June 11th, 2026 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Missouri students lag in reading, math

NAACP says education gaps remain a concern in St. Louis region

By Ashley Winters and Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

Educational recovery remains elusive for many Missouri students, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, which found that reading and math proficiency remain below pre-pandemic levels and the state slipped slightly in national rankings for child well-being.

Nearly three out of four Missouri fourth graders are not proficient in reading, and

more than three out of four eighth graders are not proficient in math, according to the annual report published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The findings echo concerns raised by the St. Louis City branch of the NAACP, which two years ago filed federal civil rights complaints alleging a “literacy crisis” in 34 city and county school districts, including charter and private schools.

According to the report, 73% of

North STL,

The committee hearing was less a debate over accounting than a clash of priorities.

A sharp divide over how St. Louis should spend $230 million in Rams settlement money was on display Tuesday as aldermen advanced a spending plan that boosts funding for tornado recovery, water infrastructure and vacant-property enforcement while preserving a controversial $55 million allocation for downtown redevelopment. The committee vote is not the final decision. Board Bill 22 now returns to the full Board of Aldermen, which must approve the plan before any of the money can be spent. What unfolded during a nearly six-hour committee hearing was less a debate over accounting than a clash of priorities. Residents, business leaders, activists and elected officials

University

teacher Malinda Baker assists a student in her classroom. She briefly left the profession but returned because she loves working with students.

When St. Louis County police leaders explained why Juan Cox should become the department’s next chief, they repeatedly returned to one issue: accountability.

The County Board of Police Commissioners voted Tuesday to appoint Cox as the department’s permanent chief after he served as acting chief following the retirement of Kenneth Gregory, the department’s first Black chief, in April. Commission Chair Richard Banks said Cox’s experience during and after the Ferguson unrest helped distinguish him

In some St. Louis neighborhoods, exposure to violence and trauma has become so common that many residents no longer recognize the need for help, according to James Clark, vice president of public safety and executive director of the Neighborhood Alliance at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

“Exposure to trauma, violence and other adverse social conditions has become normalized,” Clark said. “Many residents are left without the resources needed to heal and recover.” Public health researchers say the

City High School math

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presented a tribute to John Coltrane and East St. Louis’ own Miles Davis that opened

Ohun Ashe speaks during testimony at a St. Louis Board of Aldermen committee hearing Tuesday as residents called for more Rams settlement funds to be directed toward North St. Louis and tornado recovery. See Cox, A8

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Juan Cox

Editorial / CommEntary

Guest Editorial

Trump’s misaligned spending priorities

By Marc Morial

$100 billion.

That is the cost to date of the war in Iran on American households since it began on Feb. 28, according to Moody’s.

$25 billion.

The U.S. tax dollars spent to fund the conflict that has grown to now include Lebanon and a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital water way that is responsible for 20% of the world’s oil supply.

$125 billion. In four months. Let that figure sink in.

Next, let’s compare that to federal policies that would improve the lives of people in this country.

Healthcare for all

$450 billion per year

Sounds like a lot?

od, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania.

Today parents pay upwards of $15,000 a year to have a place for their children to learn in a safe environment while they work.

Just so you’re clear, that’s $35 billion per year. In four months, we’ve spent $25 billion on a war with no end in sight.

Free college

$58 billion per year

Compare it to the $25 billion spent on this war in four months, the $70 billion in additional funding being pushed on us for funding immigration enforcement, and the $1.6 billion slush fund for January 6 rioters that is currently on the table.

If that doesn’t upset you, do you remember the tariffs? Congress found that we, consumers and American households, bore roughly 86%–96% of the tariff costs, totaling over $231 billion in costs between February 2025 and January 2026.

Combine that all with the cost we’ve incurred from this war, we’ve spent over $350 billion and the only thing we’ve seen in return is a struggling job market, political division, and increased energy uncertainty.

Universal Preshool-K

$351 billion over a 10-year peri-

Donald M. Suggs Publisher ADMINISTRATION

Dina M. Suggs – Sr. Vice President

Julie Erickson – Chief Operating Officer

Raven Whitener – Director, The St. Louis American Foundation and Special Events

Reba Smith –Executive Assistant-Coordinator

EDITORIAL

Rod Hicks – Executive Editor

Alvin A. Reid – City Editor

Kenya Vaughn – Arts and Entertainment Editor

Earl Austin Jr. – Sports Editor

Denise Hooks – Anderson, M.D., –Medical Accuracy Editor

Lawrence Bryant – Visual Journalist

Sylvester Brown Jr. – Deaconess Advocacy Fellow Ashley Winters –Assistant Editor, Community Editor

Zaria Mac – RAC St. Louis reporter

Taylor Marrie – RAC St. Louis

This is the cost if the government were to pay for the full cost of tuition before grant aid is applied.

Again, we’ve spent nearly half of that in Iran and nearly 4x that on tariffs in the last year.

Student loan forgiveness

$355.2 billion

($10,000 per borrower)

As a reminder, our households spent a collective $231 billion on tariffs in the last year alone.

Ending homelessness

$20 billion to $30 billion in initial upfront investment, followed by an estimated $10 billion to $15 billion annually to sustain housing, services, and prevention programs.

We’ve spent that on the war in Iran in four months.

These are real figures from real analysis based on real costs. And the spending is real. The next time you hear the government say it can’t afford to improve the lives for everyday people, remember it’s not that the funds aren’t being spent, our priorities are misaligned.

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO.

Celebrating Juneteenth on a slave owner’s plantation

By Ben Jealous

This Juneteenth I will stand at the Hermitage and help celebrate Black music. The Hermitage was Andrew Jackson’s plantation, outside Nashville. I want to be honest about how strange that is.

I am descended from slaves and from the men who owned and abused them. The men who denied them their God-given right to freedom. The Blands of Virginia enslaved my family. Richard Bland was the famous one. He was a patriot before there was a country. He told the King and Parliament that a shackle chafes a man no matter how well you polish it. His young cousin Thomas Jefferson asked him to bring a bill to make it easier to free the enslaved. Bland did it. He was denounced as an enemy of his country. Then he went home and kept his 30. He died still holding them.

That is my inheritance.

My grandmother, Mamie Bland Todd, is the griot of our family. She carries 200 years of it. Her great-grandfather Frederick was the only enslaved man named in his owner’s will, and the will was written to protect him. The man who owned Frederick was his own brother. That is how close the blood runs.

Thomas Jefferson is my cousin. He wrote that all men are created equal. Robert E. Lee is my cousin too. He took up arms to keep my other ancestors in chains.

I carry the blood of the man who argued for freedom and the blood of those he would not free. I resent his cruelty. I pray my children show his courage against the men who would be kings. That is the duality of this nation. So, I know something about awkward ground. The Hermitage is beautiful. A thousand acres. A white mansion. Gardens.

The tombs of the seventh president and his wife. It is also a graveyard. More than 300 men, women and children were enslaved there. Archaeologists are still finding their graves. The land was Native land first. He signed the Indian Removal Act. He set the Trail of Tears in motion. Settlers’ bones are in that ground. The bones of the enslaved. The ground is sacred for what is buried in it. It is stained for the same reason. And we are going to sing on it. Jackson owned the people there. He fathered no children, white or Black. Betty cooked for him, as her mother had before her. Her son Alfred was born on that land and lived there longer than any man. After emancipation, he stayed. They put “Faithful Servant” on his stone. But once a white man told him slavery had its comforts, and Alfred asked him, “How would you like to be a slave?” The man had no answer.

Juneteenth is the right day for it. Freedom came late — 2½ years after it was declared — to people who had been free in the eyes of God the whole time. The day does not pretend the delay away. It celebrates anyway. So, I will go. I will stand where Jackson stood, and where the people he enslaved stood. I will not soften either truth

This Juneteenth, on sacred and stained ground, we will sing. And we will remember the oldest truth Mamie Bland Todd ever taught me: our people were always free. And — oddly, ironically, and even somewhat poetically — it happens to be the same lesson her own slaveholding forebear, Richard, helped teach both his young cousin Thomas and King George.

Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and former president and CEO of the NAACP.

Remembering the historic work of Clarence B. Jones

By Benjamin Chavis

Attorney Clarence Benjamin Jones (Jan. 9, 1931 – May 22, 2026) will be remembered as a champion of freedom, justice and equality in America and around the world.

Jones, chair emeritus of Spill the Honey, was an iconic leader of the Civil Rights Movement and the trusted lawyer and speechwriter for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

I first met attorney Clarence Jones in 1962, when I was a teenage statewide youth coordinator for Dr. King and the SCLC in my home state of North Carolina. For more than 65 years, I have known and admired Dr. Jones as a steadfast visionary and prophetic leader.

bring about social change. Clarence Jones emphasized, “An example of a current initiative to restore this coalition is the Spill the Honey Foundation in Detroit. They seek to rebuild the historical coalition that existed between the African American and Jewish communities. Spill the Honey uses Holocaust education and ethical lessons learned from the Holocaust that contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.”

Jones wisely stipulated, “Today, there are both challenges and opportunities to a successor generation of Dr. King and Rabbi Heschel.” Yes, we need a new, vibrant and active generation of young Black and Jewish freedom fighters who work and win together.

Spill the Honey is a national nonprofit founded by Dr. Shari Rogers that focuses on public education about the transformative shared legacies between Blacks and Jews who worked together effectively during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

The name “Spill the Honey” was inspired by the story of Eliezer Ayalon, a Holocaust survivor who is a model of recovery from trauma and a messenger of hope. The nonprofit takes its name from his story — he was gifted a cup of honey from his mother the final day she would see him before being sent by the Nazis to five concentration camps.

Throughout the lives of Dr. Clarence Jones and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they used their voices and strengths to fight for civil rights, human rights and equality. The Black and Jewish leaders of the Civil Rights Movement taught millions of people the power of sharing our stories and using our collective voices to

Under the vision of Rogers, Spill the Honey has produced a powerful and timely documentary that revisits the enduring partnership between Black and Jewish communities during the Civil Rights Movement — and challenges us to reclaim that spirit today.

In the turbulent 1960s, a shared vision of justice brought these communities together, as Jewish leaders stood alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Clarence Jones and many others in the fight for racial equality. Yet in recent decades, this once-strong alliance has frayed and is often overlooked or misunderstood.

Through rare archival footage and deeply personal interviews, “Shared Legacies” brings this history to life. The film features eyewitnesses, activists, Holocaust survivors and movement leaders, including Dr. Clarence Jones, Rep. John Lewis, Ambassador Andrew Young, Louis Gossett Jr., members of the King family, Dr. Susannah Heschel and others.

At a time when division and hate are on the rise again, the film serves as both a reminder and a call to action.

Long live the freedom-fighting spirit, love and legacy of Clarence B. Jones. May our shared legacies become our shared futures for sustaining freedom, justice and equality for all of humanity. Leader Brother Clarence, rest in power. Benjamin Chavis is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and executive producer of “The Chavis Chronicles” on PBS TV Network.

Columnist

Columnist

“What we’re seeing now is consistent with the worst of what the federal government has done.”

— Eric Holder, the nation’s first Black attorney general, on the United States’ historical treatment of voting rights for African Americans

3 students cash in on hard work

St. Louis-area students each earn $40,000 scholarships

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

For three recent St. Louis-area high school graduates, years of balancing academics, leadership development and career preparation have paid off with a significant boost toward their college goals.

Bruce Green Jr. of Hazelwood West High School, Jahki Grice of Hazelwood Central High School and Vinay Konduro of Francis Howell High School have each received a $40,000 Best Buy Scholarship through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis’ Pathways program. The students also participated in the St. Louis Internship Program, where they gained workplace experience while still in high school.

It feels like my hard work is being recognized.”

Green plans to study political science and pursue a legal career, with the goal of one day serving as a Supreme Court justice. Through the Pathways program, he said serving as a production manager for a public service announcement project helped him develop leadership and teamwork skills.

“It taught me about leadership and working together as a team,” Green said. “It also helped build the discipline that will help me be successful in college and beyond.”

The students each received a $40,000 Best Buy Scholarship through the Boys & Girls Clubs of

The scholarships can be used for college and career training expenses, helping reduce financial barriers to higher education.

For Green, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance.

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me and my family,” said Green, a graduate of Hazelwood West High School. “It lifts a lot of financial stress, so I can focus on academics.

For Grice, a Hazelwood Central High School graduate, the first call after learning he had received the scholarship was to his mother.

“I was excited. Calling my mom and sharing the news made me very happy,” Grice said. The scholarship will help him pursue his goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.

