June 4th, 2026 edition

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St. Louis American See special section starting on B6

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JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

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‘’90s summers’ nostalgia Parents today seek balance between freedom, safety

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Hakim Gibson, 2, splashes through the fountains at Citygarden in downtown St. Louis.

The sound of kids laughing in the spray of an open hydrant, bikes scattered across front porches and neighborhood games stretching until the streetlights flickered on are memories many adults now romanticize as the perfect “’90s summer.”

But while social media celebrates the freedom and nostalgia of those childhood summers, pediatricians say some of the habits many grew up with can carry real risks in today’s world.

For Michelle “Shell” Laden, summer in St. Louis meant long days outside with little supervision and even fewer worries. She remembers drinking straight from garden hoses, playing jump rope in the middle of the street and walking to the corner candy store alone as a child.

“Our parents would send us outside and we would be OK,” Laden

See Summer, A10

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

A St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department vehicle sits outside St. Louis City Hall amid an ongoing dispute over police funding.

Board of Aldermen President Megan Green said the decision reinforced arguments made in a separate lawsuit challenging the authority of the state-controlled board.

“The state-controlled board of police

BUSINESS

COMPLIMENTARY

After K.C. map changes, attention turns to STL’s 1st District

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

Court ruling won’t end police budget dispute A legal battle over police funding in St. Louis is headed to the next round after the state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners said it will appeal a judge’s ruling rejecting its bid for roughly $67.5 million in additional city funding.

The announcement came a day Mayor Cara after Circuit Judge Joan Moriarty ruled Spencer that Rams settlement called the proceeds and city decision “a budget reserves should not be counted as win for St. current-year revenue Louis.” when calculating the minimum amount the city must provide for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Board of Police Commissioners President Chris Saracino said Wednesday that the board intends to challenge the decision.

The ruling drew praise from city leaders, who argued that the board’s interpretation of state law would have forced deep cuts to other city services.

Vol. 98 No. 8

commissioner’s overreach here isn’t only shameful — it’s indefensible,” Green said. “Their inclination toward rushed, ill-informed decision-making

See Police, A11

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling involving Louisiana’s congressional map has emboldened some Missouri Republicans who are openly questioning districts drawn to preserve Black voting strength.

Additionally, the Missouri Supreme Court recently upheld lawmakers’ authority to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, leaving intact a Republican-backed map that reshaped the Kansas Citybased district Wesley Bell represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

Now, some Black elected officials and voting-rights advocates worry the St. Louis-based 1st Congressional District could eventually face similar scrutiny.

William The court’s Clay Sr. decision did not affect the 1st District, currently represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell.

But some Missouri Republicans, including Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, have argued that William Lacy districts drawn Clay Jr. around race deserve renewed examination.

Drawing districts based on skin color is the “definition of racism,” Hoskins recently told reporters. “We don’t want that in Missouri.”

According to Cori Bush a News From the States report, Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, urged the U.S. Department of Justice to examine districts around the country that were drawn to protect Black voting strength.

“These maps do not become constitutional because they’re already in use,” Schmitt said. “They do not survive because politicians call them voting rights maps. Yet, they will not

See District, A11

LIVING IT

Marian students get firsthand look at construction careers

‘The Runway Edit’ continues LAHA’s showcase of young talent

Students at Marian Middle School recently got an inside look at careers in construction, engineering and project management during a classroom visit by professionals from KWAME Building Group.

With The Runway Edit, LAHA founder Lillian Tiner once again turned the runway into a training ground for young talent. Sunday’s show marked her 17th annual children’s fashion showcase.

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Editorial / Commentary

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Commentary

Guest Editorial

Invest in North City and downtown

Pope Leo is true man of faith, unlike Trump

St. Louis contemplates how to allocate $250 million

By Karen Branding and Ron Kitchens

core means less vacancy, more jobs and more visitors who generate the tax revenue needed to serve families and neighborhoods in every corner of the city.

As the city of St. Louis contemplates The Rams settlement is a one-time how to allocate more than $250 million opportunity.

Decisions on how to spend in Rams settlement funds, we agree: North St. Louis should receive the largest it are not easy. There is more need than there are dollars available. But, applied share of these resources. The devastation strategically, the Rams settlement funds caused by decades of disinvestment — compounded by the May 16, 2025, torna- can help restore and strengthen several critically important priorities for St. do — demands bold action.

Louis: North City, downtown and cityBut if we are serious about rebuilding wide infrastructure.

North St. Louis for the long term, we Like Missouri disaster funding, must also invest significant Rams funds FEMA dollars, private dollars and in the economic engine that helps philanthropic support, the Rams fund services and investments funds are an essential financial throughout the entire city: downinfusion for rebuilding North town.

City. Fortunately, the possibilities Downtown is the city’s ecofor ongoing disaster support do nomic backbone. While downnot end with the deployment of town makes up less than 4% of Rams funds.

St. Louis’ geography, the hotels, The next major phase of torrestaurants, residences, offices, Columnist nado recovery and rebuilding sports and event venues and will require pursuing significant Karen entertainment corridors within federal funding through the Branding downtown account for more than Department of Housing and 20% of the city’s tax base. At Urban Development’s Community Busch Stadium, for example, the Development Block Grant proCardinals generate an average gram. Those grants are designed of $12 million in tax revenue for to cover unmet needs after insurthe city each season. In just one ance, FEMA assistance, SBA week, the U.S. Figure Skating loans and other aid have been Championships held downtown exhausted. this past January generated more The business community will than $416,000 in sales taxes and stand with St. Louis and Missouri nearly $400,000 in hotel taxes for Columnist in pursuing those federal block the city. The downtown footprint Ron grants to support the ongoing revitalized in 2024 through the Kitchens rebuilding of North City.

CityArchRiver project, which Downtown and North St. connected and expanded the Louis are not in competition for St. park’s grounds and museums, created Louis’ future. They are linked. Place$30.7 million in tax revenues for the based investment done thoughtfully lifts region. These are just a few examples of more than the place it lands. Smart comthe fuel the downtown economic engine mitments to downtown today will create generates. compounding returns for St. Louis for Earnings taxes, commercial and resyears to come. idential property taxes, sales taxes and Excluded from Rams investments, hotel taxes flow from downtown into the downtown will generate fewer of the city’s operating budget. The city depends on these revenues to provide services that resources that make true recovery possible elsewhere. Included, downtown reach residents citywide — public safebecomes a multiplier. ty, parks, streets, trash removal, mental We say this not as advocates for health services and more.of one neighborhood but as believers that When downtown thrives, St. Louis growth is a prerequisite for inclusive thrives. According to St. Louis-based prosperity.

Development Strategies, Inc., for every We encourage St. Louis to choose dollar the city’s general fund puts into strategy rather than choosing sides. downtown-related spending, it gets four Invest the Rams settlement boldly in dollars back in taxes. Investments in North St. Louis and strategically in downtown have ripple effects far beyond downtown and infrastructure. The future its two-square-mile footprint. of each depends in part on the success of When downtown struggles, though, the other. that tax revenue shrinks, and the city’s operating budget has less money to spend Karen Branding is president and on critical services. That is the situation CEO of the St. Louis Regional Business today. Downtown is at an important Council. Ron Kitchens is managing partinflection point, and it is critical that we ner for Greater St. Louis, Inc. invest in its growth. A stronger urban

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“Neither can we deny or diminish the delay with which both society and the Church came to denounce the scourge of slavery. … This constitutes a wound in Christian memory, one from which we cannot consider ourselves detached. It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord. For this, in the name of the Church, I sincerely ask for pardon.”

— Pope Leo XIV

By Marc Morial

the most widely recognized of which is the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which granted formal apologies and reparations Despite his bungled attempts to to Japanese Americans who were forcibly quote the Bible or portray himself as relocated and incarcerated in internment Jesus Christ, the president of the United camps during World War II. States is not a faith leader. Such Between 1946 and leadership demands not only the 1978, the Indian Claims condemnation of atrocities, but Commission awarded more than “acknowledging the harm done, $800 million to tribes for land just reparation and taking steps to taken without fair compensation. prevent it from happening again.”

In 1974, the United States providThese were the eloquent ed reparations to survivors of the words of Pope Leo XIV’s first Tuskegee Syphilis Study and their encyclical, in which he formalColumnist heirs. ly apologized for the role the The United States even proVatican played in legitimizing Marc Morial vided reparations to slaveholdslavery and its centuries-long ers when the institution was abolfailure to condemn it. ished in the District of Columbia. Even The Pope’s principled and unequivif the issue of reparations were set aside, ocal declaration stands in stark contrast the only historical injustice the Trump to the Trump administration’s unconadministration affirmatively acknowlscionable vote against a United Nations edges is imaginary discrimination against resolution designating the transatlantic white people. slave trade “the gravest crime In his encyclical, Pope Leo against humanity.” wrote, “injustices do not arise According to the resoThe Pope’s solely from the wrong choices lution, “States bear responof individuals, but also from principled and sibility for internationally structures, mechanisms and wrongful acts and have an unequivocal economic and cultural systems obligation to cease the act … declaration that produce inequality almost offer appropriate assurances automatically.” and guarantees of non-repeti- stands in stark The president repeatedly tion … and to make full repa- contrast to the cloaks his actions and policies ration for the injury caused.”

Trump adminisin the language and imagery Neither the U.N. resolutration’s... of faith — wielding a Bible tion nor Pope Leo’s encyclifor a photo op, claiming he cal specify what forms such was chosen by God, and panreparation should take, but dering to the religious right.

Deputy U.S. Ambassador to But when confronted with faith’s moral the U.N. Dan Negrea’s feeble and disdemands, he has resisted and rejected it. honest defense of the indefensible vote The contrast is not merely a disagreement was that the United States “does not over policy, but a deeper conflict over recognize a legal right to reparations for whether faith is an instrument to defend historical wrongs that were not illegal authority or to hold it to account. under international law at the time they Marc Morial is National Urban occurred.”

League president and CEO. In fact, the United States has repeatedly recognized the right to reparations,

Commentary

Black athletes should boycott some SEC schools

By Terrance Harris

influence in this state and the country.

I say, go for it and make these offendAmerica — particularly Black America ing states suffer where it hurts. But don’t stop at the SEC. Extend it to schools — is at a difficult crossroads that literally in the Big 12 and ACC conferences, in threatens the complexion of our nation. states where people want to cheer for Last month’s Supreme Court ruling Black athletes on the football field but that blew up Section 2 of the Voting don’t want them to have true representaRights Act of 1965, allowing states to tion in Congress, the Senate or even their redistrict and gerrymander to dilute the more influential local elections. vote of Black Americans, threatens to set It’s time Black athletes understand our voting rights back significanttheir influence and power. It’s ly, especially in the South, if we time they free themselves from don’t do something. being viewed as glorified gladiaSure, we can protest, we can tors who perform for people who scream and just be upset. don’t respect them as equals or as But our real fighting power real human beings, for that matter. is in showing up at the polls like As one of the last football never before and withholding conferences to integrate, the SEC our buying power where our vote found out back in the 1970s that isn’t respected.

Columnist it couldn’t stay relevant without We also have another power Black athletes. Does the name Terrance that is sure to get the attention of Sam “Bam” Cunningham of USC Harris White folks who don’t think we ring a bell? should have a say in this counIf the SEC felt pressure then, imagine try’s political landscape. It’s through our what it would feel today if the best Black gifted young Black athletes, whom they athletes in the South suddenly started love to cheer for in the uniforms of their heading North or going out West. favorite college athletic teams.

Imagine if young Black stuIn the wake of the Supreme dent-athletes and their families Court’s 6-3 ruling in Louisiana did start to align their recruitv. Callais, Black people are ment with the consciousness of Black people calling for the top Black athwhat kind of power play that letes to avoid playing for any are calling for would be. The natural destiprimarily White college or uni- the top Black nations would be in the North versity in the South. athletes to and West, but what about We’re talking kids boyHBCUs? avoid playing cotting programs in Florida, Imagine what Prairie View Louisiana, Mississippi, for any prihead football coach Tremaine Alabama, South Carolina, marily White Jackson or Texas Southern Georgia, Tennessee and college or uni- coach Cris Dishman could do Kentucky — places where the if the recruits who would have versity in the Black vote is being diluted. ordinarily gone to UT or Texas We Black Texans have had South.

A&M suddenly landed in their a front-row seat to how gerlaps. No, the amount of money rymandering can cripple the they could make at the bigger Black vote, and specifically schools might not be there, in Houston, where Donald Trump combut the NIL and revenue-sharing pots manded Gov. Greg Abbott, his good solwould be significantly larger than they dier, to find him five congressional seats ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. are today.

It’s time that Black athletes and their And right now, we have lost a Black seat families understand their power and influin Houston and forced two candidates — ence and then use it.

Christian Menefee and Al Green — with Terrance Harris is a sports writer and similar liberal leanings into a fierce, nasty columnist with The Houston Defender. battle that will weaken Black political

“A critical number of Republicans did not believe in putting a man over the law.”

— U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, after South Carolina Republicans blocked a Trumpbacked plan to redraw his congressional district

News

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JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

As recovery drags on, North St. Louis groups receive tornado-relief grants

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Board, which said many residents remain in recovery nearly a year after the tornado damaged or Nearly a year after a tornado tore through North destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, churchSt. Louis, many residents are still struggling to repair es and other buildings across the city. homes, navigate insurance “Nearly a year later, claims and recover from many are still navigatthe emotional toll of the ing recovery, rebuilding, disaster. and stability,” Community said Dr. Shonda leaders say those Ambers-Phillips, ongoing needs a member of are one reason the Community seven grassroots Governance organizations Board. involved in recovFor Joyce ery efforts will White, recovreceive a comery has been far bined $70,000 slower than she through the St. expected.

