January 27th, 2022 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

St. Louis County appoints first Black police chief

Lt. Col. Kenneth Gregory was interim chief since July

By Dana Rieck

to serve as the department’s leader.

In charge of the appointment, the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners wrote in a statement Tuesday it had “engaged in extensive” conversation about the process and criteria for

McCluer High School teacher Kem Smith refuses to let COVID-19 and staff shortages keep her from offering a firstclass education to her students. She was preparing a lesson on her classroom smart board on Jan. 25, 2022.

Kenneth Gregory, photographed at a press conference in November, has been named chief of the St. Louis County Police Department.

COVID-19 tests mental toughness of area teachers

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

The St. Louis American

Staff shortages heighten problems

The state of Missouri was suffering teacher and substitute teacher shortages long before the COVID-19 pandemic wrapped its talons around the world’s throat. However, according to local educators, the pandemic has made an already fragile situation more friable with some long-term teachers seeking new careers. More and more teachers are experiencing burnout, Todd Fuller, spokesman for the Missouri State Teachers Association, told St. Louis Public Radio in December. “What’s concerning is not just new teachers leaving the class, but teachers who have 10, 15, 20 years in the profession are deciding to leave to do something else,” he said. COVID has introduced frustrating challenges into the school system. Teachers inter-

viewed for this story say it’s not just the virus; it’s student academic decline, the serious lack of janitorial staff to properly clean and sanitize classrooms, administrators who fail to address the safety concerns of children and educators and much more.

A survey conducted by the State Teachers Association late last year found Missouri teachers are “stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed.” Additionally, out of the 2,800

Cal Harris to become county’s chief of staff

Sam Page announced 2 other appointments

By Dana Rieck

The St. Louis American

With his appointment announced Monday morning, Cal Harris joins a growing group of Black leaders finding their voice in the region’s local governments. Harris will serve as St. Louis County Executive Sam Page’s chief of staff, responsible for leading the staff in managing county government, developing a strategy for county departments and overseeing the expenditure of new federal funding. Harris will also promote strategic initiatives, improve efficiency and ensure equity continues to guide the administration’s work.

He replaces Winston Calvert, who in December announced he would be leaving county government to work for The Equity Network, a nonprofit foundation. While he is a native of St. Louis County, Harris is moving to the area from Baltimore, where he served as a communications director for the city.

“Cal brings vast experience in policy, communications and strategy,” Page said in a prepared statement. “I am excited he will be joining the team and returning to his hometown.”

Prior to working for Baltimore city government, Harris worked at the Bipartisan Policy Center and served on various political campaigns, including Nicole Galloway’s gubernatorial campaign and Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign.

“Returning home to serve in the Page administration and impact policy for a community I love is truly humbling,” Harris said in a prepared state-

The St. Louis American

Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

Stephanie Lewis

Cal Harris Karen Aroesty

4 Hens Creole Kitchen opened its doors on Monday and is located in the City Foundry.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Actress Regina King’s only child dies

Actress Regina King’s son, Ian Alexander Jr., died by suicide Wednesday, Jan. 19. He recently turned 26.

He was her only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. King and Alexander Sr. separated in 2007 after nine years of marriage.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, she said her family is devastated by her son’s loss.

“He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others,” she said. “Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Thank you.”

LoveBScott was the first news outlet to report Ian’s death.

T.D. Jakes’ daughter Cora Jakes Coleman and her husband are divorcing

Cora Jakes Coleman, pastor, author, and the eldest daughter of T.D. Jakes and her husband rapper Richard Coleman are divorcing after nearly 11 years of marriage.

She announced the news on Instagram and Facebook Monday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my husband and I have decided to divorce,” she said. “This is a very private and personal matter and I kindly ask for your prayers as I prioritize myself, and most importantly, my children’s well being at this time. God bless.”

The pair tied the knot June 4, 2011 in a private ceremony at her parent’s home with more than 100 guests.

They share two children Amauri, 13, and Jason, 7, whom they adopted.

Jeannie Mai slams claim of her and Jeezy raising their child to be agender

Entertainment blog, Sandra Rose reported sources told the outlet The Real talk show cohost Jeannie Mai Jenkins and her husband rapper Jeezy (Jay Jenkins) are raising their child to be gender neutral.

However, those claims appear to be inaccurate. Comedian Loni Love and Jeannie’s co-star reposted Rose’s blog post stating that Jeannie would reveal her child’s gender on Wednesday’s episode of The Real.

Jeannie chimed in on her comments and said, “if doin the most was a post.” Their other co-host Adrienne Houghton also gave her opinion under Love’s post.

“SMH *hand over face emoji* I really

wish people would just respect this sacred time for them… so corny,” Houghton said.

Mai, who is currently on maternity leave, gave her co-stars permission to share her child’s name on a recent episode of The Real

Her child’s full name is Monaco Mai Jenkins

In a video uploaded to her YouTube Channel, Hello Hunnay with Jeannie Mai, she gave fans a glimpse of her baby’s nursery and shared the meaning behind the name.

“That’s really the theme of the nursery: what Monaco is about,” she said. “Family, moments, traveling, discussions, important key points in my life and Jeezy’s life that brought Monaco here.”

Tyler Perry returns as Madea in “A Madea Homecoming”

“I’m Madea! Ma to the damn D-E-A!” ’s popular fictional “larger than life” matriarchal character, Madea is exiting retirement with a grand return in the upcoming Netflix film, “A Madea

“I was looking at the state of the world and how polarized it is… nobody’s laughing,” he told EW. “Nobody’s getting the chance to belly-laugh anymore. And I’m like, ‘What tool do I have in my arsenal that can bring that kind of laughter?’” In 2019, he revealed after 15 years, he was putting his Madea role to rest with “A Madea Family

Funeral,” which was released in March of that year. Perry said stepping back into the role was like “putting on gloves he’s worn before.”

The premise of the story focuses on Madea’s great-grandson’s college graduation, but family secrets and drama work to jeopardize the joyous celebration.

The all-star cast of the Madea franchise features Tamela Mann as Cora, David Mann as Mr. Brown, Cassi Davis as Aunt Bam, and more.

“A Madea Homecoming” premieres Feb. 25 on Netflix.

Kandi Burruss releases spin-off centered around her OLG restaurant franchise this spring

Following the heels of her former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star Porsha Williams’ “Porsha’s Family Matters” Bravo spin-off, Kandi Burruss is returning with a new series.

“Kandi & The Gang,” premieres Sunday, March 6 at 9 p.m.

The show centers around Burruss’ restaurant, OLG, which she named after “Old Lady Gang” including her mom, Mama Joyce Jones, and her two aunts Aunt Nora Wilcox, and Aunt Bertha Jones

Sources: thebreakfastclub.iheart.com, sandrarose.com, ew.com, hollywoodreporter.com, instagram.com, ajc.com

$450,000 from The PNC Foundation will establish ‘E3 powered by PNC’

By Karen RobinsonJacobs The St. Louis American

Harris-Stowe State University will have new tools to boost its entrepreneurial offerings to African American students and community members in the St. Louis area thanks to a nearly half-million-dollar grant from the Pittsburgh-based PNC Foundation.

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, announced Tuesday it has awarded HSSU a three-year, $450,000 grant to establish E3 powered by PNC, an initiative that will provide up to $150,000 a year to help the university share entrepreneurship and economic empowerment resources with Black students and business founders in the St. Louis region.

The PNC grant is the largest the university has ever received to support its Minority Entrepreneurship Collaborative Center for Advancement (MECCA), which launched in the fall of 2020 and is part of the Anheuser-Busch School of Business at HSSU. Programs launched with the new grant funding will fall under the MECCA umbrella.

The PNC grant also marks the financial services giant’s first investment in the region’s only HBCU.

“We are truly excited about this partnership,” said Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, interim president of HSSU, which has about 1,200 students, including 400 in the School of Business.

“It will definitely help us deliver entrepreneurship and economic empowerment resources to … not only our students, but to other entrepreneurs in the community.

“This project is in alignment with one of our goals and our mission: to provide opportunities for students very early, young people very early on,” she added. “So this project has a component for financial education for minority high school students as well. So it will give us an opportunity to be able to provide some financial literacy and financial education to not only our students but high school students and also the community.

The initiative is designed to address the unequal access to business resources among Black entrepreneurs and wouldbe entrepreneurs locally. If Black St. Louisans started and owned businesses at the same rate as white residents, the region would be home to more than 8,000 additional businesses and about 66,000 additional jobs, according to the STL 2030 Jobs Plan.

Michael Scully, PNC’s regional president for St. Louis, called those statistics “startling” and added, “when you see [statistics] like that, you say, ‘where do you want to place your investments and energy?’ And it just seemed to make all kinds of sense that we do so with this investment in HarrisStowe.”

Business school Dean Dr. Stacy Gee Hollins, said Tuesday she sees the grant as a “difference maker.”

African American-owned businesses are often small, with only one or two employees and limited revenue streams.

Last fall, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2020 Annual Business Survey (ABS), which estimates that

Asian-owned businesses with estimated receipts of $874.6 billion, the largest tally among all minority groups.

The PNC grant “gives us enough resources to stand up a business so that it has to expand,” said Gee Hollins, who

n “It gives us enough resources for mentoring and other skills needed for them to be so successful that they end up needing to [hire] more help.”

–

Dr. Stacy Gee Hollins, HSSU business school Dean

there were 134,567 Black- or African American-owned businesses in the nation, with $133.7 billion in annual receipts and 1.3 million employees.

By comparison, there were an estimated 581,200

as a teen worked as a secretary in her grandmother’s business. “It gives us enough resources for mentoring and other skills needed for them to be so successful that they end up needing to [hire] more help.”

E3 powered by PNC offer-

ings will include education and training on business planning, marketing and financial management; pitch training and competitions; minority entrepreneurship-focused events; and financial education for minority high school and college students.

The launch of E3 marks the latest PNC initiative to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country. Last fall, The PNC Foundation announced a fiveyear, $16.8 million grant to create The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship – aimed at building resources and support for Black business owners across the country.

Both are part of PNC’s nationwide $88 billion Community Benefits Plan, which also includes a previously announced commitment of more than $1 billion to support the economic empowerment of

Black and low- to moderateincome communities.

A “large component” of the total program will be small business lending, Scully said, who noted that the financial services company has “just shy of 40” branches locally.

“Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment are foundational to the success of our region’s local economy and the dynamic startup environment for which Greater St. Louis is known,” added Scully. “Nurturing inclusive growth –which is what this initiative is all about – is vital to developing our local workforce and unlocking our region’s full economic potential.”

Some aspects of the PNC program began this semester at the university. It and MECCA, which has been awarded nearly $400,000 in grants, will be housed in the HSSU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is set to open this fall.

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

elderly, and the disabled. VISIT OUR RESTAURANT FRIDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 11

Buy a Sausage Biscuit or Egg Biscuit for $1.00 or drop off a donation.

We’ll donate all of the proceeds to Heat Up St. Louis for Missouri and Illinois charities. Donations accepted January 11- February 13. Bulk biscuit orders will be taken now through February 9. See details at

Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, Interim President of Harris-Stowe State University speaks on the importance of PNC’s grant to the University Tue. Jan. 25, 2022 at the campus. At right is Dr. Stacy Gee Hollins, dean of the Anheuser-Busch School of Business at HSSU.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Guest Editorial

Voting is about the power of ‘we’ Commentary

The right to protest is important, but the right to vote comes with the blood of our ancestors.

By Janis Ware

It’s no coincidence President Joseph R. Biden, the country’s 46th Commander in Chief, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the country’s first AfricanAmerican vice president and first female vice president, were in my hometown Atlanta on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.

The pair of leaders publicly addressed a crowd at the Atlanta University Center, and the nation, about voting restrictions and the need to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

“Years from now, our children and our grandchildren will ask us about this moment,” Harris said. “They will look back on this time, and they will ask us, not about how we felt. They will ask us what did we do? We cannot tell them that we let a Senate rule stand in the way of our most fundamental freedom. Instead, let us tell them that we stood together.”

The restrictions put in place in Georgia by the current Republican-dominated state senate may exist, but that doesn’t mean Georgians, and for that matter, anyone, anywhere, must take those restrictions lying down. There is power in numbers. If the vote weren’t important, there wouldn’t be political factions working so hard to stop people from exercising their right to do it.

Growing up and attending a Baptist church, there was a hymn that I fondly remember: “When we all get to Heaven” by E.E.Hewitt. The song speaks of rejoicing, singing, and shouting for victory. In a way, voting is victory. It’s a choice and

a choice that many that came before us did not have, and fought to keep once they earned that right. I often reflect on the marches and uprisings that people of all ages protested the senseless killing of Black men and women in the last few years.

Those protesters succeeded in shutting down businesses and disturbing traffic, ensuring their voices were heard and their presence recognized. We all must recognize that our voices are amplified by being present. There’s no more legal and safer way to be recognized as a citizen of the United States of America than by exercising one’s right to vote. We as African Americans often overlook the things that we should hold most dear, like the right to vote.

The right to protest is important, but the right to vote comes with the blood of our ancestors.

While we celebrate many achievements and accomplishments as a people, we fail to recognize or acknowledge the sacrifices and challenges that our forefathers endured and overcame just to vote. My grandfather used to tell me of the difficulties he and others faced to exercise their rights before and during the Civil Rights era.

Today, obstacles, protocols, and legislations are being proposed/instituted to impede those rights further. These impediments include reduced access

Commentary

to mail-in ballots, minimum voting locations in urban areas, a lack of voting boxes, and limited early voting opportunities, but there is no comparison between the hardships Black voters faced during my grandfather’s era and the one we are in now. We must take to the polls in massive numbers this year, and if nothing else, than to send a message that these “restrictions” will not work.

Only 78,643 Atlantans voted during the mayoral runoff election last November. That’s a small percentage of the 447,800-plus registered voters in Atlanta, according to Ballotpedia. That level of participation won’t work in 2022.

The power of “we” is a lot stronger than the power of “I and my.” We must remember on our way to the polls this year, and it’s not too soon to begin preparing to vote. Some state primaries take place as soon as February, and we must make the power of “we” heard in those primaries and on November 8, 2022, for the general election.

We must encourage our friends, family members, and for that matter, anyone who will listen to exercise their rights to vote in their upcoming state and local elections. The local elections include judges and district attorneys, board members of education, and sheriffs. These positions are critical to local politics, and those individuals affect our everyday lives and those of our children.

If we don’t vote, the people who are working to take away our civil rights win. That is just unacceptable to those who have gone before us and fought for the right to VOTE!

Janis Ware is publisher of The Atlanta Voice.

It is time to let young people lead

By Kina Collins

Martin Luther King Jr. was just 26 years old when he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Dr. King witnessed and experienced injustices in his communities, and he wasted no time in standing up against them.

Dr. King wasn’t alone. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, many of the most monumental stands against injustice were taken by a new generation of young activists. John Lewis was 25 when he attempted to march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and was beaten by state troopers who fractured his skull. The Greensboro sit-ins at the Woolworth’s lunch counter were led by four college students. And the nine students who bravely integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957 were all between 15 and 17 years old. The moment called for action, and Dr. King and countless other young, Black leaders stepped up and answered the call, by fighting against injustice and achieving real progress for the Black community. But it is not lost on me that many of the battles that Dr. King fought are still not done. 54 years after King’s assassination, racial and economic injustice continues to permeate through our institutions and government’s policies.

Still, Black Americans consistently make less money than white Americans; in fact, Black women make only 63 cents for

every dollar made by white men. Still, Black men, on average, die four years earlier than white men.

Still, gun violence disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities. Across the country, of the total number of firearm-related homicides that occur, half of the victims are Black men, despite only making up 7% of the population.

And still, the votes of Black Americans are being suppressed. Just last week, President Joe Biden delivered a speech in Georgia to call for the passage of voting rights legislation — legislation that seems all but certain to fail because of two members of our own party. We are at another inflection point in American history. Racial justice is on the line. Economic justice is on the line. Our democracy is on the line. Climate justice, the future of our planet is on the line. I saw and I felt the gun violence happening in my community and I responded. I went on to activate and organize around gun violence prevention, eventually leading the largest gun violence prevention nonprofit in the state of Illinois.

Trump takes his lies on the road to Arizona

Did you see how former President Donald Trump spent Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend? He made one of the ugliest appeals to racial resentment and white grievance that I have seen in decades.

Trump was speaking at a rally for Arizona Republican officials and candidates who embraced the Big Lie that he won the 2020 presidential election. That lie has its own racial dimension because one of its central claims is that the election was stolen from Trump by illegal votes cast by Black and brown voters in battleground states.

His new lie was even more brazenly designed to stoke anger among white right-wing supporters who are already seething about the fact that Joe Biden, and not their hero, is sitting in the Oval Office.

“The left is now rationing life-saving therapeutics based on race, discriminating against and denigrating, just denigrating, white people to determine who lives and who dies,” Trump claimed. “If you’re white, you don’t get the vaccine, or if you’re white, you don’t get therapeutics.”

Trump was lying.

We all know COVID-19 has hit some American communities harder than others. Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans are about twice as likely to die from COVID-19 than white Americans are, according to the New York Times.

cal party that is trying to build power by stoking fear and anger among right-wing white voters “their” country is being taken away from them.

The Big Lie about the election being stolen plays on those fears. So does Trump’s claim that white people are being discriminated against and denied health care that is going to “other” people. That’s also why we see so many conservative politicians trying to ban teaching about the ways racism shaped our history and continues to affect people’s lives. Virginia’s new Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order on his first day in office banning the teaching of “inherently divisive concepts” like talking about the role of race in American history. Florida Republicans, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, are now trying to pass a law that would ban teaching students or training employees about racism if it makes white students feel “discomfort.”