“It makes higher education more accessible and allows me to focus on my studies instead of worrying about money,” he said.

Grice said participating in Pathways helped prepare him for college through group discussions focused on social issues, teamwork and collabora-

tion.

“Those are skills I know I’ll use in college and throughout my career,” he said.

He also offered advice for younger students.

“Don’t be afraid and keep striving,” Grice said. “There are many opportunities out there.”

Shanise Johnson, executive director of the St. Louis Internship Program, said workplace experiences help students connect classroom learning with future careers.

“This experience allows students to talk about their goals with peers and mentors,” Johnson said. “They begin to see how their academic work connects to future career opportunities

and gain confidence in pursuing those goals.”

Johnson said the program also helps students build professional networks and workplace skills that can be difficult for some young people to access.

Through eight-week paid internships, professional development workshops and mentorship opportunities, students work alongside professionals at companies across the St. Louis region. The program also offers yearround support, including ACT preparation, college readiness programming and career exploration.

For Francis Howell High School graduate Vinay Konduro, the schol-

arship is a reminder that others believe in his potential.

“It means someone believes in me,” Konduro said. “There’s a community behind me, and I’m grateful for that.”

Konduro plans to major in finance. He said one of the most valuable experiences through the program came from working on a video project with fellow students.

“I learned video editing, film editing and a lot about my own skill set,” he said. “It helped me learn more about what I’m capable of.”

His path also required difficult choices. A highly competitive tennis player who was ranked fourth in

Missouri, Konduro decided to step away from the sport to focus on academic and career opportunities.

“It was a very difficult decision because I wanted to play in college,” he said. “But I realized I had other priorities and wanted to invest in my future.”

Brandon Williams, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, said the scholarships reflect the students’ commitment and perseverance.

“This remarkable achievement reflects the hard work, determination and dedication these students have demonstrated throughout their academic journeys,” Williams said.

Alonzo Lee, program manager for the Pathways program, said the recipients distinguished themselves through their ability to balance academics, extracurricular activities and other responsibilities while pursuing their goals.

“These students showed tremendous initiative while managing school, extracurricular activities, sports and other commitments,” Lee said. “They demonstrated resilience and had a clear vision for their college and career goals.” Lee said students completed extensive application materials, including essays, while actively participating in the program.

For Konduro, the lesson he hopes younger students take away is simple.

“That hunger means nothing if you don’t have discipline,” he said.

Pathways Digital Instructor Stephen Perkins, left, joins Best Buy Scholarship recipients Vinay Konduro, Bruce Green Jr. and Jahki Grice, along with Pathways Program Manager Alonzo E. Lee.

Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Greater St. Louis’ Pathways program.

Court leaves income tax measure on August ballot

The Missouri Supreme Court has declined to hear a last-minute appeal over the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate the state income tax and expand sales taxes, clearing the way for the measure to appear on the Aug. 4 ballot.

The court’s decision leaves in place ballot language revised by the Missouri Court of Appeals. Supporters of the proposal had sought additional chang-

St. Louis Community College recently celebrated the first graduates of its bachelor’s degree program in respiratory care. The college will host a June 12 open house at its Wildwood campus to showcase its 23 health care programs.

es before a deadline for certifying the August ballot.

The measure, which will appear as Amendment 5, asks voters whether to begin a process that could eventually phase out Missouri’s income tax and replace revenue with increased sales taxes.

With the court declining review, election officials can move forward with preparing ballots for the August election.

STLCC to host health care programs open house

St. Louis Community College will host an open house Friday at its Wildwood campus to provide information about careers and training opportunities in health care, a field that continues to face worker shortages across the region.

The event is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. June 12 at the college’s Health Sciences campus in Wildwood. Visitors can tour instructional labs, meet faculty and staff, and learn about academic programs and student support services.

STLCC offers 23 health care pro-

grams, including nursing, dental hygiene, radiologic technology, paramedic technology and physical therapist assistant.

According to the Missouri Hospital Association’s 2025 annual report, the St. Louis region had a 6.8% vacancy rate for hospital medical positions. The college offers training for six of the 10 health care occupations with the highest vacancy rates in the region, including licensed practical nursing, respiratory therapy and medical laboratory technology.

Debunking a pair of American myths

By Maxine Bryant

June marks the beginning of summer, Juneteenth celebrations and Father’s Day observances.

There are two myths associated with June observances that I want to debunk.

Commentary with the Confederate surrender on April 9, 1865. In the months that followed, Union forces moved across the South enforcing emancipation and informing enslaved people of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, where they announced that enslaved people there were free.

The first is Juneteenth. Many Black communities pause to celebrate and honor Juneteenth with programs, rituals, dancing, poetry, parades and community gatherings. While Juneteenth should indeed be observed, it is important that we observe it in truth rather than through the myths that often accompany it.

Many of us were taught that the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, freed all enslaved people in the United States and that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were the last to be freed two years later, in June 1865. Both are myths.

The second myth centers around Black fathers.

Black men are often portrayed as absent fathers — disconnected from their families. Sadly, some of us also reinforce this myth through our conversations and actions.

The truth is that despite slavery, segregation, economic exclusion and racial terror, Black families demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Before the mid-20th century, most Black children were raised in homes with both parents present. In fact, from 1880 to 1960, the majority of Black children lived in two-parent households. This is documented truth.

In February 1861, seven Southern states — South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas — seceded from the Union to form the Confederate States of America. They created their own constitution, elected Jefferson Davis as president and established their capital in Montgomery, Alabama. Just two months later, the Civil War erupted in April 1861.

In truth, the Civil War was largely about slavery — economically, politically and socially. The Southern economy thrived on the labor of enslaved people, and the Confederacy fought to preserve that system. Slavery was their “currency,” and they had more of it than the North. They were not about to give it up without a fight.

When Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it applied only to Confederate states — where he had no control — and excluded the border states that remained loyal to the Union. In short, it did not immediately free all enslaved people in the United States.

The Civil War effectively ended

The question is not whether Black families — and Black fathers in particular — valued stability, marriage and community. History clearly shows that they did. The deeper question is: What social, political and economic forces disrupted those patterns?

We know that Black men have been — and continue to be — incarcerated at disproportionately higher rates than their white counterparts. This further disrupts their physical presence in homes and communities.

Slavery could not destroy the Black family. Jim Crow could not destroy the Black family. Yet modern systems — mass incarceration, economic exclusion and punitive social policies — have profoundly disrupted the physical presence of Black men in their homes and communities.

As we observe Father’s Day 2026, I encourage Black communities everywhere to join together to support and uplift Black men who are struggling and fighting against these systems.

Happy Juneteenth and Happy Father’s Day!

Maxine Bryant, Ph.D., is founder of GriotSpeaks, an author and African American cultural historian.

Maxine Bryant

Photo courtesy of STLCC

Revitalizing East St. Louis

Solar project promises lower utility bills

By Rebecca Thiele St. Louis Public Radio

East St. Louis wants to turn a polluted property once owned by aluminum manufacturer Alcoa into a community solar project that could lower electric bills for thousands of residents.

Under the proposal, residents would pay a $50 annual subscription fee to receive credits on their electric bills, City Manager Robert Betts said.

Betts said the 15-megawatt solar farm would provide bill credits to about 2,000 low-income residents who pay the annual fee. Another 1,000 residents could save up to 50% on their electric bills. Any excess energy would be used to power

Under the proposal, residents would pay a $50 annual subscription fee to receive credits on their electric bills.

city buildings and potentially support future business development.

Construction is expected to begin this month and be completed next year. Betts said the city is still awaiting approval of an interconnection agreement from

Ameren Illinois.

East St. Louis first proposed the project about 20 years ago during Betts’ first stint as city manager.

“We tried it way back then, thinking that the process for the cleanup would only take a few years, no more than five, but it’s taken 20-some years to get this done,” he said.

Now Betts is again serving as city manager and picking

Intergenerational center

programming,

By St. Louis American staff

A longtime North St. Louis nonprofit is expanding its efforts to serve youth, seniors and families through a new Intergenerational Community Center planned for the Ville neighborhood.

Northside Youth and Senior Service Center, which has served North St. Louis residents for more than 50 years, is developing the center at 4159 Maffitt Ave. The facility is expected to provide additional space for youth programming, senior services, community activities, meals, transportation services and neighborhood gatherings.

Organization leaders say the center will serve as a community hub where residents of different generations can access services, participate in programs and connect with one another.

See Center, A6

Webster University official earns doctorate

Vincent C. Flewellen

Vincent C. Flewellen, Webster University’s associate vice president of mission integration and chief diversity officer, earned his Doctor of Education degree from Webster University. Flewellen completed his doctorate this spring. He has more than two decades of experience in education, equity and community engagement across the St. Louis region.

He joined Webster University in 2018 and has led the institution’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives while continuing to serve on several local boards and civic committees.

Lincoln U. professor named ACLS fellow

David Walton, an associate professor of history and African American and Africana studies at Lincoln University of Missouri, has been named a 2026 American Council of Learned Societies HBCU Faculty Fellow. Walton is among eight fellows nationwide selected to receive up to $50,000 each through the ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowship and Grant Program, which supports research by faculty in the humanities and interpretive social sciences at historically Black colleges and universities.

Walton is writing a book exploring the lives and legacy of the 62nd and 65th U.S. Colored Troops regiments, whose veterans founded Lincoln University in 1866.

Aaliyah Leggs STLCC commencement student marshal

Aaliyah Leggs

Aaliyah Leggs, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy, represented St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley campus as student marshal during the STLCC 2026 Commencement ceremony on May 29 at Chaifetz Arena. Leggs, a 2014 Hazelwood Central High School graduate, also holds an associate degree in nutrition from Florissant Valley. She returned to school to earn her bachelor’s degree and worked as a student respiratory therapist at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital. She plans to take her board examinations and begin a full-time job as a respiratory therapist at Cardinal Glennon.

Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to areid@stlamerican.com

Photo courtesy of Northside Youth and Senior Service Center

A rendering shows the new Intergenerational Community Center planned by Northside Youth and Senior Service Center in the Ville neighborhood.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

David Walton

The former Alcoa aluminum facility site in East St. Louis, photographed in June 2015, could become home to a community solar project designed to reduce electric bills for residents.

Church-led movement urges consumers to ‘Spend in the Black’

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word In Black

On a stretch of 75th Street long known for its legacy of Black entrepreneurship, a South Side Chicago megachurch is urging residents to rethink how and where they spend their money. It is not the first time.

Salem Baptist Church of Chicago recently joined elected officials and community leaders to host “Spend in the Black,” a faith-driven economic initiative designed to channel consumer dollars into Black-owned businesses and rebuild what organizers call “the Black dollar.”

Led by senior pastor the Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates — who also serves as senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church — in partnership with local elected officials and community leaders, the effort blends ministry with marketplace, transforming church influence into economic activism.

A marketplace model rooted in community

leaders have taken a leading role, framing economic engagement as both a spiritual and communal responsibility.

Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery, said participation in the initiative has been “absolutely a blessing” and “so inspiring and encouraging.”

LFCS offers childcare at Hilltop Center

As child care costs continue to strain family budgets, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services is highlighting programs aimed at helping parents manage expenses during the summer.

The organization operates the Hilltop Child and Family Development Center in North St. Louis, which provides child care for working families. LFCS also offers parenting education, budget guidance and referrals to emergency assistance programs.

In addition, case workers distribute essential items, including diapers, to help ease financial pressures on families.

According to Child Care of America, the average cost of center-based child care exceeds $1,000 per child.

“This is about resurrecting the Black dollar,” Dates said during one of the marketplace events. “So rather than being in the red, we are spending in the Black.”

Center

Continued from A5

“This groundbreaking is more than the start of construction,” Executive Director Leon Threat said in a statement. “It is a statement about the future of North St. Louis. Our seniors deserve reliable services, our youth deserve safe spaces and opportunity, and our community deserves continued investment.”

The initiative takes shape most visibly through large-scale vendor marketplaces held on the South Side, where at times more than 100 Black-owned businesses line commercial corridors, offering everything from food and coffee to handmade jewelry and beauty products.

Organizers say the goal is both symbolic and practical: to recreate the economic density of historic Black business districts while equipping

Founded in 1973, Northside Youth and Senior Service Center provides a range of services for older adults, young people and families. Its programs include meals for seniors, transportation assistance, youth development activities and community support services.

The new Intergenerational Community Center is expected to expand the organization’s capacity while providing a dedicated gathering space for

a new generation of entrepreneurs.