Louis Regional White still Racial Healing remembers + Justice Fund.

“I had to just standing in The oneher bathroom stand there time crisis-repraying as the sponse grants and call on the are intended to name of Jesus.” tornado ripped through her support organiNorth St. Louis zations provid– Joyce White neighborhood. ing direct aid, “I had to mental health just stand there services, housand call on ing support, the name of food access Jesus,” she said. and community healing Her home sustained in neighborhoods hardest extensive damage. hit by the May 16, 2025 Although she eventually storm. received a tarp for her Recipients include roof, she said rain contin314Oasis, 4theVille, ued leaking inside, damagAction St. Louis, Black ing ceilings and her grandHealers Collective, Dream son’s room. More than a Builders for Equity, year later, portions of the Chosen For Change and two-family flat she owns St. James AME Church. still need repairs.

The grants were “One window is 500 awarded by the fund’s bucks,” White said.

Community Governance

A fallen tree still rests against a vacant North St. Louis home across from Joyce White’s property more than a year after the May 16, 2025 tornado. White said the lingering damage reflects the slow and uneven recovery many residents continue to face.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

“That’s a lot of money for one window.”

White said she also remains frustrated by what she sees as a slow recovery process in some North St. Louis neighborhoods.

Across the street from her home, she said, a tree that crashed into a vacant house during the tornado has yet to be removed.

“I’ve been looking at it since May 16,” White said.

Property owner David Walker said he is still repairing tornado-damaged buildings more than a year later.

Walker, who owns several properties in heavily

damaged neighborhoods, said he spent months dealing with debris removal and emergency repairs and has invested more than $100,000 into recovery efforts.

“A year later and I’m still fixing stuff,” he said.

Community organizations receiving grants say stories like White’s and Walker’s remain common.

Rebeccah Bennett of InPower Institute’s Black Healers Collective said her organization continues to encounter residents dealing with displacement, housing instability and emotional trauma tied to the storm.

“Displacement, despondency, despair, and depression have become the new norms for many community members,” Bennett said.

She said Black Healers Collective and its partners have organized healing events, wellness programs and crisis counseling services for residents affected by the tornado.

“The recovery process has been stunted and uneven, with most residents not getting adequate city and FEMA assistance to repair their homes, restore their lives, and rebuild their neighborhoods,” Bennett said.

Chosen For Change, founded by Michael Brown Sr. and Cal Brown, said the grant will support its work providing grief support, mentorship and crisis-response services.

Since the tornado, the organization said it has helped provide hotel stays, meals, toiletries and children’s services for affected families.

Cal Brown said one lesson from the recovery effort has been the importance of collaboration among neighborhood groups, churches and volunteers.

“While the road to recovery remains long and frustrating for many, grassroots organizations, churches and volunteers continue to fill the gaps where systemic responses have fallen short,” Brown said.

The Racial Healing + Justice Fund was launched in 2020 through a partnership involving Forward Through Ferguson, Deaconess Foundation and Missouri Foundation for Health to support community-led efforts focused on racial healing and equity across the St. Louis region.

Fund leaders said the tornado-recovery grants recognize organizations that stepped in to help residents in the immediate aftermath of the storm and continue providing support as recovery enters its second year.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

News Briefs

Commentary

Poll finds three-way tie in county executive race

The trust factor

Recent polling suggests the Democratic primary for St. Louis County executive remains highly competitive, with a large share of voters still undecided.

A Missouri Scout survey conducted in early April found a three-way tie among Democratic candidates, with state Sens. Brian Williams and Sen. Angela Mosley and St. Louis

County Assessor Jake Zimmerman, each receiving 16% support. More than half of voters surveyed, 52%, were undecided.

The poll offers an early snapshot of the race to succeed County Executive Sam Page, who is not seeking re-election. The Democratic primary is scheduled for Aug. 4.

By Michelle D. Tucker Building a trusted brand is essential in today’s ever-challenging world.

Friendships and professional relationships thrive on one simple idea: the integrity of our word. It’s not just a cliché to say, “Your word is your bond.” It’s a principle that guides both personal and professional interactions. When we consistently keep our promises, trust develops, leading to meaningful connections.

Trust is key

Vacant Page Boulevard building to come down The city of St. Louis is seeking bids to demolish a long-vacant building at 3509 Page Blvd. that became the focus of a yearslong legal dispute involving developer Paul McKee’s NorthSide Regeneration, the St. Louis Business Journal reported.

The city’s Land Reutilization Authority acquired the property last year through a settlement stemming from a lawsuit filed by the Covenant Blu Grand Center Neighborhood Association. According to bid doc-

uments, demolition could begin by July 15 and be completed by Sept.

30.

The Land Reutilization Authority initially hoped to preserve the structure for redevelopment but later concluded the building had deteriorated beyond economically feasible repair.

The project will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars, and the site is expected to be cleared for future redevelopment.

Armory data center approval challenged

Police board delays vote on command staff raises

The St. Louis Board of Adjustment is expected to hear appeals challenging the city’s approval of a permit for a proposed data center near the Armory in Midtown.

Residents, business owners and advocacy groups have filed multiple appeals seeking to overturn the conditional-use permit granted in April for the project, which would convert the former Famous-Barr warehouse into a data center and redevelop the Armory as office space.

Opponents have raised concerns about potential impacts on water use, energy consumption, noise and neighborhood development.

City officials approved the project with a series of conditions and a community benefits agreement aimed at addressing those concerns.

The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners has postponed consideration of proposed pay raises for command staff, according to St. Louis Magazine.

The proposal would have provided raises ranging from 16% to 22% for high-ranking police officials and 4% raises for civilian employees.

The delay comes amid ongoing disputes between the board and city leaders over police funding and budget priorities.

Supporters say the raises are needed to improve recruitment and retention, while city officials have expressed concerns about the financial impact as the city prepares its next budget.

hand. A trusted brand relies on consistently applying those values. When individuals and companies live by their stated values, trust among stakeholders grows stronger. On the flip side, breaking that trust can damage relationships and reputations.

Seeing this connection in action underscores the importance of alignment. When actions reflect core values, both personal and organizational brands become stronger.

That alignment creates a culture of accountability and transparency, making it easier to tackle challenges and celebrate successes together.

Lessons learned, practical advice Trust is more than a desirable trait. It is critical for sustainable success. When • Keep your promises: Always we strive to deliver on our follow through, whether it’s a small promises, we build a reputation favor or a major commitment. that goes beyond simple busiReliability builds a strong reputaness transactions. Clients, coltion. leagues and teammates appreciate reliability, which enhances • Define your core values: collaboration and promotes loyEstablish clear values that guide alty. A trusted brand becomes decision-making. Make sure they synonymous with quality and are reflected in daily actions integrity. throughout your organization.

Think about how we feel when we meet someone who Michelle • Communicate openly: genuinely follows through Tucker Maintain open lines of communion commitments. It naturally cation. Regular updates and transencourages deeper engagement. parency about challenges and successes help This principle applies to both personal and professional relationships. Trust rein- reinforce trust. forces the idea that integrity is non-nego• Invest in relationships: Building tiable, drawing people closer together. meaningful connections takes time and effort. Strong relationships create lasting Guiding principles partnerships.

Core values play a major role in shap• Stay true to your values: Revisit ing our actions. They shouldn’t just be your core values regularly to ensure your statements we talk about; they should decisions align with them. This practice proguide our everyday decisions. A solid motes accountability and long-term success. set of core values keeps us grounded and provides a framework for decision-makBuilding a trusted brand requires a coming. mitment to keeping your word and living by When faced with tough choices, reflecting on core values such as honesty, your core values. These principles are practical strategies for achieving lasting success. respect and a commitment to excellence When we integrate trust and values into our can help clarify the path forward. I’ve daily practices, we create meaningful relapersonally found that organizations opertionships that endure. ating on shared values tend to be more So, how can we continue strengthening cohesive and resilient. Employees feel trust and core values every day in our lives? more engaged when they believe in the It starts with the choices we make, the company’s mission, which boosts both promises we keep and the values we demonproductivity and morale. strate through our actions.

Connecting trust and values Michelle D. Tucker is president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Trust and core values go hand in

Business JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

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PEOPLE On The Move

Lincoln U. professor receives governor’s award Amber Bell, associate professor of social work at Lincoln University of Missouri, has received the 2026 Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

Bell serves as director of the university’s Bachelor of Social Work program and has taught Amber Bell in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences since 2019. She became program director in 2020 and was promoted to associate professor in 2025.

Bell has developed courses in peer mentoring and digital mental health and advises two student organizations. ***************************

STLCC professor selected for writing programs Photo courtesy of KWAME Building Group

KWAME Building Group Project Engineer Makesha Bradford, left, and Senior Project Manager DeAna Carter, interact with a Marian Middle School student during a classroom visit.

Charting a path to success Marian students get firsthand look at construction careers

St. Louis American staff Students at Marian Middle School recently got an inside look at careers in construction, engineering and project management during a classroom visit by professionals from KWAME Building Group.

Originally planned as a construction site visit, the event was moved indoors because of weather. Instead, the presenters brought construction materials, visual demonstrations and examples of projects to help students

learn how buildopportunity to ings move from ask questions planning to com- The visit introand learn about pletion. duced students the day-to-day The visit to career paths work involved introduced stuin the building that included dents to career industry. paths that includ- engineering, Students also ed engineering, learned that all project manproject managethree presenters agement and ment and conhad participatconstruction struction operaed in NSBE tions. Organizers, operations. junior programs including the when they school’s National were younger.

Society of Black Organizers said Engineers chapter, said the seeing women working in session gave students an construction, engineering

and project management provided examples of career opportunities in fields where women and people of color have historically been underrepresented.

The program was organized in partnership with the Archway (Missouri) chapter of The Links, Inc. Presenters included KWAME employees DeAna Carter, a senior project manager; Makesha Bradford, a project engineer; and Lisa Johnson, a project leader.

Katrina commander brings disaster-recovery lessons to St. Louis St. Louis American staff The retired Army general who led the military response to Hurricane Katrina will visit St. Louis this weekend to discuss disaster preparedness as North St. Louis continues recovering from a tornado that exposed challenges in emergency response, recovery and neighborhood resilience.

Retired Lt. Gen. Russell L. Honoré, commander of Joint Task Force Katrina during the 2005 hurricane that devastated New Orleans, will headline the Disaster Preparedness Community Forum at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Millennium Student Center.

Honoré became a nationally recognized figure during Katrina, when he helped coordinate military relief operations following one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Since retiring from the Army in 2008, he has remained active See Commander, A6

Photo courtesy of Kreol Magazine

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russell Honoré, who led the military response to Hurricane Katrina, will speak about disaster preparedness during a June 6 forum at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Ellen Usher, an English professor at St. Louis Community CollegeForest Park, has been selected for two writing programs.

Invest STL named Usher a resident storyteller fellow in its Neighborhood Storytelling Practice pilot program, which focuses on community-based storytelling in North Ellen Usher St. Louis.

Usher also received Gotham Writing Group’s 2025 Writers of Color Screenwriting Scholarship. She is taking screenwriting courses and developing several projects, including an original television drama series set in St. Louis. ***************************

Taylor named substance abuse task force vice chair State Rep. Del Taylor, a Democrat from St. Louis, has been appointed vice chair of Missouri’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force.

Taylor will help oversee efforts focused on substance-abuse prevention, treatment access and recovery initiatives statewide. The task force Del Taylor works with health providers, state agencies and community organizations on issues including the opioid epidemic and other substance-use challenges. ***************************

Lincoln U. honors Crockett Oaks III Lincoln University awarded preservationist Crockett Oaks III an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during commencement ceremonies May 9.

Oaks recently left his position at Missouri State University-West Plains to focus on restoration efforts at Lincoln School, a one-room Crockett schoolhouse built Oaks III for Black children in 1926 in West Plains. The building closed in 1954 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Business Briefs SLDC reopens homebuyer assistance program First-time homebuyers in St. Louis can once again apply for down-payment assistance through the St. Louis Development Corporation’s HomeSTL program.

The program, which reopened with $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, provides up

to $40,000 toward the purchase of a home. Buyers purchasing in designated areas of the city may qualify for up to $50,000.

Eligible participants may receive assistance with no monthly payments and 0% interest for up to 10 years.

Applicants must occupy

the home as their primary residence, meet income and credit requirements.

Other information on eligibility requirements, approved lenders and application procedures is available through the HomeSTL program at DevelopStLouis.org/ HomeSTL.

SSM expands support beyond hospital care SSM Health announced Tuesday the creation of a $10 million fund designed to help patients address needs such as food access, housing and transportation after leaving the hospital.

The fund was established through a donation from Carolyn Kindle, owner and CEO of St. Louis City SC, an SSM Health board member and

president of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation.

SSM Health said the initiative will support partnerships with community organizations serving low-income and economically disadvantaged residents in the St. Louis region. The St. Louis Area Foodbank is among the participating organizations.

The fund also will

support medical respite care programs at Haven Recovery Homes and LIV Sober Living, providing temporary housing, meals, medical support and case management for eligible patients. SSM officials said the effort aims to address social factors that can affect health outcomes and reduce avoidable emergency room visits.

