July 14th, 2011 edition

of Faulk looms as NFL suits up

Splash in the city

Little,age

Tuesday

City Garden,St.Louis’nationally recognized

STL must dream big

Investing in airport expansion could transform St. Louis

Picture this future St. Louis: a couple enjoys coffee at a café overlooking the refurbished Jefferson Expansion Memorial grounds, newly connected to downtown.The couple then bicycles to a new downtown destination, a high-speed rail station, to make a two-hour jaunt to Chicago to visit relatives. Meanwhile, a bustling Lambert-St. Louis

International Airport, now ringed with manufacturers and distributors of a variety of goods, is the backdrop for a legion of a workers busily readying cargo planes inbound and outbound from Asia and South America – graphically portraying the newfound global reach of the Gateway to the West. This isn’t a pipe dream.And yet, there is a hesitation in some quarters of Mound City that this

SOULSINGER SHOWSLOVETO COLLEGESTUDENTS

Terisa Griffin tells kids to love themselves –and makes sure they’ve packed a towel

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.Louis American

“My father was a minister, and the women in my church put together a trunk with all of these items that I wouldn’t have had sense enough to fill it with,” said Chicago-based R&B/soul singer Terisa Griffin.

“It let me know that somebody loved me and reminded me to love myself. And I’m hoping that that’s what we are letting the kids know with these events.” Griffin stopped in St. Louis for a

Flying to Jupiter

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

On Tuesday morning, Jarvis Brown said goodbye to his father at the St. Louis airport and set off to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado for five years.

There were more tears than words exchanged between him and his father, said Brown, student body president at Gateway Institute of Technology High School last year.

The St.Louis region is in global competition for talent, commerce, tourism and investment.Competing is not a pipe dream, but a necessity.

Being in Colorado for just two hours, Brown said in a phone interview with The St. Louis American, “I’m a little nervous, but I’m really excited to do it.”

Besides leading the student body at Gateway, Brown was also captain of the cross country track team, cadet colonel in the Air Force Junior ROTC program and vice commander of the drill team.

However, when Brown arrived at Gateway, he was a completely different kid.

“I fell in love with St.Louis – the food and the people.”

– Chicago-based R&B singer Terisa Griffin

Soul singer Terisa Griffin, founder of the Better Love Yourself Foundation, performed at Vintage Vinyl in University City when visiting St. Louis in 2007. simple, small-scale promotional tour in St. Louis four years ago to create buzz for her debut CD My Naked Soul. She has since maintained a spe-

See GRIFFIN, A6

“He said, ‘You could join the drill team and track – you are skinny, you can run,’”he said.“He pushed me into everything.”

– Jarvis Brown

“Freshman year was nothing,” he said. “I didn’t grow up until my sophomore year. I was the smallest in size and height. I lacked friends. It was a tough year.”

The only school activity he was involved in freshman year was ROTC, and it wasn’t by choice.

“I didn’t want to be there,” he said. “I had long braids, and I had to cut them up. I was frustrated the whole year.” His grandmother, a retired security guard at Gateway, saw how the program changed students. She told Brown that it was going to help him out. That’s the only reason he stuck with it, he said.

He had no friends in the ROTC program, he said. Most of the students from his middle school went to Soldan High School.

“None of my friends went to the same high school as me,” he said.

Thankfully, Chief Thomas Williams, the program’s head instructor, told him he had potential.

“He said, ‘You could join the drill team and track – you are skinny, you can run,’” he said. “He pushed me into everything.”

Once he joined activities, he made friends. And things started to fall into place.

At the end of his junior year, he decided to enter the race for student council president, even though the race was well underway.

“I decided to run because I didn’t think the candidates running were good enough to run the school,” he said.

Brown said that he could either complain about it, or he could challenge himself to offer the school something better.

Photo by Wiley Price

By Ripley Rasmus For The St.Louis American

Jakyara

5,cooled off

afternoon in a wading pool at

sculpture garden downtown.Temperatures topped 100 degrees in the region this week.

Photo by Wiley Price

Mathew Knowles sues Live Nation for snitching to Beyonce

According to a new lawsuit filed by Mathew Knowles, Live Nation came to Beyonce with claims that her manager dad was skimming money from her concert tours. And after hiring an auditor to investigate, Beyonce fired him.

In the documents obtained by TMZ, Mathew claims Live Nation told Beyonce that Mathew “had stolen money from Beyonce on her most recent tour or otherwise taken funds that [he] was not entitled to.”

Tyler Perry’s baby scare

In the upcoming issue of Ebony Magazine

Tyler Perry talks about his fear of being a father after a pregnancy false alarm. Back in December, when we thought we were having a kid, I got a little overwhelmed,”

Perry told Ebony. “Now, I got overwhelmed when I first got a dog because I knew I was responsible for this living creature. So think how I reacted to the thought o having a child.” Perry acknowledged that he has been in a relationship for some time, but didn’t disclose the name of his girlfriend.

Mathew claims after he was relieved of his responsibilities, Beyonce hired a manager who had worked as a former exec at Live Nation and maintained a relationship with the company.

Mathew insists the theft accusations by Live Nation are false, and he wants the judge to give him the right to take depositions of various people at Live Nation, to determine just how they concluded he was stealing.

“She’s really, really special,” Perry said of the unnamed lady in his life. “It’s the longest relationship I’ve been in.”

DMX drops dirty while doing time

DMX will have to spend more time in an Arizona state prison after her failed a drug test. The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was given a year in prison in December after his probation was revoked for failing to submit to drug testing and driving on a suspended license.

As an inmate, he also broke rules — possessing drugs, failing or refusing a drug test, smoking, and being disrespectful, disruptive and

disorderly, according to TMZ. He has a total of seven disciplinary infractions.

DMX was supposed to be released from a prison in Yuma yesterday (Jul. 13). But a source close to DMX’s camp told Billboard. com’s The Juice that the rapper has earned up to 30 more days of incarceration.

Foreclosure kicks R. Kelly to the curb

Grammy Award-winning R&B artist R. Kelly is facing a $2.9-million foreclosure suit on his Olympia Fields mansion, a vivid reminder of the steep decline in residential property values.

The singer-songwriter, whose full name is Robert S. Kelly, has failed to make monthly mortgage payments since June 2010 on the property on Maros Lane, according to a complaint filed by J. P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A. last month in Cook County Circuit Court.

The 11,140-square-foot home was constructed by Kelly 11 years ago.

According to a person familiar with his affairs, the singer stopped making payments on the mort gage in an attempt to force the bank to negotiate a modification of the loan.

The appraised value of the

home fell 26%, to $3.8 million, in 2010, compared to $5.2 million in 2009, according to an Assessor estimate. The home is now worth less than the debt, the source said.

Luke rips Wiz for relations with Amber Rose

Uncle Luke says Wiz Khalifa “needs to have his head examined” and refers to his girlfriend Amber Rose as a “triflin’ woman” as he explains “the bro code.” 2 Live Crew’s Luther “Luke” Campbell recently vented on his Miami New Times blog page about a cardinal rule in Hip Hop, that “you don’t date another rapper’s ex-girlfriend.” In the article, Luke spoke about Wiz Khalifa and Soulja as “code” breakers, adding that if rappers “have a relationships, it’s with just one woman.” “Wiz Khalifa needs to have his head examined,” Luke wrote on his blog. “The boy behind the hit ‘Black & Yellow’ has lost his mind over a woman interested only in hogging his spotlight. You don’t date another rapper’s ex-girlfriend.”

Sources: TMZ.com, Allhiphop.com, Eurweb.com, Miami New

Teacher of the Year awards student scholarship

‘Teaching it Forward’ program provides full tuition at University of Phoenix

American staff

Khalah Albert, a graduate of Kirkwood High School, has received a full-tuition scholarship to University of Phoenix because Robert Becker, who teaches Honors Chemistry at the school, was recognized as a 2011 State Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

“I know I will stop at nothing to graduate, because I do not want to waste the gift that I was given,” Albert said.

The “Teaching it Forward” scholarship program was created by University of Phoenix in 2009. Teachers who have been selected as the 2011 State Teacher of the Year may nominate a fellow educator, community member or high school senior who resides within the educator’s state for a full-tuition scholarship that can be applied to an undergraduate or graduate degree online or at any University of Phoenix local campus. Albert, the scholarship recipient chosen by

Becker, intends to purse a bachelor’s degree in business management. Her goal is to earn an eventual doctorate degree.

“As an educator, nobody knows better how empowering an education can be,” Becker said.

“University of Phoenix understands the need to increase access to higher education. Its ‘Teaching it Forward’ scholarship is vital in helping deserving students who may not otherwise have a chance to pursue an education and achieve their dreams.”

Becker has taught at Kirkwood High School for 21 years. He also serves as sponsor of Kirkwood Youth Service Club, which channels students into a variety of volunteer projects in the St. Louis area. He has published articles in the Journal of Chemical Education, the Chemmunicator, the Octet Gazette, Chemunity News, Science Teacher and ChemMatters Magazine. He also has conducted more than 150 workshops and presentations across the U.S., Canada, Ireland and Kuwait.

Price, Austin win national awards

American also recognized for group efforts in editorial, advertising

By American staff

The St. Louis American’s two most veteran journalists won First Place awards in the National Newspaper Association’s 2011 Merit Awards competition.

Photojournalist Wiley Price, a 25-year veteran of The American, won First Place for Best News Photograph, and Sports Editor Earl Austin Jr., a 16-year veteran of the paper, won First Place for Best Sports Section. They were judged against submissions from all participating members of the NNPA, the Black Press trade association.

The American also won First Place for two group awards, Best Lifestyle Section and Best Circulation Promotion.

Wiley Price

The paper’s Lifestyle Section, Living It, is a group effort reported by Kenya Vaughn, Rebecca Rivas, Chris King and freelancers, and designed by Melvin Moore, with photographs by Price, Lawrence Bryant and others. The American won Best Circulation Promotion for its popular wall calendar, a special project of the advertising department – Barb Sills, Onye Hollomon and Vida Medina – under the direction of Kevin Jones.

The American won Second Place for two group awards, Best Youth Section and Best Special Edition. Living It also was entered as a youth section, and the advertising and editorial staffs share credit with freelancers and community contributions for the paper’s Diversity: a Business Imperative special edition. The American won Third Place for two group awards, Best Business Section and Best Use of Photographs. Rivas and King report the Business section, which is shot by Price, Maurice Meredith and others, and designed by Mike Terhaar. Terhaar and Moore share the prize for photograph placement with Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor, who consults on photograph choice and use and oversees all aspects of the newspaper. 2011 is turning out to be a banner year for the highly decorated Price, who also was awarded Best News Photograph for all large weekly papers in North America by the Suburban Newspapers of America. SNA also awarded The American First Place for Best Local Election Coverage, a group effort of the editorial staff, directed by Suggs, with advice from Virvus Jones. Wiley Price’s photograph of shooting victim Sherman Carter (from the July 29, 2010 edition of The American) won First Place for Best News Photo in the National Newspaper Association’s 2011 Merit Awards competition. Photo by Wiley Price

Robert Becker, Sam Fitzgerald, director of Academic Affairs for the Kirkwood School District, Khalah Albert and Assistant Superintendent Chris Raeker. Photo by Maurice Meredith

Editorial / CommEntary

Nixon must help close Aerotropolis deal

The main customer for the proposed cargo hub at Lambert airport is China, the nation with the world’s fastest-growing economy. The Chinese plan to dedicate over $232 billion in the next five years towards the same aviation- and distribution-related activities that are dealt with in the proposed Aerotropolis legislation in Missouri. Chinese officials say their government will aid in opening new international passenger and cargo routes for an enhanced number of Chinese airplanes. The time to act is now. We are mindful of the destructive impact wrought by the decline of the auto assembly industry once crucial to this area. It resulted in the loss of jobs for thousands of our people, with crushing consequences to families and neighborhoods. Closing the deal on both the China cargo hub and Aerotropolis could be transformational for this region’s under-performing economy and its obsolete airport. It could offer sustainable relief for the region’s unemployed who are disproportionately African-American. The final version of the Aerotropolis bill had impacts, conservatively estimated by respected industry experts, of 18,468 construction jobs and 10,941 permanent jobs, with a combined economic impact of $17.6 billion over 15 years and $26.8 billion over 20 years. Although the Republican-dominated Legislature failed to pass an economic development bill in the past session, Gov. Jay Nixon has the power to call them back for a special session and provide an opportunity for legislators to continue working out their differences over the state’s tax credit programs. This haggling obstructed passage of the Aerotropolis incentives. Among many other voices, we have called on the governor repeatedly to convene this special session. Whether reluctant to give Republicans a chance to make good on their promises, ambivalent about Aerotropolis or both, Nixon has done nothing. It is time for the St. Louis region to come together and demand emphatically that Nixon do everything in his power to get this bill passed in a form that retains the Aerotropolis incentives as agreed upon in the previous session, giving regional leaders discretion over the zoning that governs the $360 million in new incentives. There needs to be a special, determined effort from African-American leaders in St. Louis in support of this legislation. We call on U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, state Sen. Robin Wright Jones, state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Aldermanic President Lewis Reed and Comptroller Darlene Green and other elected officials to tell the governor in no uncertain terms that you expect him to call for this special session and to do everything in his power to deliver Aerotropolis intact. Not only elected officials – we expect business leaders, nonprofit executives and leaders in the clergy who worked so hard to pass the

transit tax to enter the conversation: they have the collective power to make this governor listen to St. Louis and urge him to take the lead in the fight to pass a bill that could bring many muchneeded jobs to our community, which is suffering devastating unemployment numbers.

n There needs to be a special, determined effort from AfricanAmerican leaders in St. Louis in support of this legislation.

If we assume an assertive position – which it is well within our power to do, as the Democratic Party’s most reliable voting bloc – then we can insist on commitments to minority inclusion in this new business activity and workforce development. We are urging a call to action for our political, civic and religious leaders to press the governor and the Republican leaders in the House and Senate to act on this matter now. The Chinese will not wait indefinitely to close the deal. We must not squander this unique, time-sensitive opportunity to offer incentives to attract a large new business enterprise that has the potential to bring huge economic benefits to this region and its people. Since our community’s unemployment situation is so devastating and corrosive to our families and neighborhoods, and our airport is obsolete, we can not afford to allow parochial concerns to derail this initative. The Chinese will not wait long. The economic development bill that includes Aerotropolis is not perfect, but it does aid other areas of the state and most of its incentives are performance-driven. The governor must call a special session and he must sign any bill with the Aerotropolic incentives that gets to his desk.

COMMENTARY

Progressive way to trim the deficit

Do progressives care about reducing the national debt? Of course they do, no matter what the White House might believe.

“We think that obviously there are some Democrats who don’t feel as strongly about deficit reduction as (President Obama) does,” senior adviser David Plouffe said last week. But that’s not obvious at all. It isn’t even true. There’s no dispute about where we need to go. The question is what path to take.

Clearly, the federal government cannot continue spending at a rate of 25 percent of GDP while taking in revenues that equal less than 15 percent of GDP, as is the case this year. We would reach the point where debt service crowds out health care, education and other priorities dear to progressives’ hearts. Major investments the nation desperately needs to make – for infrastructure and energy research – would be impossible.

The way to avoid this dystopian future is to bring spending and revenues more into balance. Yes, there will be some pain and sacrifice. But it is not necessary – nor is it wise – to heap a disproportionate share of the burden onto the backs of the poor, the elderly and the battered middle class.

What is the alternative? We could begin by recognizing that while spending is too great, in

historical terms, revenues are far too meager. We ought to be taxing and spending at roughly 20 percent of GDP, which means that a sensible, equitable, long-term program of debt reduction ought to include spending cuts and revenue increases in roughly equal measure. Start by allowing the Bushera tax cuts for households making more than $250,000 a year to expire; this would cut deficits by about $700 billion over a decade. Add in the revenue that would be gained by closing the tax loopholes that Obama keeps talking about –eliminating some deductions for high earners, requiring hedge fund executives to pay taxes at the same rate as their chauffeurs, eliminating the tax break for corporate jets – and soon you’re in the neighborhood of a trillion dollars.

The nominal corporate tax rate of 35 percent is a joke, since big corporations don’t actually pay that much; those loopholes, too, could be eliminated. Then we could look at measures that would have broader impact – say, hiking or eliminating the income cap for Social Security payroll contributions.

It doesn’t take much imagination to get within shouting distance of $2 trillion in deficit reduction over 10 years – looking at the revenue side alone. That’s half of the $4 trillion that both Republicans and Obama have set as a target. There would have to be an equal amount of spending cuts.

