January 7th, 2016 Edition

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‘Trying to weed out the bad cops’

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed and state Rep. Shamed Dogan announced the Fair and Impartial Policing Act on Monday, January 5.

Nasheed, Dogan, ACLU announce Fair and Impartial Policing Act

Two

‘Tough love’ gets results at North Side

Community school got perfect score on 2014 report card from DESE

stable home for Cormelo, but she said his school – located at 3033 N. Euclid Ave. – is a big reason why he is currently an A student.

is for the good of law enforcement.”

In drafting the act, Nasheed and state Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) worked with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri, the Don’t Shoot Coalition and other community organizations.

“Racial profiling is already illegal, but we just haven’t been taking action on it,” Dogan said.

In 2000, Missouri passed a law that made law enforcement agencies internally prohibit the practice of routinely stop minorities for traffic violations, “as a pretext for investigating other violations of

American staff

Leon Henderson, retired president of Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School, passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Sunday, January 3, 2016 due to complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 68.

n “I thank God for the opportunity to work with him and to call him my friend and my brother.”

– Carmele Hall, Cardinal Ritter College Prep’s first president n “The tough-love approach is to minimize

– Principal Stella Erondu, North Side Community School

“Cormelo is an example of an AfricanAmerican male who can survive a lot of the hardships without being medically treated, if you just nurture that child,” said Jones, who is also now the president of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). “The school has the resources there, once they know what’s going on.”

While some schools tend to put children living in abusive environments on medication, Jones said North Side has worked with him since he enrolled in first grade to ensure his academic achievement.

Cormelo is among the nearly 400 pre-

EPA to build firebreak at West Lake

potential

“Leon was a dynamic person who had a vision that was servicebased. His faith in the Lord compelled him to sacrifice in order to serve appropriately,” said Preston Thomas, former Cardinal Ritter

Photo by Wiley Price
Photo by Wiley Price
Leon Henderson, then president of Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School, with youth from the school.
Photo by Maurice Meredith
Fifth graders Tavion (left) and Jamyia (right) at North Side Community School work on their robotics project with Connor, a student volunteer from John Burroughs School.
AuguSt 4, 1947 – JAnuAry 3, 2016
Of St. Louis Public Radio

“Doctors

close to the 49-year-old pop star told Radar Online. “It’s a medical condition that has to be taken care of immediately.” Jackson recently announced that she was undergoing surgery (but would not reveal the nature of the procedure), and that the 2016 legs of her Unbreakable World Tour would not kick off on Jan. 9 as planned.

“Hey you guys…Happy Holidays to each and every one of you! I need you to know, I learned today, from my doctors that I must have surgery soon,” Jackson wrote in an online post.

me, my family and our entire company during this difficult time…There will be no further comment.”

Child support woes cutting into Mathew Knowles’ checks

A judge has reportedly ordered Mathew Knowles’ wages garnished to satisfy child support judgment.

Several outlets claim Mathew Knowles’ wages will be garnished for $71k after his refusal to pay child for his five-year-old daughter with former stripper turned Houston real estate agent, Taqoya Brandscomb.

“It breaks my heart to tell you that I am forced to postpone the Unbreakable Tour until the spring,” she continued. “Please pray for

“This [expletive] got control problems,” Future tweeted. “I gotta go through lawyers to see Babyfuture. [Expletive] for $15K a month.” Insiders told TMZ.com that Future was upset because Ciara promised to allow their son to spend Christmas with him and all his other kids, but then refused to hand him over. The source claims Future believes Ciara is just bitter about the end of their relationship and that he is considering getting the courts involved to develop a formal custody agreement.

Bossip.com got their hands on the ruling – which included info about $255k in hush money paid to Brandscomb while Mathew was still married to his ex-wife Tina Knowles. Mathew is required to pay $1,496 a month plus health insurance for the child and must pay $50k for Taqoya’s legal fees

Were foiled Christmas plans the root of Future’s latest fallout with Ciara?

Earlier this week rapper Future went ballistic on his ex-fiancé Ciara, regarding their son, in a messy tantrum on social media.

Phaedra claps back at Kandi and Todd

On the last episode of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” co-star Kandi Burruss’ husband Todd Tucker confronts Phaedra Parks about her refusal to pay the balance on an exercise video Todd produced for her. Parks took to her blog on Bravo to share her two cents.

“The issue of me owing money to Todd Tucker for production of a prenatal workout video has gotten completely misrepresented and needlessly become the source of harsh feelings. Let me set the record straight for those

who lack the necessary rudiments. First of all, this business matter is between TTucker Productions and Nida Fitness. Nida Fitness is co-owned by me and my husband. Nida Fitness hired TTucker Productions to produce a prenatal fitness video. Postproduction on the video was never completed and therefore the final payment was not made. The project has been in limbo.

It is disconcerting to see that Todd opted to discuss the matter with everyone, except the business owners of Nida Fitness; thereby turning this business matter into a personal attack and assault on my character. After I became aware that this matter was circulating the rumor mill, as a professional businesswoman, I invited Todd to come to my office to discuss. In good faith, I wrote him a check for half of the outstanding balance. Presently, I am still waiting on the final cut. Upon receipt of a commercially acceptable, finished product, I will cut the final check. Everybody knows that the final payment follows the final deliverable.”

Sources: Bossip.com, TMZ.com, Eurweb. com, Bravo.com, Radaronline.com.

Janet Jackson
Matthew Knowles
Phaedra Parks

Black Lives Matter rises – and polarizes

The movement sparked by Trayvon and enflamed by Mike Brown continues to grow

Critics said it wouldn’t last. It was a blip on the radar of protest movements. It would fade away like Occupy Wall Street. With no clear structure and no strong leader, some said, it was bound to fail, especially when the infighting began. But still it rises – and polarizes.

The Black Lives Matter movement has pushed itself into the national conversation again and again. It seems anyone can join them and anyone can claim to be a part of the movement, simply by creating a Facebook page or using a hashtag.

While there is no way to know exactly how large the movement has become, the organization has branched out with chapters in 31 cities and held rallies, boycotts and other actions across the United States, according to one of the co-founders.

For a group that started with a hashtag in 2012 after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Florida, it has grown into a social juggernaut. It has changed the way people talk about police brutality and inequality.

n

prominent leader, and that is by design.

“You can’t kill the movement by killing the leader because there are many,” Cullors-Brignac says. “But decentralization does not mean disorganization. We are highly organized.”

Still there are those who have emerged as social media leaders, judging by their mass followings.

DeRay Mckesson is front and center, with 268,000 Twitter followers and counting. Mckesson has been protesting in some form since the August 2014 police killing of Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson. He is never absent from Twitter, where he skewers police accused in killings or brutality. He attacks police department tactics and the media. While he is vociferous at times, he knows that the movement is bigger than any single person.

“You can’t kill the movement by killing the leader because there are many.”
– Patrisse Cullors-Brignac

“Because of social media we reach people in the smallest corners of America,” said Patrisse Marie Cullors-Brignac, one of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter. “There is a network and a hashtag to gather around. It is powerful to be in alignment with our own people.”

They say it is about much more than each individual death of an African-American man or woman, it is about what it means to be black in America. And that means learning how to make political change to address the frustrations of the AfricanAmerican community.

The group does not have one

“I think it’s a movement of many people doing important work and leading in different ways. We’ve only begun to see the power and impact of that type of model,” he said. Which is why social media is such a big part of how Black Lives Matter operates. Activists like Mckesson, CullorsBrignac, Shaun King, Brittany Packnett, Johnetta Elzie and Samuel Sinyangwe use the platform as a bullhorn to share their message with the public and inspire others to take part.

In the past 15 months, the movement has gone from local outrage in Ferguson to a tidal wave of awakening across the nation.

“We brought more people into the conversation, and they realized the problem is much closer to them than they think,” Mckesson says.

But the group’s tactics have come under intense scrutiny, sometimes

fiercely when accused of committing violent acts during protests. But this comes with the territory with a loosely formed group.

So, in Minneapolis, the activists took a different tack when they learned of a potential plot by white supremacists to incite violence to tarnish the movement. They told group members to make sure their faces could be seen, so fingers couldn’t be pointed at them.

When a male walking around the crowd was asked to remove his mask and refused, the group questioned why he was there. When he said he was just checking things out, they grabbed him by the arm and escorted him out.

Again, some praised the group’s actions, while others condemned them. They were trying to police themselves, but also removed someone from a public street.

by the very people it is supporting or who have supported it. When Black Lives Matter protesters interrupted Bernie Sanders at a campaign rally in Seattle in August, shouting their way onstage and later causing the Democratic presidential candidate to leave the event, some members distanced themselves, saying that didn’t represent their agenda. But with the way the group has positioned itself, anyone with similar goals can consider themselves part of the group and movement.

At an October town hall meeting in south Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti showed up intending to listen and respond to the community to restore a frayed relationship. What he encountered was Black Lives Matter activists who stood up and turned their backs on him.

“The mayor has neglected, disrespected and abused the black community for far too long,” said Melina Abdullah, a Black Lives Matter organizer and professor of African studies.

While the crowd may have agreed with her, some were frustrated that members of the group had sideswiped their chance to have a serious conversation with the mayor.

“You have the subgroup trying to take over the town hall. Whatever they

were talking about is not my reality,”

Daryle Shumake, a 45-year-old black health care worker, told the Los Angeles Times.

In Minneapolis, protesters occupied the police department to demand that video be released of the police shooting of 24-year-old Jamar Clark. The officers involved in the death are on administrative leave pending state and federal investigations.

Black Lives Matters members continue to protest. Clark’s family has been thankful for the activists’ support but also frustrated at times with their tactics. Family members repeatedly appealed for peace, and respect for property.

Later, the Black Lives Matter movement was the target of a shooting outside the police department and the family again urged them to leave, this time for the group’s own safety.

“Disagreements about tactics are totally normal. We have differing opinions. This happened during the ‘60s in the days of Martin Luther King, and the Black Panther movement,” Cullors-Brignac said. “It is just that our disagreements are often displayed to the public in real time on social media.”

The Black Lives Matter movement is making a concerted effort not to encourage violence. It responds

The threats against the group itself are now fast and furious. Most are online. But some are in person. In Minneapolis, five demonstrators were shot. Police arrested three suspects, all of them white, after a confrontation between protestors and the men. Despite the bumps, the hurdles and the accusations, the movement continues and grows across the country. What is the group’s plan for the future and will it have an impact on policy?

Mckesson, Samuel Sinyangwe, Britanny Packnett and Johnetta Elzie came out with a clear and concise list of principles for policy change. They called it Campaign Zero, and they map out policy issues and have honed in on areas in which they think they can bring about real change: police contracts and misconduct records; investigations of police; community representation; “militarization” of police; use of body cameras.

Mckesson said the key to the group’s future is to start getting involved in hyper-local politics not just national races.

“What does it mean when protestors become city council members, mayors, school board members?” Mckesson asked. “How will that factor into the next phase? How will we grow and change?”

Edited for length and reprinted from CNN NewsWire. The St. Louis American is a CNN affiliate.

A motorist sent a text while blocked by Ferguson protestors on November 24, the one-year anniversary of the grand jury decision in the Officer Darren Wilson case. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Editorial /CommEntary

Background checks and the 2nd Amendment

We agree so wholeheartedly with U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay’s response to President Obama’s gun control executive orders issued on January 5 that we will quote his statement at length.

“I applaud President Obama’s limited executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence and narrowing the reckless and irresponsible loophole which currently allows 40 percent of all firearms purchases to be conducted with no criminal background check whatsoever. The president acted because – even after multiple gun violence tragedies like Sandy Hook, Charleston and San Bernardino – Republicans in Congress still refuse to allow a vote on something as obvious as mandatory background checks for all gun sales, which 85 percent of the American people support. These executive actions are not a cure-all for gun violence, but in the absence of congressional action, they are essential because they will surely save lives,” Clay stated.

“Because of President Obama’s courageous leadership, criminals, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill will have a harder time obtaining a gun. But that is not enough. Congress needs to pass H.R. 1217, the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2015 – a bipartisan bill which I was proud to cosponsor – that would close the remaining loopholes which can only be addressed via legislative action. Under the bill, the current background check system would be expanded to require comprehensive and enforceable background checks on all commercial gun sales, such as those made at gun shows, over the internet or through classified ads. I also continue to strongly support the renewal of the Assault Weapons Ban, the prohibition of high-capacity ammunition magazines and ending all on-line sales of firearms and ammunition.”

We agree – and encourage Clay to continue to fight for these common-sense policy initiatives that are blindly opposed by so many Republican legislators (and too many Democrats).

In the Missouri Legislature – which is even more resistant to sensible gun control measures than the Congress – state Rep. Stacey Newman has long been a leader on this issue. She also applauded President Obama’s leadership, while reminding us of some horrific statistics. “In 2015 there were more mass shootings nationwide than days of the year, resulting in over 475 fatalities and 1,870 injuries,” Newman noted. There were 188 homicides in the city of St. Louis last year. Newman continues to sponsor Missouri universal background check legislation every year since the Sandy Hook mass school shooting in December 2012. Her current bill, HB1596, pre-filed last month, would require a federal background check for all gun purchases and transfers. We commend Newman for her leadership in what is an extremely hostile climate for even the most sensible gun control legislation.

“Who on earth is in favor of known criminals being able to purchase as many guns as they

As

Diabetes fight is far from over

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the rate of new cases of diabetes in the United States declined by about 20 percent from 2008 to 2014. This represents the first sustained decrease in diagnosis since the disease emerged as a major threat to public health over the course of the past two decades. But the fight is far from over, especially for communities of color.

While the CDC report is good news regarding an overall decline in diabetes rates, it did not acknowledge a significant change in prevalence among the African-American community, which continues to be far more vulnerable to the disease than other racial and ethnic groups.

the healthcare disparities that disproportionately plague our community.

To do that, we must redouble our efforts to create a culture of health in African-American communities – one that removes the stigma of seeking care and helps our neighbors and family members access the opportunities provided under the Affordable Care Act.

desire with no questions asked?” Newman asked rhetorically. The answer is nearly every Republican running for elected office in 2016, judging by their responses to the president’s executive orders. The response from Eric Greitens – not the worst candidate running for Missouri governor as a Republican – was typical:

“We cannot, and I will not, allow our freedoms and constitutional rights to be swept away by this president. The time to fight back is now.” Fight back against what? Instituting simple background checks before anyone is able to buy deadly weapons in a country that averages more than one mass shooting per day? It’s enough to make one weep. President Obama wept while reflecting on the many tragedies – mass shootings as well as street homicides – that led to his executive orders.

But his expression of frustration and emotion was not a substitute for fact and reason. “Since Missouri repealed a law requiring comprehensive background checks and purchase permits,” Obama said, “gun deaths have increased to almost 50 percent higher than the national average. One study found, not surprisingly, that criminals in Missouri now have easier access to guns.” The time to fight back is indeed now, but the enemy is not background checks for all firearm purchases – the enemy is the capitulation to the gun lobby that views any rational gun control measure as a violation of the 2nd Amendment.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues
What if the armed occupiers were black?

What do you think the response would be if a bunch of black people, filled with rage and armed to the teeth, took over a federal government installation and defied officials to kick them out? I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be wait-andsee. Probably more like pointand-shoot. Or what if the occupiers were Mexican-American? They wouldn’t be described with the semi-legitimizing term “militia,” harking to the days of the patriots. And if the guntoting citizens happened to be Muslim, heaven forbid, there would be wall-to-wall cable news coverage of the “terrorist assault.” Not to worry, however, because the extremists who seized the remote Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Oregon on Saturday are white. As such, they are permitted to engage in a “standoff” with authorities who keep their distance lest there be needless loss of life. Such courtesy was not extended to Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old Cleveland boy who was playing with a toy gun in a park on November 22, 2014. Within seconds of arriving on the scene, police officer Timothy Loehmann shot the boy, who died the next day. Prosecutors led a grand jury investigation and announced last month that Loehmann would face no charges. Such courtesy, in fact, is routinely denied to unarmed black men and boys who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in the wrong place

at the wrong time. You know the litany of names – Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray. And you know how these stories end. Just weeks ago, a Baltimore jury failed to reach a verdict in the trial of the first of six officers charged with Gray’s death. Justice is supposed to be blind. Race, ethnicity and religion are not supposed to matter. Yet we’re constantly reminded that these factors can make the difference between justifiable and unjustifiable homicide – and between life and death. The protestors in Oregon are protesting the Bureau of Land Management’s policies, hardly a red-button issue for most Americans. The federal building they seized is in a wildlife refuge, which means that by definition it’s in the middle of nowhere; the nearest sizable city is Boise, Idaho, about 200 miles away. The protestors’ guns pose more of a threat to bears than people.

So no, I don’t think authorities have any immediate reason to blast their way into the woods with a column of armored vehicles. But I would argue there was no good reason to do so on the streets of Ferguson either. Is the salient difference that the Oregon protestors are believed to be heavily armed? If so, what message does that send? Does somebody need to found a

Minority Rifle Association so that communities of color are given similar deference?

What I want is that African Americans, Latino Americans, Muslim Americans and other “outsiders” be seen as the Americans we are. What I want is acknowledgement that we, too, have a stake in our democracy and its future course. What I want is the recognition that no one can “take back” the country –which happens to be led by its first African-American president – because it belongs to me as much as to you.

These are not the sentiments we’re hearing in the presidential campaign, though –at least, not on the Republican side.

You’d think there might be at least a few prominent voices on the right expressing horror and outrage at the wrongful killing of a 12-year-old boy.

You’d think that Republicans running for president might find the time to condemn the armed takeover of federal property by zealots. Yet all we hear is crickets chirping.