Retired Lt. Gen. Russell L. Honoré will headline disaster preparedness forum Commander Continued from A5 in disaster preparedness, advising communities on emergency response and recovery efforts. In 2021, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed him to lead a review of security failures at the U.S. Capitol following the January 6 attack.

In an interview with NPR last summer, Honoré said Katrina demonstrated what can happen when a disaster overwhelms local systems.

“The storm overmatched the infrastructure and it overmatched the ability for them to deal with it,” Honoré said.

Honoré has said the lessons of Katrina remain urgent as communities face increasingly severe weather and climate-related disasters. He has pointed to the importance of preparedness, effective communication and ensuring vulnerable residents are not left behind during emergencies.

Many of the challenges Honoré has highlighted in the years since Katrina — strained infrastructure, communication failures and the disproportionate impact disasters can have on vulnerable communi-

ties — also surfaced in St. Louis after the May 16, 2025 tornado.

The storm caused an estimated $1.6 billion in damage and left thousands of homes, businesses, churches and other buildings damaged or destroyed across North St. Louis and surrounding communities.

A review by the Crisis Cleanup Coalition, a network of nonprofit and faith-based disaster-relief organizations that assessed storm damage throughout the city, found nearly 2,000 properties were assessed after the tornado, including 558 high-priority cases. The coalition identified 476 properties requiring major repairs or possible demolition.

Recovery has been especially difficult in some of the hardest-hit neighborhoods, where the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance reported that roughly 73% of homeowners lacked insurance coverage before the storm.

For many community leaders and researchers, the tornado revealed vulnerabilities that existed long before the storm arrived.

“Disasters do not create inequity. They expose it and accelerate it,” Mohammed Abba-Aji, a postdoctoral research

associate at Washington University in St. Louis School of Public Health told The St. Louis American for a story in its one-year anniversary coverage.

City officials have acknowledged shortcomings in the response to the tornado and have since reorganized portions of the city’s emergency management operations while expanding severe-weather preparedness efforts.

Saturday’s forum will focus on severe-weather safety, emergency planning, community coordination, response efforts and available disaster resources.

Honoré said communities must prepare before disaster strikes.

“Mother Nature can break anything built by man,” he told NPR. “When we get proper warning, we need to evacuate and we need to be prepared to evacuate.”

The forum is hosted by state Sen. Angela Mosley and state Reps. Chanel Mosley and Yolonda Fountain-Henderson.

Sponsors include ARCHS, Family and Community Trust, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

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HealthMatters ‘Taking Care of You’ ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

A7

Panel explores intersection of food, health, inequality

By Jennifer Porter Gore Word In Black

Photo by Charlotte Keene / St. Louis Public Radio

Dakota Ragsdale of Environmental Infrastructure Solutions sprays water on a demolition site along Enright Avenue in North St. Louis’ Academy neighborhood on May 12 to help reduce airborne dust.

Demolitions

after tornado bring relief – and health concerns Airborne dust prompts warnings for neighbors with asthma and other conditions

By Sarah Fentem St. Louis Public radio

Recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, have prompted concerns among hunger-prevention advocates, who say the policy shifts could disproportionately affect Black Americans and other vulnerable populations.

Those concerns were the focus of a May 13 panel discussion convened

by Word In Black, which brought together food-poliRecent federal cy experts, scholars changes to and faith-based organizers to disSNAP have prompted con- cuss food access, health disparities cerns among and the policies hunger-prethat shape how vention advoAmericans obtain cates. food.

Hosted by Joseph Williams, Word In Black’s head of content, and sponsored by the Knight Foundation, the discussion explored what Williams described as two themes often associated with food in Black communities: joy and survival.

The panel featured Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, founder of the Black Church Food Security Network; Ty Jones Cox, vice president for food assistance at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; and Dr. Ashanté Reese, See Food, A8

n Enright Avenue, a two-story house built in 1903 is finally coming down.

The tornado that tore through North St. Louis on May 16, 2025, severely damaged the Victorian home, leaving it partially collapsed.

As an excavator tears into the structure, clouds of dust rise into the air despite efforts to keep the site wet.

A nearby truck supplies water, and workers continuously spray the demolition area to suppress dust. But some dust is unavoidable.

“There’s truly no way to prevent any dust (from escaping),” said construction worker Kristie Jenkins. “But if he wasn’t spraying, you probably wouldn’t even be able to see the

O

See Demolitions, page A8 Envato photo

Susan G. Koman ‘More Than Pink Walk’

Breast cancer walk highlights disparities In Missouri, approximately 6,300 people are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and about 970 are expected to die from the disease.

Black women continue to have higher death rates from the disease than white women St. Louis American staff The Susan G. Komen “More Than Pink Walk” will return to the St. Louis area on Saturday, June 6, at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights.

The annual event brings together breast cancer survivors, people undergoing treatment, those living with metastatic breast cancer and their supporters.

Organizers hope to raise $500,000 to support breast cancer research, patient assistance programs and public policy efforts.

The walk comes as significant disparities in breast cancer outcomes persist in the St. Louis

Organizers hope to raise $500,000 to support breast cancer research, patient assistance programs and public policy efforts.

region. Susan G. Komen research found that Black women in St. Louis City and St. Louis County are screened for breast cancer at rates similar to or higher than White women but have experienced signifi-

cantly higher death rates from the disease. A 2025 Komen report found that progress has been made in narrowing those disparities, though gaps in outcomes remain.

Megan Hoffman, executive director of Susan G. Komen Missouri and Kansas, said the walk is intended to bring together survivors, patients and supporters while raising money for breast cancer research and assistance programs.

“By uniting survivors, people in treatment today, those living with metastatic disease, friends and family members, we can all make a difference in

Photo courtesy of SSM Health

our efforts to detect breast cancers early and improve treatments for all types of breast cancer,” Hoffman said.

The walk site opens at 7:30 a.m. Survivors and people living with metastatic breast cancer will gather at 8:45 a.m. An

opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:30 a.m.

See Cancer, A8

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HealthMatters ‘Taking Care of You’ ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

A8

Food Continued from A7 author of several books, including “Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness.”

Brown said his work addressing food insecurity grew out of his experience as pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church in Baltimore.

“I just have never been the kind of minister who’s just concerned about the spiritual welfare of members of my church,” Brown said. “In fact, I have a more expansive view of what it means to be spir-

itually healthy and that includes being physically healthy and whole as well.”

Brown said the effort expanded after the 2015 death of Freddie Gray and the unrest that followed in Baltimore, when some grocery stores temporarily closed in neighborhoods where many residents already faced limited food access. The church began growing food on its property, and the effort later expanded into a national network connecting Black churches and Black farmers.

Reese said food insecurity in Black communities is shaped by multiple

Cancer Continued from A7 The event marks the walk’s second major location change in recent years. After many years downtown, the event moved to Tower Grove Park before relocating to Westport Plaza.

Organizers cited logistical considerations and regional accessibility.

Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1,000 men in the United States during their lifetimes. According to Susan G. Komen, more than 320,000 women nationwide are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, while nearly 43,000 women are expected to die from the disease. An estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed and about 530 will die.

factors, including access, affordability and changes in the food supply.

“There are far more things that are allowed to be in our food than there were 15 years ago, 20 years ago, 40 years ago,” Reese said. “A lot of times people will say, ‘Why is this stuff now all of a sudden unhealthy? Our grandparents used to eat the same way.’ Not saying that that’s necessarily how we should eat. We might be eating the same things, but the composition of those things are not the same as they were.”

Reese also discussed broader economic and social factors that influ-

In Missouri, approximately 6,300 people are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and about 970 are expected to die from the disease. Susan G. Komen reported providing direct support to 409 Missouri patients during fiscal year 2025, including $163,200 in financial assistance for people in active treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer.

Hoffman said community fundraising events help support research, patient assistance and advocacy efforts.

Bank of America is the national presenting sponsor of the walk. Natera is the national premier sponsor, while Guardant Health, Novartis and Lilly are national series sponsors.

More information and registration details are available at komen.org/ stlouiswalk.

ence food access, citing the work of geographer Ruth Wilson Gilmore.

Jones Cox focused on recent changes to SNAP. She said reductions in federal spending, expanded work requirements and other policy changes have resulted in fewer people receiving assistance.

“You can’t tell me that children should be working or that children are undeserving or that children are fraud,” Jones Cox said.

The panelists also discussed proposals affecting what SNAP recipients can purchase and debated how policymakers approach food and nutrition issues.

Asked about possible solutions, Brown pointed to historical examples of community-based food systems, including Fannie Lou Hamer’s Freedom Farm Cooperative and other efforts centered on local food production.

“This system, I believe, is beyond redemption,” Brown said.

He urged greater investment in community-based food initiatives. Reese highlighted local organizing efforts and food-justice networks, while Jones Cox emphasized civic engagement and public awareness.

Word In Black Research Director Dr.

Christa Mahlobo also discussed a recently completed survey that sought to gather Black Americans’ views on food access, well-being and potential solutions to food insecurity.

“Through this research we highlight that we’re not just studying what it is that folks are eating, but what food means to us in this sort of cultural, emotional, and even spiritual way,” Mahlobo said.

The discussion was part of a broader effort by Word In Black to examine how food policy, health outcomes and economic conditions intersect in Black communities.

Photo courtesy of SSM Health

The event marks the walk’s second major location change in recent years. After many years downtown, the event moved to Tower Grove Park before relocating to Westport Plaza. Organizers cited logistical considerations and regional accessibility.

Demolitions Continued from A7

machine with all the dust.”

The scene is likely to become increasingly common across tornado-damaged neighborhoods in the coming months. City, state and federal agencies, along with private property owners, are preparing to demolish hundreds of buildings damaged or destroyed by the storm.

Experts say residents should take precautions to protect themselves from dust and debris generated during the work.

Long-awaited demolitions A year after the storm, the city has demolished about 100 buildings, according to STL Recovers. Earlier this month, Mayor Cara Spencer announced that another 120 homes would be demolished with the help of state recovery funding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Land Reutilization Authority and private property owners are also removing damaged buildings and debris. City officials estimate that as many as 1,600 structures ultimately may need to be demolished, with about 80% of them vacant or condemned before the tornado.

Hariel Johnson, whose home sits next to the Enright Avenue demolition site, said she was relieved to see crews remove the long-vacant structure.

Her home suffered minor damage during the tornado, but she escaped injury. Since then, however, she has noticed more dust in the neighborhood.

“I don’t get out as

much, but when I do go, dust is everywhere,” said Johnson, who has asthma.

“We don’t know what’s in everything they knock down.”

Health concerns Experts say dust generated by tornado debris and demolition work can pose risks, particularly for people with asthma, emphysema or other respiratory conditions.

“For people who are predisposed — maybe they have asthma or emphysema — this could exacerbate or magnify that condition,” said Jay Turner, an environmental science professor at Washington University who is studying air quality in tornado-affected neighborhoods.

For healthy individuals, the dust may be little more than a nuisance. But older homes often contain materials that can become airborne during demolition, said Rachel Sanford of the American Lung Association.

The buildings may contain lead, asbestos, fiberglass and metals such as arsenic or nickel, she said.

“A lot of these particles are really, really small,” Sanford said. “They travel very deep into the lungs when they’re inhaled.”

Because many of the homes now being demolished were built decades ago, experts say residents should take steps to reduce exposure whenever demolition work is underway nearby.

Dust-control efforts Containing dust is a major concern for city officials overseeing tornado recovery, said Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks.

“That includes saying keep your windows closed, do not watch it from outside, and if you are, make

sure you’re wearing a proper mask,” Nicks said.

Residents should also avoid entering construction zones, vacuum indoor spaces to remove settled dust and replace air filters more frequently than normal, officials said.

City rules require contractors to use water suppression during demolitions. According to city spokesman Rasmus Jorgensen, crews must use either misting fans or large hoses to reduce airborne dust.

Nicks said asbestos-containing materials are removed before demolition begins and that professional contractors oversee all recovery-funded demolitions. He encouraged residents to report dust-control violations through the city’s 311 system.

“We have strong laws around finding and taking demo licenses of people who don’t actively follow those tactics,” he said.

Monitoring the air In the coming weeks, Turner and other researchers will install monitoring devices throughout tornado-damaged neighborhoods to measure airborne particles and track changes in air quality.

“If there’s numerous demolitions happening every day, the question is: What is that cumulative effect?” Turner said.

The city is also assembling a team to monitor asbestos and lead levels in the air.

Officials say the testing will help determine whether current dust-control measures are sufficient and whether additional safeguards are needed.

“This is a top priority,” Nicks said. “We still want to move with speed on demolition, but we don’t want to do it at the risk of public health.”

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

R&B singer Foster Sylvers dies at 64 Foster Sylvers — the child star whose early solo success and later work with his family helped shape the sound of 1970s R&B — has died at 64. His brother, Leon Sylvers III, confirmed the news to Eurweb. com. He shared that Foster had been battling prostate cancer that had spread to other parts of his body.

Born in Memphis and raised in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, Sylvers broke through at just 11 years old with his 1973 selftitled debut album. Its standout single, “Misdemeanor,” became a national hit and

led to appearances on “American Bandstand” and “Soul Train.”

He later joined his siblings in The Sylvers, the family group behind a run of charting singles including the No. 1 hit “Boogie Fever,” which became a defining track of the era’s R&B, soul and disco crossover.

