March 23rd, 2017 Edition

Hail! Hail! Chuck Berry

Rock and roll architect passes at 90

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

n

Suggs Scholar dances down her career path

By Pat Matreci For The St. Louis American

Olivia Perez was first to receive Suggs Scholarship at Webster University Olivia

“My true passion throughout my life has been dance,” said Olivia Perez, who recently graduated from Webster University with a degree in media communications. “I am blessed to already work in multiple avenues in the dance world right out of college.” Perez currently works at a contemporary-modern company called Consuming Kinetics Dance Company (CKDC), where she is a resident choreographer, educator and administrator. She also teaches

dance at MJ Performing Arts Academy LLC and St. Louis Academy of Dance, and at Variety the Children’s Charity.

n “The Suggs Scholarship allowed me to finish school when it would not have been possible otherwise.”

– Olivia Perez

“One of my newest administrative roles is to edit the videos that go on CKDC’s YouTube page, so I am very excited to use some of the skills that I learned in school within the dance world,” Perez said. “I plan to continue pursuing my dance career for the time being, and in the further future I hope to incorporate film and video into my choreographic endeavors.”

White receives award for work in mental health

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Saint Louis University professor Norman White identifies himself as a “developmental criminologist.”

“I’m interested in how kids get to the point of being involved in the justice system and the factors related to that,” said White, associate dean for community engagement and partnership at SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice. For the past few years, White’s work has focused on the impact of school suspensions.

“Kids are being suspended at a very early age in life and that puts them on the trajectory to later being involved in the justice system,” he said. In the fall of 2014, White received a grant to help train the teachers and principals at

White See WHITE, A6

Chuck Berry, the father of rock and roll, died at his home in St. Charles County, Missouri on March 18, 2017 at the age of 90.

Perez

works

Kinetics Dance Company,

Photo by Kat Reynolds

J. Anthony Brown confirms Steve Harvey Morning Show gig

Last month, there were rumors that comedian J. Anthony Brown Joyner’s longtime sidekick on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, was leaving TJMS for rival Steve Harvey Radio Facts caught Brown on video confirming the rumors.

“Sometimes when you leave something, you don’t know what you’re gonna do – you just know what you ain’t gonna do,” Brown said. “With that being said, starting April 17, J. Anthony Brown will officially be on The Steve Harvey Morning Show every day. Then on April 28, the J. Anthony Brown weekend

show will be on. I’m taking over the slots that Steve has for the weekend shows. “ Brown was nearly overcome with emotion as he made the announcement.

“Wow,” Brown said. “It feels good to be 55.”

Mechelle Epps seeking six-figure monthly divorce settlement

Last year, comedian Mike Epps filed for divorce after two children and ten years of marriage. According to reports, Mike Epps Mechelle is seeking $109k a month to “maintain the style of living she and their two daughters have become accustomed to…”

Mechelle claims Mike never allowed her to work during their marriage and now she’s too old to find a job at age

still ongoing.

Employees accuse Diddy’s Revolt TV of reverse racism

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ REVOLT TV network is being sued by white employees over racial and age discrimination.

According to reports, a former production team with REVOLT TV claims they were fired for being “old white guys who don’t understand the culture” after they complained about guests showing up late for interviews.

According to the filing, Mike Epps earns $3.5 million a year. The case is reportedly

previously been dismissed by the (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). Revolt Media and TV, LLC has always been committed to diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.”

Laura Govan

The team of five also accuses supervisors of being friendlier to black employees who were never disciplined for coming in to work late, intoxicated or hung over.

The production team claims REVOLT ultimately replaced them with unqualified younger Black producers.

They are seeking unspecified damages.

Revolt issued a statement refuting the accusations.

“These claims are without merit and have

Laura Govan is a wanted woman

Two years ago, retired NBA player Gilbert Arenas successfully sued his children’s mother, Laura Govan, for defamation of character after she spread false rumors that he gave her multiple STDs.

Govan reportedly missed a court date and is now wanted by the judge.

According to entertainment and celebrity gossip blog “The Dirty,” a bench warrant was issued for Govan earlier this month after she failed to show up for a hearing to allow Arenas to examine her financial records.

Govan owes Arenas $3 million plus legal fees. The former couple have four children together.

Sources: YouTube.com, Naughty Gossip, Radio Facts, The Dirty, The Daily Star

Mechelle Epps

J. Anthony Brown

Veto Reid honored with ‘Hidden Figures’ award

Pioneering postmaster had Normandy Branch Post Office named after him

By Tashan Reed For

The St. Louis American

Vitilas “Veto” Reid was honored by state Rep. Chrissy Sommer (R-St. Charles) and the Missouri House of Representatives last month with the “Hidden Figures” award. The award alludes to the 2017 Academy Awards Best Picture nominee, “Hidden Figures,” in that it acknowledges Missouri’s unnoticed AfricanAmerican community leaders.

“It was the story of my life,” Reid said. “I was so happy when I received the award. It was the most outstanding award I’ve ever received.”

The timing of the award was fitting given that February is nationally recognized as Black History Month. The month is about celebrating not just the achievements of past African Americans, but ones who are still

living and actively working in their communities.

Reid worked for the U.S. Postal Service at various locations for over 50 years before he retired in September 2001. He had already received a slew of awards and achievements, including having the

August 26, 1890 – November 1, 1981

Remembering Gertrude “Ninnie” Cooney Adams

Community activist, Block Unit founder of 5300-5400 Cabanne Ave.

In 1959 Johnny Brandon bought a home the historic West End neighborhood at 5415 Cabanne Ave.

Gertrude Adams and her son Johnny moved in and were amongst the original black families to descend upon the white upper-class community occupied with spacious homes and immaculate lawns aligned with beautiful flowers.

Mrs. Adams always held a fondness for the betterment of her people. She formed the 5300-5400 Cabanne Block Unit in 1962 and was president for many years and served along with fellow neighbor Mr. Kelly until the mid-1970s when illness impelled her to step down. By 1964, white flight had begun to take place and the once white upper-class neighborhood with a few black middle-class homeowners had become more black and less middle-class with apartment dwellers. She assisted those families that were

Normandy Branch Post Office named after him in 2004. Despite all of his accolades, Reid considers his greatest achievement to be marrying his wife Bessie Luster on February 17, 1968. Reid is the father of two daughters, and has grandchildren, great-grandchildren and

in need and less financially stable by providing assistance campaigning for them to receive support, food, furniture, appliances and some received more affordable housing with improved conditions. Mrs. Adams would provide her home on many occasions for church functions when her neighborhood worship place, Northern Baptist Church, burned down where she was a member. She would not hesitate to address a fellow neighbor if she noticed something that was not for “the good of the community.”

Retired Postmaster Vitilas “Veto” Reid, holding plaque, with members of the Missouri State of Representatives who recognized him with a “Hidden Figures” award.

great-great-grandchildren.

“My wife is the key to my whole life,” Reid said. “She’s always been here for me. We celebrated our 50th anniversary just last week.”

Reid has been a groundbreaker, being the first African American to hold several positions, such as postmaster in both Godfrey, Illinois, and St. Charles, Missouri; president of the St. Joseph Hospital Advisory Board; and a member of the St. Charles Rotary Club.

Reid graduated with honors in 1947 from Vashon High School in St. Louis. He was the vice president of his class and ran for the 1947 Championship Track Team. He was inducted into the Vashon High School Hall of Fame in 1991 and was honored in its 2015 Hall of Fame ceremony.

Reid went on to attend Stowe Teachers College and the University

Amongst her many tributes to her community she organized a meal for seniors’ program at West Presbyterian Church at 5872 Maple Ave. in the early 1970s. The program provided hearty meals and entertaining activities to enrich and stimulate the well-being for seniors. Mrs. Adams fought to

of Missouri at St. Louis before starting his U.S. Postal Service career in August 1951. “The post office was one of the prime jobs at the time,” Reid said. “It was and still is very good to me.”

Although he currently resides in St. Charles, Reid still feels for the St. Louis community. “St. Louis needs help,” Reid said. “It needs serious help.”

Reid isn’t letting the fact that he’s now 88 years old keep him out of that fight. He is still a board member for several organizations and said that his goal is to remain active in the community.

His liveliness is not limited to just legislation and paperwork. He still goes to the gym three days per week. That’s to be expected from the nephew of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club co-founder Hubert “Dickey” Ballentine.

“I have no regrets,” Reid said as he reflected on his life. “My life has been beautiful, and it remains beautiful for me and my family.”

Tashan Reed is a St. Louis American editorial intern from the University of Missouri Columbia.

obtain new sidewalks and street pavement in which her Cabanne street consisted of the original red brick. Very vocal and against the local buses being moved from the Hodiamont Tracks onto the street of Cabanne Avenue due to the extreme vibrations, shaking of the old neighborhood structures, the buses where eventually moved back to Tracks.

She was very adamant about urban renewal in her aging 1890s community. Mrs. Adams tried to make sure her neighborhood would not be suppressed and neglected. She dabbled in the political scene and fought hard in the 26th Ward and was proud to work in the William “Bill” Clay Sr. campaign in the 1960s. Mrs. Adams was outspoken, very classy, fashionable lady, conveyed a pleasant, warm friendly demeanor

was highly regarded and respected by neighbors. She was affectionately called “Ninnie” by family and close friends, never called “grandmother.” Her sons referred to her as “Lady.” Gertrude’s sentiment was “Always treat people like you want to be treated” and “No matter how much money you make, always live well”. Gertrude was born to parents Clem and Isabelle “Belle” Cooney in Okolona, Mississippi, the youngest of 13 children. She married James C. Brandon in 1907 in Okolona; their children were Annie Mae (died 1979), James W., Jr. (died 1986), Hildred (2000), Johnny (died 1981) and another daughter who died at age 4. She moved to St. Louis in 1921. By 1932, she married second husband Stephen Adams, they had 2 sons Frank (died 2006) and Carl (died 1934). She was the devoted family matriarch, the nucleus and backbone of the family, the one that held them all together.

Gertrude Cooney Adams

The St. Louis American says ‘No’ to Props A and B; ‘Yes’ to Prop C

St. Louis city has a dizzying six propositions on the April 4 ballot – Prop 1, Prop 2, Prop A, Prop B, Prop C and Prop NS.

At least three of them – Prop A, B and C –have no websites or additional information available to the public other than the ballot language and petitions or ordinances themselves. With two of them, they are there by design of a retired conservative billionaire investor. As for the third, it’s just a small change to city hiring policy led by a North city alderman.

Prop A

Both Propositions A and B have strong financial backing from conservative activist Rex Sinquefield, who has a consistent central agenda: consolidate and merge city and county governments. Prop A proposes to eliminate the Office Recorder of Deeds, give those functions to the Assessor’s office and then place the savings from consolidating the offices in a special fund for police bodyworn cameras. Prop A started from a conversation between State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed and Sinquefield. Nasheed told the St. Louis American that she couldn’t get state legislators to fund body cameras for police, so she approached Sinquefield who felt they could kill two birds with one stone. Note that the Recorder of Deeds is an elected position and the assessor is an appointed one.

also save taxpayers money.” While that may be, we believe it could also do harm by creating unnecessary confusion. And more to the point, we don’t trust Sinquefield’s intentions. We urge you to VOTE NO on Prop B

Prop C

Proposition C, led by Alderman Frank Williamson of the 26th Ward, proposes to add a paragraph to the city charter that would give St. Louis city residents applying for entry-level city jobs an advantage over someone who doesn’t live in the city. (Currently, city employees must live in the city, and outsiders have certain amount of time to move after they land the job.)

But, it’s unclear how much consolidating the two offices would save the city, as the petition presented to city residents last year doesn’t state this number. According to the city’s budget division, expenditures for the recorder’s office last year were about $2.7 million, and cost estimates for body cameras have ranged from $2 to $5 million. St. Louis will still need employees to handle the land deeds, marriage licenses, birth certificates and all the other recorder’s functions that aren’t going away. With all the costs inherent in the recorder’s office, there’s no way the savings could make even a dent in the total cost for body cameras. We believe that if you want to reform governance, you don’t do it with a contrivance. And that’s what this proposition is. We urge you to VOTE NO on Prop A.

Prop B Proposition B proposes to move the primary municipal election date from March to August and the general municipal election date from April to November. The municipal elections would also be moved from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years.

Martin Casas, who is on Sinquefield’s payroll, told the American that aligning with the federal elections will “increase voter participation and

When city residents take the civil-service examination for an entry-level city job, Williamson proposes they automatically receive five points added to their score. That way if their scores are close to outside residents’ scores, it will give them a slight advantage. It doesn’t apply to promotions or high-level positions.

“What we are trying to do is make sure that people feel that it’s worth it to live in the city,” Williamson said.

We support Williamson’s efforts and urge you to VOTE YES on Prop C

Hazelwood School Board

Brenda C. Youngblood has served on Hazelwood School District’s school board for six years, and during that time, she has championed goals for greater board effectiveness and earned advanced and master certifications from the Missouri School Board Association.

“My focus on the board has been to push for accountability and data, specifically as it addresses needs of African-American students and students with special needs,” she said.

Youngblood’s career in education spanned 40 years, serving as a teacher, counselor, HSD principal, university adjunct professor and a principal coach for low-performing schools in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.

Youngblood has a global perspective about education. Having traveled to 38 countries on seven continents for mostly educational trips, Youngblood aims to broaden Hazelwood students’ horizons and provide them with the tools and cognitive skills needed to compete globally in the 21st century.

Youngblood believes a “growth-mindset instead of a fixed-mindset” is necessary for any position at the school district. We endorse Brenda C. Youngblood for re-election to the Hazelwood School District Board of Education.

Commentary

A bellicose budget in Trump’s own image

President Trump’s first budget is an attempt to reshape the federal government in his own image – crass, bellicose, short-sighted, unserious and ultimately hollow.

Unsurprisingly, Trump titled it “America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.” The reality is that if Congress were to accept these numbers – which it can’t possibly do – America would be made dumber, dirtier, hungrier and sicker.

Trump wants to boost defense spending by $54 billion, or about 9 percent. But at the same time, he proposes cutting funding for the State Department by an incredible 29 percent, slashing the relatively modest hands-across-the-sea assistance and advice the United States gives to other nations. Most of the generals and admirals I know believe in projecting U.S. strength through soft power as well as hard power. Trump apparently disagrees. As is becoming customary with this administration, the document billed as a budget is really more of a preliminary sketch. Many of the cuts it proposes are transparently designed to play to Trump’s populist constituency rather than save any meaningful amount of money.

Mick Mulvaney, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, confessed as much. “When you start looking at places that we reduce spending, one of the questions we asked was, can we really continue to ask

a coal miner in West Virginia or a single mom in Detroit to pay for these programs?” he said Thursday on MSNBC. “The answer was no. We can ask them to pay for defense, and we will, but we can’t ask them to continue to pay for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.”

Thus the Trump budget would eliminate $445 million that goes to support public broadcasting. Never mind that the millions who listen to “All Things Considered” while driving home from work include single moms, or that the millions who loved “Downton Abbey” include coal miners. The budget also ends all funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

All told, ending governmental support for these cultural institutions saves a bit less than a billion dollars – not even a pittance in the context of nearly $4 trillion in government spending. But the point isn’t to save money, it’s to punish the “elites” who define and consume high culture.

I’ve worked in Washington far too long to believe the federal bureaucracy is fatfree. But the proposal to cut the Environmental Protection

MLS is an opportunity for St. Louis

Soccer is known as The Beautiful Game. Now this means different things to different people, but to me, it means opportunity, inclusion and the manifestation of dreams. I became a soccer fan during the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup played in South Africa. Players from Germany, Brazil, England, Africa, the United States and dozens of other countries found common ground. They found opportunity. It wasn’t in the trophy they were trying to win. It was in the soccer ball that bound them together.

No laws had to be passed. There were no policies to be enacted. There was just the ball. The athletes spoke different languages, were raised in different cultures, and ate different food, but the ball, and by extension the game, made them all brothers.

Some probably grew up in affluent communities. Others likely grew up poor. Many more grew up with lives that were in-between. The World Cup athlete’s struggle is not much different than the one we have in St. Louis.