The GOP candidates have apparently concluded that voicing hope, embracing change and broadening our concept of the American mainstream constitute a losing strategy. They see Donald Trump’s success and mimic him in fostering a sense of “beleaguered” us versus “menacing” them. This may be an effective way to pursue the nomination, but it’s a terrible disservice to the country.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

Consider the data: Black adults are about twice as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic White adults. They are also twice as likely to die from the disease. What’s more, African Americans are more than three times as likely to suffer from health complications related to diabetes, such as lower-limb amputation and kidney failure.

It’s clear that the AfricanAmerican community is shouldering an unequal burden when it comes to diabetes treatment, prevention, research and education. And so the CDC’s announcement – while welcome news – does not signal that the fight against the disease is over. There is more work to do to not only overcome the diabetes epidemic, but also eliminate

Healthcare.gov is now available for the open enrollment period through January 31, 2016, and taking advantage of the options available today is the first step our community can take to reclaim black health and wellness. But coverage alone isn’t enough to guarantee better health outcomes for African Americans.

Healthcare providers have a responsibility to deliver inclusive, quality care that considers the needs of the whole patient. That means providing patients with relevant, reliable information that empowers and engages them to make choices for a healthier life. All healthcare providers should strive to provide an environment where no one is excluded –where everyone has access to compassionate, personalized care and the opportunity for better health regardless of their struggles or station in life. We must get to know our patients on an individual, holistic level – not prescribe a one-size-fits-

Letters to the editor

Socializing risk, privatizing profit

Since the Board of Aldermen passed a funding package for a second publicly funded football stadium in St. Louis, discussion has arisen as to whether opposition to that legislation is somehow a stance against employment opportunities for people of color. In case there is any confusion, Empower Missouri both opposes public funding for professional sports projects and supports strong minority-hiring provisions for public contracts.

Empower Missouri has had four names during our centuryplus history, but only one focus: social justice, including racial equity. Founded in 1901 and known as the Missouri Association for Social Welfare from 1933 until our 2014 name change, we have consistently provided civic leadership against discrimination and for full access to all the benefits of society for every Missourian.

Our opposition to public funding for professional sports projects is part of our Economic Justice Task Force’s work for tax justice. Currently Missouri has one of the most regressive tax systems in the United States. People with middle and low incomes, disproportionately people of color, pay more of their income in taxes than those with higher incomes. At the same time, many essential state services necessary for those same households are underfunded.

We support a fair and balanced state tax structure that will produce adequate revenue for needed public services. We consider increased funding for K-12 and higher education a needed public service. We consider closing the Medicaid coverage gap that leaves 300,000 Missourians with little to no access to affordable health care a needed public service. We consider addressing the transportation crisis in our state – which could be done without a regressive solution –a needed public service.

We do not consider sports projects for millionaire and billionaire team owners a needed public service. Indeed

all approach – if we intend to truly improve their health outcomes. Finally, our policymakers, civic leaders and all who have a stake in the health of our community must address the social determinants that influence and widen the diabetes equity gap. For years, we’ve known that diabetes can be prevented and managed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercise and good nutrition. But it’s difficult to go for a run around the block when you live in a highcrime neighborhood. It’s challenging to find fresh fruits and vegetables when you live in a food desert. We must marshal our communities around the policies that affect our environment’s ability to support a culture of health and wellness.

Diabetes has been – and will continue to be – a major public health issue in the U.S. We’re making progress in the fight against the disease, but we need to do more to address the disparities felt by the AfricanAmerican population. With a focused effort from members of the black community, policymakers, civic leaders and healthcare providers to create a culture of health, deliver compassionate, personalized care and advance the policies that make healthy lifestyles viable, I am confident we can curb the diabetes epidemic for good, for everyone.

Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, is the president of Healthcare Operations and chief operating officer for Ascension.

we consider it to be socializing risk while privatizing profit.

Jeanette Mott Oxford, executive director Empower Missouri Jefferson City

Possible police takeover

While it is essential that both the Creve Coeur Police Department and St. Louis County provide excellent services and cooperate with each other, and consistent police standards are positive for our region, I do not believe that the people who live and work in Creve Coeur want St. Louis County to take over our police services.

Yet the County Council recently passed an ordinance that purports to authorize the possible takeover of any municipality’s police department - including ours. Even if this regulation only

set minimum police standards, that would be the business of Creve Coeur officials, and not the county. But the bill goes far beyond setting minimum standards. It could subject our police department and joint dispatch operations to county oversight and control. It also creates the possibility that the county could impose its services upon us in order to divert our tax dollars to support their operations. This action clearly discards key restraints and puts unprecedented power in the hands of the county executive. Ultimately, that is why the City of Creve Coeur, along with many of our neighboring municipalities, was forced to file suit against St. Louis County in response to its police takeover ordinance.

L. Glantz, mayor City of Creve Coeur

Guest Columnist Patricia Maryland
Guest Columnist Eugene Robinson
President Barack Obama wept over gun violence in America while announcing new gun control executive orders on January 5.

Youth speak at Holocaust Museum

Forum on breast cancer screenings

The Breakfast Club will host a community forum about new breast cancer screening guidelines 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, January 11 at The St. Louis Room at Il Monestero, 3050 Olive St. For more information, call 314-972-8883.

Free Disaster Distress Helpline

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a federal agency, sponsors a Disaster Distress Helpline. Call 1-800985-5990 for immediate crisis counseling if you need to speak to someone after the recent floods or any other disaster. The toll-free Helpline is confidential and multilingual and available for those who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters, incidents of mass violence, or any other tragedy. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. You may also text TalkWithUs to 66746 or visit http:// disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/. For TTY for deaf and hearing impaired, call 1-800-846-8517.

Fee-free student loan applications are open

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis began accepting applications for its interest-free, feefree student loan program on January 1 and will through April 15. Qualified postsecondary students of any age can be issued a renewable, interest-free loan of up to $11,000 annually.

Those interested must meet the following requirements: be pursuing a first degree at an accredited, nonprofit college, university, or technical/trade school; demonstrate financial need; have a cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher or have earned a GED; be a permanent resident of the St. Louis metropolitan area, for at least two years prior to application. Fill out an online general application at www. stlouisgraduates.org. For more information, call 314-725-7990, email info@sfstl.org, or visit www. sfstl.org.

My prayer for 2016

As we reflect on the year 2015 and usher in 2016, it seems that much of our attention has centered on gun violence and acts of terrorism that have evoked a sense of dread and fear. What we saw locally, nationally and internationally were gripping events that left families and communities devastated by acts of senseless violence.

Reportedly, “More Americans have died from guns in the United States since 1968 than on battlefields of all the wars in American history.” That’s shocking! Nationally, violent crime has fallen since the 1990s, but the rate of firearms-related deaths have largely held firm for the past 15 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2013, guns killed 3,428 more people than falls, 4,635 more people than alcohol, and 30,876 more people than fires. Researchers forecast 2015 the year that bullets kill more Americans than car accidents, which had long been the leading cause of injury death in the United States.

There are those who say there aren’t enough resources or enough people who care about gun violence. Yet, I’ve been encouraged by the Black Lives Matter Movement that organizes protests around the deaths of black people in killings by law enforcement officers, and other race equity issues. And there are the young people on college campuses across the country, including the University of Missouri, who are flexing their own muscles of self-worth and are standing for dignity and rights.

This generation reminds us that the battle is not over and that we must fight the good fight. We must fight City Hall when they claim there is no money for combating social-economic issues. We must fight Congress when they proclaim gun laws are adequate. We must fight Jefferson City when they propose legislation to expand gun rights further. We must fight any special interests whose policies are contrary to the achievement of educational and employment opportunities that could lift the economic and living standard of all people.

Through our collective will and, yes, prayers, things can change. We can join hands with every mother, father, sister, brother who has felt the pain of losing someone through gun violence and pray for change. As we pray, we can also hear their rallying cry and stand together for common-sense laws that protect us all. We can stand together to ensure that we have programs and policies that can help heal our communities. We can stand together to stop the violence, once and for all!

This is my prayer for 2016.

Darlene Green
A group from the teen Ferguson Poetry Club and other North County youth spoke at the Holocaust Museum in Creve Coeur on Sunday, December 20. They discussed systemic problems in the community and the need for youth and community economic empowerment.
Photo by John Alexander/Nin Network

HENDERSON

Continued from A1

children.”

“When he was still able to communicate verbally, he would speak of the youngsters who also touched his life, for he understood it was a twoway street when you serve,” Thomas said. “His reward was seeing them grow in character, responsibility and having a willingness to serve.”

Henderson was born on August 4, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Catholic schools in Cincinnati from elementary school through college and was awarded an honorable discharge from the United States Navy, in which he served from 1967 to 1973. In addition, he earned an undergraduate degree in sociology (minor: philosophy/theology) from Xavier University in Cincinnati and received his Master’s in sociology from Washington University in St. Louis. Henderson served as a teacher and administrator at Cardinal Ritter College Prep for 30-plus years. For 10 of those years, he served as president of the school. He moved to Wilberforce University (the oldest historically black university in the nation) as dean of Student Affairs/Development for two years (2000 –2002) before returning to Cardinal Ritter. He also served as an instructor and administrator at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies

at Xavier University in New Orleans for 14-plus summers.

“Leon Henderson was the soul of Cardinal Ritter Prep. He touched the lives of not only students and faculty, but also parents and the community at large. He had a wonderful sense of humor that disarmed many a critic. If you were a student in his Leadership class,

ACLU

Continued from A1 criminal law.” It also required officers to report the racial identity of the person stopped, along with the stop’s purpose and end result.

Every year, Missouri’s attorney general compiles the statewide information and releases a report. That report has always shown that African Americans are more like likely to be stopped, searched and arrested than white drivers – even though they are less likely to be in possession of “contraband,” which includes narcotics or illegally possessed firearms.

“People were skeptical about the widespread belief

among African Americans that police were biased against them,” said Dogan, regarding the reason for the original law.

“This is the Show Me state, so you need to show me proof that this racial profiling is going on.”

The data have not only done that, but also shown that the problem is getting worse, he said. In 2000, AfricanAmerican drivers were 30 percent more likely to be stopped than white drivers, he said. And in 2014, it reached an all-time high of 75 percent more likely to be stopped than white drivers.

Some of the cities and counties that have the largest disparity rates have complained that they are being treated unfairly because their black populations are so small that

even a small amount of stops will skew the data, he said. This act helps to address that issue, he said.

The legislation proposes a new analysis of traffic travel patterns, said Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of the ACLU Missouri.

Leon Henderson (right), then president of Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School, with Archbishop Robert Carlson and Carol Henderson.

wisdom and guidance for what he would face that day.

Over the 40 years that I knew Leon, he became more than a colleague; he was family, my other brother. I thank God for the opportunity to work with him and to call him my friend and my brother.”

Over the years, Henderson served as president and vice president of the Parish Council for St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish (his parish), was appointed as a trustee on the board for Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and the St. Louis Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, and served as the St. Charles Lwanga Center’s Crossroads coordinator, among many other community commitments.

you developed a strong sense of self-worth and knowledge of history as a black young man or woman,” said Carmele Hall, Cardinal Ritter College Prep’s second president. “Leon was a man of faith. Every morning when he entered the school, his first stop was the chapel, where he would offer a prayer for

n “For 15 years, there has been reporting, reporting, reporting. No consequences.”

“The statistics would not just be based on stops versus who lives in your community,” he said. “It would be based on stops versus an analysis of travel through that community. That’s something that police want and the community wants.”

– Jeffrey Mittman, ACLU

If for three years a police

department’s racial profiling statistics are worse than the rest of Missouri’s, then that department could face decertification, Mittman said. The act also requires law enforcement agencies to review annually the data collected by their officers. Officers who show patterns of disparity in their stops must be investigated and then potentially undergo counseling and training. If those officers persist in bias-based policing, they must be disciplined or dismissed.

“For 15 years, there has been reporting, reporting,

“Leon Henderson embodied everything that you would want for the students of Cardinal Ritter,” said Robert Oliveri, associate superintendent for Secondary School Administration for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. “He was spiritual man and led the Catholic identity for the school. He never stopped educating young people through their hearts and minds, and anyone who ever came in contact with him walked away empowered and with a progressive

reporting,” Mittman said. “No consequences. This bill has real consequences.”

The past 15 years have also made it clear that there was an important factor missing from the law – pedestrian stops, said Denise Lieberman, co-chair of the Don’t Shoot Coalition and an attorney who worked on drafting the original legislation.

The act now makes bias in police pedestrian stops as illegal as in traffic stops, she said.

“This is a crucial addition because it is a significant source of many problems,” she said. “Michael Brown was a pedestrian stop. VonDerrit Myers was a pedestrian stop.”

Pedestrian stops are the place where black youth and the most marginalized citizens are likely to have encounters

mindset.” Henderson retired as president of Cardinal Ritter College Prep in December 2014 and served as president emeritus until June 2015.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by testimonials from alums from the 1980s until now. To a story, each person proclaims that they wouldn’t be who they are today if it had not been for him,” said Tamiko Armstead, current president of Cardinal Ritter College Prep and a 1991 graduate.

“As a proud alum, that is my testimony, too. He was part of my life since I was 14 years old and helped mold and shape me into the person I am today. He lives in each of us – our teacher, mentor, friend and second father. His legacy is unbreakable and will carry on through us to future Cardinal Ritter Prep students.”

Funeral services for Leon Henderson will be held on Friday, January 8 in Baton Rouge. A memorial service will be held at Cardinal Ritter College Prep, 701 N. Spring Ave., 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5. For more details, contact Cardinal Ritter College Prep at 314-446-5500.

with police, Lieberman said. Racial profiling often means that police assume the worst about people when they stop them, she said.

“These assumptions produce tragic results,” she said. “Countless incidents occur every day.”

Dogan and Nasheed said they don’t know when the bill might be taken up. Dogan said that he hasn’t gotten any reassurances among his Republican base that it will pass.

“But I am looking forward to having this discussion come up,” he said, “because it’s about time after these 15 years of collecting this data that we take that next step.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter @rebeccarivas.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

NORTH SIDE

Continued from A1

kindergarten to fifth-grade students who attend the charter school. In the 2014-2015 school year, they had 330 students, and the substantial bump allowed them to add an extra kindergarten room. There are now six. The school’s population is considered 100 percent free and reduced lunch by the state, and about 98 percent of the students are African-American.

And in 2014, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education gave North Side a perfect score on its annual report card.

The eight-acre campus has five brick buildings that are connected by concrete walkways and surrounded by open green space. The two well-kept playgrounds are lined with tall trees and border a grassy field. The campus – a former orphanage – sits right in the middle of a high-crime, high-poverty neighborhood.

About 10 percent of the families are homeless, and many of the heads of households are struggling young parents or grandparents, said Muriel Smith, the school’s director of development. Despite all these factors that could be seen as setbacks, she said students are performing

higher than many other schools in the city – especially those with similar demographics.

Sixty-five percent of children at North Side scored proficient or better in both English and math on state standardized tests in 2015, according to results released in August.

“A lot schools think that kids in these neighborhoods can’t really learn because they have so much going on at home,” Smith said. “But our scores and kids prove that that’s possible. We set expectations for our students and our parents to make sure that they are going to be successful.”

Those scores obviously don’t come easy. The second through fifth graders arrive at school at 8:15 a.m. and leave at 4:45 p.m. – an eight-hour day, and the school schedule is year round. Pre-K through firstgrade students have a sevenhour day.

The class sizes are kept at 15 to 18 students, and they all wear uniforms. This year, they brought on a full-time social worker and an assistant principal to offer students additional support. As far as diversity, 25 percent of staff is African American.

Walking through the school’s classrooms, many of the teachers were unsmiling and their demeanor was stern. The kindergarten teacher

demanded absolute silence while she was reading a story. Teaching assistants sharply told the students to “sit right” while taking tests, standing with crossed arms. Even the art teacher was all business while reviewing the children’s coloring sheets they had prepared for a contest submission.

“The tough-love approach is to minimize time-wasting behaviors,” said Principal Stella Erondu. “Time wasted is time lost. The children don’t control your time. You control your time.”

Erondu, who is from Nigeria, said she tells the teachers that they have to do what they must do to deliver the instruction. At the end of the year, if the children don’t have the skills, the students are not the ones to blame, she said.

“To be a student is full-time job,” she said. “While you are in the classroom, do your job, and when it’s time to play, go play.”

Erondu worked in the St. Louis Public Schools for more than 20 years, she said. Before coming to North Side, she was the principal of Cole Elementary, now called Gilkey Pamoja Preparatory Academy, at 3935 Enright Ave. It’s also located in North City, not far from North Side Community School.

“In my previous place, I did what I’m doing now,

but a lot of people didn’t understand what I was doing, and they thought that I was being too mean,” she said.

“That misunderstanding kind of rubbed everyone and me the wrong way. I had to resign from my job.”

But at North Side, she has been allowed to manage the school in her style, and it’s paying off, she said: “Our students have been performing above everyone else around us.”

John Grote, the school’s founder, said he decided to open the small-scale charter school in 2009 because young black students growing up in North St. Louis don’t have many choices for education outside of the public schools.

The University of Missouri –St. Louis holds its charter.

Grote founded and headed a taskforce for Cole Elementary, where he met Erondu. At

that

Through watching the boys’ experiences, he saw that his little brothers were not getting the attention and education they needed, he said.

“In the founding of the school, we looked at what the kids in this general neighborhood and lowincome students weren’t doing that well in,” Smith said. Those areas became their academic focus.

“There is no magic to this,” Erondu said. “It’s just making sure you manage your instructional time well.”

Note: The school requested that the students’ last names not be published. Follow this reporter on Twitter @RebeccaRivas.

WEST LAKE

Continued from A1

“Once the plan is finalized, we are committed to providing this information to the public. EPA will use all available enforcement authorities to ensure implementation of this work.”