Recognizing that reality, the New York Department of Health published guidelines for health care institutions that simply said that race was one factor, along with age and health conditions like diabetes, that should be considered in deciding how to prioritize treatment.

Given the state of our political climate, it was not surprising some right-wing media made the false claim that New York health officials had declared that “white people need not apply.” And it was not surprising that Trump was willing to push that lie even further, claiming that white people were being “denigrated” and denied access to health care.

We live at a time when the percentage of the U.S. population that is white is shrinking. Some white people find our increasing diversity scary and threatening. And they are constantly getting a push in that direction from right-wing media figures like Fox News’s Tucker Carlson. According to recent polling, Republicans who trust Fox News and far-right news outlets are most likely to believe that America is in danger of losing its “culture” and “identity.”

Trump is the leader of a movement and politi-

Letters to the editor

This is about whitewashing our history to avoid dealing honestly with our past and present. Many parts of our history are “inherently divisive.” All Americans should feel some “discomfort” with the realities of Jim Crow violence, states’ rights arguments to defend discrimination and violent resistance to legal equality.

These politicians are drawing on a long history in this country of building power by creating and inflaming racial divisions to prevent solidarity from developing among poor and working-class people of all colors and ethnicities. We should focus on ensuring all Americans have access to the health care they need, not making some white people resentful when the urgent needs of other communities are addressed. Fear is powerful. Anger and hatred are powerful. They will win some political battles, but I believe in the long run they will lose. America is on the verge of becoming a country where no one demographic group is dominant. That could be a recipe for the kind of conflict and hostility that people like Trump are stirring up, but it doesn’t have to.

I choose to be more hopeful. I believe our growing diversity and pluralism allows us to fulfill the vision of the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass that our country’s destiny is to become “the perfect national illustration of the unity and dignity of the human family.” But to get there, we will have to defeat Trump and Trumpism. That is our immediate task.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.

Across the country, young people with stories like mine are stepping up, young people who know the deeprooted problems in our country because they are living them.

It’s the young climate activists at the Sunrise Movement who are seeing inaction from leaders in the face of a planet on fire and taking matters into their own hands – by organizing and making their voices heard. It’s the students who transformed the trauma of mass shootings in their neighborhoods into Good Kids Mad City, an organization working to end gun violence. And it’s the young undocumented immigrants who come together to combat the discrimination and fear they face with United We Dream.

These young people are fighting these battles because they have seen that no one else will — and because they can’t afford not to. For the elders, whose shoulders we stand on, it’s time to step up by stepping back and help a new generation lead the fight against injustice everywhere.

Now more than ever, young people belong at the front of our movement.

Kina Collins, an activist and gun violence prevention and health care advocate from Chicago, is a candidate in the 2022 U.S. House election for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. This commentary originally was published in the Chicago Defender.

It is a hard time for our hard-working families. We have a lot that has put our budgets to the test, both quarantines (time away from work) and cold weather. We have to do something to help millions of Americans right now.

Unfortunately the CTC passed by Congress in 2021 expired on December 31, 2021, putting millions of children and families at risk just as the new COVID-19 and cold weather threaten our hard-working Americans with additional financial hardships.

Columnist Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist Janis Ware

Guest Columnist Kina Collins

Manufacturing Tech Delaysia Henry inspects a packet of blood in a near empty cooler at the blood donation center in St. Louis on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. For the first time in its 140-year history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis. The COVID pandemic, staffing shortages and winter weather, have created shortages nationwide.

Comptroller’s office to hold Dr. Charles Drew blood drive at City Hall

The American Red Cross recently announced it is facing a national blood crisis, its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

The blood shortage is a risk to patients, especially African Americans. The Red Cross says they urgently need blood and platelet donors to meet the needs of patient care, and there is ongoing need for African American blood donors for sickle cell therapies.

The office of St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green will assist volunteer donors in making donations during its semiannual community blood drive Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, from 1 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 208 of St. Louis City Hall.

Held during Black History Month, Comptroller Green’s February blood drive carries the name of Dr. Charles Drew, the physician and medical researcher who developed the first large-scale blood banks early in World War II, according to the American Red Cross.

As he looked at how blood functioned while studying at Columbia University in New York, Drew discovered blood could be preserved if the liquid red blood cells were separated from the blood plasma. Both were frozen

separately from each other, and the blood could be fully reconstituted later.

His research served as the basis of his doctorate thesis, “Banked Blood,” and he received his doctorate degree in 1940. Drew became the first African American to earn this degree from Columbia.

After creating two of the first blood banks, Drew returned to Howard University in 1941. He was director of the university’s department of surgery. Later that year, he became the first African American examiner for the American Board of Surgery.

Drew died of injuries April 1, 1950 from injuries sustained in a car accident. All blood donors should schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org

Visitors to City Hall must wear masks or face coverings and will have their temperature taken at the point of entry. The Red Cross requires all individuals at blood drives to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org

What are you reading about in 2022?

By Christina Greer

It’s a new year and I’m sure folks have set various resolutions. You may have decided to work out more, eat more healthy foods, spend more time reaching out to loved ones, or read more. Others may have decided to drink and smoke less, remove toxic people from their lives, or spend more time working on their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

This year I am hoping to put Netflix on pause and read more fiction. I realize during these past 22 months of lockdown and quarantine; I have read very few fiction books and have spent lots of time watching new shows and rewatching shows from years past. Like millions of others, I became obsessed watching “Succession” and discussing the horrible Roy family portrayed in the HBO show. The acting is brilliant, and the cinematography is breathtaking. When I wasn’t watching this drama, I watched “SouthSide,” also on HBO. This hilarious show is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It is an homage to working class African American Chicagoans, and the comedic talent has had me in tears laughing during each episode. The creators, Diallo Riddle and Bashir Salahuddin, also star in the show alongside Salahuddin’s siblings and an all-star talented cast. I truly hope the show gets renewed for a third season.

I am trying to move away from watching television just a bit in the new year and have a few books I’d like to read. First on my list is “Monster in the Middle” by Tiphanie Yanique.

Yanique was born in The Virgin Islands and lives now with her family in Atlanta, where she is a tenured associate professor at Emory University. She is author of the poetry collection, Wife, which won the 2016 Bocas Prize in Caribbean poetry and the United Kingdom’s 2016 Forward/Felix Dennis Prize for a First Collection.

I read her first novel “Land of Love and Drowning” years ago and could not put the book down. The way Yanique weaves in characters over time and space is almost poetic. Her books are so well researched, and her use of language makes you feel like you are a character in the book—I absolutely cannot wait to explore this new book.

Her work won the 2014 Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Award from the Center for Fiction, the Phillis Wheatley Award for Pan-African Literature, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Rosenthal Family Foundation Award and was listed by National Public Radio as one of the Best Books of 2014. “Land of Love and Drowning” was also a finalist for the Orion Award in Environmental Literature and the Hurston-Wright Legacy Award.

I also just ordered “From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan” by the famed Wu-Tang member Raekwon. I find the genre of hip hop biographies so fascinating. With each memoir the detailed understanding of race and class and the music industry sheds new light on the trials and triumphs of these young men who have become cultural icons.

Whether you choose to read more or double down and watch more television during this pandemic, enjoy! There is a quote attributed to the author E.B. White, “We read to know we are not alone.”

I hope that whatever book (or television show) you find this year brings you a level of joy and a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Christina Greer, a columnist for The Amsterdam News, is an associate professor at Fordham University and author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream.”

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Christina Greer

Harris

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ment. “I believe in Dr. Page’s principled approach towards governing and vision for St. Louis County, and I cannot wait to get to work.”

Harris received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College and a Master of Public Policy from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.

“Cal is deeply committed

Chief

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selecting the chief. The board did not stick to the process for selecting a new chief used previously, which included steps such as public input sessions and top candidate interviews.

“Also, over the past six months, the board had the opportunity to work collaboratively with Chief Gregory on both day-to-day operational matters and long-range strategic decisions,” the commissioners wrote. “We were impressed by his collaborative leadership style, his decision-making processes, his community engagement, and his abilities to convert department issues into concrete action items.”

While Gregory was asked to stabilize the department following Barton’s resignation, the police board believes the interim chief went beyond that to grow the organization in a positive direction.

Gregory began his career with the St. Louis County Police on Dec. 2, 1979, as a recruit and was later assigned to the North County Precinct after graduation. He worked as a patrolman there for 10 years, and then he was assigned to the West County Precinct.

“With Chief Gregory’s 40 years of experience, he brings an abundance of institutional knowledge to the position,” the Ethical Society of Police wrote in a statement. “Accordingly,

to public service and growing opportunities for St. Louis County families,” said Nicole Galloway who is Missouri State Auditor. “County government will be well-served by his strong connections in the region and energetic work ethic.”

Page also appointed two women to leadership roles Monday.

The first is Karen Aroesty to lead St. Louis County’s Department of Administration, overseeing the county’s enterprise-wide services, including financial and personnel affairs,

we look forward to working collaboratively with him to dismantle many of the practices and policies that have created barriers to employment for minorities as well as damaged relationships within marginalized communities.”

William E. Dailey Jr., ESOP’s general counsel, confirmed Gregory is not a member of ESOP, an association of more than 300 police officers, park rangers and civilians that advocates for racial and gender equity in law enforcement in the city and county. Daily told The St. Louis American this begs the question of whether issues advocated for by the association are on his radar.

“So, Chief Gregory has an opportunity to do some things differently and listen to what the representatives of the minority police officers in St. Louis County are saying in terms of problems, but then also solutions on how the department can be better,” he said.

Dailey made clear ESOP isn’t indicting the new chief but rather inquiring about where he stands on these issues because there has not been a lot said.

“And if there’s anything we can remember in this month where a lot of people are celebrating Dr. King, is that Martin Luther King said, ‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends,’” Daily said. “And I think that’s really what has been the experience for some people in the depart-

customer service, risk management, procurement and the Office of Performance Management and Budget, along with diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

“Karen’s ability to lead diverse groups to work together toward a common goal will help her be successful in county government,” Page said. “I have known and respected Karen for years, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration in this new capacity.”

Prior to this appointment, Aroesty served as regional director of the Anti-Defamation

ment, is that it’s just been silence on these issues.”

Following Tuesday’s announcement, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page congratulated the new chief on Twitter, as did the police department.

“Chief Gregory has been acting chief for the past six months, and we look forward to his steady leadership and commitment to our citizens and officers. Congratulations, Chief!” the department wrote.

Prior to his interim appointment, Gregory served as the department’s deputy chief since 2018. Before that, he served as the commander of the Division of Criminal Investigations.

Gregory has also served in several different capacities for the county police, including membership on the County Police Training Committee and the Chief’s Board for hirees. He is a member of the Law Enforcement Officials and the St. Louis County Police Association and an associate member of St. Louis Area Police Chiefs. Gregory is also a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and an Assessor for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Gregory was not immediately available for comment. The department’s press person said he would be scheduling media interviews later in the week.

But later Tuesday, Gregory did announce the appointment of Lt. Col. Bryan Ludwig as

League from 2000 through 2021, leading the agency’s mission in Missouri, eastern Kansas and southern Illinois.

In addition, she serves as the chair of the county’s Human Relations Commission, leads the U.S Attorney’s Hate Crimes Task Force, convened the Missouri Roundtable on Bias-Based Policing and was the first woman to chair the county’s Fire Standards Commission. She is also a founding member of the Racial Equity Collaborative, a group of leaders engaging the community on structural racism.

his deputy chief. Ludwig has served as interim deputy chief since Barton’s departure.

Ludwig joined the department in 1996 and previously served in the North County Precinct, the Bureau of Professional Standards, the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy, the Bureau of Drug Enforcement, the Division of Patrol, and is currently assigned to the Office of Chief of Police.

ESOP has previously expressed concerns about Ludwig, who is white, noting he is currently at the center of discrimination lawsuits.

A rocky road

Gregory’s appointment as the first Black chief of the department comes at a time when the agency has faced a myriad of criticism over internal policies and incidents many have called inherently racist.

Lt. Col. Troy Doyle, a Black man, was also up for the promotion to chief with Barton.

Following her appointment, Doyle filed a complaint of discrimination against St. Louis County with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights on July 24, alleging he was passed over for the promotion because of his race. On Jan. 22, the commission issued a notice of his right to sue in the matter.

“That lawsuit is still ongoing, and when it’s resolved, the taxpayers will still be left with whatever the fruits of that is—a settlement or a jury ver-

Aroesty fills a vacancy left by Tod Martin, who retired from the county government last year.

Page’s second appointment is Stephanie Lewis as chief transformation officer, overseeing the county executive’s goal of making the county government a more efficient, effective and equitable organization.

“Stephanie’s creativity and her expertise in human resources will provide a big boost to our efforts to make government services more efficient and improve the constituent experience,” Page said.

dict,” Dailey said. “And so, we can’t look at [Gregory’s] appointment as an ending or as a conclusion. We can look at the appointment as perhaps a next step towards something that’s better. But we would be remiss if we ignore what took place in front of everyone’s eyes with respect to the ordeal that happened with the last selection process and the litigation that came from that selection process.”

Barton was chief for about 16 months and, during that time, was constantly putting out race-related fires.

From facing public criticism for telling the St. Louis County Council she did not believe systemic racism existed within her department to the handling of her brotherin-law, who was a St. Louis County police dispatcher, using a racial slur on the police radio.

In addition, at least two police contract instructors for the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy have been fired for allegedly using racially disparaging language since Barton took over.

After the department transferred Officer Shanette Hall following her appearance in a Vice video featuring Black female cops talking about the culture of policing, ESOP’s board voted and declared no confidence in Barton. Just a few days later, so did the St. Louis County Council.

Even so, Gregory’s appointment comes a day after

Lewis is currently vice president of FPM Communications, where she led more than $70 million in large-scale communications projects for clients, including former President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

She also currently serves as a board member of St. Louis ARCHS and the Annie Malone Historical Society, and she is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority’s local alumni chapter. Lewis replaces Andria Nelson Roberts, who left the county government to work for a non-profit foundation.

Page announced his new chief of staff, Cal Harris, who joins the growing group of Black leaders finding their voice in the region’s local governments. And while the city continues to also search for its next police chief, St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden postponed his February retirement date.

Mayor Tishaura Jones confirmed earlier this month she wants to scrap the current search for the city’s new police chief after facing difficulties created by a former city leader.

“I only had two white male candidates to choose from and St. Louis is more diverse than white males, our police department is more diverse— there were a lot of diverse candidates within the police department who were kicked out of the first round, so I want to start over to find the right candidate,” Jones told The St. Louis American at the time.

Jones has appointed numerous Black people to leadership positions in her first nine months as mayor. Among those appointments include Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, director of the city’s department of health; the city’s first Black female city counselor, Sheena Hamilton; Vernon Mitchell, chief equity and inclusion officer; and Neal Richardson, executive director of the St Louis Development Corporation.

Continued from A1

teachers surveyed, about half said they have considered leaving the profession altogether.

Allison Rabbitt, a University City middle school teacher who’s been in the profession for almost 30 years, is well aware of teacher’s COVIDrelated frustrations.

“I know teachers interviewing at other schools (for administrative positions) and others trying to get out of classrooms altogether,” Rabbitt explained. “And that’s a shame because these are great teachers. But just the amount of stress this year and last year, it just feels like it’s never-ending…and it’s not changing or getting better.”

Rabbitt is no stranger to stress as she often takes her work home with her.

“I just worry about what’s happening to our kids. Many nights I just couldn’t sleep,” she said. “At one point, I had one child in class. I have kids on my roster that I haven’t seen in 3 or 4 weeks. Their parents are scared that their kid will get COVID.”

Michaela Morgan, 24, became a high school teacher with the county’s Special School District in 2019, mere months before the start of the pandemic. Her education at Mizzou, Morgan said, did not prepare her for a school system stymied by a pandemic.

“It’s been an eye-opener,” Morgan said. “When COVID hit, no one knew what to do. It was like the whole world just stopped, and teachers were lost in confusion and fear. I’m

Schmitt

Continued from A1 demands.

The Francis Howell School District in St. Charles County released a statement calling Schmitt’s actions “disheartening, unfounded, and frankly, shameful.”

“The Attorney General is not elected to make decisions for Francis Howell students and staff. That responsibility lies with our locally elected school board members, and the mitigation measures they have enacted helped keep our schools open for in-person learning,” said the statement.

wondering how we’ll keep the world turning with this huge thing going on?”

She says she sometimes feels as if some school administrators care more about “the job” than they do about teacher’s health or well-being.

“It’s like, ‘keep wearing your mask and social distance’ and that’s it,” Morgan explained. “Where’s the love? Where’s the care?”

According to the Special School District online data, as of January 24, there were 147 cases of COVID in its facilities, which include schools, garages, administrative offices, and distribution centers with 65 students and 82 staff members

Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, filed legislation this week that would provide reimbursement to local public-school districts for all legal expenses incurred defending against the lawsuits.

“Local public schools’ budgets are already stretched thin because of the pandemic,” Quade said. “They shouldn’t have to foot the bill for Eric Schmitt’s shameful campaign stunts.”

n The lawsuit filed by Schmitt is a waste of taxpayer money.

“Our community and especially our elected officials should be celebrating and supporting schools during this challenging time, not suing them. The lawsuit filed by Schmitt is a waste of taxpayer money – on both sides.”