After his time with the group, Sylvers moved into studio work, contributing to projects including Dynasty’s “Your Piece of the Rock,” “When You Feel Like Giving Love,” and “Satisfied,” as well as Evelyn “Champagne” King’s “Shake Down.”

***************************

Peabo Bryson dies at 75 statement read. “He transitioned Peabo Bryson, the peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the Grammywinning balladeer whose evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, voice defined some of Disney’s surrounded by the love of his family most iconic love songs, has died, and those closest to him.” according to a statement from his Bryson’s fivedecade career family. Best known for “Beauty and spanned R&B, adult contemporary the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A and film soundtracks, earning him Whole New World” with Regina a reputation as one of music’s most Belle, Bryson suffered a stroke earexpressive and enduring voices. lier in the week.

“While our hearts are broken, we “With broken hearts and profind comfort in knowing how deepfound sadness, the family of Peabo Bryson ly Peabo was loved and how many two-time Grammy Awardwinning lives were touched by his voice and singer, songwriter and balladeer, his generous spirit,” the statement said.

Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” the

Jay-Z fires shots at Kanye, Nicki and more Jay-Z didn’t hold back during his headlining set at The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia on May 30. Hov took aim at major artists — including Kanye West and Nicki Minaj — who previously came for him on social media or on tracks as tens of thousands packed the Belmont Plateau. The fifty-sixyearold rapper reunited with The Roots 25 years after their MTV Unplugged collaboration and used the moment to get responses to their previous shots off his chest.

“That lady back on that stuff, she sounds like she’s in love with ’em / Her Ken can’t even… pick they kid… enough of them / A rapper can’t be my opp, I got MAGA Republicans,” he rapped, a clear shot at Minaj.

Jay also addressed West’s past online attacks on Beyoncé and their children.

“You ever heard of wonderkin? My children are some of them,” Jay-Z rapped. “You really wanna get under my skin? I’ll really get under ya skin (stab), ask Un how I’m playing.”

Jay-Z

***************************

Ice Cube and Mike Epps confirm ‘Last Friday’ is officially in the works Ice Cube and Mike Epps say the Friday franchise is finally moving forward. They confirmed that they’re actively writing the script for the longawaited next installment, titled Last Friday. The first new film in the series will come more than 30 years after the original “Friday” became a cultural phenomenon.

“We writing the script right

now,” Cube said during an interview on Big Boy TV, noting that the franchise’s return comes with a major celebration event in the works as well.

Cube explained that casting will follow the same approach that shaped the original films — finding the right performers and letting them bring their own energy to the roles. He said the script comes first, but

improvisation is part of the process once the actors are locked in.

“To me, when people say, ‘We adlibbed the whole thing,’ I’m like, ‘Hold up — the script is laughoutloud funny before we even shoot it,’” Cube said.

“It’s no shooting the script until everybody that read it is laughing.”

Hot Sheet Sources: Big Boy TV, Eurweb.com, Instagram.com, Variety.com

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Gun violence changed how children play Summer Continued from A1 said. “These kids don’t get the learning experience of playing outside anymore.”

Children today generally have fewer opportunities to walk, bike and play without adult supervision than previous generations, according to a review by researchers in Washington University’s McLeod Scholars Program.

As nostalgia for ’90s summers trends online, health experts are reminding families that balancing outdoor freedom with modern safety precautions is critical. Pediatricians say simple measures — reapplying sunscreen, staying hydrated, wearing helmets and setting clear check-in expectations — can prevent serious injuries while still allowing children to enjoy active summers outdoors.

Dr. Daniel Wachstock, a pediatrician, said parents should not let fear keep children inside all summer.

“The worst thing for kids is to sit on the couch and play video games all summer,” Wachstock said. “I want the kids moving, get out there and have fun.”

Still, he cautions that some childhood habits celebrated online are not as harmless as many remember. Garden hoses, once treated like neighborhood drinking fountains, can contain bacteria, insects and harmful metals.

“I’m not opposed to drinking out of a water hose, kids need to get in the dirt and play to build up their immune system,” Wachstock said.

Quentajah Bailey helps her son, Carter Sherman, 1, play in the fountains at Citygarden as families enjoy a summer afternoon in downtown St. Louis.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

However, data show that water left sitting in hoses under the summer sun can become hot enough to cause severe burns.

Wachstock said one of his biggest concerns during the hottest months is heat-related illness.

Children experiencing dehydration or heat exhaustion may complain of headaches, vomiting or extreme fatigue. Sunburns can also escalate quickly, especially during peak afternoon UV hours.

“When the skin is still red, go inside for a while or cover up the skin,” he said, stressing the importance of reapplying sun-

screen throughout the day.

Bike and scooter injuries remain another common summer danger.

Wachstock said helmets are one of the simplest ways to reduce serious injuries, noting that protective headgear can significantly lower the risk of traumatic brain injuries.

Part of the ’90s summer nostalgia includes long afternoons at community pools, lakes and beaches.

But water-safety advocates warn that those memories can carry greater risks for Black children.

Black children ages 5 to 9 drown at rates more than twice as high as white children. Advocates say

the disparity is tied in part to generations of unequal access to pools and swim instruction.

The issue has touched St. Louis families directly.

The 2022 drowning death of 6-year-old T.J. Mister during a St. Louis County summer camp outing sparked renewed conversations about water safety, swimming education and access to swim lessons in the region.

For many adults, though, the nostalgia tied to those summers is less about the risks and more about the independence they experienced.

Elizabeth Sharp-Taylor recalls going to the pool

with friends as a teenager without cellphones or adults nearby.

“As long as we had a big group and were home by a certain time, my parents were OK with me going,” she said. “I also remember riding my bike during this age with no supervision.”

Sharp-Taylor believes children today miss opportunities to develop decision-making skills that naturally came with outdoor play and independence.

“I think kids today are missing the opportunity to make small decisions on their own,” she said.

“Learning how to judge strangers, deciding if this

is a trusted person, or knowing when to leave if the group is doing something they don’t value.”

Research highlighted in the WashU review found that children given greater independence spend more time outdoors and are more physically active.

But as a parent herself, she admits the world feels different now. Her 7-year-old son is already being taught to be cautious around strangers, and she expects he will eventually have a cellphone for safety reasons.

“Not because I don’t trust him,” she said, “it’s just a way to have connection to him because I don’t trust others.”

Laden shares those concerns. While she fondly remembers bikes left on porches and children roaming freely through neighborhoods, she said she would not allow her grandchildren to experience the same level of independence today.

Concerns about reckless driving, gun violence and kidnappings have changed how families approach outdoor play.

“There is no community,” Laden said.

“Neighbors don’t look out for the kids who play outside.”

The WashU review also found that parents’ perceptions of neighborhood safety and community trust are among the strongest factors influencing whether children are allowed to walk, bike and play independently.

Even so, both parents and pediatricians agree children still need time outdoors. The challenge for today’s families is finding a balance between the carefree spirit of summers past and the safety precautions modern life demands.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

District Continued from A1 disappear on their own.

The Department of Justice has an obligation to act.”

Rachel Dumke, a spokeswoman for Schmitt, added, “Redistricting is up to the state legislature, but this SCOTUS decision ensures that should the 1st District be redrawn, it will not be done so based on race.”

The 1st District, which includes most of St. Louis and parts of St. Louis County, remains the state’s strongest Democratic congressional seat and the district where Black voters are most politically concentrated.

State Rep. Marty Murray, a Democrat from St. Louis, believes the district could eventually face another redistricting fight.

“I think they’ll try. ... I think the phone calls will come in to try to redistrict it,” Murray said.

State Sen. Brian Williams, a Democrat from St. Louis County, said Black political leaders should remain vigilant.

“I don’t put anything past this administration to influence the legislatures

Police Continued from A1 and their unwillingness to consider the needs of the entire city are precisely why the city should continue to hold its own ground.”

Mayor Cara Spencer called the ruling “a win for St. Louis.”

“It is absurd to claim that city reserves and Rams funds are somehow

Redistricting revisited

throughout the country,” Williams said. “And I think this summer, we need to be just as engaged — encouraging folks to register to vote, and most importantly, talk about the importance of protecting voting rights as well as representation in our city and beyond.”

Republicans nationally have pointed to the

Louisiana decision as justification for revisiting districts where Black voters gained greater electoral influence.

Last year, Republicans successfully redrew Cleaver’s Kansas Citybased district after President Donald Trump urged Republican-led states to revisit congressional maps in hopes of

strengthening Republican prospects in future House elections.

According to Fox 2, Republican lawmakers concluded that changing the St. Louis district would have been more difficult politically and legally than altering Kansas City’s district.

The battle over Missouri’s congressional

map is not finished.

People Not Politicians, a coalition opposing the Kansas City redraw, submitted more than 300,000 signatures seeking a referendum that could overturn the map. But the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that filing referendum signatures does not automatically suspend the law, allowing the map to remain in effect while Secretary of State Denny Hoskins reviews the petitions.

The Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling also found no constitutional restriction limiting congressional redistricting to once every decade after the census, a decision some voting-rights advocates fear could open the door to additional redistricting battles before the next census.

In his book “Bill Clay: A Political Voice at the Grassroots,” the late Congressman William Clay Sr. wrote that a coalition of Republicans, Black legislators and rural Democrats helped create a district centered on St. Louis’ Black community.

That political compromise largely shaped the district for more than six decades.

Since 1969, the district has remained a center of Black political representation, electing Clay Sr.

current-year revenue, and I’m pleased and grateful that the courts have now ruled as much,” Spencer said in a statement.

Moriarty’s ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the police board, which argued that the city failed to meet state funding requirements for the police department during the current fiscal year.

The board sought roughly $67.5 million before the fiscal year ends June 30.

In her decision,

Moriarty wrote that “general revenue only includes current income of the fiscal year in question and does not include income from prior years,” rejecting the argument that reserve funds and Rams settlement proceeds should be included in the calculation.

Saracino said the board was disappointed by the ruling and cited staffing shortages, heavy overtime demands, aging infrastructure and recruitment and retention challenges as rea-

sons it believes additional resources are needed. He said the board remains committed to serving city residents and intends to appeal.

The dispute is one of several clashes between city officials and the police board since Missouri lawmakers returned control of the department to a state-appointed commission in 2024.

The funding fight also drew scrutiny from the Board of Aldermen, which

last month issued subpoenas seeking records related to the board’s budgeting process and financial requests.

The legal dispute comes as the board considers substantial raises for command staff. In a statement released Sunday, commissioners proposed pay increases ranging from 16% to 22% for lieutenants, captains, majors and lieutenant colonels beginning July 1.

On Wednesday,

History of 1st District Missouri’s 1st The new bound- influence. In 1968, civil rights activist and St. Congressional District aries reflected Louis alderman William has been the state’s demographic L. Clay Sr. became center of Black political Missouri’s first Black representation for nearly shifts already member of Congress. six decades. underway and The district has Before 1967, the created a district remained Missouri’s district extended beyond where Black vot- strongest Democratic St. Louis into rural ers held greater congressional seat ever Missouri. After the U.S. since. Clay represented Supreme Court required political influit for 32 years, followed congressional districts ence. by his son, William to contain roughly equal Lacy Clay Jr. More populations, Missouri recently, voters elected lawmakers redrew the Cori Bush and Wesley Bell. map and concentrated the district Although the boundaries have in St. Louis and parts of North St. changed slightly over time, the disLouis County. trict’s identity as a St. Louis-based The new boundaries reflected center of Black political influence demographic shifts already underhas remained largely intact since the way and created a district where late 1960s.

Black voters held greater political

(1969-2001), his son, William Lacy Clay Jr. (2001-2021), Cori Bush (2021-2025) and Bell, who took office in 2025.

Cleaver argued the Kansas City redraw would “silence voices” and “deny representation.”

Bell called the recent redistricting effort “bluntly partisan and unfair.”

“It continues taking our constitutional rights down a dark path not befitting the promise of the greatest democracy the world has ever known,” Bell said.

The 1st District survived Missouri’s latest round of redistricting. But after Republicans successfully altered Kansas City’s congressional district, the Missouri Supreme Court affirmed lawmakers’ authority to redraw districts before the next census, and Republican officials began publicly questioning districts drawn to preserve Black voting strength, some elected officials and voting-rights advocates say the fight over Missouri’s congressional map may not be over.

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

Spencer voted to postpone consideration of the raises for two weeks, and the board agreed.

For now, Moriarty’s ruling leaves the city’s current police funding plan in place. But the board’s appeal ensures the dispute over police funding — and the authority of the state-appointed commission — will continue.

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

A12

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

STL business community supporting UMSL Ameren invests $1 million in School of Engineering St. Louis American Staff The University of Missouri–St. Louis continues to receive strong support from the St. Louis business community as it grows its newly formed School of Engineering.

Ameren has pledged $1 million to support construction of the Ameren Electrical Engineering Lab, now underway in the UMSL Science Complex.

The investment also includes funding for scholarships and programming that will expand hands-on learning opportunities for engineering students. The support comes at a critical time as demand for skilled engineers continues to rise across Missouri’s energy, infrastructure and technology sectors.

Ameren leaders will also serve on the School of Engineering’s Founding Corporate Council and

Engineering Advisory Council, helping shape curriculum and strengthen alignment with industry needs.

In addition, Ameren will continue its investment in the UMSL Bridge Program’s Saturday and Summer Academies, which provide STEMfocused instruction and college preparation to more than 2,000 middle and high school students and their families across the region each year.