As announced last year the EPA will oversee the construction of the firebreak with input from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Under the EPA’s Superfund program, the costs of building the underground fireproof wall would be borne by Republic Services, along with the Chicagobased power company Exelon and the U.S. Department of Energy. The EPA said it would release more information about the firebreak, including its location within the landfill complex and a timeline for its construction, “once plans are finalized.” In addition to a “physical isolation barrier,” the EPA is calling for other engineering controls at the landfills, such as subsurface “cooling loops.”

Earlier in December, the EPA ordered measures to be taken to prevent surface fires at the landfills, including removing vegetation from areas known to contain radioactive waste and covering them with fireproof materials like dirt or gravel. The EPA has committed to issuing a proposed decision for what to do with the radioactive waste at the West Lake Landfill by December 2016. After giving the public the opportunity to comment on the plan, the agency will issue its final decision sometime in 2017

Reprinted with permission from news. stlpublicradio.org. Follow Véronique LaCapra on Twitter: @ KWMUScience.

time, his two little brothers in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program both attended the school.
Jamyia, a fifth grader at North Side Community School, works with a student volunteer from John Burroughs High School, senior Nathan Tung, with her robotics project.
Photo by Wiley Price

The waiting game

Chronic health issues factor into viability for potential donors and transplant recipients

Currently, about 122,000 patients in the U.S. are in need of a potentially life-saving transplant, and every 10 minutes, another name is to the wait list, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Although African Americans make up only about 13 percent of the population, they comprise 30 percent of those individuals needing a transplant. High levels of diabetes and hypertension within the African American community are partially to blame for such disparate statistics. In addition, people of color are also less likely to register as organ donors.

Dr. Henry Randall, St. Louis University liver and kidney transplant surgeon, said preventable chronic illnesses are a culprit.

“The number one reason why people require a kidney transplant in the African American community is high blood pressure and diabetes,” Randall said. “And of course, those being some of the leading causes or related factors to obesity.”

Randall is the division chief of Adult and Pediatric Transplants at SLU and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center as well as associate professor of surgery for the School of Medicine. He said patients with End State Renal Disease go on dialysis as they await an available kidney for transplant. He said living kidney donors is the pathway to avoid going on dialysis.

“You can get a living donor transplant and not have to wait on dialysis, but you have to have healthy donors,” Randall said. “If your donors happen to have diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity in their own medical problems, then they can’t donate, lest they end

up in the same position that you are.”

Lifestyle and fat factors into the need for liver transplants as well.

“The No. 1 reason for that is hepatitis C nowadays, also, alcohol abuse, former alcohol abuse is pretty high, and then there are a number of other causes of liver disease,” Randall said. “What’s up-and-coming with the new hepatitis C drugs being able to cure hepatitis, is NASH – Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. That’s essentially a fatty liver.” NASH is sometimes known as the silent liver disease, because in some people, it may cause no symptoms or problems. For others, NASH causes inflammation and liver damage due to the accumulation of fat in the liver. Randall said you do not have to be obese to have fatty liver disease; some of it is genetics.

“You can have so much fat in your liver

See STIGMA, A11

Show-Me Healthy Babies program expands women’s prenatal care

Low-income pregnant women in Missouri have better access to prenatal care effective January 1 through the ShowMe Healthy Babies Program, announced by Governor Jay Nixon.

“All pregnant women should have access to quality prenatal care,” said Gov. Nixon. “Greater access to quality prenatal care will mean healthier moms, healthier kids and healthier communities. I am proud that Missouri is expanding access to health care services for an estimated 1,800 pregnant women each year.”

Through the Show-Me Health Babies Program, pregnant women with incomes up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level will have access to pregnancy-related services that promote healthy labor, delivery and birth. Participating women will have postpartum coverage for 60 days. Coverage for the child will continue for up to one year after birth. The Governor signed legislation creating the program in 2014, and the state’s implementation plan was recently approved by the federal Centers for

Hit the reset button

This time of the year is an exciting time for the football enthusiasts in our lives, particularly if their special team has made it this far. It’s something about the process of working hard toward a speciic goal and in this case, the ultimate championship: The Super Bowl! In my mind, the sacriices each team member had to make, the drooling pre-season camps, and the rigorous practices were not in vain if the team succeeded to last this long into the season.

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

But let’s just say for example you had the misfortune of being a fan of one of those teams, like the St. Louis Rams where the season could have been a lot better. Yes, for the Rams, the year may have felt like a disappointment with plenty of setbacks, however the good news about a losing record is the NFL draft is the “reset” button, that nice button on the remote or computer that allows mistakes to be placed in the sea of forgetfulness. The draft allows unsuccessful teams from the previous season to get irst “dibs” on the most promising football recruits for the next season. This process tries to even out the playing ield and allows for a “reset” of the play action. Now let’s compare that to our lives. At the beginning of each year, we promise ourselves so many things. We say that we are going to exercise more, we are going to pray and meditate more, and we are going to be more grateful than in years past. We write these things on paper and in our journals. We profess these things to friends and our clergy. We even join special groups, like Weight Watchers, whose sole purpose is to hold us accountable.

But by March, we have gone astray! What happened? Where did we lose focus? Who or what did we allow in our lives to drive us off course?

When Oprah Winfrey was a child she was molested by various family members, ran away and gave birth to male child at age 14. What if she had given up at that point and told herself that she would never be anything in life? She would have not fulilled her intended destiny of becoming one of the most successful and powerful women today.

Furthermore, what if Stephen King, one of the most well known authors of our time, had decided to quit writing after his irst novel was rejected 30 times? We would not have been able to enjoy those horrifying books like “Carrie and Cujo” and Mr. King would not have amassed such a large inancial portfolio. So as we see, failure is part of the process to success. Our past diet and exercise attempts should not hinder us from trying again to improve our health. I encourage each of us to hit the “reset” button and try again. But this time, let us seek to make lifestyle changes instead of buying the latest cleanse and diet pill that our cousin suggested.

In this technologically advanced society we are in, there is no excuse not to have everything we need right in our hands. Smartphones are amazing! There is an app for workouts, recipes, pedometers and for positive daily meditative messages. Download it today! Hit the “reset” button in your life and let’s try this again for 2016!

Your family doctor, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Dr. Henry Randall, St. Louis University liver and kidney transplant surgeon
A8
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 7 – 13, 2016
Photo by WIley Price

Floodwater cleanup health and safety tips

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health urges caution as floodwater recedes and during cleanup, when most accidents and injuries occur. Floodwaters and standing water can pose various risks to public health, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries from hidden objects. Floodwaters can also contain raw sewage and eating or drinking anything contaminated by floodwater can lead to diarrheal illness.

To protect yourself, your family, and others in the neighborhood, the urges everyone to heed the following precautions while floodwaters remain:

• Do not allow children or pets to play in floodwaters or areas that have recently been flooded.

• Check regularly on outdoor pets to make sure their area is free of floodwater.

• Avoid wild animals that have been displaced by floodwaters and remind children never to approach a wild animal.

• Check on elderly and homebound neighbors and relatives to make sure they are safe and aware of the dangers posed by flooding.

• Practice good hygiene (hand washing) after any contact with floodwaters or items that have been in floodwater.

• Wash children’s hands frequently (especially before meals).

• Do not drive through flooded roadways and always pay attention to warning signs.

• If you become wet, seek warmth and change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Although temperatures are currently above freezing, they are low enough to pose the risk of hypothermia.

Once floodwaters have receded and cleanup has begun, the department recommends the following precautions:

• Keep all children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

• If re-entering a home or building for the first time after a flood – especially if there is still standing water – be alert for possible electrical shocks.

• Ensure that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working as fires, gas leaks, and gas buildups are more common in these situations.

• Be alert for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The most common symptoms are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. They are often described as “flu-like”. Carbon monoxide can cause you to pass out and too much can kill you.

• Do not allow children or pets to play with toys that have been contaminated by floodwater until after the toys have been disinfected.

• When cleaning up base-

DRUG

Continued from A10

Free well water testing

If your home uses well water, it must be tested to make sure it has not been contaminated. DO NOT DRINK ANY

WELL WATER UNTIL YOU ARE SURE IT IS SAFE. The Saint Louis County Department of Public Health is offering free well water testing through January 20 for those affected. For information about the free well water testing, visit www. stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/FreeWellWaterTesting

Food service cleanup

A fact sheet to help guide cleanup efforts at www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Health/Food%20Center/Flood.pdf

Update Tetanus shots

The Saint Louis County Department of Public Health also recommends that people consider getting a tetanus booster if it has been more than 10 years since the last one. Tetanus boosters are available at each of the department’s three clinics:

Main Health Campus (John C. Murphy Health Center) 6121 North Hanley Road Berkeley, MO 63134

North Central Community Health Center

4000 Jennings Station Road St. Louis, MO 63121

South County Health Center 4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard Sunset Hills, MO 63127

For more information about the three health centers, including hours of operation and the process for walk-in immunizations, please visit: www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HealthCentersandMedicalServices

ments or other flood-affected areas, wear waterproof rubber boots, gloves, and goggles. Avoid ingestion of any floodwater. Use bleach to disinfect and sanitize affected areas and use standard precautions while using bleach (avoid skin contact, inhalation, or

that it causes inflammation and it causes cirrhosis,” Randall added. In cirrhosis, normal liver cells are replaced with scar tissue. It gets worse over time and becomes life threatening. To avoid eating your way onto an already full transplant list, Dr. Randall has some advice.

“You’ve got to watch what you eat, how much you eat, exercise; stay away from things with lots of sugar – sodas, candy, high fructose corn syrup-containing foods,” Randall said. “It is really important that we read what’s on the label of foods that we eat.” Additionally, the aversion

ingestion).

• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items,

to going to seeing doctors does not bode well.

“If you go 10, 20 years without good health care, or even access to health care, then we tend to see on the health care side, some of the extreme of complications of people’s liver disease,” Randall described. “They’ve had it longer without medical attention. Whether that is income- related or some of it is access to care;

books, wall coverings, and most paper products).

• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or floodwaters.

• Thoroughly clean all hard

some of it is how we do or don’t access health care ourselves. Men tend to do worse than women in accessing health care.”

Randall asks everyone to designate themselves as organ donors.

“It bet you there is somebody out there who knows or has a family member that has kidney disease, who is eventually going to be referred either

surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.

• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands). Or, you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of 0.75 milliliters of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of ¼ teaspoon (1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.

• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

For more information about home cleanup following a flood, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/ disasters/floods/cleanupwater. asp.

• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.

to us or another program for a transplant,” he said. “It’s good for people to try and live healthy. Live healthy if you need to donate an organ to someone else. You yourself may need an organ one day, so be mindful of that in terms of organ donation and accessing health care.” And he said, don’t be afraid to go to the doctor. “Some people are afraid, ‘they are going to tell me bad news,’” Randall said. “Nope – not necessarily bad news if you find out early and make some modifications to try and live a nice, long, healthy life.”

For information on becoming a donor, visit Mid-America Transplant Services at www. mts-stl.org.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

‘Ferguson Effect’ reframed

A few months after the police killing of Mike Brown, St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson uttered a completely baseless phrase that was readily picked up by conservative media and right-wingers. Chief Dotson coined the phrase the “Ferguson Effect,” describing it as a “current surge in lawlessness” caused by “the intense agitation against American police departments over the past nine months.”

As a political observer, I choose to reframe the terms, especially since there’s no data to back up the theory that police were hesitant to pursue criminals because of the heightened scrutiny by the public.

I call the “Ferguson Effect” the planned and spontaneous resistance by people, especially black and brown people, to white supremacy in its many forms. The contradiction in my theory is that I cannot absolutely prove that these actions would have happened without the Ferguson Uprising. Still, I assert that my Ferguson Effect has more credibility than Dotson’s assertion.

The Ferguson Uprising represented a defining moment for black people in the country. It propelled the mantra “Black Lives Matter!” as a national rallying cry and the collective avowal of no more business as usual.

In the St. Louis area, we know police have not been timid in their policing methods.

n I call the “Ferguson Effect” the planned and spontaneous resistance by people, especially black and brown people, to white supremacy.

Less than two weeks after Mike Brown’s killing and in the midst of the Ferguson Uprising, Kajieme Powell was killed by St. Louis police. Then there was VonDerrit Meyers Jr., Isaac Holmes, Ladarius Williams, Thomas Allen, Michael Willis, Antonio Martin and Mansur Ball-Bey. Does it look like police were shy about pulling the trigger as the nation talked about the rising number of police killings of mainly unarmed black men?

A few African-American players on the Ram’s team coming out on the field with raised hands. The Baltimore community’s response to the death of Freddie Gray. The Mizzou protests by ConcernedStudent1950. The no-confidence vote of Chief Dotson by the St. Louis Ethical Society (black police). The forced insertion of Black Lives Matters activists into the campaigns of the Democratic presidential candidates. The forced resignation of Chicago’s police chief. There are many more, but these are some of my examples of the Ferguson Effect – people refusing to accept the continued assault on black communities by those in power.

Chief Dotson’s theory has

been discounted, refuted and debunked on many levels by scholars and agencies who track and analyze data. No data support the double-edged theory that police became more timid in their crime-fighting tactics and that a national wave of lawlessness resulted because police could not do their jobs. Groups like the Brennan Institute and the Sentencing Project have issued reports that tell a different story about the downward trend of crime and the increase of police assaults and killings.

The stats tell us that the number of police killed in the line of duty by citizens pale in comparison to the number of police-involved killings.

Unless there is acknowledgment of racist, ineffective policing, the tensions between police and communities of color are unlikely to decrease. New policies and procedures are necessary, such as body cameras. Just as important to the equation of trust and accountability are consequences for police behavior on both an individual and department level. This means that police will be subject to demotions and no merit pay when they engage in overzealous policing.

Prosecutors need to try to take cases of police crimes all the way to convictions and sentencing. By now, the public knows that arrests and indictments raise false hopes if prosecutors are unwilling to work for a conviction.

The new year can truly bring something new, different and better. But only if the starting point is a consensus on where we are with policing and why we’re there. Ignoring or sanitizing the facts will only keep us in a vicious cycle.

Contributing Writer: Courtney M. Baxter, 2015 – 16 Romare Bearden Graduate Fellow

St. Louis native and iconic American poet Maya Angelou once called East St. Louis poet Eugene Redmond “black America’s greatest love poet and master storyteller.” While Redmond’s recent work speaks of love, his poetry, academic life, and activism has always been committed to Black American culture and its African roots, as well as his hometown of East St. Louis. It is no wonder that he has been East St. Louis’ poet laureate, the city’s honored and official poet, since 1976.

On January 15th, the Saint Louis Art Museum will host its annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration, a free event commemorating the legacy of Dr. King. This year the theme is A Time to Speak, A Time to Act honors Julian Bond; an activist, politician, and protégé to King who passed away in 2015. The spoken-word tribute to Bond will be presented by Redmond; a fitting pairing considering both men’s commitment to uplifting Black Americans and education.

Eugene Redmond was influenced by the church that his grandmother was so deeply invested in but also by the grittier side of East St. Louis and its blues and jazz scene. Redmond would later be mentored by one-time East St. Louis resident, dance choreographer, educator, and activist Katherine Dunham.

Redmond’s love of writing blossomed in high school where he used his talents to write doo wop lyrics and work on his high school’s newspaper and yearbook committees. He continued his writing while serving as a U.S. Marine and later attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) where he became the university newspaper’s first Black student editor and one of its writers. Before graduating from SIUE, he also co-founded the newspaper, the East St. Louis Monitor By the end of the 1960s, Redmond had earned two degrees in English literature -- with a Master’s degree from Washington University

in St. Louis. He published Drumvoices: the Mission of Afro-American Poetry and was awarded the honor of East St. Louis Poet Laureate in 1976. Redmond has written or edited numerous books, journals and anthologies as well as been awarded for his writing. He has also made a mark as an educator and his contributions to the Black Arts Movement were recently recognized with the newly opened Eugene B. Redmond Collection and Learning Center at SIUE’s Lovejoy Library. The Center houses over 50 years of photographs, writings, and magazines collected by Redmond. Please join the Art Museum as we celebrate the legacies of Rev Dr. Martin Luther King and Julian Bond with poet Eugene Redmond and musical performances by Shalom Church “City of Peace” Next Generation Choir. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Celebration

Saint Louis Art Museum The Farrell Auditorium Friday, January

Eugene Redmond
Columnist Jamala Rogers

WEEK 18

an ongoing

take very

toward being

environmentally-friendly.

participate

GET JUNK OUT OF YOUR TRUNK

As we all know, gas is getting more and more expensive. Every summer we watch the prices climb right at the time we drive the most. In the long run we need to completely cut out our use of fossil fuels, but in the meantime we can make one small change to make our vehicles as energy efficient as possible.

One way to help, even if it seems small, is to clean out any unnecessary items from the car. All of that weight slows down the car and burns even more gas: for every 100 pounds removed from a car, the fuel economy is increased by 1-2 percent! That percentage is even higher for smaller cars and saves you at least $0.50 per gas station trip. That might sound like a tiny amount but over a year the average American will save around 10 gallons of gasoline by making this one small change.

ONE SMALL CHANGE is
series that challenges us to
small steps
more
If we all
then ONE SMALL CHANGE can make a big difference! participate, then ONE SMALL CHANGE can make a big difference!

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Drink Water!

New Year, New You!

Do It For A Cause!

Nutrition Challenge:

Nutrition Challenge:

Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. This helps prevent overeating, it improves digestion and it’s even good for your skin!

This time of year many people make New Year’s resolutions. A resolution is simply a promise you make to yourself of ways that you would like to improve your life in the new year. So for 2016, why not make a resolution to eat healthier? Try adding a healthy new habit every few weeks or so. Here are a few ideas (from past Healthy Kids features) to get you started.