But what sense does it make to begin with the small slice of the pie – less than 20 percent – that

As

I See It - A Forum for Community Issues Not O.J. in white female face

Casey Anthony is not O.J. Simpson in white female face.

is being called “discretionary” spending? It’s just not possible to find enough savings there.

The drivers of out-of-control federal spending are medical costs and the Pentagon budget. Military spending has roughly doubled since 2002. Are we twice as safe? Can we really afford to spend two-thirds of a trillion dollars on defense every year?

If we could trim the Pentagon’s spending by 15 percent –humor me – we’d save another $1 trillion over 10 years.

Then it would make sense to look at medical costs. Opinion surveys and election results confirm that Americans want a government that provides health insurance for senior citizens and the poor. If this is what we’re going to continue to do, and if we’re not going to break the bank, then we need to take another whack at bringing costs down.

Other developed nations manage to produce better health outcomes for roughly half of what we’re paying. They do this through single-payer health systems, many of which deliver care via private health insurance companies. American exceptionalism is to be celebrated when it gives us an advantage. But what’s the point of being exceptional in areas where we’ve clearly fallen behind? There is, indeed, a way to eliminate these strangling deficits with fairness and an eye toward a brighter future. It just happens to be the progressive way.

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

The only real reason that Anthony is even mentioned in the same breath as Simpson is because she was acquitted of first degree murder. And many of those who bothered to pay any attention to the case fervently believed she was guilty and expected her to be convicted. The resemblance ends abruptly there.

Other than what the media tried to make of it, the Anthony case was never more than an overreaching District Attorney trying to squeeze a first degree murder conviction out of what was at best a case of parental criminal neglect and lying. But the media, in the usual clinical search for anything that smacks of salacious sensationalism, painted it as the second coming of the Simpson trial of the century.

Nearly 16 years after the Simpson acquittal it’s worth taking a look back to see exactly why a young, irresponsible, no-name white woman should never be compared to O.J. Simpson. The starting point for debunking the AnthonySimpson comparison is that it’s even made in the first place. A decade and a half later, Simpson still gets tongues furiously wagging. That will not be said 16 years or even 16 days about Anthony after her acquittal.

The Simpson case was the

complete social, racial, celebrity, gender and tabloid package. The murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman allegedly by O.J. Simpson heightened racial tensions, as well as public awareness about domestic violence. It stirred rage against the double standard of wealth and celebrity privilege in the legal system, and elevated celebrity murder cases to media tabloid sensationalism.

Millions across the globe gawked in awe and fascination for seemingly endless months at the often mundane proceedings.

This was the first real glimpse that millions had of the inner workings of the court system.

But that wouldn’t have kept them glued to the TV set if the key player hadn’t been one of America’s most famous celebrity-athletes who was fawned over by paparazzi and had a beautiful and young white wife.

O.J. Simpson was the American dream personified. He was an African American who rose to the top of the celebrity pyramid and had true crossover appeal.

But what truly made the Simpson case the lasting talk of the town was race. In countless polls, the majority of whites were convinced that O.J. Simpson had committed the murders and evaded justice. A majority of blacks said he was innocent.

Prosecutors skillfully painted Simpson as an irresponsible, abusive and violent husband. This portrayal shoved the issue of spousal abuse and domestic violence into the public view.

A number of states passed stiff laws mandating arrest and jail sentences for domestic assaults.

Letters to the editor

Republicans and debt

President Obama is trying to figure out how to convince Republicans to raise the national debt limit to avoid America defaulting on its debt. I have a suggestion. Obama could switch parties and become a Republican.

When Republicans are in the White House, the national debt ceiling is not an issue. It’s all borrow and spend like there’s no tomorrow. When Bush was president we went from a surplus to this massive debt. Under Bush, Republicans voted seven times to raise the debt ceiling. Vice president Cheney said then, “Reagan taught us that deficits don’t matter.”

So the way I see it if Obama becomes a Republican we won’t have any problem raising the national debt limit. Republicans only oppose debt when Democrats are in power.

Marc Perkel Gilroy, CA.

A family affair

So many times I have heard white people ask why it is okay for black people to use the N-word, but when white people use it black people are offended. The reason black folks are offended is this: It’s a family affair!

Those of us who have children can talk about their wayward ways, but we defy you to say anything about them. It’s a family affair.

I have heard reference to the lyrics in some black music that the N-word is used repeatedly. The music is not for you or about you. Who are you to scrutinize our lyrics? If you don’t like the lyrics, don’t listen. You are not part of the family, stay out of family business.

Marilyn L. Hall Via email

Guilty, but changing

As I travel through my area, I see all of the empty buildings that used to house factories. Now corporations remake them into condominiums and loft apartments. I ask myself, where are our assembly line workers

Police, district attorneys and judges nationwide promised to arrest, prosecute and sentence domestic batterers. The horde of media commentators, legal experts and politicians who branded the legal system corrupt also fueled public belief that justice was for sale. Simpson’s acquittal seemed to confirm that the rich, famous and powerful had the deep pockets to hire high-profile attorneys and experts who enable their clients to weasel out of punishment. Then there was the media.

Mainstream publications that in times past would have back-paged a murder case, even a celebrity case, morphed into tabloids. A gaggle of daytime gossip shows have since successfully parlayed innuendo, rumor, half-truths and outright lies into hugely profitable empires.

In the decade since Simpson’s acquittal, newspapers and TV networks have force-fed the public a bloated diet of Simpson-style sensationalism: the Beltway sniper, Laci Peterson, Robert Blake, Phil Spector. The Anthony case was only the latest in the sordid train. The system worked the way it’s supposed to work in the Anthony case. Jurors looked at the evidence and found that the prosecution did not prove Anthony committed first degree murder “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The jurors did the same in the Simpson case. But that’s the only thing about the Casey Anthony case that remotely resembles O.J. Simpson.

All letters are edited for length and style.

working now? Our corporations have taken our labor to other countries for cheap labor and “We the People” continue to buy goods and products made in those countries as our jobs dwindle.

Where are our leaders?

Where are our impotent unions? If we continue this trend, America will become a thirdworld nation.

I am guilty, but I am changing. When I look into my closet and read the labels in clothes, they do not say “Made in U.S.A.” They say made somewhere else for cheap labor. When I look at my calculator, camera, etc., they do not read, “Made in U.S.A.” We have them made somewhere else for cheap labor.

“We the People” should start a “Buy American” movement. This way we will create more revenue for our governments and have balanced budgets. We will start to reduce our national debt and we will provide independence for future generations. Please join me in a Buy American Movement! If the labels do not read “Made in U.S.A.,” do not buy it.

Jonathan M. Harris Via email

How do I subscribe?

I would like to receive The St. Louis American newspaper, please. It doesn’t say how much it costs for a year subscription. Do you have to donate funds? If I move to another prison, do I have to inform you all at the same address? I am thanking all the staff for the food for thought and black awareness. Thanks!

James Hill Via email

Editor’s note: A print subscription to The St. Louis American is $40 per year, payable by check, money order or credit card to The St. Louis American. Once payment has been received, the subscriber will be put on our mailing list. If the subscriber moves, notify us by email (circulation@stlamerican.com) with your name, the old address and the new address and we will change it that day. Three weeks before the subscription expires, we will

mail you a Notice of Expiration yellow postcard. Due to the sporadic nature of 3rd Class mailing, please be advised that the day you receive the paper will fluctuate each week, and it can take up to seven days.

Columnist Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Gov. Jay Nixon

Preparation through poetry

A literacy lesson in poetry keeps a group of thirdgraders focused at Jamestown Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District.“The focus of the writing lesson was to engage students to be more creative and learn a different form of writing,”said instructor Tamika Forrest.“The activity prepares students for fourth-grade because they will have an understanding that writing is more than structured or prompt-writing.”

Missouri praised for ex-offenderre-entry

Back-to-School Fairat St. Louis Mills

The Hazelwood School District and PTACouncil will hold the fifth annual Back-to-School Fair for parents and students at St. Louis Mills on Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ageneration that will slaughterus

By Ruth-Miriam Garnett For The St.Louis American

I spend a lot of time around children, but am happy not having any. From the “I brought you here, I’ll take you out” school, a capital offense would contradict my Christian praxis. Who was it that said, “Contradictions can only be minimized”? Whoever, it wasn’t Jesus; so I’m stuck.

Right before he died, I interviewed the great Lester Bowie. He stated, “Today, music companies decide what black people listen to. We used to set the trends, and they followed.” Harriet Tubman said, “I would have freed more people, if they had known they were slaves.” Ifyou don’t stand for something, you’ll go for anything.

I recently followed a YouTube link on Facebook with a thumbnail (that’s a tiny photo, OG) of rappers Drake and Lil Wayne. I clicked on it, innocently enough, and got as far as Weezy rapping about “popping the cherry.” Real talk: This young man is hardly the stuff of fantasy. Does he think any woman desires such overture? Are young black women enslaved to pathetic assertions of manhood?

The State of Recidivism: The Revolving Door of America’s Prisons, a recent report by the Pew Center on the States, praises the reentry reforms that the Missouri Department of Corrections, and its probation and parole officers and staff, have been following the past several years.

Released offenders in Missouri are subject to “‘e-driven supervision’(the ‘e’is for evidence, which uses a new risk assessment tool to categorize parolees and help set supervision levels,” the Report notes. “The payoff has been dramatic: 46 percent of offenders released in fiscal year 2004, for example, were returned to prison within two years, either for a new crime or technical violation. Since then, the rate has dropped steadily, and reached a low of 36.4 percent for offenders released in fiscal year 2009,” the report concludes.

The study, conducted by Pew in collaboration with the Association of State Correctional Administrators, was based on a survey of state corrections departments and is the most comprehensive study of state recidivism rates to date.

Pew’s findings have significant implications for policy makers struggling with painful budget choices. State corrections spending, driven almost entirely by prison expenditures, has quadrupled over the past two decades, making it the second fastest growing area of state budgets, trailing only Medicaid. The report finds that if states could cut their recidivism rate by 10 percent, they could save an estimated $635 million combined in just one year.

The fair will take place during the state of Missouri Back to School Sales Tax Holiday weekend.

The HSD Back-to-School Fair features information booths for 30 school sites with details about uniform policies, school supplies, clubs and activities, as well as booths from District departments such as transportation, child nutrition services and residency. There will be music and dance entertainment from school groups and prize drawings.

The Back-to-School Fair is free and open to all District parents and students. The fair is supported by the Hazelwood School District and the Parent Teacher Association Council.

Health foundation seeks board applicants

The Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) is accepting applications from individuals wishing to be considered for nomination to its Board of Directors. Five board positions are available each year. Directors govern MFH’s efforts to provide funding to nonprofits that improve the health of the state’s uninsured and underserved residents.

MFH is the largest nongovernmental funder of community health activities in the state. Its 15-member board distributes $40 million to $50 million in grants and awards annually. MFH’s service region covers 84 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis.

Board members serve unpaid three-year terms, and must live in the MFH service region. MFH is committed to a board that represents Missouri’s racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic and gender diversity. Applications are reviewed by MFH’s Community Advisory Council, which then presents 15 to 25 candidates, from which the board selects new members to fill available positions.

Applications must be postmarked no later than August 12, 2011 To download an MFH Board application, visit http://www.mffh.org/content/476/mfhboard-application.aspx.

For information, call MFH at 314-345-5500 or 800-655-5560; or send a letter requesting information to: Community Advisory Council, Missouri Foundation for Health, 1000 St. Louis Union Station, Suite 400, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Our children’s degradation is beyond belief. Your choice: fetal alcohol syndrome, crack baby, orworse, in the house. It’s not their fault they are mindless. I count myself among Amiri Baraka’s “Blues People.” Preceding generations rocked the club and the church. The sacred and the profane are ritualized in every civilization. Carnival precedes Lent. Humans are innately dual.

The task is keeping things balanced. In our community, balance is long gone. It’s not that boundaries are blurred; they have disappeared. Some species eat their young. I know this much: We better get to ours before they get to us. Evident in virtual and non-virtual reality, this is a generation that will slaughter us.

Most people fail at some aspect of parenting, the world’s most difficult job. To quote a friend: “Don’t want to breed with it? Don’t lay down with it.” To quote myself, some people shouldn’t breed. I am dead serious. Do not saddle the world with mutant spawn because you were not totally down.

If you are trying, forgive yourself; move on. (Jesus did say that.) Your children need you desperately to help navigate very rough waters. Some pointed suggestions: Use the word “NO” without blinking; do not overcompensate out of guilt; reward only good behavior; limit television; encourage reading, buy or borrow good books, not that Jerry Springer-type of urban literature. MAKE CERTAIN YOUR CHILDREN KNOWTHEIR HISTORY– your family’s included. There are plenty of people they owe.

Grownups, let’s crack down on black children’s selfdestructive nihilism, without disavowing or contributing to it. However, let’s not spend the bulk of our time self-flagellating. There is way too much to do.

Ruth-Miriam Garnett’s most recent book is Concerning Violence, New & Selected Poems (Onegin). For tour information, contact LataleWestley@aol.com.

Ruth-Miriam Garnett

GRIFFIN

Continued from A1

cial relationship with the city by equipping nearly 200 area incoming college freshmen with dorm room essentials as one of the venues for her multi-city Better Love Yourself Foundation’s annual Trunk events.

“I fell in love with St. Louis – the food and the people,” Griffin admitted. “They get my music and my Southern style. And St. Louis is one of the places where kids need a lot of assistance and don’t always get the assistance that they need. It’s heartbreaking, heartwrenching and it’s more than a notion.”

On Sunday she returns for a special five-year anniversary of the Trunk event on a tour that kicked off in Cleveland last Sunday, will continue in Memphis and Chicago, then conclude in the singer’s hometown of Monroe, La. Years after leaving home –when Griffin stepped out on faith to follow her passion for music – her trunk traveled with her. She still keeps it as a constant reminder of those who cared enough to see her off with the ultimate care package.

through workshops, family fellowship and a soul food dinner. She will bid them farewell with a serenade as they leave with a trunk full of goodies that include irons, laundry detergent, towels an alarm clock and other must-haves.

Since she officially kicked off her Trunk tours five years ago, nearly 1,000 incoming college students have been blessed by Griffin’s organization.

“To a child who doesn’t have anything, it means the world,” Griffin said. “And when those mothers put it together for me, I needed it. When you walk away, your parents have done everything possible to get you out the door and it’s like, ‘I forgot pillows. What about the towels?’”

Symbolism of the trunk

“I knew I was blessed and I wanted to give someone else that blessing.”

Gabrielle Fowler was one of those parents. She first attended a Better Love Yourself Trunk event with her niece Candis Johnson – a trunk recipient who was headed to Alabama A&M University.

– Terisa Griffin

“When I left for college, I had no idea what to expect,” Griffin said. “But because of my trunk, I knew I was blessed and I wanted to give someone else that blessing.”

That feeling became the anchor for Griffin’s foundation – which promotes self-love and self-esteem and encourages positive life choices – and the initiative to impact young people who have taken the first step to success by choosing to attend college.

For 2011, more than three dozen young people in St. Louis will begin their chapter in higher learning with a lesson in love from Griffin

Fowler said, “I love what is in the trunk and the symbolism of the trunk itself: where you’re going and your future and how you were able to get started on your educational career. That concept is just fantastic.”

The next year, Fowler’s daughter Tatum signed up and was awarded a trunk before heading off to Alabama as well to attend Oakwood University.

“Once they get the scholarship, the Pell grant, what about the pillow or the towel and the things that people don’t think about when they are trying to pay for college?” Fowler said.

“Anyone who has had a child going to college in this economy could not miss the benefits of an opportunity such as this.”

Since being introduced to the foundation in 2008, Fowler and her husband felt led to

become one of its volunteers and to encourage others to help the St. Louis leg of the Trunk tour remain successful. She says her daughter and niece still have their trunks and talk about the Better Love Yourself

Foundation whenever they get the chance. As a matter of fact, Fowler’s daughter will be returning home to speak to the 2011 recipients on Sunday.

“The trunk is just a portion of it,” Fowler said. “There are seminars. She feeds them, gives them a concert and makes them feel special for an entire day. That says a lot – it speaks volumes.”

The process of doing so hasn’t been easy. Griffin says that she received an overwhelming amount of applications this year and had to turn down several students because there weren’t enough trunks to go around.

“Not being able to give every kid a trunk tore my heart apart this year,” Griffin said. Griffin has been working on

giving back while relentlessly grinding to make a name for herself as a singer since the moderate radio success of her debut single “Wonderful” in 2007.