World Cup athletes are divided by vast oceans, deserts and forests. In St. Louis, we are often divided by Northside

and Southside. We are divided by City and County, Missouri and Illinois, and a street called Delmar. I think the game can bring us together as well. No one initiative can solve every social ill, but if you’ve ever had the occasion to open the storeroom at a gym, watch what happens as the coach throws the collection of basketballs, soccer balls and playground balls onto the floor or outside onto the grass.

n I think the game can bring us together as well.

Without coercion or direction, kids pick teams. Captains are selected and games begin. Kids don’t waste time bickering over policy language or who appears to be supporting what. They know time is of the essence and they do not want to waste any of it.

Major League Soccer and the opportunity presented by the MLS2STL group means opportunity in terms of increased tax revenue for St. Louis City, job development programs and giving young people the chance to realize new dreams.

I wasn’t born a baseball fan. I became one by watching our beloved St. Louis Cardinals as a child in 1985. I saw myself in Vince Coleman, Willie McGee, Ozzie Smith,

Letters to the editor

Correction

Photo credits for images in the January 12-18, 2017 article “Power of mentors,” should read, “Photos by Philip Deitch.”

Dangerous and damaging budget

Agency’s budget by 31 percent can only be seen as a first step toward dismemberment.

Trump wants to eliminate more than 3,200 EPA jobs, representing more than 20 percent of the workforce.

It is perhaps no surprise that Trump wants to end EPA programs and regulations aimed at halting global warming, since he has ventured the opinion that climate change is a Chinese hoax; NASA programs to study warming would be cut as well. But the budget also eliminates federal funding for efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes. Make America’s Water Dirty Again!

The Energy Department’s Office of Science would see its $5 billion budget cut by nearly 20 percent, while the Advanced Research Projects AgencyEnergy would see its $300 million budget zeroed out. The National Institutes of Health would suffer a 19 percent cut, sharply reducing the amount of federal money available for research grants to universities.

There’s barely a peep in Trump’s budget about Medicare or Medicaid. Given the angry reaction to the Republican health care plan, Trump must have decided – for once – that silence was the best choice. Many of the programs Trump wants to slash or eliminate have support in Congress. The budget could never pass the Senate in this form, and probably not the House. But Trump will get some of what he wants, and consequently the nation will suffer.

A budget is a reflection of our values and our priorities. The president is picking winners and losers, and it’s painfully clear that seniors, women, young people, minorities and the rural poor would lose a great deal. That includes millions of voters who supported him. Mr. Trump’s dangerous and damaging budget plan would also starve life-saving research efforts to find cures that could save millions of lives, while he provides tax breaks for billionaires. The Trump budget will also endanger federal efforts to clean up nuclear waste and to safeguard pure water and clean air. Just like his healthcare bill, the Trump budget is a toxic prescription that would make America weaker, not stronger.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay St. Louis

Saddened by proposal for elimination

The Trump administration’s budget requests no funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for fiscal year 2018, which begins on October 1. We are greatly saddened to learn of this proposal for elimination, as NEH has made significant contributions to the public good over its 50-year history. But as an agency of the executive branch, we answer to the president and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Therefore, we must abide by this budget request as this initial stage of the federal budget process gets

and Tito Landrum. I dreamed of playing in Busch Stadium one day because I saw people who looked like me doing great things and my city adored them for it.

Dreaming of playing Major League Baseball made me think beyond my neighborhood, beyond what I could see in front of me, and beyond the pitfalls that had taken so many of my friends to jail or worse. I didn’t make it to The Show, but I did make it out of the Cabanne Courts, Juniata and Arsenal, and the dozen other addresses my family had throughout my school years. I am a sharecropper’s grandson and I am Ms. Ruth’s baby boy. Every time someone speaks to me, they are speaking to my mom. The opportunities afforded me through sports and through academics have helped me push other young people to achieve their dreams.

Organization such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls, Clubs, the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation, the St. Louis Sports Commission and others have come together in support of Propositions 1 and 2 to give the next generation its opportunity. You don’t have to be a soccer fan to vote Yes on Propositions 1 and 2. All you have to be is a fan of young people and the dreams they will realize.

under way. It will be up to Congress over the next several months to determine funding levels for fiscal year 2018. We will work closely with OMB in the coming months as the budget process continues. The agency is continuing its normal operations at this time.

Since its creation in 1965, NEH has established a significant record of achievement through its grantmaking programs. Over these five decades, NEH has awarded more than $5.3 billion for humanities projects through more than 63,000 grants. That public investment has led to the creation of books, films, museum exhibits, and exciting discoveries.

These grants have reached into every part of the country and provided humanities programs and experiences that benefit all of our citizens.

Residents in Whitesburg, Kentucky are preserving the photographs and films of their local Appalachian region through Appalshop cultural center. Veterans returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan are using their experiences to perform in the Aquila Theatre’s Warrior Chorus. Students, teachers and historians have access to the papers of Founding Father George Washington, which have been carefully preserved and catalogued. Through these projects and thousands of others, the National Endowment for the Humanities has inspired and supported what is best in America.

William D. Adams, chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities Washington, D.C.

Guest Columnist Solomon Alexander

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Annie Malone May Day Parade registration is open

Annie Malone Children & Family Services has opened registration for its 2017 May Day Parade & Festival, which will be held Sunday, May 21, and is recruiting volunteers to help with the event, the largest fundraiser for the agency.

The proceeds from this event support the four core programs and services that operate 24 hours, seven days a week. Funds will go directly to improve the life of a child affected by abuse, neglect, or homelessness. Some of the services include life skills, counseling, medical aide, personal development and workforce training. For online parade registration, visit www. anniemalone.com. To get involved with Annie Malone Children & Family Services, contact Teretha Shields 314-531-0120 X 2102 or tshields@ anniemalone.com.

Arts and Education Council accepting grant applications

The Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis is accepting applications for 2017 PNC Project Grants, which are focused on funding specific projects in local classrooms, community centers and neighborhoods, as well as outreach programs for at-risk youth and populations with limited to no access to arts programs.

PNC Project Grant applications are now open and will close on Friday, April 21. To be eligible, organizations must meet specific criteria and have annual budgets under $500,000. A volunteer grant panel convened by A&E determines grant awards. Applications can be submitted online at keeparthappening.org/apply. For more information on Arts and Education Council grant programs, contact Susan Rowe Jennings at 314-289-4004 or Susan-R@KeepArtHappening.org.

Coming home to help build KIPP St. Louis High

By Tanesia Simmons Guest columnist

Growing up, the goal for me was to get out of St. Louis. That seemed to be the key to success, since that was all everyone around me ever talked about. I finally got my chance in 2009, when I was hired to be the founding dean of operations at a charter school network of high schools in Chicago. I was no stranger to operations roles, but this was my first job in the field of education. In the midst of making sure the students and teachers had everything they need to be successful, I began to compare my own educational experience to the experience of the students that I was serving in Chicago.

Though 11 years had passed since I graduated from Soldan High School, my younger siblings still attended there. I loved my high school experience, but the disparity between the level of support that we received and what I was helping to provide for the students in my school in Chicago was glaring. Looking back, I now realized that I would not have even started the college admissions process had I not overheard some of my friends talking about going to take the ACT. My new job had given me insight into the type of support students from educationally underserved communities really need and deserve. I proceeded to take it upon myself to offer additional support to my younger siblings so that they could realize their dreams of going to college.

A little over a year ago I started looking for a new job. After seven years working in Chicago, I decided that it was time to move on. I received another job offer, with higher pay, in another major city, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to make a difference at home by accepting the position as one of the co-founders of the KIPP St. Louis High School, opening in July 2017. I believe that all children, especially the children of St. Louis, deserve a tuition-free, high quality, college-prep high school option. Our children need to be given the same chance at success as children growing up in more affluent areas of the state and country. Schools like KIPP provide this for our children.

Most of my college-educated friends questioned my decision to move back home. The goal for us was always to get out of St. Louis. While I understand their apprehension, my time in Chicago, and in education, has changed me. Charter school opponents commonly complain about outsiders coming into our communities and trying to be saviors for our kids. This could not be less true at KIPP and in other charters where I have worked. I was born and raised in St. Louis and am proud to be working at and building schools in my home town. I am currently hiring for 9th grade teachers, and our priority is to find teachers in St. Louis who are a reflection of our student body.

The only way to truly transform our city is for those of us who have “made it out” to decide to invest in our hometown to make it a place that kids won’t dream of leaving. We need to serve as living proof for our youth that success is possible for kids that grow up in St. Louis. That’s why I came back to open KIPP St. Louis High School, and I am encouraging other native St. Louisans to come back and join me in making a difference in our city.

For more information, visit http://www.kippstl.org. Tanesia Simmons is co-leader of KIPP St. Louis High School.

Tanesia Simmons

Brianna McAtee, a kindergarten student at Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School in the University City School District, talked about what she wants to be when she grows up during a program to celebrate the school’s namesake. Listening closely are Amiyah Hogans, Brooklyn Davis, Nina Miller, Zoe Luong, Cortez Sheppard, Kingston Davis and Brooklyn Jones.

‘Heart and Soul’ at Barbara C. Jordan

Photo by Wiley Price

Continued from A1

The Eureka High School graduate became Webster University’s first recipient of the Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholarship in 2013, named for Donald M. Suggs, president of the St. Louis American Foundation and publisher of The St. Louis American

“Receiving the scholarship brought me lots of pride for being the first one to win this award. It is an absolute honor to be connected to the legacy of Dr. Donald M. Suggs, who is a fantastic role model for academic achievement and philanthropy in education and the arts,” Perez said.

“Because of some unexpected financial setbacks during my college career, the scholarship allowed me to finish school when it would not have been possible otherwise. It meant that I had an opportunity to be an example and a leader among my peers and to my younger sister, Maria.”

The Suggs Scholarship is designed to increase the recruitment and retention of undergraduate students who

WHITE

Continued from A1

seven elementary St. Louis Public Schools on how race impacts the kind of trauma that their students experience in their lives. Through that work, they have been able to decrease the number of suspensions and implement more “restorative practices” in place of sending students home.

“It’s the light of Michael Brown Jr.,” said White, who is also an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at SLU’s School of Social Work. “It’s something that his death exposed, and we have to pay attention to. In that light, really good things can come.”

Because of his important work, White has received the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund/Dr. John M. Anderson Excellence in Mental

typically are underrepresented at institutions of higher education. In addition to Webster University, Suggs Scholarships are awarded to students attending the University of MissouriColumbia, Missouri State

Health Award. His award will be given at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Health Care luncheon on April 28. “He is most deserving of this recognition for his years of unwavering commitment and tireless drive in putting into action our Jesuit call to be in service for and with communities,” said Collins Airhihenbuwa, dean of SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice. In February 2015, the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) released a study that found Missouri leads the nation in suspensions of African-American elementary students. It also found that Missouri ranked first for having the largest gap in how its elementary schools suspend black students compared to white students – and it was fourth in the nation at the high-school level. Following the UCLA report

University, Southeast Missouri State University, Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis Community College, Maryville University, Fontbonne University and Washington University. Elizabeth Stroble, Webster

in 2015, about eight more foundations made donations to further White’s work in the schools. And in 2016, the Missouri Foundation for Health gave his team funding to extend the work for three more years.

The work of White and his team touches about 2,500 students. Every week, his “coaches” spend about four to five hours at each SLPS school consulting with teachers and principals on how to respond to certain student behavior. They run through different scenarios together and offer suggestions on restorative responses.

What is really gratifying for White is watching the schools craft their own solutions that fit their school’s culture. “It’s theirs,” he said. “It’s not ours.”

In some schools, they have started healing circles, where teachers and students meet as

University president, said Perez was a very competitive candidate for the Suggs Scholarship because of her exceptional academic accomplishments and strong record of leadership and service while at Eureka High School.

a group and talk about what their goals and commitments are to each other.

“The kids are committed to each other on a powerful level,” White said.

Some schools have set up calming rooms for the children to go and reflect on their behavior. The goal is to figure out how to get these children back into the classrooms, he said.

There are several things that White would like people to understand about his work.

First, White said, “There are children who don’t get the right to grow up. Their lives are made difficult by decisions of adults who don’t even live in their communities, who make their communities so distressed and contribute to stress and trauma.”

These children live through challenges that “no adult should have to experience,” he said. If we understand this,

“As a Webster student, Olivia has set the bar high for all Suggs Scholars,” Stroble said. “Not only did she hold exceptional leadership positions as student ambassador and Gorlok Guide, but she also excelled by completing her

then we are better equipped to meet the children where they are, “instead of assuming solutions that are not based in any reality,” he said.

He believes that society needs to stop blaming the schools for the failure.

“We need to recognize that we have to take this on as a community, and that we all are failing the children in this community,” White said. “We have to make them the center of our work each and every day. For me, the thing I’m most proud of is that every day when I wake up, that’s what I do.”

In his interview with the St. Louis American, White became overwhelmed with emotion when he explained that one of their students was killed last week.

“We can’t protect them from that, but we can really strive to make this world different so that other kids don’t

bachelor’s degree in less than four years total. Olivia is a star. We look forward to following her successes as a Webster alum.”

Perez noted that Webster’s Suggs Scholars have a strong, unique bond.

“That element of connection is important to me because is imperative for college students of color to stick together,” she said. “Seeing the award being continued to other students like me makes me very happy and hopeful that even just a few more students will have a network of people who understand them.”

Perez describes her educational experiences at Webster as very connected, community-oriented, globally focused and eye-opening.

“The School of Communications offers many great networking, job and study opportunities,” Perez said.

“Some of my friends have gone on to great internships and jobs because of opportunities Webster lead them to. I even got to go to Los Angeles in early 2016 to meet some Webster alums working in the industry out there, which was really a memorable and helpful experience.”

have that future,” White said. At SLU, White works hard to get his college students to understand this, he said, because they will become the future leaders and administrators.

“They need to begin to understand reality – not the one they assume, but the one that exists for many people,” White said. “We must stop having privileged solutions to the problems of this world. The only solutions that are going to work are the ones that get into the heart of where we are and are respectful of people.”

Tickets for the 17th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 28 at the Frontenac Hilton are $750 per table for VIP/Corporate seating and $50 each/$500 table for Individual seating. To order tickets, call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Seated: Tyron Showers (2015 Suggs Scholar), Joshua Tyler (2014 Suggs Scholar), Olivia Perez (2013 Suggs Scholar), and Kristopher Robertson (2015 Suggs Scholar); Standing: Nicole Roach, associate vice president of diversity; Elizabeth Stroble, president of Webster University; Donald M. Suggs, president of the St. Louis American Foundation and publisher of the St. Louis American; and Rob Parrent, vice president of enrollment management.

BERRY

Continued from A1 songwriter and guitar deity. His career spanned 65 years and inspired generations.

The relationship between former childhood friends Keith Richards and Mick Jagger was rekindled over a mutual adoration for Berry. Though the band they would form soon after reconnecting, The Rolling Stones, was named after a Muddy Waters song, their debut single (which subsequently became their first hit), 1963’s “Come On,” was a Chuck Berry cover.“It’s hard for me to induct Chuck Berry, because I lifted every lick he ever played!” Richards said as he introduced Berry as part of the inaugural class of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just over thirty years ago “This is the man that started it all!” Richards could have been speaking for himself, but more than likely he was referring to the genre in general.

“There’s only one true king of rock and roll,” said Stevie Wonder. “His name is Chuck Berry.”

Origins of rock royalty

He was born Charles Edward Anderson Berry on Oct. 18, 1926, in St. Louis. He was the fourth of six children born to Henry and Martha Berry and a product of The Ville – the historic neighborhood known as a thriving, bustling black middle class community with rich cultural roots dating back to the reconstruction era of the 19th century.

The beginnings of his musical career came courtesy of two institutions within The Ville: Antioch Baptist Church and Sumner High School. He sang in the choir at Antioch and it was the crowd’s reaction during a performance at a high school talent show that compelled Berry to commit his life to reliving that moment as a full-time performer.