Exercise Challenge:

Another healthy change you can make for yourself with the new year is to be more active. Staying active not only helps keep your heart healthy, but it burns calories, improves your brain functioning and helps you feel better — the more you do!

Some reminders:

> Try to have at least 30

This time of year there are many different charity walks and fundraisers. Find out how you and your family can get involved. Perhaps you can take “pledges” to raise money for an organization like the American Heart Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Many of these are 5K which stands for 5

The new year brings a fresh start. Plan on making 2016 your best year yet! Try letting go of the problems you may have faced last year and look forward to a new year with excitement and hope. Here are a few ways to stay positive.

> Make a list of all of the good things that happened for you in 2015.

> What are some goals you’d like to achieve in 2016?

What are some other tips you’ve learned?

Learning Standards:

Try this Get in the habit of filling a glass full of water every time you feel thirsty. Don’t drink anything else until you’ve finished the water! This will greatly increase the amount of water you drink and

HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

minutes of physical activity each day that increase your heart rate (60 minutes is even better).

> Warm up, stretch and cool down before and after exercising.

kilometers; this is just a little over 3 miles. You should always start slowly and build up your strength, speed and endurance. You could begin by walking a mile every day, then try walking three blocks and running one.

> Start off slowly and increase time, distance, and speed as you feel stronger.

> Select one or two of those goals and make a list of specific steps you can take to accomplish your new year goals.

If someone is hurt, sick, or in danger, calling 911 can get help on its way. 911 is designed to bring aid from emergency services personnel (firefighters, police officers and paramedics). As a class, discuss when you should (and should not) call 911.

> Always remember — you can’t change others, you can only change yourself and how you react. So focus on yourself and how you can have a happy 2016!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, NH 1, NH 7

New Year’s Resolutions

reduce the amount of sugary drinks you consume throughout the day.

1. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. 2. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less fried foods and sweet snacks. 3. Eat slowly and stop as soon as you feel full.

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

Kristopher Vaughn, Registered Nurse-Emergency Department

> Check with your doctor before starting a brand new exercise program.

> Drink lots of water when you’re working out. Discuss some of the ways you can keep active during the cold winter months.

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

Healthy Snacks

Keep this up until you can switch that to running three and walking one block. Eventually you’ll be able to run the full mile. But of course, if running’s not your thing, you can always walk the 5K instead. Just make sure you walk briskly (quickly) to increase your heart rate while raising money for charity.

Learning Standards:

Healthy Snacks

Tuna-topped Carrots

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Where do you work? I work at Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville, Illinois. Where did you go to school? I graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. I earned an LPN degree from Beck Area Career Center in Red Bud, Illinois, and my RN degree from Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois.

Where do you work? I work for Provident, a community counseling agency that provides individual, group and family counseling to adults and children.

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Hazelwood East High School and earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.

What does an emergency department registered nurse do? I speak with doctors and correlate patient care with other departments. I obtain blood samples to take to the lab to see what is going on inside your body, and give medications to patients, when needed.

What does a school-based services supervisor do? I am a licensed professional counselor who helps kids stay out of trouble in school by providing a safe place for them to talk about their feelings and frustrations.

Why did you choose this career? I love helping people and making them feel better. I like learning about the body and the different things your body does to try to correct problems that you may have during your life.

Ingredients: Large carrot (cut into ¼ in diagonal slices), 1 6-oz Can of tuna (packed in water, drained), 2 Green onions, chopped (optional), 1 Tbsp Low-fat mayonnaise

Directions: Mix last three ingredients. Top carrot slices with the tuna mixture or use as a dip for the carrots. You can also use peppers strips, cucumber slices or celery sticks.

Why did you choose this career? Ever since I worked for the Division of Youth Services, I’ve been drawn to working with Kids who are more challenging. It’s important to me that they have a voice and someone that will listen to them.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of the job is saving lives and putting smiles back on the faces of people who were sick.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

I get to help kids poke holes in their overflowing cup so that they can be happier, healthier people. I also get to support teachers and administrators educating our children, despite the barriers.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Problem Solving

What do all great scientists have in common? They are skilled critical thinkers and problem solvers. Just like you can train your body and your muscles to work more effectively, you can also train your mind to think more critically.

Give your brain a work out with mazes, brain teaser riddles, Sudoku puzzles, math equations, etc. Read mystery books and learn to look for clues and make predictions. Look for patterns. Patterns are everywhere—colors, numbers, letters, etc. When you identify patterns, your brain can make connections quickly and easily. Think of different uses for

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Background Information:

In this experiment, you will see if you can walk on air. What is your hypothesis? Do you think it is possible to walk on air? Support your answer with specific reasons and details.

Materials Needed:

• Garbage Bag Filled with Air

• Balloons Filled with Air

• Balloons Filled with Water • Tape • 4 24” by 24”

Cardboard Squares

Procedure:

q Make two strong platforms by gluing two pieces of cardboard together so that the grooves (lines) in the cardboard are going in the opposite directions.

w Try standing on one of your platforms supported by a garbage bag filled with air. (Take caution and make sure to have a partner help you balance or stand near a wall.) Does it hold your weight?

e Now try balloons filled with air. Predict which will hold your weight better.

r Start out standing on one of your platforms supported by a

common everyday items, such as a paperclip. How many different uses can you discover?

Ask yourself questions, such as how many different ways can you stack a set of blocks? Which way would give you the tallest structure? Which way would give you the strongest structure? Keep an open mind and be flexible as you consider your options. Practice this process often. Brainstorm a list. Set a timer and see how many ideas you can generate. Then, select your best three choices and develop a hypothesis that you can test.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text to self connections. Did you know

bunch of balloons. The balloons stay in place best if you sandwich them between two platforms. Try taping the balloons to the bottom platform and then putting the second platform on top.

t Have a friend pop one balloon at a time. What happens when the balloons pop? How few balloons still support your weight?

Extension: Try the same thing with balloons filled with water. Be sure you do this testing somewhere that can get really wet. Analyze: Which holds your weight better, balloons filled with water or balloons filled with air? Which substance can hold your weight with the fewest balloons? Why do you think one works better than the other?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can create a hypothesis and analyze results. I can draw conclusions.

African-American Mechanical Engineer & Inventor

Ruth J. Miro was born on February 4, 1960, in New York City and grew up in the Bronx. She attended New York’s Monroe Business College to study business and e-commerce. Miro received patent #6,113,298 on September 5, 2000, for her improved paper ring design. A press release to promote her new product stated, “These new and improved paper rings are ideal for business professionals, especially authors, students, and schools. There is an increased excitement over the range of functions it serves. They can be used for sorting, filing [loose leaf] papers, index cards, recipe cards, photo pages, memos and much more… RJ Miro paper rings come in an array of colors such as Red, Black, Green, White, Blue and Gold.” She also received patent #6,764,100 for a stationery organizer and is the founder of RJMiro, which designs and sells supplies for the school, office, and home.

Miro is a member of the International Association of Black Millionaires and the National Association for Female Executives. She has received recognition and many awards, including Empire Who’s Who, Manchester Who’s Who, and Cambridge Who’s Who. The Wall of Tolerance gave her an award for her public stance against hate and intolerance. (The Wall of Tolerance is located in the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, Alabama.)

In addition to her business accomplishments, Miro supports literacy by donating money to various educational charities and authors. She features authors on her business website to promote their work. She states, “I would like to see more African American stores buying and selling African American products.”

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I can make text to world connections.

= ______

v Write the sentence as an equation. b decreased by 150 is 221

b Write the sentence as an equation. z multiplied by 280 is 179

n Write the sentence as an equation. 72 is equal to z divided by 369

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

Creative Predictions for Jobs: Review the Help Wanted section in the Classified ads. What characteristics do the employers seek—experience, dependability, etc.? Which characteristics seem to be the most important to employers? What job do you think you are best suited for? Why? Write a paragraph explaining what skills and characteristics you have that will make you a good employee.

Activity Two —

Who Am I? Riddles: Fold a piece of paper in half. On the outside flap, write a riddle about a character of a newspaper story. Paste the newspaper article on the inside, highlighting the character’s name and characteristics used to create the riddle. Share the riddle with your classmates.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can draw conclusions. I can use character traits and think critically.

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and
person to use a stapler was King Louis XV of France?
McNair Elementary School 5th grade teacher, Ms. Chilton, works with students Tonya Hines, Kahari Evans, and Kaden Kruger as they enjoy a holiday-themed newspaper activity as part of The St. Louis American’s NIE Program. McNair Elementary is in the Hazelwood School District. Photo provided by Ms. Chilton.

Kroenke hungers for land of sun and money

It’s official: Rams owner Stan Kroenke wants the St. Louis Rams to become the Los Angeles Rams again. But, as expected, he’s not the only NFL owner with his eyes on the lucrative L.A. market.

“Three teams – the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, and San Diego Chargers – each submitted applications to our office today to relocate their franchises to the Los Angeles area beginning with the 2016 season,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement. “Each team submitted the appropriate documentation in support of its application as required by the NFL Policy and Procedures for Proposed Franchise Relocations.”

If the Rams get the nod, they have played their last game in St. Louis. “The relocation would be effective for the 2016 NFL League Year,” the team said in a terse statement on its website.

The three teams’ applications will be reviewed this week by league staff and committees, McCarthy stated. The applications will then be presented for consideration at next week’s league meeting in Houston on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The local NFL stadium task force said they expected this move from Kroenke.

“It’s why we started working in November 2014 to produce a viable St. Louis stadium proposal for consideration by the Rams and the National Football League,” the task

force said in a statement. “That proposal was delivered last week to the NFL and team owners, and we feel extremely confident that it will be well received as the league weighs its options in the weeks ahead.” To head for the land of sun and money, Kroenke will need votes from three-fourths of the NFL’s owners. He is up against a competing proposal that would have the Chargers and the Raiders both playing in Carson, California.

As St. Louis Public Radio noted, the stadium financing plan requires $250 million from an NFL owner to go forward. Given the Rams’ relocation proposal submitted to the NFL, which the Post-Dispatch reported, he has less than zero faith in St. Louis as an NFL city and it’s difficult to imagine him putting up a quarter of a billion dollars to build a new stadium here. He can keep the Rams in the Edward Jones Dome – a stadium he scorns in his relocation proposal – in a year-to-year lease instead.

Though city legislators –led by aldermanic President Lewis Reed – passed a bill that approves the City of St. Louis’ role in the financing proposal, Comptroller Darlene Green would still need to issue the bonds. Also, there is opposition in the state Legislature to the state floating bonds for the project, as Gov. Jay Nixon has vowed the state will do.

“We don’t support the issuance of state bonds or state financing without legislative

approval or without a vote of the people,” House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said last week, according to St. Louis Public Radio.

“And that’s not a reflection on whether I’d like to see the NFL stay in St. Louis. I believe St. Louis is and should remain a NFL-caliber city. But that’s a different question than the one that exists about whether the governor should have the power to obligate the people of this state to 30 years’ worth of debt without the legislature having any say in that process.”

If you agree that “St. Louis is and should remain a NFLcaliber city,” then don’t read the Rams’ relocation proposal. Kroenke threw every insult in the book at the city, short of saying its collective breath stinks.

Though The American endorsed Reed’s efforts to steer passage of the stadium financing bill, because of the investment it would bring to the city and the minority inclusion plan that Reed and his fellow black aldermen negotiated, we warned you all about this Kroenke guy and his losing

In the Rams’ relocation proposal to the NFL, owner Stan Kroenke threw every insult in the book at St. Louis, short of saying its collective breath stinks.

football team.

“Unfortunately for the task force trying to keep an NFL franchise in downtown St. Louis, the current NFL owner here, Stan Kroenke, is ruthless, opaque and self-interested even by NFL owner standards,” The American’s December 17 editorial noted. “Further, his current franchise in St. Louis, a transplant from southern California called the Rams, is a terrible football team, even by the reduced standards of the contemporary NFL, a league with an on-field talent pool diluted by expansion and incessant injuries, some with debilitating long-term effects.”

McClellan wrong

“President Barack Obama is from Illinois. St. Clair County wins.”

This pearl of wisdom comes from Bill McClellan, Post-Dispatch curmudgeon columnist. What “St. Clair County wins,” according to Grouchy Bill, is the competition to host the new National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA) West facility. A site in North St. Louis adjacent to the former Pruitt-Igoe site and a corn field near Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, Illinois, are two of four sites under consideration by the federal agency.

McClellan assumes that shoveling pork to his home state would be the main motivator for a term-limited president who will likely live in New York, New York –not Chicago, Illinois – once he steps down from the big show. This same president’s administration has been doing a lot of investing in the St. Louis region since the Ferguson unrest, including designations for a Promise Zone designation and Strong Cities Strong Communities.

As for Missouri, its congressional delegation has a member on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee (U.S. Senator Roy Blunt) and a Senate defense authorizer, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill – who is a staunch ally of the president, as is U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, whose 1st Congressional District is home to the city’s proposed NGA West site.

And why would the Democrat president want to dish this mega-dollar project to a Republican senator and congressman in Illinois who are up for re-election in 2016?

We say: “President Barack Obama will not yank an economic lifeline from a struggling urban center with a Democratic base in which his administration has already made key investments. St. Louis wins.”

The NGA’s director, Robert

Cardillo, is expected to make a final decision about where the agency will relocate in April.

Eminent domain underway

Meanwhile, just before the New Year, the city’s Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority filed its eminent domain petition to acquire land needed for its NGA West bid in St. Louis circuit court. It names about 30 individuals, but only nine people actually live within the proposed site. St. Louis Development Corporation executive director Otis Williams told St. Louis Public Radio that no one named in the suit is opposed to selling to the city.

“These are definitely title issues or related to title issues,” he said. However, Williams said, there are a handful of property owners who are holding out and a series of suits will be filed soon. “There will be subsequent filings and then there will be a request for consolidation at some point,” Williams said. “The most important piece of the puzzle is to show that we have one owner of the property so that we can then transfer the property to the NGA if we are selected.”

The initial lawsuit has been assigned to Judge David Dowd, who will decide after a hearing whether the city has the authority to use eminent domain, St. Louis Public Radio reported. The St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved using condemnation to force land sales earlier this year and passed resolutions naming specific land owners this fall. If the judge finds the city has eminent domain authority, he will appoint three commissioners to view the properties, hear testimony and decide the amount the city should pay. All three commissioners must own property in St. Louis, and one must be a real estate expert. If either the city or a land owner appeals the commissioners’ findings, a full jury would then determine the land’s value. But eminent domain attorney Gerard Carmody told St. Louis Public Radio that an appeal would not hold up the city’s efforts to win the NGA West bid.

Business

JANUARY

Freedman’s Bank and blacks’ distrust of government

Renaming Treasury Annex is reminder of need to continue historic bank’s mission

For The St. Louis American

This week, on January 7, U.S. Treasury

Secretary Jack Lew will rename the Treasury Annex Building as the “Freedman’s Bank Building,” in conjunction with the bank’s 150th anniversary. The building sits on the same place where the original Freedman’s Bank was located, on Pennsylvania Avenue, just across the street from the White House.

The mere existence of the Freedman’s Bank answers the age-old question of why generation after generation of African Americans do not trust government institutions.

In a 2014 survey of low income communities

n This history has had a ripple effect of sorts, as many African Americans today are unbanked or underbanked.

of color and their banking habits, it was discovered that over 50 percent of people of color learn lessons about finances, good or bad, from family. If your parents kept their money in their mattress or used money orders to pay all of their bills, then you are more likely to as well. The history of the Freedman’s Bank gives African Americans an all-too-poignant lesson

about trusting banks and the federal government.

After Emancipation, President Abraham Lincoln felt it was government’s “benevolent desire to aid in the financial inclusion of blacks.” Republicans were divided on how to achieve this. Radical Republicans promoted complete economic inclusion, while conservatives thought inclusion should be a gradual process. Whatever their differences, they agreed on one thing: In order to be politically and economically equal, blacks needed education and wealth.

On March 3, 1865, President Lincoln founded the Freedman’s Savings Bank. Its unique feature was that it was the only savings bank chartered

ESL interim city manager lays off seven employees

City trims staff to reduce nearly $6M budget deficit

East St. Louis started 2016 under new management. Longtime city employee Edith Moore became the Metro East city’s fourth city manager in six months on the Monday after Christmas. While the position is temporary, Moore wasted no time taking action. She notified seven city employees last week that they were being laid off.

n This latest round of layoffs brings the total to 23 confirmed layoffs and the elimination of at least one position in the last four months.

“We’re trying to trim the budget wherever we can whenever we can,” Moore said, noting that the city has been letting staff go for several months in an attempt to reduce a nearly $6 million budget deficit. “It will continue.”

This latest round of layoffs brings the total to 23 confirmed layoffs and the elimination of at least one position in the last four months. The number of layoffs bumps up to 24 if you include the city council’s decision to fire Alvin Parks Jr. as city manager.

According to the Belleville News-Democrat, public works director Roy Mosley Jr. is one of the seven employees losing a job. But Moore

Darryl Munden was promoted to president of Rx Outreach, the nation’s largest nonprofit, mail-order pharmacy. He was part of the founding leadership team and has served as the chief operating officer since 2010. Michael Holmes, who has led the organization since its spin-off from Express Scripts, will transition to the role of chairman of the board.

LaWanda Jones received an MS&T Alumni Merit Award from Missouri S&T University. She serves as project lead, corporate marketing manager and business development for ABNA Engineering. The award is presented for outstanding achievement or service to the campus or the alumni association. In 1995, she established the No Payne No Gain Scholarship Endowment for African-American students at S&T.