Maplewood Richmond Heights Superintendent Bonita E. Jamison said in a statement the lawsuit against her district “is not a prudent use of taxpayer money or human resources required to address it.”

“We believe these lawsuits continue to be a distraction to school leaders regionally who are already taxed with efforts to keep school doors open and students safe.”

House Minority Leader

Schmitt is a Republican candidate to fill Sen. Roy Blunt’s seat in the 2022 election. Schmitt’s lawsuits come as many Missouri schools have shut down in-person learning due to coronavirus outbreaks. Hospitals across the state are also at capacity as the Omicron variant surge continues.

State Sen. Doug Beck, D-Affton, pre-filed similar legislation, Senate Bill 922, in December.

“The attorney general is abusing the powers of his office to stop schools from keeping kids and teachers safe,” Beck said.

“I am in disbelief we are even having this conversation. He is even suing the St. Louis County Special School District, which educates some of our most vulnerable children. This has got to stop.”

Most of Schmitt’s lawsuits are against St. Louis and Kansas City area school districts.

who tested positive.

Morgan finds those numbers unsettling.

“Just going into a building where we know the disease is in there and feeling like no one really cares, well, it’s a crappy feeling,” she said.

Kem Smith, an English teacher in the Ferguson/ Florissant School District, said the educational shortage is connected to teacher’s personal concerns.

“We’re trying to maintain our families as well as the classrooms,” she said.

On another note, Smith said most substitutes are retired teachers.

“You’re not going to get retirees to show up in the middle of COVID,” she said. “You

just aren’t!”

Another factor contributing to educator’s absenteeism is ever-changing guidelines and mandates, Smith added.

“I know a teacher whose daughter tested positive, but she had to leave her at home and come to work,” she said.

“Because of new guidelines, if you’ve been exposed but have had your vaccinations and you’re not showing symptoms, well, you have to come to work.”

For the first time in her 21-year-career as a teacher, Smith said she’s almost at a breaking point.

“I would say this is my first time actually knowing what depression feels like,” she said.

“It’s the quarantining and all

the changing, top-down regulations they force us to do…it’s close to unbearable.”

The mostly political fight over mask mandates not only adds an additional toll on teachers, it also impacts how students behave in school.

“Trying to get kids to wear masks is probably the toughest part of my job,” Smith said. Laughingly, she added, “If we can’t get them to pull up their pants, what makes you think we’re going to get them to keep a mask on?”

More seriously, Smith says she believes parents and politicians fighting mask mandates are sending a dangerous message to their children and students.

“When some kid in the hall-

way has his mask down and I tell them to pull it up, that kid will say, ‘I heard we don’t have to wear ‘em,’” Smith said, adding, “I say, ‘no, we’re going to protect ourselves around here.’ Then I say, ‘it’s kinda funny how you’ve never watched the news until it’s time not to wear a mask.’”

Rabbitt, the U. City middle school teacher, has had similar encounters.

“I hear my sixth graders repeat nonsense about vaccines that they’ve heard from some adult in their lives and I respond, ‘hold up, vaccines do work. You’ve never had polio have you?’” she said. The threats, violence, and outbursts exhibited at some school board meetings over mask mandates frustrates Rabbitt to no end: “It’s just a piece of fabric we’re arguing about, people. Come on!” COVID has exacerbated an already alarming situation. Smith, who’s working on her dissertation, may be leaving the field soon. Rabbitt, who’s up for retirement in about five years, hopes COVID-19 will help “re-invent” schools with a more serious emphasis on student’s social and emotional learning.

“Kids have been traumatized by this just as much as adults,” Rabbitt said.

As for the newbie, Michaela Morgan, she’s committed to outlasting the pandemic.

“In the end, I remind myself why I got into education,” she said. “I love to teach, and I go back for my kids.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

Special School District high school teacher Michaela Morgan in her classroom at Northwest High School in north county Wed. Jan. 26, 2022.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

St. Louis City prosecutor’s office sees turnaround

After a few rocky years both internally and externally, Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner’s office seems to be smoothing out, especially with the recent hire of Marvin Teer as chief trial assistant. At the end of 2021, Gardner’s office held three pending death penalty cases, the largest number in the state. The three defendants are Phillip Cutler, Cornelius Greene, and Ollie Lynch Lynch’s case was de-certified January 7 as a death penalty case, and the Circuit Attorney’s office instead will pursue a life sentence.

retains that discretion and could effectively abolish the death penalty in St. Louis under her leadership. However, instead of stepping into this power, Gardner has chosen to attempt to off-load her death penalty cases to both the state attorney general’s office and the federal U.S. Attorney’s office.

Fake COVID testing thwarts regional containment efforts

since the highly-contagious Omicron spike began. The Center for COVID Control also did testing at 601 Clark in North Downtown St. Louis, 6219 W. Florissant Avenue in North St. Louis City, and 14282 Ladue Road in Chesterfield.

“Throughout the course of 2021 it’s become clear that the Circuit Attorney’s Office does not want to capitally prosecute these men, even attempting to hand them off to the [Attorney General’s Office] in Novemer last year,” Elyse Max, executive director of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, told the Eye. “There are now two pending capital cases in the city and defense attorneys for these cases have indicated that prosecutors are trying to hand them over to the U.S. Department of Justice.”

As a “progressive prosecutor,” Gardner holds sole discretion in pursuing the death penalty for eligible offenses in the city. Just as St. Louis County Circuit Attorney Wesley Bell has stopped seeking the death penalty on all cases in his jurisdiction, Gardner too

Last week, a Florida CBS affiliate’s investigation revealed the Center for COVID Control, a Chicago-based company, had been administering fake COVID-19 rapid tests that produced negative results, even when the patient was positive for the virus. St. Louis Ballpark Village and the Central West End have hosted events by this company. There were lengthy lines and each site tested thousands of St. Louisans

The Center for COVID Control claimed it has partnered with an unidentified “CDC-approved & licensed laboratory.” A USA Today investigation revealed some patients who received negative COVID-19 screens after testing by the Center for COVID Control tested positive when they took tests administered by other labs. Public health departments in California, Florida, and Minnesota are investigating the Center and its alleged scam operations. Days after local news and national investigations broke, the Center for COVID Control shut down its five locations across the St. Louis region.

measures, the St. Louis County Council passed its mask mandate on Jan. 4, in a 4-3 split. Council members Lisa Clancy, Kelli Dunaway, Rita Heard Days, and Shalonda Webb voted in favor of a countywide mask ordinance. Tim Fitch, Mark Harder, and Ernie Trakas voted against slowing the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis region has fluctuated between 35-40% positivity rates since the start of 2022. Testing appointments for most sites are at least a week out. Pharmacies and other stores are reporting shortages of rapid tests as city and county public health officials scramble to set up additional testing locations.

St. Louis residents looking to obtain a valid COVID-19 test are directed to the city’s website at https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/departments/ health/communicable-disease/ covid-19/data/test-locations.cfm

The County’s website is https://revivestl.com/get-tested/.

Chaos in St. Louis County

Despite the politicized objections to necessary public health

But pathetic “Sue Bully” Attorney General Eric Schmitt already has filed a lawsuit against St. Louis County to block the mandate from taking effect. Schmitt, whose wife is a public school teacher and whose own children attend public schools - both of which require masks, has taken advantage of the toxic political climate around COVID-19 in a transparent effort to boost his chances in the upcoming U.S. Senate election to replace Sen. Roy Blunt. We’re old enough to remember when Schmitt supported Missouri Medicaid expansion and launched the fight for legalized cannabis in Missouri after a very public campaign that centered on his oldest son’s health conditions. Now, in a new low, Schmitt has taken his political misadventure to 45 school districts across the state that have sought to protect students, teachers and other district workers from the ravages of Coronavirus. Mark 8:36 “for what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

At the same time, Council members Days, Fitch, Harder and Trakas are involved in a federal lawsuit over the redrawn County District map. In a suit before Chief Magistrate Judge Nannette A. Baker, members of the Democratic redistricting commission sued the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners, alleging that the map adopted by the Board

was unequal in population distribution and violated voters’ civil rights. The Eye further uncovered a curious entangling alliance - Days hired St. Louis Police Officers Association lobbyist and attorney Jane Dueker before Christmas to represent her in the redistricting lawsuit, even though she and other plaintiffs were represented by Dueker’s former law firm, Spencer Fane.

The Eye has learned that St. Louis County Counselor Beth Orwick has blocked the release of open public records that include civilian complaints filed against St. Louis County police officers. Civil rights attorney Mark Pedroli tweeted, “St. Louis County took the unprecedented position that ‘citizen complaints’ against the St. Louis County Police Department are ‘closed’ to the public. This position is illegal.” Pedroli referenced more than 300 “citizen complaints” against businesses that were released by the county in 2021. He called out the special treatment enjoyed by county police during a time that accountability and investigations into complaints have been questioned.

“Not only are citizen complaints open records, but they’re the starting point in deciding whether or not a police department is accountable to the complaints or if they ignore them,” Pedroli told the Eye. “When [consulting firm] Teneo audited the county police more than two years ago, Teneo found there were no policies in place requiring citizen complaints be logged or investigated. Teneo’s finding should be totally unacceptable to St. Louis County leaders and the Board of Police Commissioners. Now two years later, the continued secrecy surrounding the exact same issue would indicate they’ve done nothing to address the audit findings.”

with us:

- Please try to come to your appointments alone. If you need assistance, one caregiver is allowed with a Veteran for outpatient appointments.

- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed or recently diagnosed with COVID-19, call your primary care team at 314-652-4100 or use MyHealth Vet to make an in-person or telehealth appointment.

- If you think that you have been exposed to COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, please help us and get tested at a community testing site.

- Due to recent surges in COVID-19 cases, cloth masks are no longer acceptable when visiting us. A screener will provide you a medical grade mask to wear while at our clinics and hospitals.

- For the safety of all our patients and staff, only one visitor is allowed per patient per day.

- Call our new VA Info Line at 314-289-6523 for the latest info to plan your visit!

East St. Louis NAACP president resigns

By James T. Ingram

St. Louis American

The

For

Amid rumors and specula-

tion regarding turmoil within the East St. Louis chapter of the NAACP, the national office suspended former East St. Louis NAACP president Stanley Franklin, according to State President Teresa Haley.

When I asked Ms. Haley about the cause for Franklin’s suspension, she declined to comment on the specifics, saying the decision was made at the national level and had no further comment.

Since that interview with Haley, Franklin unceremoniously submitted his resignation without further comment.

In the interim, local VP of the ESL chapter, Andrew Bailey will perform Franklin’s role until a final decision or permanent replacement is made.

But based upon multiple sources who commented under the condition of anonymity, Franklin allegedly attempted to remove the ESL branch of the NAACP as a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit without consulting the local, state or national offices.

This lawsuit charged that gerrymandering of the legislative district impacting ESL would dilute the voting power

of the city and minimize its ability to choose their state representative, a seat currently held by State Representative LaToya Greenwood.

Such redrawing of legislative maps as the result of the census have led to new redistricting plans nationally, having a disproportionately adverse effect on communities of color.

So Franklin’s alleged actions would be questionable if not suspect.

However, for anyone who has followed Franklin’s leadership of the ESL NAACP over the past decade, it should come as no surprise his seeming tone deafness and aloof management of the organization have been both controversial as well as baffling at times. In this space I reported that, back in 2014, during their annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet, Franklin awarded three out of four scholarships to non-black students who attended the prestigious Governor French Academy of Belleville, IL, ignoring the obvious and awkward visual optics and

insult to the African American community of East St. Louis.

In 2019, despite a pending five-count federal lawsuit which alleged East St. Louis School District 189 Superintendent Arthur Culver made “repeated unwelcome (sexual) advances and made sexually explicit remarks to a female employee,” Franklin awarded Culver with.

The sexual harassment case was dismissed, but Culver was also accused of harassing a female employee, then firing her in retaliation. The trial is set for trial in May 2022.

And it’s even more disappointing that Franklin, a former member of the Nation of Islam, an organization synonymous with black pride, respect for Black women and doing for self, would so callously engage in such activities which do nothing to promote the “advancement of colored people” or humanity for that matter.

So, the national NAACP office may have done the East St. Louis chapter a favor in dismissing leadership that is clearly out of touch with the community and the people he purportedly failed with his disservice over the past decade.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com Twitter@JamesTIngram

worker – work with every patient at the ID Clinic. There’s also a phlebotomist, laboratory, psychiatrist, food pantry and pharmacy services available onsite. The ID Clinic specializes in treating patients with HIV/AIDS as well as those patients with HIV/AIDS and other

of themselves.”

Four key team members – Dr. Lacasse; Emily Ewert, PA-C, program coordinator; Belma Corpening, PharmD, AAHIVP; clinical pharmacist; and Mary Creamer, MC, LCSW, licensed clinical social

If

Columnist James T. Ingram

“Taking Care of You”

Spike in COVID-19 cases in pregnant women alarms doctors, hospitals

During the COVID-19 Omicron surge, pregnant women are much more likely to be COVID positive when they come to the hospital to deliver than when healthcare providers were dealing with the Delta variant, according to Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the region, doctors are seeing spikes in cases in pregnant women.

At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, about 45% of pregnant women were positive for COVID19 last week, according to a statement from a hospital representative.

“We’re seeing really high rates of pregnant people like we are seeing in the general population, that we are admitting more pregnant people, but they can come in for a number of reasons,” said Dr. Ebony Carter, a Washington University high-risk Ob/Gyn at

n At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, about 45% of pregnant women were positive for COVID-19 last week, according to a statement from a hospital representative.

Barnes Jewish Hospital. During this wave of Omicron, pregnant women are much more likely to be COVID positive when they come to the hospital to

deliver than when health care providers were dealing with the Delta variant, according to a statement from a hospital representative.

“My leading thought on why this is happening is vaccination rates,” Carter said. “I think patients have been really hesitant to get vaccinated during pregnancy because they’re understandably terrified, but this huge, infectious wave of Omicron is happening, which leaves pregnant people particularly vulnerable. The problem with this is COVID-19 has been terrible on pregnant people because the immune system dampens down its response to not treat a baby as an invader, which is

During a patient encounter in the Spring of 2021, I asked if Patient X had received his COVID-19 vaccine. Patient X replied “no” and stated he did not trust the vaccine. He also believed it was produced too quickly.

n Many companies are increasing the insurance premiums on non-vaccinated current employees as well as not considering non-vaccinated applicants for employment.

A few months later Patient X was diagnosed with COVID and was admitted to a hospital for a prolonged stay requiring oxygen, steroids, and other supportive measures. Upon discharge, Patient X still required oxygen 24 hours a day and needed assistance from family and home health. Six months post hospitalization, Patient X still needs oxygen at night, has not gone back to work, and is struggling financially. However, Patient X is now willing to be vaccinated. Stories like this are daily occurrences in my practice. In some cases, however, even after a COVID hospitalization, some patients refuse vaccination. I often ask if there are questions I could answer for them. Often, there are none. Some admit they have no good reasons for declining the immunization. Since the pandemic began, I have done multiple webinars for churches and civic organizations about the vaccine and myths surrounding it. I have made videos, posted on social media, and have made PSAs for radio. I have explained the science behind the vaccine’s development. I have discussed the side effects. I have also shared horror stories seen by my colleagues.

Recently, I spoke at a small church in North St. Louis. I participated in a panel with two brilliant infectious disease doctors. While they shared statistics and explained how the mRNA science works, I tried an old-fashioned common-sense approach. I asked the audience to raise their hands if they had polio. No one raised a hand My response: “exactly, vaccines work!

It has been over 300 years since the first

See ANDERSON, A11

CDC: Black Missourians’ physical inactivity a health problem

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

The

Black and brown people in Missouri and throughout the United States have the highest rates of physical inactivity, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) ongoing telephone survey creates state maps of physical inactivity. The Show-Me State does not fare well, based on African American respondents. The rates are based on combined data from 2017 to 2020. Missouri, at 33.6%, is one of 23 states and the District of Columbia where the physical inactivity rate of non-Hispanic

Black respondents to the BRFSS survey topped 30%. Hispanic Missourians had a 25.1% rate.

The CDC maps also show:

• Five states (Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia) had a physical inactivity prevalence of 30% or higher among non-Hispanic white adults.

• 27 states had a physical inactivity prevalence of 30% or higher among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native adults.

• 25 states and Puerto Rico had a physical inactivity prevalence of 30% or higher among Hispanic adults.

The CDC defines physical inactivity for adults as not participating in any physical activities outside of work over

See INACTIVITY, A11

A CDC study found Black Americans lag in physical activity, which is vital in battling illnesses including heart disease and high blood pressure.

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

Photo courtesy of American Heart Association

Photo courtesy of NNPA

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

The Alzheimer’s Association, with GHR Foundation and Edward Jones, announced a $14 million commitment in support of Washington University’s Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) Primary Prevention Trial.

According to a university release, this is the world’s first clinical trial aiming to determine if a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented decades before the onset of dementia symptoms.

“It is a continuation of donations we have made to Washington University’s Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit since 2012,” Dr. Heather Snyder, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific relations, said. “This continued investment is moving forward with the trials being able to rapidly launch.”

Snyder said the funded commitment would also allow researchers to accelerate the study’s launch as they move forward.

“The funds are being used for the infrastructure of the study, which means they will be able to add in new measures of the underlying biology,” she said.