At a recent event, city leaders estimated that hundreds of thousands of dollars could circulate within a single day across just a few blocks.

“We can literally see half a million to $1 million spent between three blocks,” said Alderman William Hall, who has partnered with the church to expand the initiative.

Business owners see immediate impact

The movement is rooted in a broader national push encouraging consumers to support Blackowned businesses. In Chicago, however, faith

residents and community groups.

Threat said the project reflects a broader commitment to strengthening North St. Louis neighborhoods through long-term investment and community-based services.

“Our seniors deserve reliable services, our youth deserve safe spaces and opportunity, and our community deserves continued investment,” he said.

Northside officials said the project was made possible through support from

“As a businesswoman who’s been on 75th Street for more than 24 years, to have over 100 potential businesses set up — as a businessperson, you know you need a community and strong support to be successful,” she said.

“Last year’s event gave all the established businesses hope for a future — that we won’t be alone over here, that there’ll be new businesses and fresh blood,” she told Dates.

“Furthermore, the support you garnered — it was the absolute largest day that we have ever had.”

She said customers bought more cake slices, cheesecakes and candy, and that more families came through the door “with a good spirit.”

public agencies, private donors, foundations, community partners, volunteers and residents.

The center also comes as North St. Louis continues to recover from the May 2025 tornado, which exposed longstanding challenges tied to poverty, aging infrastructure and disinvestment in many neighborhoods. Community leaders have said recovery remains uneven in some areas, underscoring the need for strong neighborhood

Solar

Continued from A5

up where he left off.

“What can we do to pass some savings on to the citizens, which are low-income and struggling to make these monthly utility payments?” he said.

“So that’s what really drove me to make sure that we start this project back up.”

Many East St. Louis residents live on fixed incomes, Betts said.

According to U.S. Census data, 32% of residents live in poverty — about three times the national average. Twenty-three percent are seniors.

The city worked with Renewable Energy Evolution to develop the project through the Biden administration’s Solar for All program.

President Donald

“Summer should not be a financial breaking point, but when school ends, families are instantly hit with high child care bills and higher grocery costs,” said Heather Wall, director of parenting services.

For information, visit lfcsmo.org or call 866-3265327.

FOXY 106.9 earns 4 broadcasting awards

FOXY 106.9 FM received four first-place honors at the 2026 Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards, including Station of the Year in the large-market radio category.

The St. Louis station also won awards for its “Voice of St. Louis” program in the Single Subject Programming and Opinion Commentary categories, along with a first-place award for Best Single Entry Commercial Announcement.

More than 1,100 entries were submitted for this year’s competition.

“All four awards are testament to our team’s dedication to quality, creativity and service to our community,” Program Director Don “DJ Wrekk-1” Williams said in a statement.

institutions and gathering places that can support residents during both emergencies and everyday life.

Northside leaders say the tornado reinforced the importance of community hubs that can serve as trusted resources during times of crisis. In addition to providing regular programming and services, such facilities can function as gathering places, information centers and support networks when neighborhoods face emergencies and long-term recovery

Trump’s administration clawed back some of that money, but company founder and CEO Brian Maillet said Illinois was able to move the funding into state accounts quickly.

“Illinois got a lion’s share of that money from the federal government because they already had this program in place, so the state of Illinois is the place to be right now for solar,” he said.

Maillet said his company will pay the city upfront to lease the land for the project, a move expected to generate more than $1 million in revenue for East St. Louis. The city would take ownership of the solar farm within seven years.

East St. Louis residents also must make up at least 30% of the workforce under the company’s contract.

“We’re going to be

efforts.

Once completed, the facility is expected to become Northside’s primary hub for delivering services and hosting activities designed to improve quality of life for residents across North St. Louis. Northside officials said the center will help the organization continue its mission of serving multiple generations while creating new opportunities for community engagement, neighborhood development and community-building.

training folks, reeducating them and getting them ready for the green energy economy that’s happening right now,” Maillet said.

According to project officials, toxic heavy metals and radioactive materials remain buried just a few feet below the surface at the former Alcoa site, making a solar farm one of the few safe options for redevelopment.

Betts said the solar farm is one of several projects aimed at revitalizing East St. Louis, including new housing developments, infrastructure improvements and efforts to support a proposed expansion of Gateway Arch National Park onto the Illinois riverfront.

“We’re building housing developments throughout the city. We’re improving our infrastructure, so this is a good time to be a city manager in East St. Louis,” Betts said.

Envato photo

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

Just Breathe

Black yoga series returns to Missouri History Museum for sixth year

The roots of Just Breathe stretch back to 2020 — a year marked by George Floyd’s murder, civil unrest and the isolation of COVID-19. For The Collective STL, the need was immediate and unmisThat intention remains central to The Collective STL, a Black-centered yoga and wellness community founded in 2017 to support the health and well-being of Black residents through culturally aware, trauma-informed programming.

“Everybody was quarantined,” said The Collective STL co-founder Ericka Harris of the program’s origin. “And we were just at home, and it was like, ‘We need to do something, because the community needs to just breathe.’” The Collective partnered with the Missouri History Museum, beginning outdoors for safety. What started as a response to crisis grew into a tradition.

See Yoga, page A11

Health and wellness tips for cancer survivors

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz

Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. Maybe we have friends or family who’ve been diagnosed, or maybe you’re one of the 18 million people in the U.S. living as a cancer survivor. Given cancer’s seriousness, those numbers can seem daunting, especially as the number of cancer survivors is expected to exceed 22 million over the next decade.

But there is actually some good news to go along with these large numbers.

“Yes, part of this growth we’re seeing in the number of survivors is because we have an aging population and more people are being diagnosed,” said Dr. Lindsay Peterson, director of the survivorship program and the START Strong Survivorship Clinic at Siteman Cancer Center, based at BarnesJewish Hospital and WashU Medicine.

The number of cancer survivors is expected to exceed 22 million over the next decade.

“But part is also because people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis.” And for this growing number of survivors, there are steps that can help improve health and well-being for years to come. It’s almost never too early in the cancer journey to get started with them.

“Talking with patients about healthy behaviors — like nutrition and physical activity and weight management — at the very beginning of a cancer diagnosis not only can help them get through their treatments easier, improving their quality of life and minimizing side effects, it can also instill those healthy habits and behaviors from the

SSM Health Foundation-St. Louis’ new fund to help patients leaving hospital

Carolyn Kindle’s contribution will support programs addressing factors that affect health

The fund will support partnerships with community-based organizations that address social needs that can influence patient outcomes.

in 7 people in the bi-state region is food insecure. Housing instability and transportation barriers also can make it harder to access medical care and recover after treatment, challenges that disproportionately affect Black residents.

The fund will support partnerships with community-based organizations that address social needs that can influence patient outcomes.

“Healthcare itself is not enough to help patients with significant social barriers become healthy,” said Dr. Alex Garza, SSM Health’s chief community health officer. “The

SSM Health-St. Louis Community Health Impact Fund helps us build the ability to try and address the sometimes immense

needs of patients who although recover clinically, will struggle to stabilize once they leave our care often because of challenges

like lack of food, housing, or transportation for follow-up visits.”

Photos by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Carolyn Kindle, left, and COCA CEO Indigo Sams attend the unveiling of St. Louis City SC’s Tina Turner-inspired kits Feb. 10 at The Foundry. Kindle recently contributed $10 million to launch the SSM Health–St. Louis Community Health Impact Fund.

Kayla Heidelberg participates in yoga with her children, Omir and Harley Bell, during the Just Breathe STL Summer Series.

See Colditz, A11

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

Aha Sa Djedu participates in a yoga session during the Just Breathe STL Summer Series at the Missouri History Museum.

Cox

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from other candidates.

“Chief Cox was very involved with the whole Ferguson issue. He was a lieutenant then and was involved with the training of officers,” Banks said.

The 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson placed a national spotlight on policing in St. Louis County and sparked years of scrutiny over police-community relations, accountability and officer training.

While the St. Louis County Police Department does not oversee all 88 municipalities in the coun-

Ferguson experience helped propel him to chief’s post

ty, it maintains countywide jurisdiction and provides police services in unincorporated areas and municipalities that contract with the department.

Banks said Cox’s experience in both training and internal affairs positions prepared him to lead a department that continues to face public expectations for transparency and accountability.

“In his 31 years on the job, he was a drug detective, a captain in the drug unit and, most importantly, he was in our internal affairs unit,” Banks said.

“So, he understands very well the issues, concerns and training involved in making sure there’s accountability and that

people don’t act unilaterally,” Banks continued. “And that’s really the problem; when people make unilateral, dumb decisions.”

Cox said he hopes to build on the department’s reputation while continuing to strengthen its relationship with the community.

“I just want the department to be recognized as one of the premier police departments in the nation,” he said, calling the appointment “the privilege of a lifetime.”

Cox, an East St. Louis native, joined the St. Louis County Police Department in 1995 and has served in the Central County, South County, North

County and Jennings precincts, as well as in the Bureau of Strategy and Risk Management and the Bureau of Drug Enforcement. He previously commanded the St. Louis Gateway Strike Force.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Eastern Illinois University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page praised the appointment, describing Cox as “a respected leader within the Police Department and in the community.”

Page also cited Cox’s work with the region’s Save Lives Now vio-

lence-reduction initiative.

The Ethical Society of Police, an organization that advocates for minority officers, also welcomed the selection. In a statement, the group said Cox had worked with members to address concerns raised by both the community and department personnel and had helped strengthen trust, accountability and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.

The Board of Police Commissioners cited Cox’s work on crime-prevention initiatives, community outreach programs and efforts to improve relationships between police officers and young people through programs

such as the St. Louis County Police Athletic League. In May, the board invited five lieutenant colonels to apply for the position. Three applied, one later withdrew and Cox and Lt. Col. Norman Mann advanced as finalists.

Former Express Scripts executive and community volunteer Michael Holmes said he was pleased with the board’s decision.

“I’m very happy they made that choice,” Holmes said, describing Cox as a “highly competent, downto-earth brother.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Sharp divide over how St. Louis should spend Rams settlement money

Rams funds

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offered competing visions for how the city should use one of the largest financial windfalls in its history.

After hours of public testimony, aldermen voted to redistribute $25 million previously proposed for reserves. The revised plan would allocate $120 million for tornado recovery and North St. Louis redevelopment, $40 million for water infrastructure, $10 million for vacancy reduction, $55 million for downtown redevelopment and $30 million for infrastructure improvements outside downtown.

The committee approved nine amendments, including one that added $10 million for tornado-related home repairs and rental assistance.

Audrey Kidwell, the first speaker at the hearing, urged aldermen to increase funding for tornado recovery.

“I’m really hoping to see an amendment that would increase funding for North city, specifically home repair and tornado recovery,” Kidwell said. “The last time we met … folks mentioned things like home repair and triage being at the top of the list of needs. I just want to urge the committee to keep those points in mind.”

Others argued that downtown investment is also critical to the city’s future.

Mike Cozen, owner

Students

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Missouri fourth graders are not proficient in reading, up from 66% in 2019, while 77% of eighth graders are not proficient in math, compared with 68% before the pandemic. The share of young children not enrolled in school also increased, rising from 66% in 2019 to 70% in 2024.

While the report highlights persistent academic challenges across Missouri, some districts have demonstrated that improvement is possible.

Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District’s Annual Performance Report score rose from 84.3% in 2023 to 97% in 2024 and 98.5% in 2025, reflecting significant gains in student achievement and growth.

Authors of the report encouraged Missouri lead-

of a downtown design firm, said he supports the bill’s downtown funding because the area remains one of the city’s most important economic engines.

Cozen said downtown attractions draw visitors who “fill our hotels, dine at our restaurants, explore our neighborhoods and visit other attractions and then they go home saying good things about us.”

Andrew Davidson, managing partner of KPMG’s downtown office, echoed that argument.

“From where I sit, this is not just about events; it’s about competitiveness ... perception matters, vibrancy matters,” Davidson said. “When people choose where to live, where to build careers and where to invest, they look for cities that are active, visible and on the rise.”

Supporters of downtown funding note that city officials have cited an estimated $35 million economic impact from recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships and NCAA March Madness events. City plans call for downtown investments in infrastructure, riverfront improvements, retail activation and redevelopment projects, including the long-vacant Railway Exchange Building.

But many speakers argued that North St. Louis should receive a larger share of the settlement, particularly as residents continue recovering from the May 2025

ers to “do more to address educational opportunity and achievement.”