“Ameren’s extraordinary investment will have a profound impact on the future of our School of Engineering and in the students we serve,” Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said. “We are deeply grateful for this support as we expand opportunities for hands-on learning, strengthen connections with industry and help prepare the next generation of

Dr. George Nnanna, founding director of UMSL’s new School of Engineering, began his tenure last year.

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Permian Basin

engineers and innovators for the St. Louis region and beyond.”

The investment also underscores Ameren’s broader focus on strengthening the region’s talent pipeline and supporting institutions preparing students for high-demand

fields.

“We are committed to investing in the future of our communities and the workforce that powers them,” said Gwen Mizell, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Ameren. “Our partnership with UMSL will help create hands-on learning opportunities, expand access to engineering education and prepare students for in-demand careers in energy and technology.”

The School of Engineering launched last fall with more than 60 students in its inaugural freshman class. Enrollment will grow again this fall with the addition of new first-year, transfer and upper-level students preparing to meet increasing demand for engineers across the region.

As UMSL continues to build its programs and faculty, experiential learning remains central to the student experience.

The new Ameren Electrical Engineering Lab will serve as a key training ground featuring mobile

student workstations, complete 0.2 kW EMS modular systems, dissectible machines, an electric power technology training system, multimeters, soldering stations and more.

Ameren is also supporting an engineering student programming fund that will help launch initiatives such as math boot camps and collegiate engineering competitions — including robotics, concrete canoe, steel bridge and Formula SAE — as well as industry site visits and student organization activities. These experiences will help cultivate innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills in environments that mirror expectations across the engineering field.

The Ameren Scholarship Fund will support annual scholarships in perpetuity for UMSL engineering students, easing financial barriers as they prepare for their careers.

Through participation on the School of Engineering’s Founding Corporate Council and Engineering Advisory

Council, Ameren leaders will help ensure UMSL’s programs align with ABET accreditation standards and evolving industry needs. The partnership also creates a direct talent pipeline, giving Ameren early access to emerging engineering graduates through internships, capstone projects and career engagement.

The impact extends across the region. More than 90% of UMSL students are Missouri residents, and 75% remain in the region after graduation, strengthening the local workforce and economy for years to come.

Dr. George Nnanna is the founding director of UMSL’s new School of Engineering, he began his tenure last year. A professor of mechanical engineering, he brings more than a decade of administrative experience, including serving as the founding dean of engineering at the University of Texas Permian Basin from 2018–2023. Nnanna is committed to growing UMSL’s engineering school to serve student needs and regional economic development, emphasizing experiential learning and industry collaboration.

“We aim to significantly advance UMSL’s strategic initiatives in recruitment, retention, interdisciplinary research, innovation, entrepreneurship and philanthropy while actively engaging our students in meaningful experiential learning opportunities,” Nnanna said.

“Do not wait for permission to be great. Walk boldly into rooms that were never designed for you and redesign them anyway.”

– Debbie Allen

Living It B1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Fashion refined ‘The Runway Edit’ continues LAHA’s showcase of young designers, models

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American With The Runway Edit, LAHA founder Lillian Tiner once again turned the runway into a training ground for young talent. Sunday’s show at SLU marked her 17th annual children’s fashion showcase, continuing a legacy she began in 2009 of helping kids step into confidence, creativity and possibility.

For nearly two decades, Tiner has empowered young people ages 5 to 16 through runway coaching — helping them build confidence, coordination and connections with local designers that can lead to portfoliobuilding opportunities.

One of those success stories is Styling with K. She began her fashion journey with Tiner at age 14 and is now presenting her fourth fashion show. “Inspired by creativity, confidence and self-expression, Styling with K blends street wear and glamour to create bold and elevated looks that celebrate individuality and authenticity,” said Lady Re, comedian and host of The Runway Edit.

See Fashion, B3

Photos by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

‘Moonlight changed the geography of our imagination’

Our songs continue Artists reflect on tornado anniversary through prose, music and movement

19th Annual QFest marks film’s 10th anniversary with openingnight screening

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

Cinema St. Louis will open the 19th Annual QFest St. Louis Film Festival with a return to the film that moved the ground beneath the Black queer storytelling space within mainstream cinema. QFest will open with a 10th anniversary screening of Moonlight on Friday, June 12 — a film that reshaped how Black queer stories are seen, discussed, and valued on screen.

“Screening Moonlight is so much more than celebrating a great film,” said Cinema St. Louis Festival Curator Emmett Williams. “It’s acknowledging what for many was a cultural shift.”

In his second feature, writerdirector Barry Jenkins took the familiar “tales from the ’hood” framework and turned it inward, centering humanity, vulnerability and a love story rarely allowed to exist in Black cinema. Adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s semiautobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, the film follows Chiron across

Resilience remains in the hearts and minds of St. Louisans following the anniversary of the May 16 tornado. At Our Songs — a free community concert presented by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis — three local performing artThree local ists used poetry, movement and music to work through performthe emotions that linger after ing artists a natural disaster. Blake used poetry, “Concert Black” Hernton, movement Tre’von Griffith and Alicia Revé Like shaped the eveand music ning around what the city has to work carried since the storm. They through the curated the program through emotions the lens of the voices and experiences of the people that linger who lived it. after a Opening the concert natural at Third Baptist Church, disaster.

Opera Theatre Board Chair Kim Eberlein noted the significance of the moment.

“Tonight’s program is extra special because we have three exceptionally talented local artists who have curated a program that reflects their music, their stories and experiences living in St. Louis,” she said. “We are

See Moonlight, B3

Courtesy photo

On Oscar night, Moonlight won Best Picture after the nowinfamous envelope mixup in which La La Land was mistakenly announced as the winner.

See Artists, B4

B2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

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.,

For more information, visit www.blackwallstreet314. com

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.

COMEDYS Fri., Jun. 5, 7 p.m. & 9:15 p.m. Helium Presents: Chris Redd, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St Louis Galleria St, St Louis MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

CONCERTS Fri., June 5, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) The Sherm Summer starring Mike Sherm, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Fri., Jun. 12 - 14, Special Event: Bruce Bruce, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St Louis Galleria St, St Louis MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

Sat., June 6, 7:30 p.m., SLSO welcomes Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane for a special centennial celebration for John Coltrane and Miles Davis, Powell Hall. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

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.

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 Sat., June 6, 4 p.m. Route 66 Cars and Guitars

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 Courtesy photo

The Eta Boule Foundation presents An Evening with Jeffrey Osborne for A Salute to Fathers & Mentors. See CONCERTS for more information.

Festival, Downtown Kirkwood. For more information visit www.kirkwoodmo.org.

Sat., June 6-7, Bommarito 500 Weekend, World Wide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd., Madison, IL 62060. For more information, visit wwtraceway. com.

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.

Fri., June. 5, Brass and Boujee, The Key, 3225 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Sat., June 6, doors 6 p.m.

National Blues Alumni Jam, The Key, 3225 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103.

For more information visit www.thekeystl.com.

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.

THEATRE Fri., June 5, 7:30 p.m., I Do. I Did. I’m Done: A One Woman Show with Kandi Burruss, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www.citywinery.com.

Through June 7, The Black Rep presents Fat Ham, Washington University’s Edison Theatre. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.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 ART 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.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Moonlight Continued from B1 three chapters of his life as he navigates masculinity, survival and the quiet spaces where identity forms. The story is gritty without leaning on the usual tropes — trading spectacle for intention and introspection.

When Moonlight premiered, it went on to earn eight Academy Award nominations. On Oscar night, the film won Best Picture after the nowinfamous envelope mixup in which La La Land was mistakenly announced as the winner. Mahershala Ali also won Best Supporting Actor —and Jenkins and McCraney won for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film’s understated power and groundbreaking representation cemented its place as one of the most influential works thus far in the 21st century.

“For so long, Black queer stories on screen were treated as a niche within a niche, forced to exist on the margins of

both Black cinema and queer cinema,” Williams said. “Moonlight changed the geography of our imagination. To screen it now, a decade later, is a reminder that our stories don’t have to be loud or hypertragic to be monumental; they can be quiet and tender.”

The screening will be

When Moonlight premiered, it went on to earn eight Academy Award nominations.

followed by a panel discussion featuring Maxi Glamour and additional panelists to be announced.

Williams said the conversation will explore the film’s impact on Hollywood and what its Best Picture win meant for representation. Among the questions: “Has the win moved the needle?

While it for sure forced the industry to take a look at itself, has anything really changed? Have we seen another film in the last ten

years like it?”

QFest runs June 12–21 under the theme OUT, LOUD, highlighting visibility, resilience and the role queer cinema plays in helping communities see themselves and connect.

The festival closes with the 25th anniversary screening of Y Tu Mamá También and features new documentaries, global shorts, and the return of the Trans Youth Art Sale at the HiPointe.

“QFest and this year’s theme, OUT, LOUD, is a celebration of filmmakers and a queer community that continues to do bold, inventive, and deeply meaningful work,” Williams said. “What excites me most is just how these films feel urgent, personal, and crafted with real vision. This festival is about showing up, being seen, and celebrating the power of great filmmaking to connect us.”

Cinema St. Louis’ 19th Annual QFest will take place from June 12-21 at The High Pointe. For a full schedule of films and related programming, visit www.cinemastlouis.org.

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

The children who participate in these shows aren’t simply placed on the runway.

They spend months preparing, perfecting posture, pacing and stage presence. They practice posing and learn simple runway techniques, including twirls.

Fashion Continued from B1 Her models wore preppy outfits paired with sneakers, capturing an elevated streetwear aesthetic.

Jewels sparkled as they walked the runway, and many wore chiffon bows in their hair or around their necks, accented with oversized gems. The looks remained stylish and youthful — and carried the unmistakable confidence that comes with being a LAHA model.

The children who participate in these shows aren’t simply placed on the runway. They spend months preparing, perfecting posture, pacing and stage presence. They practice posing and learn simple runway techniques, including twirls and sidestepping. Throughout the process, participants build confidence and meaningful connections at no cost to their parents. All that’s required is a willingness to show up and learn something new.

Another featured line was Kiddos Kidswear, a children’s boutique offering sizes from 2T to 20, with select styles available in adult sizes. Founded by Terrence Mohammad, the boutique has locations in the St. Louis Galleria and St. Clair Square. “They have the freshest and the dopest boys and girls street wear, keeping the latest trends in stock so your children will always be dripped out in the newest fashion,” Lady Re said as she introduced the brand.

His models wore vibrant shades of denim — yellow, pink and cobalt blue — in casual, readytowear pieces that stayed highly trendfocused.

Stacked jeans, oversized shirts and bold graphic designs dominated the runway. By offering a wide range of sizes in the latest styles, Mohammad is carving out a unique niche in the children’s luxury fashion market.

The show highlighted another rising talent: designer Amira, who is just 12 years old.

Originally from St. Louis and now based in Los Angeles, she is already making her mark in the industry. “She has been building a brand that celebrates confidence, individuality and self-expression for the young girl,” Lady Re said. “And tonight’s collection, ‘Exactly Who She Thinks She Is,’ is a global reminder that every girl deserves to feel confident and stylish — unapologetically herself.”

Her collection featured fringe skirts made from unconventional materials such as feathers and tinsel. Other looks used pink and black tulle to create dramatic silhouettes.

Several models wore long black gloves that added a glitzy, “Material Girl” feel. Their confident walks underscored the message: determination can be a defining factor in success, no matter your age.

Guests were treated to CEM Designs by Caprice Merritt, who has spent more than a decade designing for children and adults. Her collection

centered on denim — coordinated skirts, pants and matching sets — with silver fringe accents and hot pink sequins adding sparkle throughout.

The show concluded with collections from Tiner herself, who had already presented two lines earlier in the evening. Her first featured highfashion couture tulle and satin dresses for special occasions and holiday celebrations. Her second included embellished Cardinals jerseys, a staple during 314 Day festivities.

Tiner closed the evening with a collection of monochromatic blackandwhite ensembles. Some looks featured solid fabrics, while others incorporated polka dots and stripes. The collection was playful and youthful while maintaining an unmistakable sense of luxury.

More than a fashion show, The Runway Edit serves as a celebration of youth, creativity and selfexpression. Tiner’s commitment to mentoring young people underscores the importance of investing in the next generation and creating opportunities for them to thrive. The event provides a safe, supportive space where children can explore their creativity, develop confidence and sharpen their talents in fashion and design.

Through programs like this, Tiner continues to empower young people to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions and recognize their potential — both on and off the runway.

Juneteenth is not the end of the story

By Lyah LeFlore-Ituen, Missouri Historical Society

world still determined to limit Black possibility.

Their story reflects a reality often absent from conversations about Every year, Juneteenth arrives emancipation. wrapped in celebration.

History books tell us when We gather in parks and plazas. slavery ended. They spend far We lift music into the summer air. less time telling us what formerly We dress in red, black, and green. enslaved people did next.

We speak the word “freedom” with They married. They worshipped. pride and remembrance. We honor They worked. They bought land. a history that for too long was They established churches. They pushed to the margins of American formed civic organizations. They storytelling. built families and institutions that But this year, Juneteenth feels would outlive them. less like a holiday and more like a By 1930, census records show personal reckoning.

Harriet owned land valued at The older I get, the more I $1,000. understand that history is not simply Pause there for a moment. what happened. History is what A Black woman born into survives. slavery became a property owner.