One of the world’s leading Alzheimer’s prevention studies, DIAN-TU has been testing experimental drugs in people living with dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (DIAD), a rare genetically determined form of Alzheimer’s, according to a press release.

In 2012, the Alzheimer’s

Inactivity

Continued from A10 the last month. Activities include running, walking for exercise, or gardening.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. This can be broken into smaller amounts, such as 22 minutes every day or 30 minutes/five times a week.

Nationally, Hispanic

Pregnant

Continued from A10

great for baby but not for mom because moms can get serious flu or COVID-19 infections.”

At least 66% of adults in the St. Louis region are vaccinated, but those numbers drop down to the thirties for those who are pregnant, according to Dr. Carter.

“If you look at pregnant patients with COVID, the risk of pre-term birth is significantly higher, C-sections and needing to be admitted into the

Anderson

Continued from A10

“Taking Care of You”

Wash. U lands major grant in battle against Alzheimer’s

Washington University’s Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) Primary Prevention Trial is the world’s first clinical trial aiming to determine if a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented decades before the onset of dementia symptoms.

Association provided $4.2 million to the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN) to build the infrastructure for its Trials Unit (TU).

Over the years, the association has invested more than $30 million in DIAN-TU, including $14 million in early 2021 to Tau Next Generation, which is investigating the efficacy of three anti-tau drugs over three years through DIAN-TU. The new invest-

adults (32.1%) had the highest prevalence of physical inactivity, followed by non-Hispanic Blacks, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native (29.1%), non-Hispanic White (23.0%), and non-Hispanic Asian adults (20.1%). Dr. Denise HooksAnderson, St. Louis American medical accuracy editor, SLUCare associate professor, family medicine and interim assistant dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, recently wrote in the publication “getting regular exercise is more than just trying to look

intensive care unit or needing a tube to breathe for you are higher,” she said. “COVID infections can be severe, but I don’t want to scare my patients due to the low number of patients this has happened to.” Dr. Carter talked about how she reminds pregnant patients the COVID vaccine and the booster have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing severe illness and death in pregnant women.

“My patients tell me, ‘Oh, I’ll wait to get the booster after my pregnancy,’ and I tell them the best time to get the booster was yesterday,” she said. It has

vaccine was discovered. In the late 18th century, the smallpox vaccine was developed. Edward Jenner was the first person to use a scientific approach to protect against smallpox. His method involved taking fluid from a blister of someone infected with smallpox and injecting it into an uninfected person. Gratefully, better methods were developed, and smallpox was eradicated. Over the years, technology and scientific knowledge improved which in turn, helped to

ment in the Primary Prevention Trial brings the Association’s total investment in DIAN-TU to over $44 million.

“In most cases, it’s difficult to predict who will develop Alzheimer’s and when, making testing potential drug therapies at an early stage challenging. Because the age of dementia onset is more predictable in people living with DIAD, we are able to test potential therapies decades before symptoms

cute in your favorite suit or dress. It is about keeping your blood sugar and cholesterol within normal limits. Exercise can also help control your blood pressure and improve depression. Joint mobility is also improved with regular movement.”

African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure than other racial groups in the United States, according to a recent American Heart Association (AHA) study. It concluded among non-Hispanic Blacks 20 and older, nearly 45% of men and 46% of women have

been proven to be more effective than the two-shot series alone; it’s about 90% effective at keeping you from being hospitalized.”

According to a hospital representative, getting COVID when unvaccinated dramatically increases the risk of severe illness and death for pregnant women and increases the chances of delivering a stillborn baby.

Recent studies have determined women who received a COVID booster had a higher likelihood of passing on protective antibodies to their babies.

“I think that the other thing I

begin,” Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer, said. “The knowledge gained from this research is of great value to the scientific community and the Alzheimer’s Association’s commitment of $14 million will enable a rapid launch of DIAN-TU Primary Prevention and get potentially impactful therapies to people quicker.”

Researchers now plan to test whether gantenerum-

high blood pressure.

Compared with participants who didn’t exercise, the risk of high blood pressure was 16% lower in those who did intermediate levels of physical activity (less than the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise) and 24% lower in those with ideal levels of physical activity (at least than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise), the AHA study concluded.

Researchers also found sport or exercise-related phys-

hear from my patients is they would never want to do anything that would harm their baby when vaccination is the best thing that you could do for your baby,” she said. “This baby is going to be born into a world full of COVID and variants like Omicron and would have no other protection because children under the age of 5 aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet, so the only way that the baby can come into the world with some protection is if mom gets vaccinated, your body mounts an immune response, and research has shown that those antibodies

decrease adverse effects of immunizations. Immunizations have been around a long time. Immunizations help keep us from getting sick when we eat at restaurants (hepatitis A). Immunizations keep us from getting chicken pox (varicella). Though infection with COVID-19 is possible with the vaccine, the chances of death and hospitalization are much lower.

I must also point out that the sequelae of COVID infection must be considered. Chronic heart and lung problems, mental fogginess, and fatigue are just a few of the “long-COVID” symptoms. Furthermore, many companies

ab, an investigational antibody under development for Alzheimer’s disease by Roche and Genentech, can clear a key protein called amyloid beta from the brain, and, as a result, prevent dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a press release.

“Testing therapies at such an early stage of Alzheimer’s may prevent cognitive decline by preventing plaques from forming in the first place,”

ical activity lowered the risk of high blood pressure compared to working or doing household chores, which did not change the risk of high blood pressure.

By region, the South had the highest prevalence of physical inactivity (27.5%), followed by the Midwest (25.2%), Northeast (24.7%), and the West (21%).

“Getting enough physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths,”

Ruth Petersen, MD, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, said. “Too many

get passed through the umbilical cord to the baby.”

Also, Carter addressed the issues Black women have about getting vaccinated during pregnancy. Black pregnant women die at a disproportionate rate when compared to other races. According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.

“I think there is an issue with vaccine equity and uptake,” Carter said. “The research in the medical system has not done right by Black patients in many instances, so

Fred Miller, GHR Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer and Alzheimer’s program lead, said. “We’re very pleased to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in supporting this effort and are grateful for the dedication of DIAN families and the research team led by Dr. Randy Bateman and Dr. Eric McDade at Washington University.”

Most people with this rare, genetic form of Alzheimer’s, which accounts for 1% or less of Alzheimer’s cases — have onset of memory and thinking symptoms within a few years of the age their parents’ decline started — often in their mid40s or 50s.

“In our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, we are making a positive difference in the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, bettering our communities and society,” Ken Cella, Edward Jones principal responsible for the Client Strategies Group, said.

Researchers are able to intervene and study early prevention strategies in this population that could possibly change the course of the disease since they know approximately when the disease symptoms will begin in these individuals, which is not possible in people with more common, sporadic Alzheimer’s, according to a statement.

“We look forward to the results of this study and hope that they inform prevention strategies for all people at risk of Alzheimer’s,” Carrillo said. “Preventing Alzheimer’s before it damages brain cells is optimal because it would save individuals and families money and, more importantly, the anguish of this fatal disease.”

people are missing out on the health benefits of physical activity, such as improved sleep, reduced blood pressure and anxiety, lowered risk for heart disease, several cancers, and dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease).”

CDC maps and data tables are available at www.cdc.gov/ physicalactivity/data/inactivity-prevalence-maps/index. html Regular exercise may reduce African-Americans’ risk of high blood pressureNews on Heart.org

I don’t blame people at all for being skeptical of the vaccine and what it might do, but what we see is the uptick in vaccinations among Black patients has been lower and then you see the outcomes in terms of disease has been much worse, which is not solely because of race but also the social determinants and factors that go behind it.”

Carter said the best course of action to continue combatting COVID-19 is getting vaccinated.

are increasing the insurance premiums on non-vaccinated current employees as well as not considering non-vaccinated applicants for employment. This pandemic will ripple through our health system and economy for years to come. The decisions we make today will have lasting effects on our families. Please consider that when deciding whether to vaccinate or not.

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., FAAFP is associate Professor SLUCare Family Medicine and interim assistant dean of diversity equity and inclusion.

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

Nutrition Challenge:

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

Healthy Kids NEWSPAPER

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Dining Out.

Visualizing Serving Sizes

Bread = 1 ounce = about the size of a CD case/cover

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

INGREDIENTS:

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS Keep ‘em Whole!

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

The Smart Way!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

First Day of Spring!

Exercise Game

Tech-Neck

several different reasons.

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

One of the reasons that we might overeat is because we just don’t really recognize what a proper “portion” looks like. (Portion is the size of the serving that you put on your plate.)

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

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

Cheese = 1.5 ounces = 4 dice

> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

Chicken = 3 ounces = deck of cards

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.

Fruit = 1 medium = size of a baseball

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.

Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

To help you visualize what those portion sizes should be, here are a few examples using items that you are very familiar with their size.

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Danielle Moore, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-C

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Melissa Douglass, MSW

For Other Examples, Visit: http://www.webmd.com/diet/ healthtool-portion-size-plate. Try coming up with your own visual portion size ideas!

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake. After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

Learning Standards: HPE 2,

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

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

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

Where do you work? I am an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner for Esse Health.

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

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

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.

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

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

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

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

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

Balance is an important part of physical fitness. Balance relates to how steady and straight you can hold your body while doing different activities. Practice your balance by doing the most basic balance test. Stand on one foot, hold your arms out to your side and see how long you can hold this pose. Is it harder if you close your eyes?

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice. Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

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

Only take pills (medicine) that have been given to you by your parent (or a doctor/nurse). Never take anything that is being offered by a friend just because they say it’ll make you “feel good.” Many school-aged kids die every year because their body has a bad reaction to pills

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

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:

Now challenge yourself to increasingly difficult balancing actions. Try holding something heavy in one hand, leaving the other hand empty. Can you lean over (while still on one foot) and place the object on the floor? Can you stack a number of items on the floor while staying on just the one foot?

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl. Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

that they should not be taking.

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

Do you think balance can be improved with practice? Try some different balance activities for several days in a row and see if your balance gets better the more you do them.

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down. This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

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

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 4, NH 1

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

If someone offers you a pill, be sure to tell your parent or teacher. By helping to keep these pills away from others, you could be saving a life!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Parkway South High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University, St. Louis. What does an adult-gerontologist nurse practitioner do? I diagnose, treat, and manage diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I promote ways to live a healthy lifestyle and I provide patient education related to healthcare.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

What does a school nurse do? I love giving students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for example, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or manage established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do? I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Facetime call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I am passionate about helping others. I absolutely love patient care and the positive impact I have on patients’ lives every day. I provide quality healthcare to individuals that lack resources and teach them ways to live healthier lifestyles. I find it important to educate patients on understanding their diseases to prevent severe complications and hospitalizations.

Cracker-wiches

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

> How bullying hurts others.

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

> What to do if you are bullied.

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4, NH 5

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

Juice Jigglers

Ingredients:

2 Cps Fruit juice

Hummus Dip Ingredients:

2 Pkts Unflavored gelatin

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

1 cup blueberries

> What other ice hazards are there?

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?

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

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

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

1 Garlic clove, crushed

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Directions: Combine ½ cup of the juice with the gelatin in a bowl. Bring the remaining juice to a boil and pour over the gelatin/juice mixture. Add honey and stir. Pour into a loaf pan and chill until firm enough to cut into squares.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of the job is supporting patients and families by educating them. General access to medical knowledge can improve health outcomes and increase a patient’s overall ability to cope with chronic conditions. Collaborating with family caregivers as they assist their loved ones in disease management has always been extremely beneficial and rewarding.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

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

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

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.

Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

Banana PB Smoothie

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

Teacher Cheryl Christian’s students, at Northview Elementary School, are building an anemometer. Sixth grade students Kennadi Blocker and Fayth Vance are learning how to use that device to measure wind speed. Northview Elementary is in the Jennings School District.

Sir Isaac Newton is the physicist who came up with three ideas about motion. After being tested throughout the years, they have been labeled Newton’s laws of motion.

The first law states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion, unless acted upon by an outside force. For example, if you are roller blading and hit a rock on the sidewalk, your body will stay in motion moving forward, even though your skates have stopped.

The second law states that acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass. The greater the mass (of the object being accelerated), the greater

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

In just a few hours, you can grow your own crystals.

Materials Needed: • Epsom Salt

• Food Coloring • Beaker, Cup, or Small Bowl • Hot Water

Process:

The third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This can be used to explain the motion of a rocket. The rocket’s action is to push down on the ground with the force of its powerful engines, and the reaction is that the ground pushes the rocket upwards with an equal force.

the amount of force needed (to accelerate the object). If you are going to kick a tennis ball, it will take less force than is needed to kick a bowling ball.

q Stir 1/2 cup of Epsom salt with 1/2 cup of very hot tap water for at least one minute in the beaker, cup, or small bowl. There will be some undissolved solution in the

MATH CONNECTION

For more information about the laws of motion, with quizzes and activities, visit: https://www. generationgenius.com/videolessons/ newtons-laws-of-motion-video-for-kids/ Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

bottom of the glass.

w Add a couple of drops of food coloring.

e Refrigerate your bowl of solution.

r Check your solution in 4-6 hours. There will be crystal formations. Pour off the excess solution to examine them

Analyze: How did the cooler temperatures affect the growth of crystals?

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

Probability & Math!

There are many different branches of math involved in physics, including probability and statistics. Practice your probability skills with the following questions.

z There are 30 students in the fifth grade. 18 are boys, the rest are girls. A student is selected randomly to be a volunteer.

What is the probability of selecting a boy? ________

What is the probability of selecting a girl? ________

x The probability of choosing a red ball is 2/7 and a black ball is 3/7. Find the odds in favor of red. ________ Find the odds in favor of black. ________ Find the odds against red or black. ________ Find the odds in favor of red or black.

DID YOU KNOW?

c If you use one die from a set of dice, find the probability of the following: Find the probability of showing an even number: ________

Find the probability of showing an odd number: ________ Find the probability of showing a prime number ________ Find the probability of showing an even prime number: ________

Check out these fun math games: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/math.html.

Learning Standards: I can think critically to answer probability problems. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

David Garrison was born on October 27, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois. When he was very young, he moved to Missouri and attended Mount Vernon Elementary School in O’Fallon, Fort Zumwalt North Middle School, and Fort Zumwalt North High School. Garrison was very active in the jazz band while in school and graduated high school in 1993. From there, he went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he played football while earning his bachelor’s degree in physics, in 1997. In 2002, he received his PhD in physics from Pennsylvania State University.

While in graduate school, he created a software program used to analyze money metrics. It was called Fast Financial Analysis. When he graduated, Garrison worked as a professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), where he worked to add more courses and degrees offered in the physics department. This change gave Garrison more students who were qualified to help him in his research of cosmology, computational physics, and plasma physics. Garrison also worked with NASA’s Johnson Space Center to develop the plasma rocket engine. He has served on many planning committees and became an advisory board member for the Space Center Houston. He also published What Every Successful Physics Graduate Student Should Know.

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

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One Parts of Speech: Use the newspaper to complete a parts

Artist’s rendition of a future spacecraft that uses a plasma engine.

scavenger hunt. Find examples of nouns, verbs, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, interjections, articles, and conjunctions. How many can you find in 15 minutes? Use these words to write a story.

Activity Two — Energy Awareness: Create a machine that you think would save energy. Write a news story telling about your invention.

Learning Standards:

I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a variety of purposes and audiences. I can identify parts of speech.

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHYSICIST AND EDUCATOR: David Garrison

Quick Crystal Cups

Newto n’s Laws of Motion! Physics Facts

Ruling the roost: Women open Creole restaurant

4

Hens

Creole Kitchen began service Monday

By Dana Rieck

The St. Louis American

When four women moved their families back to the St. Louis region last year, they had no idea they would open a restaurant in the City Foundry a few months later.

Brandi Artis, 4 Hens Creole Kitchen’s executive chef, and her wife Brittany Artis moved from Chicago in April 2021, a decision they made for their children as crime rates increased in the Windy City.

Shortly thereafter, Brittani Gardner-Evans and her wife Ebony Evans chose to relocate to St. Louis from California with their children. Evans, Gardner-Evans and Brandi Artis are originally from Missouri, while Brittany Artis is from Chicago. Neither couple moved back with the intention

n “If you have drive, if you have passion, if you have vision, go after what you want because if you don’t, life will pass you by.”

— Brandi Artis

of opening a restaurant, but after some conversations, the four women decided to go for it.

“We ended up coming here and became a part of the City Foundry, which is absolutely amazing,” Brandi Artis said. “But none of this was planned with our move coming back to St. Louis—none of this. The restaurant was not a plan, none of this was a plan. So, it is just kind

of funny to see this coming to fruition and to have such a beautiful thing here now.”

With a culinary background that includes catering experience and a popup taco shop business in Chicago, Brandi Artis became the executive chef of 4 Hens Creole Kitchen, named after the four women who embody the mother hen persona.

Brandi Artis developed the menu, which will feature rotating weekly specials, and describes the food as Creole with a modern twist. The restaurant opened Monday.

“None of my dishes are going to be things that you’ve necessarily seen on Creole menus before,” she said.

The women plan to add cocktails to their menu in the future, but it currently includes appetizers

Express yourself!

Walgreens Expressions Challenge focuses on students’ mental health

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taught mental health experts vital lessons and reinforced to Walgreens how the company’s Expressions Challenge is important for students’ mental health.

“When we originally launched Expressions in Chicago and St. Louis in 2009, it aimed to address the issue of HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among high school students,” John Gremer, senior director of community relations for Walgreens, said.