“What if tomorrow is my last day? What if this next was my last breath, and my music blows up after I’ve gone?” Griffin said. “I’ve got to be about my father’s business. What if this is my blow up, and by waiting I passed up the opportunity to bless the next president of Sony Records? You know, these record label presidents are getting younger every day.”

This year’s event has special significance because Griffin now has help from college graduates from schools such as Spelman, Morehouse

and the University of Illinois whom she helped back when they were starting their journeys as college students.

“If I never get any bigger than I am, it feels amazing and it is a blessing to do what I’ve been doing,” Griffin said. “And I’m more blessed than the kids are, because I get to be a part of it.”

St. Louis’Better Love Yourself Trunk Event will take place at 4 p.m. this Sunday (July 17) at the YWCA’s Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center (2711 Locust). It will feature food, workshops and a musical performance from BYL founder Terisa Griffin at 6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.betterloveyourself.com.

Former Fire Chief Sherman George and his wife

Catherine George supported Terisa Griffin and her Better Love Yourself Foundation last year when her foundation gave essentials to local college students and mentored to them in her Trunk event.

Photo by Wiley Price

AIRPORT

Continued from A1

vision of St. Louis is nothing more than a flight of fancy –not worthy of serious discourse or studied consideration. Perhaps it’s a weariness resulting from the loss of auto plants, Fortune 500 companies and countless jobs. But for a town whose very name is synonymous with discovery and expansion, our pioneer spirit appears flagging.We used to dream big.More importantly, we used to make big dreams happen. Fortunately there are visionary leaders in our community who fully understand that these scenarios are not just a dream, but essential undertakings if St. Louis is to reclaim its rightful role in an increasingly global economy.About 240 miles to our east, Indianapolis is reaping the benefits of energizing its competitiveness after it landed a FedEx cargo hub in the 1980s.Like an annuity, the hub generated jobs and revenue. In 2008, those economic assets helped support a dramatic new passenger terminal, a facility that plays the symbolic role of a transportation hub –an emissary of the community it represents. Last year, passengers polled by J.D. Power and Associates rated the Indianapolis terminal highest in customer satisfaction among 64 major airports.The St. Louis region is in global competition for talent, commerce, tourism and investment. Competing is not a pipe dream, but a necessity.

In St. Louis, the China Hub offers a vision of prosperity built around an airport with the potential to perform as an emissary of our region. With a stream of income generated by

BROWN

Continued from A1

As president, he enjoyed having a close relationship with the principal Elizabeth Bender and being a voice for 1,200 students.

“He’s very respectful,” Bender said. “You talk to Jarvis, and it’s not something that goes in one ear and out the other. He’s mature beyond his years.”

Bender was impressed that Jarvis genuinely cared about representing all the students, especially the ones on the fringe.

“They respected Jarvis because he didn’t just walk around like a big man,” Bender said.

When Bender’s secretary passed away, Bender said the staff was really tense. She talked with Jarvis and told him to pass word among the students to be mindful and not act up.

“It would get through,” she said. “Jarvis was a big part of that. He always came through.”

His grandmother, Jackie Rice, said she was happy to see Brown go on to the Air Force Academy.

“I feel great because I know he’s going to succeed and not too many city kids do,” she said.

Brown dreams of becoming a pilot and an astronaut, he said.

“Back in the day, when I was younger I would look up to the sky and be amazed by what I saw,” he said. “I want to find life on Mars.”

His favorite planet is Jupiter. Its mini moons have always captivated him, he said.

“I don’t know if I will step foot on that planet, but I want get as close as possible,” he said.

Rice said he has also talked about becoming president of the United States.

“With his determination, I wouldn’t put it past him,” she said. “If he sets his mind on something, he really tries hard.” At Gateway, he learned quite a bit about leadership that he could apply to any situation.

“You have to know your people,” Brown said. “You have to know who is following you and why they are following. You have to have a main goal and do the right thing.”

the hub, Lambert can transition from a place where passengers rush to their destination to a place where they have the opportunity to soak in some favorable impressions of St. Louis.At the Indianapolis terminal, designed by HOK, travelers naturally gravitate to its central piazza – an amenity that invites and enables them to slow down and connect with Indianapolis and the Hoosier State. Meanwhile, the hub can become Lambert’s annuity, blossoming with businesses and jobs serving overseas trading. According to the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, it has the poten-

tial to generate more than 20 million square feet of cargo, warehouse and factory space, directly employ more than 5,000 people, and create an additional 5,000 jobs in secondary businesses serving the trade hub. Correspondingly, one value of high-speed rail will be its physical impact on downtown St. Louis. Since we don’t have a downtown airport, air travelers typically bypass downtown – never even see it – except from the air.But high-speed rail offers enormous prospects of intimately engaging passengers with our city. But we’ll have to think big.

In London, Waterloo

Terminal, which serves the high-speed Eurostar as it emerges from The Chunnel, initially revitalized an entire neighborhood. Now, after only 15 years, it’s already obsolete and is being replaced by a larger station with more parking, better baggage handling and more space for passengerrelated businesses to grow. Entire blocks of St. Louis will need to be strategically reshaped to maximize the economic benefits of high-speed rail.

St.Louis American columnist James Ingram and other authors who contributed to the book “The Making of an All-American City:East St.Louis at 150”gathered at the East St.Louis Sesquicentennial Summer Celebration on Friday and Saturday at East St.Louis Higher Education Center.

Ripley Rasmus is senior vice president and director of design at HOK.

Copyright 2011 STLtoday.com. Reprinted with permission.

St. Louis once leveraged its post-Civil War stature as the “Gateway to the West” by investing in Union Station and its Grand Hall, an architectural showcase that awed travelers and communicated that here was a city confident in itself. That same self-assurance is needed today to advance our considerable assets in higher education, research, business, quality of life, cultural amenities and skilled workforce. Hesitation will waste these assets. The drive to compete –as we must do – will energize them. This future is not a pipe dream.It’s a vision we can materialize.To do so, we just need to marshal a bit of the “can-do” spirit that has served us so well countless times in the past.

Photo by Erica Brooks

Rita Days: ‘access to the process’

A conversation with the new county elections director

Former state Sen. Rita Days is St. Louis County’s new Democratic elections director. Along with a Republican, the Democratic elections director oversees voting in the county. Days was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon and replaces Joe Donahue, who resigned in April. Because of term limits, Days retired from the state Senate last December 31, after serving eight years. She earlier served just under eight years in the state House. The EYE talked to Days on Monday, which turned out to be her irst day on the new job.

Political EYE: So are you in the ofice yet?

Rita Days: I’m here already. I’m setting up my ofice as we speak. The gentleman from I.T. is getting me on the system today. It’s my very, very irst day.

Political EYE: You could do a few things in politics. Why this?

Rita Days: Most of time was spent in the House, where I was chair of the Elections Committee. I found the work very rewarding. It’s one place where you actually see the fruits of your labor. It was a natural transition. I’m pleased the governor thought it would be be a good opportunity for me. So here’s where I am.

Political EYE: How did you see the fruit of your labor?

Rita Days: In terms of the policy. From chairing the com-

mittee and being an elected oficial, I saw where policies worked – some did, some did not. Now I’m at the election authority, so I know both ends and where they come together. I can pull all the issues together in one place. It’s very, very good for me. There are things I saw from the beginning, some things I thought were a good idea may not work out. Here is where I can really make a difference.

Political EYE: Every effort has been made to make the election commission bi-partisan. How are you seeing that on day one?

Rita Days: On day one, I have a list here of all the people who work here, and they all have a “D” or an “R” by their name. I don’t even know who they are or their roles just yet, but I am going to be working on that issue. But St. Louis County is the largest county in the state with the largest election authority. The point is we want to make sure elections are fair and that everybody who is eligible to vote has the opportunity to do that and that we don’t have anything we do out here that is a deterrent to people coming to vote.

Political EYE: What marching orders did the governor give you?

Rita Days: Let me say that was before I left the Senate, so it was a little while ago. He said he wanted to make sure the of-

ice was run well and there were few if any snafus. He wanted to make sure we have a good database of registered voters. I’m looking forward to doing a good job and be as non-partisan as I can possibly be. At the end of the day, people who want to vote, we have to make sure they have access to the process.

Political EYE: Any hesitations to do this job?

Rita Days: No. I really wanted to come out of Jefferson City. Highway 70 was getting to be old. I wanted to be closer to home so I could be present myself. I made the necessary arrangements to do that, so it makes me happy.

Political EYE: Where do you live?

Rita Days: I live in North County, in Bel Nor, across from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. I just love being at home. When you’re on the road, away

four days a week, you have a limited time in the community to do the things you want to do.

Political EYE: What are the things in the community you want to do?

Rita Days: I’m very involved in the schools. I’m on the boards of several foundations. I’m on the MathewsDickey Boys & Girls Club board, I’m on the board of the Lincoln University Foundation (that’s where I graduated), I’m on several committees, like the Institute for Women and Gender Studies at UMSL. You can’t be effective when you’re not there. I’d work on the phone, but I’m kind of a hands-on person. I like to be where I’m supposed to be.

Political EYE: What family do you have in the area?

Rita Days: My daughter lives here, Natalie Days; my other children, one is in Texas, one is in Florida. My daughter

is a teacher in the FergusonFlorissant School District.

She teaches 7th and 8th grade science at Ferguson Middle School.

Political EYE: What schools are you involved in?

Rita Days: As a senator I represented seven districts, but my home is in the Normandy School District. The superintendent, Stanton Lawrence, calls every now and then and asks for advice. That started before I left the Senate; you have to keep your relationships. Now we are involved with the 24:1 Initiative with Beyond Housing. I really like that.

Political EYE: Most people who follow politics understand that you and County Executive Charlie Dooley are close.

Rita Days: That is correct.

Political EYE: What does Charlie want to do next?

Rita Days: Charlie wants

to run again. He likes being county executive. That’s pretty much what he wants to do right now.

Political EYE: Did you talk to him about this position?

Rita Days: Yes. His advice was to do the best job you can do. This is not rocket science; it’s about people and making sure people have the information they need and making sure the election authority is working in order and has the resources necessary to do that. He really hated for me to leave him.

Political EYE: What were you doing for Charlie?

Rita Days: I was Special Assistant to the County Executive, so I dealt a lot with constituent work in the North County community. It was another extension of my previous work as a senator.

Political EYE: It seems like when the Post-Dispatch doesn’t have a story to report that is critical of Charlie and county government, they just report on rumors to that effect. What did you make of that?

Rita Days: In political life, this is par for the course. They have to sell newspapers. They have to generate stories if they have to. I understand that. I don’t hold that against them. Sometimes that can be unfair, but for the most part they are just doing their job.

Political EYE: You’re also often named as a challenger to Congressman Clay. Does Lacy have anything to fear from your footsteps?

Rita Days: Anybody in an elected position like that, you need to make sure you maintain that honesty and integrity because people are always willing to step in and upset the applecart. At this point, that’s not my goal.

Political EYE: But I assume you looked at the redistricting maps.

Rita Days: I have looked at them, though not very closely. I really haven’t paid that much attention.

Political EYE: So you’re not looking at it as a battle zone.

Rita Days: No, not really.

Former state Sen. Rita Days is St. Louis County’s new Democratic elections director.

An appointee of Gov. Jay Nixon, she started her new position on Monday. Photo by Wiley Price

By Eric E.Vickers

BUSINESS

Minority inclusion and its discontents

For The St.Louis American

I was pleased to read recent stories of initiatives to include more blacks on construction projects and in the local economy.But with the minority inclusion movement now over three decades old – dating to the 10 percent minority set aside of the $4 billion 1977 Public Works Act – I found myself asking if these stories represent real change.

Maryland Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, in authoring the 1977 legislation, saw economic development as the final stage of the Civil Rights Movement.Over the course of the years since the laws’enactment, three factors emerged that should cause us to reflect on minority inclusion and its impact on black economic development.

The first factor was the outright resistance to blacks and minorities being included in the economic mainstream.Immediately

after passage of the set-aside law, a well-funded war on inclusion was waged through the courts by white contractors.Although the Supreme Court ruled in 1980 that Mitchell’s legislation was constitutional, the attack on inclusion continued and intensified.

In 1989, in a major setback, the Supreme Court struck down the City of Richmond’s 30 percent minority inclusion law, but left a crack open for minority inclusion laws being structured to be constitutional.Ayear later, St. Louis signed a federal court consent decree establishing a 25 percent minority inclusion law.

The resistance to minority inclusion thereafter became less overt, but more complex, confining and conniving. Because minority inclusion percentages could now be lawfully legislated, the resistance became that of limiting the

State hires new Equal Opportunity officer

Celeste Metcalf will monitor

workforce diversity, lead disparity study

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

Celeste Metcalf, the new director of the Equal Opportunity Office for the state Office of Administration, will be making historical shifts in the way Missouri does business.

Her first history-paving task is to raise $600,000 to $800,000 for a state-wide disparity study. Her assignment is to make Missouri the first state to fund a disparity study by asking for donations among its state agencies and private donors, rather than including it in the state budget. The last statewide disparity study in Missouri was conducted more than 15 years ago.

“Without a disparity study, courts will not uphold lawsuits brought against the state for inclusion.”

– Commissioner Kelvin L.Simmons

When the Legislature declined the request for a disparity study last year, Kelvin L. Simmons, commissioner for the Office of Administration, was not discouraged. Aveteran of state government, he has built the infrastructure for minority participation goals in Missouri before, and he knows why the study is important.

“We’ve got to have a better opportunity to have a policy that works,” he said. “Without a disparity study, courts will not uphold lawsuits brought against the state for inclusion.”

In the 1990s, Simmons worked with Gov. Mel Carnahan on an executive order, which put into place the first participation goals in state contracting for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) at 10 percent and five percent, respectively.

In 2004, those goals were dismantled under Gov. Matt Blunt’s administration.

“If we would have been achieving the objectives of 10 percent and 5 percent since 2005 to today, MBEs and WBEs would have received the benefit of hundreds of millions of dollars,” Simmons said.

“But because we have not been achieving those objectives – largely because you have a stale disparity study and you don’t have the teeth in the executive order to be able to mandate it –there’s money on the table that was lost and will never come back,” he said. “And we can show that.”

The new study would look at the capability and readiness of MBEs and WBEs, primarily in the area of goods and commodities. Currently, 7.38 percent of all the state agencies’expenditures are

No extortion fordebt ceiling vote

By Marc H.Morial National Urban League

“We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.”– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Rarely have the divisions in American politics been more clear – or more onerous.

Majority leaders in the House and minority leaders in the Senate have taken the unprecedented step of linking a raise in the debt ceiling to the debate about deficit reduction and spending cuts.In effect, they are attempting to extort big cuts in programs benefiting working- and middle-class citizens while protecting exorbitant tax breaks for oil companies, corporate jet owners and hedge fund managers. They say this is the only way they will agree to increase the debt limit.If they get their way, fiscal experts – from Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke – warn severe disruptions will occur. Beginning August 2, Social Security checks may be halted.Medicare, Medicaid and unemployment benefits may

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Darcella

Darcella Craven was recognized as one of the “100 St. Louisans You Should Know” in the June issue of Small Business Monthly. A U.S. Army veteran herself, she is executive director of the Veterans Business Resource Center. Honorees were selected based on their support of local small business through educational, financial and incubation efforts. She recently was recognized by The St. Louis American in its inaugural Salute to Young Leaders.

Jay Williams has been named by President Obama as the director of the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers. The first black mayor of Youngstown, Oh., he will lead the effort to assist auto communities in identifying federal resources that may be used as part of their recovery efforts. During his tenure as mayor, he helped revitalize neighborhoods and increase investments in broadbased economic development initiatives.

Alderman Kacie StarrTriplett has been chosen to participate in a political training program at Yale University this week, the Women’s Campaign School held at Yale Law Shool. The programis a non-partisan, issue-neutral leadership course, whose mission is to increase the number and influence of women in elected and appointed office. She has served as alderman of the 6th Ward since 2007. She represents part of downtown and several South City neighborhoods.

Michael Carter of Florissant has joined Kwame Building Group as project manager, working on projects at the St. Louis Public School District. Carter has eight years of experience in construction management, working as a project engineer and project manager on education, assisted living, senior living and commercial projects. Carter volunteers as a career coach at the Construction Careers Center in St. Louis.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

All-day Diversity Workshop at Wash U July 25

The Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Washington University will present an allday workshop “Diversity as a Catalyst for Innovation in the Sciences:Connecting Women and Under-Represented Innovators to Regional Resources” on Monday, July 25.