It is the names that remain Not because opportunity after generations was freely given, have passed. The but because she stories that endure transformed freedom despite silence. into something The photographs tangible. tucked into family She helped organize Bibles. The Bethel AME Church census pages. The in Fredericktown. She faded signatures. became one of the The graves. The oldest members of fragments. the Eastern Star. She And sometimes, became what so many history is what we formerly enslaved are still searching people became: A for. founder. A builder. A As Juneteenth keeper of community. approaches, I find The deeper I myself thinking about a Lyah LeFlore-Ituen researched, the more I woman named Harriet realized that Juneteenth Cayce (Casey). is not simply a story about Not because monuments bear her emancipation. It is a story about name. They do not. transformation.

Not because she occupies a It is a story about people who chapter in most history books. She took freedom and turned it into does not, though her story appears legacy. in Missouri’s Black Heritage by That lesson feels especially Lorenzo J. Greene, Gary R. Kremer, urgent today. and Antonio F. Holland.

We are living through a moment No, Harriet rests heavily on my when the teaching of Black mind because without her, I would history is being challenged in not be here. classrooms, libraries, and public Harriet was my mother’s greatdiscourse. We are witnessing grandmother. She was born into efforts to narrow America’s story, slavery in Missouri during the sanitize its contradictions, and 19th century. For most of my life, erase the complexity that makes I believed I knew her story. Like understanding possible. many Black families, ours passed But history does not disappear history from one generation to because it is inconvenient. History the next through memory and disappears when it is storytelling. We forgotten. carried what we That is why knew. We repeated Juneteenth matters.

It is the names what had been told Not because it allows to us. We filled the that remain after us to celebrate the gaps with family generations have past. Because it lore. passed. The stories demands that we Then I started understand it. that endure despite digging. What began It asks us to as genealogy became silence. The recover names. To something much photographs tucked recover stories. To deeper. It became a into family Bibles. recover places. To conversation with The census pages. recover the humanity history.

What I discovered The faded signatures. of people whose lives were often reduced was both simple and The graves. The to property records, profound: Harriet fragments. census schedules, and Casey was enslaved. ledger books.

And she lived to As AAHI Program see freedom.

Specialist Julia I have repeated Clark so beautifully that sentence to myself countless reminds us, Juneteenth “developed times: She lived to see freedom. as a celebration of Black joy in the The Emancipation Proclamation face of oppression. Black freedom was issued on January 1, 1863. is so much more than emancipation; Juneteenth commemorates June it is the liberty to laugh, breathe, 19, 1865, when enslaved people and love without consequence or in Texas finally learned they were fear. The work we do demonstrates free. More than a century and a half our commitment to continuing a later, in 2021, Juneteenth became a celebration of our powerful history, federal holiday. resilience, and the everlasting hope Yet long before America for a better future.” officially recognized Juneteenth, Harriet Casey never lived to Black families understood its see Juneteenth become a federal significance. holiday. She never lived to see We understood because we museums dedicated to preserving carried its consequences.

Black history. She never lived to For Harriet, freedom was not see her descendants searching for a symbolic concept debated in her name across centuries. classrooms or political circles. It But because she endured, was something she had to learn how because she built, and because she to live. believed in a future she would never After emancipation, she married see, I know this: John Casey in 1873. Together Juneteenth is not the end of the they began building a life in Mine story.

It is the annual reminder that La Motte, Missouri, where John somebody survived long enough for worked as an iron smelter. Together us to have one. they raised children, endured heartbreak and loss, and navigated a

B3

B4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American Chow for now Twilight Thursdays. The spring season of Twilight Thursdays closed with Carmen Anderson and her tribute to Diana Ross.

It was cute! I’m not gonna say she ate down to the gristle, but she tasted it for sure. You know what…she went beyond tasting. She pulled one of those moves back when we used to tear off each other’s sandwiches to share. You know when the person you were kind enough to share with took a piece so big you had less than they did – and it was your sandwich. I said all of that to say that Carmen did her thing. She gave us Diana’s glamour for sure! The gloves were an amazing touch, Miss Ma’am. I enjoyed it so much that I played my personal The Supremes greatest hits playlist on the way home. I was satisfied with how this season came to a close. I hit up the Missouri History Museum for three of the four Twilight Thursdays and I don’t even regret the fact that I had to park on Wash U.’s campus for a couple of them. I was able to get my steps in and catch a groove in one swoop. Shout out to JAM, The Coleman Hughes Project featuring Adrianne and Carmen for giving us a good reason to pop outside. It was family reunion/cookout/concert vibes all in one! I can’t wait to see how the next season shakes.

Lights. Cameras. LAHA! Y’all already know that I have been supporting my girl Lillian Tiner and her LAHA Clothing movement at this point for the better part of 20 years. So you can best believe that I was perched, pooched and sat at the 17th Annual fashion show on Sunday at SLU. The show features the babies that Lillian works with to the point where they WERK! I’m a grown woman of a certain age and I was taking notes from the children on how to slay. The way they were ripping that runway, bayybeee! The aunties, mimis, gigis, mamas, daddies, cousins and siblings were taking notes. Who did the toddler with the blinged out bell bottoms belong to? She had all the sauce!

So did the future heartbreaker who showed off his muscles and that gorgeous Naomi Campbell Jr. in the leather outfit and yellow chiffon train. And can we take a hot second to give it up to Lady Re, the hostess with the most. That woman is so funny, that I came for a fashion parade and got a comedy show I didn’t know I needed. I cannot say enough about Lillian and how she has been committed to our young people by using fashion/style as a platform to pour into the next generation.

Sang Shanelle! After I left LAHA and ‘nem, I scooted from Midtown to the Mangrove to check out Taylor Made Music Group and Industrie Global’s joint presentation of “The Pocket Concert Series.” This one showcased The Dhoruba Collective featuring Shanelle. I know a few folks were a bit antsy because the show started a little bit late. But the timing was perfect for me because I would have missed the first bite of the show because I was double booked. So it was a divine delay for me. Dhoruba and his crew of heavy hitters made it worth the wait! Even before my girl Shanelle took the stage, that funked out cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” gave me everything I needed. So, when Shanelle stepped to the microphone and proceeded to sing the microblade off my eyebrows, they could have just carried me out on a stretcher. Her voice is in my top three – that’s local, national and global. And the way she seamlessly blended Erykah Badu’s “Didn’t Cha Know” with Kirk Franklin’s “Brighter Day” had me ready to do a praise break right up in Atomic by Jamo! I can’t say I cosign those pants with the reflective circles at the bottom. But she loved them – and that’s all that matters. The way she sings, she could hit the stage in a hazmat suit and I would be like, “She is killing it!” and her skills are so official, that I feel like her runs would even slap through a gas mask! Seeing her on stage for the first time in a while makes me

Fashionistas Asante, Swayze and RahJanae came through to support LAHA as they presented their 17th annual fashion experience entitled The Runway Edit. want her to have a Verzuz battle with Cherise Louis Mason. I feel like they are so good that we wouldn’t be able to pick a winner, but it would be an amazing show to watch!

An Afro Sexy Cool rewind. Y’all I was so busy serving up the rundown that I ran out of space for one of my favorite sets. So, I’m about to run it back and give y’all the 411 on AfroSexyCool’s 10th anniversary party that went down Memorial Day weekend at Sophie’s Artists Lounge. Saturday to be exact. My favorite people were up in there giving flowers to one of the freshest sets in the STL. I promise AfroSexyCool is a vibe, no matter what! I ran into Blvck Spade when I first walked in and watched the artist formerly known as Needles – now James Biko- slay the tables to smithereens! Then I popped on my faves Tracie and Sarita – who was celebrating her birthday. Girl, are you ever gonna let us have a chance? The top-to-bottom denim b-day look was absolutely everything.

I’m talking main character energy that was giving, gave and got! And since I’m on the subject of giving, Heather Beal was giving me Heather P. Newton with that hot red “tam” (aka beret) and the camo pants. I know I will be accused of playing favorites for name dropping her two weeks in a row. And am!

Artists Continued from A1 grateful to them for sharing their talents with the community in new ways tonight.”

Her remarks set the tone for an evening that blended artistry with remembrance.

Opera Theatre board trustee Crystal Allen Dallas expanded on that framing. “Tonight Black, Alicia and Tre have created a program that captures the depth and the breadth of what the St. Louis community has been through since the tornado struck last May,” she said. “They will take us through the chaos of the storm, the anguish we all felt, the gathering of people that came together to support each other. They invited artists from different genres to create something greater than the sum of its parts, reflecting the rich diversity, unity and power we have when we collaborate.”

The first movement, The Storm, opened with the Gentlemen of Vision awardwinning step team performing Organized Chaos. Their claps and stomps mimicked thunder and lightning, growing larger with each sequence as they clapped under their legs, leapt into the air and rolled across the floor. The physicality of the piece echoed the unpredictability of the tornado itself — sudden, overwhelming and impossible to ignore.

That energy shifted into a quieter reflection as Audrianna Hughes performed Langston Hughes’ The Negro Speaks of Rivers as a mezzosoprano, accompanied by Matthew Gemmill on piano. They were joined by Angel Love, Shyheim Selvan Hinnant and Chamber Project St. Louis for Enough Is Enough, a heavyhearted ballad com-

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

Angel Love performs during Our Songs — a free community concert presented by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. posed by Concert Black.

The transition from storm to stillness allowed the audience to sit with the emotional weight of what had been lost.

Curator Alicia Revé Like explained the intention behind the movement.

“The variations of speed and tempo mimic how quick a storm can show itself and also how in the very next breath a storm will simply disappear,” she said. She added that the next movement would “make room for our anger and sorrow… our truest and deepest feelings surrounding the loss of what we once knew.”

The Lament followed, featuring Legacy, another Concert Black composition performed by Hinnant, Chamber Project St. Louis and Gemmill. The section also included Eulogy of the Skyline, a poem by Leethal The Poet that reflected on how the tornado altered the city’s landscape — and how inequity shapes the pace of recovery. A year later, some neighborhoods remain living reminders

of those disparities, with empty lots and damaged homes standing as markers of uneven rebuilding.

The next section, The Gathering, shifted toward collective strength. “It is a reminder of how we have come together,” Like said.

“The gathering shows us the strength we hold in our togetherness.” Hinnant led with Make Them Hear You from Ragtime, followed

by Edmond Rodriguez performing Comfort Ye My People from Messiah. The section also featured Solar Eclipse, another cinematic piece by Concert Black that underscored the theme of finding light in community.

The final movement, The Rebuild, opened with Williams and Total Praise performing Christ Did It For Me, a joyful, faithdriven original. The world premiere of Joy — also composed by Concert Black — followed, offering a hopeful message about resilience with subtle pop undertones. The music carried a sense of forward motion, a reminder that rebuilding is both a physical and emotional process.

The concert closed with the full company and curator Tre’von Griffith on piano, leading the audience in the Assata Chant, built from the famous words of Assata Shakur: It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.

The refrain grew louder with each repetition — a final reminder of collective strength.

“The Rebuild is a collection of pieces to reset and reinvigorate our strength and that this city and its community belong to the people and is ours that we get to love,” Like said. “May you leave with a little more drive and a little more joy in your heart.”

“It’s been an honor to be part of this team, be a part of this organization that’s bringing the word ‘hope’ back to the city.”

— New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, ahead of the NBA Finals

Sports

B5

JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Inside Sports With Earl Austin Jr.

St. Louis athletes deliver standout performances at state meet team to a state championThe St. Louis area was ship. well represented at last All four of the Tigers’ weekend’s Missouri Class relay teams placed in the 4 and 5 State Track and top eight to earn points.

Field Championships at The 4x200 relay team Jefferson City High.

The two most dominant finished fourth, the 4x400 team was eighth and the individual performances 4x800 team finished third. in the girls Class 4 meet Jessica Hawkins finished came from juniors Bailey second in the 100-meter Hensgens of Incarnate hurdles and third in the Word Academy and 300-meter hurdles.

Jahmeishia Patterson of While Hensgens led Festus. Hensgens lived Incarnate Word to a secup to her status as an Allond-place finish, American in the the Red Knights jumping events also got a strong while Patterson led performance from Festus to its second Ava Tobias, who consecutive state won the 400-meter championship. dash in 56.34. She Hensgens won also finished third in three individual the 200. The two state championEarl athletes accounted ships: the high Austin Jr. for all of the Red jump, long jump Knights’ 54 points and triple jump. at the state meet.

She won the high jump with a clearance of 5 feet Ladue and Cardinal 11 inches, breaking the Ritter girls take home state record. Hensgens had team trophies in Class 5 cleared 6 feet during the season. She also won the Ladue and Cardinal long jump with a leap of Ritter are no strangers to 19 feet 6 inches and the team success at the state triple jump with an effort championships. Ladue finof 40 feet 3 1/4 inches. ished third in the Class 5 Hensgens may already meet while Cardinal Ritter be the best all-around finished fourth. girls’ jumper in Missouri Ladue was led by prep track and field hissprinter Laila Murray, who tory. She also finished placed second in the 100, second in the 200-meter 200 and 400. The Rams dash, earning a total of also finished fourth in 38 points, which powthe 4x100, second in the ered the Red Knights to 4x200 and 4x400. Ladue’s a second-place finish in one individual state chamthe team standings behind pion was Sabra Fink, who Festus. won the discus with a Patterson led the Tigers throw of 139 feet 1 inch. to their state title with her Cardinal Ritter’s lone work in the sprints and state champion was Nalia hurdles. She finished first Kerr, who won the 100in the 200 in 24.48 secmeter hurdles in a time onds and the 100-meter of 13.98 seconds. Sasha hurdles in 14.2 seconds.