Robert Mock was appointed Charlotte campus president of Johnson & Wales University in North Carolina. The Urbana, Illinois native is a 1990 alumnus of the School of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he earned a bachelor’s in industrial engineering and minors in physics and math.

Carol Daniel was elected to the Board of Directors of YWCA Metro St. Louis. She is a news anchor for KMOX Radio. YWCA provides Head Start/Early Head Start, housing for women in need, crisis intervention and counseling for victims of sexual assault, economic empowerment for single mothers, leadership and business training for teens, and diversity training and awareness.

John Robinson was elected to the Board of Directors of The Concordance Academy of Leadership. He is founder of Gateway Cremation and Funeral Services and former board member at Project COPE. In partnership with the Concordance Institute for Advancing Social Justice, the academy is a public, private and academic initiative focused on lowering incarceration rates in the country.

Jacqueline Dyer was recognized as an Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan by St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System. She taught elementary school for 42 years. She tutors children three days a week, sings with the St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON Chorus, volunteers with Centennial Christian Church and participates in a book club that aims to create bridges across racial polarization.

On the move? Congratulations! Send your professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican.com

Darryl Munden
Robert Mock
Carol Daniel
John Robinson
LaWanda Jones
Camille Phillips
Of St. Louis Public Radio
See ANNEX, B2
Jacqueline Dyer
St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones speaking at Money Smart Week in 2014.
Edith Moore, interim city manager for East St. Louis, signed an ordinance under the direction of City Clerk Dorene Hoosman on Monday, January 4.
Photo by Wiley Price
B6
Photo by Camille Phillips / St. Louis Public Radio

Personal Finance

College-planning calendar for parents and students

Preparing your kids for college isn’t just about the money you’ve put aside for tuition, room and board. It’s about making deadlines, making the right choices and making sure your teen has the proper life and money skills to make college a success. Consider a collegeplanning calendar you and your university-bound student can follow. Here are some seasonal activities to consider adding to yours:

Winter No matter how you’ve prepared financially for your teen’s college education, kick off the year with a visit to a qualified financial and tax professional. You might also consider paying for a separate advisory session for your teen so they know how to handle money before they leave for college. January is also a good month to learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA (https://fafsa.ed.gov), as it’s best to fill out the form right after Jan.1 to avoid missing out on available federal and state (https://fafsa.ed.gov/ deadlines.htm) aid going into your teen’s freshman year. That first FAFSA filing will give you an idea of what your Effective Family Contribution (EFC) (http:// www.practicalmoneyskills. com/collegeaid) will be. Consult trusted friends and family members for their advice on affording college and strategies to secure grants and scholarships. Resources like FinAid.org and Edvisors. com are good resources for ways to afford college, but it also helps to have face-to-face expertise. Start evaluating potential schools with your teen. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and

Fall is the season for college admissions tests, but for students with extra time before graduation, it’s also the season for test prep.

Transparency Center (http:// collegecost.ed.gov) features a range of calculators and resources to help you narrow down school choices with the chance for your teen to secure the most scholarships and grants – money that doesn’t have to be paid back.

Spring Springtime is a good season to start talking about summer jobs and internships (http:// www.practicalmoneyskills. com/summerjob) that will make for a more attractive college application. Internship

application periods may be year-round with many deadlines happening in the gall. If you are expecting your teen to contribute some part of their earnings or savings for future college costs, it’s worthwhile to review earning, spending, budgeting, tax and savings fundamentals they’ll need to manage money in school.

Also, if your teen hasn’t been exposed to banking on a regular basis, it’s time. Work with them to compare fees and services on various checking and savings accounts and

consider whether it might be wise for you to bank with the same institution to allow for easier transfer of necessary funds from your account to theirs. Also encourage them to find an organized way of keeping track of their finances on paper, on computer or online (https://www.mint. com).

Summer Summer is a time for fun, but it’s also a good time to research potential schools and scholarship programs and even take a quick campus

tour. The U.S. Department of Education’s scholarship site (https://studentaid.ed.gov/ sa/types/grants-scholarships/ finding-scholarships) offers basic guidance in finding such money and local companies and organizations – including places where your teen can work or intern – may offer local awards. If your teen is heading into their senior year, the fall is going to be busy. Get admissions test dates and college admissions deadlines down on your calendar as soon as possible. Also budget

for college application fees as well as fees for admissions prep tests and the main SAT or ACT tests (more on that below) which may cost well in excess of $50 based on which test – or tests – your teen needs to take.

Fall Fall is the season for college admissions tests, but for students with extra time before graduation, it’s also the season for test prep (http://www.usnews.com/ education/best-colleges/ test-prep). Higher-scoring students on such achievement tests generally are in a better position for admissions or certain types of financial aid. High-school sophomores take the PSAT as a primary qualification for National Merit Scholarships, but it also gives an early indication of how students may do during their junior year on their ACT or SAT test, whichever they are encouraged to take. Get your student to check directly with the colleges of their choice to see which tests they require.

Finally, the closer your teen gets to freshman year, the more specific the dates on the calendar become. For collegebound seniors, fall is the time for narrowing down college choices after visits, interviews or auditions so applications can be sent. Once acceptance letters arrive, it’s time for parents and teens to evaluate financial aid packages.

Bottom line: Creating a college-planning calendar can help you and your teen target desired schools, learn about money management and break down funding obstacles. Set it up as early as possible.

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

Free entrepreneurship program for Ferguson residents

Five weeks of Monday night classes start on January 25

Of The St. Louis American

Ferguson residents can still sign up for a free course to develop and sharpen their “entrepreneurial mindsets,” held at Lindenwood University’s North County Center in Ferguson. The course starts on January 25. Last year, the Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation donated $25,000 to the university’s Hammond Institute’s Duree Center for Entrepreneurship. The donation provides scholarships for adult students who live in the City of Ferguson to take the Ameristar “Who Owns the Ice House?” Entrepreneurship Program.

The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program aims to empower people through entrepreneurial thinking, and the participants learn from the first-hand experiences of successful realworld entrepreneurs.

ANNEX

continued from page B1

by the federal government. Pamphlets promoted the bank as Lincoln’s “Gift to the Colored People” – first Emancipation and now a savings bank.

At the height of its success, the Freedman’s Bank handled more than $75 million in deposits, made by over 75,000 depositors, equal to approximately $1.5 billion today. However, Congressional deregulation of the bank’s

“The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program will keep you from becoming overwhelmed at the prospect of starting your own business and help you feel empowered,” said Chris Prestemon, a freelance copywriter who participated in the program. “This course helps break down the hurdles of starting your own business.”

The life story of Pulitzer nominee Clifton Taulbert helped to inspire the program, and instructors discuss the eight life lessons described in the book “Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur.” The program combines narrated chalkboard presentations with video interviews and case studies featuring modern-day examples of those who, like Clifton’s Uncle Cleve, have triumphed over hardship and adversity by embracing an entrepreneurial mindset.

“The online videos,

investment policies caused its demise. Frederick Douglass tried to save the bank in 1874 by depositing $10,000 of his own money (equal to approximately $150,000 today), but by this time the bank’s reserves were exhausted. It was forced to close on June 20, 1874. When the bank closed, over 60,000 people lost over $3 million in deposits (equal to approximately $54.5 million today).

Within 10 years, this gift from President Lincoln turned into a setback that would last many generations to come. W.E.B. DuBois said the failure

in-class group dynamic, and professional guest speakers made this course a life-altering experience,” said Andrea Steward, of Banana Yummies Bakes & Burger. “I realized the fears that were preventing me from moving forward and discovered outlets to begin making necessary changes to become successful.”

The course also includes access to an online entrepreneurial learning community that enables participants and facilitators to share their knowledge and experience with other entrepreneurs and educators.

The program was created by the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiate, a partner of the Kauffmann Foundation. The Duree Center for Entrepreneurship organizes the program.

“It teaches you to recognize opportunities and how those opportunities might turn into a business for you,” said

of the Freedman’s Bank did more damage to blacks than an additional 10 years of slavery. The main lesson learned was not to trust the government.

This history has had a ripple effect of sorts, as many African Americans today are unbanked or underbanked.

Here in the city of St. Louis, nearly a third of Africans Americans surveyed in 2012 by the FDIC were unbanked and/or underbanked. It is time to change our history and begin investing in the financial empowerment of AfricanAmerican families throughout our region and across the

Darin Phelps, Lindenwood University alumnus.

The next session of the Who Owns the Ice House classes will start on Monday, January 25 and run until February 22. The classes are held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lindenwood University North St. Louis County venue, located at 45 Washington St., just behind Johnny Londoff Chevrolet. Classes will run for five weeks on Monday nights. Lindenwood will supply all the needed materials to participants in the class, and they will accept applicants until the course is filled.

For more information, contact David Rosenwasser at 636-949-4432 or via email at DRosenwasser@lindenwood. edu. To register, visit http:// www.dureecenter.org/#!icehouse-entrepreneurshipprogram/cuoi.

country. I applaud both Secretary Lew and John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation Hope, in recognizing the historical significance of the Freedman’s Bank and their work to create avenues to promote the bank’s original mission: economic integration and financial inclusion.

Tishaura O. Jones is the treasurer of the City of St. Louis. She is the first AfricanAmerican woman to hold the office in the city’s history.

n “Maybe we could be the 73-win Golden State Warriors team, which would be pretty special.”

Sports

pRep BaskeTBall noTeBook

Hazelwood C. dominates

Both boys and girls win tournaments

It was a great holiday season if you were a fan of the Hazelwood Central basketball program. The boys’ team won the championship of the Coaches vs. Cancer Holiday Tournament at Meramec for the third time in four seasons. Meanwhile, the girls’ team won the championship of the Visitation Christmas Tournament for the first time.

For the boys, it was their second tournament championship of the season. Hazelwood Central defeated Vashon to win the Vianney Tournament to start the season. At Meramec, they were the top seed in a strong field and came away with victories of Eureka, Parkway West, Webster Groves and CBC for the title. In the semifinals against Webster Groves, senior guard Steve Holloway scored a career-high 26 points in an 81-57 Hawks’ victory. Senior forward Dominique Dobbs had 23 points and 12 rebounds as Central defeated No. 2 seed CBC 76-69 for the championship. Holloway and standout guard Xavier Sneed led the All-Tournament Team for Central.

On the girls’ side, the Hawks rode the talents of the sophomore trio of Mallory Meeks Kelsie Williams and Kourtney White to the Visitation title. In the championship game against Parkway North, Meeks and Williams scored 14 points each to lead Central to a 50-43 victory. Meeks scored 14 points while Williams added eight points in the Hawks’ 42-35 victory over Ursuline in the semifinals. The Hawks are now 11-2 after their tournament championship.

Jayson goes for 46 Chaminade College Prep All-American Jayson Tatum

St. Louis would be a great site for future Celebration Bowls

~ See

The St. Louis Rams ended the season with a 19-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. The Rams entered the game with a 7-8 record with hopes of at least finishing the last month of the schedule 4-0, and prevent another losing season. But, as usual with the Rams, they couldn’t seem to get out of their own way.

There is no rationale for them playing down to a 49ers team that was sitting at 4-11 and on the verge of firing their own head coach Jim Tomsula. The Rams looked flat, especially on defense. The tackling was poor, and gap assignments were non-existent. 49ers running back DuJuan Harris popped some big runs at the right time and led all rushers in the game. The Rams had something to play for besides their jobs for the 2016 season. Yet they can’t get over that proverbial hump. Rams players kept pretty much the same mantra about their love for playing for coach Jeff Fisher from jump. And I don’t doubt one second the love these players have for Fisher. He’s been tabbed a “Players Coach,” but that hasn’t translated to a damn thing, honestly. For the fourth straight season under Fisher, the Rams underachieved and were at times just flat-out undisciplined. That’s one of the main reasons why they are watching playoffs, instead of competing. All we’ve gotten was a tease of the possibility of .500 football, and that seems to be just enough for Jeff Fisher to get by. Rams owner Stan Kroenke was not going to fire Fisher no matter what his record was. Judging by what he’s paying Fisher, it accumulates to $1 million per win, because that’s what he’s making – $7 million per season.

Fisher was excited about the progress of the team, and he should be. The Rams did a lot of good things on the

Rams owner slaps STL in the face

In the worst kept secret in the history of sports, Stan Kroenke and the St. Louis Rams (along with the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders) officially filed for relocation to Los Angeles on Tuesday. On the surface, the Rams did so in a simple, two-sentence statement that reads: “The St. Louis Rams informed the National Football League today that the Rams propose to relocate to the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The relocation would be effective for the 2016 NFL League Year.” Never mind that the Rams’ statement was much more straight-forward and dry than the Chargers’, which outlined the reasons for the filing and described the organization as being “sad to have reached this

H. Sistrunk

point.” In the actual proposal sent to the league, Kroenke showed that he intends to turn the already strained relationship with St. Louisans toxic to the point of no return – literally. The document, which was released by the Rams organization, pulls no punches in describing Kroenke’s feelings about St. Louis and the city’s proposal to give him hundreds of millions of dollars to build a shiny new stadium on the St. Louis Riverfront. “Any NFL Club that signs on to this proposal in St. Louis will be well on the road to financial ruin, and the League will be harmed,” the document reads. What seems like a low blow is actually nothing if you continue reading through the document. The Rams owner channeled his inner Drake and

With
With Ishmael H. Sistrunk
Owner Stan Kroenke and the St. Louis Rams have
bid to move the Rams back to Los Angeles. The owner plans
dollar stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
Palmer L. Alexander
Earl Austin Jr.
Sophomore guard Mallory Meeks was one of the main catalysts for Hazelwood Central in its march to the championship of the Visitation Christmas Tournament.
Photo by Lawrence Bryant

SportS EyE

St. Louis would be a great site for future Celebration Bowls

The inaugural Celebration Bowl in Atlanta provided a great game between North Carolina A&T and Alcorn State, and it could also breathe new life into faltering HBCU football programs.

A&T prevailed over Alcorn 41-34 in the December 19 game, a historic partnership between the SWAC, MEAC and ESPN. The respective conference champions declined automatic bids into the FCS playoffs to participate in the Celebration Bowl. The reward is a $1 million payout to each conference, which breaks down to $100,000 for each SWAC member and $91,000 for MEAC schools.

Alvin Reid

n The inaugural Celebration Bowl drew a 1.89 rating on ABC, second only to the Las Vegas Bowl (2.41) that featured bitter rivals BYU and Utah.

To pocket that kind of cash, both teams would have had to advance deep into the FBS playoffs. Should either A&T or Alcorn want to host an FBS playoff game, a $30,000 minimum bid would have to be submitted. With an 11 a.m., kickoff on the first Saturday of NCAA bowl season, the game was one of the most-watched on television that day – something that had to impress the bottom-line folks at ESPN.

According to ShowBuzz Daily, the thrilling game drew a 1.89 rating on ABC, second

only to the Las Vegas Bowl (2.41) that featured bitter rivals BYU and Utah. Arizona vs. New Mexico in the New Mexico Bowl (ESPN 1.40), Ohio vs. Appalachian State in the Camellia Bowl (ESPN 1.37) and the New Orleans Bowl featuring Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech (ESPN 0.95) all trailed the Celebration Bowl in viewership. Its broadcast success should be credited to ESPN for showing the game nationwide on ABC, and to Rob King, the AfricanAmerican senior vice president of SportsCenter and news for ESPN. King oversees SportsCenter and all ESPN news gathering. Upon his order, SportsCenter coverage of the day’s bowl games was centered in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome. What does this mean for St. Louis?

“If the site of the game came open for bid, we would certainly look at it,” said Chris Roseman, St. Louis Sports Commission vice president – events. Roseman said the organization “has been looking to get in the bowl business for 20 years and it’s tough.” With ESPN guaranteeing the payouts for the conferences, one of the major

hurdles could be cleared. Of course, Atlanta is more geographically attractive than St. Louis for many HBCU

teams on the East Coast or in the South.

But, if there is a chance to land the game, “sure, we would be interested,” Roseman said

SLU should hire black. Saint Louis University is cobbling together one of its worst seasons in decades. Should the A-10 doormat decide to make a coaching change it is probably time to hire another African-American head coach. Recruiting is obviously a problem since the untimely death of coach Rick Majerus

No blacks in the Cards. The annual St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warmup is again being held during the Dr. Martin

RAMS

Continued from B3

football field, yet they have no tangible proof where it really counts. And that’s the win-loss column. It’s all about wins and losses. You can talk all you want about how much better the team is and what have you, but when you can’t even mentally prepare to face a fading team devoid of playmakers and QB Blaine Gabbert (Parkway West), you deserve to finish where you are. Many Rams players said

Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend. As of now, there are no black players on the team’s 25-man roster.

Shaw could coach Rams.

Willie Shaw, a former L.A. Rams star and coach when the franchise moved to St. Louis, is the father of Stanford head coach David Shaw, one of college football’s hottest coaching commodities. The younger Shaw could be the Rams’ future head coach –especially if the Rams are in L.A.

Rooney red herring.

Duce Staley, Philadelphia Eagles running back coach, interviewed for the Eagles head coaching job but the NFL reportedly thinks the Eagles

they were treating the game against the 49ers as a playoff game. Well, okay. I mean, whatever it takes. With the exception of linebacker Akeem Ayers, none of the Rams starters has any playoff experience.

Todd Gurley didn’t play against the 49ers due to a foot injury, and Tre Mason replaced him in the starting lineup. The results were not good. Mason only averaged 2.4 yards a carry, but did manage to score a rushing touchdown. At times it was looking like Mason was searching for a running lane, as if looking for a light switch in a dark room. He

are “attempting to manipulate the Rooney Rule.” It contends a legitimate minority candidate must be interviewed, and the NFL thinks there is no intention of hiring Staley.

Best black candidates.