The Trevor Project, a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25, tracked student concerns about academic performance and mental health.

“The pandemic brought on an entirely new level of issues for teens, so we launched Expressions nationally for the first time and included a Specialty Award category for the best entry that addressed the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of teens,” Gremer said.

Academic performance concerns nearly doubled (1.8 times) from the 2019-20 to the 2020-21 school year, and the rate of conversations about mental health grew 1.5 times since the pandem-

ic started, revealing students have felt isolated, according to The Trevor Project. Expressions helped more than 3,500 teens nationwide cope with the pandemic, according to a statement.

“We realized that young people are faced

Mariah Young of Rancho Mirage High School in California was the national 2021 Walgreens Expressions Challenge winner for her painting School Light In The Darkness. Local teens can participate in the 2022 Challenge by entering spoken-word, visual arts, and media arts “to make powerful statements about what they were experiencing” on topics including mental health, suicide, anxiety, and cyberbullying, according to Walgreens.

with more and more things at an early age,” Gremer said. “Artwork is a great way for young people to express themselves…and they put a lot of time, thought and effort into it.”

Haven of Grace hires Patricia Bosman

The Haven of Grace recently welcomed Patricia Bosman, M.A., PMP as executive director. Bosman comes to The Haven of Grace with 30 years of management, strategic planning, and operational experience from both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, including Girls, Inc. and AT&T. Bosman completed her master of arts at Webster University. She also serves as the board chair for St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care Center. Bosman is married to Dwayne Bosman, one half of the legendary jazz artists, The Bosman Twins.

Wilks-Love to serve on PCHAS board

named to The Sophia Project

Leslie T. Tolliver was recently appointed to the board of directors for The Sophia Project. The Sophia Project Inc.’s mission is to engage, educate, and empower young women to make sound decisions, embrace personal awareness, and build healthy relationships. Last year, Tolliver was named senior employee relations specialist at Midland States Bank. In her role Tolliver manages all employee relations matters, talent acquisitions for key bank roles and serves as chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council.

Wyman has named Jaylen D. Bledsoe as chairman of its board of trustees. Bledsoe is a Wyman alum and leads the Bledsoe Collective (investments) & Flare Partners (advisory and consulting firm). At 12 years old, he started Bledsoe Technologies, an I.T. consulting business. With a dream and what he defines as hustle, he scaled a $100 gift from a family member and a few free projects for friends into a multi-million-dollar global I.T. service provider with over 150 employees.

4 Hens co-founder and chef Brandi Artis creating a dish off the menu at the newly opened City Foundry public market in Midtown Tue. Jan. 9, 2022.

Patricia Bosman

Joyce Wilks-Love

Tolliver

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Leslie T. Tolliver

Wyman welcomes Bledsoe as chairman of board

Jaylen D. Bledsoe

Photo compliments of Walgreens

4 Hens

Continued from B1 like Slapp’n Shrimp, shrimp sauteed in Creole spices and drizzled with 4 Hens’ remoulade sauce, and entrees such as shrimp ‘n grits and Swamp Thang, a succotash soup with crawfish tails and sauteed shrimp.

Susie Bonwich, director of operations for the City Foundry, said in a prepared statement with their kid’s menu, 4 Hens has created dishes that allow children to explore new foods and cuisines at a young age.

Brandi Artis and her wife, Brittany Artis, are in charge of the restaurant side of things while their friends Evans and Gardner-Evans manage the business side. But to ensure the restaurant is truly a family affair, the couples’ four “little chicks” were tasked with creating a lemonade recipe, later branded “Little Chicks Lemonade,” which is sold at the restaurant. Their children range in age from 14 months to 4 years old.

“Our kids always play in the kitchen with us, and they always want to drink lemonade or make drinks,” Brandi Artis said. “So, we were like, ‘let’s make a lemonade company for the kids.’ And so, we were in the kitchen, and we created a recipe for lemonade while we were sitting there and just playing back and forth and taking sips and seeing if we like this blend versus this blend. And the kids had the final say on the flavor that they liked the best.” The money made from the lemonade will be put into the bank for the children’s college fund, so they have a financial foundation all their own.

“We are a minority-owned, queer women-driven restaurant, and we have two [masculine] women that are part of this business and two feminine women, and we are showing that everybody has a place in everything that they want to do—there is no place that isn’t for you,” Brandi Artis said.

4 Hens Creole Kitchen joins about 13 other restaurants that call the food hall of City Foundry home.

“If you have drive, if you have passion, if you have vision, go after what you want because if you don’t, life will pass you by,” she said. “… Just do it. Do it. Stop thinking about it. Do it. Because the fruition that comes after that thought is an amazing thing.”

4 Hens

4 Hens founders Brittany Artis, Brandi Artis, Brittani Gardner-Evans and Ebony Evans at the newly-opened City Foundry public market in Midtown Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

4 Hens co-founder and chef Brandi Artis

n “If you’re not going to go down fighting, then you don’t deserve to be here.”

– Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after his team’s 42-36 come-from-behind divisional playoff victory against the Buffalo Bills

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Lift for Life’s girls, boys hoop teams excelling

The Lift for Life Academy boys’ and girls’ basketball teams scored breakthroughs last winter.

Both teams advanced to the Class 3 state tournament Final Four for the first time in school history. The girls’ team brought home a state championship, while the boys earned a fourth-place finish.

Success from last season’s Final Four runs has carried over, and both teams displayed talent during last weekend’s Soulard Shootout at Lift for Life.

The girls picked up a pair of respective victories over Kansas City Lincoln Academy and East St. Louis on consecutive nights.

The boys defeated Miller Career Academy in an exciting contest.

Lift for Life’s girls’ threegame win streak moved them to 10-7, while facing a challenging schedule including road trips to Georgia and Kansas City. The squad also played in the talent-laden Visitation Tournament.

The Hawks have three players averaging double-figures and are led by senior guard Taylor Brown, who averages 12.9 points and 6.9 rebounds a game. The 5’8” Brown enjoyed provided last year’s postseason spark in leading the Hawks’ charge to the state championship.

Senior point guard Mackenzie Wilson is an excellent all-around player who averages 12.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and two steals a game. Sophomore Chase Giddings is an emerging young player who is averaging 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 steals. Sophomore forward Paige Fowler averages a team-high eight rebounds a game.

The Lift for Life boys’ team is also going strong with a 15-5 record heading into this week’s games. The Hawks play a fastpaced game and employ a full-court press from start to finish.

Senior guard Anthony Caldwell is one of the area’s top sixth men and averages a team-high 13.4 points a game. The quick, lefthanded guard is an excellent 3-point shooter with a flair for hitting big shots in key situations.

The Hawks have excellent depth with several players contributing in each game. Junior guard Odis Grissom is a consistent performer, averaging 11 points a game. Senior guard Rashad Singleton, a member of

last year’s Final Four team, is averaging 7.1 points a game. Lajuan Johnson, a 6’6” sophomore forward with plenty of potential, averages eight points and five rebounds a game.

Other contributors include senior Avion Bass, sophomore Dennis Olds, senior Jeremiah Foster, senior Torrey Davie, senior Tre Brown, and senior Stevie Winston.

Robert Lewis on a roll

Cardinal Ritter College Prep entered the week on a four-game winning streak and the key has been the stellar play of 6’8” senior forward Robert Lewis. In the Lions past six games, Lewis has

scored at least 30 points five times. Lewis scored 37 points in a victory over Modesto Christian last Friday night, then followed with 34 points in a victory over Peoria Notre Dame at the Quincy Shootout in Illinois. For the season, Lewis is averaging 20 points a game. He is a tremendous athlete who can crash the offensive boards and throw down dunks while stepping and hitting perimeter jumpers. The Lions continue its rugged schedule this week with games against Illinois state power Chicago Simeon and Mid-Missouri powerhouse Blair Oaks on Saturday at the Mid-Missouri Showcase, which is presented by Rameybasketball.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Tre Bell commits to Lindenwood Multi-sport standout Tre Bell of Parkway West has committed to Lindenwood University in St. Charles. The 6’3” Bell excels in football and basketball, and he plans to play both sports at LU. On the basketball court, he is averaging 13.3 points and four rebounds on a strong Longhorns team that is currently 14-1. He is a standout wide receiver on the football field, last season registering 21 receptions for 461 yards while rushing for 306 yards on 29 carries with five touchdowns scored.

NHL should consider bans

to end minor league hockey racism

The Boston Bruins retired Willie O’Ree’s No. 22 jersey last week in an emotional ceremony at The TD Garden.

O’Ree, who broke the NHL’s color barrier in 1958, said via livestream video from his San Diego home, “I will never forget how my teammates in the Bruins locker room accepted me as one of their own.”

“This was a time when some of the fans and opposing players were not ready to see a Black man in the NHL.” Unfortunately, too many white players still hold this racist view.

sional hockey, including in the NHL’s minor leagues including the ECHL. After a bout of pushing and shoving ended in front of the Stingrays goalie, Jordan Subban said he tried to entice Panetta into a fight.

Alvin A. Reid

The East Coast Hockey League indefinitely suspended Jacksonville Icemen defenseman Jacob Panetta then released him last week after he mimicked a monkey to racially taunt South Carolina Stingrays defenseman Jordan Subban, who is Black. Subban’s older brother, P.K. Subban, plays for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Fighting is part of profes-

“As soon as I began to turn my back, he started making monkey gestures at me, so I punched him in the face multiple times and he turtled like the coward he is,” Subban tweeted. Panetta said he was making “a tough-guy bodybuilder type gesture” toward Subban, not a racial taunt during a weak video apology.

P.K. Subban wrote on Twitter, “They don’t call the east coast league the jungle because my brother and the other black players are the monkeys! “Hey @jacobpanetta you shouldn’t be so quick delete your Twitter or your Instagram account you will probably be able to play again… that’s what history says but things are changing.”

Two weeks earlier, the

American Hockey League suspended San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik for 30 games for a similar racist gesture toward Black player Boko Imama of the Tucson Roadrunners. In January 2020, Brandon Manning of the Bakersfield Condors was suspended five games for shouting a racist slur at Imama.

“Enough is enough,” Imama wrote on Twitter.

“I’ve been dealing with situations like this my entire

The East Coast Hockey League indefinitely suspended Jacksonville Icemen defenseman Jacob Panetta then released him last week after he mimicked a monkey to racially taunt South Carolina Stingrays defenseman Jordan Subban, who is Black.

life. As a person of colour playing youth hockey, through Junior and now twice as a professional, this keeps happening to me over and over again.”

The NHL must take a stand to end this on-ice racism. A suspension is one thing; a ban from playing in the NHL in the future for this type of disgusting behavior should be considered by the league.

“When is this going to end. Ban that kid for life,” retired Black NHL player Georges Laraque wrote on Twitter fol-

lowing the incident. I agree.

The Reid Roundup

After missing 20 consecutive three-point shots in two previous games, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum hit 9-of-14 three-pointers in a 51-point effort last Saturday against fellow St. Louis native Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards. The Celtics cruised to a 116-87 win, with Beal leading the Wizards with 19 points. It was the fifth 50-point-plus game of Tatum’s career, and he also tallied 10 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. “I’m always the same person whether I miss 20 straight or whether I score 51,” Tatum told reporters after the game…With trade rumors circulating, Beal said last week he prefers to remain with the Wizards. “If I have the chance to create my own legacy and make it work here with the team that drafted me, then why not give it a shot? That’s just who I am. That’s my blessing and curse, my loyalty.” ...A shout out to Kansas State

University’s Ayoka Lee, who set an NCAA Division I women’s basketball record with 61 points in a win over No. 14 Oklahoma on Sunday. The 6-6 junior broke the previous NCAA record of 60 points set by Long Beach State’s Cindy Brown in 1987 and tied by Minnesota’s Rachel Banham in 2016…After two outstanding seasons as men’s basketball coach at Clark University in Atlanta, former NBA star Darrell Walker has moved to Arkansas-Little Rock. An article by Pete Croatto of “The Undefeated” examines how HBCUs are providing former NBA players with coaching opportunities after being ignored by other colleges. George Lynch replaced Walker at Clark. Kenny Anderson is at Fisk University. Bonzi Wells is at LeMoyneOwen College after replacing Rasheed Wallace when he joined the Memphis coaching staff. Reggie Theus is head coach and athletic director at Bethune-Cookman, Mo Williams is at Alabama State and Juan Dixon guides Coppin State.

Earl Austin Jr.

Lift For Life’s Taylor Brown (4) drives past Eastside’s Derrica Branch (3) playing tight defense during game action Saturday, Jan. 22, at Lift For Life Academy.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Delmar DivINe partnering with Ameren to expand clean energy in underserved area of St. Louis

New partnership will install solar generation, create jobs and contribute to cleaner, more resilient energy grid

Delmar DivINe is joining forces with Ameren Missouri to install solar panels at the nonprofit’s Delmar campus in St. Louis. Energy generated by this project will benefit the surrounding community. The collaboration is part of Ameren Missouri’s Neighborhood Solar program, which takes advantage of underutilized land for solar energy generation – at no cost to the organization.

“Our mission is to be a catalyst for the transforma-

Workforce

By Travis Cummings KSDK

With so many job postings out, and certain skills required to get some of those positions, Missouri’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is on a mission to get people trained.

Walgreens

Continued from B1

The teen participants used spoken-word, visual arts, and media arts to make powerful statements about what they were experiencing on topics like mental health and suicide, anxiety, cyberbullying, and the 2020 pandemic itself.

“The program is designed to do two things: to give young people a platform to make healthy decisions and influ-

tion of the communities north of Delmar Boulevard, and we are always looking for ways to give neighborhoods the up-to-date resources they rightly deserve to build a brighter tomorrow,” said Jorge Riopedre, executive director at Delmar DivINe. “Partnering with Ameren Missouri will help ensure the community we serve has access to a more reliable and efficient energy grid.” The solar panels will be installed above Delmar

At an opening of a food plant in Hazelwood last week, Gov. Mike Parson said while the vast majority of students in the state won’t attend college, they will still need some training to lean on. He added that 70% of the people in this state do not have college degrees.

ence their peers, and it’s also designed for all of us to listen,” he said. Darius Bass, an Expressions finalist and Riverview Gardens High School graduate, participated in the Challenge in 2015. “I was a junior when I entered the challenge because a person came out to the school and made it seem very interesting,” he said. Bass channeled his artistic skills into a rap performance. He said what he learned from the experience is to be confident in what you do.

DivINe’s parking lot on Belt Avenue, creating a solar canopy. The more than 200 nonprofit employees located at Delmar DivINe will benefit

“Whether that’s a community college, whether that’s a carpenter school, whether that’s a certificate program but we got to give people the opportunity to do that,” Parson said. One of those opportunities is in the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant which launched in 2019.

“My biggest takeaway was to never give up, never stop putting yourself out there, don’t be afraid to hear someone tell you ‘No’ and don’t worry about if someone doesn’t like what you do,” he said. “You’re going to need confidence to walk into these rooms to express yourself, and I felt that this was what the Expressions Challenge was all about.”

Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests there were existing stressors in the home, school and community that

Delmar DivINe opened its doors in late 2021 to serve as a hub for social, economic and community development, especially in north St. Louis.

from shade and weather protection when parked beneath the panels. In addition, Ameren Missouri will provide efficient LED lighting in the parking lot.

Parson reemphasized funding three years later in his State of the State address last week. He also reminded a group of staff at the new food plant in Hazelwood the resources are there. “If this company has got maybe a job you’re doing now and there’s another skill level you want to get to and you

compromised the mental health and well-being of young people for at least 12 years before the pandemic.

“There’s intense isolation. Before the pandemic happened, you had groups of friends,” Dr. Shannon Farris, PsyD, CHADS Coalition for Mental Health in St. Louis, said. “After the pandemic, all those groups disappeared. All the social interaction and maturation came to a halt.”

The suicide rate among persons aged 10–24 was stable from 2000 to 2007 and then

Delmar DivINe opened its doors in late 2021 to serve as a hub for social, economic and community development, especially in north St. Louis. In addition to the 18,000 sq.ft. of conference and meeting space for the nonprofit agencies on the campus, it will include a minority business incubator, a podcast studio, transit-accessible housing, and a multipurpose room that will host a number of community-oriented programs, including activities for older adult and students. In addition to generating more clean energy for local customers, the project will create more than 20 local construction jobs and provide valuable training opportunities for both the initial installation and ongoing maintenance. Ameren Corporation has also supported Delmar DivINe with $300,000 in funding to help their overall mission.

want to stay in that company. I want to help you get there,” Parson said. Through the program, an applicant can pursue a certificate, degree or industry credential that falls within a skills area. There are 70 eligible institutions to choose from. Here are the qualifications:

increased 56% between 2007 (6.8 per 100,000) and 2017 (10.6). Furthermore, the pace of increase for suicide was greater from 2013 to 2017 (7% annually, on average) than from 2007 to 2013 (3% annually), according to CDC research.

“Hence, the more accurate interpretation of the current events is that COVID-19 has made a bad situation worse,” Dr. Charles L. Alexander, Illinois and Indiana Licensed Clinical Psychologist, said.

“Programs such as Expressions are therefore needed now more

• Recipients cannot have earned a bachelor’s degree,

• Recipients must be at least 25 years old --- have not enrolled in school within the last two years,

• Recipients cannot make more than $40,000 when filing taxes individually, or $80,000 when filing taxes jointly.

than ever because they encourage self-expression.”

The program addresses mental health concerns by providing support to high school students, according to Alexander.