Berry’s big break came in 1952 when he was tapped to fill-in as guitarist for another St. Louis native, pianist Johnnie Johnson. His saxo-

PROP P

Continued from A1

mula.

“For St. Louis County, we are going to utilize the money to increase our number of officers,” Stenger said. “We are going to particularly focus on two officers to a vehicle so we can have real community policing.”

“From my viewpoint, the great thing is, it should reduce our ‘use of forces’ because there are two officers that are there,” St. Louis Police County Chief Jon Belmar said. “I think it allows our officers to have that ability to spend some time on the community engagement piece – slowing down, talking to folks, different things like that.” If voters pass the measure, Proposition P would pay for at least 110 additional officers, higher police salaries, upgrading or building new precincts, body and dashcam technology and the infrastructure to support it. Belmar calls it a necessary investment in the future of law enforcement to keep St. Louis County and the region “as safe as it is” to live and work.

“I’m looking to buy 600 camera systems with this money, so all those street officers have the camera systems available to them and use them,” Belmar said. “That in itself is very expensive, when you look at build-out and bandwidth; the camera systems, the storage; hiring additional people to manage that data.

“Really, we should have investigated and invested in it long ago, but there isn’t the budget available for that.” In his department, the chief said there are about 890 County police officers, with 400 patrolling the county currently and another 300 professional staff. While 110 new officers would increase capacity, he said it would not put a partner in every county

phone player, Alvin Bennett, suffered a stroke on Christmas Eve and Johnson needed a last-minute replacement. Berry filled the slot and

patrol car.

“That number winds up being well beyond a half-cent,” he said. If smaller towns do not have police departments, Belmar said the municipalities would have to use the money on its contracted police agency.

While there is expressed respect and support of police, public safety and law enforcement, there are many questions on whether Proposition P is the appropriate way to do provide that support. Chesterfield, Missouri Mayor Bob Nation maintains that the sales tax proposal does not add up for several reasons. He said Proposition P is an unreasonable request that municipalities are not requesting or even need, in some cases.

“Anyway you look at it, this is completely unjustified; if you analyze it mathematically, which is not that difficult to do,” Nation said. “One of the largest reasons I am opposed to it is the overall economic health of St. Louis County.”

Nation said St. Louis County’s population has been stagnant for decades, in part due to natural urban sprawl, and the perception that the cost of living and housing is less in St. Charles County and the other surrounding counties.

He also said unincorporated St. Louis County will reap benefits coming from municipalities. Unincorporated St. Louis County population is approximately 321,000 –that’s about one-third of the overall population of St. Louis County in total, which is about 998,000, Nation said. While the unincorporated population is approximately one-third of the County’s total, Nation said only a small fraction of the total would be generated from unincorporated St. Louis County – somewhere between $14 and $16 million, whereas they would receive $46 million. “So they are getting in excess of $30 million more, courtesy the surrounding municipalities to supplement their 800-plus-man police force,” Nation said. With a $106-million County

ultimately became the Sir John Trio’s front man.

Three years later, Berry signed with Chess Records, thanks to an encounter with

police budget, Nation said there are already sufficient revenues generated to fund their law enforcement effort.

“If they got the $46-million on top of their $106-million, this would be in excess of 40 percent increase all at once,” Nation said. “Chief Belmar said he wanted to hire 120 additional police officers… you could hire 120 additional police officers, pay them each $100,000 a year and that would only use $12 million of the $46-million they are getting.”

Nation also said state statute does not mention law enforcement, or police or public safety or anything like that. “All this statute does is dictates a method of dividing up the additional revenue,” he said.

The St. Louis County Council is on break this week.

District 1 Councilwoman Hazel Erby spoke with leaders from the 39 municipalities she represents. “I decided to just stand down on it, because … it’s

The King of rock

Following the release of the demo that would become his debut hit “Maybellene,” a string of hits in the mid-to-late 1950s would solidify his status as a rock pioneer and music trailblazer.

“Roll Over Beethoven,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and rock anthem, “Johnny B. Goode” transcended race, genre and provided a blueprint for all the rock musicians that followed.

In addition to topping the charts, Berry made cameo appearances in 1950s rock music movies.

His last hit single would come in 1972, but his status as a rock pioneer meant that he would remain a popular touring artist – though he stayed true to his St. Louis roots by keeping his home base in the region. He was the subject of his last film appearance, 1987’s “Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

Two years earlier, he was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards. In 1988 he was on the inaugural ballot for the St. Louis Walk of Fame. His star is located just outside of Blueberry Hill – the bar, restaurant and performance venue owned by Berry’s longtime friend and confidante Joe Edwards. The space also co-exists as a shrine to Berry’s career. In 2011, a super-sized statue of Berry posed in one of his favorite performance stances was installed across the street from Blueberry Hill – where from 1996 to around 2014 Berry performed regular gigs in the venue’s Duck Room (named in honor of Berry’s famous Duck Walk).

He kept up with the shows religiously until his health began to fail, and the intimate performances drew fans from every corner of the earth.

In 2000, Mr. Berry received a Kennedy Center honor.

In 2013, he received the Arts and Education Council’s Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award.

One of Berry’s final public appearances came when he was celebrated by the St.

amazing how they are split on it,” Erby said. “I think most of them, from what they’ve told me, would like to go along with them – all of us support the police, that’s a fact – but they are torn because they’re not sure. It’s not specified where they money will go.”

District 4 Councilwoman Rochelle Walton-Gray said she is has received mixed opinions on Proposition P and she has not yet made a decision.

Pat Kelly, the executive director of the Municipal

Louis Cardinals in 2014 with “Chuck Berry Night at the Stadium.” Berry, then 88, threw out the ceremonial first pitch – and there was a special bobble-head figure collectable made in his likeness to commemorate the evening.

The legacy continues with ‘CHUCK’

Though he packed plenty of living in his 90 years, Berry’s death comes with added heartbreak as he was on the cusp of the release of “CHUCK,” his first new album since 1979’s “Rock It.”

“Working to prepare the release of this record in recent months and in fact over the last several years brought him a great sense of joy and satisfaction,” the Berry family said in a statement posted to Facebook earlier this week.

“While our hearts are very heavy at this time, we know that he had no greater wish than to see this album released to the world, and we know of no better way to celebrate and remember his 90 years of life than through his music.”

‘“CHUCK’ truly is a family affair,” Dualtone Records said in a statement announcing the record’s June 16th release. The album includes a re-recording of “Johnny B. Goode” that features solos from three generations of Berry guitarists and “Darlin’,” a duet with his daughter Ingrid.

“Working on my Dad’s record has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said Charles Berry Jr. “I will forever treasure the musical conversations we had, and the time we spent together completing it.” Berry is survived by his wife Themetta Berry (Suggs) and his four children, Ingrid Berry, Melody Eskridge, Aloha Isa Leigh Berry and Charles Berry Jr. several grandchildren, a host of loved ones and fans around the globe.

Information from Gloria Ross and St. Louis Public Radio contributed to this report.

League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said the League is not taking an official position on Proposition P either, because a number of cities had their own propositions on the ballot. “They weren’t necessarily opposed to it, but they didn’t want to take the position because of other tax initiatives that they either have on the ballot or just passed,” Kelly said. “We just thought it would be better if each individual city decide whether they were for or against it.”

blues legend Muddy Waters. Popular music would never be the same.

Daniel Anderson plays the trombone in the Baily Sounds of Holiness Gospel Band near the statue of rock and roll founder Chuck Berry in the University Loop. Berry died at his home in St. Charles County, Missouri on March 18, 2017 at the age of 90.

Photo by Wiley Price

Mapping Decline: St. Louis and the fate of the American city

By Jesse Gant

The St. Louis American

For

America’s cities have long been sites of controversy. Today, some people see them as places where the American dream has gone to die; others celebrate them as places where the American dream is alive and thriving. During the 20th and early 21st centuries, how did so many urban communities in the United States— especially St. Louis—become ground zero for seemingly every major ongoing political conflict?

Mapping Decline, a new traveling exhibit created by the Missouri History Museum and the Missouri Humanities Council, provides historical perspective on this question, highlighting the processes of economic disinvestment, political fragmentation, and racial strife. Inspired by University of Iowa historian Colin Gordon’s acclaimed book of the same title, Mapping Decline explores the many challenges facing St. Louis and other cities nationwide, illustrating how an array of both grassroots and elite-level decisions led to the devaluing of American cities throughout the 20th century. The 1917 East St. Louis riots are one example: Area whites killed at least 48 black residents (unofficial estimates place the death toll much higher) in what became the nation’s worst race riot. But it was the region’s manufacturers and business owners who first decided to pull out of the area, undermining the local economy. During this time—and for many decades that followed—the swift and systematic removal of jobs, revenue, and accessible housing from America’s urban cores crippled the economic and political growth of entire states and regions. St. Louis continued to garner national attention as an epicenter of legalized segregation. This prominence helps explain why the city figured so centrally in many landmark civil rights cases, including Shelley v. Kraemer (1948), which at last outlawed restrictive covenants based on race. Still, the harsh realities of economic disinvestment, political fragmentation, and racial strife continued throughout postwar St. Louis. Such limitations were perhaps most vividly illustrated when Pruitt-Igoe, one of the city’s most ambitious and storied public housing projects, was demolished in the early 1970s. Perhaps more than any other event, the failure of Pruitt-Igoe illustrated the confluence of factors shaping what Colin Gordon highlights in describing the decline of the American city as “the most important and persistent domestic issue of the modern era.”

Mapping Decline augments this troubling story with—you guessed it—detailed maps that help visitors visualize otherwise abstract themes, such as housing discrimination, the spread of predatory municipal and county governments, the reach of the city’s restrictive housing covenants, and the rise of discriminatory banking. Gordon built the maps by combining innovative digitalmapping technology with raw data, such as census records, archival manuscripts, and court cases, much of which came from MHM’s collections.

As the assembled maps, stories, and images in the exhibit showcase, the often intimate and personal decisions leading to disinvestment in urban St. Louis played out on a variety of scales. They influenced demographic and economic trends in the city, the surrounding county, and the state. From individual families, like the J. D. and Ethel Shelley family, to the thousands who contributed to dynamics like suburbanization, Mapping Decline brings its stories to life through many vivid examples.

Mapping Decline offers far more than a history lesson, however, by connecting its stories to the present. After 1970, as St. Louis and other cities continued to suffer upheavals, they also became more vulnerable due to shrinking tax bases and disappearing services that further eroded residents’ quality of life. Suburban-based municipalities and construction projects arose specifically to take advantage of these urban hardships. They poached cities’ resources in patterns that often mirrored disturbing aspects of American life, such as the continuing failure of many ongoing private/public redevelopment projects, the increased privatization of public services and spaces, and the over-policing and incarceration of urban people of color.

Along the way, however, Mapping Decline also explores an essential and more uplifting point: Love ’em or hate ’em, America’s cities and their neighborhoods aren’t going away anytime soon. Despite attempts to undermine and cripple them, today’s cities have endured against the wishes of their most vehement opponents. In fact, many today are thriving, ready to fight for a more democratic future.

Mapping Decline is on display now at the Missouri History Museum’s Library and Research Center. You can also contact the Missouri Humanities Council to see where the exhibit will travel next or to request it at your location.

Jesse Gant is exhibit content lead for Mapping Decline

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Discover what Springtime has to offer in St. Louis

By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American

Spring has sprung! April marks the start of baseball season, but that’s not all. Kiener Plaza is on track to complete this spring as the City Arch River project continues progress on our Gateway Arch grounds renovations. There are countless highlights around town to explore this season.

In April, it’s time to cheer on the home team as the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball season returns. Join them on their journey for a 12th World Series Championship title. Cards fans get ready to show your team spirit in your Cardinal red when the Cards take on the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium for Opening Day on Sunday, April 2.

As the flowers begin to bloom in St. Louis, spring also brings the return of everyone’s favorite outdoor attractions. Families can rejoice for the opening weekend of Six Flags St. Louis on March 25-26. Similarly, Grant’s Farm will also open for the season on April 15. The Sea Lions have reported to “Spring Training.” See the Sea Lion Sound Show at Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park

The award-winning comedian, actor and producer, Chris Rock, will perform at the Peabody Opera House on Apr. 8-9. In his 30-year career, Rock has won four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. Last year, he hosted the 88th Annual Academy Awards and has been called “one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices.” You won’t want to miss his hilarious show in St. Louis.

You’ll also want to tune in for the latest from the African cinema screen at the 2017 African Film Festival on March 31-April 2 at Washington University (Brown Hall, Room 100). This event is free, open to the public and you

don’t need a ticket to attend. Celebrating its 13th year, the film festival features a diverse array of screenings from African countries and even offers films for younger audiences at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Here’s the lineup for the festival.

• Starting on Friday, “Maman(s)” tells the story of an 8-year-old girl, Aida, living in Paris. When her father returns from their native home, Senegal, with a second wife she is determined to help her mother by removing the new woman in the picture. While, “76”, will feature the stars of Nollywood (Nigerian Hollywood) in the drama about a soldier accused of assassinating the head of state in 1976 told from two different perspectives.

• On Saturday, after Loïc and Mehdi start a wedding filming business from their minivan, destiny takes over once Mehdi films his ex-girlfriend’s wedding in “Destino”. “Children of the Mountain” is the story of a mother who searches for a cure for her child’s illnesses after being blamed for them.

• In Sunday’s film, “The Return/Le Retour,” a year has gone by and 15-year-old Willy awaits the return of his older brother. When his brother, Theo, returns Willy learns what he has been hiding from him. “Akounak Tedalat Tah Tazoughai / Rain the Color Blue with a Little Red in It,” is a tribute to international superstar Prince and shows a musician’s triumphant journey through adversity in Niger.

Check out this cultural celebration of African film in the St. Louis area next week. Please visit https://africanfilm.wustl.edu/ for more details. This is only the beginning of tourism season; please visit www.explorestlouis.com to learn about more events for your spring itinerary.

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Photo by Larry Gray, Missouri History Museum

By 1959, St. Louis’s Mill Creek Valley had fallen victim to the mid-20th-century upheavals happening in the country’s urban areas.

Scene from Film, 76; Director: Izu Ojukwu

‘Vacancy bond issue’ on April 4 ballot in city

On April 4, City of St. Louis voters will be asked to approve or oppose Proposition NS, a $40-million bond issue to stabilize vacant, city-owned residential properties and make them rehab-ready. If approved, the bond would be repaid through a property-tax increase – which would start with a one-cent annual raise the first year and eventually go up to a sevencents increase.

“If you think of St. Louis as a boat, then we have a hole in the boat,” said Stacy Ross a resident in Holly Hills who was also among the main group who filed the petition for Prop NS. “Until we plug the hole, then we are taking water in faster than we can bail it.” Neighbors for a Stable St. Louis, the grassroots group of city residents who collected almost 15,000 signatures to get the proposal on the ballot, kicked off their campaign for Prop NS on March 16 at the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO), 5888 Plymouth Ave. Ross said city taxpayers pay millions of dollars in direct costs – increased police and fire calls and mowing the lawns –for vacant buildings.

“We lose millions more in lost property tax revenue because city-owned properties are not on the tax rolls,” said Ross, chair of the SLACO’s vacancy committee. “Vacant buildings decrease the property values of nearby homes, further decreasing the city’s property tax revenue. They are magnets for crime, and the fire department can tell you what a danger these buildings are to firefighters.”

The ordinance authorizes the sale of up to $6 million in bonds each year to stabilize vacant residential buildings that the city owns - the buildings in the city’s Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) “land bank.” Ross said these are buildings that public dollars are already being spent to secure, maintain, and eventually tear down when nobody buys them.

The LRA, which is staffed by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), would manage the $6 million annual

fund. Acting as a general contractor, the LRA would allocate up to $30,000 for a single-family home or $50,000 for a multi-family building to stabilize them and then sell them to individual rehabbers or small developers.

The construction contracts would all abide by the city’s minority participation requirements.

The ordinance specifies the funds may only be used for tuckpointing, roof repair or replacement, foundation work, complete board-up, interior demolition and similar repairs as needed to make the building stable and protected from further deterioration.

