In 1973, Putman was assigned to the Theodore

Brown

Continued from D1

over the strategies he was using in the novel and met some of the people whose names and personal details Baldwin encoded in his novel.

more accidents that racism was indirectly responsible for.

“Although the Green Book provided safe accommodations, you still had to get there safely and alive,” Taylor said. “This was the reality that black folks had to deal with.”

Green recognized the compounded threat of black people on the roads in the sundown towns in Missouri along Route 66.

“There was a whole page printed in the 1953 edition ‘looking for Missouri businesses to advertise,’” Taylor said. “It’s only state he did this in, because the Ozarks were a real threat.”

At times, it was an invisible threat. “The hatred could hide in very innocent places,” Taylor said.

One of those places was Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri. The drive-through cavern that boasted family fun was owned and managed by the Ku Klux Klan for several years.

Taylor tied the Ferguson unrest in response to the death of unarmed teen Michael Brown to the fact that Ferguson

Roosevelt National Memorial Park, located in Medora, N.D.

In 1974, as superintendent of the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, Virginia near Roanoke, Putman was able to spread the rich legacy of black history by establishing a neighborhood cultural and education center there.

In 1976, Putman became superintendent of the Richmond National Battlefield Parks in Richmond, Virginia, a Civil War site, where he was in charge of the restoration and opening of the Maggie Lena

was a sundown town until the 1960s. She said that during that time black people were only welcomed in Ferguson as workers. While connecting the dots between the Green Book and Ferguson unrest, Taylor discussed the systemic racism that was rampant during the period when the travel guide was published.

“While photographing sites like the SaraLou, I realized I wasn’t interested in presenting the Green Book as some historic time capsule,” Taylor said. She believes that the book cannot be reduced to simply being a historic travel guide that was much needed during a shameful chapter in American history.

“I wanted to show it in context with our ongoing struggle with racism and social mobility,” Taylor said. “The problems black folks face today – whether it’s police brutality, homicide, unfair drug sentencing and mass incarceration – are arguably just as debilitating as the problems the Green Book was trying to solve more than 80 years ago.”

Walker National Historic Site. “In that position,” the NPS states, “he managed the creation, acquisition, and development of the first national park site to honor the leadership and civil rights contributions and legacies of America’s first AfricanAmerican female bank president.” Walker was the first African-American woman in the U.S. to found a bank. Putman retired from the National Park Service in 1988 after 30 years of government service.

first sat down together in Paris.

“I finally had to leave for good. I loved Medgar. I loved Martin and Malcolm. We all worked together and kept the path together. I’m the last witness— everybody else is dead.”

I should have been aware of,” he said. “I never knew I would one day be giving a lecture on him.” Baldwin was drawn to Brown, the younger writer recalled, in part because Brown was from the South, like Baldwin’s family; Baldwin himself was born and raised – famously, for readers of his immortal essays – in Harlem.

It is not difficult to see why Brown would say, after remembering these stories for two hours, while faced with enormous, enlarged pictures of his now-dead friend, that he was lucky to get away with not even crying.

His Life

Otis Boykin was born August 29th, 1920, in Dallas, Texas. His family lived modestly throughout his adolescence. In 1941, Boykin graduated from Fisk Univeristy in Nashville, Tennessee, and took a position as lab assistant in Chicago, Illinois, at the

Majestic Radio and Television Corporation. He eventually earned a promotion, becoming supervisor.

Boykin’s life then became quite complicated when he accepted a position with the P.J. Nilson Research Laboratories and simultaneously started his own business, Boykin-Fruth Incorporated. With continued high ambitions, Otis Boykin then decided to go back to school. Unfortunately Boykin was forced to become a drop-out after two years of attending the Illinois Institute of Technology, because he was unable to afford tuition.

The “Welcome Table” named in the title of Brown’s essay in The Common Reader was an outdoor table at Baldwin’s villa in Saint-Paul de Vence. The seats at the Welcome Table, Brown writes in his essay, “were generally filled with people at dinner time. Some were famous, some were not. Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis visited when he was playing in Nice or nearby. Writer Maya Angelou and singer Nina Simone came. Young artists who worked in the village would often show up for dinner.”

“Jimmy came up in Harlem and had a romantic view of black people from the South, where his dad came from,” Brown said at the public event. Brown grew up in rural Bolton, North Carolina, with a population (today) of 660.

“I come from so far back in the woods,” Brown said, “that even country people called me ‘country.’”

After years of working with resistors, Boykin filed a patent on June 16th, 1959, for a “Wire Precision Resistor.” This device outperformed all others like it on the market at the time and had applications across a plethora of industries, including medicine.

How His Life Changed Yours

Otis Boykin became a prolific inventor, patenting 26 different inventions used inventions used in both the public and private sectors. The mo sectors. The most famous of all is the control unit he design eunit he designed for pacemakers, which are life saving devices installed life saving devices installed surgically inside a patient’s surgically inside a patient’s heart.

Otis Boykin died of heart complications in 1982, but his breakthrough device still adds years to others’ lives by regulating their heart beats today.

To remember spending intimate time at such a powerful and storied table could wring tears from a memoirist, especially given that Baldwin and all of these bold-face-named guests are no longer with us. At the public event, Brown was visibly pained to recall that lost time. “I wasn’t aware of the things

Baldwin and Brown also shared – obviously, given that they met in Paris and spent time together in the south of France – an exile from the United States. They were seeking refuge from this country’s violent racism; in 1973, Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had all been assassinated within the past 10 years.

“I had to leave the States to save myself,” Brown reports Baldwin telling him when they

It is also clear that Baldwin’s impact on the younger writer (who is now himself 76 years old) was deep and lasting. Brown went on to study, teach and write about African-American folklore, as well as write more fiction (and a screenplay with his other world-famous, nowdead friend, Richard Pryor). “One thing Jimmy always told me,” Brown said at the public event, “was always claim your heritage.”

To read Brown’s essay on Baldwin, visithttps:// tinyurl.com/Brown-Baldwin. To purchase a print copy of “James Baldwin & American Democracy,” the print edition of The Common Reader in which that essay appears, email commonreader@wustl.edu.

Fisk University

Nnenna Freelon