The breakfast keynote will be delivered by Brenda D. Newberry, retired chairman and founder, The Newberry Group, Inc., and principal, Nesher, LLC.Her topic is “Why Innovation and Diversity are Critical to the Region:Reflections from a Real Entrepreneur of St. Louis.”

In addition to breakout sessions and panel discussions, the workshop will include an “IdeaBounce” to pitch ideas and win cash prizes, a networking reception and a mentoring dinner.

The workshop location is the Charles F. Knight Executive Education Center on Washington University’s Danforth Campus. Register on the Skandalaris Center website at http://sc.wustl.edu/Events/Pages/diversity.aspx.

BJC, employees donate over$77K forJoplin relief

BJC employees donated nearly $39,000 to help with relief efforts for residents of Joplin, Mo., following the May 22 F-5 tornado. BJC matched employee contributions and delivered $77,852 to the Greater Ozarks American Red Cross in Joplin.

“We have seen a high number of natural disasters this year and, each time, our remarkable employees step forward to ask how they can help,” said Steve Lipstein, BJC president and CEO. “Whether volunteering their skills or donating funds, they open their hearts to those in need.”

In March, BJC and employees made donations totaling nearly $88,000 to aid earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan.

State revenue up 5.9 percent forFY2011 overFY2010

Craven

Jay Williams

Michael Carter

Eric Vickers

Kacie Starr Triplett

Celeste Metcalf is the new director of the Equal Opportunity Office for the State of Missouri’s Office of Administration.

Photo by Wiley Price

See METCALF, B2

How can a living trust help control my estates?

Living trusts enable you to control the distribution of your estate, and certain trusts may enable you to reduce or avoid many of the taxes and fees that will be imposed upon your death.

Atrust is a legal arrangement under which one person, the trustee, controls property given by another person, the trustor, for the benefit of a third person, the beneficiary. When you establish a revocable living trust, you are allowed to be the trustor, the trustee, and the beneficiary of that trust. When you set up a living trust, you transfer ownership of all the assets you’d like to place in the trust from yourself to the trust. Legally, you no longer own any of the assets in your trust. Your trust now ownsthese assets. But, as the trustee, you maintain complete control. You can buy or sell as

METCALF

Continued from B1 procured from MBEs and 2.32 percent from WBEs. That’s a far cry from the state requirement of 10 percent and 5 percent that was mandated under Carnahan.

In July 2010, Gov. Jay Nixon signed executive order 10-24 outlining a workforce diversity plan, but it does not include minority participation goals for state contracts. Without an up-to-date disparity study, setting specific goals

VICKERS

Continued from B1 percentages, and of contriving ways – such as “front company” arrangements – to circumvent inclusion.Moreover, minority inclusion devolved into “diversity” inclusion, which undermined the focus on black economic development. The second factor that should cause reflection is the role of the black entrepreneurs

you see fit. You can even give assets away. Upon your death, assuming that you have transferred all your assets to the revocable trust, there isn’t anything to probate because the assets are held in the trust. Therefore, properly established living trusts completely avoid probate. If you use a living trust, your estate will be available to your heirs upon your death, without any of the delays or expensive court proceedings that accompany the probate process. There are some trust strategies that serve very specific estate needs. One of the most widely used is a living trust with an A-B provision. An A-B trust (also known as a bypass trust) enablesa married couple to pass on up to double the exemption amount to their heirs free of estate taxes. However, with enactment of

could do more harm than good, Simmons said.

“We can’t afford to make that mistake again,” Simmons said. About nine years after the state conducted its first statewide disparity study in 1995 and 1996, a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in the western district of Missouri challenging the MBE program. In January 2005, a preliminary injunction was issued, ordering the Office of Administration and the State of Missouri to suspend the placing of MBE/WBE requirements in any state procurement.

spawned by minority inclusion. Over this generational span of time, minority inclusion has become an industry itself, opening up opportunities for black businesses across the spectrum of the economy – from construction to telecommunications to information technology. However, the role of black entrepreneurs in advancing the black economic movement has come under criticism for their not hiring other blacks, being centered on status rather than the communi-

P

ERSONAL

the 2010 Tax Relief Act, some couples may no longer need an A-B trust to maximize the estate tax exemption for both spouses. But before you make a decision about the use of a bypass trust, there are a number of issues to consider.

FINANCE

By Charles Ross

Charles Ross

First a little background on changes in the estate tax as a result of the 2010 Tax Relief Act. The law increased the applicable exemption amount to $5 million retroactively to January 1, 2010, with a 35 percent tax rate. The increased threshold alone eliminates many people from being subject to the fed-

Even though the lawsuit never went to court, the MBE program was never reinstituted. Sadly, Simmons watched the vibrant progress of the program quickly fizzle to nothing. For instance, in 2000 the state’s Department of Insurance had 10 percent WBE/MBE participation, the Economic Development department had 7.4 percent and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations had 7

eral estate tax. An interesting new provision is "portability" of the exemption to the surviving spouse, which allows surviving spouses to use their spouses' unused exemption plus their own, enabling a couple to exempt up to $10 million from federal estate taxes. However, provisions of the 2010 Tax Relief Act are in effect only through December 31, 2012, unless Congress amends or extends the law. So in 2013, not only does the portability provision expire but the federal estate tax exemption is scheduled to fall from $5 million to $1 million,

percent.

By 2003, those numbers went up to 48 percent, 26 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

“This is about the success of all and not just a few.”

– Celeste Metcalf

Yet shortly after the injunction, there was no minority business advocacy at the state level, and that was reflected in the participation numbers for state agencies. The Department of Insurance’s MBE/WBE participation went down to 0.1 percent, the Economic Development to 13 percent and

ty, and being used as “pass throughs” by white businesses. This was not what Mitchell envisioned with the 1977 law, which was premised on studies showing that minority businesses hired minority employees more than white businesses.Mitchell not only expected minority firms receiving public contracts to

The resistance to minority inclusion thereafter became less overt, but more complex, confining and conniving.

hire minorities, he expected a black entrepreneurial class that would propel black economic advancement beyond set aside laws. The third factor that bears contemplation is whether the inclusion movement is alone capable of providing the economic transformation needed by the black community.The theory of

MORIAL

Continued from B1 stop.Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan may not get paid. And hundreds of thousands of government workers may be laid off. This is no way to run the

most trustworthy and powerful government in the world.And it is no way to honor the hard work and sacrifices of its people. It should be noted, that prior to this current showdown, the debt ceiling has routinely been raised almost 100 times since its establishment in 1917.Former President

which would subject many more households to the federal estate tax. Furthermore, many states have their own estate or inheritance tax, or both, and nonecurrently has portability provisions. This means that when married couples leave all their assets to their spouses, the surviving spouse will be able to use only his or her state exemption. Additional considerations favoring a trust are the ability to shelter appreciation of assets placed in the trust, to protect assets from creditors, to benefit children from a previous marriage, and to preserve a married couple's state estate tax exemptions.

When an A-B trust is implemented, two subsequent trusts are created upon the death of the first spouse. The assets will be allocated between the survivor’s trust, or “A” trust, and the decedent’s trust, or “B” trust. This will create two tax-

Labor Industrial Relations was at 0.4 percent.

Simmons said that Gov. Jay Nixon has aggressively begun rebuilding “the house” of inclusion. The administration reconstituted the Minority Business Advocacy Commission, and now Metcalf will direct the workforce diversity plan as per Nixon’s July 2010 executive order.

This year the Legislature again failed to allot funds for the disparity study. Instead they put a $1 line item in the annual budget for the study, which allows Metcalf and her team to establish a bank

inclusion rests on the mainstream economy – i.e., capitalism – and three decades of experience with inclusion should cause us to wonder whether the black community can achieve economic parity and vitality solely within this framework.

Perhaps parallel energy must be put into a self-help economic model, such as that once epitomized by the Nation of Islam, whose annual revenue from its business enterprises exceeded $50 million. While black spending power in

George W. Bush raised it seven times without objection while racking up trillions of dollars of new debt for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and big tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.

The Obama administration is not oblivious to the need for spending cuts.For months, Vice President Joe Biden has led bipartisan negotiations aimed at agreeing on a sensible deficit reduction plan.Progress has been made. But recently several members of the so-called “Gang of Six” walked out of the negotiations because of ideological resistance to balancing spending cuts for the middle class with ending some tax breaks for the wealthy. As they defend the rights of working-class Americans, I would urge them also to consider the recommendations included in the National Urban League’s 12-Point Jobs Plan, “Putting Urban American Back To Work.”The creation of Urban Jobs Academies to train

able entities, each of which will be entitled to use a personal exemption.

The surviving spouse retains full control of his or her trust. He or she can also receive income from the deceased spouse’s trust and can even withdraw principal from it when necessary for health, support, or maintenance. On the death of the second spouse, the assets of both trusts pass directly to the heirs, completely avoiding probate. If each of these trusts contains less than the exemption amount, these assets will pass to the heirs free of federal estate taxes.

Charles Ross is host of the syndicated radio program “Your Personal Finance.” Contact him at P.O. Box 870928; Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087; or email to charles@ charlesross.com.

account for donations. In January 2012, Simmons would like to show “in dramatic fashion” how much support they’ve received from the community, he said. While fundraising for the study, Metcalf will be calling on MBEs, WBEs, state agencies and corporations that have an interest in inclusion.

“This is about the success of all and not just a few,” Metcalf said. “I believe this is not about just satisfying the minority or the women community. I believe this will uplift all entities in the entire state.”

America is legendary for being the equivalent of a nation, black businesses tap into only a fraction of the black consumer market. Minority inclusion should be a fixture because it represents for blacks and minorities at least a minimum slice of the economic pie.But the passage of time teaches that inclusion should be just one of the tools for black economic development – the final stage of the Civil Rights Movement.

the critically unemployed, or Green Empowerment Zones to locate manufacturing jobs in urban areas, could ease the transition to spending cuts. So far, the president and sensible members of Congress have stood firm in their refusal to give in to ideological extortion.

Prior to this current showdown, the debt ceiling has routinely been raised almost 100 times since its establishment in 1917.

“Any agreement to reduce our deficit is going to require tough decisions and balanced solutions,” the president said in a recent press conference.

“And before we ask our seniors to pay more for health care, before we cut our children’s education, before we sacrifice our commitment to the research and innovation that will help create more jobs in the economy, I think it’s only fair to ask an oil company or a corporate jet owner that has done so well to give up a tax break that no other business enjoys.”

Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

“If I’m not gay and I am afraid to mention it, I can only imagine what an athlete must be going through if he is gay.”

– Michael Irvin,who posed for the cover story of Out magazine

LAIB’S CALL

By Mike Claiborne

Hall of Faulk looms as NFL suits up Coming on

Former Rams star headed to Canton, Ohio

My, how the tone has changed with respect to the labor talks in the NFL. All of sudden the gloom and doom that was preached, the millions of dollars spent on legal fees that just fatten the pockets of lawyers filing frivolous lawsuits has now been replaced by starting dates for training camp and ticket drives. Yes, there will be a season and it should start on time, which says to me the whole “lockout” mode we had been in was a farce. Both sides proved they were not as dumb as I initially thought. Lesson learned here? You bet. Do not get caught up in what billionaires do unless it directly effects your job. Both sides could have cared less about you and me as that dollar bill they were both chasing was what this was about from day one. Now I can now focus on the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio in August. Normally I am not the one who would be interested in a pre-season football game but the events leading up to this one will be special as

No. 31 with a bullet

Cardinal Ritter’s Cameron Biedscheid moves up the national rankings

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St.Louis American

Cardinal Ritter College Prep basketball standout Cameron Biedscheid has been a very active and busy young man on the summer basketball circuit.

As soon as he completed the LeBron James camp, he was back in St.Louis to play in the Mullen Sports High Profile Tournament at Lindenwood University.

The 6’7” Biedscheid has travelled around the country playing in some prestigious camps while also competing for the St. Louis Eagles 17U team. Biedscheid’s work has paid off in recent weeks as he has seen his name soar up the national rankings in the Class of 2012. Biedscheid was ranked No. 31 in the senior class nationally by the national recruiting website Rivals.com. He finished his junior season at Ritter ranked No. 60, but he has been coming on strong in the last month. He is also ranked the No. 6 small forward in the Class of 2012.

“It feels pretty good, but there’s always room for improvement,” Biedscheid said. “I’m really working to get in the Top 15

It was another hot and humid day after practice when I noticed a young man playing in the yard with his little nieces and nephews.

“Coach Scotty!” yelled the young man. I looked and it was a young man named Natereace Strong. I have had the pleasure of coaching this young man for the past two years. Now, I know it’s just July 14, and it’s a long way from the East St.Louis Flyers’football season opener in Georgia. And I realize it is high school football here. But,football in East St. Louis means as much to our community as the St. Louis Rams do to St. Louis. Back in East Boogie, both young and old look forward to Friday nights and Saturday afternoons watching Flyers football. This year will be no exception. That brings me to the player who will wear #26 for the 2011 Flyers: Natereace Strong. He is one of the most heralded middle-school athletes ever in the state of Illinois. Already standing 6’2” and weighing 185 pounds, the freshman to be at East St. Louis Senior helped his teammates win two state championships in track & field, a 4th place finish in basketball in 2010 and a state championship in 2011. In addition, the young man went 36-0 during his football career, all at Wyvetter Younge Middle School in East St. Louis.

As a seventh grader in 2010, Strong shattered the middle school state record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.46 seconds. In this year’s state meet, he had the crowd on their feet as he turned the corner down the stretch of the track blistering his own record in that same event with a time of 22.29! Those times would have won medals for Natereance at the high school level last year in the state of Illinois. During state basketball and track & field competitions, fans and teams would line up to take pictures and seek autographs with Natereace.

During this years

Class 8-3AState basketball tournament in Carlinville, IL, Strong brought the house down with a thunderous dunk after a feed from his point guard Deony Boyd. I hadn’t witnessed anything like this since Darius Miles did his thing at Lincoln and East Side more than a decade ago.

“He has competed hard every day like a veteran during our summer conditioning program. He has an opportunity to be one of the great ones.” – Coach Darren Sunkett

For Strong, basketball is something he likes, but football and track & field are what he loves, and Darren Sunkett can’t wait to unleash his new running back.

“Strong will have to earn every carry he gets,” said Sunkett. “He understands we have a lot of talent on this team, but he has competed hard every day like a veteran during our summer conditioning program. He has an opportunity to be one of the great ones with time. We won’t put pressure on him, but I’m looking forward to seeing him by conference time really ready to roll.”

Most people around these parts know Coach Sunkett and I go way back from his days at Riverview Gardens. Afew Negroes in the media turned their back on him. And I’m on record to say this young man reminds me of the young man that brought Sunkett and me together as friends: the late, great Damien Nash, who played under Sunkett at both Riverview Gardens and East St. Louis Senior High.

See CLAIBS, B5

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Natereace Strong

Maurice Scott

Ateam of herown

At age 23, Khalia Collier owns her own basketball franchise

INSIDE SPORTS

Khalia Collier has combined her passion for business and love for the sport of basketball to create a groundbreaking opportunity for herself.

At the tender age of 23, Collier is the owner of a professional sports franchise.

During the month of May, Collier became the new owner of the St. Louis Surge, a local women’s semipro basketball team. The Surge competes in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL).

And no, you read it right. Collier is 23 years old and one year removed from her graduation from Missouri Baptist University. This is not a misprint. However, if you talk to her for just 10 minutes, you get the immediate sense that she has what it takes to pull of such a monumental venture at such a young age.

“I’m a very passionate, business-oriented young lady,” Collier said, matter of factly.

“My two passions have always been basketball and marketing.

I am very excited about this new opportunity with the St. Louis Surge.”

Selling and marketing is a huge part of Collier is all about. She graduated from college with a degree in Marketing. She currently works as a salesperson at Plaza Motors in Creve Coeur. She is constantly on the move trying

NO. 31

Continued from B3

or Top 20 by the end of the summer. Hopefully, that hap-

to make things happen. The past two months have been especially hectic for Collier as she tries to get the word out to the community about the Surge’s final event of the season. On Saturday, July 23, the Surge will be hosting the WBCBLRegional Tournament at the University of MissouriSt. Louis. The Surge will play the Minnesota Jaguars at 3:30 p.m. in one semifinal game. In the other semifinal, Wisconsin will play Kansas City. The winners will play for the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. The winner will advance

pens, but I’m going to keep working hard to see how far it goes.”