Teryl Austin, Lions defensive coordinator, and Hue Jackson Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator and former Oakland Raiders head coach, are the leading black candidates to fill one of the six open head coaching jobs. It’s too bad the Rams aren’t in the

White

be held to fill the last two years of Sanders’ four-year term. Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on KETC channel 9’s mostpopular show “Donnybrook,” and is also a radio commentator and author.

had lanes to run through, but it looked like he was trying to set up a big run instead of taking what was there. Mason is a good RB, but you saw the difference in having Gurley as the premier back. QB Case Keenum misfired on several passes and was not in any kind of rhythm, and didn’t give the receivers a chance to make a play. It’s not often Rams receivers get open and, when they did, the football was either floating out of bounds or careening off the fingertips of TE Jared Cook twice in the game. He targeted Cook four times and missed him badly all four times. After the game, Fisher said he expects Keenum to return, according to Nate Lasch of Scout.com. I wouldn’t put a lot of stock in that. However, I will say that Keenum proved that he can manage a football game. He did post a 3-1 record and has only thrown one interception and came close to 1,000 passing yards during his short stint as starting QB.

But if he’s your starting QB in September, well, get ready, folks, for more madcap, ground-and-pound, fake-end-around plays, and take the top off the special teams defense with that gunslinger punter Johnny Hekker For more Rams Roundup, please subscribe to youtube. com/stlamericanvideo. You can also hear me on my weekly podcast @NTheZone with Arlington Lane II.

North Carolina A&T head coach Rod Broadway savors his team’s 41-34 win over Alcorn State University in the inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on Dec. 19. Both schools declined automatic bids to the FBS playoffs to participate in the game and the MEAC and SWAC conferences both landed $1 million.

Ronald Smith is Small Schools Player of the Year

2015 St. Louis All ‘American’ Small Schools Football Team

There were a lot of talented football players at the smallschool level this past season and they are represented well on the 2015 St. Louis All “American” School Schools All-Star Team. John Burroughs put together a championship season in Missouri Class 3, while Belleville Althoff made a great run to the Illinois Class 4A State Championship Game. Many of those players are represented on the AllStar Team. Two-way standout

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 fail and the team will have to go crawling back to San Diego. Kroenke’s actions show that even if he fails, he doesn’t mind alienating the STL fan base so much that make it impossible for a Kroenkeowned Rams team to succeed in St. Louis going forward. Should Kroenke’s bid lose to the joint bid of the Chargers and Raiders, it’s likely he’ll either sell the team or begin looking for the next viable market to move to as soon as an opportunity arises.

It’s a shame too. Before the Rams became terrible (and I’m talking worst five-year stretch in the history of the league terrible) the Edward Jones Dome was known as one of the loudest stadiums in football. The

PREP

Continued from B3 scored a season-high 46 points to lead the Red Devils past Huntington Prep 84-83 at the Cancer Research Classic in West, Virginia last weekend. Tatum scored the last of his 46 points in the closing seconds of overtime to give Chaminade a dramatic victory.

Althoff rolls to Collinsville Title Belleville Althoff crushed every team in its path en route to winning the championship of the Prairie Farms Collinsville Tournament championship. The Crusaders won their four games by an average margin of 29

St. Louis American Prep Athlete of the Week

The junior forward was the Most Valuable Player of the Prarie Farms Collinsville Holiday Tournament after leading the Crusaders to the championship. The 6’3” Goodwin averaged 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists in Althoff’s four convincing victories. In the title game against Decatur MacArthur, Goodwin had 18 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in the Crusaders’ 85-55 victory. For the season, Goodwin is averaging 18.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game for the 11-1 Crusaders. As a junior, Goodwin led Althoff to a berth in the Illinois Class 3A state championship game. Althoff will take on nationally-ranked Chaminade at the Highland (Ill) Shootout on Saturday evening at 8:15 p.m.

Ronald Smith of John Burroughs is the 2015 St. Louis American Small Schools Player of the Year. Here are the members of the 2015 St. Louis All “American” Small Schools Football Team.

Offense

QB – Tyler Foote (Soph.) John Burroughs

RB – Jake Bain (Soph.) John Burroughs RB – Naeem Moore (Sr.)

Cardinal Ritter

RB – Steve Webb (Jr.)

Westminster WR – Keenan Young (Sr.)

St. Louis Cardinals have shown that this mid-market team can put up big-market numbers when the organization is run properly and embraces the region instead of scoffing at it with a disgusted air of disdain.

It’ll be interesting to see how the relocation process plays out for the league. A resolution could come in within the next week or so at the Jan. 12-13 NFL owners meetings. One thing is clear though, the already strained relationship with the Rams’ head honcho and his punching bags fans will never be the same.

The President returns from prison

One of the most exciting heavyweights from the 1990s, “The President” Ike Ibeabuchi has been released from prison and immigration, and plans to resume his boxing career.

points. Althoff’s 85-55 victory over Decatur MacArthur in the championship game was a testament of its talent. Senior forward Brendon Gooch scored a team-high 21 points. Juniors Jordan Goodwin and Marvin Bateman scored 18 points apiece. Goodwin also had 14 rebounds while Bateman made five 3-pointers. Senior Tarkus Ferguson had 10 points and 11 rebounds while junior C.J. Coldon added 13 points. The Crusaders are tuning up for its showdown with Chaminade on Saturday at the Highland Shootout.

Aaron Cook dominates Senior guard Aaron Cook

Althoff WR – Dyllan Conway (Jr.)

Westminster WR – Cameron RussellClemons (Sr.) Lutheran North

TE – Ronnie Perkins (Soph.)

University City

OL – Malik Mingo (Sr.)

Lutheran North OL – Devonte Robinson (Jr.)

Affton

OL – Robert Brown (Sr.)

Lutheran North OL – Kemond Murray (Jr.)

McCluer South-Berkeley

OL – Caleb Herndon (Sr.)

University City

K – Suleman Burrows (Jr.)

John Burroughs

ATH – C.J. Coldon (Jr.)

Althoff RET – Bryce French (Soph)

Lutheran St. Charles

Defense

DL – Jaylen Bohannan (Sr.)

Soldan

DL – David Knox (Sr.)

Lutheran North

DL – Levi Stockard (Jr.)

Vashon

DL – Donnell Sharp (Soph.)

Cardinal Ritter

LB – Bryson Strong (Sr.)

Althoff

LB – Bobby Matthews (Soph.)

Ibeabuchi (20-0, 15 KO) served more than 14 years for battery and attempted sexual assault charges. Now at the age of 43, he plans to resume his boxing career.

Ibeabuchi participated in one of the most exciting

of Westminster Christian put on a show in leading the Wildcats to the championship of the MICDS Tournament. The 6’2” Cook averaged 24 points in the tournament, but saved his best performance for last as he scored 34 points in the Wildcats’ 64-53 victory over Francis Howell in the championship game.

MICDS girls four-peat

The MICDS girls won their fourth consecutive MICDS Holiday Tournament title with a 47-31 victory over St. Charles in a battle of the tourney’s top two seeds. The Rams were led by seniors Taylor Baur and Rachel Thompson. The 6’2”

MICDS

LB – Chris Allen (Sr.)

University City

LB – Jaylin Wayne (Sr.)

Vashon

DB – Ronald Smith (Sr.) John

Burroughs

DB – Bobby Sanders (Sr.)

Jennings

DB – Edwyn Brown (Jr.)

Althoff

DB – Lawrence Woods (Sr.)

McCluer South-Berkeley

AP- Chris Booker (Sr.) John

Burroughs AP – Devonte Burse (Sr.)

Affton

One of the most exciting heavyweights from the 1990s, “The President” Ike Ibeabuchi has been released from prison and immigration, and plans to resume his boxing career.

Ronald Smith is the St. Louis American Small Schools Player of the Year.

(sigh) Tim Bradley, as long as the Nevada State Commission reinstates his boxing license (which is no certainty, considering his crimes were committed in the state). It would be easy to write off Ibeabuchi after nearly 17 years of inactivity and prison, however the heavyweight division is currently in a state of limbo. Wladimir Klitschko was recently

heavyweight bouts of its time in defeating then-undefeated

David Tua via a hard-fought decision. He followed up the impressive win by turning eventual heavyweight titlist

Chris Byrd into a dizzy, slobbering knockout victim in

Baur scored 18 points while the 5’9” Thompson added 15 points.

Area teams head to Cape The Tiger Shootout will be held on Saturday at Cape Girardeau Central High in Southeast Missouri. The event features four teams from St. Louis against four teams from the SEMO region. In the first

March of 1999. That would be his final bout after an array of legal troubles. Ibeabuchi has hired Manny Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz. Rumor has it, he could appear on the undercard of Pacquiao’s final bout with

game, McCluer will face Kennett at noon; followed by Parkway South vs. New Madrid County at 1:30 p.m.; Sikeston vs. Carnahan at 3 p.m. and MICDS vs. host Cape Central at 4:30 p.m.

Some of the nation’s best players will be at the Highland (Ill) Shootout on Saturday. Here is the schedule once again: Highland vs. Triad (girls), 11 a.m.; Okawville vs. Breese Central, 1 p.m.; Hazelwood Central vs. Springfield Lanphier, 2:45 p.m.; Vianney vs. Highland, 4:45 p.m.; Father Tolton vs. Peoria Manual, 6:30 p.m.; Chaminade vs. Althoff, 8:15 p.m.

Another reminder for Highland Shootout

Jordan Goodwin
Althoff Boys Basketball

Zo’morriah Bolden was the first baby to be born in 2016 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born at 5:04 am on New Year’s Day. Her parents are Elisha McIntosh and Zephany Bolden Jr., of Ferguson, MO. Zo’morriah also has two big sisters. Congratulations to the family on the birth of their sweet baby girl.

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967 will have another 50th reunion planning meeting on February 6, 2016 from 2-4:30 p.m. at Florissant Valley Library branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., Florissant, MO 63031.

Beaumont Alumni Class 1968 will have its 48-year class

reunion will be June 11-12, 2016. Meetings for the reunion will be at Florissant Valley Library Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., S. Florissant, MO 63031, 4th Saturdays of the month. Schedule : Nov. 28, 2015, 2-5 p.m.; Jan. 23, 2016, 1-4 p.m.; Feb. 27, 2016, 1- 4 p.m. For more information call 314-869-8312.

Beaumont High School Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for July 22-24, 2016.Please send your contact information (address and phone number) to Gladys Smith at beaumont1971alumni@aol. com.

Beaumont High Class of

Celebrations

Birthdays

Dr. Anthony Holmes celebrated his 40th birthday on January 2nd at the Historic Scott Joplin House. The theme of the event was the Harlem Renaissance. Dr. Anthony Holmes is a pharmacist at BJC Healthcare.

Happy Birthday to by big brother, Michael Birdsong, who celebrates his 50th birthday on January 8. We wish you the best in life and all that you set your heart and hands to accomplish!

1984 can stay updated via our Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984”. We meet the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

Soldan High Class of 1965 presents: “On the Road Again” to Washington, DC. Cost: $479 per-person, double occupancy, 6-Days and 5-Nights, Thurs. June2- Tues. June 7, 2016. First payment due now $75 each person. For more information and reservations contact: Corinne Stuckes (636)-294-4373, Brenda Yancey (314)-830-1334 or Isaiah Hair, Jr. (314)-387-7592 email: cstukes@charter.net.

Happy 7th Birthday to our wonderful and talented son, Roman Brown! Daddy, Mommy, Ja-Ja and Nana love you!

Soldan Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for: June 17-19, 2016 at the Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa, One Ameristar Boulevard, St. Charles, Mo 63301.

Soldan Class of 1976 reunion will be held June 10-12, 2016. For more information, email soldanclassof1976@yahoo. com or Facebook: Soldan High School Class of 1976.

University City High Class of 1976 is planning its Fabulous 40th year class reunion for June 24-25, 2016. We need your contact information. Please email your information to: weareuc76@gmail.com or call the UCHS Class of 76 voicemail at 314-301-9597.

University City Class of 1981 will have its 35-year reunion will be August 5-7, 2016. Please send your contact information to Denise Weatherford -Bell at msdenise38@yahoo.com.

Vashon January and June Classes of 1966 will celebrate our 50 year reunion October 7-9, 2016 at the Hollywood Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Contact Marilyn Stuckey, Chairperson, 314-438-8338, email: masystucup@att.net or Janice Holland, Co-Chairperson, 314-727-1695, email: jholland1695@att.net for more information.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

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

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

Aeneas Williams to speak at Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Put

NFL Hall of Famer is senior pastor at The Spirit Church with services at McCluer

South-Berkeley H.S.

American staff

Aeneas Williams, who had a Hall of Fame career with the NFL’s Rams and Cardinals and is now a pastor and community leader in St. Louis, will be the featured speaker at the Missouri Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, on Thursday, January 7 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Jefferson City. The Missouri Governor’s Prayer Breakfast is an annual inter-faith observance established in the 1950s as an extension of the National Prayer Breakfast, which was first held in 1953. Its purpose, according to the governor’s office, is “to seek God’s guidance for the state’s governmental leaders at the beginning of the legislative session.”

In 1989, New Orleans-raised Aeneas Williams was a junior walk-on defensive back at Southern University. The next year, before earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he tied the NCAA Division I-AA single-season interception record. Williams was drafted in the third round of the 1991 draft by the Phoenix (later Arizona) Cardinals and became a St. Louis Ram in 2001.

During a remarkable 14-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl, eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections, Williams had chances to help some of his teammates through some of life’s rougher patches. These opportunities led him to the realization that unhappiness doesn’t come from the things in our lives, rather it comes from things missing from our lives.

Aeneas Williams made his personal commitment to Jesus Christ during his junior year at Southern University and has devoted his off-field life to sharing the wisdom and

understanding of the Word of God. Before entering the ministry, he wrote “It Takes Respect,” an inspirational insight into his passions, faith and leadership principles.

In 2007, he and his wife of 23 years, Tracy, founded The Spirit Church in St. Louis, where he serves as senior pastor.

The church (www.thespiritchurch.org ) has worship services at McCluer South-Berkeley High School, 201 Brotherton Ln. Aeneas, Tracy, their three daughters Saenea, Tirzah and Cheyenne, and son Lazarus live in Creve Coeur.

“He is a beloved St. Louis community leader and role model whose tireless service, outreach and personal counsel have changed lives,” according to the governor’s office.

“Pastor Williams has a love for people and a passion for helping each of us fulfill our full

Aeneas Williams, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame and founding pastor of Spirit Church in St. Louis, will be the featured speaker at Governor Nixon’s 2016 Prayer Breakfast.

Courtesy: The Spirit Church/ @spiritchurchstl

potential.”

On August 2, 2014, Aeneas Williams was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

In addition to Pastor Williams as the keynote speaker, the breakfast will also feature prayers, scripture verses and special music from the Jefferson City High School Chorale.

Tickets for the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast are $35 per seat or $350 per table, and may be purchased online at www. missourigpb.com. Questions about the breakfast or about ordering by mail may be sent to breakfast@missourigpb.com. Proceeds from the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast support the Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.

off your old self

Every now and then, I fall into the trap that lets me know my faith walk needs work. I do realize that I am in a constant state of effort and often come up short in what I believe should be a sincere attempt to “do it right.” At these times, I am more than a little frustrated because I can find numerous opportunities to be more Christian, as I am forced to acknowledge even more instances of un-Christian behavior.

Every day I can see things that I should have done with more compassion, people whom I should have engaged from a more Jesus like perspective and certainly thoughts that really have no business running through the mind of a so called practicing child of God. If I think about this long enough, it can really become depressing. Flawed I am and flawed I will always be.

One of the beautiful things about prayer is its unique ability to open one’s eyes to the wonderful nature of God’s eternal love for His children.

Before Being Saved (B. S.), it really didn’t matter how I responded to my own insensitivity, cruelty or petty jealousies. My ego was still intact. I would survive, because if nothing else, I am a survivor. After being saved (A. S.), however, it really began to matter how I navigated this thing we call life.

From that perspective, things like honesty, integrity, compassion, simple courtesy, truth and even the F-word, forgiveness, all, came into play. Once you’ve been enlightened by the Holy Spirit, you cannot react to this world as you once did. Scripture is clear on this. When the day of the Lord comes, we have an obligation to meet it with what I trust will be enlightened behavior; behavior built upon the foundation of love and kindness.

What I’m speaking about is not as far-fetched as it sounds. Through prayer, it becomes obvious where individual improvement can be achieved. I can’t write the entire scripture but read Ephesians 4:17-5:21 and you’ll begin to see a hint of how you can and should live. The truth is God expects your best effort. He admires and loves your diligence in seeking His face.

It’s sort of like following footprints in the snow and a huge snow storm develops. The footprints remain because they were placed there by Christ. Regardless of how fierce the storm gets, our job is to stay the course.

Prayer keeps and puts everything else then into divine focus. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24. I can do this. You can too.

Columnist James Washington

East St. Louis City Manager Alvin Parks leans over the city council table Thurs. Nov. 12, 2015 to speak to Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks.

LAY OFF

continued from page B1

declined to confirm that detail to St. Louis Public Radio on Monday. When asked for more information about the layoffs, including why she chose those seven positions, Moore said “we laid off where we needed to layoff. Personnel issues are of course issues I can’t publicly talk about.” Mosley Jr. is the son of East St. Louis Councilman Roy Mosley Sr. After being removed as public works director in July, Mosley Jr. regained the position under former city manager Alvin Parks in the fall. Parks was hired as city manager in August with Mosley Sr.’s support. Parks started 2015 as the mayor of East St. Louis, but lost the election in April and was replaced by Emeka Jackson-Hicks. In August, Councilman Mosley, Councilwoman LaToya Greenwood and Councilman Robert Eastern III voted to hire Parks as city manager over the objections of Jackson-Hicks

Then on December 28, Eastern changed his mind, joining the mayor and Councilwoman June HamiltonDean in voting to oust Parks.

