May 2nd, 2024 e-Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Girls Inc. members learn ‘your vote matters’

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

The importance of voting, not just in presidential elections but also local ones, was emphasized to young women during an informative Voter Education Program at Girls Inc. on Saturday April 27, 2024.

Before the morning was complete, 10 Girls Inc. members had registered to vote and were excited to cast a ballot for the first time in August.

Reagan Beverly, a 15-year-old Ritenour High School sophomore, called the session “a good opportunity to talk about voting, especially with an election coming up.”

“It’s so important.’

Chanel Scott, 16, said it was interesting to share thoughts on the importance of voting with her peers and facilitators.

“Learning more about the voting process has been great. Not just for president, in every election because they all matter,” said the

See GIRLS, A6

Nikylan Knapper, former Maplewood mayor, asked Girls Inc. members why they thought it is important to vote during a Voter Education Program on Saturday April 27, 2024 at the Girls Inc. headquarters in north St. Louis County. More than 50 girls took part on the session, and 10 young women who were at least 17 1/2 registered to vote.

Court

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

Gen Z and those born afterward probably won’t remember the time when there were no major grocery stores in north St. Louis. In fact, in the early nineties, Blacks resorted to launching protests just to persuade major grocers and pharmacies to accept their hard-earned dollars by opening stores in the ‘hood. Out of that era of economic apartheid, entrepreneur Sterling Moody opened Sterling’s Marketplace-a first (at the time) Black-owned grocery store in Baden. Moody, with his unique blend of charisma, gravitas, showmanship and audacious vision served thousands of customers and inspired several burgeoning Black entrepreneurs. On April 14, Sterling Moody passed away. According to his family, he never fully recovered from COVID-19 in the Sterling Moody

MOODY,

The

Trial date set for August 8

The case has been moved from Federal Court to the Circuit Court following several delays and rescheduled trial dates, including a January court date. The first Circuit Court appearance is set for 9 a.m. August 8, 2024 in Clayton. “[McKee] refused to meet or seek the approval of Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc. to use their copyrighted name. What’s at stake is violation of federal law and the

Former call center will house programs

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Michael Neidorff” continues to have a

ic

The “legacy of the

on the region, according to Michael McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO.

On Thursday, McMillan announced that the Centene Corporation, the company that Neidorff moved from Milwaukee to St. Louis and led from a $40-million single healthcare plan to a global healthcare company with revenues of $125 billion, is donating its Ferguson call center to the Urban League.

The Urban League’s newest facility will be called the Centene Connected Community Center. It will house Head Start, workforce development, education, housing, and re-entry programs. It will also have a regional food distribution center and Midwest conference center, which can be used for community events.

“This is the single largest item donated to any particular Urban League [affiliate] See CENTENE, A6

Photo courtesy of Girls Inc.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The members of Change The Name Coalition & Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc held an information picket Sat. Apr. 27, 2024 in front of a 3-bed facility at Jefferson and Cass Blvd. called Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital. Developer Paul McKee who owns the facility did not receive permission to use their copyrighted name.

Chris Brown rumors take center stage after dramatically low attendance at Quavo show

An anonymous user posted on social media a now-viral video of a surprising crowd at rapper Quavo’s concert in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in relation to the venue size. Quavo is a well-es tablished rapper who is most famous for his work in the group The Migos. The attendee recording speculated Chris Brown might be behind the low turnout optics.

“Yo, Chris Brown,” the person recording said, and then revealed rows and rows and then more rows of vacant seats. “Are you serious, bro?

I know you’ve got something to do with this. Ain’t nobody at my man Quavo’s show today? Chris Brown, come on, bro. I know you called somebody to shut his show down. Where are the people? This is horrible. ... There’s nobody here.”

The rumor that Chris Brown would buy so many tickets and essentially pay a man he is feuding with to embarrass him was a big talking point over the

Doja Cat comes for concert attendees bringing their kids

The controversial rapper and singer Doja Cat reprimanded primarily parents who bring kids to her shows.