She also finished second in Redding finished second in the shot put while the the 100 and anchored the Lions finished eighth in Tigers’ 4x100-meter relay

Junior Bailey Hensgens of Incarnate Word Academy won three individual events at the Missouri Class 4 state track and field championships in Jefferson City. Hensgens won the long jump, triple jump and high jump. She also finished second in the 200-meter dash in leading the Red Knights to a second place finish in the team standings.

Photo courtesy of Facebook /Kathryn Coleman

the 4x100, sixth in the 4x200 and third in the 4x400.

The top individual performers in the girls Class 5 meet from the St. Louis area were sprinter Justyce Sanders of MICDS and distance runner Brooke Samuelson of Eureka.

Sanders won the 200 in 23.94 seconds and the 400 in 54.55 seconds.

Samuelson won the 800-

meter run in 2:07.43 and the 1,600-meter run in 4:43.27.

Belleville West, Cahokia bring home team trophies at Illinois state meet The Belleville West Maroons finished second at the IHSA Class 3A state championships at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston last weekend.

The Maroons had a pair of individual state champions in Morquez Bulliner in the 400 and Jalyn Cole in the 110-meter hurdles.

Bulliner won the 400 in 47.2 seconds while Cole finished first in 13.53 seconds. West also won the 4x400-meter relay in 3:15.04. The 4x200 relay team also finished second.

Cahokia finished second in the Class 2A team stand-

ings. The Comanches’ top performer was Victreze Thomas, who won the triple jump with an effort of 46 feet.

Daylin Donaldson of Belleville East won the Class 3A state title in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles while East St. Louis won the Class 2A state title in the 4x100.

Sports Eye With Alvin A. Reid

Abdul Carter hits bullseye on Dart’s Trump intro If New York Giants the Giants locker room quarterback Jaxson Dart remains unified. He said didn’t realize introducing Dart has a right to do what President Donald Trump he wishes politically – but during a Republican canthat it is his right and didates’ political rally on responsibility to speak up May 22, 2026, would elicit too. a sour reaction from some His first response was teammates, he is truly on X: “Thought this s--naïve. was AI, what we doing After being immediman,” said Carter with a ately called out on social repost of Dart’s presidenmedia by Giants tial introduction. linebacker Abdul He followed Carter, Dart tried that up during an to distance himinterview last week, self from his own one that should controversy, saybe a must-read for ing, “Obviously, every Black athlete, this was a unique regardless of age or opportunity, being success level.

Alvin A. asked and given “Some things Reid the opportunity to are bigger than introduce the President of football, and this is one of the United States.” those things,” Carter said.

He said his action was “Jaxson is one of our apolitical and gave a wanleaders. He’s the face dering statement about of our franchise. He not past military and governonly represents himself mental service by family and what he does, but he members. represents all of us, and Nice try, Jaxson. Not that goes for anybody who enough. wears a Giants uniform.

Dart reportedly spoke in “But if he chooses to a team meeting following align himself with a man his Trump escapade, as did like President Trump, it’s Carter and other Giants. my responsibility based on Carter said there is what I believe and what I no “beef” between him stand on, to not only show and Dart, adding that my teammates that I’m

Photo courtesy of Julian Leshay Guadalupe / Imagn Images

New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter is correct in saying “some things are bigger than football” after he chastised Jaxson Dart for introducing President Donald Trump on May 22. against that but to show the world.”

Bravo, Mr. Carter.

Black America needs more sports figures like you.

The Reid Roundup IndyNXT driver Myles

Rowe was pushing for the lead late in the Detroit Grand Prix last Sunday, but the race ended under a caution flag, sending him to a second-place finish behind Enzo Fittipaldi. It was Rowe’s best finish of the 2026 season and sends

him to St. Louis for the June 7 race at World Wide Technology Raceway, one of his favorite tracks, on an upswing…

Congratulations to my Kansas Jayhawks for winning the NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional with a 13-10 win over Arkansas. Dariel Osoria had four hits and two outstanding defensive plays to help secure the victory… A pair of Black stars will be representing their respective teams in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals…

Right winger Keegan Kolesar of the Vegas Golden Knights is a physical player who searches for contact on the ice. He tallied six goals and 11 assists during the regular season and has one postseason goal… K’Andre Miller, Carolina defenseman, is a skilled offensive threat who scored eight goals and added an outstanding 29 assists for the Hurricanes… Hall of Fame retired pitcher CC Sabathia is Major League Baseball’s most current Black Ace” pitcher, an African American hurler who has recorded a 20-win season. Two young

Black pitchers could reach that elite status at some point in their respective careers… Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns, 23, is destined for his first All-Star Game appearance in 2026. His 7-1 record and 1.96 ERA are among MLB’s best. He has 72 strikeouts with a mere 20 walks, and his WHIP (Walks, Hits per Inning) is a minuscule 0.96… Taj Bradley, 25, of the Tampa Bay Rays, is 5-1 with a 3.21 ERA, 65 strikeouts and just 21 walks… If Hunter Greene of the Reds could stay healthy, he has the tools to win 20 games – but he will again miss a chunk of the season on the injured list… I realize it’s still early in the season, but how could anyone other than Will Venable of the Chicago White Sox be the leading candidate for American League Manager of the Year? After three consecutive 100-plus-loss seasons, Venable had the White Sox at 32-27 following a weekend sweep of Detroit and just one game out of first place behind Cleveland in the AL Central.

usiness Jobs, B Jobs, Jobs

JUNE 4 – 10, 2026 B6

AUG. 28 – SEPT. 3, 2025

% 7. 2

Unemployment rate remains high for Black workers St. Louis American staff

W

hen the economy begins to slow, Black workers often feel it first.

Recent employment data suggest that may be happening again, even as the overall job market in Missouri and the St. Louis region remains relatively stable.

Missouri’s unemployment rate stood at 3.8% in April, lower than the national rate of 4.3%. In the St. Louis metropolitan area, unemployment was 4.3% in April, according to federal labor data.

Yet a closer look at the numbers reveals a different reality for many Black workers.

Missouri’s Black unemployment rate reached 7.2% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 3.2% for white workers, according to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute. Nationally, Black unemployment also stood at 7.2%.

The disparity comes as employers across the country have become more cautious about hiring.

See Unemployment, B7

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Ellen DiGerolamo of Aerotek helps Raven Nash schedule an appointment during the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis job fair, part of the Weekend of Service connecting residents with employment opportunities and recovery resources.

Why are Black women locked out of the workforce?

DEI rollbacks are reshaping who is included and who is left out

By Nikki Porcher Word In Black If you want to understand what’s working and what’s broken in America’s workforce, look at Black women.

We are living through rising costs, unstable childcare, attacks on workplace protections, and shifting federal priorities that are pulling resources away from the very people who need

them most. And in the middle of all of that, more than 600,000 Black women are out of work in the United States.

At the same time, more Black women are earning college degrees, making them among the most educated groups in this country. Black women are also the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, with business ownership growing by more than 50% in recent years. And

More than 600,000 Black women are out of work in the United States.

Photo courtesy of Word In Black

despite economic and systemic barriers, homeownership rates among Black

women are rising.

So let’s be clear: the unemployment crisis among

Black women is not about a lack of effort. It’s not about a lack of skill. It’s

about a system that is not working for us.

In a functioning labor system that centered Black women, education would be connected to real jobs.

Entrepreneurs would be supported, enabling them to grow and hire. Unemployment systems would be fast, clear, and accessible. And childcare would be treated like the workforce infrastructure it is.

Right now, those systems are not aligned with the reality of Black women. Under the Trump administration, Black women are being pushed out of the workforce. Let’s not pretend otherwise.

We are watching investments shift away from proSee Women, B7

B7

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Job market described as ‘low hire, low fire’

Unemployment Continued from B6 In a speech this spring, St. Louis Federal Reserve President Alberto Musalem described the labor market as “low hire, low fire” — a period when employers are laying off relatively few workers but also adding fewer new ones.

For people looking for work, that can mean fewer openings, more competition and longer job searches, even when the broader economy appears healthy.

The gap is not new. A city of St. Louis equity analysis conducted before the pandemic found Black residents were far more likely than white residents to be unemployed, reflecting disparities that local leaders have grappled with for years.

Economists have long observed that Black workers often experience higher unemployment rates than white workers regardless of whether the economy is expanding or contracting. Those gaps can widen when hiring slows.

These employment disparities can become even more difficult to overcome when communities face unexpected setbacks.

The May 16, 2025 tornado that tore through North St. Louis added another challenge for many residents in some of the region’s hardest-hit neighborhoods. The storm damaged thousands of

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Landon Hicks speaks with Boeing representatives during the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis job fair, part of its Weekend of Service connecting residents with employment opportunities and recovery resources. homes, businesses and community institutions in areas that were already facing economic hurdles.

Some employment opportunities have emerged through the recovery effort.

This spring, the St. Louis Agency on Training

and Employment (SLATE) began administering a Disaster Recovery Jobs Program funded through a federal grant from the U.S. Labor Department.

The initiative connects residents to temporary jobs supporting cleanup, repairs and rebuilding efforts in

tornado-affected neighborhoods. Participants can earn up to $25 an hour while working on recovery projects across the city.

While temporary in nature, the program represents one example of how rebuilding efforts are creating employment

opportunities in communities still recovering from the storm.

Missouri’s overall unemployment rate remains relatively low, and employers continue to hire in many industries.

But the latest figures suggest the labor market

is not working equally for everyone.

For Black workers, finding a job — or finding a better one — may be becoming more difficult even in an economy that appears stable on the surface.

Attacks on DEI have left Black women jobless Women Continued from B6 grams that supported Black women entrepreneurs.

We are seeing continued attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that opened doors in hiring, contracting, and access to capital.

We are witnessing workforce priorities advance without accounting for the people most impacted by those decisions.

That is not a coincidence. That is a set of policy decisions playing out in real time. And it is exactly why leadership in labor matters.

When systems fail I know this because I have spent the last decade doing the work where these systems fall short.

Through my work with Buy From A Black Woman, I have helped

more than 700 entrepreneurs generate over $6.12 million in revenue. I have worked directly with women who are building businesses, creating jobs, and supporting families while navigating barriers that should not exist.

I have built partnerships with companies such as American Express, PayPal, and Goldman Sachs to put real resources in the hands of people doing the work.

I don’t just talk about the workforce. I have built within it.

And what I’ve seen is simple. When support shows up, Black women don’t just stabilize. We grow. We hire. We reinvest. We build ecosystems around us.

But when systems fail, the impact spreads just as fast.

Leadership and lived experiences So if we are serious about rebuilding the work-

barriers, it will continue to miss the people it is supposed to serve.

Small business support has to go beyond getting started. If we want job creation, we have to invest in growth, in hiring, and in sustainability for the businesses already rooted in our communities.

And labor leadership has to come from lived experience. We need leaders who understand what it means to navigate delayed payments, unstable systems, and the reality that childcare can determine whether someone keeps a job or loses it.

Because when you build a labor system that works for Black women, you build one that works for everyone.

‘We need action’ Envato photo

force, we need to be just as clear about what needs to change.

Workforce development

has to start with people, not just employers. If it doesn’t reflect real lives, real schedules, and real

Right now, we are at a moment where we can keep talking about the problem or we can start building solutions.

That is why the Word In Black virtual event on Black women workforce matters. Thousands of Black women are out of work. So what now?

This is not just another conversation. It is a working session. Entrepreneurs, organizers, and community members coming together to share resources, identify what is missing, and build something people can actually use.

Because awareness is not enough. We need action.

Black women have always been the blueprint for America’s workforce. The question now is whether we are finally going to build a labor system that reflects that.

Nikki Porcher is a Georgia-based workforce and small business advocate with experience in education and community development. She is a candidate for Georgia Labor Commissioner.

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JOBS, JOBS, JOBS • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

Free employment readiness programs Job seekers looking for training, career coaching and employment support can find free assistance through a variety of St. Louis-area organizations.

Services vary by program and may include resume preparation, interview coaching, transportation assistance, career training and job placement support.

Better Family Life Inc. Who it’s for: Recipients of SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

and other eligible assistance programs.

Programs: SkillUP and Missouri Work Assistance Services: • Workplace ethics training • Resume development • Transportation assistance Contact: Errol Bush, employment manager, (314) 376-3440 Fathers & Families Support Center Who it’s for: Parents

seeking employment and job-readiness support.

Program: Employment Development & Mentoring Program (EDMP) Services: • Resume development • Mock interviews • Career coaching • Job placement assistance Contact: (314) 3334322 Mission: St. Louis Who it’s for: Adults ages 18 and older.

Program: Beyond Jobs Services: • Skills training

• Professional attire assistance • Transportation assistance Contact: (314) 5341188 St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) Who it’s for: Individuals of all ages and abilities.

Programs: Various workforce training, youth employment and career development programs.

Services: • Career training

• Financial assistance for eligible participants • Job-search assistance • Professional workshops Contact: (314) 5898000 St. Louis Job Corps Center Who it’s for: Young adults ages 16-24.

Programs: Several Services: • Housing assistance • Child care assistance • Hands-on career training Contact: (314) 6796200

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Program: Save Our Sons, Save Our Sisters Who it’s for: Eligibility varies by program.