One of the big reasons for Biedscheid’s re-emergence onto the national stage is the return to good health. He

to the national tournament in Atlanta on August 6-7.

“I’ve been the busiest person in the world during the past two months,” Collier said. “This is huge project for St. Louis, but my goal is to make women’s semi-pro basketball a big thing in this community. I’ve always had the hustle mentality.”

Basketball has been a big part of Collier’s life ever since she was in grade school. She was a standout player at Fort Zumwalt South High in St. Charles County. She finished her prep career with many of the school’s records. She

played much of the spring season on an injured ankle, which hindered his performance with the Eagles during the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. When at full strength, the silky-smooth Biedscheid is one

began her collegiate career at Columbia College, but she finished up at Missouri Baptist. Her passion for business and marketing also took root at an early age from watching her mother, who runs her own business. Tonia Collier has owned a fragrance company in town for the past 14 years, so Khalia has had the opportunity to see how to promote and market a business first hand. Collier’s ascension to team ownership actually began this year when she began the season as a player for the Surge. Her desire to become more involved in the business of

of the most creative scorers in the nation. He is explosive to the rim with a smooth midrange jumper and 3-point range to boot.

“I feel way better now and I can get into the flow of the games,” Biedscheid said.

“When my ankle was bothering me, it was hard to get rolling. Now, that I’m healthy, I can perform a lot better.”

Biedscheid made a big splash in June while participating in the National Basketball Players Association Camp in Charlottesville, VA. in June. He continued to impress more people last week at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, OH.

As soon as he completed the LeBron James camp, he was back in St. Louis to play in the Mullen Sports High

sports grew with each day to the point where she wanted to have her own team.

As she continued to explore the avenues of starting her own team, the opportunity of buying the team that she once played for started to become a real possibility. After several discussions with the former ownership, everything worked out and Collier became what has to be one of the youngest owners in sports at any level.

In my opinion, this is an amazing story to see such a young person aspire to have such as responsible position like this. It’s one thing to have

Profile Tournament at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. Biedscheid averaged more than 20 points a game in leading the Eagles to a berth in the championship game.

Biedscheid made Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey a happy man last fall when he gave the Fighting Irish an early verbal commitment before the 2010-11 season.

Continued from B3

Naterance wanted to wear #26 in honor of his late mother. Coach Sunkett will allow him to do so.

“The young man has great

aspirations, but to go out and make it a reality is something that is really off the chains. There have many examples of former players to left the game and immediately became the coach of the team. But, I don’t know of a scenario when a player actually becomes the owner, especially when that person is in her early 20’s. Khalia is a fantastic story and she can be a great role model for young girls out there of what can happen when you have a lot of talent and a little hustle to make things happen.

character and works very hard and is a good student,” Sunkett said, “I’m looking forward to coaching him the next three years.”

Last year’s disaster with the IHSA, with the disappointing feeling by the team that they were good enough to be state champions, was hard to swallow. Alumni, former players, coaches, and long-time supportors of Flyers Football around the country also felt embarrassed, picked on and angry –not just at those who put the noose around the neck of the program, but at those who continue to allow things to happen in East St. Louis. You know who you are, I hope things become more clear and fair to those who do have our kids best interest.

At the tender age of 23,Khalia Collier (far right) is the owner of a professional sports franchise:the St.Louis Surge, a local women’s semi-pro basketball team that competes in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League.

Photo courtesy of St.Louis Surge

With Earl Austin Jr.

Earl Austin Jr.

“The PHL in the STL: The Public High League,A

St.Louis Basketball Legacy”is just one the three books Earl Austin Jr.will be discussing on Saturday.

CLAIBS

Continued from B3

Marshall Faulk will be inducted this year, an honor that is much deserved. I will get more into Faulk in the upcoming weeks.

But yes, I may be ready for some football no matter how bad it could be this season as coaches and players have the built-in excuse of the lockout. Not buying it here. Those who were bad before the lockout will still be bad, not because of missed practice time.

Your2011 St. Louis Cardinals (finally)

As the Cardinals start the second portion of the season, the question still remains: Do they have enough? For the first time in some time, the team that was put on paper in the spring will actually get a chance to play on the field starting in Cincinnati this weekend. With that in mind, I should remind you that performance and health are two different things here, as there have been some players who have been healthy who have not performed to expectation.

If the Redbirds had not had so many errors in key spots in the game as well as not executing routine major league plays, this would be a different season. Had the bullpen and the back end of the starting rotation not melted down in some stages of the season, the Cardinals would have a near double digit lead.

But I guess that is why you play the games.

There are roughly 70 games

Earl Austin Jr. to appearat Public Library

St. Louis American sports editor Earl Austin Jr. will be making an appearance at the St. Louis Public Library –Walnut Park Branch (5760 West Florissant) on Saturday, July 16 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Earl will be discussing all three of his books at the presentation. They include: The PHLin the STL: The Public High League, ASt. Louis

Basketball Legacy, You Might Need a Jacket: Hilarious Stories of Wacky Sports Parents and You Might Need a Jacket II, More Hilarious Stories of Wacky Sports Parents The event is open to the public and all three books will be available for purchase. Limited copies of Earl’s DVD on the PHLin the STL will also be available for purchase.

to go, so we are in a near sprint mode. The current roster will have their challenges in winning, so outside help will be needed. How and where they get that from will be up to General Manager John Mozaliek. The sooner the better as Milwaukee, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh all think they can win too and they will also be trying to bolster their rosters.

Roger, Barry and O.J.

I will be interested to see the coverage of the Roger Clemens case. He, like Barry Bonds, was accused of lying to the authorities. While the Bonds trial was not on the level of O.J., many paid attention, as many wanted a conviction and eventual hanging. They barely got the conviction as the evidence we thought was there never materialized in court.

In Clemens’case, there are more witnesses as well as evi-

dence. Will this be tried in the court of public opinion like Barry Bonds’case? The answer is yes, to a point. A point that stops only because most of the sport has moved on from the steroid era. The biggest problem is the frustration that no one really went to jail for any of the so-called crimes against the game. As for Clemens, he is taking his argument to the grave. His trial comes at the time of year when there is only baseball to talk about, so we may learn more than we did in the Bonds trial as editors will be clambering for more, even if writers make some of it up.

One thing we don’t take into account is the money these players spend to stay out of jail. It was reported that Bonds spent somewhere in the vicinity of $30- 35 million. The tab has not stopped running for Clemens but one has to think he may spend more. These players made a lot of money while they were playing. They no longer play, so

what now? Something will have to give, as there are not enough card shows to sign autographs for a person who has been scorned by the game and its fans. Does anyone know a bankruptcy lawyer? Roger and Barry may want to have one warming up in the bullpen.

Hall of Fame-bound Marshall Faulk posed with his illustrious celebrity roasters –including NFL legends Dick Vermeil and Michael Irvin – at Lumiere Place in downtown St.Louis on Saturday.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

2011 African American Leadership Society kickoff

At the kickoff event, held at Vin de Set in St. Louis, Richard Mark, 2011 African American Leadership Society campaign chair, announced to a crowd of more than 400, a “one-two punch of 1,000 members and $2 million” for the 2011 African American Leadership Society goal for United Way’s fall fundraising campaign.

Nearly $300,000 in pledges was made toward the $2 million goal at the kickoff — thank you!

In 2010, the Society had more than 800 members and raised more than $1.8 million to help people locally through United Way of Greater St. Louis. This Society recognizes African Americans who donate $1,000 or more to United Way annually.

Society members can expect special events exclusive to Leadership givers, membership in other local and national societies, opportunities for non-profit board trainings, networking events and more.

More than $19.75 million was invested into 61 of United Way’s partner agencies that primarily serve African Americans throughout United Way of Greater St. Louis’16-county service area last year.

LaShonda Lambert,T.C.Slater and Diana Blair

Cheryl Walker,Thomas Walker and the United Way’s Cheryl Polk

Ameren Missouri’s Richard Mark and Kayla Mays Madkins

Tim Slater,Pat Smith-Thurman,Larry Thomas,2011 Chair Richard Mark,Deborah Patterson,Johnny Furr,Jr. and Gail and Michael Holmes

Keith Williamson and Sherita Haigler

Ruth Lewis and Adrian Bracy

Darcella Craven and Karen Jordan Faith Barnes and Eric Clark

Family affairs, here and there

Sandra Louise Johnson and Ronald Charles Banks were united in Holy matrimony on June 4 at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights, Ill.

Weddings, anniversaries and visits with the kids

By Dana Grace

Of The St. Louis American

Dana Grace

Happy 50th Anniversary to Jonathan and Bettye Reed – June 24, 2011. The couple celebrated in New York with daughters Dr. Stacey Reed Mevs, Dr. Michelle Reed and Dana Reed Munchus and their families. The celebrants and their entourage enjoyed a festive dinner at celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson’s hot new Harlem restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem. This trendy spot is where President Obama held the irst oficial fund-raiser for his 2012 campaign. Marcus Samuelson is the chef who cooked for President Obama’s irst oficial State Dinner. The Reed girls honored their well-deserving parents in grand style!

Odessa Owens has just returned

See POTPOURRI, C4

The Ronnie Burrage Trio will perform Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23, at Robbie’s House of Jazz in Webster Groves.

Four teens win with ‘Four Women’

Hazelwood dancers win $5.5K for selves and school with Nina Simone piece

American staff

The summer months have been that much more sweet for four Hazelwood East High School students who won $3,500 as their team plus $2,000 for their school’s performing arts

department in a talent competition at the end of the spring semester.

The team of Intisar Faulkner, Ashle Pegues, Vesta Green and Sabrina Harris placed second at the first St.

See TALENT, C4

By

Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“There hasn’t been one in more than 20 years, and there is a need,” said James Thomas, who has been working for the past year to breathe new life into a forgone legacy in the area.

“We have The Missouri Black Expo and the Gateway Classic – why not a black ilm festival?”

Doing so actually wasn’t his idea. According to Thomas, he was issued a challenge by Laura Resnick, publicist for Landmark Theatres St. Louis. “She told me a lot of people have tried and failed and said, ‘If anybody can do it, you can,’” he said. He answered the Resnick’s charge in a way that not only gave him the will to bring the festival back to St. Louis audiences, but add new perspectives to his passion for the cinema.

The St. Louis Black Film Festival returns to town next week at the Tivoli. Thomas will offer a host of ilms that he expects to cater to all audiences. By reintroducing the platform, he hopes to not only entertain, but engage and encourage both viewers and aspiring ilmmakers.

“For the irst year, my goal was just to see it happen,” Thomas said. “Now I have all sorts of ideas brewing for what we can offer for next year.”

Actor/director/ilmmakers such as Bill Duke and Robert Townsend are on his wish list for future festivals as he hopes

See FILMS, C4

Jazz son comes home

Ronnie Burrage leads trio at Robbie’s July 22-23

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis’ vast extended jazz family has another major homecoming of a native musical son to celebrate: multi-instrumentalist and composer Ronnie Burrage will play Robbie’s House of Jazz on July 22 and 23. Burrage comes to us from the road – he has played everywhere, with everyone – and from his new home base in central Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses he has designed at

Penn State University. He brings us a new record, Spirit Guides: Truth & Love Music, featuring 10 of his inventive compositions, its recording facilitated by his professor gig and its leverage to bring musicians – and poets – to campus. Burrage’s grandfather, Allen David Mahr, was a poet, and Burrage has words in his blood. St. Louis poet Quincy Troupe is featured on Spirit Guides, where he and Burrage are joined by St. Louis guitarist Kelvyn

Hazelwood East High School students Intisar Faulkner, Vesta Green, Sabrina Harris and Ashle Pegues reprised their winning performance of Nina Simone’s “Four Women” during the school’s annual awards ceremony in the gym. Photo courtesy Hazelwood School District

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Sun., July 17, 7p.m. (doors open 6p.m.) Lexus Len Productions presents THE BACKWITH AVENGENCE TOUR featuring George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, come out & help George Clinton celebrate his 70th birthday.The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd. Call The (314) 869-9090or Metrotix (314)534-1111 (metortix.com).

Thurs., July 28, 7:30 p.m., Sade with special guest John Legend, Scottrade Center. For more information visit www.livenation.com

Jul., 29, C.R. Lee ministries present Tye Tribbett live in concert, Faith Church St. Louis 3590 Rider Trial South Earth City, MO 63045. Tickets can be purchased at Transformation Christian Bookstore, WORD Christian Bookstore or by calling 314 322-9468 or 314 398-3405.

Thurs., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., BudweiserSuperfest presents Jill Scott’s SummerBlock Party hosted by Doug E. Fresh and featuring Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. For more information, visit www.livenation.com.

Fri., Aug. 5, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Notes from Home Concert Series presents the Grammy Nominated “Super Dynamic Duo” Don and Alicia Cunningham, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Sat., Sept. 17, (Tickets on sale Mon., Jun. 6 at 10 a.m.), Yo Gabba Gabba, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

local gigs

Sun., Jul. 20, 2 p.m., Pand R

Events presents Soulful Second Sunday featuring the R & B sounds of Grand Elite Band, St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. For more information, call (314)262-2935 or e-mail: pandrevents@yahoo.com

special events

Jul. 14, 6 p.m., P.O.W.(Professional Organization of Women) NetworkingOpportunity to mix and mingle with Who’s Who in Saint Louis.Lola, 500 N. 14th Street St. Louis, MO 63103. Free Admission includes professionalnetworking, enjoying appetizers and drink specials, and Live entertainment. Networkingand cocktails begin at 6pm. Nu Element Jazz featuring Natasha Dallas takes the stage at 8:00pm.Please RSVP Contact LaTrice Turner at 708.365.9864 or Michelle Ellis at 708.365.9861formore information.

Through July 14, Budweiser, Myspace Music and Café Soul will be searching for an opening act for the Budweiser Superfest August 4 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater ft Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition and DJ Jazzy Jeff.Singers can start uploading their acapella versions of “One Last Cry” by Brian McKnight or “Sweet Thing” by Chaka Khan,the 10 best videos will be selected to perform at an Opening Act showcase on 7/30 at The Loft with headlining act Dwele. A panel of judges will pick the winner.-Local winner will receive $5,000 and an opening act slot at the Budweiser Superfest August 4th at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and also entered to win the $25,000 grand prize! http://www.myspace.com/budweiseropeningact/OpeningActs

Jul., 15, 1 p.m., Disaster Recovery Hearing, Maryland Heights Government Center

CALENDAR

Sade with special guest John Legend at the Scottrade Center.See CONCERTS for details

located at 11911 Dorsett Road in Maryland Heights. Atestimony may be submitted online at www.modisasterrecovery.com if members of the community cannot attend the hearing.

Thurs., Jul. 14, 11 a.m., AAUWBallwin-Chesterfield Branch Meeting and SummerPicnic, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, Sailboat Cove, Tremayne Shelter,2348 Creve Coeur Mill Road. For more information, call (636)938-3958 or e-mail apatriciashores@att.net

Jul. 15 – Jul. 17, Vashon All Class Reunion Weekend, Vashon All Class Alumni Prom (Fri., Jul. 15) Olivette Community Center; All Class Reunion Picnic (Sat., Jul. 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.); Official After Party (Jul. 16 ) Masonic Hall, 3820 Olive. For more information, call (314)-3696548

Sat., Jul. 16, 1 p.m. (12 noon registration), FormerNFL Linebacker, Bryan Cox and Club 51 will host a Charity Golf Classic at the Far Oaks Golf Club in Caseyville, IL. Golfers who participate will have the satisfaction of knowing that you played a valuable part in further educational opportunities for college students. The proceeds from the golf tournament will support college scholarships that will be awarded to students from East St. Louis, IL. To participate, please call Lauren McDonald at 312-656-4025.

Sat., Jul. 16, 6 p.m., St. Matthew’s 13th Annual DinnerAuction. Several items will be raffled and auctioned, including, baseballs autographed by current Cardinal favorites, an iPad, exciting trips and more.St. Matthew’s Auction supports the Church’s activities in the Ville neighborhood.For more information, visit http://stmatthewtheapostlecatholicchurch.org/

Sun., Jul. 17, 4 p.m., National recording artist Terisa Griffin’s BETTER LOVE YOURSELFfoundation presents their5th Annual Collegiate Trunk Event, Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center, 2711 Locust. For more details please visit www.BetterLoveYourself.com

Thurs., Jul. 21, 6 p.m., National Sales Network-St. Louis presents NSN Connection Experience: Preconference Kick-off, Lola.