That’s something the St. Louis City branch of the NAACP sought to address when it filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Justice Department over what it called a literacy crisis.

Pruitt told The American that the federal departments dismissed the complaints about two months after President Donald Trump returned to office. Still, he said local leaders must confront the factors that continue to undermine educational achievement, particularly in the St. Louis region.

“There’s no way in the world you can expect every kid who’s trying to learn in a community or household where they are the most impoverished to perform as well or better than a child coming from a middle-income two-parent

tornado.

The original proposal developed by Mayor Cara Spencer and Board President Megan Green was negotiated over several months. Activists and residents had pushed for at least $150 million for North St. Louis recovery and redevelopment. Even with the committee’s changes, those demands fell short.

Members of Action St. Louis voiced some of the strongest criticism.

Kayla Reed, the organization’s executive director, warned aldermen who campaigned as progressive Democrats with Action St. Louis’ support.

“Relationships will end behind this,” Reed said. “You don’t deserve to lead

home,” Pruitt said.

The statewide report does not measure the effects of the May 2025 tornado that devastated parts of North St. Louis. However, the storm disrupted families in neighborhoods that already faced many of the educational and economic challenges highlighted in the report.

Missouri ranked 28th nationally in overall child well-being, down one spot from 27th a year earlier. Education remained the state’s weakest category, ranking 33rd nationally.

The report’s findings come as policymakers nationwide continue to grapple with educational recovery, rising housing costs and the long-term effects of economic disruption following the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time, the KIDS COUNT Data Book includes a scoring system in addition to state rank-

this city.”

Ohun Ashe accused aldermen of placing downtown interests ahead of tornado survivors.

“What will your family members say?” Ashe asked. “That downtown interests meant more than people?”

The debate reflected broader public sentiment.

A Board of Aldermen survey conducted in May found that more than half of respondents ranked tornado recovery as their top priority. Forty-four percent said more Rams settlement money should go toward tornado recovery, while 41% favored increasing funding for North St. Louis neighborhood plans.

Downtown revitalization faced the greatest

ings. The score measures progress across 16 indicators in four categories — economic well-being, education, health and family and community factors — over a five-year period from 2019 through 2024. Missouri received a score of 567 out of 1,000, slightly above the national average score of 547.

The state’s strongest performance came in economic well-being, where it ranked 15th nationally. The report found that 15% of Missouri children — more than 200,000 young people — live below the federal poverty line. About 23% live in households where no parent has fulltime, year-round employment, while 22% live in households spending at least 30% of their income on housing. Health indicators showed mixed results.

While many measures remained stable, the percentage of uninsured

pressure for cuts, with 40% of respondents saying it should receive less than the proposed $55 million allocation.

At the same time, the survey found broad support for several elements of the proposal, particularly tornado recovery and water infrastructure.

Two-thirds of respondents supported the overall spending framework.

Aldermen defended the revised bill as a compromise designed to move forward while addressing multiple challenges facing the city.

The committee approved amendments sponsored by Alderman Rasheen Aldridge that added $10 million for tornado recovery, Alderman

children increased from 5% in 2023 to 7% in 2024. That translates to roughly 95,000 Missouri children without health insurance coverage. Tracy Greever-Rice, Missouri KIDS COUNT program director at the Family & Community Trust, said the data highlight the need for continued investment in children and families.

“Sustaining progress and ensuring we can provide consistently and reliably for all of our families and children is the mission and the work we collaborate on with our state and community partners every day,” Greever-Rice said.

William Dent, executive director of the Family & Community Trust, said the report reinforces the importance of addressing children’s basic needs.

“We know what our children need to grow up healthy and connected so they can thrive as adults:

Anne Schweitzer that added $10 million for water infrastructure and Alderman Shane Cohn that doubled vacancy-reduction funding from $5 million to $10 million. Another amendment sponsored by Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier directs future interest earned on downtown funds toward North St. Louis projects.

One of the additions drew support from Peter Hoffman of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, who advocated for the increased vacancy funding.

“If we deploy it strategically, it can make a difference,” Hoffman said.

Committee Chairwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard said aldermen were working to advance legislation that could ultimately pass.

“We have to work together down here,” Hubbard said.

Green acknowledged frustration from critics but described the proposal as one step in a longer process.

“This isn’t a first step or a final step, but one of the many steps that we have to take,” Green said. “I hope that this encourages our corporate and philanthropic money to see the investment we are making in the north side and rise to the occasion.”

The bill now returns to the full Board of Aldermen for further consideration.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

stable homes, strong schools, nutritious food, meaningful relationships and opportunities to learn, play and grow,” Dent said. Now in its 37th year, the KIDS COUNT Data Book is widely used by policymakers, educators and child advocates to assess trends affecting children and families.

Nationally, the report found that child well-being indicators have largely remained stable in recent years, though many states continue to face challenges related to academic achievement, health coverage and affordability for families. For Missouri, the latest data suggest that while economic conditions for many families have held relatively steady, significant gaps remain in education and health outcomes for children.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Members of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen Budget and Public Employees Committee confer during a Tuesday hearing at City Hall before voting to redirect additional Rams settlement funds toward tornado recovery, water infrastructure and vacancy reduction.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Cardi B issues apology letter to Latto

Cardi B publicly apologized to Latto this week, releasing an open letter on social media acknowledging her role in escalating their longrunning feud. The Grammywinning rapper said she wanted to “take accountability” for the backandforth that played out online and in music, writing that she regretted letting the situation “go too far.”

The apology follows more than a year of friction between the two artists — including subliminal shots, leaked DMs, and fanfueled speculation that intensified after Latto’s breakout hit “Big Energy.” The tension resurfaced earlier this spring when both women were accused of trading indirect jabs on social media and in lyrics.

In the letter, Cardi said she wanted to “move with intention.” She also added that the industry already puts Black women in rap under enough pressure without them “tearing each other down.”

Latto has not publicly responded.

Attorney ordered to pay legal fees in Nelly copyright dispute

An attorney who sued St. Louis rap star Nelly on behalf of former St. Lunatics member Ali Jones has been ordered to pay more than $67,000 in legal fees after a federal judge imposed sanctions.

According to Billboard and court filings obtained by Music Business Worldwide, a judge ruled on May 28 that attorney Precious Fielder must reimburse Nelly $67,586 for fees incurred while defending the lawsuit.

Jones filed the federal suit in September 2024, claiming Nelly misled the group about credit and royalties for eight tracks on his solo debut “Country Grammar.” The

Talay Riley fatally stabbed in London

Grammywinning songwriter Talay Riley has died after a stabbing in east London, according to the Metropolitan Police. He was 35 Riley — born Mark Orabiyi — was found with stab wounds at a residence in Silvertown on June 5 and was pronounced dead at the hospital. A second man in his twenties was also injured but is expected to recover, police told Billboard U.K.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder. A 27yearold man has been released on bail, while a 24yearold man and 25yearold woman were released with no further action. The investigation is ongoing.

Riley was a soughtafter songwriter whose credits include work for Britney Spears (“Clumsy”), Dua Lipa (“Last Dance”), Chris Brown (“Zero,” “Fine By Me”), Khalid (“Young Dumb & Broke”) and FLO. Alongside his brother Scribz Riley, he cowrote “Lights On” from H.E.R.’s 2017 selftitled album, which won Best R&B Album at the 2018 Grammys.

Procedure leaves Karamo Brown in chronic pain

case originally sought $50 million and list-

ed three other St. Lunatics members— who quickly withdrew and said they never authorized the filing. Jones later moved to voluntarily dismiss the case in April 2025.

Nelly’s attorneys argued the claims were “timebarred, preempted, or otherwise frivolous,” and a federal magistrate judge found the allegations “without merit,” according to an October 2025 ruling.

TV host Karamo Brown is opening up about years of pain he says stemmed from a cosmetic procedure he got during the pandemic. In a new interview with People, the Queer Eye star said scartissue buildup from a buccal fat removal surgery blocked his saliva from draining properly — leaving his cheeks swollen and his mouth painfully dry.

“For years, people have been like, ‘Karamo’s had plastic surgery,’” he said. “I was suffering for years in pain, and no one knew.”

Brown said he gained 70 pounds during the pandemic and turned to the procedure after online comments about his weight. What he hoped would “slim out” his face instead led to a year and a half of discomfort. Filming his daytime talk show only made it worse. “My mouth would get so dry and it would be so swollen,” he said.

Brown said he stayed quiet to avoid engaging with trolls, but is now speaking out to warn others about the risks.

Recently, Brown underwent a procedure to fix his saliva glands and remove the scar tissue in his cheeks.

“This doctor did the most amazing work,” Brown told PEOPLE.com. “I’m so thankful because I was in pain every night, every day. It was horrendous. Thanks to this doctor, I feel so much better.”

Hot Sheet Sources:

Cardi B

Nelly

$346,000 in grants will support counseling, advocacy and trauma care

ARCHS

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effects of violence often extend far beyond the immediate victims and can shape the health and well-being of entire communities.

“Violence is not only an immediate safety issue; it is also a driver of longterm health and well-being,” said Ilana Seff, a research associate professor at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

To help address those needs, Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS) has awarded $345,997 to six St. Louis-area organizations that provide support services for crime victims and residents impacted by violence.

The funding will be distributed through ARCHS’ Neighborhood Healing Network, which was established in 2020 to connect crime victims and their families with counseling, advocacy, housing assistance and other support services. Grant recipients include Better Family Life, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, Crime Victim Center of St. Louis, Fathers and Families Support Center, Mission: St. Louis and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

ARCHS President and CEO Leslie Johnson Jr. said the network was created in response to rising violence involving young people and was designed to address the broader impact of crime on entire communities.

“ARCHS launched the Neighborhood Healing Network in response to a troubling rise in fatal shootings involving children and young adults,” Johnson said. “From the outset, NHN was designed to support not only individual victims of crime, but also the broader communities impacted by violence — neighborhoods filled with family and friends whose needs are too often overlooked.”

Since its launch, the network has served more than 3,000 people affected by homicide, domestic violence, physical assault, vehicular victimization and community violence. Johnson said domestic violence survivors account for about 65% of those served through the program, making it the largest area of need. Demand also continues to grow for shelter, transportation assistance, counseling and legal services.

Clark said the new funding will allow the Urban League to expand clinical services, counseling and therapeutic support in underserved communities while strengthening efforts to identify residents who may be struggling with untreated trauma or mental health challenges.

The organization is training Urban Engagement Specialists, faith leaders and neighborhood outreach teams to recognize warning signs that may indicate a need for intervention and connect residents with services before situations escalate.

Long-term recovery requires making mental health services available

within the neighborhoods most affected by violence, Clark said.

Through the Urban League’s Pulpit to Porches initiative, the organization has piloted Neighborhood Trauma Centers inside trusted community churches. The centers provide screenings, referrals, counseling and resource navigation services close to residents’ homes.

Following the May 2025 tornado that devastated parts of North St. Louis, three churches were activated as Neighborhood Trauma Centers under the direction of Joy Camp, the Urban League’s director of clinical services. Over four months, the sites provided services, referrals and emotional support to 121 families affected by the disaster.

Building on the pilot’s

success, Clark said the Urban League is working with mental health providers and community partners to expand the model throughout the St. Louis region.

“Our goal is to create a sustainable network of community-based locations where residents can access compassionate, culturally responsive mental health services and support on their path toward healing and recovery,” he said.

Organizations receiving Neighborhood Healing Network funding provide a range of services, including help applying for crime victim compensation, emergency financial assistance, transportation and childcare support, legal referrals, counseling and relocation assistance for victims seeking safer housing.

James Clark, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis vice president of public safety, praised faith leaders because the “meet people where they are,” which is essential to creating lasting change in communities. Clark was speaking during the annual Faith Leaders’ Luncheon at the Missouri Athletic Club.

vors successfully connect with providers instead of navigating multiple agencies on their own.

“NHN clients are not shuffled from one organization to another but are supported through a coordinated process that helps the victim successfully connect to services,” she said.

Despite progress, significant gaps remain. Dickson said families affected by violence continue to face barriers to safe and affordable housing, transportation, trauma-informed counseling, legal advocacy and emergency assistance. Those challenges are often compounded when victims are caring for children.

Seff said community-based organizations are often a critical part of a public health response to violence because they are embedded in the neighborhoods they serve and may be more trusted than formal institutions.

“Trauma centers, advocacy services, housing supports and counseling programs can reduce the long-term effects of violence by helping survivors stabilize, regain safety and agency, and connect to ongoing care,” she said.