“I don’t know what the f--- you think this is, but I

don’t make music for children, so leave your kids at home motherf---er,” Doja said. The rapper has always used very explicit music, and she continued politely on the subject. “I’m rapping about c-m; why are you bringing your offspring to my show, “rappin’ about eating [explicit], leave your mistake at home.”

Despite her apparent disgust at the notion of young attendees coming, Doja could be explicit about an age restriction to relevant venues.

Her upcoming Glasgow concert allows attendees as young as 8-year-olds to be accompanied in the seated section as long as a parent accompanies them.

Simon

says:

he took to social media on Saturday (April 27) with a cash incentive to anyone who can prove he was a philanderer.

“I’ve increased the cash reward for any credible receipts of my cheating on any spouse from 6/14/2019 thru 2/22/204,” he posted on Instagram.

“Reward has changed from 50,000 to $100,000. Challenge others to do the same...”

I didn’t cheat on my wife

BET is reporting that Simon Guobadia is doing all he can to end speculation he cheated on his wife. His ex, Porsha Williams, has filed divorce papers against Guobadia, but

“Any questions?” he penned in the caption of the post.

In February, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star filed to end her marriage to Guobadia after 15 months.

But he is countering the accuracy of the time together. According to him, their marriage was less than 15 months.

“Point of Correction: 14 months (453 days)...not 15 months. Thank you, and God Bless,” he said in another Instagram post.

If nothing else, Guobadia is a stickler for details.

Sources: TMZ, Entertainment Weekly, BET

Red-light cameras are coming back to St. Louis intersections

By Lauren Brennecke

St. Louis Public Radio

Mayor Tishuara Jones recently signed a bill to reinstate the cameras – despite a Missouri Supreme Court ruling that deemed them unconstitutional.

Jones introduced the updated measure in September 2023 as part of a technology-enhanced safety plan. Board Bill 105 cleared the Board of Aldermen in April. Jones signed the automated camera enforcement act on Saturday.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when getting around St. Louis,” Jones said. “This bill gives the city and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department a new tool to curb traffic violence.”

The city began operation of red-light cameras in 2007. They were decommissioned for the first time in 2015. Judge Mark Neill ruled “the ordinance creates a presumption that the owner of the motor vehicle was the operator of the vehicle at the time and place of the violation.”

Accidents rose that year, according to both local and federal data.

Jones said it’s a necessary step toward a safer St. Louis, citing more than 100 traffic crash injuries in 2023. Changes to the bill will keep cameras from being struck down in court for a fourth time, officials said. If Jones signs Board Bill 185, the Board of Aldermen will regulate police use of surveillance technologies.

City officials aim to use these measures to make streets safer.

According to the St. Louis-based

nonprofit group Trailnet, pedestrian fatalities were down in 2023. Vehicle crashes, however, went up compared to the previous year.

Alderwoman Laura Keys, who represents the 11th Ward, was recently hit by a distracted driver while walking in the city. Keys said she advocates for safe-

ty measures but feels conflicted about this law.

“I really think the red-light cameras will affect people who are for the most part, drivers who follow the laws,” Keys said. “I have sons who drive, and so if I were to give them my car, and they were to get one of these tickets, do I have to disclose that

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it was my son who was driving the car so that he could get the ticket? Or do I just swallow the ticket?” Keys said. “This kind of changes the dynamic.” Keys said residents are also concerned for their privacy. Redlight cameras capture an image of the vehicle, license plate and driver. Vehicle owners can also

petition to have tickets removed from their record if another person was driving at the time of the violation.

The new cameras will be installed at strategic points within the city, aimed at curbing traffic violence.

While 11th Ward Alderwoman Laura Keys (above) was recently hit by a distracted driver while walking in the city and advocates for safety measures, she has concerns over the return of red light cameras in St. Louis.

Left: A red-light camera is pointed at traffic at South Grand Boulevard and Chouteau Avenue on Monday in Midtown.