Sat., Jul. 23, 9 a.m., Please join us in celebrating Katherine Dunham, a dance legend and a historical icon for St. Louis.The International Katherine Dunham Technique Seminar is 8 days of dance technique classes, world dance, lectures, films, discussions, museum tour, welcome reception, black tie gala, and more. Sat., Jul. 23, 7 p.m., 1st Annual Green Grass Carpet Honolulu Ball, Visitation Hall, 1421 N. Taylor. For more information, call (314)4800311.

Tues., Jul. 26, 7 p.m., World Percussion Theatre 2011 featuring the Katherine Dunham Youth, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. Tickets available by calling Metrotix Charge Line at 314-534-1111 or 1800-293-5949. They may also be purchased at the Fox Theatre Box Office or online at www.thesheldon.org or www.metrotix.com

Fri., Jul. 29, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation Reading Garden Event Series and KETC Channel 9 are pleased to present a free family concert with PBS Kids’musical host Mr. Steve. Mr. Steve will share interactive, original songs and stories St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S.Lindbergh Blvd. For additional information, Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Jul. 30, 9 a.m., Hopewell MB Church Back to School Rally and Health Fair, Mammogram van available, free mammograms for uninsured women 40yrs+. Must make appt for mammograms. Hopewell MB Church, 915 N. Taylor. For more information, call 314-705-1190.

Fri., Aug. 5, 8 p.m., Platinum Group, Inc., 13 Black Katz and Kappa Alpha Psi present “Ala White Penthouse,” with a live band and a DJ, Renaissance St. Louis Airport, 9801 Natural Bridge.

Through Aug. 12, Best Dance & Talent CenterDance & Activity Camp, (7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon.- Fri.) Best Dance and Talent Center, 105 Northwest Plaza. For more information, call (314) 739BEST(2378).

Sat., Aug. 13, 8 p.m., Immortal Passion: AFiery Night of African Dance, Music, & Legendary Tales of Women! Produced by Malena Amusa & AddLife! Studio, this enchanting concert of inspiring and striking dance drama is the climax of AddLife!’s “Awaken the Dance Force Bazaar” —a day of exciting dance workshops from India, Africa, & the Middle East, Legacy Books & Cafe, 5249 Delmar Blvd. For more info, visit www.addlifestudio.com or call (314) 4584282.

Sun., Aug. 14, 2 p.m., Craig Blac’s 10 Annual Community Cuts ForKids will be held at the following locations:Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, 2901 N Grand Blvd, St Louis; The Monsanto YMCA, 5555 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112;-The Mary Brown Center, 606 South 15th Street, East St Louis, Il 62207 (10a-6p at this Location). Barbers and stylists interested in volunteering can visit www.craigblac.com or e-mail

craigblac@gmail.com.

Sun., Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors), J.R.L.W. presents ASpecial All-Star Explosion Body Blast 2011, Club Illusion, 526 E. Broadway, East St. Louis, IL. Call (314) 868-9564. Sat., Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m., Urban Vibe Entertainment presents THE COMEDY EXPLOSION featuring Earthquake, Adele Givens, Nephew Tommy, J. Anthony Brown, Tony Rock. The Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

literary

Thurs., Jul. 14, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation is pleased to present bestselling suspense author Jan Burke for a reading and discussion of her new novel, “Disturbance,” St. Louis County Library Headquarters,1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. For additional information, Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

theatre

Jul. 12 –Jul. 15, The STLCCMeramec Theatre will present the Summer Children’s Production of Hyronomous A. Frog: The Frog Prince, The Meramec Theatre, 11333 Big Bend Road in Kirkwood. For more information, call (314)984-7562.

Jul. 22 – Aug. 21, Stages St. Louis presents The Secret Garden, the Robert G. Reim Theatre, Kirkwood Civic Center, 111 South Geyer Road in St. Louis, MO. For more information or to purchase tickets call 314-821-2407 or visit www.stagesstlouis.org

SIUE’s SummerShowbiz 2011 season closer, Meredith Willson’s all-time American musical classic, The Music Man. The Fine Arts Box Office phone number is 618-6502774. Tickets are on sale now! The Fine Arts Box Office at SIUE is located in the Dunham Hall Building, room 1042B, just east of parking lot E. Check us out at www.siue.edu/summerarts.

Jul. 29 – Aug. 6, Hawthorne Players will present the musical “Annie,” The Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Parker Road and Waterford Drive. For more information, call (314) 9215678 or visit www.hawthorneplayers.com.

Aug. 6, 10 a.m., Families region-wide will get to check out the offerings of the newly reconstructed Delta Dental Health Theatre and gain access to a free, medieval-themed

outdoor festival on the grassy lot just down from the theatre at the corner of First and Lucas streets. Delta Dental Health Theatre, 727 North First Street. For a complete list of planned activities for this rain or shine event, visit www.ddhtstl.org.

arts

Through July 29, FRESH 2011, 2nd Annual Full-time Student photography Competition and Exhibition hosted by Studio Altius Photography, Opening Night Reception: Friday July 8, 2011

6-10p.m.Studio Altius 2301 South Big Bend Boulevard Maplewood, MO 63143. For more information, call 314.769.9769 or visit www.studioaltius.com

Sat., Jul. 12:30 p.m., the Contemporary Art Museum presents Food forThought –CAM’s monthly program featuring creative, art-inspired tastings by a local chef. This month, Hollyberry Catering will present a Spanish-inspired tasting menu based on the background of exhibiting artist, Francisco Goya. the Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.camstl.org

Through July 24, The Gallery at The Regional Arts Commission presents Point o Departure featuring Cbabi, Jarvis and Lobdell. Gallery talk will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday Jun. 30, Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar.

July 24 – July 31, This summer, CAM takes the St. Louis public into over 160 artists’ studios across St. Louis with our 6th Annual City-Wide Open Studios. CWOS offers a unique opportunity for St. Louisans to explore the creative and personal spaces of local artists while providing the ability to enjoy one of the most exciting parts of contemporary art - the chance to talk with the artists themselves Several events will be taking

place in celebration of the 6th Annual City-Wide Open Studios. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.camstl.org

Through August 1, MFA Thesis Exhibition featuring the candidates in Washington University’s Graduate School of Art, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.

Through August 1, Cosima Von Bonin Character Appreciation, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. August 5 – September4, The Gallery at The Regional Arts Commission presents Critical Mass Creative Stimulus 2011 featuring the art of Emily Hemeyer, Sarah Paulsen, Alex Petrowsky & Lyndsey Scott Curated by Sarah Colby, Opening Reception: Friday,August 5: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Gallery Talk Thursday, August 186 p.m. (reception 5:30 p.m.) The Gallery at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd. Through August 14, Cryptic: The Use of Allegory inContemporary Art with a Master Class from Goya.This exhibition will feature the work of six contemporary artists – Folkert de Jong, Hiraki Sawa, Allison Schulnik, Dana Schutz, Javier Tellez, and Erika Wanenmacher –paired with works by Spanish master Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis,3750 Washington Boulevard. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

Through Aug. 21, Jacoby Arts Center7th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, Opening Reception, Friday, July 15, 5 –8 pm, The Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, Illinois. For more information, visit www.jacobyartscenter.org

Through August 28, PPRC Photography Project: BarnesJewish Hospital Center for Diversity & Cultural Competence, an exhibit at two locations. LOCATION 1:

Through Aug. 28 at PPRC Photography Project Gallery, 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd., St. LouisCounty, Mo. 63121; LOCATION 2: Through July 31 at Arts + Healthcare Gallery in the Shoenberg Pavilion at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, Mo. 63110; For more information, call (314) 516-5273 or visit www.pprc.umsl.edu.

lectures

Jul. 16, 1 p.m., American Business Women’s Association Renaissance Chapterof St. Louis as we show our appreciation to business associates, present our 2011 scholarships and name 2011 Woman of the Year at the annual YACOVELLI’S RESTAURANT& BANQUETS, 407 Dunn Rd.

Through Aug. 18, Along with the National Black MBA Association-St. Louis Chapterand Marks & Associates, ITEnterprises at the University of MissouriSt. Louis will sponsorthe Entrepreneurial Boot Camp The boot camp is a comprehensive three-part program designed to help participants understand the market for starting a business, determine

Lexus Len Productions presents George Clinton & Parliament/ Funkadelic. For more information,see CONCERTS.

the type of business that best suits them and how to navigate a path to ensure success. Industry experts will facilitate the workshops. Email stlblackmba@charter.net to RSVPor for more information.

TMAPYouth Empowerment Sessions, Thursdays, 4:45 p.m., 5019 Alcott Walbridge C.E.C. Riverview West Florissant -TMAPmeet for Youth Empowerment Sessions facilitated by Keith Minor Nuisance Coordinator in the 27th Ward and feature a variety of positive role models from the St. Louis Metropolitan area listen to and dialogue with youth in the Walnut Park neighborhood. Topics vary and are youth driven. Call the RWF-TMAP office at (314) 381-6999.

Toastmasters International St. Louis presents Primary Conversations! Want to develop in Public Speaking? Visit Toastmasters Primary Conversations Club every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6pm...Please call 314-2259098 for more information.

Matiff OPEN DANCE CLASSES,7 p.m. Monday and Friday, Male and Female dancers ages 14 and up specializing in modern, street, hiphop, and lyrical dance. Wohl Community Center, 1515 North Kingshighway. E-mail:

matiffdance@gmail.com or call(314) 920-2499.

health

Jul. 15, 9 a.m., The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation host a free Healthy Vision Screening 10801 Pear Tree Lane, St. Ann. For more information, visit www.mlerf.org

July 21, Midwest Health Initiative presents Summer Health Summit, Il Monastero, 3050 Olive. For more information, visit www.midwesthealthinitiative.org or call (314) 7218715.

spiritual

Through July 15, Bishop

Larry J. Baylor, Bishop Terence E. Coleman & HigherGround International Ministries, Inc. will host its Annual Conference! Nightly Services begin Monday, July 11 at 7:30 P.M. at Greater Grace Church, 3690 Pershall Rd. Ferguson, MO. 63135. Daily Seminars begin Tuesday, July 12 at 8:30 A.M. at Faith Miracle Temple Church in Florissant, MO 63034 for more information visit www.hgim.us or call (314) 653-9346 ext. 49.

Jul. 18 – Jul. 22, Hopewell MB Church Vacation Bilble School- “Jesus Truth Seekers,” 915 N. Taylor.

Jul. 20 – Jul 22, Greater Leonard MB Church Spiritual Blessings beginning with a Summertime Spiritual Enrichment: Gospel Preaching that will encourage, energize and engage you by Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams of Convent Ave. Bapt. Church, Harlem. For more information, call (314)421-5288.

Fri., Jul. 22, 6:30 p.m., SIGMA(Sistas In God Mirroring Abba), presents One Night With The King “Waiting to EXHALE: Letting Go & Letting God!” Washington Tabernacle

Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 3200 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. There will be door prizes and sprit-filled sistas of every hue sipping Sparkling, savoring Sweets, and soaking in Scripture! For More Information Contact: Sista Denita Robinson at (314) 4522088 or dazzingdee64@sbcglobal.net

Jul. 23, 3 p.m., The Women of St. Paul presents 100 Women in White, theme: Overcoming Obstacles, St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave. For more information, call (314) 385-8900.

Jul. 25 – Jul. 29, 6:30 p.m. nightly, Prospect Hill M.B. Church Vacation Bible School, not just for children, but forEVERYONE, Vacation Bible School is for everyone at Prospect Hill M.B. Church 4533 Arlington AveJuly 25- July 29, 2011 6:30-8:30 nightly. Theme is UNITYMon (Unity with God) Tues. (Unity with family) Wed (Unity with the church) Thurs( Unity in the community) Fri (Unity in the workplace) Call 381-6787 for registration. Prospect Hill M.B. Church, 4533 Arlington. For more information, call (314) 381-6787.

Jul. 30, 9 a.m., Union Baptist Church Youth Department presents Back to School Fun Conference “The Proverb Generation,” Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1 East 6th Street. For more information, visit www.unionbaptistchurch.shutterfly.com.

Fri., Aug. 5, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Believers Temple Word Fellowship presents It’s the All in the Family SummerConcert Featuring the Bethany and Black Brothers, 2115 Chambers Rd. Tickets available at Family Christian Bookstore, Transformation Bookstore and Believers Temple. For more information, please call 314 388-0801.

Bell. Andy Ninvalle – a West African transplanted to Amsterdam – raps, as do three of Burrage’s students from his hip-hop and culture course. In a homage to his mother, Cosandre Burrage, and her struggle against cancer, the son’s soaring vocables reach for language in an arc of pain and hope.

In fact, many of his spirit guides on Spirit Guides are his blood kin. That poet grandfather, who influenced Shirley LeFlore, stamped out the rhythms of this born drummer. His mother, a pianist, is probably his single strongest shaping influence. And his uncle, the Paris-based musician Rasul Siddik, plays daring trumpet and flutes on the record.

At Robbie’s this month, Burrage will be accompanied onstage by none of these spirit guides, though one expects a large turnout of family and friends. A local club gig does not afford the opportunity to fly in musicians from every

FiLM

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to build an institution to promote local films and filmmakers from every angle.

“My plan for next year is to bring in people for classes and workshops and to talk about filmmakers and organizations that people in St. Louis may not know about,” Thomas said.

“Film festivals are about exposing films that audiences don’t typically get to see through the mainstream. But while a festival is a showing, it is an education as well. However for this year, the plan was to make it happen – period.”

For St. Louis Black Film Festival 2011, Thomas’ hope is that audiences will grow culturally, spiritually and emotionally and learn from the selections (including music videos, short films and full-length features) as they are entertained. The films run the gamut with regards to the black experience – from The Great Migration, the rich musical history and connection among African Americans and the seemingly genetic will to transcend beyond the most deplorable circumstances. Even Thomas himself had an epiphany while watching one of the selections.

corner of the country and globe, and Burrage’s home city – a complaint one hears often from the jazz luminaries shaped in St. Louis – has not welcomed him as warmly as other cities have.

At Robbie’s, he will appear in the Ronnie Burrage Trio, joined by two strong local musicians, Bob DeBoo on bass and Jeff Anderson on saxophones. They will be learning a new book for this gig. “We’ll be playing my originals, maybe a few standards,” Burrage said. “There is so much music I have written, all I am interested in doing now is developing all the music I have written.”

Burrage writes in a broad range. He has performed with Wayne Hancock and Joseph Bowie, and performed their compositions; his own work merits comparison to theirs.

“My music is diverse, but as a whole it goes on a journey,” he said.

Music has been a journey for Ronnie Burrage – a unique one no one could ever duplicate. As a boy of 8 he won an audition to perform with Duke Ellington. His uncle introduced him to BAG and outsider jazz from an early age, stretching his horizons. By

“Every year we would go to visit family in Arkansas when I was a child, and my parents used to pack the food,” Thomas said. “I didn’t realize that people didn’t want us and that’s why we didn’t stop until I saw Up From the Bottom.” It hasn’t been easy to make the dream of a full-fledged revival of St. Louis Black Film Festival a reality, but as he pressed forward he relied on

n “Denzel told me, ‘You do what you

have

to do in order to do what you want to do.’”

– James Thomas

words of wisdom he received from two of the most famous names in the industry while making his rounds in the movie business as a television host and critic.

“I had the pleasure to meet Denzel Washington during The Great Debaters and Will Smith when he did the red carpet event here in St. Louis a few years back,” Thomas said. “And hearing what

his early teens he was holding down the drum chair in a band featuring local legends Freddy Washington, Willie Akins, James “Iron Head” Mathews and John Mixon. Before he was old enough to drive he was leading his own fusion group; before he was old enough to serve in the armed forces, he was gone for New York.

The American spoke to Burrage the morning after a gig in Atlanta where he had been joined onstage by Russell Gunn, trumpet player and composer from East St. Louis. Burrage said he and Gunn talked about how they have a unique connection when they play together that is drawn from their shared roots.

“St. Louis is very special,” Burrage said. “When you make your mind up to play music, the cats there really find a sound – they take the time to develop their sound. It’s a place that enables you to develop a sound with a uniqueness as to who you are.”

The Ronnie Burrage Trio will perform Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23, at Robbie’s House of Jazz, 20 Allen St. in Webster Groves. Call 314-968-5556.

inspired them inspired me. Denzel told me, ‘You do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do.’ And I asked Will what he would offer as advice for young actors coming up, and he said, ‘Relentless determination.’ As I worked to pull this festival together, I did what I had to do with relentless determination.”

He feels that the festival can become a new outlet for those lovers and creators of cinema who don’t have access to an industry Mecca like New York or Los Angeles, but he also hopes that the legacy of Hasape Kushma – creator of the original St. Louis Black Film Festival –continues through his work and the support of the city.