During the past year, the Neighborhood Healing Network provided 506 crime victims with 1,323 referrals for counseling, advocacy, housing assistance and other support services. Dickson said ARCHS uses a coordinated “we care hand-off” approach to ensure survi-

She also pointed to a shortage of culturally responsive mental health professionals equipped to address grief, post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma in Black communities.

“A critical need across the region is a stronger pipeline of culturally responsive counselors equipped to address grief, PTSD and trauma within urban African American communities,” Dickson said.

“This is love work,” Dickson said. “Success means that survivors are not only receiving services, but also moving toward healing, stability and hope.”

According to ARCHS, participating agencies contributed an additional $161,816 in matching and donated resources during the most recent grant cycle to expand services for victims and their families.

Photo courtesy of Urban League

Jeremy Fotheringham, regional president for SSM Health in St. Louis and Southern Illinois, said the fund will help expand support for patients facing those challenges.

Continued from A7 Yoga

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“We kept doing it because we knew people needed it,” Harris said. “We were all wearing masks and literally holding our breath — and in the case of George Floyd, people getting their breath taken away.”

More than 30 people gathered Wednesday at the Missouri History Museum for the sixth year of the weekly June yoga series, created to give Black St. Louisans a space to move, breathe and reconnect.

Among the participants was Jimelle Meyers, who views yoga as part of a broader approach to wellness.

“Wellness is a balance of your emotional, spiritual, your being,” Meyers said. “We have biological, psychological, physical and emotional factors. To get to that point, you have to be aware of where you are within those things.”

For her, health is the action that follows that awareness.

“If you are in tune with what you need to do physically, spiritually, mentally — even biologically — then your health is the action that leads you to the wellness,” she said. “You can’t have one without the other.”

Meyers describes yoga as a way to return to herself.

“Yoga is a work in, not a workout,” she said. “I align my mind, my breath and my movement. If I’m having a hard day — or even a great day — yoga helps me align mentally and physically.”

The breathwork, she

Colditz

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very beginning,” Peterson said. “And some of those behaviors have been shown to improve cancer prognosis and outcomes down the road.”

Many of these steps can also lower the risk of other conditions that remain important in people’s lives beyond cancer, including stroke, diabetes, heart disease and reduced mobility. Healthy approaches for cancer survivors:

•Don’t smoke. Quit if you do. This has huge benefits for many diseases. And it’s never too late to quit. Studies show that even people with advanced cancer benefit from quitting. Visit smokefree.gov for help.

•Be physically active and eat a healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and limit red meat, processed meat and alcohol. Also, try to get some physical activity every day — even if it’s a small amount. When ready, try to build up to around 30 minutes a day.

•Maintain a healthy weight. Weight can be a complex issue for survivors, for many reasons. Staying at a healthy weight, though, can have important benefits. Your doctor or clinic can help with resources.

•Get screening tests and go to regular checkups. It’s important to keep

“With this investment, patients will receive help with food insecurity, housing, transportation and more,” Fotheringham said. “We know that health and wellness start at home.”

SSM Health’s Bread Basket Program, a food

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

Care of You’

insecurity initiative operated in partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank, will continue under the new fund. The program served 3,276 inpatients last year.

The next initiative supported by the fund will be Medical Respite, a program that provides tem-

porary housing and support services for patients experiencing homelessness after they are discharged from the hospital. Services include meals, transportation to medical appointments, case management, peer support and housing navigation.

SSM Health plans to

partner initially with Haven Recovery Homes and LIV Sober Living to expand Medical Respite services, with additional initiatives expected as community needs emerge.

Kindle said the investment reflects a commitment to improv-

ing health outcomes and expanding access to care across the region.

“I am proud to support SSM Health Foundation and initiatives that are expanding access to care and addressing the needs of patients and families in St. Louis,” she said.

said, releases tension and helps her “breathe through all the things that are happening within my life.”

Six years later, Just Breathe continues every Wednesday in June — the same number of years that Kayla Heidelberg’s twins, Harley and Omir, have been alive. Their yoga journey began before they were born, making them the same age as the program itself.

“I started them with yoga pretty much before they were crawling,” Heidelberg said. Her own practice began during a high-risk pregnancy.

“Being a high-risk preg-

up with post-treatment care with your primary care doctor and oncology team. These visits are not only key to your health as a survivor but also great places to check in about your overall health.

Looking after mental well-being is also key.

Almost every survivor has some type of emotional concern, Peterson added. It could be anxiety, fears of cancer returning or questions about how cancer may impact relationships. Financial issues, like bills, and practical issues, like transportation, can add to this.

“I try to understand what a patient’s specific concerns are and get the person connected with resources that can help, whether that’s a counselor or social worker or support group.”

Cancer can also be isolating for many survivors. So, it can be valuable for both survivors and their family and friends to make efforts to stay connected.

“Once someone finishes treatment, everyone may now think they’re fine. So, all of the support they were getting — emotional or otherwise — goes away,” Peterson said. “And the reality is, once people are done with their cancer treatment, that’s actually when I think they need the most emotional support.”

So, friends and family can help uplift survivors by staying engaged and asking them what types

nancy with twins, it was important to take those extra steps to keep my body healthy,” she said.

Harley and Omir joined her for the session, moving through poses alongside the adults around them.

“Having that midweek reset is very calming,” Heidelberg said. “I try to lead by example. When they see me doing something, they want to join in.”

Yoga was not part of Heidelberg’s childhood, but she is grateful her children are growing up with it.

“We’re learning how to reset our brains when needed, how to calm

of help they may need. Survivors, for their part, can help by more actively letting people know the types of help and support they may be looking for.

Programs for survivors that support healthy behaviors and other key parts of follow-up care can be central to helping survivors live longer, healthier lives. And all survivors should be given the focus they deserve.

“It’s important that we start to recognize survivorship as an integral part of cancer care — not just something we’ll try to offer, but something we need to offer,” Peterson said.

“That’s when it will get the attention it needs, and we’ll be able to move the field — and the benefits it offers — forward.”

Resources for cancer survivors:

•Siteman Survivorship Program, siteman.washu. edu/survivors

•8IGHT WAYS to Stay Healthy Beyond Cancer, 8ways.washu.edu

•Cancer Support Community, cancersupportcommunity.org

•American Cancer Society, cancer.org/survivors

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention, leads prevention research at Siteman Cancer Center at BarnesJewish Hospital and WashU Medicine in St. Louis.

ourselves down and push through the day,” she said.

Harley didn’t hesitate when asked what she enjoys most.

“It calms me down and I like the poses,” she said, naming tree pose as her favorite.

“It makes me happy,” Omir added.

Now 6 years old, the twins are eager to share what they have learned.

“Do your best,” Harley said.

“Be excited about it, because it is fun,” Omir added.

Heidelberg hopes their enthusiasm helps others see that yoga is accessible.

“Some people feel like

you have to have a certain outfit, a certain body type or a certain level of flexibility,” she said. “Just get out there. Even if you don’t have a mat, grab a towel.”

For Harris, one lesson from the program has been seeing how readily community members embrace yoga once they try it.

“The most eye-opening experience for me as a Black yogi is how much the people in our community love to do yoga,” Harris said. “Even when we don’t know it, once somebody does it, they’re like, ‘Oh my God.’” Harris said yoga

helped her learn to slow down, reflect and become more aware of herself.

“It helped me learn myself — to be able to go inside and be still and ... well ... just breathe,” she said. She said many participants are relieved to find a space where they feel comfortable.

“People come and practice yoga with us and they are relieved to find a space like this,” Harris said. “They can breathe without judgment.”

Just Breathe continues each Wednesday in June at 6 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum.

Participants move through a yoga session during the Just Breathe STL Summer Series at the Missouri History Museum.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

“Every Black person you meet is a miracle. We are descended of lineages meant to be destroyed by slavery or colonization. Our lives are hard-fought and hard-earned.”

— Brittany Packnett Cunningham

A century of Miles and Coltrane reimagined

Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane deliver a futureleaning centennial tribute

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

There was no speech. No introduction. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presented a tribute to John Coltrane and East St. Louis’ own Miles Davis that opened Saturday night with a groove. Guitarist Charles Altura set the tone with a simmering vamp, David Ginyard locked in on bass, and Oscar Seaton laid down a hypnotic pocket on drums. Tom Oren’s keys slipped in masterfully. They were in tight formation until Seaton snapped the hi-hat open. It was the perfect cue for Terence Blanchard. The band leaned more funk and R&B than straight-ahead jazz, and Blanchard’s trumpet threaded the jazz vocab ulary through it — bending blue notes, stretching phras es, and dropping into rhythmic pockets that flirted with hip-hop phrasing. His trumpet flowed like an emcee rid ing a beat.

Blanchard and his E-Collective opened the centennial celebra tion — which also featured John Coltrane’s son, Ravi Coltrane, on saxophone — with his own tune, “Flow.” It was a bold choice, and one that Davis and Coltrane would have appreciated. The song made it clear that this wasn’t a museum-piece tribute. Their music served as the foundation for something new, alive, and unapologetically electric — a point proven even further with the electric bass and synthesized key board.

‘A romance in Black’

Walter Mosley brings his newest novel to the Clark Family Branch

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

Although Mosley has written across genres for decades, this is his first time stepping fully into romance.

The room at St. Louis County Library’s Clark Family Branch filled with a quiet buzz last Tuesday evening. A hint of it was still in the air as St. Louis County Library CEO and Director Kristen Sorth welcomed one of the most decorated writers of his generation. She introduced Walter Mosley — National Book Award medalist, PEN USA Lifetime Achievement honoree, and author of more than sixty critically acclaimed books. He returned to St. Louis to share from his latest novel, Ghalen: A Romance in Black Sorth noted that although Mosley has written across genres for decades, this is his first time stepping fully into romance.

“We’re excited,” she said. “This is a beautiful novel that explores love in all forms — romantic, familial and platonic.”

In her introduction, she listed several of the honors that have

See Mosley, B3

House of Soul expands its festival with health, education and local talent

By Zaria Mac The St. Louis American

The House of Soul Juneteenth Festival and Block Party returns Friday, June 19, from noon to 8 p.m. on Washington Avenue for its seventh year — and organizers expect it to be the biggest one yet. For House of Soul owner Nichol Stevenson, the free, familyfriendly event is a direct reflection of the community around her.

“The festival is unmatched energy that can’t be made up, practiced or denied,” Stevenson said. “This is a passiondriven purpose for me. I feel the more I do for God’s people, the more He will do for me.”

Her business sits in a place where she sees the neighborhood up close — from homelessness to people with mental health struggles to vendors stopping by with food, beauty products and ideas. The block party, she said, is her way of bringing people together.

“I consider Juneteenth a call to action,” she said. “We need each other, and it’s my duty to create a community of togetherness.”

The festival has become a platform for local

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

Acclaimed author Walter Mosley returned to St. Louis to read and discuss his latest novel, Ghalen: A Romance in Black, during a June 2 event at St. Louis County Library’s Clark Family Branch.

Terence Blanchard and his E-Collective, with special guest Ravi Coltrane, honored the lives of Miles Davis and John Coltrane on Saturday, June 6 at Powell Symphony Hall.

JUNETEENTH EVENTS

Sat., June 13, 8 a.m.

–5 p.m., Delmar Blvd Juneteenth Festival featuring the Race for Reconciliation 5K (8 a.m.) , 5900 Delmar Blvd. For more information, visit www.VisitTheLoop.com.

Fri., June 19, 9

a.m. – 4 p.m., Rest Reimagined—A Juneteenth Celebration presented by Frizzy By Nature, honoring Juneteenth and the power of rest, reflection, and release, Saint Louis Art Museum. For more information, visit www.slam. org.

Fri., June 19, 10 a.m., Summer Family Fun Series: Celebrating Juneteenth, Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. For more information, visit www.mohistory. org.

Fri., June 19, 12 noon, House of Soul’s 7th Annual Juneteenth Festival Block Party, House of Soul, 1204 Washington Ave. For more information, visit www. houseofsoulstl.com.

Fri., June 19, 12 noon, JuneteenthSTL Festival Parade & Cultural Celebration presented by the City of Dellwood, featuring a blend of national and regional talent, including Southern soul sensation Pokey Bear and hip-hop artist Lil Scrappy, Dellwood Recreation Center, 10266 W.Florissant Ave.