Photo by Eric Lee / St. Louis Public Radio

Guest Editorial

Black America, ‘Reclaim Your Vote’

“If the United States wants to make good on its foundational claims of a democratic system of governance open to all citizens, it must find ways to close the racial turnout gap. Wider now than at any point in at least the past 16 years, the gap costs millions of votes from Americans of color all around the country. Perhaps most worrisome of all, the gap is growing most quickly in parts of the country that were previously covered under the preclearance regime of the 1965 Voting Rights Act until the disastrous Shelby County ruling.” – Brennan Center For Justice Driven in part by restrictive laws enacted since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, the racial voting gap has exploded and grows wider by the year.

The National Urban League is fighting back.

Reclaim Your Vote is a national effort to promote voter registration, voter education, and voter activation with the power of the Urban League Affiliate and Volunteer movement and our strategic partners.

among young Black voters and Black women exceeded every other racial, gender and ethnic group

The Shelby decision took a sledgehammer to that progress. Since 2013, at least 29 states have passed nearly 100 laws making it harder for eligible citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

As the Brennan Center notes, “Many of these new laws are racially discriminatory. There is ample evidence that these kinds of laws fall hardest on communities of color, and a number have been struck down by courts as racially discriminatory.”

Each year, we engage millions of voters across the country to increase voter turnout and empower our communities to make their voices heard to drive change where they live and across America.

But until the Voting Rights Act is restored, we’re fighting an uphill battle.

While the racial voting gap has grown across the country, an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice found, it has grown twice as quickly in jurisdictions that had been covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act until the Supreme Court struck it down with its decision in Shelby v. Holder in 2013.

Just the year before the decision, with President Obama’s reelection at stake, overall Black voter participation reached near-parity with whites. In the 2008 presidential election, the participation

Driven by this relentless campaign of voter suppression, the racial voting gap in 2022 was the largest midterm gap since at least 2006, robbing the nation of a staggering 14 million votes.

In the presidential election of 2020, the racial gap represented about nine million votes, far more than President Biden’s 7 million vote margin of victory in the popular vote.

In the coming weeks, Urban League staffers and volunteers will be taking to the streets, knocking on doors and visiting college campuses helping eligible citizens navigate these changes to state laws and register to exercise their right to vote. We’ll be text-banking and phone-banking, engaging face to face and on social media, making sure our communities are armed with accurate information and prepared to cast their ballots.

At the same time, we continue to fight on the state level for fair voting laws and on the national level for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Protecting Our Democracy Act

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

It’s difficult for the left to get it right

By Larry Smith

NBC News Group chair Cesar Conde recently hired – then speedily fired –Ronna McDaniel as a political commentator. McDaniel is the immediate past chairperson of the Republican National Committee. Understandably, Conde desires to have a news organization that offers disparate voices. However, NBC’s marquee personalities vociferously objected to McDaniel’s hiring while on air. She barely lasted three days at the network.

The outrage was driven by McDaniel having chosen to be a leading propagandist in advancing the lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Thus, this wasn’t merely a case of liberals rebelling against the hiring of a conservative; it was appropriate indignation directed at someone who spent years cynically fostering a historic political divide just to placate Donald Trump.

The left and right can (and should) disagree about certain policies; that’s the nature of a healthy democracy. But the two sides should never “disagree” about objective reality, especially when said disagreement undermines democracy. McDaniel is guilty of exactly that.

embraces “diversity of thought.”

Here’s what I find interesting. There is scant evidence that such internal gut-checking occurs at right-wing organizations like FOX News, Breitbart, Newsmax, et al. At a minimum, such arguments don’t rise to the level that they do at NPR. Perhaps there was some amount of debate about the need for Fox to be “fair and balanced” after the network paid a nearly $800 million settlement due to its incessant lies about Dominion Voting. However, it’s fair to assume that such level-headedness was quickly squashed.