“I’m just looking forward to seeing it happening,” Thomas said. “And to see it become a source of pride and something we celebrate as African Americans in St. Louis.”

The St. Louis Black Film Festival will take place on July 18 – 19 at the Landmark Tivoli Theatres (6350 Delmar in the U. City Loop). Screenings begin at 3:30 p.m. both days. For more information on the festival and the full schedule of selections, visit www.facebook. com/ st.louisblackfilmfestival.

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from Richmond, VA. She was visiting daughter Leslie Owens Harrington and son in law Dr. Gary Harrington While in town, Odessa saw the magnificent production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” choreographed by Leslie, a St. Louis native. Playing at the Empire Theatre in Richmond, Scoundrels which runs through August 7, is receiving rave reviews. A few of Leslie’s previous director/ choreographer credits include: Once on This Island, Crowns, Smokey Joe’s Cafe , Blues In the Night, Little Shop Of Horrors, Ragtime, I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, The Wizard Of Oz, Annie Get Your Gun, Ain’t Misbehaving, Peter Pan, Beehive, All Night Strut and They Are Playing Our Song . Leslie is the daughter of Odessa Clark Owens (SLPS) and the late Dr. James L. Owens (SIUE). It’s happening in Vegas Todd Mitchell (Home Health) and Marquetta Hilliard (KV Pharmaceutical) were married in Vegas at the beautiful Pahrump Valley Winery on July 3, 2011. On hand to toast the Bride and Groom were family and close friends including; Atty. Trent Mitchell (Best Man), Henry Mitchell, Chris Harris, Harry Colbert (Minneapolis/Magna Law), Mike Frants (Minneapolis), Brandon Tarry (US Air Force), daughter of the Bride and Maid of Honor Jasmine Evans, a recent SEMO graduate, Yolanda Hilliard and Stephanie Shumpert. Later that night… the wedding party sans Bride and Groom ventured to popular hot spot Jet at the Mirage Hotel

Leslie Owens Harrington and her husband Dr. Gary Harrington recently hosted her mother Odessa Owens at their home in Richmond, Va.

to catch a performance by St. Louis’ own super star Nelly. Also seen at this A-list event; St. Louis’ #1Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, #1 Ram Steven Jackson, and Trascon McLeod (Faulk Foundation). Happy 65th Anniversary –June 20, 2011 to Dr. and Mrs. James (Gloria) Whittico! Cheers to Atty. Joan K. Miller who has been named Chair of the Network of Alumnae Admission Coordinators at Smith College in Northampton, MA. The position also makes Joan a member of the board of Alumnae Association. The three-year term begins in May 2012. Since graduation Joan has worked tirelessly as a Midwest area support person for Smith College. Her primary goal is to recruit eligible students to her alma mater. Joan is looking forward to the challenge.

Hats off to Sandra Louise

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Louis Teen Talent Showcase, which took place at the Fox Theatre, performing their version of Nina Simone’s “Four Women.” The song, released in 1966, describes the lives of four African-American women.

“Nina Simone was a remarkable artist and her music really touches people and brings out the inner soul of someone,” said Harris, a graduating senior who hopes to become a professional dancer and a veterinarian.

“This particular piece was chosen because even though none of us were born in that particular time frame, we were still able to go back and become

Continued from C1 Announcing the “Being A

those people who were our ancestors and tell their story from them.”

Robert Swingler, the school’s vocal music director, received an information pack from the Fox Theatre Performing Arts Charitable Foundation. He asked students in his music theory class and another administrator whom to pick; the answer was unanimous –Faulkner, Pegues, Green and Harris.

The four women went through rehearsals, preliminaries, semi-finals and the finals, which drew them together. “My favorite part of the production was bonding, building new friendships and networking,” Harris said.

The Fox Theatre was filled with more than 4,000 family and friends for the event.“I was really happy to see and

Johnson and Ronald Charles Banks! The couple was united in Holy matrimony on June 4, 2011 at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights, Ill. Sandra is a retired telecommunications professional and Ronald, a retired police chief of Inglewood, CA. Sandra and Ronald will reside in California.

Popular song stylist Lynn Fiddmont was in St. Louis visiting family during the holiday weekend. She is still excited about her recent performances in Brazil in April, The Capitol City jazz festival in Washington last month, the Temecula Wine and Jazz Festival earlier this year and the success of her latest CD, “Lady,” a well-received tribute to Billie Holiday. Saturday night, Lynn enjoyed an evening of fun with friends at the Eau Bar listening to MC’s Dirty Muggs Band Lynn is looking forward to her encore St. Louis performance on October 23, 2011. Details soon. I thoroughly enjoyed my niece Naima Randolph’s July 1 performance in COCA’s summer camp production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Naima played dual roles, Trinculo and Gonzalo. Directed by Anna Blair, additional talented and enthusiastic students included; Lucy Cadanau MJ Daher, Iris Redmond, Hannah Ryan Savannah Sowell and Vickie Williams. Bravo! Happy 2nd Anniversary- July 3,2011 to Damien Trasada (Gov. Jay Nixon principal) and his lovely wife Dr. Ingrid Taylor Trasada. The couple celebrated this milestone while vacationing in New England. Blessings! Write to Dana Grace Randolphat dgrandolph@live.com.

especially hear how many people we had in the audience, cheering on our ladies,” said Swingler.

The competition featured 169 participating senior high schools, with only 12 schools making the cut as finalists.

“Placing second in this competition is such a great honor,” Harris said.

“Overcoming and rising to the top above so many schools and talents, knowing the judges saw something special in us.”

The four women then reprised their performance for students, staff and visitors during the school’s annual yearend awards ceremony.

“To perform the piece in front of classmates was fun and rewarding to let them see what they will be paying for in the future when I am famous,” Harris joked.

Bad hair days ahead for Blago

Blagojevich joins ranks of incarcerated Illinois governors

James Ingram

When former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was found guilty of 17 of 20 corruption charges, including attempting to sell the vacated U.S. Senate seat of President Barack Obama, he probably felt like one of characters in the Southwest Airlines commercial where they ask the question “Wanna get away?” Spirit Airlines sort of stole my joke by running an advertisement featuring a mop-haired Blago look-a-like touting “f-ing golden” low fares. That’s funny, but what isn’t funny is the prospect that, when Blagojevich is sentenced on August 1, he could faces up to 300 years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines would

probably allow for the charges to run concurrently, netting Blago at least a decade behind bars. It’s up to the discretion of U.S. District Judge James Zagel, who told Blagojevich that he is forbidden to travel outside northern Illinois without permission.

Blagojevich will join the fraternity of incarcerated Illinois governors: George Ryan (governor, 1999-2003) is currently serving a 6 ½ year sentence for racketeering. Dan Walker (governor, 1973-77) was guilty of bank fraud. Otto Kerner (governor, 1961-68) resigned to become judge, and then was convicted on bribery charges stemming from his tenure as governor.

Blago (in his words) was “stunned” upon learning the verdict, and it’s understandable.

In the years since his arrest in December 2008, Blagojevich was impeached and removed from ofice, wrote a memoir, appeared on numerous talk shows, hosted a radio show and was even ired by Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice, all the while denying his guilt.

During his trial, Blago referred to recorded calls – in which he appears to negotiate a high-ranking job for himself in the Obama administration, in exchange for appointing

someone to Obama’s old Senate seat – as “horse-trading” versus being a criminal offense.

The ex-governor/ TV star is clearly in denial, but what is undeniable is that Blago will have a long time to repent and relect on his criminal behavior, propensity for having “diarrhea of the mouth,” and for his ego-driven denial of what were clearly high crimes by an elected oficial.

But, prison time aside, the major challenge for Blago will be the ever-looming question of how will he maintain that famous mane of black, sheep-like hair that he has become famous for sporting?

Life in the federal prison might make grooming, regular haircuts, access to his favorite shampoo, conditioner and hair dye rather dificult. And what about a decent blow-dryer?

For those of us who are more “follicly challenged,” it’s a trivial concern; but when you’re “Hot Rod” Blagojevich even the possibility of a bad hair day is a BIG deal!

With his TV experience and persona, natural charisma and gift of gab, I’m sure that the next season of cable TV’s Lockdown may have a potential breakout reality TV superstar in Rod “Hollywood” Blagojevich.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com.

City, foundation fund Cool Down St. Louis

Dr. James Knight, board vice chair of Heat-Up St. Louis, visited with Dr. James Kimmey, president/CEO of Missouri Foundation for Health, and Richard Mark, senior VP/Operations AmerenMO, at Heat-Up St. Louis’ recent board/business meeting at the Jewel Box in Forest Park.. A charter member of the Missouri Foundation for Health, Knight presented Kimmey with the Community Leadership Award.

During 2010, Heat-Up St. Louis received a recordbreaking $1.2 million in gross receipts, more than a 35 percent increase over the previous year. Its summer program, Cool Down St. Louis, announced two grants totaling $320,000 – $170,000 from the City of St. Louis’ Utility Tax Fund and $150,000 from the Missouri Foundation for Health to help Missouri seniors and the disabled avoid health-related illnesses this summer. The Missouri Foundation for Health is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves. Heat-Up St. Louis is a regional, all-volunteer advocacy

Dr. James Knight, board vice chair of Heat-Up St. Louis, Dr. James Kimmey, president/CEO of Missouri Foundation for Health, and Richard Mark, senior VP/Operations AmerenMO. (Photo courtesy of Heat-Up St. Louis.)

and energy assistance charity. Those needing utility or airconditioning help this summer should call 314-241-7668 or visit www.cooldownstlouis.org

This Week in Black History...

July 16

1862 – Crusading journalist and anti-lynching activist Ida B. Wells Barnett is born in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Wells-Barnett was a true militant activist. Her editorials so angered whites in the Memphis, Tennessee area that a mob burned down the building which housed her newspaper. She was also one of the original founders of the NAACP and in 1884 she committed a “Rosa Parks” type act when she refused an order to give up her seat on a train to a white man. It took the conductor and two other men to remove her from the seat and throw her off the train.

Ida B. Wells Nelson Mandela

1882 Violette A. Johnson is born. She would become the irst Black female attorney allowed to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

July 17

1794 – Former slave and Minister Richard Allen oficially dedicated the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The church was the irst all-Black denomination not afiliated with a larger white congregation. The incident leading to the dedication took place in 1787 when Allen, Absalom Jones and several other Blacks were thrown out of Philadelphia’s St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church when they attempted to pray along-side whites. The AME Church would go on to become one of the largest Black religious denominations in America.

1862 – As the Southern, pro-slavery rebels prove more dificult in battle than expected, Congress passes a law giving President Abraham Lincoln the authority to begin recruiting free Blacks and recently freed slaves into military service during the Civil War.

1944 – The so-called Port of Chicago Mutiny takes place. In the middle of America’s involvement in World War II, an ammunitions depot at Port Chicago, California explodes killing 320 men – most of them Black. It was the worse state side disaster in U.S. military history. However, when 258 surviving Black soldiers refused to return to work until they received certain safety guarantees, their refusal was labeled a mutiny by military authorities. Fifty of the soldiers were convicted of mutiny and jailed. However, after the war, President Harry S. Truman commuted their sentences.

July 18

1753 – This is believed to be the day Lemuel Haynes escaped from slavery in Massachusetts. The product of a Black father and a mother who was normally described in history texts as “a white woman of respectable ancestry,” Haynes would become a renowned igure in early American history. He fought with distinction in American Revolutionary War for independence from Britain and would become the irst Black person ordained as a minister by a mainstream Protestant church. He was also the irst Black in American history to become head minister at a predominantly white church.

1918 – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandel is born in the Transkei, South Africa. Mandela would spend 27 years in prison for his struggles against the system of racial oppression in South African known as apartheid. When he was inally released in 1990, it was a day of massive celebration for Blacks and progressive whites throughout South Africa and much of the world. He won hundreds of awards for his antiapartheid efforts including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. With the downfall of apartheid in the early 1990s, Mandela would become the irst Black president of the country in 1994. He was widely praised for not launching a campaign of revenge against his white former oppressors.

July 19

1941 – The irst U.S. Army Flying Academy for Black cadets is oficially dedicated at Tuskegee, Alabama. Between 1940 and 1946, 992 pilots were trained. Over 400 would see action in World War II even though many whites initially felt Blacks were not intelligent enough to ly airplanes. The Tuskegee Airmen, as they became known, would ly with great distinction during the war. They were credited with downing 109 German planes and destroying numerous enemy fuel dumps, trucks and planes. Approximately 150 of them lost their lives during training or combat. Finally, in March 2007, over 300 surviving members and their wives were honored and the airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal. 1952 - Joe Louis Reliford broke the color barrier in Georgia State Baseball in Statesboro, Georgia. He pinch hit, threw out a runner from left ield, and robbed the Statesboro Pilots best hitter, Jim Shuster of a home run - all in one inning and at the age 12. His historical catch is on display in Cooperstown, New York, where he is the only batboy among Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees. Now, 69, Reliford, is the author of “From Batboy to the Hall of Fame.”

July 20

1967 – The irst Black Power Conference takes place in Newark, New Jersey. Over 1,000 delegates representing 126 organizations attended. The conference represented a break with the integration-with-whites thrust of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Instead, delegates called for greater focus on Black political empowerment, economic development, community control and the building of Black institutions.

July 21

1864 – Amazingly, what is now considered the irst Black daily newspaper begins publishing on this day during slavery. The New Orleans Tribune was founded by wealthy Black Doctor Louis C. Roudanez and edited by a Belgium Jean-Charles Heuzean. The Tribune, however, actually followed the Daily Creole which began publication in 1856. But it was so pressured by whites that it adopted pro-slavery positions. The Tribune, meanwhile, would begin as a tri-weekly and become a full-ledged daily in October.

Dallas and Ida Powell will celebrate 50 years of marriage on July 16, 2011. They are the proud parents of Diane, Dallas, Jr., Lora, Alanzo, Chris, Mark and Johnney.

Reunions

Beaumont High School Class of 1965 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 45-year reunion. We are in the process of planning a dinner/dance.Your contact information is needed ASAP. Pleaseemail LaLinda Newsom Diggs at lalindadiggs@sbcglobal.net.

Beaumont High School Class

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Birthday J’nylah turns 6

J’nylah, I want you to know how special you are! My wish is for your “dream” to come true. Your beautiful smile and humor is a joy. Congrats on your acceptance to New Life Christian School—1st Grade in August 2011! Happy 6th Birthday! Love Always, Nana Curtis

of 1966 has sent out letters announcing their 45-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-16, 2011.Friday night - Meet & Greet; Saturday night - Dinner Dance and Sunday morningBrunch.All events will be held at TheSt. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel.Please contact Josh Beeks 314-3030791 or Evelyn Wright- 314479-7674.

Beaumont High School Class of 1976 will have its 35-year reunionAugust 19-21, 2011. Fri. night,Aug.19—meet & greet hospitality suite St. Louis AirportRenaissance Hotel, Sat., Aug. 20— DinnerDance St. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel Penthouse & Sun., Aug. 21 worship & picnic.For more information email bhs1976@swbell.net or visit our website at

Birthday Centenarian

Mamie Boyd will celebrate her 100th birthday on July 15, 2011. She was born July 15, 1911 near Lauderdale, MS. Mamie attributes her longevity to her faith in the Lord that spared her to live this long. Congratulations! From: Adalene, James, Eleanor and the Boyd family

Birthdays!

Bishop Willie J. Ellis & First

Lady Beverly Ellis — July 14

Michelle Minor — July 15

Eddie Nichols, Jr. — July 16

Lisa Matlock — July 16

William Barnett — July 16

Carl McCaffe — July 16

Don Lopers — July 16

http://desyco.tripod.com.

Beaumont High School Class of 1981 30-year reunion, Aug. 19-21, 2011. Fri., Aug. 19, Happy Hour at EXO Ultra Lounge, 3146 Locust St. 6-10 pm, Free H’ordeuvres, Live Band; Sat. Aug. 20, 30th Reunion Celebration at Alpha House, 3615 N. 19th St., 7 pm2 am, Semi-Formal Attire, $10 Admission at the door; Sun. Aug. 21 Family Day Worship Service, Church TBAat Reunion Celebration, Dinner will be at Dave & Busters after Morning Worship Service.