The fund would not pay for any interior rehab or systems, such as HVAC, electrical or plumbing, or building demolition, Ross said.

The city would repay its general obligation bonds with revenue generated by property taxes. It would start with a onecent increase to property taxes, equivalent to approximately $1.90 on a $100,000 home in the first year, and then increase about a penny a year each year, up to about seven cents, or about $11 on a $100,000 house.

If the proposition passes, then leaders from the LRA and SLACO will establish a citizenreview committee, which would help devise the specifics for the process. “Crime is the number one problem in the city, but vacant buildings are number two,” said Kevin McKinney, SLACO’s executive director. “Vacant buildings cause or exacerbate most of the problems we have, including crime. It’s a vicious cycle. The city is losing population every year, causing more vacancy.”

In too many neighborhoods, children wake up next to and then walk past vacant buildings every day, McKinney said.

He said, “They think people don’t care.”

Municipal money measures

Money proposals in municipalities seek to raise

funds for general revenue, capital improvements, police and firefighter pensions and body cameras for officers.

St. Louis County has Proposition P, a half-cent sales tax increase to give add money to hire additional police officers, increase salaries and buy body and dash cameras. Proposition P is expected to raise $80 million annually; $48 million would go to county police and the remaining 32 million would be divided up between municipalities for their police departments based on populations Ferguson has Proposition A about police video cameras. A simple majority is needed to pass. It reads: “Shall Article V of the City’s Charter, relating to Administrative Organization and Personnel Systems, be amended to add a requirement that all on duty law enforcement officers wear on officer video systems?”

The village of Hillsdale has Proposition B, requiring a simple majority to pass. I reads: Shall the Village of Hillsdale, Missouri continue applying and collecting the local sales tax on the titling of motor vehicles, trailers, boats, and outboard motors that were purchased from a source other than a licensed Missouri dealer? Rejection of this measure will result in a reduction of local revenue to provide for vital services for the Village of Hillsdale, Missouri and it will place Missouri dealers of motor vehicles, outboard motors, boats, and trailers at a competitive disadvantage to non-Missouri dealers of motor vehicles, outboard motors, boats, and trailers.

The city of Kirkwood has a Proposition 1 capital

improvements measure on the ballot, which requires a simple majority to pass. I reads: “Shall the City of Kirkwood, Missouri, continue its sales tax of one-half of one percent for the purpose of funding capital improvements? The approval of the proposition will authorize the continuance of the existing one-half of one percent sales tax without increasing such sales tax.”

The City of Moline Acres has two tax measures on the ballot, each requiring a simple majority to pass. Proposition A is a sales tax increase for general revenue. It reads, “Shall the City of Moline Acres, Missouri, impose a general sales tax of one-quarter of one percent on all retail sales made in the City of Moline Acres for the purpose of providing additional funding for general

revenue purposes including improved law enforcement and code enforcement services?”

Proposition B is a parks improvements measure that also requires a simple majority to pass. It reads: “Shall the City of Moline Acres, Missouri, impose a sales tax of one-half of one percent for the purpose of providing funding for local parks and community center operations and related activities and improvements for the City of Moline Acres?”

The City of Overland has Proposition O tax increase proposal to fund police pensions, which requires a simple majority to pass. It reads: “Shall the City of Overland increase the property tax rate of the City from $0.12 to $0.24 for residential real estate, from $0.12 to $0.36 for commercial real estate, and from $0.12 to $0.36 for personal property per $100.00 of assessed valuation solely for the purpose of funding the Retirement Plan for the Police Department of the City of Overland?”

The City of St. Ann has a Proposition L general money

measure on the ballot that requires a simple majority to pass. It reads: “Shall the special purposes property tax of 28 cents (approved by the voters in November, 2012) be repealed and shall the general property tax rate authorized for all subclasses of real and personal property be increased to one dollar per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation beginning in the 2017 tax year in order to provide more tax revenue for general purposes, including police services?”

The city of Webster Groves has Proposition R tax increase for police and firefighter pension on the ballot, which requires a simple majority to pass. It reads: “Shall the City of Webster Groves impose a tax upon all real property within the City at a rate of not more than (20) cents per hundred dollars assessed valuation for the purpose of funding police and firefighters pensions completely and to supplement the pensions of other employees?”

Find out about absentee voting and other information at http://bit.ly/2muttVg.

Kevin McKinney, executive director of the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations, speaks with neighborhood leaders at the March 16 campaign kickoff for the Proposition NS, which is on the April 4 ballot in St. Louis city.

Alvin Willis, a resident of Lewis Place, speaks with neighborhood leaders at the March 16 campaign kickoff for the Proposition NS, which is on the April 4 ballot in St. Louis city.

We must fund programs for victims of sexual violence

By Adrian E. Bracy Guest columnist

March is Women’s History

Month, and this is an excellent time to reflect on the fact that in this country and much of the world, our history is not homogenous. You could say there is White Women’s History and there is Women of Color’s History. For example, the right to vote. When the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, it legally enfranchised all women, white and black. However, within a decade, state laws and vigilante practices effectively disenfranchised most black women in the South. It would take another major movement for voting rights – the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s – before black women in the South would be effectively enfranchised.

Just as we acknowledge that we did not all reach our milestones at the same time, we also recognize that not all the milestones have been reached. Our two timelines are moving toward each other, but not rapidly enough and nowhere close to matching that of white men. The wage gap is one example of slow progress.

The Pew Research Group says for every one dollar earned by a white man in 2015, a white woman made 82 cents, a black woman made 65 cents and a Hispanic woman made 58 cents. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research estimates if this pace continues, it will be 2059 before women earn as much as men. As they break it down by race, the picture gets more depressing. It will be 2124 before black women earn as much as men, and a staggering 2248 before Hispanic women

gain wage equality. So as the Women’s March illustrated so well some two months ago, perhaps it is time that we concentrate on making history and moving forward to improve the lives of all women. Here at YWCA, we believe an empowered woman has the power to change the trajectory of her children, family and community. Financial education is part of our programs serving youth, single mothers, and homeless women working to get back on track. But, there is another area of our work in which women are disproportionately impacted: violence. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 82 percent of all juvenile sexual assault victims are female, 90 percent of adult rape victims are female and, according to the National Coalition on Domestic Violence, 75 percent of domestic violence victims are female. Obviously, the goal is not parity but reduction. One very important tool in reducing the victimization of women has been the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA. Our domestic violence and sexual assault programs both benefit from grants through VAWA. VAWA funding is essential for YWCA Woman’s Place continuing to serve victims of domestic violence. Since VAWA’s enactment in 1994, domestic violence has dropped 64 percent. That is a huge endorsement for the success of VAWA. Still, there continue to be far too many victims of

domestic violence. In 2012, 40,645 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Missouri and 65,800 intimate violence incidents were reported in Illinois.

In addition, VAWA’s funding helps provide crisis intervention services when the YWCA Women’s Resource Center collaborates with local medical personnel and law enforcement to respond to victims of sexual violence.

This is extremely important: Last year we responded to 598 victims of sexual violence in St. Louis-area emergency rooms and through requests from local law enforcement.

There is another piece of federal legislation that is possibly even more important to women’s safety: VOCA, The Victims of Crime Act. VOCA funds rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, counseling programs, support groups, advocacy and case management services. VOCA provides financial reimbursement to victims of violent crimes for out-ofpocket medical expenses and mental health counseling.

Nearly 4 million victims a year are served by local and state agencies (like YWCA Metro St. Louis) that are funded by VOCA.

There is speculation that both VAWA and VOCA may be on the new administration’s chopping block, and women’s advocates nationwide are horrified by that prospect and calling for constituents to tell Congress to continue to fund both of these life-saving acts. I urge you to add your voice to that call. Adrian E. Bracy is chief executive officer of YWCA St. Louis.

SLPS school board race

By St. Louis American Staff

On April 4, St. Louis voters will select three out of seven candidates to serve four-year terms on the elected school board for Saint Louis Public Schools. Running for the Board of Education in the order they will appear on the ballot are Bill Monroe, Natalie Vowell, David Lee Jackson, Dorothy

Rohde-Collins, Brian P. Wallner, James Ira Reece and Susan R. Jones. Monroe and Jones are incumbents.

The district recently earned back full accreditation; however, it remains under the oversight of a threemember, appointed Special Administrative Board (SAB).

The SAB appoints the superintendent and has been the policy-making body for the district since it was created in 2006. The three who win SLPS school board member races will be significant, because the SAB said it will continue discussions on transitioning the governing authority back to the elected board after the election.

OBITUARY

Marttise ‘Tee’ Hill

Marttise “Tee” Hill, 61, of St. Louis peacefully transitioned in his sleep at his home on Monday, February 20, 2017, after a hard-fought battle with prostate cancer.

He is cherished by his son, Tedaro, with his mother, Kathy Blackwell; son, Marttise, and daughter, Meaghan, with their mother, Dr. Rona Robinson-Hill. He leaves 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was a treasured son, brother, brotherin-law, uncle, great-uncle, nephew, cousin, godfather, and friend.

He was welcomed into Glory by Mildred Hill, Argelia Gordon, Argelia Jr., Peter Hill, Willie Hill and Roosevelt

Guest Columnist Adrian E. Bracy

Marttise Hill

WISEWOMAN

A free heart disease and stroke prevention program for women

What is the WISEWOMAN program?

The Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program1 provides heart disease risk factor screening, lifestyle education, and referral services in an effort to prevent cardiovascular disease among women enrolled in the Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) program.2 It is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Missouri.

Who qualifies for WISEWOMAN?

All women who participate in the SMHW program are eligible for the WISEWOMAN program. Eligibility criteria for the SMHW program include:

• Income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level for household income, and

• Age 35 to 64, or older if they do not receive Medicare Part B, and

• No insurance to cover program services

In 2013, based on U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, 93,900 Missouri Women (7.9 percent), aged 35-64, were eligible for SMHW and WISEWOMAN services based on income and insurance status.3

Figure 1 shows 10,644 Missouri women were served by SMHW, which is the population eligible for WISEWOMAN, and 1,925 women were served by the WISEWOMAN program in 2013.3

Where are services available?

• SMHW providers in 32 counties plus the City of St. Louis offer services for WISEWOMAN.1

• There are 28 WISEWOMAN provider locations throughout the state, including local public health agencies, federally qualified health centers, hospitals, private physician offices, and notfor-profit health centers.

• A full listing of providers is available on the WISEWOMAN website: www.health.mo.gov/WISEWOMAN All women who meet the above criteria are eligible for services regardless of provider location.

What services are offered?

A variety of health screenings and lifestyle education services are offered, including those listed below.

Health Screenings

• Blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol

• Height/weight for body mass index (BMI)

• Family/personal history of heart disease and stroke

• Assessment of lifestyle habits

Lifestyle Health Education

• Increasing physical activity

• Smoking cessation

• Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and decreasing consumption of saturated fat and trans-fat

• Attaining and maintaining a healthy weight

Figure 2 shows the number of screening and lifestyle education services provided by the WISEWOMAN program, from 2010 through 2013.1

Who benefits from WISEWOMAN?

• Statewide, WISEWOMAN provides services for about 1,500 to 3,000 women with risk factors for cardiovascular disease each year.1 Table 1 shows the prevalence of varying cardiovascular disease risk factors among WISEWOMAN participants for the period of July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, in Missouri and the U.S.4

For more information contact: Amy Hampton, Missouri Department of Health and Human Services, WISEWOMAN Phone: (573) 522-2871

Table 1. Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors among WISEWOMAN Participants, Missouri and U.S., SFY 2013

Pre-Diabetes (BG 100-125)

(BG >=126 or history or meds)

NOTE: Participants may have more than one risk factor, therefore, percentages may not sum to 100% U.S. percentages based on 21 states.

BG: Blood Glucose

was not available for screenings from July 1,

Figure 1. Missouri women served by Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) and eligible for WISEWOMAN , by Race and Ethnicity, and Women Served by WISEWOMAN, 2013

Figure 2. Services provided by WISEWOMAN, 2010-2013

Study: Yoga beneits breast cancer survivors

Reseachers ind it reduces fatigue and inlammation

By Meghna Chakrabarti Of National Public Radio

New research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that yoga may be particularly beneicial at helping breast cancer survivors mitigate fatigue and inlammation.

According to the study, which surveyed about 200 women, after three months of doing yoga classes, women were experiencing 40 percent less fatigue than those who did not practice yoga.

Additionally, the women’s levels of inlammation were reduced 10 to 15 percent.

NPR’s Food and Health Correspondent Allison Aubrey joins Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss the indings.

Meghna Chakrabarti: If you’re a yogi, you may not need any convincing about the beneits of a regular yoga practice. But a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology helps add to the evidence that yoga may be particularly beneicial at helping breast cancer survivors overcome debilitating fatigue. NPR’s Allison Aubrey joins us to talk about the research. So irst of all, tell us about the study. Who was included? And why were the researchers interested in looking at the effects of yoga on fatigue?

Allison Aubrey: Well, the study included about 200 women. All of them were breast cancer survivors who had completed the surgery and other treatments for the disease. They range in age from early 20s, all the way up to women in their mid-70s. And these women had one thing in common. They were feeling tired. This can be a big problem among breast cancer survivors. About a third complained about fatigue getting in the way of just normal, daily activities. So the researchers have the idea, you know, hey, what’s a way to get women an option for physical activity that doesn’t seem overly daunting? This yoga class was a very gentle, 90-minute class. It met two times a week. And it was geared towards newbies, so women who had never tried yoga at all.

Meghna Chakrabarti: And what exactly did the researchers measure in terms of the effects of the yoga practice?

Allison Aubrey: The women completed surveys at the beginning and the end of the study. The surveys asked all kinds of questions about fatigue, energy level, sleep. And the researchers also took blood samples from the women so that they could measure levels of different markers in the blood that signal information. What they found is that after three months of doing yoga, the women were experiencing about 40 percent less fatigue compared to another group of women in the study who did not do yoga. So this meant it was easier to get up and complete daily activities. They spoke to one woman who participated in the study. Her name is Sue Cavanaugh. And she told me that the class made her feel a lot less stressed. As part of her treatment, she had six lymph nodes removed and lost a lot of mobility in her right arm. And she told me that the yoga practice really helped her regained some of this movement. She’s an artist and it requires a lot of movement of her hands and her upper body, so this is really helpful.

Meghna Chakrabarti: A moment ago, you mentioned that researchers took blood samples in the study to test levels of information in the body. First of all, why look at information? And what did they ind?

Allison Aubrey: What they found is that, at the end of the three-month yoga class, women’s levels of inlammation were reduced about 10 to 15 percent. Then by six months, the researchers documented a slightly higher reduction, up to about 20 percent. Now, it’s not clear that this level of reduction is signiicant in terms of any particular health beneit. But since inlammation is a risk factor for all sorts of diseases of aging, including heart disease, which a lot of breast cancer survivors go on to develop, any reduction in inlammation certainly can’t be a bad thing and is likely beneicial.

Meghna Chakrabarti: Hmm. Now, is it that yoga itself as a practice is the thing that was causing all these positive beneits, or can any type of movement or exercise have the same beneit?

Allison Aubrey: Sure. Well, clearly, exercise is one of the best ways to ight fatigue. And however you can get it in, it tends to be beneicial. Researchers at Duke have found that if physical activity is prescribed and the survivors are leaned on to follow up on this, exercise has a very big payoff. So in a way, you know, no, yoga is certainly not the only way to get those relief. But in this instance, it was a very realistic way for these women to begin moving again.

Meghna Chakrabarti: Oh, I’m inspired now to go do more sun salutation.

Reprinted with permission from news. stlpublicradio.org.

Mammography & Breast Self-Exam

Average-size lump found by getting regular mammograms.

Average-size lump found by irst mammogram.

Average-size lump found by women practicing regular breast self-exam.

Average-size lump found by women practicing occasional breast self-exam.

Average-size lump found by women untrained in breast self-exam.