“(The mayor and I) wanted to get on the same page now. I just want to make sure she gets her vision through for the city,” Eastern said on Monday.

n “Stabilizing the city is very important.

This is what external parties that hope to do business in East St. Louis are concerned about.”

– Mayor Emeka JacksonHicks

The timespan of Edith Moore’s tenure as interim city manager is unknown at the moment. But Mayor JacksonHicks said on Monday the city council wants a “fairly quick turnaround.”

“One thing we do realize at this point is stabilizing the city is very important. This is what the citizens are concerned about,” Jackson-Hicks said.

“This is what external parties that hope to do business in East St. Louis are concerned about.”

Jackson-Hicks said she’s personally looking for a city manager who is “effective and efficient” and “respected on a federal, state and local level.”

Because Parks was fired during a special city council meeting, instead of a regularly scheduled meeting, state law requires 48-hour notice to the public. The public notice went out on Christmas Eve.

According to the city clerk’s office, the public notice was posted on Christmas Eve after the employee who emails out meeting notifications had gone home. Illinois’ open meeting law only requires the notice to be posted at city hall.

“There was no real significance in it being Christmas Eve or close to the holiday,” Jackson-Hicks said. “Just the fact that it was a move that needed to be made. And (neither) the city nor the citizens could afford to wait any longer.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Follow Camille Phillips on Twitter @cmpcamille.

Financial Focus

Retirees need a ‘longevity strategy’

said it: “The future ain’t what it used to be.” And the same could be said of retirement. Due to several factors, such as advances in health care, today’s retirees are living longer, more active lives than their predecessors. In fact, you could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement – which means you need a “longevity strategy.” Such a strategy needs to be part of your overall retirement income strategy, but here are five key areas you’ll need to address:

• Lifestyle – What do you plan to do during your retirement years? Travel the world? Stay close to home and pursue your hobbies? Volunteer? Open a small business or do some consulting? Your choice of lifestyle will probably affect every aspect of your longevity strategy.

Income – Your biggest threat to an enjoyable retirement is the possibility of running out of money. This fear is apparently widespread; in a survey commissioned by Allianz, a life insurance company, more than 60% of respondents

said they were more scared of outliving their assets than they were of dying. You need to create a retirement income strategy that incorporates, among other elements, a withdrawal rate that allows you to take money from your 401(k), IRA and other investment accounts in such a manner that you don’t run out. You’ll also need to answer other key questions, such as when to take Social Security – as you may know, the longer you wait, the bigger your

Photo by Camille Phillips / St. Louis Public Radio
The late, great Yogi Berra supposedly

Cube and Hart cosign chemistry of comedy duo

“Ride Along 2,” directed by Tim Story and starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, January 15 with previews on Thursday, January 14. The film is rated PG-13.

‘Ride Along’

franchise returns to theatres next week

“The movie has great ingredients –not only our story with James trying to discourage Ben from joining his line of work, but there is also this family element with his Ben’s relationship with James’ sister,” said Ice Cube, one of the stars of the film “Ride Along 2.”

The sequel to the $150 million box office smash starring Cube and Kevin Hart hits theatres next Friday (January 15), and the two made a stop in St. Louis on their promo trail to talk about why the “Ride Along” franchise is even better the second time around.

“So you combine these two great flavors of movies and it’s like action/ comedy and this crazy romance that’s going on,” Cube said. “It has so many great elements.”

The film picks up where the complicated dynamic left off. Hart’s character Ben Barber seeks an in on his lifetime ambition of becoming a police officer by way of his girlfriend Angela’s (Tika Sumpter) older brother, Atlanta detective James Payton.

Ben has earned his way onto the police force, but once again inserts himself into James’ case to advance his career.

On screen, Ice Cube is the consummate straight man while Hart delivers his now signature brand of slapstick physical comedy. But in real life, their roles are

February 6, 1950 – December 31,

‘Unforgettable’ legacy

Grammy-Award winning singer Natalie Cole passes at 65

The music industry ushered in the New Year by mourning the loss of a cherished voice that transcended genres. R&B, jazz and pop singer Natalie Cole died last Thursday, December 31, 2015 from congestive heart failure. She was 65.

“Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honor,” her sisters, Timolin Cole and Casey Cole, and son, Robert

Yancy, said in a statement Friday. “Our beloved mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.”

Cole became a household name the day she was born thanks to her father Nat King Cole. He broke color barriers as a pop music and jazz singer/pianist and was the epitome of polished cool – and became the first African American to host his own television program.

Normandy bands excel at Liberty Bowl

The Normandy High School marching and jazz bands participated in the Auto Zone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee last weekend. Normandy senior Andrew Roberson, percussionist with the both the marching and jazz bands, received the 2016 Most Valuable Performer. He was selected from 10 other nominees from bands from across the U.S. The band also received 1st place in the Class A Division (bands with 60 or fewer members). The student-musicians also received “Outstanding” honors in the Drum Major, Marching, General Effect, Music, Auxiliary, and Percussion categories. “This is an experience our students will remember for the rest of their lives,” said Bernard Long Jr., band director.

the mystery. I had to do that.” In July of 2014, she stepped out to start her management consulting firm Emerging Wisdom. Since then she has been shocked, humbled and affirmed by the support she has received.

“When you are doing what you are called to do in your heart, the entire

Rebeccah Bennett speaks on change from within for 2016 See BENNETT, C4

Bennett is the founder of Emerging Wisdom.

See COLE, C4
Rebeccah

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mlk day activities

Sat., Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m., Harris-Stowe State University hosts the 30th Anniversary of the Missouri Dr. Martin Luther King Day Statewide Kickoff with keynote address provided by The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver, Harris-Stowe State University Main Auditorium, 3026 Laclede.

Tues., Jan. 12, 6 p.m., St. Louis Public Library will be screening Selma Lord Selma. The film covers Dr. King’s campaign for equality and the historical march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. The movie will be followed by a group discussion. Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 534-0313 or visit www.slpl.org.

Thur., Jan. 14, 6 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents Reflections: Tell Me a Story. What impact has Dr. Martin Luther King’s life made on you? Experience an evening of song, poetry, dance, rap, storytelling and one-act plays celebrating his legacy. Share your story. Q & A to follow. Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information, call 9314) 383-3021 or visit www. slpl.org.

Fri., Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum presents Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration Join us for this free annual event commemorating the legacy of Dr. King through spoken-word and musical performances. This year’s theme is ‘A Time to Speak, A Time to Act: A Salute to Julian Bond’. We will celebrate the life of Mr. Bond, one of the most vocal and enduring voices of the Civil Rights Movement who helped start the Student

Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and served as chairman of the NAACP. East St. Louis Poet Laureate Eugene B. Redmond, will serve as the night’s keynote speaker. The evening will also feature the photography of Moneta Sleet, Jr., music from the Shalom Church Next Generation Choir, and a message from Marcus Creighton, former president of Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam. org.

Sat., Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Missouri History Museum presents MLK Family Celebration. Before the official Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, bring your family to the Museum to learn about and celebrate the achievements of this American hero. The first 200 kids to arrive at the Museum will receive an MLK storybook to take home. Enjoy free light refreshments. Events include Hooray for MLK Storytelling – hear stories about inclusion, diversity, and the good that Martin Luther King Jr. brought to the world; Mama Lisa presents King Family Kids – revisit life in Atlanta during the 1960s from a kid’s point of view; and peaceinspired art projects. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Sat., Jan. 16, 11 a.m., St. Louis Public Library presents the Sixth Annual Rhythm & Rhyme: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote speaker and author Nikita Lynnette Nichols will discuss her creative writing process and read from her latest book, “The Ugly Side of Me.” Neighborhood “Rhyme Man” Stanley Pitchford and other local performers will read, sing, and recite poetry – and forever use their time

Calendar

Helium Comedy Club presents Arnez J. For more information, see COMEDY.

Featured Event

Fri., Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum presents Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration. A free annual event commemorating the legacy of Dr. King through spoken-word and musical performances. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org. (See MLK Day Activities)

creatively. Baden Branch, 8448 Church Rd., 63147. For more information, call (314) 3882400 or visit www.slpl.org.

Sat., Jan. 16, 1 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents Central Cinema: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. We will be screening King: A Filmed Record Part 1 (1970). Originally shown only one night in 600 theaters across America in 1970, this documentary, which consists entirely of newsreel and primary footage, was recently made available to the public for the first time. This film has been placed on the National Film Registry for its historical significance and has been called one of the most important documentaries in American history. Central Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 241-2288 or visit www. slpl.org.

Sat., Jan. 16, 7 p.m., UR2BFree hosts the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner. His testimony, vision, and sacrifice were motivated

by his Christian principles. We invite you to celebrate his birthday, and become energized getting to work bringing Godly standards for our community and ourselves. Celebrate the true freedom, happiness, and prosperity that his faith-based ministry promised 50 years ago. Drury Inn and Suites, 11980 Olive Blvd., 63141. For more information, visit www. ur2bfree.com.

Mon., Jan. 18, 9 a.m., Let Freedom Ring: A Daylong Community Reading of Dr. King’s Speeches, Sermons and Writings. This will be our sixth annual daylong community reading of Dr. King’s writings and speeches – from the very pulpit where he preached in 1963 – so his own words can re-enter our consciousness and continue to form us today. You can come and just listen or take part in the reading – at any time you can come to the front, approach whomever is reading and indicate you wish to take over. There will be someone ready to take over for

you when you wish to stop. Come for a few minutes or a few hours. Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Mon., Jan. 18, 10 a.m., The University of Missouri St. Louis presents Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance 2016. This event will feature engaging speakers, as well as talented musicians and performers. A program for children ages 5 to 11 will run concurrently in the lobby. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.

Mon., Jan. 18, 3 p.m., St. Louis Crisis Nursery presents Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Show: Ferguson Children’s Art. In celebration of Dr. King’s life, we will be displaying children’s artwork. Special guest at the event will be local author, Rosalyn Madden. 1928 Gravois Ave., 63049. For more information, call (314) 292-5770.

concerts

Fri., Jan. 15, The Marquee welcomes Wale, 1900 Locust.

Sat., Feb. 6, 8 p.m., Jazz St. Louis welcomes Gregory Porter, The Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL. For more information visit www.touhill.org.

Fri., Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Lift Every Voice: Black History Month Celebration with Larnelle Harris. Join us as we commemorate the legacy of African-American art, music, culture and community. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 533-2500 or visit www. stlsymphony.org.

Sat., Feb. 13, 7 p.m., St. Louis Music Festival starring Fantasia, Joe and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. For more information, visit www.thechaifetzarena.com

Feb. 28, 8 p.m., Gary Clark Jr. - The Story of Sonny Boy Slim Tour, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com, www.ticketmaster.com or call (314) 726-6161.

special events

Jan. 8 – 10, Scottrade Center presents Marvel Universe Live. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The AvengersIron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to cities around North America. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.marveluniverse.com or www.scottradecenter.com.

Sat., Jan. 9, 7 p.m., Young Friends of Kids with Cancer 3rd Annual Voodoo in the Lou Masquerade Ball. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Kids with Cancer. For more information, visit www. friendsofkids.com.

Jan. 9 – 10, 11 a.m., St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine presents The Wedding Show One-Stop Wedding Shopping with over 200 vendor booths, a professional New York-style runway show, live musical entertainment, wedding transportation displays, DIY Bride Stage, free food and drink samples, prize drawings, and discount vendor coupons. Save up to 25% off your wedding costs, with special vendor offers at the show. The Wedding Show has partnered with Ballpark Village to provide free parking and a free shuttle for attendees. Plus a fun “after party” is planned with appetizer and drink specials. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.stlbrideandgroom.com.

Wed., Jan. 13, 5 p.m., Sears National Career Day Hiring Event. Come out and meet directly with our leadership team to discuss career opportunities. We provide all the tools you need to be successful, including paid training so you can focus on closing our top of the line products. Sears expects to hire over 1,000 outside sales professionals nationwide. 12930 Hollenburg Drive Bridgeton, MO 63044. Sears Home Improvement, 12930 Hollenburg Drive Bridgeton, MO 63044. For more information or to register, visit www.mysearscareer.com.

Thur., Jan. 14, 9 a.m., HireLive presents the 2016 St. Louis Sales Hiring Event. This is your opportunity to interview face to face with 15+ Fortune 500 and Industry Leading companies seeking talented, experienced and enthusiastic sales, retail and management candidates. Job opportunities include sales managers, retail management, human resources, account executives, and more. Doubletree Westport Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information, visit www.hirelive.com.

Fri., Jan. 15, 5 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. St. Louis Metropolitan Chapters present A Legacy of Sisterhood and Service 2016 Reactivation Event Fleur de Lilies, 1031 Lynch St., 63118. For more information or to RSVP, email akastlreactivation@gmail.com.

Jan. 15 – 16, The Delmar Loop presents The 2016 Loop Ice Carnival. The event kicks off with the Snow Ball at the Moonrise Hotel. Saturday, January 16th enjoy 50+ Ice Sculptures, $1,000 in Ice Cubes Give Away, PuttPutt Pub Crawl, Human Dog Sled Races, Frozen Turkey Bowling, Ice Demonstrations, Stilt Walkers, Fire Performers, and much more. Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 727-8000 or visit www.visittheloop.com.

Sat., Jan. 16, 8 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Eta Omega Chapter presents the 108th House Party: Pink Platinum Edition. Featuring DJ Quinn. Bring a coat or sweater to donate and be entered for a chance to win a 32-inch flat screen TV. Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Jan. 17, 8 p.m., Proud 2 Be Ambitious 2016 Fashion Show. Enjoy the latest designs of Ambition Clothing and other great designers. Siam, 4121 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., January 29, 7 p.m., Jack Daniel’s Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics , NEO on Locust (2801 Locust St.)

Sun., Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m., Lyrical Therapy and Model Ja’Ve present Xpressions Introducing a fashion meets spoken word runway show. Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd., 63108.

comedy

Sat., Jan. 16, 9 p.m., Jermaine Fowler, Blueberry Hill’s Duck Room, 6504 Delmar Blvd. For more information, call (314) 7270880.

Jan. 28 – 31, Helium Comedy Club presents Arnez J. His raw energy, talent and comedic skill quickly landed Arnez the coveted hosting slot on BET’s longest-running comedy series “Comic View” for two seasons joining the ranks of hosts such as D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. His hilarious new comedy special “Racially Motivated” is now available on Netflix. 1155 St. Louis Galleria, 63117. For more information, visit www. st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

Sat., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., The Lumiere Casino welcomes George Wallace, Lumiere Live. For

literary

Wed., Jan. 13, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts Alexandra Fuller, author of Leaving Before the Rain Comes. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Thur., Jan. 14, 5:30 p.m., Chronicle: Ferguson Photo Book Launch. T-Rex, 911 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Tues., Feb. 9, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Chinelo Okparanta, author of Under the Udala Trees Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

theatre

Sat., Jan. 9, 11:30 a.m., Teens Make History presents Looking for Dunham. It’s a slow news day for the paper’s entertainment reporters when rumors that the great Katherine Dunham is in town start to circulate. Will they find Miss Dunham before the TV journalists get the scoop? Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Jan. 9 – 10, COCA presents Perpetual Motion. The new year kicks off with a fast-paced dance concert that will have audiences grooving. Following in the popular traditions of “In the Loop,” the talented members of COCAdance and COCA Hip-Hop Crew present a mix of cutting-edge hip-hop and contemporary dance across a broad range of styles. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 7256555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Jan. 13 – 31, The Black Rep presents Sunset Baby Kenyatta Shakur is alone. His wife has died, and now this former Black Revolutionary and political prisoner is desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter. Edison Theatre,

Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www. theblackrep.com.

Jan. 15 – 17, St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents Charlotte’s Web. Florissant Civic Center Theater, 1 James J Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com.

Jan. 22 – 24, Peabody Opera House presents Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 499-7600 or visit www. peabodyoperahouse.com.

arts

Jan. 14 – Mar. 13, COCA presents Carl Richards: Money. Visualized. Carl Richards, author and creator of the weekly “Sketch Guy” column in the New York Times, makes complex financial concepts easy to understand through his elegantly simple sketches. His drawings explore the distance between what we should do, and what we actually do. This interactive installation invites visitors to create sketches, notes, and diagrams charting their own goals and realities. There will be an opening on Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 7256555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Sat., Jan. 16, 6 p.m., Rosie Brown Lily Black. This is a community event and art show celebrating women of color. Organized by and featuring over 20 local artists, we are sharing stories, artwork, poetry, music and love, all centered on the idea: What does it mean to YOU to be a woman of color? The Ink Gallery STL, 2903 S. Jefferson Ave., 63118. For more information, email madison. lorraine@gmail.com.

Tues., Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m., Almost Picasso Paint and Sip Studio presents Jazz with a Twist, The New Art Experience. Have you heard of Painting with a Twist? We are putting our own twist to this amazing event by adding live music brought to you by Vinnis Bryant. Be entertained by the smooth sounds of his

saxophone, while learning to paint by some of the most qualified instructors available. You are guaranteed to leave with a painting that looks great. Beverages and food will be provided along with a free CD copy of Vinnis’ new EP, “The Vinnis Bryant Experience.” 18 Church St., 63135. For more information, call (314) 560-2991 or visit www.almostpicasso.com.

Through March 2016, PulitzerArts Foundation hosts Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art The exhibition examines a new digital database created by Belgian computer engineer and independent researcher Frederic Cloth to study and reveal the hidden histories of Kota reliquaries. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

lectures/ workshops

Sat., Jan. 9, 3 p.m., Education 4 All, Inc. presents a Stress-Less Lifestyle Workshop Parents and their teens will engage in an interactive discussion and discovery session on how to reduce stress and improve their family relationship so that they can support each other. Workshop strategies can also help to improve interpersonal

relationships at school, work, and in other community settings. Registration includes lunch and handouts. CIC@ CET, 20 S. Sarah St., 63108. For more information, call (314) 397-8757 or visit www. education4allinc.com.