Fri., June 19, 7:30 p.m., Soul of a People A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Music featuring

LaKisha Jones (American Idol) and Ryan Shaw (America’s Got Talent) alongside the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus. Powell Symphony Hall. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Fri., Jun. 19, doors 8 p.m. The Juneteenth Joint w/ Frankie DoWop, The Key, 3225 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.thekeystl.com.

CONCERTS

Thurs., June 11, 7:30 p.m., Flowers: A Tribute to J. Dilla, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www. citywinery.com

Sat. June 13, 7 p.m., The Eta Boule Foundation presents An Evening with Jeffrey Osborne, Sheldon Concert Hall and Galleries, 3648 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., June 14, 5 p.m., The Kevin Ross: 2026 Experience, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www. citywinery.com

Fri., June 19, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) The Gogel Law Firm welcomes The R&B Meets Throwback Hip Hop Tour with Stokely and Kool Moe Dee, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sun., June 14, 5 p.m. R&B Block Party Experience, 4140

Manchester Ave, 63110. For more information, visit jamopresents.com.

Sat., June 20, 1p.m. and 7:30 p.m. St. Louis SERA Rodeo, Chaifetz Arena, find more information at www.chaifetzarena. com.

Sat., June 27, 1 p.m., Black Wall Street 314 Festival, Wellston Loop. For more information, visit www.blackwallstreet314. com

COMEDYS

Fri., Jun. 12 - 14,

Special Event: Bruce Bruce, Helium Comedy

Kevin Ross will take the stage at City Winery with his signature blend of soulful vocals and modern R&B. See CONCERTS for details.

Fri., Jun. 26, doors 7 p.m. Strawberry Bounce, The Golden Record, 2720 Cherokee St. St. Louis, MO 63118. For more information, visit https:// thegoldenrecord.com.

THEATRE

Mon., Jun. 15 - 21, 8:15 p.m. Hairspray, The Muny, 1 Theatre Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit https://muny.org/.

Through June 21, 8 p.m., St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest, Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. For more information, visit stlshakes.org

Through Jun. 27, 8 p.m. We Will Rock You, The Marelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.newlinetheatre.com.

ART

Club, 1151 St Louis Galleria St, St Louis MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

Tue., Jun. 16, 7 p.m. Funniest Person in the Midwest, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St Louis Galleria St, St Louis MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

Fri., June 26 - 28, 7 p.m. Special Event: Earthquake, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St Louis Galleria St, St Louis MO 63117. For more information, visit

https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Sat., Jun. 13, door 8 p.m. Battle For SLUM Fest, Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Sq, St. Louis, MO 62108. Purchase ticket at https://www.metrotix. com//the-battle-for-slumfest.

Thurs., June 25, 7:30 p.m., Wellston’s own A.J. McQueen, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www. citywinery.com

Through Jun. 28, Martine Syms: Soliloquy, St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through June 2026, The Future Is Female, 21c Hotel and Museum Hotel St. Louis, 1528 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://21cmuseumhotels.com

Through Aug. 9, Teaser by Ayana Evans, Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://camstl.org.

Courtesy photo

Mosley

Continued from B1

marked his career. The Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster Award and multiple NAACP Image Awards were among them. She also pointed to his work in television — from adapting The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey for Apple TV+ to serving as a writer and executive producer on FX’s Snowfall Mosley approached the podium with an easy familiarity. “It’s nice to be back here in St. Louis,” he said. “It’s nice to be back at this library.” He spoke briefly about the realities of writing — the joy of it, the difficulty of it, and the fact that “if you want to make money, you go into real estate,” not books. But he made it clear that writing still brings him genuine pleasure. “I really do like writing,” he said. “And I loved writing this book.”

Coltrane

Continued from B1

That first groove stretched fifteen minutes. Ginyard and Seaton built a pulse that felt like a heartbeat. After Blanchard’s soaring solo, Altura took the baton and pushed the harmony into modal terrain.

Like Davis, Blanchard wasn’t stingy with the spotlight. Every instrument had room to flex. And the groove never lost its magnetism.

The concert — which featured Blanchard’s E-Collective, but not the orchestra — echoed a trend across St. Louis as the region honored Davis and Coltrane. The musicians refused cookie-cutter tributes in favor of reinterpretation.

“I’m gonna give you the disclaimer right now,” Blanchard told the crowd after “Flow.” “We are not playing any of those arrangements. We feel like it’s more respectful to not try to emulate them, but to let their work stand on its own — and to show them how much they influenced us.”

He meant it. The quintet leaned into a fully electrified sound — synth textures, electric bass, and harmonic layering that nodded to Davis’ fusion era without imitating it. Each chorus built on the last, reshaping the material.

Toward the end of the opener, the band erupted into organized chaos — a controlled burn of polyrhythms and stacked harmonies — before Blanchard returned to close the tune with a crisp, singing line.

“St. Louis. My home away from home,” he said, recalling the years he spent here developing work that would eventually lead to the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis world premieres of Champion and Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which made him the first Black composer presented at the

He described Ghalen as “a romance in Black,” though he acknowledged the challenge of labeling it. “People have territory,” he said. “There are people that call themselves romance writers, and they might say, ‘Well, there’s a murder in this book,’ or ‘There was a cuss word in this book.’” But for Mosley, romance gives agency to the tradition of writers who turned their attention to everyday people — “not always billionaires and pirates.” He pointed to characters like Madame Defarge, Ishmael, and the ordinary lives that shaped classic literature. Before reading, Mosley explained that the novel’s title character doesn’t appear until deep into the book. He began writing about Ghalen’s parents intending to give them “four or five pages,” but ended up with sixtyfive. “I couldn’t figure out how to get rid of that,” he said. “So I left it, because I liked it.” He then read from the

opening chapter — a vivid, tender account of Jamila and Robert meeting at a Santa Monica farmers market in 1999. The audience listened as he traced their first conversation, their shared umbrella in a sudden downpour, and the quiet, careful unfolding of two people learning each other’s rhythms. The passage was filled with small, human details — the light-

ness of the lion’s mane mushrooms, monkeyspit coffee, and the heaviness of family histories — along with the early sparks of connection.

“I don’t want to get all entwined or anything. Robert, I just want to see your house and talk a little,” Jamila told him in one passage. “They made it out on the living room couch of Robert’s immaculately

cleaned and ordered apartment.”

After the reading, Mosley opened the floor for questions. One audience member asked why he shifted from mystery and science fiction to romance. Mosley pushed back on the idea of strict categories. “I like writing science fiction. I like writing crime fiction. I like writing erotica,” he said. “I like writing short stories. I’m all over the place. I’ve always done that.”

Another asked which characters were hardest to write. Mosley pointed to Robert. “Robert’s on the spectrum,” he said. “He’s intelligent, observant — probably more than most people — but he has limitations, emotional specifically.” He admitted that he rewrote the early chapters many times to get Robert right.

Questions ranged from symbolism to process. Mosley said he doesn’t read within the genre he’s writing because he once

Metropolitan Opera in its 138-year history. “I was scared [expletive-less],” he admitted. “But this city stepped me through the process.”

Still, he made it clear the night wasn’t about him. “We are honoring two of the most influential minds in American music

The concert — which featured Blanchard’s E-Collective, but not the orchestra — echoed a trend across St. Louis as the region honored Davis and Coltrane. The musicians refused cookie-cutter tributes in favor of reinterpretation.

— Miles Davis and John Coltrane.”

Then he brought out Ravi Coltrane.

Ravi — who carries his father’s face but his mother Alice Coltrane’s spiritual calm — sat working through fingerings before he played a note. His tone was cool, centered, and deliberate. Where John Coltrane often played with feverish urgency, Ravi let the notes bloom slowly,

leaning into the horn with his whole body. His phrasing carried Alice’s meditative lyricism as much as his father’s fire.

As the band built its soundscape, Ravi listened deeply — choosing his entrances with intention. He wove lines that flirted with dissonance and then resolved with quiet authority. He gave the audience flashes of his father’s relentless drive, but his voice remained distinctly his own.

Blanchard, too, shifted his approach. Known for his broad, orchestral tone shaped by years of film scoring, there were moments where he tightened his sound to honor Davis’ piercing, intimate phrasing. He let the notes breathe — a nod to Davis’ mastery of space — but he would meander back toward the cinematic textures that define his modern voice.

Together, Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane became stewards of the legacy they were honoring — not by recreating it, but by extending it.

“Most of these compositions come from the period where they recorded together,” Blanchard said. “If we were to truly honor them, we’d be here for a month.”

He called the next section a “mashup” — “They

accidentally absorbed another writer’s plot and had to rewrite an entire book. He also spoke about the unpredictability of novels. “A novel is bigger than your head,” he said. “If you could hold a whole novel in your head, it’s not yet a novel.”

He shared that John Woman took him seventeen years to finish, while other books come quickly. “Gone Fishing, the first novel that I finished that’s published, I wrote in six weeks,” Mosley said. He emphasized that writing, for him, comes from a place of joy. “The best thing about being a writer is writing,” he said. “Writing makes me happy.”

As the evening closed, Mosley reflected on what he hopes readers take from Ghalen. Not a message, he said, but a world — one in motion, one that celebrates the complexity of human connection. “It’s a celebration,” he said. “Not necessarily a happy celebration. But a world.”

Terence Blanchard and his E-Collective opened the centennial celebration — which also featured John Coltrane’s son, Ravi Coltrane, on saxophone.

weaving “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “All

Blues,” and “Teo.” With Blanchard on trumpet, Ravi Coltrane on sax, Oren on keys, Ginyard on bass, and Seaton on drums, the ensemble delivered a tribute that refused nostalgia, particularly with their “Two Bass Hit,” finale. Instead, they offered a living, breathing continuation of the work Miles Davis and John Coltrane began.

Ravi Coltrane honored his father not by imitating him, but by proving — through tone, phrasing, and fearless improvisation — that he has carved out a voice entirely his own. And Blanchard honored Miles by doing exactly what Miles would have demanded. He pushed the music forward.

Walter Mosley’s book signing during the St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Favorite Author Series.

don’t call them medleys anymore,” he joked —

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

A grown good time. I cannot tell you how happy I am that we don’t have to suffer through getting clowned for being the old folks up in the club just because we still want to be outside! Reset is the remedy and I was here for every bit of it. Friday night at Soul 2 Soul was a straightup vibe for those of us who still like to turn up despite being a certain age. I can’t be the only one who got to judging as soon as I saw an auntie in her rayon short set and slingback heels perched up at the bar in The Loft. And don’t even get me started on the uncles in those Stacy Adams and those brims. I could smell that Drakkar Noir at the door and would be like, “Oh, it must be cat daddy night!” Thanks to Mo Spoon and ’nem, we don’t have to be out here catching strays. Thank you kindly for holding us down all the way from the Eye Candy Era to this big grown age.

Bleeding blue and yellow for Bosnia. When I tell y’all I had the time of my life this weekend thanks to some oneofakind tailgating experiences in the STL… let me give y’all the rundown. First off, I made my way to Energizer Park to catch Bosnia take on Panama as part of the World Cup warmup happening in our own backyard. I know y’all are thinking, “Girl, why?” Because the only place that has more Bosnians than St. Louis is Bosnia, so I’m technically an honorary Bosnian. Plus, it was right around the corner from the job, and I wanted to see if the Bosnians turned up as much as my friends on the South Side used to claim. And did!

Listen, we all got those uncles and cousins who really think they are doing something with the premium meats at the tailgate. The Bosnians said, “I will take your rib tips and pork steaks and raise you a WHOLE LAMB.” Did y’all hear me? I didn’t say lamb chops. I didn’t even say lamb shanks. I’m talking the rooter to the tooter. I was so full when I got in the game, and it was all the way live too. And Panama’s team looked like they came from the North Side, and I wasn’t the least bit mad about it!

Shout out to St. Louis CITY SC for being the most gracious of hosts and shout out to the Bosnian community for welcoming your girl with open arms. They even pretended not to notice that my blue and yellow was some throwback Beaumont Bluejackets gear. If I wasn’t already booked for the evening, I would have made my way down 55 to try and crash somebody’s afterparty. Is a soccer afterparty even a thing?

Better luck next time, Battlehawks. I know this week probably feels more like Sports Eye than Partyline. I can’t help what vibe I was on this weekend. It was mostly for the tailgates, so just get into it. My Battlehawks didn’t disappoint with theirs either. The game is another story, but I digress. Let me hop right back into the good news.

I could hear the kakaws from the highway — which compelled me to take the Broadway exit from 70 and get right in the mix of that postseason moment. I got my life from the meat and the mingling. Why did that lowkey sound inappropriate. Oh well.