Source: he Breast Health Program of New York

Show Me Healthy Women and WISEWOMAN

Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women who meet age, income and insurance guidelines. Guidelines are as follows:

• Income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level for household income, and

• Age 35 to 64, or older if they do not receive Medicare Part B, and

• No insurance to cover program services

To enroll call toll-free 866-726-9926

Free exams listed below are available through Missouri’s Show Me Healthy Women program.

Free treatment for breast or cervical cancer through a special Medicaid, Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment (BCCT) program, may be available to Show Me Healthy Women clients who are diagnosed with cancer through a program provider.

Women age 50 to 64 or older - if not covered by Medicare Part B - may be eligible for free:

• Pap tests and pelvic exams

• Clinical breast exams

• Mammograms and diagnostic services

Women age 35 to 49 may be eligible for free:

• Pap tests, pelvic exams and clinical breast exams

• Diagnostic services for breast or cervical screenings that are suspicious for cancer

Women age 35 to 64 or older - if not covered by Medicare Part B - may be eligible for free: (In limited areas)

• Cardiovascular tests (blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol)

• Lifestyle management counseling

Thousands of Missouri women are eligible for a FREE Mammogram and Pap Test.

Are you one of them?

You may qualify if you meet the age and income requirements. WISEWOMAN heart health screening and education are also available through many providers.

(Treatment through BCCT must be received in state of residence and is not available to women who are not U.S. citizens.)

Local Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Health Education, & Patient Navigation 2016-17 Grant Award Recipients

Uninsured or underinsured individuals may be able to receive a free mammogram at one of these locations, all of which are Komen Missouri community grant recipients.

City of St. Louis

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Breast Health Care for at Risk Communities

314.454.8466

http://www.siteman.wustl.edu

Saint Louis University Cancer Center

Navigating for the Community

314.268.7039

http://slu.edu/cancer-center.xml

St. Louis County

Mercy Health Foundation of St. Louis Breast Cancer Screening and Education Program

314.251.6569

http://www.mercy.net/stlouismo

Missouri Baptist Medical Center

The MBMC Breast HealthCare Center

Reaching the Underserved 314.996.7585

http://www.breasthealthcarecenter.org

SSM St. Clare Health Center

SSM Breast Care: Empowering & Engaging Women

636.496.2804

http://www.ssmhc.com/

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center

SSM Breast Care: Empowering & Engaging Women

314.768.8696

http://www.ssmhc.com/

St. Charles County

SSM St. Joseph Health Center (St. Charles and Wentzville), SSM St. Joseph Hospital West (Lake St. Louis)

SSM Breast Care Empowering & Engaging Women

636.947.5617

http://www.ssmhc.com/

Mid-Missouri

Missouri Baptist Medical Center (Mid-Missouri Service Area)

The MBMC Breast HealthCare Center

Reaching the Underserved 314.996.7585

http://www.breasthealthcarecenter.org

For other Show Me Healthy Women locations in MO: Show Me Healthy Women Program (SMHW) Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Telephone: 573-522-2845

Note: A list of all SMHW providers is available at: http://health.mo.gov/living/ healthcondiseases/chronic/showmehealthywomen/providerlists.php

The MBMC Breast HealthCare Center Reaching the Underserved

Call now for the name of the closest facility that provides Show Me Healthy Women breast and cervical cancer screenings and heart health risk screenings.

To make an appointment with Show Me Healthy Women. Call Toll Free: 1-866-726-9926 or 573-522-2845 Free transportation available

The return of ‘Real Life’

JPEK Creative Works revamps and restages musical drama this weekend at .Zack

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“I was like, ‘God, I know I’m supposed to do this, but why is it not making sense? Why is it not catching?’” said Joel P.E. King, founder of JPEK Creative Works and writer/producer/director of “Real Life: A Hiphopera.”

When the play returns this weekend for a run at Grand Center’s all-new .Zack Performance Arts Incubator space, it will look much different from when it premiered at The Grandel Square Theatre seven years ago.

“It’s our revival. The play has grown. I’ve grown. I had to grow,” King said. “The biggest thing is that it wasn’t ready – and that was the

Conducting with gratitude

InUnison Fellow Terrence

“TJ” Abernathy to offer thanks at Symphony gala

By Kenya Vaughn OF The St. Louis American

InUnison Graduate Fellow Terrence “TJ” Abernathy owes his love for classical music to the St. Louis Symphony. And the idea that he will have the opportunity to express the organization’s impact on his life at their 2017 Gala Celebration Saturday night (March 25) at The Ritz Carlton has him over the moon.

“It’s such a huge honor,” Abernathy said. “To be a fan of this organization, to have been a part of it for so long – and not only do I get to attend their biggest event, but I get to speak at it…it’s surreal.”

He began playing in band while a student at Kirby Middle School (now Hazelwood East Middle), but he owes a trip to the symphony as a student at McKendree University for fueling his passion in music.

n “To be a fan of this organization, to have been a part of it for so long – and not only do I get to attend their biggest event, but I get to speak at it…it’s surreal.”

- Terrence “TJ” Abernathy

His band professor took them twice in two weeks. He was amazed the first time he saw them, but the second visit changed his life.

“We went to Mahler’s First Symphony. My teacher said, ‘I really want my students to go see this concert.’ I didn’t know why, I just knew I was going to the symphony again and I really liked it. I didn’t know what to expect and then the horns started playing – Mahler uses a massive set up with a huge orchestra.” He was overwhelmed with what he heard. “The horns started playing and it brought me to tears,” Abernathy said. “I really understood the power of my instrument. And from that day on, I was on a quest to become a horn player and I wasn’t just someone who played the horn anymore. The symphony did

hardest thing for me to accept.”

The play manifested from a conversation with his students when he was making ends meet as a substitute teacher while pursuing a career as an actor/playwright/director and producer.

He tried to open their minds, but they refused to surrender their belief that one either stays true to the street or sells out – and there is no alternative.

King was inspired to create an urban musical drama that spoke to their mindset, and the conditions that created it.

“What’s really most important to the story is

October 18, 1926 –March 18, 2017

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

“He never left St. Louis,” Chuck Berry’s dear friend and confidant Joe Edwards said of the father of rock & roll, who died in his St. Louisarea home on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the age of 90. “That’s one thing I always admired about him. Most musicians leave St. Louis to make it. Chuck did it his own way.”

Edwards last saw his friend in the flesh a few weeks before his passing. He remembers shaking “those magnificent humongous hands” that created a new way to play the guitar, and his deep laughter.

“When he really enjoyed something, his laughter was even better than his singing,” Edwards said. “It was deep and innocent at the same time. It was open.”

Edwards also remembered his friend’s masterful command of the English language during their last conversation. Berry created the verbal, as well as the musical, language of rock & roll by melding North St. Louis street corner

n Berry created the verbal, as well as the musical, language of rock & roll by melding North St. Louis street corner toasts with a self-taught bookworm’s quirky erudition.

toasts with a self-taught bookworm’s quirky erudition.

“He had such command of the English language,” Edwards marveled.

For all of his eloquence, Berry did not want to be bothered with talking to most of the people attracted by his fame. In fact, Edwards’ intimacy with Berry deepened because of his value as a wing man. Edwards was skilled at deflecting people from Berry without causing the scene

that the garrulous great man himself might have caused without a smooth wing man stepping in.

It was Edwards who encouraged and convinced Berry to go accept, alongside Leonard Cohen, PEN New England’s first literary awards for songwriting. Once Edwards pried Berry out of his beloved St. Louis to hobnob with the swells at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, he spent the evening with Berry, Cohen, Paul Simon, Keith Richards and Salman Rushdie. Edwards played wing man when Berry was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s first class in 1986. The Everly Brothers were at the table with them. The only person between Edwards and the stage was Quincy Jones. “Gee whiz,” Edwards said. “The things you see with Chuck. The things I’ve overheard.”

Just as Berry entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the first ballot, he also walked onto the St. Louis Walk of Fame on the first ballot in 1989, when Edwards spearheaded that effort on

Photo by Wiley Price

TJ Abernathy with St. Louis Symphony cover conductor Sameer Patel.

“Motown The Musical” tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight

Chuck Berry, the father of rock and roll, Berry died at his home in St. Charles County, Missouri on March 18, 2017 at the age of 90.

“Real Life: A Hiphopera” returns this weekend for a run at Grand Center’s all-new .Zack Performance Arts Incubator space.

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Fri., Mar. 24, 7 p.m., Black Market Media Group presents The Desperado Tour: OG Maco & Young Greatness with guests Levi Carter and Meech & Driz Pop’s Concert Venue, 401 Monsanto Ave., Sauget, IL. 62201. For more information, call (618) 274-6720.

Mar. 24 & 26, St. Louis Symphony presents John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary. The production combines the traditional passion story with contemporary voices of social activism and spirituality. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 533-2500 or visit www. stlsymphony.org.

Tues., Mar. 28, 7 p.m. doors, The Victor Wooten Trio, The Old Rock House. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Apr. 9, 6 p.m., The Ambassador presents Sir Charles Jones. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For mor einofrmation, call (314) 8699090 or visit www.metrotix. com.

local gigs

Sat., Mar. 25, 7 p.m., Hathaway Cultural Center presents Purple Masquerade: The Prince Tribute Band. 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey, IL. 62035.

Sat., Mar. 25, 7 p.m., Coleman Hughes Project 4th Anniversary Celebration. The Jewel Event Center, 407 Dunn Rd., 63031. For more information, call (314) 4967751.

Sun., Mar. 26, 4 p.m., Carolyn Mason performs the Music of Shirley Brown. National Blues Museum, 615

Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Sun., Mar. 26, 6 p.m., Coco Soul presents Ode to Badu. The Signature Room, 9002 Overland Plaza, 63114. For more information, call (314) 325-5100.

Apr. 4 – 5, 10 a.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Kim Fuller: A Tribute to Nancy Wilson. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 5339900 or visit www.thesheldon. org.

special events

Thur., Mar. 23, 5 p.m., Under the Clock Tower: State of Forest Park Community Gathering. Park leadership will be on hand to discuss exciting improvement projects and answer questions from event attendees. Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center, 5595 Grand Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 367-7275 or visit www. forestparkforever.org.

Sat., Mar. 25, 7 p.m., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nu Chi Chapter presents Mardi Gras 70’s Style. 4 floors, 2 DJs, and a night you will not want to miss. Thaxton Speakeasy, 1009 Olive St., 63101. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Mon., Mar. 27, 5 p.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ 99th Annual Dinner Meeting. Hyatt Regency Hotel, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 6153668 or visit www.ulstl.com.

Wed., Mar. 29, 10 a.m., Jobs News USA’s St. Louis Job Fair. Some employers will offer on the spot interviews, this is a unique opportunity to

The Guide

Featured Event

Mon., Mar. 27, 5 p.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ 99th Annual Dinner Meeting. Hyatt Regency Hotel, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 615-3668 or visit www.ulstl.com.

get guaranteed face time and make personal connections. Double Tree Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information, visit www. jobnewsusa.com.

Fri., Mar. 31, 5 p.m., Gateway 180 presents the 8th Annual Open Your Heart for the Homeless Gala: Light Up the Night. Join us for an auction, live entertainment and art to honor the achievements of our families as they gain independence. Union Station, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. gateway180.org.

Fri., Mar. 31, 9 p.m., The Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women invites you to our Cosmic Bowl Scholarship Fundraiser. Proceeds help support our annual

Achievement Against the Odds scholarship program. Olivette Lanes, 9520 Olive Blvd., 63132. For more information, call (314) 684-9757 or visit www.ncbwstl.org.

Mar. 31 – Apr. 1, Dance St. Louis hosts Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue. A fusion of film, dance, and music, takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society. Blanche M. Touhill Perofrming Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.dancestlouis.org.

Mar. 31 – Apr. 2, The Fox Theatre presents The Illusionists – Live from Broadway. This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. 527 N. Grand Blvd.,

Todrick Hall presents Straight Outta Oz.. For more information, see THEATRE.

scholarship fund. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 200 N. 4th St., 63102.

Sun., Apr. 9, 5 p.m., The Made Moguls’ 3rd Annual B.L.A.C.K. T.I.E. Charity Dinner. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 200 N. 4th St., 63102. For more information, visit www.mademoguls.org comedy

Fri., Mar. 24, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Gary Owen 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Mar. 25, 7 p.m., Comedian Jason Jenkins & Friends presents Laughs & Libations Comedy. Starring Lawrence Owens and others. JC Supper Club, 9053 Riverview Dr., 63137. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

April 8 (7 p.m. ) & April 9 (7:30 p.m.), Chris Rock: Total Blackout Tour 2017, Peabody Opera House. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Fri., Apr. 21, 8 p.m., Festival of Laughs tour with Festival of Laughs: Mike Epps,Bruce Bruce,Rickey Smiley and Felipe Esparza, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Sat., Apr. 1, 12 p.m., City of Overland Easter Egg Hunt. Children 1 – 10 years can collect eggs, and win prizes. Open to the public, but proof of Overland Residency is required to win the large prizes. Norman Myers Park, 8600 Midland Blvd., 63114. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Apr. 1, 6 p.m., Dignity Period Spring Gala. We believe that change can happen through a comprehensive solution to the challenges facing girls in Ethiopia. The evening includes dinner and a performance by Denise Thimes. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (3140 704-1501 or visit www.dignityperiod.org.

Sat., Apr. 8, 5:30 p.m., National Black Marathoners Association presents the 3rd Annual Black Distance Hall of Fame and Achievement Awards Banquet. Join us as we recognize the newest inductees into the black distance hall of fame, and raise money for our

Tues., Mar. 28, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author F. Willis Johnson, author of Holding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Wed., Apr. 5, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Ibtisam Barakat, author of Balcony on the Moon: Coming of Age in Palestine 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. Wed., Apr. 5, 7 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral hosts author Thomas Frank, author of Listen, Liberal: Or What Ever Happened to the Party of the People. 1210 Locust St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 231-3454.

Thur., Apr. 6, 5:30 p.m., Subterranean Books hosts author DuEwa Frazier, author of Quincy Rules. 6275 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 8626100 or visit www.subbooks. com.

Fri., Apr. 7, 5:30 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author

Chelsea Clinton, author of It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspire, & Get Going! 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Tues., Apr. 11, 7 p.m.,

Left Bank Books hosts author Thomas Shapiro author of Toxic Inequality: How America’s Wealth Gap Destroys Mobility, Deepens the Racial Divide, & Threatens Our Future! 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Fri., Mar. 24, 7 p.m., 2nd Annual Lot 49 Contemporary Art Auction & Fundraiser. The Luminary, 2701 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, call (314) 773-1533.

Mar. 24 – 26, Bullivant Gallery and Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments invite you to Art Through All Eyes. A multi-sensory exhibit to celebrate the difference ways people create, experience. Featuring renowned artist John Bramblitt. 3321 Washington Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 865-0077.

Mar. 24 – May 14, COCA presents Harlem Renaissance: Contemporary Response. Exhibition featuring works by emerging or young artists inspired by artists associated with the Harlem Renaissance. There will be an opening reception on Mar. 24 at 6 p.m. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl. org.

Mar. 31 – Apr. 2, Spring Art Fair. Featuring original pieces of jewelry, photography, sculpture, and more. Also with wine tastings raffle drawings, music, and more. Queeny Park, 550 Weidman Rd., 63011. For more information, call (314) 889-0433 or visit www. artfairatqueenypark.com.

Sat., Apr. 8, 8 p.m. Unifying Through Art with Cbabi

Bayoc and Hobo Cane (Javier Mendoza), .Zack, 3224 Locust. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

lectures and workshops

Fri., Mar. 24, 8:30 a.m., The Center for Ethics in Public Life invites you to Ethics, Money & Politics. Millennium Student Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Mar. 25 – 26, Acting Master Class. Get a one-time session with the accomplished TV and film actor, Nelsan Ellis. Learn tools for casting, auditioning and breaking into the business. Panel discussion to follow the class. 3224 Locust Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.jpek-masterclass. eventbrite.com.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Mar. 22 – Apr. 26, The Missouri Bar Association invites you to the Spring 2017 Mini Law School for the Public St. Louis County Council Campus, 41 S. Central, 63105. For more information, call (866) 366-0270 or visit www. missourilawyershelp.org/minilaw-school.

theatre

Mar. 21 – 26, The Fox Theatre presents Motown: The Musical. The true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

Fri., Mar. 25 – 26, JPEK Creative Works Theatre presents A Real Life Hip Hopera. A coming of age story that exposes the attitudes of city living. There will also

be a Night with The Stars hosted by actor Nelsan Ellis on Mar. 24 at 6 p.m. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, (314) 533-0367 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Through March 26, The Repertory Theatre presents The Royale. Rising black prizefighter Jay “The Sport” Jackson dominates his opponents, but the harsh social realities of the early 1900s force him to fight twice as hard to earn recognition outside of the ring. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925 or visit www.repstl.com.