Services: • Transportation assistance • Professional attire assistance • Services available at multiple locations Contact: (314) 6153600

Blacks in tech field are underrepresented

By Aswad Walker Houston Defender The presence of Black people in tech jobs has increased between 2005 and 2025, but they remain substantially underrepresented in the industry.

This stagnation in increasing the number of Black professionals in tech is blamed on multiple factors, including a lack of access to computer science education and retention problems within companies.

And according to Black techies, the political policies and climate of 2025 have only made things worse.

Impact of 2025 politics Idaho Edokpayi, who works in Denver as a Solution Architect, showed a level of caution in his response that spoke volumes about the current political climate.

“I have to be careful what I say just because

of the climate, the environment, whatever,” said Edokpayi. “But it’s not been great. I mean, if I were speaking for myself, I might speak differently.”

Tim Hamner, a Los Angeles-based IT director for a marketing firm, says the current political climate makes it harder to find better talent, not because the talent is not available, but because of the sheer number of people looking for work.

“As we’re seeing with the jobs report, [tech] isn’t the only industry that this happens to. It’s just going on worldwide,” said Hamner. “Amazon just laid off 30,000 people. That’s 30,000 qualified people who are going to be out there, I don’t want to say mucking up a lot of the job searches, but competition is getting greater.”

Hamner says this new reality causes him to pay extra attention to who he’s trying to hire and bring on

Glennda Bivens owns Engagement Angel LLC, a firm that provides business strategies for creatives. So, she is looking for employment in the form of additional contracts for her business while simultaneously seeking to hire new talent.

to his team.

Similarly, Glennda Bivens owns Engagement Angel LLC, a firm that provides business strategies for creatives. So, she is looking for employment in the form of additional contracts for her business while simultaneously seeking to hire new talent.

“As someone who has actively been on the job market, it has been really hard finding opportunities that align with my skill

sets,” said Bivens. “A number of places have had to withdraw a number of positions due to funding constraints, particularly connected to policies, and just kind of the way things are right now, the lack of stability.”

Bivens spoke of the impact of 2025 political realities on friends of hers, some of whom are in tech, and some who are not.

“I also have really close friends who work within

the federal government who are currently not being paid,” shared Bivens.

“We are really leaning on one another to make sure that we have our basic needs met, whether it be paying our mortgages, our bills, making sure everyone is eating, but then also tapping into the emotional and spiritual welfare and wellness of one another.

“I think there is a more silent part of this experience politically that it can chip away at the soul and the uniqueness of individuals.”

Bivens asserts that right now, in particular, Black techies and others must hold fast to the aspects of “our heritage, our lineage, our community,” etc., that have historically kept us connected.

“Right now, it seems as though there’s a bigger divide and a fracture, not from us, but being imposed upon us,” added Bivens.

“So being really creative

and thinking about how we can continue to build one another up and stay connected is important, because we are not one another’s enemy.”

By the numbers Despite being 11.6% of the total U.S. workforce, Black workers were only 7.4% of the high-tech workforce in 2022, showing they are underrepresented. The number of Black people in high-tech roles increased between 2005 and 2022, but their share of the overall hightech workforce remained stagnant at around 7.4% according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Additionally, Black workers are significantly underrepresented in high-tech management positions, comprising only 5.7% of high-tech managers in 2022.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS • JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

B9

THE

Career Center

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ St. Louis american THE

B10

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION GENERALIST JOB SUMMARY At County Housing, your work directly contributes to strengthening communities and supporting affordable housing initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives.

We offer a collaborative environment, meaningful work, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of a mission-focused organization dedicated to service and community impact.

Apply today and become part of a team committed to excellence, accountability, and community development.

PRINCIPAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Support recruitment activities by coordinating job postings, screening applicants, scheduling interviews, and assisting with the onboarding process.

• Maintain employee records through accurate personnel file management, assist with digital record upkeep, and adhere to document retention requirements.

• Assist with benefits administration by helping employees with enrollment, processing changes, and responding to general benefits inquiries.

• Coordinate training programs by scheduling sessions, tracking attendance, issuing training certifications, and maintaining complete training records.

• Assist with HR policy support, including updates, distribution, and employee communication.

• Manage documents and workflows by creating forms, tracking approvals, and streamlining processes.

• Handle employee relations and inquiries through frontline support, participation in investigations, and proactive communication with staff and supervisors.

• Assist the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Human Resources with leading initiatives, process improvements, and special projects.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE • Associate’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field required.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• A minimum of two years of experience in human resources, administrative support, or office operations.

To apply, go to Countyhousing.org County Housing is an equal employment opportunity employer.

•

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Apply today and become part of a team committed to excellence, accountability, and community development.

PRINCIPAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Support recruitment activities by coordinating job postings, screening applicants, scheduling interviews, and assisting with the onboarding process.

• Evaluate monthly financial statements for Public Housing Authority and Affordable Housing entities.

• Complete monthly budget-to-actual variance analyses and collaborate with departmental leaders on root causes and corrective action plans.

• Perform financial forecasting to ensure expenditures remain aligned with approved budgets.

• Review and vet monthly financial packages, including comparative balance sheets and income statements.

• Evaluate, document, and update cost allocation methodologies.

• Ensure efficient Accounts Payable operations and accurate processing of vendor invoices and approvals.

• Utilize Yardi or RealPage to process and review invoices for proper cost allocations.

• Review and monitor LIHTC, HOME, HUD, City, County, Investor, Grant, and Loan financial agreements.

• Prepare financial reports for Finance and Housing Administration leadership.

• Prepare journal entries and perform month-end closing activities.

• Maintain compliance with government grants and federal regulations.

• Prepare bank reconciliations, general ledger reconciliations, and financial analyses.

• Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and desktop procedures.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE • Bachelor of Science in Accounting or equivalent from an accredited university.

• Five to seven years of experience in a position with similar duties preferred.

• Knowledge of tax credit reporting requirements is a plus.

• Experience with property management software desired (Yardi, RealPage, AppFolio).

• Knowledge of HUD Procurement and Contracting policies and procedures.

To apply, go to Countyhousing.org County Housing is an equal employment opportunity employer.

www.stlamerican.com

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 technolo gies, incl. Azure Functions, Data Lake, & APIs. 1 yr’ exp w/: Senior Data Solution Architect/Engineer, 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-39085. No agencies or phone calls.

St. Louis american THE

JUNE 4 - 10, 2026

JOB SUMMARY At County Housing, your work directly contributes to strengthening communities and supporting affordable housing initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives. We offer a collaborative environment, meaningful work, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of a mission-focused organization dedicated to service and community impact.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR JOBS AND PUBLIC NOTICES

THE

ASST. PROF. FINANCE. 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 SOLICITING BID Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/DBE/ Veteran/SDVE for the following: O2544-01 Remodel Space for Print Shop Utilization Scruggs Station Warehouse Contact: Estimating Department ; estimating@ reinhardtconstructionllc. com Phone: 573-682-5505

REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR DEMOLITION CONTRACTING SERVICES AT 207 N 6TH ST. & CITY BLOCK 129 ST. LOUIS, MO 63101 ISSUED: MAY 29, 2026 RESPONSES DUE: JUNE 19, 2026 The Land Clearance of Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) is seeking sealed proposals from licensed Demolition Contractors for demolition work at 207 N. 6th Street and a skybridge that crosses Pine St. between 6th and 7th Streets, St. Louis, Missouri 63101. Work includes environmental remediation, demolition, and site restoration of a two-story building and the removal of a skybridge.

Responses will be received at 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention: LCRA) 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.

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Exterior Windows & Doors, Core Building, Project No. H250201 will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 2, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

Bids for Parking Lot Repairs, Project No. H250101 will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 25, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

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

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.

We Publish every Thursday Newspaper and Online

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ St. Louis american THE

Bids & Public Notices ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

•

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

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is again requesting bids for Shingle Roof Replacement and installation of a roof hatch on the roof at Gillespie Residence hall which is located at 3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103.

ISSUED: MAY 29, 2026 RESPONSES DUE: JUNE 19, 2026

A pre-bid conference and walk-through will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interested parties are to meet in the Gillespie Residence Hall lobby. The Pre-Bid meeting is not mandatory but highly encouraged. Bidders are at a minimum required to visit the site on their own prior to the bid date.

A copy of the Invitation to Bid and Bidding Documents can be obtained by contacting Barbara Morrow at: morrowb@hssu.edu and Erika Cotton at cottone@hssu.edu.

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

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.

THE

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JUNE 4 - 10, 2026

INVITATION TO BID #: 57826154 - REBID GILLESPIE RESIDENCE HALL (GRH) SHINGLE ROOF REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF A ROOF HATCH ON THE GRH ROOF

Bids must be emailed no later than 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 to Barbara Morrow at email address: morrowb@hssu.edu and Erika Cotton at cottone@hssu.edu. Responses to the ITB will be opened and read at a virtual bid opening on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. The link to the virtual bid opening will be sent at the time of bid submission.

St. Louis american

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.

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.

We Publish every Thursday Newspaper and Online

ELECTRICAL SERVICES II 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.

REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR DEMOLITIONCONTRACTING SERVICES AT 4322 ALDINE AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO 63113 ISSUED: MAY 14, 2026 RESPONSES DUE: JUNE 4, 2026 The Land Clearance of Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) is seeking sealed proposals from licensed Demolition Contractors for demolition work at 4322 Aldine Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63113. Work includes environmental remediation, demolition, and site restoration of a one-story ancillary building.

Responses will be received at 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention: LCRA) and STL City Permits until 1:00 p.m. on June 4, 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.

To Advertise Real Estate, Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com 314-289-5430

WINTER GARDEN APTS. HUD Low Income Sr. Housing Community Now accepting applications for 1 and 2 bedroom waitlists; Age 62+ and/or disabled Recently renovated apartments with new interiors, cabinetry, HVAC & vinyl plank flooring Income restrictions apply. ADA. Pet friendly, gated, near Metro Link 5708 Kingsbury Place, St. Louis, MO 63112

314-361-7225 TTY 800-735-2966

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ROOMS FOR RENT

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ROOM FOR RENT Single Occupancy, $200/wk + Dep, All Util., Wi-Fi, W&D, Bus line call

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Religion

B12

JUNE 4 – 10, 2026

I still have joy A word of endurance and assurance from Philippians 1:12-26

By Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Riley

Black dignity. And yet, somehow, we still have joy.

Joy when our history is Joy is deeper than hapdebated but never erased. piness. Not a smile for the Joy when contributions are camera. Not a moment of used but credit is withheld. comfort. Joy is an inner Joy when labor builds citwell-being. A settled ies but equity moves at a assurance. Contentment crawl. Joy does not deny in the middle of circumstances that say you should the struggle. Joy survives it. have collapsed Paul makes by now. How an unusumany of you al claim in That word still have joy?

Philippians. His Based on reaches what our comacross centu- imprisonment is not embarmunity has been ries and lands rassment. It is through, going opportunity. right here through, and “What has hapwhat we can see in St. Louis. pened to me coming around In neighborhas actually the corner, you hoods where advanced the should not have schools gospel.” Chains joy. Too much became a pulpit. pressure. Too struggle but Prison became much grief. Too brilliance still a platform. much history. rises.

The imperial The Apostle guard heard the Paul knew name of Christ. something about Sometimes pressure. Five what looks like restriction times beaten. Three times becomes redirection. with rods. Shipwrecked.

Our community knows Betrayed. Hungry. Cold. something about that.

Exhausted. Surrounded by Cracked systems. Broken danger. Yet Paul writes pathways. Closed doors. from prison and declares But God keeps planting something strange: “I still flowers along the road. have joy.”

Like the old story of That word reaches the cracked clay pot. One across centuries and lands perfect. One flawed. The right here in St. Louis. cracked pot leaked water In neighborhoods where every day. Felt ashamed. schools struggle but brilliance still rises. On streets Thought it was useless.

Until the woman carrywhere development skips ing it showed the flowers blocks but hope refuses blooming along the path, eviction. In families navwatered by the crack. The igating debt, health disflaw became the channel parities, gun violence, and systems that often discount for beauty.

Photo courtesy of Central Baptist Church

The Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Riley serves as the 14th pastor of the historic Central Baptist Church of St. Louis.

The same is true for a people who turned sorrow into song. Pain into preaching. Survival into spiritual power. Paul says his suffering also produced boldness. Others saw him endure and began speaking the Word with greater courage. Pressure does that. It hardens some.

Strengthens others. The question is not whether we face trials. The question is what we become inside them. Are we carrots that soften? Eggs that hard-

en? Or coffee beans that transform the water around them?

The Black church has long chosen transformation. We gather with candles in the blackout. We sing while the storm rages.

We organize while the odds resist us. Because joy is not the absence of darkness. Joy is the light in the middle of it.

Paul closes with perspective. Through prayer and the Spirit of Jesus Christ, he believes every-

thing will turn toward deliverance. Whether by life or death, Christ will be exalted. That testimony still stands.

The charges against God — neglect, abandonment, cruelty — do not hold. Too many witnesses.

Too much evidence of mercy. Based on what we have seen. Based on what we have survived. God is not guilty.

So excuse us if we clap our hands. Excuse us if we lift our voices. Excuse us

if we testify in the middle of unfinished struggle.

Trouble in the land.

Trouble in the family.

Trouble in the body.

Trouble in the mind. But this joy we have, the world did not give it. And the world cannot take it away.

The Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Riley serves as the 14th pastor of the historic Central Baptist Church of St. Louis, the second-oldest Black church in St. Louis.