The team literally fumbled their playoff chances — again. But I still love them. Next year we are going all the way.

All that jazz. I did a little something different for y’all on Saturday night by checking out the centennial tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane presented by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra didn’t play, but they were the host with the most at Powell Hall as Terence Blanchard and his ECollective — with special guest Ravi Coltrane — tore that stage up. I guess bedazzled pants hems are a thing amongst talented musical artists.

and Lathon were lounging as they chilled out for the final Twilight Thursdays of the spring season at Missouri History Museum.

Because Shanelle and those earring pants last week prepared me for the blingedout cuffs on Blanchard’s jeans. I can’t say that I recommend either of the looks, but the sound that came out of both of them was a ten out of ten for me.

Now I know jazz and the symphony aren’t really y’all’s jams — even though they should be. The reason why it is up in Partyline is because the concert was clearly the featured night out for a whole heap of Black St. Louis movers and shakers. Leslie Gill, Nikole Shurn and Vanessa Cooksey were just a few of the folks I rolled up on.

And I had the cutest time taking in the sounds of East St. Louis’ own Miles Davis and his equally legendary collaborator John Coltrane. The drummer was so loud I could have heard him at Gary’s Fine Dining, but I don’t have any other notes than that. Ravi Coltrane looked exactly like his daddy. He can play too –and not in a copycat kind of way either!

Juneteenth

artists, small businesses and the city’s thriving creative scene. It also creates space for sharing resources — including one of the most important: knowledge. Black Men Build St. Louis will open the day at noon with a history lesson on the significance of Juneteenth.

From there, the celebration moves into live music and performances from St. Louis talent, including Rhoda G and The Smoking Lion Band. The East St. Louis Marching Band is scheduled for a 6 p.m. performance. DJ Homicide, DJ Bounce and other local DJs will keep the energy high throughout the day, with additional sets from DJ Spliff and DJ Flight. Local artists such as Tru, Dakota, Zeus Waters, Champ J, Justin Hoskin and Cherise Mason will also take the stage.

One of the festival’s biggest draws is the Runway Experience, directed by Yolanda “Yoro” Newson. Seven local highfashion and streetwear designers will showcase their collections along Washington Avenue.

“If you look around, everybody is bringing in flocka waka and wham whammy,” Stevenson joked. “But we’re focusing on our own — our local celebrities and local artists who need an opportunity and a spotlight.”

This year, Stevenson is expanding the festival’s reach with a new Health Row, where guests can connect with local organizations and physicians offering earlydetection screenings, blood pressure checks and HIV testing.

She’s also added an Education Row, giving families access to schools, camps, youth programs and nonprofits to make sure young people stay

connected.

“I want to change lives with this festival and show people that we rely and depend on each other,” she said. “Our community needs us right now. We’re in a crisis.”

Youth remains a priority. Stevenson created the Max Kidz Zone — named after her son, Maximus — to give children their own dedicated space.

“They were always at the back of the festival, but this year they have their own block,” she said.

The area will include bounce houses, face painting, the signature basketball tournament and opportunities for young vendors.

The block party will also feature an awards showcase honoring “people who sometimes aren’t recognized — people the community has seen putting in the work,” Stevenson said.

This year’s Community Leadership Awards will go to LaTonya AnNoor, Angela Brown, Dr. Valencia MartinHawkins, Dr. BJ the DJ and publicist Donielle Elizabeth.

“She started her company from the bottom up and she has been driven to put us in front of the media,” Stevenson said of Elizabeth. “It means a lot because a lot of us don’t have a lot of money.”

Stevenson’s commit-

ment to the festival runs deep. An eightyear cancer survivor, she has organized the event for seven years — even while undergoing treatment.

“A lot of people didn’t know I’ve been on chemo several times and immunotherapy, and I still keep pushing through,” she said. Her work was recognized in 2023 when the festival was proclaimed the official Juneteenth celebration of St. Louis.

“Juneteenth is one specific day our community and our culture come together to celebrate who we are,” she said. “The streets are blocked off, so bring your lawn chairs.” Stevenson reminded guests that the heart of the festival comes from the people who pour into it.

“See the vendors and get some soul food, BBQ, lemonade or slushies — because the vendors are really who make this event happen,” she added.

The block party will conclude promptly at 8 p.m., with an afterparty at House of Soul running until 1:30 a.m. For guaranteed reserved seating and access to the cigar lounge, manicure and pedicure station, hookah services and bottle service, text (314) 5047405. For more information and event updates, visit houseofsoulstlouis.com.

Chalana

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Donya and her daughter Morgan were twinning Wednesday evening during Snacks with RAC at the Regional Arts Commission.

Tashara and Cameron were just two members from the St. Louis region’s creative community who were able to fellowship Wednesday at Snacks with RAC.

A model showcased Black culture in a red, black and green gown as she ripped the runway during the fashion segment of House of Soul’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Block Party last year.

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Myles Rowe revs up WWT Raceway with historic run

Myles Rowe shifted shattering disappointment into historic success during his weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.

While he posted the fastest qualifying time for Sunday’s Indy NXT Firestone race late Saturday afternoon, he missed a track steward’s order to slow his pace and leave the course after two laps.

The radio mishap led to a third “flying” lap, which sent him from pole position to a 24th-place starting position — dead last — in Sunday’s race.

the most cars during a race (23) while heading to victory.

“It was a chess game out there. There were times you need to be aggressive, times you need to be calculating,” he said.

After completing the greatest comeback in Indy NXT history, Rowe praised the Abel Motorsports/Force Indy team.

Undaunted, the 25-year-old Rowe immediately began maneuvering his way up through the web of cars in front of him. He quickly reached 10th by lap 19 of the 75-lap sprint and took the lead for good on lap 47.

The miraculous run was becoming reality.

“It was hard for me to accept (Saturday),” Rowe said in a postrace press conference.

“(With) the pace of the car, with the right technique and execution, I knew it could happen.”

Rowe made it happen, leading more laps than any other driver. He survived hitting debris on the track with 22 laps to go, telling his race team via radio, “It’s all good, guys.”

A second caution flag followed with 15 laps remaining, but Rowe held off challengers to become the first driver to win an Indy NXT race when starting last in the field. He also set a mark for passing

“They really gave me the car to have the kind of confidence to win. They really put a (great) machine under me. I’m so thrilled I could give this to them, especially after Saturday’s disappointment,” he said.

“It’s an honor to drive for them. They were down on Saturday. We all want to win, to start up front. Then it was ‘man, we’re starting from the back.’”

Rowe said team owner Bill Abel inspired him before the race by saying, “Let’s put a good end to this story.”

Seconds after taking the checkered flag, Abel told Rowe via radio, “That’s the way to do it. That was awesome. I love you.”

Force Indy founder Rod Reid hugged Rowe after he climbed from his victorious vehicle and told the driver, “Checkmate.”

Reid was beaming with a wide smile and obvious pride when he entered the media center after the race.

“Myles was hoping to be in the top 10 late in the race to give himself a chance,” Reid said.

“I told him — and I don’t know why, maybe divine intervention —

Webster

Congratulations to former Webster Groves basketball standouts

Rayshawn Simmons and Kendal Shell on putting on another successful Hoops and Beyond Summer Showcase.

The month of June is one of my favorite times to watch high school basketball because the kids are back with their high school teams after a couple of months of grassroots competition. The event I always circle on my calendar to attend first in June is the Hoops and Beyond Showcase, held at historic Roberts Gymnasium at Webster Groves High School. In the past seven years, Simmons and Shell have brought some of the top programs in the state to Webster Groves for some spirited competition on the court. These kids not only get a great experience on the court, it extends off the court where they attend classroom sessions between games on real-life

‘you’re going to be sixth’ halfway through the race.”

Rowe was indeed sixth and positioned to pull off a historic run.

Reid, a former advertising executive, founded Force Indy in 2020. Roger Penske sought Reid’s help in developing more minority drivers through the Race for Equality & Change diversity initiative created by IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Rowe became the first Black driver to win an

outlasts

issues. They get the opportunity to listen to professionals discuss financial literacy, mental health, physical health and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

Both Simmons and Shell played Division I collegiate basketball, and Simmons went on to play professionally overseas. Both are committed to sharing their experiences with young up-and-coming players in the community. And it all comes out in this annual event.

Teams playing last weekend included state powers Principia, Webster Groves and Cardinal Ritter, along with Lutheran North, Columbia Hickman, Hazelwood Central, Lift for Life, Mehlville, Miller Career Academy and Bayless.

The championship game came down to host Webster Groves and Principia. It was a tremendous game played with state tournament intensity. It was also a great atmosphere in the crowd. In the end, Webster Groves outlasted Principia

IndyCar-sanctioned race on Aug. 29, 2021, during the Cooper Tires USF2000 Grand Prix tripleheader at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

The move up to Indy NXT required a larger investment, which is where Abel Motorsports stepped in and helped pave a path to a possible jump to IndyCar.

After a second-place finish in the Detroit Grand Prix and Sunday’s win, Rowe climbed to within 76 points of Indy NXT

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

points leader Fittipaldi.

It was the third victory for Rowe in two Indy NXT seasons, all on oval tracks, and could help position him for an IndyCar ride in 2027.

He said it was “no doubt” a statement to IndyCar, adding that “I have the skill to run in the IndyCar series.”

“I plan to keep doing what I got to do,” he said.

The Reid Roundup

Myles Rowe capped

his WWT Raceway weekend in grand style, posting the race’s fastest lap on the 75th and final lap. “I wanted the fastest lap. I need that extra point.”…Rowe will race again June 20-21 at the Grand Prix at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin…The previous lowest starting position for a race winner was 18th. Esteban Guerrieri won the 2012 Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Principia in 87-85 thriller

87-85 in a real thriller. This was the first time the host school had won the event’s championship. University of Missouri recruit Scottie Adkinson put on a show for Webster Groves, scoring a gamehigh 40 points.

Principia showed why it will once again be one of the top teams in the country with its tremendous height and talent. One future star on display was 6-foot-9 sophomore forward Majok Ater, who scored 19 points and threw

down several rim-rattling dunks.

The Hoops and Beyond Showcase was a great weekend of hoops to get my busy month of June started on the basketball trail.

Quentin Coleman named to FIBA

AmeriCup All-Star 5

Former Principia High basketball star Quentin Coleman enjoyed a very successful run in his first international experience.

The 6-foot-3 Coleman was named to the FIBA AmeriCup All-Star 5 after helping lead the United States to a silver medal in the U18 tournament held in Leon, Mexico. Coleman had eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists against Canada in the gold-medal game. Canada defeated the United States 67-65 to win its first gold medal in U18 play. In five games, Coleman averaged 11.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He led the entire tournament in rebounding during the week. Coleman is headed to the University of Illinois.

Midwest Showcase is set for the

weekend in Columbia

The city of Columbia will host one of the biggest high school boys basketball events in the Midwest region this weekend. The Midwest Showcase will be held at the Columbia Fieldhouse in mid-Missouri from Friday through Sunday. The event will feature 155 high school teams from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and Arkansas. Many of the top programs from the St. Louis area will participate. Among the schools scheduled to compete are Principia, Vashon, Webster Groves, De Smet, Chaminade, MICDS, Vianney, McCluer North, Clayton, Westminster Christian, Cardinal Ritter, CBC and St. Mary’s.

The event is being held during a live recruiting period, meaning hundreds of college coaches from around the country will be in attendance.

Myles Rowe celebrates after winning the Indy NXT Firestone race during the Bommarito Automotive Group weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Rowe made history by driving from last place to first.

Alvin A. Reid

Principia sophomore Majok Ater dunks during the championship game of last week’s Hoops and Beyond Summer Showcase. Webster Groves defeated Principia 87-85 to win its first tournament title.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Earl Austin Jr. “In

— New York Knicks star guard

Jalen Brunson, whose team is on

Photo Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.

Clinical Laboratory Supervisor – WUCA Grant Medical & Diabetes Associates

Don’t miss this opportunity to join our energetic and growing team at WashU WUCA Grant Medical & Diabetes Associates!

This group currently consists of 6 physicians and 5 nurse practitioners, with additional providers joining over the next several months. This position is in an adult Internal Medicine and Diabetes outpatient setting and is a full-time, patient-facing role.

The position oversees the daily operations and workflow of the laboratory in a multi-provider ambulatory adult Internal Medicine and Diabetes clinic. Ensuring efficient and accurate testing services, including routine blood work such as Comprehensive Metabolic Panels (CMP), Complete Blood Counts (CBC), and lipid panels.