Mar. 30 – Apr. 2, Idris Elba is James Bond. Is the media the enemy of the people? A tale of stereotyping, media, and the community in the age of Trump. Mildred E. Bastian Center for Performing Arts, STLCC at Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 644-9232.

Mar. 31, 8 p.m., Touhill

Performing Arts Center presents MADCO Freedom. The show brings to life Washington Universities Olin Libraries special Civil Rights collection through dance exploring a timely theme in St. Louis and the United States. UMSL. For more information, visit www.touhil.org.

Sun., Apr. 2, 7 p.m., Je’Caryous Johnson presents Married But Single Too 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 499-7600 or visit www. peabodyoperahouse.com.

Sun., Apr. 9, 8 p.m., Todrick Hall presents Straight Outta Oz. With over 20 original songs, watch Hall’s adventures from his small town in Texas, to the big Emerald City lights of “Oz Angeles.” Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www. thesheldon.org.

health

Mon., Mar. 27, 6:30 p.m., Health and Nutrition Seminar: The Deadliest Weapon of Mass Destruction This World has EVER SEEN The Standard American Diet (SAD), St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave. For more information, call (314) 4438441.

Tues., Mar. 28, 7 p.m., Free Congestive Heart Failure Training for Family Caregivers. A Registered Nurse will cover symptoms, care and medications associated with CHF. Seniors Home Care, 504 Marshall Ave., 63119. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 962-2666 or visit www. seniorshomecare.com.

Wed., Mar. 29, 6:30 p.m., Health and Nutrition Seminar: The Deadliest Weapon of Mass Destruction This World has EVER SEEN

The Standard American Diet (SAD), St. Louis Public Library – Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge . For more information, call (314) 443-8441.

Thurs., Mar. 30, 6:30 p.m., Health and Nutrition Seminar: The Deadliest Weapon of Mass Destruction This World has EVER SEEN The Standard American Diet (SAD), St. Louis Public Library –Carpenter Branch, 3309 S. Grand Blvd. For more information, call (314) 4438441.

Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Yoga & Chill. A beginner-friendly, all levels (75 minute) class that spends time working through fundamental yoga postures and shapes while exploring alignment, breathing, relaxation techniques, and a good time. Modern Healer Studio, 1908 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Through March 24, EMFJ Jurisdictional Men’s Conference 2017. Nazareth Temple Church of God in Christ, 3300 Marshall Ave., 63114. For more information, call (314) 541-0342.

Sat., Mar. 25, 1 p.m., Common Scents Team presents What Does the Bible Say About Essential Oils? You will learn about the many uses and benefits of ten of the oils mentioned in the Bible, as well as others. Ferguson Heights Church of Christ, 1239 N. Elizabeth Ave., 63135. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Mar. 25, 2 p.m., Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church invites you to the 13th Annual Praise Is What We Do Scholarship Concert 4673 Labadie Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 381-2770.

The Old Rock House welcomes The Victor Wooten Trio. See CONCERTS for additional details.

the universal message that we all have come to that crossroads where we are forced to make a choice,” King said. “And in making that choice, it can create the success of us, or it can create the demise of us.”

The play had two runs – one of them sold out. The response was overwhelmingly positive, but King felt like he had more work to do with “Real Life.”

“We gained a lot of respect –because even in its raw stages, it was something people could relate to,” King said. “It still felt like it wasn’t ready. And I was like, ‘Why not?’ I think it was because I felt something about this story was going to be ‘the one.’ And even when I tried to get away from it, it never left me.”

He also caught the attention of reality television personality and producer Andrea Kelly.

“‘Real Life’ is my baby,” said Kelly (who is also the exwife of R&B singer R. Kelly), when she introduced herself as a producer of the work when a snippet of a revised version of the show was presented to St. Louis audiences in 2013.

“It was like, ‘How can we birth this baby and raise it so that it can become what it needs to be?’” King said.

He applied the old adage, “If you truly love something, set it free.” After 2013, he stopped.

“The last time I did ‘Real Life,’ I said ‘I need to put some time into myself,’” King said. “I did not know that it would be my true awakening – not just for ‘Real Life,’ but for me as an artist.” He acted. He moved away. He committed himself to hands-on study of directors and producers he admired.

King had started the process of giving himself some breathing room from “Real Life,” before he stepped away altogether, but the guilt was overwhelming. He felt as if he was abandoning his cast and crew.

The wise words of legendary actress Phylicia Rashad, when the two connected during a road trip for a play she was directing helped him move beyond that burden.

“She told me, ‘you are supposed to move, you’re supposed to grow. You’re supposed to do what you’re doing.’ She said that in 2011 and those words stuck with me to this very day.” Last year he revisited “Real Life.”

“Andrea said, ‘By will or by force God is going to allow what needs to happen to happen,’” King said.

West Coast Black Theatre of Sarasota, Florida opened their doors for a special presentation of “Real Life.” They were so impressed that they will be including the show in their upcoming summer season.

“I had to wake up. They had to wake up. And now we are here,” King said. “Even the rehearsals feel different. The energy has changed. We are different. I honestly feel that this one is going to be the one that people have never seen before.”

Earlier this winter, one act of the revamped production played

n “It’s the medicine to our urban crisis. It’s entertaining. It’s informative. It’s educational. It’s real life.”

- Joel P.E. King on the revival of his play of Real Life: A Hip Hopera

the University City Loop. Edwards has had many fantasy camp tours with Berry over the years. They went to Chicago for a blues festival, and Berry guided a windshield tour of the Chess Records studios where his invention of rock & roll was committed to posterity. The tour was guided by Berry in his unique mobile home, featuring whiplash corners on elevated overpasses where Edwards was certain that he and the father of rock & roll would topple over to their death.

for St. Louis audiences. They were so excited that he decided to move the initial weekend run from November to March.

His ultimate goal is to have “Real Life” stand against any Broadway show and he feels like they are going to achieve that.

But more important than the production value, is the transformative power he believes lies within the content of “Real Life.”

He created the #IamRealLife hashtag, which he says is all about triumph over tragedy.

“It’s the medicine to our urban crisis. It’s entertaining. It’s informative. It’s educational. It’s real life,” King said of the play. “I hope everyone walks away asking, ‘What can be my call to action to help motivate change?’”

JPEK Creative Works Theatre presentation of Real Life: A Hip Hopera will take place March 25-26. There will also be a Night with The Stars hosted by actor Nelsan Ellis on Mar. 24 at 6 p.m. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, (314) 533-0367 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Berry gave his friend (and, in his later years, manager) a windshield tour of his spots in Los Angeles. When Berry drove them by The Roxy, Stevie Wonder was out front, shooting a video and a PSA for not drinking and driving. Edwards was freaked out that he got to meet and hang out with the immortal Steve Wonder.

Driving away from The Roxy, Edwards was getting hyped to his road dog that they just got to meet Stevie Wonder and how amazing that was, when he suddenly realized his road dog that he was hyping to was the most important figure in the history of rock & roll.

“It was absurd,” Edwards said. “But our friendship was so close, so familiar. You forget that it’s Chuck Berry you’re talking to. I would be way more ga-ga about meeting Chuck Berry than even Stevie Wonder, but Chuck is my friend and he’s driving me around in his … I’d hate to call it ‘bus.’”

It is Edwards’ belief that Chuck Berry is the most important figure in the history of rock & roll that seeded the close bond between them, though they had to get past a piece of business first.

About a decade before the craft beer revolution started without him, Edwards started a craft Rock & Roll Beer line, and he insisted on having Chuck Berry’s face and legacy on his first can of Rock & Roll Beer. Edwards, now a transformative and wealthy developer, was then a semistruggling pub owner, indie label guy, blues band manager and real estate speculator along a sketchy stretch of Delmar Boulevard. But he wanted Chuck Berry’s face on his first can of beer, and he had a sense of what endorsement deals

SYMPHONY

Continued from C1

that for me and I will never forget that concert.”

He participated in the Symphony In Your College Masterclass at McKendree in 2012 where he worked with Thomas Jostlein – who later encouraged Abernathy to audition for the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra the following spring.

Jostlein became Abernathy’s mentor – and friend. The relationship between the two is not a unique experience to those who participate in St. Louis Symphony programming.

“People think, ‘oh that’s the symphony, they don’t care about us,’” Abernathy said. “But they really do and people just don’t know how much. They care about everybody.”

Even still, he’s aware that he’s been embraced by the organization in a special way.

“Maureen (St. Louis Symphony’s Director of Community Programs Maureen Byrne) told me ‘TJ, you have more bullet points in our programs than anyone: you’ve been in the youth orchestra, you were an InUnison Scholar and now you are a graduate fel-

should pay someone of Berry’s stature, so he offered the going rate.

Chuck Berry, not a man known for accepting a first offer, accepted Edwards’ first offer. That established their pattern of not fighting over money. The only way to stay Chuck Berry’s friend was not to fight with him over money. Berry defended his economic interests with great vigilance at all times and played by strictly by the business rules that he set forth.

In a business where many have played and were never paid, Berry would not take the stage without payment in advance. He stuck by this simple principle at great detriment to his career, since the audience tends to blame cancellations on the artist. Once Edwards became wing man, then also manager, for Berry, he would step in at times and front Berry’s advance so that the show could go on, then Berry would sign his check over to Edwards at the end of the gig – one autograph that Joe could not keep.

Edwards’ pub Blueberry Hill on the U. City Loop still stands

low.”

The InUnison Graduate Fellowship was created just for him with the support the Symphony’s music director David Robertson to help Abernathy hone his skills as a conductor.

“I just love it,” Abernathy said. “You are standing in front of people who know more about their instruments than you could possibly imagine. You get to make music with these great musicians. The sound that they create is just so… the orchestral sound is indescribable. People love when orchestras are loud, but there is nothing like a sensitive moment and the communication that they have amongst themselves.”

In the fall, he will begin graduate studies with the intention of obtaining a master’s degree with an emphasis in conducting.

As he moves forward with pursuing his passion in classical music, part of his mission is to get more African Americans to speak the language of classical music. “This is a language where we can go overseas and we not speak what they speak and they not speak what we speak, but we can sit and look at these pieces of paper with black dots on it and play together,” Abernathy said.

as a living memorial to Chuck Berry, with Chuck memorabilia everywhere you look. It’s also the pub where Chuck played his last gig, his 88th birthday concert, on October 18, 2014. Thanks to Berry’s unique trust in Edwards, he played a local basement bar gig in his hometown for years, allowing thousands of people from every corner of the earth to see the father of rock & roll in a small room much like the North St. Louis rooms he worked with Johnnie Johnson’s band in the early 1950s, when rock & roll was created. And Chuck Berry has not put out his last record yet. He passed away on the eve of the release of his record “Chuck” on Dualtone Records out of Nashville, his first new material in 38 years. Edwards was disappointed that “Chuck” will now be seen by some as a rushed, posthumous affair, when in fact it was made by a very much alive artist who expected to be alive to celebrate its release.

“I wish that record could be judged by its own merits,” Edwards said. “I do wish he had hung on for that.”

“The music that we listen to all stems from classical music in my opinion –we’ve built all of these different genres on top of it. Music soothes the soul and African-Americans are more than capable of being a part of the classical music.”

He’s humbled beyond words that The Symphony has taken him under his wing – and made provisions for him to further his education, and ultimately pursue a career in classical music.

“When (St. Louis Symphony Concertmaster) David Halen is going down the steps ready to go to the stage and he waves at me – these people that I have looked up to for years have taken me in and said, ‘it’s great that you are here working with us,’” Abernathy said. “To have people of this professional caliber take to me and allow me into their world so that I can learn from them is just so amazing, I can’t even describe it. I’m excited for them to know how I really feel.”

The St. Louis Symphony 2017 Gala Celebration will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at The Ritz-Carlton. For more information, visit https://www. stlsymphony.org/gala/ or call (314) 286-4131.

File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Legendary guitarist Chuck Berry poses with his star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame outside of Blueberry Hill Resturant in University City, Missouri on June 25, 1989.

Basketball Star

Congratulations to Soldan International Studies High School Senior Stephenne Huggans, who amassed 1,000 points for her high school basketball career vs. Cleveland NJROTC. She is considering a variety of offers from small D1, D2 and D3 schools.

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967, if you have not received a letter or e-mail, call 314-533-6087 or Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net with your contact information. Several activities are planned for the week of June 6-11, 2017. Meet & greet on 6-9-17, banquet on 6-1017, church services 6-11-17 at Greater Mt. Carmel and

Celebrations

Birthdays

a brunch after services. Our scheduled meetings are 3-1817, 4-15-17 and 5-20-17 at the Normandy Library at 1:30 p.m.

Beaumont Alumni Class 1968 meetings in preparation for their 50th Class Reunion will be held at STL County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge, St. Louis MO, 63121 on Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. on March 25, April 22, May 20 and June 24. For more information email bhsco1968@ att.net or call 314 869-8312.

Beaumont High School Class of 1972 is celebrating 45! Calling all classmates to mark your calendar for August 11 -13 2017 and celebrate our 45th class reunion. Activities have been planned for a fun illed weekend you don’t

want to miss. Please direct all inquiries and registration request to Sharon Webb Steele at (314) 757-2799 or Linda Howard at (314) 397-5570. You may also use Facebook , BHS72 Reunion Committee.

Beaumont High School Class of 1977 will celebrate its 40year reunion Sept. 15–17, 2017. For further information, please contact: Karen Handley (314) 330-0129, Audrey Dixon (314) 413-9202, Lois Moore (314) 315-0474, Kelvin Ellison (314) 599-6733.

Beaumont High School, Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296,

Golden Anniversary

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to our parents, Elder Burke and Sis. Caroline McCoy (who also celebrates her 70th birthday on March 29). We love you!

From: your sons Mario and Michael, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the Kennerly Temple Church family

madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Cleveland High School 1980-84 is planning a reunion for anyone that attended Cleveland High School during the desegregation period on August 5-6, 2017 at the Renaissance St Louis Airport Hotel. For more information, please contact Babette PerkinsAnderson 314-345-0939.

Hadley Tech Classes of 1962-1963 are having their 55th year reunion on October 13-15, 2017 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. For more information, please contact Hellon (Merritt) Jefferson at 314-307-3681, Ora (Scott) Roberts at 314-222-3662, Wilhelmina (Gibson) Baker at 314-630-9647, Pearl (Tillman)

Holden 314-685-0466 or Virdell (Robinson) Stennis at 314-773-8177.

Soldan High School Class of 1977 celebrating its 40-year reunion on Friday June 2-4, 2017 at the Crown Plaza Hotel located at 11228 Lone Eagle Dr. in Bridgeton, MO. For further information, please contact Debbie Marshall at 314-831-8831.

Vashon High School Class of 1972 is planning our 45-year reunion for 2017. Meetings are being held every 1st Tuesday of the month at the new Vashon High School; 3032 Cass Ave., in the library. Please email your info to eufabya@sbcglobal.net, or attend the meetings.

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

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:

Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be

Religion

Darrin ‘Slugger Roo’ Williams publishes book

Gang-banger transformed himself into a minister who first held services in his barbershop

By Tashan Reed For The St. Louis American

Darrin “Slugger Roo” Williams has completely turned his life around. Williams’ nickname came from his time as a member of the Vice Lord gang in Alton, Illinois. Williams left his life as a gang banger in the past, and is now a rapper, barber, minister and author.