“Even before the pandemic, these were the types of things that we need to lay the foundation for our young people’s coping skills,” he said. “It teaches them how to be mindful, intentional and purposeful to express whatever is going on with them or what they would like to make as well as identifying barriers.”

Living It

A fashion titan takes his rest

André Leon Talley passes at 73

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

The term “larger than life” floated around as the tributes poured in remembrance of André Leon Talley, the fashion editor and style icon who died Tuesday, January 18, at the age of 73.

Referring to both his personality and physical stature – the phrase became a convenient descriptor long before he became an ancestor. Talley seemed to exhibit a hint of discomfort when used in his presence as introduction fodder during his countless appearances as a fashion expert on talk shows and red carpets. The offense was warranted because of its implications to his body type. But the towering frame of an unapologetic Black man in an industry where thin white women have been historically affirmed as the acceptable standard made his ascension all the more extraordinary.

“A titan of fashion journalism serving us a sermon of high fashion octane knowledge with bravado,” supermodel Iman said as she remembered Talley.

In his glorious capes and elaborate caftans, Talley not only proclaimed himself worthy –

June

n “Everyone might not like the way you dress, but with everything you put on, you must feel that you are absolutely the most fabulous thing walking down the street.”

-André Leon Talley

he commanded a seat at the head of fashion’s royal table.

“Your clothes must make you feel fabulous,” Talley told a St. Louis audience when he visited for Saint Louis Fashion Fund’s “Speaking of Fashion” lecture series in conjunction with the Saint Louis Art Museum 2017 exhibition Reigning Men, Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015. “Everyone might not like the way you dress, but with everything you put on, you must feel that you are absolutely the most fabulous thing walking down the street.”

Sustainable Growth

Flance Early Learning Center installs vibrant growth mural by textile artist in collaboration with The Luminary, STLMADE

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Plants grow when seeds are planted. A similar process occurs in youth when they receive academic training and education offered at early childhood institutions.

Flance Early Learning Center, a childcare facility located in north St. Louis city’s Carr Square neighborhood, installed a mural titled “Let’s Grow Together” Monday, emphasizing the significance educators and the community have in a child’s growth and development.

Eugenia Alexander, a multidisciplinary artist based in Edwardsville, Illinois, whose specialty is indigo textile work, painted the piece. It shows a child’s hand connected with an adult’s hand across a cobalt blue background, centered around leaves and plants in the shades of Flance’s pinwheel logo.

“I knew I wanted to create something that was bold, bright and spoke about growing and community. I wanted people to catch a glimpse of the bright colors in passing and have it make them

stop and want to circle back to see and be curious about the building,” Alexander said. “‘Let’s Grow Together’ is about growth as a community. In a garden, you have different seeds, different plants, and flowers. All different but all beautiful. The variety, colors, and shapes make the garden interesting, and they are all beneficial to each other. That’s how I see community. That’s how I saw the community surrounding and within Flance.”

Alexander, who has painted murals before, said this is her first one that is a permanent work, and she is excited to have a piece that will live on forever.

“It feels great in a sense it feels like I’ll be able to grow within that community,” Alexander said. “It feels special to be part of something that’s very special and unique in St. Louis.”

The mural was made possible by The Luminary, who commissioned the work with support from the STLMade movement.

See Growth, C8

With his presence, Talley created space for the next generation of Black fashionistas –from designers, creative directors to journalists, models and photographers. He simultaneously provided style counsel to some of the biggest names in popular culture.

“He’s the Nelson Mandela of couture, the Kofi Anon of what you’ve got on,” Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am said in Kate Novak’s 2018 documentary “The Gospel According to André.”

The film chronicled his nearly 50-year career of rising through the ultra-exclusive and insulated fashion industry ranks. He interned with famed former Vogue Editor-In-Chief Diana Vreeland, worked with Andy Warhol at Interview Magazine, and served as Paris Bureau Chief for Women’s Wear Daily. A New York Times bestselling author, Talley is perhaps best known for tag-teaming with Vogue’s current Editor in Chief Anna Wintour in several roles for more than 25 years. He became Vogue’s first Black male Creative Director and later worked as Editor at Large.

Before their famous rift, he often heaped

‘Last Stop on Market Street’ musical instills lessons on humility, gratitude, compassion for kids

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

“Last Stop on Market Street” narrates the story of 7-year-old CJ, who’s in for an awakening when his spoiled tendencies are placed on the backburner by his Afro-Cuban Nana, who teaches him about valuable life lessons on their weekly bus rides after church.

Daniel McRath, who plays CJ and is also a music teacher in the Normandy School Collaborative District, said while stepping into the role, he realizes children are, too, human beings like adults that go through psychological processes and emotions.

“It’s beautiful because I get to see through the eyes of a seven-year-old as he is trying his best to live his life,” McRath said. “On the other hand, he’s nervous about being exposed to new experiences causing him to sometimes be stuck in his own way.”

In preparing for his role, McRath said since he teaches grades first through eighth, he was able to observe his students and gain a better understanding of them for his character.

“I’m understanding more of the psychology of why children need to express themselves,” he said. “They need to get certain things out because they’re trying to learn, they’re trying to please themselves and others and trying to do the right thing, but they still wanna get their way.”

The jazz legend Denise Thimes, who plays CJ’s Nana, said her character parallels with who she is in her personal life.

“It’s refreshing and a wonderful feeling to be the messenger through the script in how it talks about the same beliefs and values I have in my personal life,” she said. “I’ve used those same principles in raising my children, and CJ reminds me a lot of how my son was when he was growing up.”

See Elders, C8

Photo Courtesy of Kiara Fite, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for Flance

Eugenia Alexander, a multidisciplinary artist based in Edwardsville, Illinois, whose specialty is indigo textile work, painted Flance Learning Center’s new mural, “Let’s Grow Together,” installed Monday.

See Talley, C8

Photo by Vincent Lang

Eric Johnson, former executive director of the Saint Louis Fashion Incubator, and Genevieve Cortinovis, Saint Louis Art Museum’s assistant curator of decorative arts and design and co-curator of ‘Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015’ discuss the exhibition with style legend André Leon Talley (left) at The Saint Louis Art Museum on Saturday,

24, 2017.

St. Louis American staff

Christian music artist Dante Bowe

has had a watershed professional year, and he attributes it all to God.

Bowe reflected on his faith and career-defining year in a recent interview with CBN News.

“I just feel like I’m walking in the promises of God and all the things that I was prophesied when I was younger and spoken over by my grandma and my mom, my dad,” he said.

“I just feel like it’s coming into fruition. I just feel I’m walking in these promises.”

Bowe received four GRAMMY Award nominations ahead of the 64th

Grammy Awards this year.

The artist is up for awards in both the Gospel and Contemporary Christian music categories:

-Best Gospel Performance/Song for both “Voice of God” and “Joyful”

-Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Wait on You” with Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music

-Best Gospel Album with Maverick City Music for “Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition”

-Best Contemporary Christian Music Album with Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music

While Bowe is best known for his work with Maverick City Music and Bethel Music, Bowe also proved him-

self in his solo ventures.

Bowe attributes his unique soul sound to the influence of other Christian artists like Tye Tribbett, Yolanda Adams, and CeCe Winans, whom he listened to during his child-

relationship with the Lord without the ability of going inside of the physical church.

Listening to gospel music seems to always put me in the right frame of mind, whether I am in a good mood or not. I can find lyrics I relate to.

By Timothy Ramsey

Wow, it’s hard to believe that we have been in this pandemic for almost two years. During this time, we have had to adjust to many things and one of them was not being able to go inside the walls of the church.

As a kid, I remember having to go to church several days a week. We had Sunday school and 11 a.m. service on Sunday and other things throughout the week like choir practice and usher board meetings that my parents attended.

As I grew older, I was not required

to attend church as much with my parents and grandparents, but my relationship with the Lord never wavered. My grandmother used to always say “you need to be in the house of the Lord” to make sure your connection with Him remained strong.

It was not until I graduated college and was on my own, I realized no matter where I am, I can worship the Lord. He is always with me. This has stayed with me throughout the pandemic.

As the months of the pandemic rolled on, it hit me. I had to find a way to continue my connection and

Admittedly, I have not listened to as many sermons as I would have liked. Those I’ve heard have been exactly what I needed to hear. I remember when we had to make tough choices at The Chronicle due to the pandemic. It was not something that was expected, but once it was upon us, we had to deal with it. It was only my faith in God that brought me through the situation. Even though things looked dire at times, I knew that my God would not let me down. Yes, my faith was tested, but it never wavered and that

“depressed and miserable.”

Bowe also shared his experience living in a trailer after moving to Columbus, Ohio, where he wrote many tracks on his solo album, “Circles.”

“I wrote a lot of my songs in that trailer,” he said. “I was so depressed, so miserable because I was like ‘this is never gonna happen for me.’ Because I’d been singing for like six years prior, seven years prior, trying to do music.”

The title song’s lyrics also address his experience with sexual abuse as a child.

The chorus reads: “He’s a God of the circles / He’s a God of the ups and downs / Ain’t nothing new under the sun / Ain’t nothing new to the Son / He’s a God in the trials / He’s a God

hood while riding in the car with his grandma. However, Bowe’s career was not always marked by success. After seven years of singing with seemingly no results, Bowe said he became

was because he has never let me down before.

Prayer has been the biggest component for me during this time. I have not only prayed for myself, but I find myself praying more for other people. I thought this pandemic was overblown by the government and media, but it began to affect people that I know and love. It became “real.”

It was even more real once the virus entered my home. I know that over a half million people had lost their lives to COVID. My faith would not let that thought cross my mind about anyone I know and loved. I knew my God would not allow that virus to seriously affect my household and luckily, it did not.

I know many people who either lost loved ones due to the pandemic or have lost employment. I began praying

for those people, because honestly, I feel like I was one of the more fortunate.

Prayer has really been my saving grace. I find myself praying at times I never did before - at stoplights, in line at the grocery store, or even just sitting in front of the television. There are so many things I must be thankful for; I feel compelled to just thank God I think I have a closer relationship with God now than I had prior to the pandemic. I look more to him now for guidance on decisions because I know things can be taken away at any time and I want to make sure I don’t put my family in that situation ever again. So, I am not happy that this pandemic is ravaging the world; however, I am happy that I am able to get closer to God amid it.

Timothy Ramsey is the religion reporter for The Winston-Salem Chronicle

Columnist Timothy Ramsey

Dante Bowe

Photo courtesy of Maverick City

PART-TIME VAN/ DELIVERY DRIVER

Food Outreach, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization serving clients living with HIV or cancer, is looking for a part-time van/delivery driver. The van driver is responsible for delivery of food items, some frozen, to our clients in their homes, pickup of items from donors, and other assorted pickup and delivery tasks using company vehicles.

Direct interaction with clients is necessary, and clients are expected to be treated with dignity and respect. Since our clients have compromised immune systems, strict COVID-19 protocols must be observed.

Must be fully COVID vaccinated Able to lift at least 50 lbs. Previous driver/courier experience preferred Will typically work approximately 24 hours/week Company’s Facebook page: Facebook.com\foodoutreach Website: www.foodoutreach.org

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ENGINEER I

Provide tier 1 technical software, hardware and network problem resolution to all SN computer users by performing question/ problem diagnosis and guiding users through step-by-step solutions.

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

VICE PRESIDENT – TREATY REINSURANCE

Senior account executive who is highly sought after by reinsurance intermediaries and relied upon by SN management to develop and provide solutions for insurance company reinsurance purchases.

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

SUPREME COURT OF MISSOURI JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Executive Director - Missouri Board of Law Examiners

LPT CLAIMS MANAGER

Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as provide assistance in various administrative functions associated with the LPT WC LOB.

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

OFFICE ASSISTANT

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College is seeking excellent candidates for multiple full-time faculty positions to start in August of 2022. These positions will be located on one of the four campuses of St. Louis community College: Florissant Valley (FV), Forest Park (FP), Meramec (MC) or Wildwood (WW). The disciplines for the anticipated opportunities are listed below along with the campuses:

Art (FP)

Biology (FP, MC, & WW)

Chemistry (FP & WW)

English (FV, FP, MC , & WW) Geology (MC)

History (FV, FP, & WW) Horticulture (MC)

Information Systems (MC) Math (FP)

Philosophy (FV & WW)

Physics (MC)

Psychology (FV, MC, & WW)

Sociology (MC & WW)

Surgical Technology (FP)

There may be opportunities in disciplines not listed above. If you are interested in contributing to the vision of STLCC apply for these positions at STLCC, or to learn more about the College please visit the link - https://stlcc.edu/careers/

Definition of Work: The Missouri Board of Law Examiners is responsible for administering the Missouri bar examination and determining the character and fitness and the eligibility of all applicants seeking admission to the bar in Missouri. The executive director provides management and support for all aspects of the bar admission process, including oversight of the board’s office, budget and staff of 10. The executive director reports to the Supreme Court of Missouri, the clerk of the Court, and the Board of Law Examiners. Extensive independent judgment is required.

Salary/Benefits: Starting salary range $83,304 - $103,644 annually depending on experience and qualifications. This position is eligible for full benefits and leave accruals provided through the Board of Law Examiners.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Candidates should possess a law degree and five years of professional management experience. Current license to practice law in the State of Missouri or ability to obtain one within six months of appointment.

Application: Qualified candidates shall submit resumes and at least three professional references via e-mail to BOLEdirector@courts.mo .gov. Interested parties may refer to the judiciary web site http://www .courts .mo.gov and clicking on “Careers” in the footer for additional details.

Applications accepted until position is filled. Preference given to applications received on or before February 28, 2022

The Supreme Court of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Location: Single Specialty Endoscopy Center located in Central West End

G. I Registered Nurse: Skills:3-5 years of GI experience. ACLS certified. MO licensed. Detailed oriented, in assessment, implementing and recording, comprehensive nursing care in GI setting. Colonoscopy, with biopsy, EGD, PEG Resume: nanette.escueta@cweestl.org

G.I. Technician: Skills: GI experience. Knowledge, preparation, Set-Up, GI cases & Sterile technique. BLS certification. Decontamination and high-level disinfection. Preparation, GI set up, infection prevention and sterile techniques. Resume: nanette.escueta@cweestl.org

Medical Assistant (MA) Requirements 2-3 years’ experience working in outpatient setting, BLS certification. Good people skills, Familiar with intake of insurance information, scheduling, follow up appointments, HIPPA, Privacy Act. Resume: rachel.demouchet@cweestl.org

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court seeks applicants for a Public Administrator. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate and must be licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri with 3-5 years experience working in probate. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and are required to be bonded. Salary range is $82,914$130,130. Email resumes to: stlca.resumes@courts.mo.gov See www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com under “Employment Opportunities” for complete job description. EOE

ST. LOUIS AREA VIOLENCE PREVENTION COMMISSION

The St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission seeks full time employees and/or consultants to lead special projects. The Project Director is a full time grant funded staff position. The Program Manager is a full-time short-term consulting engagement. Information about how to apply for either position can be found here: https://stlmhb.com/about-us/careers/

OPERATING SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR I

Demonstrates an understanding of Microsoft Windows Desktop Operating Systems (Win10) SCCM, Active Directory, Group Policy Objects, Server and Workstation patching methods and networking concepts as they relate to desktop computing.

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

CITY OF OLIVETTE BUILDING INSPECTOR

JOB OPENING

The City of Olivette is hiring for the position of Building Inspector. Please submit cover letter and resume to Human Resources at dmandle@olivettemo.com Deadline for submission is Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 2pm. Salary Range: $46,147$64,000. Additional job details and benefits can be found at www.olivettemo.com

THE CITY OF OLIVETTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PROBATIONARY FIRE PRIVATE

The City of St. Louis is now accepting applications for Probationary Fire Private. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. For more information or to apply, please visit the City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/jobs

LAST DATE FOR FILING APPLICATION IS FEBRUARY 18, 2022

HOUSING ASSISTANT

NPO Properties, LLC, seeks Housing Assistant to prepare and maintain apartments for Criminal Justice Ministry’s Reentry Housing programs. More details at www.cjmstlouis.org. Prior experience with reentry housing, managing rental property, as a handyman, or as a contractor is preferred. Second chance employer. Comprehensive benefits package. Send resume to apply@cjmstlouis.org

LPT OPERATIONS ANALYST

Responsible for various technical support tasks related to claim assistant duties and the processing of Loss Portfolio Transfer (LPT) claim data.

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

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Webster Groves is accepting applications for Police Officer, If interested please apply at www.WebsterGroves.org

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Bread & Roses Missouri is hiring a full-time Executive Director to help lead our growing nonprofit in serving our mission of using an arts lens to examine and create positive change on issues of social and economic justice. Compensation, benefits, plus a supportive staff, board, and advisors make this a unique opportunity. Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply: http://www.breadandrosesmo.org/ jobs/

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT – TREATY REINSURANCE

Intermediate level underwriting/ marketing account executive who is highly sought after by reinsurance intermediaries and relied upon by SN management to develop and provide solutions for insurance company reinsurance purchases.

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

SYSTEMS ENGINEER

II

Responsible for a variety of user-facing resources including desktop and laptop computers, virtual desktops, operating systems, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other mobile devices.

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

PUBLIC WORKS POSITIONS

The City of Northwoods has positions in the public works dept. for skilled and semi-skilled laborers. Daily tasks include maintenance of park grounds, municipal facilities, and city streets.