Wed., Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis hosts The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Workshop. This free workshop is to help students and their families to understand how to navigate applying for inancial aid. Attendees will learn about different sources of inancial aid (federal, state, and private) and how to implement a successful scholarship search. 8215 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 725-7990 or visit www.sfstl.org.

Sat., Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m., Woman’s Place will offer a free workshop on SELFCOMPASSION, Learn ways to love and be gentle with yourself in this creative, interactive workshop, finding more energy and stability in the process! 8300 Morganford Road in Affton. All women

are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Call 314-645-4848 to reserve your place. Visit www.womansplacestl.org for more information.

Sat., Jan. 30, 9 a.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents Financial Planning Day 2016. Your current financial situation does not matter. Don’t miss out on this free, private consultation with an expert on a wide variety of personal finance issues. 8960 Jennings Station Rd., 63136. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 506-5337 or visit www. ulstl.com.

health

Sun., Jan. 10, 7:15 p.m., 1st Annual Aesthetics Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show. This show will showcase unique designs, entertaining performers and three beautiful breast cancer survivors. At the end of the show the survivors will be presented gifts to show our support and appreciation for winning the fight against breast cancer. Hosted

by DJ Wilson. Rustic Goat, 2617 Washington Ave., 63103. Mon., Jan. 11, 11 a.m., The Breakfast Club and St. Louis University Center for Cancer Prevention present Clearing Up the Confusion: Breast Cancer Screening 2016. St. Louis University Il Monestaro Center, 3050 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-4084 or visit www. breakfastclub-stl.org.

Tues., Jan. 19, 2 p.m., Seniors Home Care presents Free Family Caregiver Training Whether you are a seasoned caregiver or planning care for a family member, spouse or friend, this free class will teach you topics including monitoring & handling medications, incontinence care, home safety, dementia awareness, and more. This class is taught by a registered nurse. 504 Marshall Ave., 63119. For more information or to register, call (314) 962-2666.

Thurs., Jan. 7, Governor’s Prayer Breakfast featuring Pastor Aeneas Williams, Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Jefferson City. Tickets and tables may be purchased online at www. missourigpb.com. Questions about the breakfast or about ordering by mail may be sent to breakfast@missourigpb.com. Proceeds from the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast support the Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.

Sat., Jan. 16, 11 a.m., The Revival Church presents A Servant’s Heart Women’s Luncheon. Come out for a time of food, fellowship, and a powerful word on serving one another. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Patricia Moore, President and Founder of Guarded Heart Bible College. 8390 Latty Ave., 63042. For more information, call (314) 266-9245 or visit www. revivestlouis.com.

St. Louis Music Festival starring Fantasia, Joe and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. See CONCERTS for details.

Continued from C1

She was the second child of five for him and wife Maria – who sang with The Duke Ellington Orchestra before she and Mr. Cole were married.

As a child, Natalie Cole sang alongside her father on his show, on stage and on one of his Christmas albums when she was 6 years old.

Mr. Cole died from lung cancer when Natalie was only 15.

After completing pre-med studies at The University of Massachusetts, Cole achieved overnight success in her own right as an R&B diva.

Her career began a defiant departure from her father’s musical path of velvety vocals over jazz and popular music standards. With her 1975 debut album “Inseparable,” Natalie was funky and unapologetically soulful.

“I had to do my own songs in my own way,” she told Rolling Stone in 1977.

The album earned her two Grammy Awards, for Best New

BENNETT

Continued from C1

universe conspires to help you execute that purpose,” Bennett said.

“There’s a saying: ‘At one with God is a majority.’ Do not yield to the reasons to stay put, to stay in the status quo, but seek support from others who have stood in the grandness in themselves.”

Rebeccah’s antiresolution

“We have a tendency to

Continued from C1

somewhat reversed. Though cordial, Hart rarely cracked a smile when speaking of the work that went into “Ride Along 2” – especially when referring to his admiration for Cube’s contribution to the entertainment industry and how he has long considered the rapper/actor/producer/director one of his role models.

“His portfolio and what he’s done and maintained grounded through it all,” Hart said.

“You’re looking at a guy who is not content with any level of success, and that’s something that I love. To constantly break down doors to go through new doors, I love to be a student of that. This is a guy who I’ve

looked at when I first came into this business, and I’ve soaked up as much information as I could.”

He also spoke sincerely about the friendship that bloomed out of the work.

“I’ve spent real time with the guy, and the level of respect that I had for him has gone up and beyond,” Hart said. “We want the best for each other, and that spills over into our projects.”

“We are always refining the work and trying to make it better than what’s already on the page and just keep that bar up,” Cube said.

Their friendship and commitment to the work is topped off by a chemistry that Cube calls “seamless.”

“We told Ken Jeong, ‘We’ve got a great thing going on here. Don’t mess it up. Don’t blow this for us,’” Cube

Artist and Best Female R&B Performance for “This Will Be.”

With the win of the latter award, Natalie famously broke the remarkable winning streak of Aretha Franklin – who had swept the category since its inception in 1968. The next year, “Sophisticated Lady” earned her a repeat Best Female R&B Performance Grammy Award.

have a laundry list of things that we want done this way at this particular time – but keep it simple,” Bennett said. “I recommend that people at the beginning of the year pick a theme for the year.”

Her theme for 2016 is “presence.”

“How can my presence be transformative in every situation that I walk into – in every relationship that I have? What is the essence of my presence?” Bennett said. “You want that theme to have a consequence for everything that you are doing.”

She considers it essential as one embarks on ambitions for positive change and

Her raw and pure vocal style was polar opposite of her father’s debonair delivery. She was exposed and transparent while painfully crooning through the decision to end a relationship in “I’m Catching Hell.” Her vocals exuded the pure joy of an everlasting love in “This Will Be.”

She faced personal demons in the form of drugs during

empowerment.

“In order for the path to be present to you, you have to be present on it,” Bennett said. “Thinking about it alone is not sufficient presence. It’s a beginning, but the best way to see what the path will bring for you is to walk on it.”

It’s a notion she’s seen constantly reinforced by way of her business.

“Don’t expect to have all of the answers up front. We tend to want to plan things to death,” Bennett said. “Here’s the thing that I know: The path becomes clear when you step on it. You take one step, and the next two steps become evident. You take two steps, and the next four

said. Jeong, who made a name for himself as the hilarious villain in “The Hangover” franchise, joins Benjamin Bratt and Olivia Munn to round out “Ride Along 2.” Hart said, “We’ve had a group of new people come in with us and they’ve all said the same thing – they said, ‘This is the most fun that we’ve had. This has been such a good time. It didn’t even feel like work.’” Cube attributes some of that atmosphere to director Tim Story.

“Dude is so laid back. To be honest, I don’t know how he gets anything done,” Cube said. “But seriously, I’ve never worked with a director who can keep that cool, laid-back flavor throughout the movie. He’s the same way every time I’ve seen him – cool, calm and collected and he’s done some of the best

As a child, Natalie Cole sang alongside her father Nat King Cole on his show, on stage and on one of his Christmas albums.

reinvention, Cole revived her career as a pop artist after a few years of stalling on the R&B charts thanks to hits like “Pink Cadillac” and “Miss You Like Crazy.”

But the seminal moment in her career came when she stopped running from her father’s shadow and started standing in his light. In 1991, she released “Unforgettable…With Love.” Technology made possible a posthumous duet album with her father.

movies. And he does it without ever raising his voice.” Story’s return – as well as the addition of Will Packer to the list of producers that also includes Cube – means “Ride Along 2” features blacks in the lead both in front of and behind the camera, yet the film is being marketed to the masses.

“It’s so cool for Universal [Studios] to not see color and push it as a mainstream movie,” Cube said. “It just shows how things are changing to the point where, if you do good work, it don’t matter who’s behind it as long as you have the right attitude – and product.”

Ride Along 2 opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, January 15 with previews on Thursday, January 14. The film is rated PG-13.

Performance for the title track “Unforgettable.”

the early years of her career –which she detailed in her two autobiographies and “Livin’ for Love,” the television movie based on her life (in which she starred along with Theresa Randle).

But even in the throes of addiction she exhibited an inherent element of grace and class often identified with her parents.

A master at musical

steps become evident – because each step represents a cosmic commitment of your time and resources.”

Loving yourself fit

Bennett feels self-love is the missing link in achieving lasting fitness and weight loss goals.

“You can’t be healthy if you don’t love yourself. The most important piece to being healthy is to find value in yourself right this minute in the here and the now. That love and care is what will fuel your efforts to be more conscientious about your health, body and eating habits,” she said.

“If you are starting from a place of self-judgment, selfloathing and criticism – if you inspect rather than respect yourself – you will limit and constrain the success you are looking for. You will not be able to sustain the effort

“No one really knew what to expect,” Cole told CNN’s Larry King of the duet recording in 2010. “Technologically, we had never done anything like that. Nothing had been attempted like that, to lift Dad’s voice, literally, off of that track and put it on a brand-new one, and then line it up, match it up, get the phrasing right. I remember listening — everyone listening at the end, and we were just enthralled.”

“Unforgettable...with Love” eventually sold more than 7 million copies in the U.S. alone and won six Grammys, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal

because you are motivated by your wounds. It won’t feel good.”

With this foundation of positive reinforcement, she said, we make better decisions on behalf of our bodies.

“Remember this fundamental truth: Your body cannot escape your choices and you cannot escape your body’s conditions,” Bennett said. “All of your choices, your body has to experience fully – with no escape options. Here’s the flipside though. The conditions that emerge from your choices, you cannot escape. How is that for divine balance?”

You have to live with, endure, suffer and experience all of the consequences of your choices, she insisted. “And your body is the vehicle that allows you to do that, with no filter,” she said. “You have freedom of choice, but not freedom of consequences.

When you understand that relationship – that your choices

“In a way, and not just in lineage, Natalie was the connector between the great singers of her father and Ella’s generation, and the great female voices who were to dominate in the last 25 years,” longtime Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich said in a statement. “I’ll never forget when we did ‘Unforgettable’ as a duet with her father’s recording on a Grammy hall of fame show, years before she recorded it. Magical!”

In 2008, Cole started suffering from kidney problems due to hepatitis C, which she attributed to her past drug issues. Despite chemotherapy, both kidneys failed, and in 2009, she went public with a request for a kidney donation. She received a directed donation of a kidney from a deceased donor in May 2009.

“I am a walking testimony that you can have scars,” she once told People Magazine “You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life.” Cole is survived by her sisters, Timolin Cole and Casey Cole, and son, Robert Yancy.

are the driving force behind its conditions – then you can start to improve that relationship.” Bennett has a mandatory prerequisite to any and all resolutions.

“It can’t be said enough –I’m going to say it and say it again and keep saying it – love yourself. Everything else is shaped to the extent of which you love and value – or don’t love and value – yourself,” Bennett said.

“Whether you stay in the job that is no longer bringing you joy, keep that man or woman who disrespects you and doesn’t honor you, put yourself further in debt or eat this extra thing that you know you shouldn’t have. The most radical and revolutionary thing – the most transformative thing we could ever do – is love ourselves.”

For more information on Emerging Wisdom, visit http:// inpowerinstitute.com/site10/ or email info@inpowerinstitute.

“Ride Along 2” features blacks in the lead both in front of and behind the camera, yet the film is being marketed to the masses.

Celebrity Swag Snap of the Week

St. Louis was able to ring in the New Year with big laughs thanks to the Old School Comedy Jam starring Corey Holcomb Friday night at The Ambassador. STL natives like Jovan Bibbs and Carmen were able to bring our city’s signature style of standup to the stage as well.

NYE a la carte. I kicked my New Year’s Eve festivities off at Fleur e Lilies for Carte Blanche. What I loved most about the set is that I got to see some of my favorite couples in the same place at the same time – including Keith and Carri Griffin, Eddie and Aliah Holman, James and Jessica Vasser, and Mo and Monica Witherspoon. I also ran into Big Tah (congrats on the third Master’s degree, sir), Mocha Latte, Keith from Koncepts, lovely Eye Candy alum Ms. Tamar, Beth (a.k.a. Bae Hollywood) and Michael Kennedy Jr. to name a few. It was also here that I ran into my favorite dressed of the evening. If you’ve been reading Partyline on the regular you know that Deerra Nikol stays snatched. She clocked 2015 altogether by slaying with her classy black and fur ensemble. Even though some might accuse this crowd of being uppity, they went out of 2015 showing that they like to let their hair down and have fun – especially the two blondes doing what looked like the “Hokey Pokey” (yes, the one from kindergarten).

In the Mood for 2016. I ended up ringing the New Year in at Mood for their “Three Special Words” set. It was here that I ran into a few more of my favorite couples: Teddy and Makeda Blackett, and Cornell and Jamila Boone. The Boones took home my best-dressed couple for New Year’s Eve. Is anyone surprised? Probably not. It was to the gills up in there as well. What I loved most about this stop was how DJ Reminisce was incinerating the tables. He was setting it all the way off with his song selection. You really had to be up in there to truly understand.

Another Marquee holiday hit. I scooted next door to the Marquee, and it was crackin’ over there as well. It was here that I realized that I had seen more rose gold metallic sequined freakum dresses over the course of New Year’s Eve 2015 than I had over every year of my entire life. Long sleeve, short sleeve, strapless, one sleeve, split up the side, sheer on the other side, backless, frontless … you name it and I saw it in rose gold sequins. Aside from Christmas – which was the biggest nightlife shock of the year for me – Thursday night might have been the biggest win for them in 2015 as far as the crowd goes.

A fashion note for next year. If you know you are going hard in the paint, your heel selection should be made to in correlation with your plans to turn up. Some of the girls should have opted for K-Swiss or Reebok classics instead of those six inch decorative stilettos. More ladies than they would care to admit started their 2016 spread out on the cold hard concrete like Sophia from The Color Purple.

King of NYE. Although nearly everyone won in their own way, I feel compelled to give a crown for most turnt New Year’s Eve. The Lux and Niddy’s epic gathering of trap music connoisseurs from across the 314 and 618 took the title.

Comedy Jam packed. Listen, the promoter of the Old School Comedy Jam deserve public acclaim by how he or she had the Ambassador at capacity. The lot was so full that folks just parked any old kind of way in the back. I hated that it was cold, but was so glad that the ground froze from that biblical rain we’ve been having. Otherwise some folks would still be out there playing demolition derby trying to get up out the mud. As far as the show goes, J.J. Williams had me hollering when he talked about how the bass player on Tela’s “Show Nuff” turned the track out so tough that he needs his own “Unsung” episode. And When Hotsauce said girls who live in Chicago and put their boyfriends out in the winter should be charged with attempted murder, I thought an undercover health ministry unit member would see me and attempt to administer aid by way of a church fan and a sip of water from a tiny Styrofoam cup. J.J. and Hotsauce were essentially where the laughs ended for me. Michael Blackson was downright tired with his little tragic routine. So you still trying to say a bunch of cuss words and homophobic slurs with a heavy African accent and pass it off as an act? I see. It was cute back in the Def Comedy Jam days, but 20 years after the fact you would think he would get some clever bits – even if a co-writer had to be involved. I had to dip out on headliner Corey Holcomb in order to make my way to the Full Force concert going on at The Lux, but I heard he used some recycled material anyway. I’ll catch when he comes to town later in the year (which I’m sure he will).

The Force was not with us. I did not know when I left The Ambassador completely underwhelmed that I was jumping from the pan to the fire! As much as I’ve complained about the sound system of the Coliseum, Complex and now The Lux, I must tip my flat twists to it after Friday night. Who knows what my ears would’ve been subjected to had that microphone been set to something barely higher than mute. Now I’ll give it to the opening band from Memphis. Their soulful shoulder shrugs and shouts gave me a bit of life. But Full Force was five miles from empty on that stage. They were a step-touching, lip out of sync whispering mess. As I thought about how horrible the show was, I was forced to remember my New Year’s resolution of trying to find the silver lining in all things. As I searched to find the good I realized that it was only the 1st of January and the worst concert I would see for 2016 was probably already over. Black and bursting out. I saw far too many faux fur and liquid leggings combination for my taste, but The NetWork Inc. had Harry’s jumping like Jet Li. The NetWork normally brings the masses, but I was not ready by how the grown

kicked it like karate to start off 2016 for the New Year’s Day Black Out

gathering featuring the Dirty Muggs and Flirt with No ID.

folks
Friday
Heather and Shay kicked it @ Mood for Three Magic Words Thursday night
Chante and Tiffany were among the lovely ladies who toasted 2016 @ The Black Out Party @ Harry’s Friday night
Deerra, Mocha Latte and Beth kept it cute as the celebrated New Year’s Eve @ Carte Blanche Thursday night @ Fleur de Lilies
Dana, Joyce and Carrie started 2016 off in style @ The Black Out Friday @ Harry’s
Lael, Kiara, Jessica and Victoria came out to Fleur de Lilies for their New Year’s Eve celebration Thursday night
Leslie and Tionna stepped into Carte Blanche Thursday @ Fleur de Lilies to bring in the New Year
Deairra, Tee and Shanai were dressed to impress @ 400 Gallery on Washington for New Year’s Eve
Christine and Alexia partied @ 400 Gallery on Washington with the good people of the Umbrella Group for New Year’s Eve
Teddy of Bfree and Cornell Boone helped guests make the most of their New Year’s Eve Thursday night @ Mood
The Candy Bar owner NeNe The Avenue owner Charlene came through to show love to The NetWork Inc. in the New Year for The Black Out Friday @ Harry’s
Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

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