Williams is having an official book signing for his new book, “The Comeback: Fighting back with Faith,” from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at the New Beginnings with Roo barbershop in Alton. Williams’ barbershop is located at 1842 E Broadway, Alton, Illinois 62002.

“It’s a snapshot of my life,” Williams said. The narrative starts with his birth in Alton in 1980, details his time as a gang banger, explains his inspiring conversion and ends in the present day.

Williams said that his book emphasizes the possibility of making good from bad and “persevering through the tough times.” The book centers on faith and “how I held on through the pounding head shots and body blows that life threw at me,” Williams said.

The cover of “The Comeback” fittingly features a pair of red boxing gloves.

Williams has had to fight his entire life, both figuratively and literally. After his parents divorced, Williams said he was influenced by his environment to turn to gang banging to help maintain a stable environment at home.

“I had to do what I had to do,” Williams said. Doing what he had to do, however, led to multiple charges with the most serious drawing the possibility of a six- to 15-year sentence.

It was then that Williams decided to change his life. “I didn’t want to strike out with the lord,” Williams said. Williams was

n “The Comeback: Fighting back with Faith” starts with the author’s birth in Alton in 1980, details his time as a gang banger, and explains his inspiring conversion.

“saved” in 2003, became a Christian rapper and started attending church, where he met his wife Michelle “Lady Roo” Williams. After losing his steel-working job in 2010, Williams was faced yet another setback. He decided to attend barber school and opened his own barbershop in 2010. Williams went on to become a minister in 2012, but there was one problem: He didn’t have a location to hold service. As a result, “New Beginnings Outreach International” started in the barbershop.

Darrin Williams is having a book signing for his new book, “The Comeback: Fighting back with Faith,” on Saturday, April 15 at the New Beginnings with Roo barbershop in Alton, Illinois.

The Message

Faith: What are you going to do about it ?

In rereading a book given to me by a close friend, a question was posed that I think defines the role of any wantto-be Christian. Regardless of when, where or why you found religion, the question is: What are you doing about it now?

For me, the answer lies in the fact that faith is a verb, not a noun and requires an act of some sort. That act is supposed to be precipitated by the understanding what you do is based upon what you believe. For example, if you believe and, as a consequence know Jesus is who He is, then do you gossip, spread rumor, innuendo, half-truths, or better yet, do your passions control your tongue or your predilections? Do you forgive and forget? Or do you forgive and never forget? How about that turn the other cheek thing?

The Williams couple didn’t let the lack of a location diminish their determination to grow their ministry. After about a year of hard work, they were able to move their church to a building located at 1840 E. Broadway, Alton, Illinois, 62002. The book signing for “The Comeback” would have come much earlier, but Williams has had some additional obstacles since the book’s release in October of 2016. He suffered a broken collarbone from a car accident in November and was at the doctor’s office when he spoke to The St. Louis American Overcoming adversity is nothing new to Williams, who has had to do so for a seemingly endless time.

“The Comeback” can be purchased at http://www.fightwithmyfaith.com/. More information about his church can be found at http://www.sluggerroo.com/.

Tashan Reed wrote this story while an editorial intern for The St. Louis American from the University of Missouri.

It seems faith as a verb demands a behavior grounded in a belief in the eternal; in the fact that all things have a purpose far beyond the realm of today. If your faith is so shallow that the only thing that touches your heart is just that, those things that you can see, touch and feel, then you’ve missed the point of eternal existence. Faith in the Almighty, literally means claiming (verb) the life that Jesus promised, a more abundant one. That life did not begin the day you were born and will not end the day you die; so says every so called Christian on the planet. But how you and I handle this short existence on earth goes a long way towards the quality of our after (this) life. “All things work together for good according to the Lord and those who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8: 28.

The consequence of faith then means realizing and understanding that according to God’s purpose, our role is clear. One must live faith rather than quote faith. One must be church rather than merely go to one.

So often in scripture we are reminded that Jesus lived a life that was pleasing to the Lord, His Father. He was appalled at the use of “The Law” as an excuse not to fulfill the purpose of “The Law.” He accepted any and every one, who believed in the Son of God as God. He therefore demanded appropriate behavior from apostles, elders, gentiles and sinners alike. The more faith you professed, the more knowledge you acquired, the more selfless you were to become.

“We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage…” Romans 21: 6-8.

This scripture makes my point for me. Faith is by all means a verb, active in its pursuit of meeting every person on equal ground, resilient in its defense against the frailties of the flesh and honest in its understanding that life is eternal. This physical world we live in is but an entrance exam for a universal reality planned and promised to us all. The good news is Christ already took and passed the final.

Columnist James Washington

DRIVERS : CLASS A REGIONAL Don’t expect to little. Our drivers don’t! Not from themselves or us! Home throughout the week. Great pay w/pd beneits. 800.234.5710

MEDIA SPECIALIST

ARCHS, a highly respected not-forproit organization, is seeking a fulltime Media Specialist with dynamic digital-age expertise. Use creative and technical skills to tell ARCHS’ story through videos, photos, social media, writing, and graphic design. Requirements: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; documented portfolio of work; highly organized; deadline focused; outgoing, have reliable transportation/able to travel locally. Some early evening hours and weekends required. ARCHS’ beneit package includes a 401(k) match. Be prepared to provide portfolio upon request. EMAIL initial letter of application, resume, and salary history by April 15, 2017 to careers@stlarchs.org or FAX to ARCHS’ HR, 314-289-5670. No phone calls please. EOE

SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR

Webster University’s Information Technology Organization has an opening for a Systems Administrator. Please apply online at http://webster.peopleadmin. com/postings/2294. No phone calls please. Webster University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. has an opening for a full-time Legal Administrative Assistant for our St. Louis oice. Our staf focus on teamwork & supporting each other to better balance workloads. herefore, strong teamwork & communication skills are highly desired. Qualiied applicants will type at least 70 wpm & have excellent attention to detail, grammar, proofreading & customer service skills. Law irm exp and/or legal study courses required. Apply online at www. greensfelder.com or at 10 S. Broadway, Ste 2000, St. Louis, MO 63102. EOE

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

he Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis seeks an outgoing Director of Strategic Partnerships to solicit and build relationships with area corporate, foundation and organizations in the bi-state region. For complete position description and information on how to apply, visit KeepArtHappening.org/makeyour-impact/jobs-internships. No phone calls please

PUBLIC BENEFITS STAFF ATTORNEY

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-proit law irm that provides free civil legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a Staf Attorney to work in its Public Beneits Program. For more information including how to apply, please visit our website at www.lsem.org. his position closes April 9, 2017.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) Staf Attorney

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-proit law irm that provides free legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a staf attorney in its Children’s Legal Alliance program. he staf attorney will be responsible for providing representation to children and families relating to all aspects of education law. For more information visit our website at www.lsem.org. Applications are due by March 27, 2017.

PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR

Explore St. Louis / America’s Center seeks a full-time Public Safety Supervisor to perform the following duties: supervise daily activities of in-house and contracted public safety personnel, coordinate employee schedules, and manage policies / procedures. Will also guard and patrol the facility premises. Must demonstrate ability to efectively communicate information to customers, clients & employees and prepare reports/correspondence/memos. One year certiicate from college, technical school or one to two years related experience / training; or equivalent combination of education & experience. Must possess or be able to obtain a Metropolitan Security license and successfully pass a background check / drug screen. Ability to work a lexible schedule is necessary. Email resume & cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com; NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

RENTAL SERVICES COORDINATOR

he City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for Rental Services Coordinator. Apply at www.richmondheights.applicantpro.com/jobs/ by Friday, March 31st. EOE

Agency

Home health Aide experience required and one year marketing experience for a Liaison Oicer. Apply at 3470 Hampton Avenue suite 103 St Louis MO 63139. Call 314-454-1219.

PHYSICS/MATH

INSTRUCTOR

De Smet Jesuit High School seeks highly qualiied candidates for the full-time position of physics/math instructor for the 2017–2018 school year. Successful candidates will have a master’s degree in engineering or physics and an ability to achieve student learning objectives through engineering-based design-build projects as well as through traditional classroom teaching strategies. A desire to nurture the creativity and imagination of students is a must. More information is available at https:// www.desmet.org/about/careers. Send a resumé, cover letter, and three references to Carrie Becher, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, at cbecher@desmet.org. Application materials will be accepted through April 7.

BILLING CLERK

Greensfelder has a full-time opening for a Billing Clerk in our Accounting/Finance Department. his position will be responsible for processing client billings & e-billings, insurance billing & conformity, conducting frequent follow-up of bill status to ensure timely issuance & collection, resolving internal & external client billing inquiries, addressing payment inquiries & performing year-end client collection & audit follow-up. Qualiied candidates will have excellent customer service, organizational & time management skills, & demonstrate a sense of urgency & ability to meet deadlines. High degree of accuracy & attention to detail is required. Candidates should possess 5+ yrs billing exp, preferably at a legal or professional services irm, & an Associates’ or Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting. Proiciency in both MS Word & Excel, experience with Prolaw (or other time & billing sotware) & e-billing sotware sites is preferred. Apply online at www.greensfelder.com or at 10 S. Broadway, Ste 2000, St.Louis, MO 63102. EOE

MULTI-MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

American Publishing Company is in search of an optimistic, energetic, hard-working and creative Multi-Media Account Executive. Must be growth oriented, have a strong work ethic and exceptional people skills. Your hard work, energy and strong desire to meet and exceed sales opportunities and challenges will ensure your success in this position. Must work well independently, be entrepreneurial, persistent and have a proven work record. This is a great opportunity for those who love sales and want to be an integral part of the ongoing growth of a major St. Louis media outlet. Your task will be to consistently sell a variety of products to meet clients’ needs: print advertising, online advertising, social media advertising, special sections, events, sponsorships, etc. Full or part time opportunity. Salary plus commission. (Benefits package with full time). About The St. Louis American: • Now Missouri’s largest weekly newspaper, period! • 160,000+

high

• Social media engagement is at an all-time high For information, contact: Kevin Jones, Chief Operating Officer The St. Louis American kjones@stlamerican.com

SENIOR TECHNICAL LEAD

Vintech Solutions Inc has openings for a Senior Technical Lead w/ Bachelors degree in Engg (any),Comp Sci, Tech or rltd & 5 yrs of exp. to plan, direct, coordinate, analysis & dsgn of SAP HCM sys that meet spec , rqmnts of projects & overall buss needs. Ensure accurate implementation of SAP apps, sys to supp the environment that will provide up-to-date info to all areas & levels of the company. Review project plans to plan & coordinate project activity & ensure the timely completion of all assigned. Applies extensive SAP conig exp in time (WFM), payroll, across all HCM modules to accomplish projects & the overall buss needs. Consults with buss users, mgmnt, vendors, technicians who request assistance in understanding SAP system problems, assesses computing needs & sys rqmnts.

Work loc: Olivette, MO w/rqur’d travel to client loc throughout the USA. Mail resumes: 9715 Olive Blvd, Floor 2, Olivette, MO 63132 (OR) e-mail: legal@vintech. com

POLICE ADMIN. ASSIST. & PROSECUTING ATTY. ASSIST.

he City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for Police Administrative Assistant/Prosecuting Attorney’s Assistant. Apply at www.richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ by Friday, March 31st. EOE

DIRECTOR, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business seeks a Director for its Small Business Development Center. he Center Director will administer three programs within the Illinois Small Business Development Center grant (the International Trade Center and two Small Business Development Centers). For more information and required qualiications, please see: https://siue.hiretouch.com/jobdetails?jobID=5693&job=director-smallbusiness-development-center-5693

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION EDUCATION SPECIALIST

MOSERS is recruiting for a Deined Contribution Education Specialist. he position will be an integral part of a team responsible for the ongoing dissemination of customized retirement and investment education to Missouri State Employees in the form of live seminars and one-on-one consultation pertaining to the State of Missouri Deferred Compensation Plan employee beneit. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree preferably in business, inance, marketing, or similar. Previous inancial planning experience, Certiied Financial Planner or Chartered Financial Consultant designation is strongly preferred. Candidates should possess strong presentation skills, knowledge of investment concepts, retirement and inancial planning, competency in all Microsot Oice products, and the ability to quickly learn web-based applications. his position works mostly of-site, regular day-trips and occasional overnight travel are required. Applicants must have a valid Missouri driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle. Starting salary is $52,000-$57,000, dependent on experience. Apply at www.mosers.org, click “Careers”. Visit www.modeferredcomp. org for more information about the plan. Application deadline is Monday, April 3. EOE:M/F/V/D.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS (STREETS AND PARKS) AND MAINTENANCE

he City of Jennings is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistance to administer the oice of the Public Works/ Street & Park Department and Maintenance Department. Duties include: Typing correspondence, maintaining records and iles, processing personnel records, assisting with budget, purchasing and contracts, preparing reports, preparing for and/or attends meetings.

Minimum three years oice experience with excellent clerical, computer and customer service skills and attention to detail. Experience with municipal purchasing or public works oice administration preferred. Starting salary $24,394.50.

Applications available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave. or at www.cityojennings.org.

NO RESUMES ACCEPTED WITHOUT COMPLETION OF OUR APPLICATION! Completed applications may be mailed, emailed to jobs@cityojennings. org or faxed to 314-388-3999. Applications accepted until position is illed.

ORGANIST seeking organist to play for Sunday Morning Services and 1 night of rehearsal everyweek. 314-642-3480

GROCERY CENTER COORDINATOR / ASSIST. CHEF Food Outreach, FT Culinary/Nutrition Degree/ServSafe Cert. Flexible hours, some evenings/weekends. Email resume to marysue@foodoutreach.org

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

BID NOTICE

Brinkmann Constructors requests your bid for the Woodward Lots project located in St. Louis, Missouri. Construction on this project is set to begin in late spring of 2017. he project consists of renovation of 248,761 SF warehouse space into

Brinkmann Constructors is soliciting

subcontractor & supplier bid proposals for the Woodward Lots Project. EOE here will be a pre-bid meeting for this project on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the job site. (1519 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110)

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

• Brinkmann will have the bid documents online at: https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=280588&i=1

• Online: ConstructConnect (formerly Reed, ISQFT, BID CLERK), Dodge, BuildCentral, Blue Book

• St. Louis Minority Business Council

211 N Broadway, Ste 1300 St. Louis, MO 63102

314-231-5555

• Cross Rhodes Reprographics 1712 Macklind Ave St. Louis, MO 63110

314-678-0887

• MOKAN

5261 Delmar Blvd St. Louis, 63108

314-454-9675

Please e-mail, deliver, or fax bids to the attention of Dustin Roberts or Jacob Colter at:

Brinkmann Constructors 16650 Chesterield Grove Road – Suite 100 Chesterield, MO 63005 p 636.537.9700 f 636.812.9800 (BIDS ONLY) bids@askbrinkmann.com (BIDS ONLY) droberts@askbrinkmann.com jcolter@askbrinkmann.com

BIDS/PROPOSALS WANTED

he City of St. Louis Workforce Development Board and the City of St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment announce the availability of a Request for Proposal (RFP). he release date is March 23, 2017. he RFP is seeking bids for Training Strategies-Information Technology.

he RFP is available for pick-up, in person, at the City of St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment oice, 1520 Market Street, Room 3050, St. Louis, MO 63103, 314-589-8000, beginning March 23, 2017, 8:00 a.m. (local time) – 5:00 p.m. (local time), Monday –Friday, except holidays. he RFP can also be downloaded from our website: www.stlworks.com

Questions regarding the RFP may be submitted to the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (see address above), Attn: Deputy Director and must be received prior to 5:00 p.m. April 3, 2017. You may also submit questions to Kelley Bernardi at kbernardi@stlworks.com . A copy of the written inquiry and response will be posted on the website: www.stlworks.com.