Responsibilities include:

• Laboratory staff supervision — Oversees daily workflow, schedules, and performance of lab personnel.

• Workload and scheduling management — Coordinates staffing, assigns duties, and ensures efficient operations.

• Quality control oversight — Monitors test performance, QC programs, and adherence to standards.

• Equipment calibration and maintenance — Ensures proper calibration, function, and upkeep of Roche lab instruments.

• Specimen collection support — Assists with specimen collection procedures when needed.

• Regulatory compliance — Maintains inspection readiness and compliance for biannual COLA reviews.

• Inventory and supply management — Manages ordering, stocking, and tracking of lab supplies.

• Safety and PPE enforcement — Upholds safety protocols and ensures proper PPE use.

• Documentation and recordkeeping — Maintains required logs, reports, and regulatory documentation.

• Collaboration with leadership — Works closely with the Laboratory Director and Practice Manager to support high quality patient care and operational excellence.

This is a weekday, daytime position. No Weekends! 10 University Holidays!

WashU is committed to providing you with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. You and your family have access to benefits and resources, such as health care coverage, employee wellness program, tuition assistance and help in establishing your financial future.

We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion, and creativity.

EEO/AA/VET/Disability Employer

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following: Cole County Public Works Shop Addition and Renovation Contact: Estimating Department ; estimating@reinhardtconstructionllc.com Phone: 573-682-5505

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SOLICITATION FOR BIDS (SFB)

Service: Oxygen Inhalators Equipment and Services

Pre-Bid Meeting Date: June 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Local Time

Question Due Date: June 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Local Time

Bid Due Date: July 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Local Time

Point of Contact: Delia Cummings –dfcummings@flystl.com

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8174. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at https:// www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunities/

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

> Doing Business With Us

> View Bid Opportunities

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

CITY OF PINE LAWN PROPERTY AUCTION

Sealed Bids Due FRIDAY - JULY 10, 2026 - 10 am @ Pine Lawn City Hall for 26 Pine Lawn owned residential properties. Properties are “sold as is” @ starting bid $5,000. Auction Bid Requirements & address list available at PL City Hall (6250 Steve Marre Ave., STL 63121). Bidders Q&A Workshop 6 pm June 15 and Bid opening 6 pm July 10 @ PL City Hall.

PARAMEDIC/ FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Paramedic or Firefighter Paramedic $66,400 - 78,161. To apply go to https:// richmondheights.applicant pro.com/jobs/ .

St. Louis Univ. PhD Fin. or Bus.Adm. w/ Fin. conc. Expert., res., xlnt teach in FinTech, Mach. Learn., AI. Full descr.& apply slu.wd5.myworkday jobs.com/Careers

SENIOR DATA SOLUTION ARCHITECT/ ENGINEER LAND O’LAKES, GRAY SUMMIT, MO

Senior Data Solution Architect/Engineer, Land O’Lakes, Gray Summit, MO. Req. Master’s in Comp. Sci., Eng’g Sci., or Data Sci./Analytics & 2 yrs’ exp. as a data sci. or data eng’r. 2 yrs’ exp w/: ETL tools, SQL Databases, Data Warehousing, & Data Modeling; Python, R, SQL, & Scala for processing large datasets in animal sci., incl. statistical analysis & predictive modeling; Power platforms (Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power Pivot, Microsoft Fabric) to create dashboards & reports related to animal health/farm productivity/research findings; Collab. w/ barn managers, animal technicians, & veterinarians to develop/support custom apps. in VB6 for animal nutrition data collection & performance tracking; Designing & optimizing data pipelines of farm data using cloud technologies, incl. Azure Functions, Data Lake, & APIs. 1 yr’ exp w/: Building, training, & deploying machine learning & data science models to predict health, feeding, growth, & performance-related attributes; Developing & supporting data solutions that interface w/ barn mgm’t sys. using SSAS, SSIS, SSRS, T-SQL, & similar tools; Network engineering, incl. maint. networking hardware like switches, routers, & APs. Position allows for hybrid work. Must live within reasonable commuting distance of Gray Summit, MO. For confidential consideration, apply at https://careers. landolakesinc.com/. Requisition #R-39242. No agencies or phone calls.

ZOO MUSEUM EXHIBIT FABRICATION RFP 2026

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified vendors. Bid documents are available as of 6/3/26 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS:

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting bids for General Contractors to perform the construction services required for the Henry Givens Jr. Administration Building Classrooms and Office Renovation project. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the Invitation for Bid by emailing Ms. Corey Freeman at freemanc@hssu.edu or calling (314) 340-3325.

BIDS MUST BE RECEIVED VIA EMAIL NO LATER THAN:

2:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 16, 2026.

The bids will be opened and read aloud over a virtual meeting that will be held at 2:30PM on June 16, 2026. The link to the virtual meeting will be sent at the time of bid submission. Award shall not be made at the time bids are opened.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A pre-bid conference and walk-through will be held on June 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Henry Givens Jr. Administration Building located at 3026 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. It is not mandatory, but bidders are highly recommended to attend the pre-bid conference and walkthrough.

PREVAILING WAGES: Prevailing wages shall be paid in accordance with the Missouri Division of Labor Standards, Wage and Hour Section, Annual Wage Order in effect at the time of construction, for St. Louis City.

SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION: Substantial completion will be by September 15, 2026.

FINAL COMPLETION: Final completion will be 30 days beyond substantial completion.

BID BOND: 5%

A certified check or bid bond properly executed by the bidder in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid shall be submitted. The bid bond shall be retained as liquidated damages for the delay and extra expense caused the University if the undersigned fails to execute the contract and furnish the Performance/Payment bond required by the contract documents.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: In the amount of $250.00 for each calendar day that the intermediate and final Substantial Completion dates are delayed.

The University reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities in bids.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FERGUSON-FLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT

DISTRICTWIDE JOB DESCRIPTION REVIEW AND MODERNIZATION SERVICES

NOTICE The Ferguson-Florissant School District (District) will accept proposals as described in the attached request. Qualified organizations (Respondent) are invited to submit an electronic copy of a proposal as described herein.

PROPOSAL SHALL BE LABELED: “PROPOSAL-Districtwide Job Description Review and Modernization Consulting Services”

AND SUBMITTED TO: Chris Schwan, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Human Resource Officer cschwan@fergflor.org

All Request For Proposal packets should be submitted by 4:00 p.m on June 29,2026. The email subject line for information packet submissions should be ““PROPOSAL - Districtwide Job Description Review and Modernization Services”. The document must be a single file in PDF format. An email receipt will be sent when a packet is received. Any submissions received after the specified date will be excluded from consideration.

Questions may be directed to Katy Chambers Phone: 314-250-8879

Email: kchambers@fergflor.org

General District Information: www.fergflor.org

FFSD Equity Resolution: www.fergflor.org/equity

The Ferguson-Florissant School District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive technical defects, and to select the proposal deemed most advantageous to the District.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting bids for St. Vincent Greenway: Eskridge High School to St. Charles Rock Road. Go to https://greatriversgreenway.org/ bids/ for details and submit by June 18, 2026.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PAGEDALE CITY HALL 1420 FERGUSON AVENUE PAGEDALE, MO 63133

On June 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the City of Pagedale City Hall located at 1420 Ferguson Avenue, Pagedale, Missouri, 63133, there shall be a public hearing by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission to hear, review and render a decision as to whether to grant or deny the City of Pagedale’s Application(s) to create and adopt a Planned Use Development (“PUD”) and incorporate same into the city’s zoning code, thereby amending same, with respect to the Lulu Heights neighborhood development and to apply the PUD to the Lulu Heights neighborhood development.

REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR DEMOLITION CONTRACTING SERVICES AT 3509 PAGE BLVD. ST. LOUIS, MO 63106

ISSUED: MAY 29, 2026

RESPONSES DUE: JUNE 19, 2026

The Land Reutilization Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LRA”) is seeking sealed proposals from licensed Demolition Contractors for demolition work at 3509 Page Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63106. Work includes environmental remediation and demolition of a four-story building and site restoration.

Responses will be received at 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention: LRA BID) and STL City Permits until 1:00 p.m. on June 19, 2026.

The services to be provided through this RFB will be funded by The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund allocated to the City of St. Louis by the United States Department of the Treasury and passed through the City’s Community Development Administration to LCRA.

The full invitation and all other documents may be downloaded at: STLPermits.com and https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.

Religion

Ready to speak

Leslie Lee Sanders’ memoir encourages Black women to be heard

By Joseph Williams Word In Black

Raised on ghost stories, grief and the unspoken rules about silence that Black girls like her learned early in life, author Leslie Lee Sanders says she spent much of her life trying not to take up too much space.

“Sit down, be quiet, raise your hand before you speak,” Sanders recalls being told during her childhood. “It kind of put in me that I’m supposed to stay silent.”

That silence — shaped by family expectations, publishing industry pressures, grief and the political realities facing Black women — ultimately led Sanders to write “Ready to Listen?” It’s a spiritual self-help memoir that urges women to speak up, speak out and trust their intuition.

Cautionary tales

The independently published memoir traces Sanders’ evolution from a child who expressed herself through writing stories to a woman determined to speak honestly about identity, spirituality and self-worth.

For Sanders, who lives and works in Arizona, storytelling started at home.

She remembers her mother telling vivid cautionary tales that blurred the line between folklore and spiritual warning. One story about the devil so frightened young Leslie

that she listened intently until the very end.

“She would always end it with, ‘That’s why we didn’t belong there. We shouldn’t have been there,’” Sanders said. “As I look back on stories like that, I realize the message behind it. She was simply saying, ‘Don’t be in a place where you don’t belong.’”

Expressing herself

Learning to see storytelling as both entertainment and instruction became foundational to Sanders’ writing life as a youngster. Discovering “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” author Alvin Schwartz’ popular series of children’s horror short-story collections, triggered something in Sanders’ imagination.

“I didn’t realize my mom’s stories were in this book — not literally, but the feeling of them,” she said. “That’s when I started really wanting to see my name on a book cover.”

Writing eventually became more than a creative outlet for Sanders. After the deaths of both her sister and brother within a three-year period, storytelling helped her process overwhelming grief.

“I just wanted to express,” she said. “At the time, I couldn’t express verbally.”

That emotional journey inspired her novel “Tattered Page,” a thriller

centered on a woman who realizes she is living in a spine-tingling story her late brother had written.

Fighting compromise

Writing it “was cathartic,” Sanders said. “Getting it off my heart. Even though I’m still going through the grief that doesn’t end. It just transforms.”

Although fiction gave Sanders an outlet, her experience with mainstream publishers was a

disappointment. Even though she has written across multiple genres, from romance to dystopia, editors and agents in the predominantly white, insular book world wanted conformity. Sanders recalls publishers and agents telling her, “I need you to write this way, this fast, make sure it says this, make sure it ends this way.”

The industry wanted white-centered narratives — “whitewashing your covers and your char-

acters,” she says — and marketable Black stereotypes.

Those experiences mirror the broader treatment of Black women, Sanders says, “keeping us silenced in a box, keeping us down, keeping us from our full potential.” That realization led her toward self-publishing and nonfiction.

“I had to learn the hard way to just be independent and do my own thing,” she says.

Conquering fear

Sanders says she wrote “Ready to Listen?” without compromise, hoping it inspires other marginalized women to live their lives the same way.

Much of the memoir centers on self-reflection, with the author stripping away “all these masks that society told us to put on,” Sanders says. “Let’s strip them all away and figure out who we are. I wanted to help other women — marginalized women, Black women — find that they have a voice. That they have presence, they have worth.”

Finding that voice for herself, Sanders says, required solitude, therapy, self-reflection and ultimately honesty.

“I was always scared,” she says. “Scared to show my face, scared to raise my voice.”

Ideally, Sanders believes “Ready to Listen?” can help readers move beyond fear and self-silencing to “feel inspired, empowered and ready to take on your life the way you want to.”

Arriving during the Trump era, Sanders also feels the memoir arrives at a moment when many marginalized communities feel increasingly unheard.

“This is the time where a lot of people need to be reminded that they have whatever they need inside of them,” Sanders said. “They just have to be ready.”

Photo illustration courtesy of Leslie Lee Sanders

Author Leslie Lee Sanders says Black women can find healing and empowerment by trusting their intuition and embracing their voices. Her memoir, “Ready to Listen?,” explores self-discovery, grief and personal growth.