INSPECTION SPECIALIST

This position is responsible for scheduling inspections, monitoring and tracking inspection due dates and completion rates, investigating complaints, processing rent increases and maintaining various logs and reports. The position involves extensive public contact. Requirements include a HS Diploma, 2 years at an accredited college or university in a related field and 1 year experience and/or training in Building/Housing Inspection. Salary $36,855 Annually. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE

FLEET TECHNICIAN JOURNEYMAN – ST. LOUIS, MO

DUTIES:

Under direct but not constant supervision, to do a general range of repair and maintenance work on automotive equipment, construction equipment and power take-off driven equipment; to repair garage equipment as required; to direct the work of another Automotive Mechanic or Fleet Services employee of lesser grade; and do similar and less skilled work as required. In this connection to perform details of work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school or successful completion of a recognized high school equivalency examination.

Successful completion of an approved educational program in automotive maintenance or its equivalent.

Shall have satisfactorily performed for two years in an automotive maintenance facility in a repair technician classification or its equivalent.

Must be able to meet and deal with people, be willing to work alone for considerable periods, be active and able-bodied and have average physical strength and endurance.

Must be a competent operator of equipment and be able to qualify for chauffeur’s license. Must successfully complete all testing requirements related to this classification.

Must obtain and maintain a valid class (A) C.D.L. license with

or Midnight Shift)

qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

$36.17 per hour with benefits. To apply visit ameren.com/careers

Duties also include special event set up, sign maintenance and code enforcement for vacant/delinquent properties. Individuals must have laborer experience, a current driver’s license, and the ability to read/interpret equipment operations manuals. Prior public works experience is a plus. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Apply at: The City of Northwoods 4600 Oakridge Blvd. Northwoods, Mo. 63121. Or send resume to: cityadmin@cityofnorthwoods.com Call City Hall 314-385-8000 for details/directions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

www.stlamerican.com

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed BIDS for Bid 22-115 - Painting-Sealing - 370 Lakeside Park Pavilion Structures will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, February 10, 2022 and then opened and read aloud.

Contract Documents will be available on January 27, 2022 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, St. Peters, MO 63376 or requested in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “Bid 22-115 - Painting-Sealing - 370 Lakeside Park Pavilion Structures”.

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “Bid 22-115 - Painting-Sealing - 370 Lakeside Park Pavilion Structures” or by mail to City of St. Peters Purchasing Department, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, MO 63376 before noon local time, February 3, 2022. The City reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding, and to accept the bid most advantageous to the City.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SOLICITATION FOR BID (SFB)

Service: Fuel Systems Maintenance Services

Pre-Bid

Question Due Date: January 26, 2022

Bid Due Date: February 22, 2022

M/WBE Goals & Incentives:

MBE goals: 25% WBE goal: 5%.

A 15% M/WBE incentive credit shall be applied to the evaluation of professional service prime contracts who are currently certified MBE-African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and WBE-Women owned Business Enterprises.

Point of Contact: Briana Bryant– bnbryant@flystl.com

Proposal documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8174. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at https://www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunities

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

www.stlamerican.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway requests bids for Mississippi Greenway: LKS Flood Repairs. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids and submit by February 18, 2022.

BIDS REQUESTED REHABILITATION

Section 3 / MBE /WBE

Encouraged

118 Units Multi Family –KANSAS CITY, MO For Bid Information: 636-931-4244 or zventura@vendev.cc

Double Diamond Construction 1000 A Truman Blvd. Crystal City, MO 63019

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org

> Doing Business With Us

> View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Sisters of Lavender Rose is soliciting bids from food service vendors. Bids are for service in the Saint Louis Area (i.e., Hazelwood, Ferguson Florissant) for approximately 1,653 snacks and suppers. The days of operation are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. From February 1, 2022-Friday, May 27, 2022. All contracts are subject to review by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. To obtain a bid packet contact; Sisters of Lavender Rose; 314-656-1490; 7220 N. Lindbergh Saint Louis, MO; sistersoflavenderrose@gmail.com The deadline for bid submission is Wednesday, February 3, 2022 at 11:59p A public bid opening will take place at 7220 N. Lindbergh on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 10:30a.

ADDENDUM

RFQ FOR MARKETING & BRANDING CONSULTING SERVICES

This RFQ is being reposted with an addendum solely to clarify and incorporate a minor expansion of the scope of work related to video/graphic-related services. All prior responses will still be considered as they were submitted, and timely respondents do not have to do anything further to remain in consideration for the short list. However, should respondents choose to update their responses based on the addendum, those updated responses will also be considered. Additional submissions will be permitted through 4:00 PM on February 4, 2022.

NOTE: Due to rise in Covid-19 cases ALL proposals are to be sent electronically. Proposals should be emailed to the attention of: Daffney Moore, Chief of Staff mooreda@stlouis-mo.gov

St. Louis Development Corporation 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2630

VIDEO & GRAPHIC RELATED SERVICES

Media Production

• Write, edit and create layouts for district publications, information displays, TV scripts and the organization external web site and Intranet; assist in the production of multimedia presentations.

• Consult with personnel to determine needs; communicates with personnel to maintain customer satisfaction; works closely with executive and marketing staff to ensure brand consistency and marketing materials align with organization mission.

• Maintain integrity of organization brand by monitoring district logo usage.

• Work with community partners and schools on development of marketing materials.

• Take photographs for publications.

• Assist in crafting marketing messages when appropriate.

• Monitor the supply of publications and brochures and notify appropriate personnel of needed reprints or revisions.

• Maintain confidential information appropriately and exercise good judgment when communicating with the public.

• Additional responsibilities as needed

Graphic Designer

• Design web pages, brochures, logos, signs, books, magazine covers, annual reports, advertisements, and other communication materials.

• Work with other creative team member to produce content

• Create guidelines for how logos and other branding materials should be displayed and used

• Help make design choices (e.g. fonts, sizes, colors) for readability of all content for organization use.

• Oversees all graphic design needs and execute design projects from start to finish.

• Lead creative campaign creation and update marketing calendars. Align with PR, social media, design, and digital marketing

• Produce drafts for review by clients and make revisions based on the feedback received.

• Review final productions for errors and ensure that final prints reflect client specifications.

Videographer

• Film videos on location. Assembling raw footage and transferring or uploading to a computer.

• Assist in pre/post production script/screenplay planning and execution with creative team

• Plan the shoot with the creative team and the client.

• Edit footage in post-production. Including inputting sound and graphics to enhance footage. Which may include music and voice-overs.

• Digitally splicing film and video and synchronizing them into one rough cut file

• Improving lighting and correcting lighting, coloring, and faulty footage

• Executing final cut of video in format compatible for social media, TV, and monitor display.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed BIDS for Bid 22-130 - Replacing 370 Lakeside Building Doors and Frames will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:30 PM local time, February 10, 2022 and then opened and read aloud.

Contract Documents will be available on January 27, 2022 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, St. Peters, MO 63376 or requested in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “Bid 22-130 - Replacing 370 Lakeside Building Doors and Frames”.

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “Bid 22-130 - Replacing 370 Lakeside Building Doors and Frames” or by mail to City of St. Peters Purchasing Department, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, MO 63376 before noon local time, February 3, 2022.

The City reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding, and to accept the bid most advantageous to the City.

ITB# 57822363

INVITATION TO BID

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for Federal Government Relations Consulting Services. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting Corey Freeman, at email address freemanc@hssu.edu

Proposals must be emailed no later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022 to bids@hssu.edu Any proposal received after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022 will not be accepted.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Beverly Hills is soliciting bids to repair inlets and sidewalks. Call 314-382-6544 ext 11 for the Bid Packet. Sealed Bids due Friday February 4th, 10:00 a.m. at 7150 Natural Bridge Rd Ste 101, Saint Louis, MO 63121

PUBLIC NOTICE

Confluence Academies is seeking bids for Custodial and Maintenance services beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. Interested contractors should visit our website, www.confluenceacademy.org for more information and proposal requirements. A mandatory prebid walk thru of all campuses will be held on Wednesday February 9, 2022 at 9 AM. Bids are due Wednesday February 23, 2022 by 12

at our Resource Office.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 22 401, Childcare Expansion and Athletics Renovation, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Thursday, February 10, 2022. Bids will be opened and read by the Acting Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314 Specifications and bid forms may be obtained by emailing Angie James at ajames84@stlcc.edu

Pre-bid Meeting: Tuesday, February 1, 2022

9:30 a.m. South East side of Athletics Building at Forest Park Campus

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (the LCRA”) requests proposals from separate, qualified contractors to perform the following services for the LCRA’s MET Center building, located at 6347 Plymouth Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63133: (1) elevator preventative maintenance and repair services, as needed, (2) HVAC system preventative maintenance and repair services, as needed, (3) janitorial services, and (4) security services. The requested services shall be for a one-year period with two successive options for the LCRA to renew for terms of one year each. A five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms. A copy of the full RFP is available at https:// stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/. Proposals should be received no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, February 3, 2022. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

> Proposal for Elevator Services

> Proposals will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM 2/28/2022

> For specific project information, go to > https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Missouri School Boards’ Association Center for Education Safety is seeking an independent contractor to provide consulting services for initiatives around school safety. Services provided must include instructing on school safety topics, coordinating school safety training around the state, developing training curriculum and research trending topics in school safety for training presentations. Contractor must have a minimum of five years’ experience in developing training curriculum, delivering training, and coordinating between multiple different types of organizations to complete milestones. Experience working with K-12 schools in school safety is preferrable. Send bid response by February 4, 2022 to Missouri School Boards’ Association Center for Education Safety, Attention: Amy Roderick, 2100 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO 65203

SCHOOL DISTRICT PROJECTOR REPLACEMENT (CAFÉ)

Sealed bids for the above project are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Wednesday February 9, 2022 @ 1:15 pm CST at the Operation and Maintenance Dept. located at 8855 Dunn Rd. (REAR) Hazelwood, MO 63042. Pre Bid Meeting Wednesday February 2, 2022 @ 9:00am at MSB 201 Brotherton Ln. Ferguson, MO 63135. Bid specs must be obtained at http://new.fergflor.k12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq Contact Matt Furfaro at mfurfaro@ fergflor.org

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Metal P l a n t R o o f Replacement, M o b e r l y C o r r e c t i o n a l Center, Project No. C1913- 03, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 2/10/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t o b i d . F o r specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

BIDS

Bids for Upgrade F i r e A l a r m and Security Systems, Center for Behavioral M e d i c i n e , Kansas City, M O P r o j e c t N o . R E B I D M1903-01 will b e r e c e i v e d b y F M D C , State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, February 10, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Service: Airport Landside Traffic Control Services

Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: February 2, 2022 Meeting will be held via Zoom. See RFP for details.

Question Due Date: February 3, 2022

Proposal Due Date: March 2, 2022

M/WBE Goals & Incentives: MBE goals: 25% WBE goal: 5%. A 15% M/WBE incentive credit

LETTING #8737

CERVANTES CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATIONPROJECT 1 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

PROPOSALS will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 pm, CT, on March 1, 2022, through the Bid Express online portal 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.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on January 13, 2022 at 10:00 am at the America’s Center. Interested bidders are to enter through the security office at the southeast corner of the 9th St./Cole St. intersection and will be directed to the meeting room. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, Sate, and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies.) All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements.)

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

The rest of the ensemble cast includes Robert Crenshaw, Valentina Silva, Cameron Tyler, and Tyler White, with portrayals of multiple characters.

Philip A. Woodmore, Ph.D., a veteran in St. Louis’ music community and executive director of P. Woodmore Music, LLC, is the musical director for “Last Stop on Market Street.”

Christopher Page-Sanders, a former dancer with Cleo Parker Robinson

Dance and current founding co-artistic director of Denver’s NU-World Contemporary Danse Theatre, is the choreographer.

The musical is based on the book written by Matt de la Peña and is adapted for the stage by playwright Cheryl L. West. MTC Associate Artist Jacqueline Thompson, who directed the production said she resonates with the story because she and her late grandmother had a close relationship.

“The story resonates with me a lot because my grandmother was my universe, and I enjoyed spending time with my granny growing up,” Thompson said. However, she said CJ’s plot in the book and the play differ.

“Andre is one of the last of those great editors who knows what they are looking at, knows what they are seeing and knows where it came from,”

designer Tom Ford said in the film.

praise on Wintour for giving him the space to be in an industry that constantly reminded him that he didn’t belong.

“What I remember is that I was not so much of his protector,” Wintour said of Talley in “The Gospel According to André,” To be totally candid, my fashion history is not so great, and his was impeccable, so I think I learned a lot from him.”

The first chapters of Talley’s encyclopedic knowledge of fashion, style, glamour and elegance came courtesy of the Vogue magazine pages he flipped through in a public library in the heart of the Jim Crow South during his formative years.

Growth

Continued from C1

“This project and its story is also the story of the school and community,” James McAnally, executive director of The Luminary said. “Extending this impact through a permanent mural reflecting on communal healing and

André Leon Talley was born in Washington, D.C. on October 16, 1948, but was raised in Durham, North Carolina, by his grandmother – who indoctrinated him with her sense of elegance and style. He had to deal with the harsh realities of segregation and racism, but fashion journalism provided a safe haven.

“My escape from reality was Vogue Magazine,” Talley said.

He was particularly influenced by seeing pioneering models Naomi Sims and Pat Cleveland within the magazine’s pages.

“I loved seeing Black people in Vogue, and these were two incredible Black models changing fashion,” Talley said. “[Through their presence]

“The book has CJ enjoying the journey, whereas in the play, he’s annoyed by doing all these different things and asks why they are on the bus and don’t have a car,” she said. ”The themes will connect with the audience and hopefully show young people they should cherish the relationships they have with their grandparents and other elders in their lives.”

McRath and Thompson both said they had a great experience working with Thimes, who is deemed a local legend by many in St. Louis.

“I can see how her character is part of who she is and her spirit,” McRath said. “She’s a nurturing person but still wants the best for everyone. She has the patience my character CJ needs but

I could see there were people who were not racist – who were not judging you for the skin color you had.”

After receiving an undergraduate

also is Denise Thimes.”

“Last Stop on Market Street” is described in a press release as a hiphop meets Motown musical due to the score being done by Motown icon Lamont Dozier and his son Paris Ray Dozier. Thimes said she has a part in the production where she raps.

“It’s very different but enjoyable at the same time,” she said.

Thompson said she wants the audience to leave with the message to honor their elder loved ones.

“Pay attention to them, spend time with them and ask the elders in your lives questions,” Thompson said.

“Getting older sometimes you grow up, go hang with your friends and forget about the foundational people

With his presence, Talley created space for the next generation of Black fashionistas – from designers, creative directors to journalists, models and photographers.

who cultivated you as you’ve traveled through life. It’s about being intentional and cherishing the time you have with them.”

“Last Stop on Market Street” runs 70 minutes, with no intermission. It is recommended for ages five and up. Viewers can watch how the story unfolds when Metro Theatre Company premieres the production Feb. 6-27 at The Grandel Theatre or via live streaming Feb. 11-27 at metroplays. org. Tickets are $20-$36 and are available through MetroTix.

For more information about the shows, visit metroplays.org.

York in the mid-1970s. In less than a decade, he had ascended to the top of the field. After a career-defining run at Women’s Wear Daily, Talley returned from France to lend his talents to the magazine that introduced him to the industry – where he became the first Black male creative director. He detailed his life in fashion bestselling book “The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir.” The book also chronicles the racist abuse and personal attacks he endured as a Black man in the overwhelmingly white fashion industry.

degree from the HBCU North Carolina Central University in his hometown of Durham, Talley earned a fellowship to Brown University – where he earned a master’s degree in French Studies. His classmates at Brown convinced him to lean into his passion for fashion as a profession. He moved to New

“It’s rough, the chiffon trenches,” Talley said. “I make it look effortless sitting on the front row all those years with the attitude, the sable coats and the Prada coats – but it has been rough. People say, ‘how do you do it? How have you put up with this world for so long?” I say, ‘through my faith and my ancestors.’”

growth offers an opportunity to the entire Carr Square community to experience a celebratory, healing public art engagement as residents see themselves reflected in the experience and promise of the STLMade movement’s ‘Start up, Stand out, Stay’ narrative - to root in community and bloom, together.”

With a sustainability focus at the forefront of its mission, Tami Timmer, executive director of Flance said the center has various initiatives in place that are beneficial for its families and the community.

“Flance is in the middle of a food apartheid neighborhood, and we have our garden because we need environmental justice,” Timmer said. “Families struggle to have access to different food. We’ve used the pandemic for so many opportunities to serve every Friday since May 2020. We give out almost 2,000 pounds of free food to the community.”

Timmer said in addition to food,

health, safety, and literacy, she and her staff also stress the importance of their students being exposed to the arts.

“We are huge advocates for the arts such as painting and music,” Timer said. “Them knowing their ABCs and how to spell their name is important, but teaching them how to be curious learners for the future is also important.”

As stated on its website, Flance is named in remembrance of Dr. I. Jerome Flance, M.D., and his wife

Rosemary, whose medical contributions in private and public health care helped cultivate the St. Louis region.

Timmer said Flance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a fullyaccredited Green Ribbon School teaching and nurturing the young minds of infants to five-year-olds in preparation for kindergarten.

Learn more about Flance on its website, https://www.flancecenter.org/.

Photo Courtesy of André Leon Talley’s Facebook page

It’s a great time to invest in your home

Your home is likely your biggest investment. It’s also your sanctuary; the place where you do it all – raise children, gather with loved ones, work, play and rest. Maintaining or improving your living space not only makes all of these things more enjoyable, it makes financial sense as well.

Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home any time soon, it’s a good idea to retain or elevate your home’s value. Fortunately, now is a great time to affordably invest in your home, from simple repairs to dream renovations.

Why should I consider making home improvements now?

It’s not just a seller’s market, it’s a homeowner’s market. Homeowners have two advantages right now:

1. Historically low interest rates, and 2. Record-high home values.

Chances are your home has appreciated over the past year, so you’ve probably gained equity in your home. Equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is currently worth $175,000, and you still owe $100,000 on your mortgage, you have $75,000 in equity. If its value goes up, so does its equity.

You can actually tap into that equity money to use as you’d like with a home

equity line of credit (HELOC). Or, you can take out a one-time loan with an affordable home improvement loan (AHIL). Doing either of these now means you can take advantage of today’s low interest rates, helping you to save money with lower payments.

What is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?

A HELOC is way to borrow against the equity in your home, so you can use the money however you wish. It functions like a credit card, with access to funds as you need it, and a limit based on the amount of equity in your home. You pay back, with variable interest, the amount of money that you spend in monthly payments. Because the funds are available on an ongoing basis, HELOCs are particularly helpful for large renovations, which require flexibility as expenses pop up. HELOCs can also be used to help fund a college education, emergency expenditures, or consolidate high-interest debt.

sum, between $1,500-$10,000, that you pay back with a low fixed rate and a term up to 5 years.

What are the benefits HELOCs and AHILs?

HELOCs and AHILs typically offer more affordable ways to access funds than other loan products, with considerably lower interest rates than credit cards. In addition, the interest you pay on a HELOC or AHIL may be tax deductible.

What is an Affordable Home Improvement Loan (AHIL)?

An AHIL helps you finance a specific home improvement project, like a new roof or HVAC. You receive a one-time lump

How do I know which one is right for me?

If you’re planning a large, ongoing expense, requiring funds to be available for an extended time, a HELOC may be right for you.

If you are planning a small to medium one-time home improvement project or repair, and you want to lock in a low fixed rate, an AHIL could be a better fit.

How do I qualify?

For a HELOC, you must own your home and have it appraised. A home appraiser will estimate your home’s value. Similar to applying for a mortgage, lenders will look at your credit score, income, debt, and your home’s estimated equity to determine if you qualify.

For an AHIL, you must own your home,

and either live in a low-to-moderate income area or qualify as a low income individual/ household.

Where do I start?

Give us a call. We know that choosing a loan can feel overwhelming, in addition to the stress of home improvements. Our home loan specialists can help you choose the best loan for your budget and goals and walk you through the process.

Call 314-631-5500, or email us at newhomeloans@midwestbankcentre.com

You can also apply online at www.midwestbankcentre.com Your current home can be your dream home. Start today!

Your home is where our heart is.

Midwest BankCentre is one of St. Louis’s largest and oldest community banks. A values-led bank, we invest in people and their potential – not just credit scores. An investment in you and your home is an investment in the entire community.

“If you’re considering a home improvement project and need a loan, let us earn your business.

When you DREAM BIG, we all RISE TOGETHER.”

Midwest BankCentre. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

VITA Clinic provides free, online tax return preparation

Don’t have to leave home

St. Louis American staff

The St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (STLNABA) is offering free, online income tax preparation to low-to-moderate income individuals in the St. Louis metropolitan area with the tax season in full swing.

Due to COVID19 precautions, the STL NABA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic cannot offer taxpayers in-person appointments. However, taxes can be prepared while clients remain at home.

According to Margaret Hines, STLNABA chapter VITA site director and chair, Zoom and other secure technologies will be used confirm identity, acquire your tax documents and for interviews. Volunteers will assist taxpayers through the process in private sessions with a certified tax preparer.

STLNABA is partnering with “Our chapter has been doing taxes for free for the St. Louis metropolitan area serving median income taxpayers, senior citizens, and those with disabilities for over 40 years, she said.

STLNABA is partnering with the IRS, United Way of Greater St. Louis, CareSTL Health Center, and St. Louis Comptroller’s Office to provide the in-home tax help.

Appointments will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays, Jan. 29 to April 16, 2022. Appointments can be made online after an intake from is completed.

To begin the process, go to the VITA website at https://www.nabavitastl.org/

You will fill out an online intake/ interview form with information needed to prepare your return. There will be respective links for computers and mobile devices.

At the end of the intake/interview form is where you make your appointment. Fill in appointment date and time, and you will be sent a confirmation email. The mail will be from apptnabavita@gmail.com, and titled “NABA/VITA IRS Certified Volunteer”.

VITA will contact you to plan to get the documents needed to finish preparing your return.

At your appointment, there will be a facetime session on Zoom to finish preparing and reviewing your return. A

Tax preparation can be completed from your home through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic offered by the National Association of Black Accountants St. Louis chapter.

secure, online copy of your return for you to print will be provided. If you and spouse are filing jointly, you must show your faces on Zoom to match identification.

You should have the following with you for your appointment.

• Your Photo ID (and spouse’s - if filing jointly)

Social Security cards and birthdates for you and all dependents

• Letter 6419 (IRS will send a letter to each spouse - even if you only received one check/deposit for Advance Child Tax Credit payments disbursed to you during 2021. Bring all 6419 letters.

• W-2, 1099-R, 1099- NEC, 1099MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-C, and any forms with 1099 on it (Social Security, Railroad retirement, pension, unemployment, stock

transactions, etc.)

• 2019 & 2020 returns. (A special “lookback” tax rule may give you a larger Earned Income or Child Tax Credit. We can see if you qualify)

• Form 1095A is required if you purchased health insurance through Marketplace (aka Obamacare). Your return will be rejected by IRS without this form.

• Charitable donation documentation

• Daycare Info (amt paid, provider’s name, address & tax ID)

• 1098-T and student fee activity statement from educational institution.

• 1098-E Student Interest

• Bank routing & account numbers (voided check preferred)

• If IRS sent you a letter with 4-digit IP PIN, bring letter with you. Must have

to file your return.

• PAID Real Estate / Personal Prop. tax bill (Itemizing or Circuit Breaker)

• For MO Property Tax Credit (circuit breaker) MO Form 5674 (Verification of Rent Paid) - signed by property owner or paid Real Estate tax receipt, proof of SSI income letter, VA benefits awards letterNo rent receipts.

• Retirees - Insurance premium cost for Medical, dental, prescription & vision

• Any other document you feel might be needed that is not mentioned above

If unable to keep original appointment, send an email to apptnabavita@ gmail.com so we can re-schedule.

To contact VITA Tax clinic for any other reason, email us at nabavitaSTL1@ gmail.com.

Is it too late to reduce your mortgage payment by refinancing?

Experts say that with mortgage rates beginning to rise, refinancing your home now might be your last best chance to lower your monthly mortgage payment, as rates remain near all-time lows.

Those who refinanced early in 2021 have already reaped the benefits. Borrowers who refinanced their 30-year fixed rate mortgage into another 30-year fixed rate mortgage during the first half of 2021 saved over $2,800 in mortgage payments on principal and interest annually, according to a recent Freddie Mac research report.

But mortgage rates are rising. Indeed, in October 2021, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is the most common type of mortgage, rose to its highest point since April, surpassing 3.0%. Freddie Mac forecasts that mortgage rates will continue to rise, averaging 3.5% for the 30-year fixed in 2022. That’s up from an average of 3.0% in 2021.

So is it time to refinance your home loan? To help you make an informed decision, Freddie Mac is offering answers to commonly asked questions about the refinancing process:

• What does refinancing mean? When you refinance your mortgage, you’re applying for a new mortgage to replace your current one, which will result in a new rate, term and monthly payment. The most common type of refinance is a no cash-out refinance, in which you’re refinancing the remaining balance on your mortgage.

• When should I consider refinancing? Generally speaking, refinances make the most financial sense when average interest rates are at least half a percentage point lower than the interest rate on your current mortgage. Another reason to consider refinancing is if your financial situation has improved, allowing you to secure a loan with a shorter term and own your home sooner. Finally, if you currently have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and it’s adjusting upward, you may wish to convert to a fixed-rate mortgage that provides you with the security of consistent payments.

• Is refinancing free? Although refinancing your mortgage could save you money both in the long- and shortterm, it isn’t free. For the most part, refinancing costs are similar to what you paid when you purchased your home, including a loan origination fee. There are required services involved, such as

Generally speaking, refinances make the most financial sense when average interest rates are at least half a percentage point lower than the interest rate on your current mortgage.

appraisals, and state and local fees that can vary significantly based on where you live. The average cost to refinance is almost $5,000, so you should carefully consider how long you plan to stay in your home to ensure the savings to outweigh the costs.

• Who should handle my refinance?

You don’t have to use your current lender to refinance your loan. In fact, it’s in your best interest to shop around and compare

multiple lenders’ loan estimates in search of the best terms and cost. It may take more time, but even a difference as small as one-quarter of a percentage point can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your home loan. The good news? Rates are often negotiable. In other words, you can ask lenders to match the rate quoted by another lender.

There may be no time like the present to lock in the lowest possible rate and

receive the highest monthly savings. To get a sense of what refinancing could save you, access Freddie Mac’s refinance calculator, along with additional homebuying and refinancing resources, at myhome.freddiemac.com.

As with any big financial endeavor, you’ll want to do your homework, look carefully at your short- and long-term goals, and work closely with your lender to do a cost-benefit analysis.

(StatePoint)

Three simple financial resolutions for 2022

The New Year offers the perfect time for a fresh start and a renewed commitment to getting finances back on track after a season of spending – one where many Americans felt the effects of the pandemic on their wallets even before the onset of the holidays.

In fact, COVID-19 has already prompted consumers to start thinking differently about their finances. According to Lincoln Financial Group’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker, 59% say they are planning to make permanent changes to the way they spend and save due to the crisis. The findings went on to show that consumers’ top three financial concerns in today’s market include emergency savings (41%), having enough income in retirement (40%) and inflation (39%).

“Our research found consumers are especially interested in protection during times of financial uncertainty, which reinforces the need for financial planning,” said Sharon Scanlon, senior vice president, Customer Experience, Producer Solutions and Retirement Operations for Lincoln Financial Group. “Everyone has competing priorities but making a few easy adjustments can help people achieve their finan-

cial goals.”

Here are three simple financial resolutions

Lincoln Financial recommends for 2022 to help strengthen consumers’ financial outlooks in the new year:

1. Review finances holistically. Ensure you evaluate the big picture – not just where you are spending, but where you are saving and protecting your future too. A simple budget will help you differentiate between needs and wants, enabling you to find areas to cut back or eliminate to find money to meet your financial goals, like retirement or emer-

Ensure you evaluate the big picture – not just where you are spending, but where you are saving for your future too.

gency savings. Maximize online budgeting tools, calculators and other financial wellness resources available through your employer too.

2. Prepare for the unexpected. Without the right protections in place, an unexpected event can derail retirement savings, disrupt your ability to provide for your family or drive you into additional debt. Look into coverages like disability, accident and life insurance that may be available through your employer or consider an individual life insurance policy. Also, commit to funding your emergency savings

account as part of your budget. And don’t forget to think about how you would fund the cost of care if you or a loved one had a long-term care event.

3. Plan for the future. Start with your employer-sponsored retirement plan and commit to save at least up to the match, if available. If you already meet the match, resolve to increase your retirement contributions each year, or with each increase in pay. You don’t just need a retirement plan, though – you need a plan for retirement! Consider diversifying your portfolio with an annuity. Also, in-plan guaranteed income options can serve as a powerful tool to protect savings during periods of market volatility, while still benefitting you when the market goes up.

In addition to these resolutions, also consider meeting with a trusted financial professional who can help you identify solutions that best meet your individual needs and situation. Visit www.lfg.com for more tools and resources.

With a few proactive strategies, you can get 2022 started on the right financial foot.

(StatePoint)

Women business owners take decisive action during pandemic

As the country takes steps toward economic recovery amidst an ongoing pandemic, women business owners are reporting increased optimism about the current economic outlook, which may be accredited to their resilience and decisive action, according to a recent survey of women-owned businesses by PNC Bank.

Leading the way in employee vaccination. According to the survey, nine in 10 (89%) women business owners have taken action to encourage employee vaccination, compared to 78% of male business owners. In fact, half (49%) are providing assistance or education about the vaccine and nearly half (48%) are requiring their employees to receive vaccinations.

Those efforts may well be making an impact: eight in 10 (79%) women business owners estimate that a majority of their employees have been vaccinated, and eight in 10 (81%) of those with 100% vaccinated employees report they are highly optimistic about their company’s prospects over the next six months. Among those with fewer than

100% of their workforce vaccinated, 56% are highly optimistic.

“The optimism reflected in this survey is significantly higher than in our previous surveys of women business owners and this year, there is an undeniable correlation between safeguarding their workforce and their future financial prospects,” said Beth Marcello, director of PNC Women’s Business Development.

Supporting employees through the pandemic. In addition to encouraging COVID-19 vaccination, female business owners have outpaced men in taking other actions since the start of the pandemic on behalf of their employees, such as implementing health and safety improvements (49%), allowing more flexible work arrangements (49%), and providing caregiving support and other benefits (14%).

Both women (36%) and men (44%) increased wages and salaries during the pandemic to retain and attract talent, and said they plan to increase compensation (27% and 37%, respectively) in the next

six months.

Taking action on social responsibility. Women business owners differed substantially from their men counterparts in the area of social responsibility, according to the survey. Six in 10 (60%) women business owners have formally considered or reviewed policies supporting diversity and inclusion, gender pay equity, volunteering or charitable giving, or sustainability or the environment in the past 12 months. This is double the percentage of men business owners who have done the same (30%).

“It is clear from the data that female business owners are prepared for the challenges they face; in fact, more than half attributed their optimism to their own resilience and resourcefulness,” Marcello said. “The support they provide for each other and their employees is key to thriving, and why we’re optimistic about the future for women-owned businesses and their growing contribution to economic prosperity overall.”

About the survey and Project 257: Accelerating Women’s Financial Equality. The survey, among small- and medium-sized businesses with selfreported revenue of $100,000 to $250 million, was conducted by telephone among a national sample of women’s business owners during August and September of 2021.

Under the leadership of Marcello and with support from the bank’s 4,000 PNC-Certified Women’s Business Advocates, PNC recently launched Project 257: Accelerating Women’s Financial Equality, an initiative designed to help close the 257-year economic gender gap and expand on PNC’s decades-long track record of supporting female financial decision makers. More information can be found at pnc.com/women.

One thing is clear. Women business owners have taken decisive action during the pandemic, and these efforts are making a positive impact on their employees and their business.

(StatePoint)

Three ways to build your credit history

Not having a credit history, often referred to as being “credit invisible,” can make it harder to buy a home or car, finance an education, and secure banking products and other services.

Today, over 45 million adults in America have no credit score, according to Freddie Mac. If that describes you, don’t panic. Freddie Mac is offering three strategies to take you from invisible to visible, and help you start building a credit history.

1. Report rent payments. Millions of Americans’ largest monthly payment is rent. However, less than 10% of renters currently see their on-time rental payments reflected in their credit scores, putting them at a significant disadvantage to homeowners.

On-time rent payments can be used to build credit with all three major credit bureaus. If you are paying your rent on time, ask if your landlord is reporting your payments. If not, find out if they can. Although you can report rent payments yourself by paying through a rent reporting service, many such services charge fees, so it’s best if your landlord reports on-time payments on your behalf.

Unfortunately, the most common way rents are reported to credit bureaus today is when there’s a missed payment that’s gone to a collection agency. A new initiative by Freddie Mac is flipping the script by incen-

tivizing property owners to report their tenants’ on-time rental payments. Freddie Mac is providing closing cost credits on multifamily loans for owners of rental properties who agree to report payments through Esusu, a data processing and storage platform whose technology securely delivers rental payment data from property management software to credit bureaus. The program automatically unenrolls renters if they miss a payment, and it allows renters to monitor their payment data and credit score through its website and mobile app. Finally, the Esusu platform ensures compliance with industry standards, eliminating an administrative burden that represents the single largest hurdle to reporting rental

data.

“Making rent count will help solve one of the most persistent challenges facing renters who want to build credit,” says Lauren Garren, vice president and chief business officer, Multifamily, Freddie Mac. “This effort helps level the playing field for renters who prioritize making their rental payments on time.”

2. Consider secured credit cards. A secured credit card, designed for people with limited or damaged credit, requires you to pay a

security deposit. The bank extends a credit line matching the amount of the security deposit, and it holds onto your deposit as collateral for as long as you have the card. For this reason, secured credit cards don’t

charge the same high fees as unsecured credit cards.

Many secured cards include a graduation feature, allowing you to move to a traditional credit card after establishing a pattern of consistent payments. Some card issuers may automatically review your account to see if you can upgrade, but you may have to ask your card issuer whether you’re eligible. By transitioning to an unsecured card in this way, you’ll get your deposit back without negatively affecting your credit by closing an account.

3. Consider store credit cards. From retail chains to gas stations, many stores offer credit cards that tend to be easier to qualify for and usually have low credit limits, making them a good option if you’re credit invisible. However, they often have high interest rates. By making periodic purchases with your store credit card and paying them off immediately, you can build a credit record and get used to managing a credit card.

For additional credit-building strategies, use CreditSmart, Freddie Mac’s suite of financial capability resources, by visiting creditsmart.freddiemac.com.

Good credit opens doors. Take control of your future and begin your credit history today. (StatePoint)