Applications must be received by the City of St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (see address above) no later than 5:00 p.m., (local time) on April 7, 2017. No fax or e-mail copies will be accepted. Applications received ater this date and time will not be considered. One original and ive copies in a sealed package must be submitted.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

he Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (the “LCRA”) is soliciting proposals from qualiied property developers to purchase and redevelop real property located at 1335 Ogden Avenue in the City of Wellston, St. Louis County, Missouri 63133.

he LCRA will accept proposals, which must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017. Proposals may be sent or delivered to 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2300, St. Louis, MO 63105, Attn: General Counsel, or by e-mail to dallison@stlpartnership. com. DBE, MBE, and WBE irms are encouraged to bid. he Request for Proposals may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership. com. he LCRA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Any questions should be directed to Dustin J. Allison, General Counsel, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership at (314) 615-7663 or dallison@stlpartnership. com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Seeking proposals from subs, suppliers, Sect. 3 businesses & qualiied MBE & WBE irms for all constr. div. of Baltimore Meadows, a new 48 unit apt. dev. In Kirksville, MO. his project has Section 3 opportunities under the HUD act of 1968 as well as minority participation goals. Interested irms should contact Fairway Constr. for a link to access plans and speciications.

Proposal Due: April 3, 2017 @ 5 PM CDT Direct inquiries to: pproposals@ fairwayconstruction.net. Fairway Constr., 206 Peach Way, Columbia, MO 65203, 573-303-3765. Fairway Constr. reserves all rights to waive any bid informalities and is an AA/EOE employer.

WBE/MBE/SDVE

INVITATION TO BID

Foley Company will be accepting subcontract and/or material bids on the following projects:

he University of Missouri-Columbia Lowry Mall – Repair & Upgrade Steam Tunnel Bid Date & Time: April 4, 2017 @ 1:30 PM A Diversity Participation goal of 10% MBE / 3% SDVE /10% Combined WBE, DBE and Veteran Owned Business has been established for this contract. Send bids to Foley Company @ 7501 Front Street, KCMO, 64120.

Request for Proposal #57817081 for

Banking Services

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals to provide banking services. A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in the AT&T Library-Telecommunity Rom 108. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by faxing a written request to HSSU, Attention: B. A. Morrow, (314) 340-3322; sending an email to: morrowb@hssu.edu, or by calling (314) 340-5763 and leaving the company name, address and telephone #.

Proposals must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 and should be mailed or delivered in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Proposal for Banking Services”, Harris-Stowe State University, ATTN: B. A. Morrow, 3026 Laclede Avenue, Room 105, St. Louis, MO 63103. Proposals will be opened and the names read at 10:15 a.m. in the AT 130 Seminar Room in the AT&T Library.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College intends to purchase licenses for use of the Student Success Collaborative-Navigate platform from the Education Advisory Board which has been determined to qualify as a “Sole Source” purchase. Any vendor who does not agree may ile a protest via email at stlccbids@stlcc.edu referencing B0003633 by 5:00 P. M. (local time) on March 28, 2017. Additional information may be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5227. EOE/AA

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 17 402, Renovation of Restrooms, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time April 4, 2017. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the oice of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s oice at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING: March 24, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Loading Dock

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

he City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease – Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide Childcare services

Interested parties are encouraged to respond to the solicitation for proposal beginning Secretary I, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 4027, by either calling 314-657-1556 or via email JohnsonP@stlouis-mo.gov. Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/procurement.cfm. If interested parties have downloaded the proposal from the website, they must register with Mr. Johnson; in order to be notiied of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. he deadline for submitting proposals is 4:00 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2017 at the address referenced above.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on April 21st, 2017 to contract with a company for: Five (5) Pump Installations at Fillmore Pump Station and Upton Pump Station. Mandatory pre-bids will be required, per the Speciications. Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8851 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.6269 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on April 17th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Internal Auditing Services.

Speciications and bid forms may be ob- tained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8861 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 17 009, Concrete Repairs, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, Corporate College until 2:00 p.m. local time March 28, 2017. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the oice of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s oice at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Jennings Station Acquisition Demolition Package 2 under Letting No. 11140013.5, at this oice, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualiied by the District’s Engineering Department for:

DEMOLITION: ST LOUIS COUNTY

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for M i s c e l l a n e o u s Renovations, NW Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Ctr, St. Joseph, Missouri, Project No. M160401 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/13/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Treatment Center, St. Joseph, MO, P

c

N o . H1605-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/13/17. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for B U I L D I N G IMPROVEMENTS a n d R O O F REPLACEMENT, Langsford House Youth Center, Lee’s S u m m i t , M O , Project No. H160502 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/13/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

be obtained from the Manager’s oice at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015 SEALED BIDS

Center, Boonville, Missouri, Project No. C1609-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/13/2017. For

Sealed bids for Drainage Repairs (A-Side), Western MO Correctional Center, Cameron, MO, Project No. C1702-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/13/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

he SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualiied and Certiied MWBE contractors to discuss working on Delcrest Sanitary Relief I/I Reduction Part 2 Contract Letting No. 11735-015.2

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

Bates Utility Company 841 Westwood Industrial Drive Weldon Spring, MO 63304 636/939-5628

he meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. March 30, 2017

SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

For questions regarding this pre-bid meeting, contact the SITE Improvement Association oice at 314/966-2950

Sealed bids for 2017 CRS Concrete Replacement Program, Area A, St. Louis County Project No.CR-1704, will be received at the Oice of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on March 29, 2017

Plans and speciications will be available on March 13, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

SEALED BIDS

he City of Webster Groves is accepting sealed bids for Sculpture Garden Lighting at Webster Groves City Hall, 4 East Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119 until 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 5, 2017. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the project site on Wednesday, March, 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM. Bidders may obtain hard copies of bid documents at County Blue, 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, MO 63144 for the nonrefundable cost of reproduction or download electronic version of documents at www.webstergroves.org/bids. All rights reserved.

Plans and Speciications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Speciications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and speciications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sealed bids for the above project are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:00AM CST at the Facility Maintenance Department located at 7469 Mintert Ind. Drive, Ferguson, MO 63135. Bid specs must be obtained at: http://new.ferglor.K12.mo.us/facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro (314) 506-9184.

BID NOTICE

hoele Asphalt is now excepting bids on hauling from MSD in St Louis. All bids must be by the cubic yard. You can submit your bids to canthoele@yahoo.com or fax them to 636-949-1231 Attn: Charlie. Bids must be received by March 23, 2017. For questions you may contact Charlie at 314-280-6903

Career Center (CONTINUED)

MAJOR PROJECT MANAGER II

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri is looking for a bright, resourceful and energetic Executive Administrative Coordinator to support our CEO. For more information please go to www. LFCSMO.org EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

CUSTODIANS

NEEDED

2nd and 3rd Shit

$11.50 per hour starting 22 days’ Vacation irst year Great Medical Beneits Washington University School of Medicine to apply visit https://jobs.wustl.edu/ and Search for Job Posting ID number 35144 / 35602 Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualiied applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

St. Louis Development Corporation has an opening for a Major Project Manager. he full position description and application process can be found online at www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc select “Careers at SLDC.” SLDC values a diverse workforce, and is an equal opportunity employer.

BIDS & NOTICES (CONTINUED)

Webster Groves School District

Is seeking proposals from Painting Contractors for the “Knight Auditorium Paint Project”. he Knight Auditorium is located at the Webster Groves High School. Request for Proposal submissions are due at the Webster Groves School District Service Center 3232 South Brentwood Blvd. Attention Mr. Robert Steuber, WGSD CPM no later than 2:00 pm on April 13th 2017. he RFP will be available online @ www.webster.k12.mo.us, (under RFP heading) March 27th, 2017. he owner reserves the right to reject any and or all proposals

Invitation To Bid:

he Saint Louis Zoo is seeking project bid requests for resurfacing of rubber safety surface at Children’s Zoo playground. Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on 14 March, 1PM, in Facilities Management Conference Room, Gate 5, of of Wells Drive. For more information see the Saint Louis Zoo website http://www.stlzoo.org/about/ contact/vendoropportunities

PROPOSAL REQUEST

from

irms to design the organizational structure to stand-up an

Innovation Center to promote Advanced Manufacturing throughout the St. Louis Region. Proposals are due 3:00 p.m. on March 24, 2017 at SLEDP’s oices at 7733 Forsyth Blvd. Suite 2300, St. Louis, MO 63105, attention Brian Lane. he complete RFP package may be obtained online from SLEDP’s website www.stlpartnership.com or by contacting Brian Lane at 314-6158162 or blane@stlpartnership.com

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on April 25th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Incinerator Performance Testing Services.

Speciications and bid forms may be ob- tained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8871 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

A/C, Provided 314-504-6012

Request for Proposals for Removal and Proper Disposal of Hazardous Electronic Material

623-49 East Holly Ave. St. Louis, Missouri, 63147

he Planned Industrial Expansion Authority (PIEA) of the City of St. Louis, Missouri is seeking proposals for the removal and proper disposal of electronic equipment from a previous electronics reuse and recycling facility. he majority of the material proposed for removal is cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors and televisions.

PIEA is seeking proposals from irms registered at tier 3 or 4 on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Voluntary Tiered Registration Program for electronic recycling, though all proposals will be considered.

he site will be available for a walk through on March 28th, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

Bids will be received until 3:00 PM on April 7th, 2017 at St. Louis Development Corporation. Attention Peter Phillips, 1520 Market Street Suite 2000, St. Louis, Missouri 63013.

he full invitation, relevant dates, and all other documents related to this opportunity may be downloaded at: https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/ sldc/brownields/649-holly-crt-rfp.cfm

Advertise Your Job Opportunities, Bids, Notices, Proposals, Rentals, Homes for Sale, Auto Sales and More in the St. Louis American Call Angelita at 314-289-5430 or email ajackson@ stlamerican. com

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

level oice building addition and the renovation of the existing 42,000 sf 2 level oice building.

A pre-bid walk-through will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 1:30 PM. he meeting will be at 4480 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 at the east entrance. Bids for this project are due on March 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. For any questions or would like to ind out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Evan Chiles at 636-561-9544 or emchiles@paric.com.

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

Plans and speciications will be available to view at Paric’s Main oice at 77 Westport Plaza, Suite 250,

INVITATION TO BID

or by calling 314-2617221. he Board of Aldermen reserves the right to

ROOMS FOR RENT Good heating and cooling. Fully furnished & Cable 314-484-3147 314-240-9677 FOR RENT 3812 Ashland 1 Bed / $475/mo Non-refund, App. Fee 314-546-6868 618-772-1859

Swag Snap of the Week

RIP Chuck Berry. My soul wouldn’t be right if I didn’t pay homage to a St. Louis hero who changed music forever. Even though Chuck Berry lived to see 90, my heart still sank when I got the news he passed away on Saturday – especially since I knew the release of his new record was right around the corner. I think because he was our homegrown hero, at times we took for granted just how much influence he had on the entire music industry. Without Chuck Berry there would be no Rolling Stones, there probably wouldn’t have been the Beatles – and plenty say there wouldn’t have been a British invasion altogether … and I’m convinced they’re right about it. Do y’all realize that the blueprint for rock ‘n roll as we know it came straight out of the Ville? If you don’t know, then now you know! Rest well Mr. Berry.

Having a hoot at Helium with Aries. It’s a shame Aries Spears was too young to ride that Def Comedy Jam/Comic View wave. Because had he been a few years older, he would’ve been able to cash in on the phenomenon that may made Monique, Martin Lawrence, Ricky Smiley and our own Cedric The Entertainer and all the rest who are now famous enough to headline arenas. I had a chance to catch him at the intimate set at Helium comedy club. And when I tell you I was hollering – y’all just don’t know! I heard before I got there that he was taking jabs at the big girls, and I was like, “Wait a minute, ain’t he a big sexy his own self? But when I got there, I saw that he has either been on Shaun T’s Insanity or P90X or Richard Simmons’ ‘Sweatin’ to the Oldies’ because he had slimmed down quite a bit. I also saw that he was going in on every body. It was way crude, but I cackled so obnoxiously that I’m sure folks thought I was a paid laugher. I think my favorite was when he went in on the audience. When he told this gentleman of a certain age, that it looked like he was singing, “This Is How We Do It” when he took the colorful curtains down and make his totally 90s jacket. I liked to have died. And then when he was talking about couples of the different generations, the whole audience lost it. He was always pretty solid when he came on as part of an urban comedy revue. But after seeing him roll solo, I began to think that he was taking his funny down a notch just to make sure that the cackle’s were evenly spread among the line. And FYI, Helium has Dick Gregory coming for a one-night engagement on May 14, I’m sure it will sell out if it hasn’t already. But you should at least try to get a seat to catch our comedy legend in action. AfroSexyCool. I was still laughing at Aries when I headed to the Blank Space for Needles’ AfroSexyCool No. 7 set. I would love to share some of Aries’ bits, but they were so off-color I might get arrested. Anyway, a few of y’all might be tired of me showing so much love to Needles. But anybody who has ever seen him spin would co-sign me piling it on. And Friday night was no different.

Neosoul at the all new .Zack. I was in full-fledged Chuck Berry bereavement when I stopped through .Zack to check out Zo! + Carmen Rodgers for The SkyBreak Tour. I must admit I was so devastated when Zo and Sy Smith grew apart that I never took the time to check for him with Carmen until catching them live last weekend. I’m grown enough to publicly admit that I’m kicking myself for missing out on their tag team slayage for the past four years. It was absolutely everything. Each song had me more upset than the one before that I just didn’t embrace Carmen out the gate. Oh well, I’ve got from now on to get familiar – and trust me, I’ve been playing catch up. I was also thrilled that they played for a packed, diverse audience. The show actually made me miss the days when my girl Vanita “Applebum” Thompson used to hip me to the Neosoul “new new” with her sets some years back. I can’t tell you how many artists I wouldn’t have known about if it weren’t for her – including Zo!

Dre Day 2.0. Marquee and OBar owner Dre should’ve been playing Drake’s “Back 2 Back” when he stepped into OBar Saturday night for his second ___________(insert new slang for “off the chain”) b-day bash in a row. He got it crackin’! I’m sure had he known, he would have had made his party a collaboration with Cardi B…so he could help her get some serious numbers up in the club. I do have to take into account that her set did take place on a Sunday, but still. Enough about Cardi, this is about how turnt it was for Dre. He deserves it. He goes out of his way to make sure everyone else has the opportunity to kick it – for their birthday, or whatever reason – so it was only right that the folks turned out in droves to help because he got it crackin’ for the second year in a row. Mo Spoon, Teddy “BFree” and his lovely wife Makeda, Keith from DELUX and plenty more stopped through and 100.3 The Beat’s Osei The Dark Secret and Aye Eye were on deck as well.

Cardi and her killer Cs Cardi B and that synthetic, made in China cleavage of hers had the club going up on a Sunday at The Marquee. It wasn’t as packed as when the “Love and Hip-Hop/Basketball jump off” chicks were still kind of relevant, but I give her some props because she had the club at least half-full when folks had to go to work the next morning. While I’ll give her all props for her personality, her cleavage had me saying “girl, why?” She looked like she had two flesh-tone, half-filled water balloons surgically inserted at either shoulder blade. And I don’t know what she was going through with the Cher “I Got You Babe” hair game that was in a hot burgundy hue. But who am I to judge? She was engag-

her fans – and the folks enjoyed it.

ing with

Niya, Tia, Roni, Denise and Zay came through to show Dre some love for his birthday @ Saturday @ The Obar

Jordan Canino, Chandler Caerter, Jazmyne Smith, Paris Green and Brittany came through The OBar Saturday night

Teddy “Bfree”, Dre and Keith helped Dre do it big for his birthday Saturday @ The OBar

Stacey and T-Animated showed Nappy DJ Needles some love Friday night @ Blank Space

Ambrose, Roxana, Shannon, Greg, Kyndra and Kevin Friday night @ Blank Space

100.3 The Beat’s Osei The Dark Secret and St. Louis Olympian Mike Rogers Saturday night @ The OBar

Newlyweds Carlina and Angelo Baldwin spent some quality kicking it time Saturday @ The Obar

Kim and Alexis in VIP @ the Marquee Sunday night

Jasmine and Tasha got a chance to turn up with Cardi B Sunday night @ The Marquee

Jasmeen and Vanecia Friday night @ Blank Space

Host J-Starr and Love and Hip Hop co-star Cardi B held it down in VIP as they hyped the crowd Sunday night @ The Marquee

Photos by John Scott