Central High School AllClass reunion is looking for classmates to celebrate during the reunion weekend, August 12-14, 2011.All interested classmates should contact 601-4109 for more informa-

Wedding Johnson/Banks wedding

Sandra Louise Johnson and Ronald Charles Banks were united in matrimony on June 4, 2011 at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Sandra is a retired telecommunications professional from St. Louis and Ronald is a retired police chief of Inglewood, California. Mr. and Mrs. Banks will reside in California.

tion.You may also send an email to centralallclass2009 @yahoo.com

Soldan Class of 1981 is looking for all classmates for the up coming Class Reunion Weekend September 2-4 2011. For details you can find info on Facebook or vontact Johnny Franklin at (314) 565-2056 or jfstar@sbcglobal.net, Valerie Greene at valgreene901@yahoo.com or Larry Hill, www.LarryHillForSheriff.com. This Reunion is open toall our classmates that went to other schools but were in our Junior class as well.

SumnerHigh School Class of 1956 will celebrate its 55-year reunion at the Marriott St. Louis Airport Hotel, July 1517,2011.Fri-meet and greet, Sat. -dinner dance and Sun.brunch. You may contact Dot at 314-821-5931 or email beangloria@sbcglobal.net for more information.

SumnerClass of 1976 is hosting their 35-year reunion August 19-21, 2011 with celebrity MC Bernie Hayes Saturday at the banquet. Registration is $85 through July 18 and $90 until August 10, 2011.All classmates are encouraged to participate. Next

class reunion meeting is Tues., July 19, 2011 at the St. Louis County Library, Natural Bridge Branch (small meeting room) 7606 Natural Bridge. For more info,contact Betty Louis at 314.385.9843 or Silvester Johnson at 314.807.3652oremail:sumnerclassof76@yahoo.com.

SumnerHigh School Class of 1991 is preparing for its 20year reunion August 13, 2011. We are looking for classmates of 1991 who graduated with our class as well as those who started with us freshman year as a part of the class of 1991. The class of 1991 would also like to invite the Sumner class of 1992. Please email your information to: Sumnerhigh1991@yahoo.com or for further information contact Deanna Bonner 314-9208103 or Leslie Thompson 314495-1665.

Vashon High School Class of 1966 ispreparingfor its 45year reunion in October 2011. We are seeking all classmates. July 14-19-$599—Motor coach to New YorkCity “The Big Apple”Contact person: Charlotte First, Phone:314766-9344;E-mail: 1stclassvt@gmail.com. September 30—Class Reunion Meet & Greet, Embassy

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 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 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, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. 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

Suites/Airport, 11237 Lone Eagle Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044. October 1—45th Class Reunion, Embassy Suites/Airport, 11237 Lone Eagle Drive, Bridgeton , MO 63044. For more information contact:Marilyn at 314-4388338, Betty at 314-524-3324 or e-mail us at vashonclassof1966@yahoo.com.

Religion

North County Churches sponsors computer camp

Bank, donor help NCCU offer technical instruction to youth

Special to The American North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice is sponsoring a unique summer program for students within North County this summer. This program is a computer camp with a different twist. It teaches students how to build computers, use software and take ownership of their computers when they finish the camp. The only cost was a registration fee of $60 that was waived for those who requested it. The program runs through July 15.

“We wanted to provide a difference experience for students than what they would normally receive in the public schools during the summer,” said Rance Thomas, president of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU).

“In fact, we wanted to do something for youth, but realized we could not compete with the summer school programs offered by the school districts. Therefore, the idea of a Computer Camp was finally decided based upon the information given us by a member of our Task Force, Don Holt, and executive director of Computer Village.”

Rance said they had to overcome “several major hurdles,” such as financial support and

the number of students they could accept.

“This program is very expensive, because it requires hiring technicians to provide instructions and computers to give to students. Therefore, we had to establish a community partnership with a bank which was very glad to give back to the community,” he said.

“This bank was the Midwest Bank Centre of Clayton, and it was very supportive. Then with the generous support of a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church who requested to remain anonymous, we were able to proceed with this program.”

Ten students in grades 6 to 10 have been undergoing training on Wednesdays and Fridays at this church. Since so many students applied, Thomas said, “we had to select the first 10

to apply, and it was a painful process, because we would like to have been able to accept all of them.”

NCCU is a faith-based organization of various denominations and non-denominations that is working to promote understanding between the races and social Justice within the community. With its Youth Task Force, it is working to meet the challenges youth present to malls, schools, and the community by engaging them in positive activities.

For further information, contact Thomas at 314 921-7364.

Bible school, health fair at Hopewell

Hopewell Missionary Baptist

Meldon Quarells (left) and Kelly Wimbley (standing) with students from the computer camp sponsored by North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice: Kendall Carter, Robert L. Morton III, Myles Carter, Jayla Allen, Jason Sims and Jamoria Criswell

Church will host the “Jesus Truth Seekers” Vacation Bible School 6 p.m. nightly July 1822 at the church, located at 915 N. Taylor.

Hopewell will host a Back to School Rally and Health Fair 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30 at the church. A mammogram van will be on site, with free mammograms for uninsured women 40 years and older. You must make an appointment for mammograms. Call 314-7051190.

The pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church is Donald Ray McNeal, who recently celebrated 38 years of pastoral service, seven of those at Hopewell. His First Lady is Deborah Denise Jackson McNeal.

Have you noticed that the more you grow in the knowledge of the Lord, and the more you desire to do His will, the more alone you begin to feel? You begin to feel separated from the world, as if you don’t belong.

For me, it appeared, even my childhood friends were too far for me to reach. I could no longer relate to their conversations or their problems; all I could do was pray for them.

I’ve had my share of isolation in my life, and as an adult I was surely not trying to get back to that place fast. But I knew that the ways of the world were not a life for me; I never desired to do those things before I received Jesus as my Lord, so why start now?

As I began studying deeper into God’s word, I began to understand that I was not at all lonely; it was God breaking the stronghold that the world had on me. While everyone that was in my inner circle appeared to be having the time of their life, I was at home studying my Bible.

This was nothing more than a lure from the devil to pull me back into the old life God had saved me from. I will admit that I did fail many times, but the wonderful thing about God is that He is a God of multiple chances, and eventually I got the point.

We have to remain strong and prayerful, constantly standing on God’s Word and knowing who we belong too. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having you loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God .”

(Philippians 4:10-17)

Use your guide, Stay strong in the Lord, be strong in your prayers, and remember that you are never alone. With God leading, the Spirit on the inside, and grace and mercy following you are never alone.

Send your Message column (no more than 500 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg file. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

Darlene R. Boyd

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

ALyrical Expression. Cold nipples, violent lover’s quarrels, and Lorena Bobbit aspirations all made their appearances in poetic offerings at Mocha Latte’s “Got Lyrics?” at EXO Lounge Friday night. The vibe is always nice and chill upon entry of this open mic event with DJ Reminisce on the decks playin’ chillaxed selections like Mary J. Blige’s “Love No Limit.” Mocha was in great spirits as usual while hosting and managed to give a few of her own original pieces showin’an insight and perspective on love and life. She deinitely made me raise my freshly arched eyebrow while explicitly professing experiencin’ a man that was so good in the bedroom. I never heard someone that was so hard on the “f” sound in certain choice expletives in muh life! Other poets like Black Stone also shared a few lines and made a particular, if not confusing, comparison of cold nipples to a cold woman. As I luffed my good bang piece, another participant got up to discuss a frustration with a former lover that was so strong that she desired to…let’s just say get her dismemberment on. Considerin’ all, “Got Lyrics?” was at its most interesting form. Check Mocha and crew out every 2nd Friday at EXO Lounge.

A Tribute it for a star. It was a true musical celebration in honor of an artist who has transcended time. Wondering what I am referring to? It was the Anita Baker Tribute concert that was held at Jazz at the Bistro on Sunday. Although not featuring the legend herself, this was an event that was not to be missed by anyone claimin’to be a fan of Baker. Headlined by the Sultry Divas which consists of singers Patrice Williams, Melissa Leonard-Goodlet, Ife Jacobs, each talented lady brought their own take on Baker’s hits. Dressed in black evening gowns, Melissa gave a husky Stephanie Mills-like tone that seemed to it so nicely on her offerings while Ife put so much feeling into it, you would think she was singing her own songs. Although I was offended that she had on my featured one-shoulder-in-one-shoulder-out blouse that I like to break out when I’m feelin’ festive, head diva Patrice clearly had fun while allowing the groove of Baker’s up-tempo songs ly free. Selections lowed to inger snaps and shimmies of the audience with much credit to the incredible band that delivered with top notch precision. Keyboardists Andre Thomas and Kevin Mansco, bassists Jahmal Nichols and Ron Cross, saxophonist Terry Grohman, and drummer Drew Exum all thrilled. I also thought the three young ladies from Soldan International Studies High School on background was a nice touch as well. It warms my heart to see the younger generation payin’ homage to great reined music besides ones like schizophrenic spasms of Nikki Minaj. Ending the night with bigger hits like “Caught up in the Rapture” and “Sweet Love”, this was an event that was a ittin’ and deservin’celebration to a true diva. Now if we can only get the real thing in town! Celebrate St. Louis serves classic 90s R&B. Bell Biv Devoe (BBD) is comin’back from their triple decker casket to the stage as a part of the Celebrate St. Louis concert series tomorrow night (Friday) at Soldier’s Memorial. Somethin’tells me they are going to serve up way more than Boyz II Memorex did a couple of years ago…or was it last year? How could I not forget with a performance like that?Anyway, I’ve been back on my diet long enough to muscle my way back into my favorite Cross Colours jean suit, so don’t judge me if you see a random big sexy willfully bakin’ herself alive in corduroy and acid wash. Just bob with me as I burn to the beat. If you remember the moves – and your arthritis will let you perform them – let’s come out and show these 90’s babies how we got down – to the music they were made to! The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and BBD will take the stage around 9:15.

Re-Re returns to St. Louis. Did you hear? The incredible shrinking woman known as Aretha Franklin will be making a grand and long overdue return to St. Louis for the grand reopening of the Peabody Opera House on October 1st. This wailing legend is set to take the stage with Jay Leno after the $78.7 million dollar restoration of what was the historic old Kiel Opera House. Now that Franklin has a reason (and the right) to wear an off the shoulder dress, it will be nice to see her makin’ a featured appearance in the ‘Lou. Upcoming Local Treats: The Ladies of the Professional Organization of Women (P.O.W.) announce their inaugural “Sip and Savor” annual networking event at Lola starting tonight at 6pm. Nu Element Jazz featuring Natasha Dallas will take the stage at 8pm. For more information contact Latrice Turner at 708-365-9864 or Michelle Ellis at 708-365-9861.

Lamar Harris (DJ Nune) will be presenting Groove Therapy at Lola also starting tonight featuring vocalist Cheri Evans. This will be the irst of what will be a weekly series showcasing instrumentalists and vocalists from across the country and a live band.

Café Soul returns with your host Tendai and DJ Derrty C-note at The Loft on Friday. The monthly open mic event starts at 8pm with doors opening at 7. PNC Bank & Delux Magazine presents the Block Party on WashingtonAve & 15th St downtown Saturday from 1-5pm. This event is organized to celebrate health & community awareness. It will feature two DJs, three live bands, and information from four different charities.

Soulition is bringin’ the funk again with Spin Deep on Saturday in J. Buck’s lower level downtown. It will feature DJ Willpower, DJ Reminise, Nappy DJ Needles, Enoch Is Real, and DJ Numbus. This will deinitely be an event for all the movers and shakers that enjoy soul, house, dancehall, and hip hop music.

Farewell to LaValle. I have happy sad news stemmin’ from a celebration this Saturday courtesy of one of the fullest and healthiest heads of hair in town. Even though we kicked our ankles up at the Moonrise rooftop Saturday night while we sipped and celebrated with class with my girl LaValle Warren, it was indeed a bittersweet celebration. She is leaving home and her job at Clear Channel St. Louis to pursue a hot job opportunity on the East Coast. Y’all know how much I hate to see my sistas head out for greener pastures… but when opportunity knocks. Good luck girl. And if you have any excess of products that have contributed to your extra body and bounce over the years that you want to drop off by the house, by all means go ‘head. Black Expo celebrates two decades. The annual Missouri Black Expo returns in a big way as they celebrate 20 Years at the America’s Center. Kickin’things offAugust 18th- 21st will be showcasing big names in entertainment.As entertainers are slowly being announced, Johnny Gill is set and ready to growl you back to the Natural Bridge from where you came. Yolanda Adams is also on the bill sure to headline MBE gospel explosion. It

looks like this year’s installment is shaping up to make the 20th year the best yet.

Mike and Sharde hanging out on Washington Ave on a beautiful Saturday night

Harry and Dawanna @ Got Lyrics Friday Night @ EXO

Young, Fly and Saved superstars Dwight Stone and Willie Moore Jr. celebrated the upcoming release of Moore’s album “The Turning Point” Thursday night @ RAC

Vido, Rapper Shawty Lo and Dano @ the Imperial Palace Thursday night

Desiree Whitield and Patricia Moore were all smiles at Willie Moore Jr.’s Listening party for The Turn-

Aldermanic Prez Lewis Reed with boxing champ Devon Alexander and hip-hop grinder Yung Ro at the prez’s Magic Chef fundraiser Photo by Carl Bruce

Mequilla,Celisa,Latoya and Tiphani @ Got Lyrics Friday night @ EXO

Lashawnda, Harold, Eboni, Robert and Nikki enjoy the best in Downtown nightlife Saturday @ Lola

Newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk was honored with a special dinner on Friday and was the main course for a lovingly hilarious roast on Saturday night at Lumiere Place. Stephen Jackson,

Kelsey and Rory Seals put the ly in Young, Fly and Saved Friday night @ RAC

Erica and Franklin get it with Got Lyrics Friday night @ EXO

Robert, Erica and Melissa @ the Lumire for Marshall Faulks roast

Aeneas Williams, Michael Irving and Roland Williams were just a few who came through to show Marshall Faulk love during his roast Saturday night @ Lumiere Place

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Lifelong learning in the black community

Road Scholar accepting applications for Asa Grant Hilliard III Award

Special to The American

Road Scholar is accepting applicants for the fourth annual Asa Grant Hilliard III Award for Lifelong Learning.The award will be presented this year at the 2011 annual conference of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) to be held in November in New Orleans. The $5,000 award is named in honor of the late Dr. Asa Grant Hilliard III, world-renowned Pan-Africanist, educator, historian and psychologist, who is an icon for his advocacy of the importance of African history, culture and influence; for his global contributions to education; and for his special affinity for conducting study tours to Egypt for thousands of travelers. Road Scholar awards this scholarship annually to an educator with at least 10 years of experience in their field, and who meets one or more of the following criteria: is a supporter of lifelong learning; or a

member of NABSE; or a member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or is on the faculty of a Historically Black College or University, or is a professor of African-American studies.

Applicants are asked to write an essay focused on the importance of lifelong learning to the AfricanAmerican community.

The scholarship provides an opportunity to experience a Road Scholar program anywhere in the world.Road Scholar is the name for the programs developed and offered by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975. Applicants are asked to write an essay focused on the importance of lifelong learning to the African-American community and to describe the ways in which they will utilize their educational adventure with Road Scholar to make a difference in their communities. The 2010 Award was presented to Dr. Sheila Walker of Atlanta; the 2009 award was presented to Mr. Robert Hayden, president of the

Martha’s Vineyard branch of ASALH; and the 2008 award was presented to Patricia Payne, director of the Indianapolis Public Schools Crispus Attucks Center.

The Asa Grant Hilliard III Award for Lifelong Learning is

part of a national outreach initiative Road Scholar launched to build awareness of its educational programs in the African-American community. For more information, visit www.roadscholar.org/hilliardaward.

Annie Malone receives $8K grant

Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center received a $8,000 grant from the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization to fund its

Transitional Living Program, which provides female youth, ages 16-21 the necessary life skills to successfully transition to independent, productive adults.

The program includes 24hour supervision, guidance, counseling, medical needs, personal development and life skills training in a group home setting.Aseries of trainings and continuous support are presented through case management which offers participants skills in home management, budgeting and financial literacy, decision-making and problem-solving, and explores career planning and employment training options.

Additionally, the program provides structure and requires that each participant meet specific education and employment objectives. Overall, the goal is to help youth comfortably move forward and become self-sufficient after being emancipated from the state of Missouri.

“We’re thankful for the generous grant awarded by the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization which will help us continue to improve the quality of lfe for teens in transition,” said Angela L. Starks, chief executive officer.

Mrs.Asa Hilliard;Jim Moses,president of Road Scholar,and Kathy Taylor,Associate VP of Road Scholar.

Photo courtesy of Road Scholar