More recently, NPR stalwart Uri Berliner authored a well-received essay regarding his belief that the organization has shifted from being left leaning to being an all-out, ideologically driven echo chamber that “tells listeners what to think.” Berliner, who spent a quarter century at NPR, also catalogued why he believes this “new” direction has resulted in a shrinking audience. He resigned from the network after having been chastised by Katherine Maher, NPR’s new CEO. Notably, the criticism that NPR has become “too liberal” isn’t new; Richard Nixon wanted to, um, nix it in its infancy. In every decade since, Republicans have tried to have federal funding for NPR (and PBS) gutted. That’s just politics. What is new is the fact that a growing number of people on the left agree with Berliner, a self-described progressive who

While I agree that NPR has an obvious liberal bias, the organization strives much more diligently than its conservative competitors to present more than one side to major political stories, such as the war in Gaza. Yes, there are inherent dangers in groupthink. Yes, diversity of viewpoints is important. However, NPR does not – and should not – present “the other side” when it comes to issues such as climate change, the 2020 election, or the COVID pandemic. Tolerance for disinformation is not a sufficient excuse to jettison journalistic integrity. All this leaves left-leaning news organizations in a quandary. Most of them genuinely desire to offer a diversity of viewpoints. Yet, when it comes to highlighting Republican voices, it is difficult to present people who have not sold their soul to Donald Trump – proverbially of course.

All of this begs a crucial question: What is the purpose of journalism? My answer is that context matters, which is not something that I could have conceived of arguing before 2016. Historically, the proper role of journalism has simply to present the facts in as objective a manner as is humanly possible. Obviously, it is impossible to eliminate bias, including confirmation bias; but serious news organizations should make a serious attempt to do so.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

It’s time to fulfill Fair Housing Act promises

By Maxine Waters

National Fair Housing Month was celebrated in April, and it is important that we reflect on the work that remains to ensure fair housing for all.

This is even more important as we continue to stare down a worsening housing and homelessness crisis that disproportionately affects people of color, families with children, women, people with disabilities and other members of protected classes.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law on April 11, 1968, just one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The country was still reeling from this incalculable loss. Only two years prior, Dr. King had founded the Chicago Freedom Movement to fight against housing and economic inequity. It was this movement work that led to the passage and then the enactment of the Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Act, as amended, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, religion, disability and familial status. Unfortunately, as a nation, because we have failed to fully fund and enforce this law, systemic and overt discrimination and inequality continue to plague every facet of American life.

Housing and Urban Development and local fair housing organizations have received record-breaking levels of reported housing discrimination complaints each year, including over 33,000 in 2022 alone.

However, we know that discrimination goes woefully underreported. In 2018, at least 1 in 4 people, or 68 million, believed they had been treated differently in their search for housing because of their status as a member of a protected class under the Fair Housing Act.

The passage of the Fair Housing Act also came after President Johnson formed the famous Kerner Commission to investigate the impetus of race riots that erupted across the nation in 1967. The commission’s report confirmed that housing discrimination and institutionalized racism were sparking racial tension and contributing to “two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal.”

The commission made several key recommendations on housing, including significantly increasing the supply of affordable housing for low-income families and opening access to white neighborhoods to people of all races, which we have yet to achieve.

It’s no surprise that ongoing housing discrimination and unequal community development remain at the heart of many racial and economic injustices in America.

Over the years, the Department of

Other barriers, such as redlining, exclusionary zoning and land use ordinances, continue to lock members of protected classes out of equitable housing opportunities. Many communities across the country are also more segregated today than they were in 1990, which further entrenches poverty and wealth and homeownership gaps across racial and ethnic lines. Indeed, Black and Latinx renters are twice as likely to face eviction compared to white renters and are overrepresented among the homeless population. Our nation also faces widening racial wealth and homeownership gaps with the average net worth of homeowners — who are more likely to be white — 40 times greater than that of renters. Meanwhile, for people with disabilities, integrated and accessible housing opportunities are severely limited, with data showing that less than 1% of homes in the U.S. are wheelchair accessible and just 5% are accessible to people with moderate disabilities. We have even seen some local governments continue to use federal housing and community funds in discriminatory ways that violate the Fair Housing Act. While the Fair Housing Act has no doubt expanded housing and economic opportunity for millions of families across the U.S., President Johnson said it best himself, “We have come some of the way, not near all of it. There is much yet to do.”

Congresswoman Maxine Waters, native of Kinloch, Mo., represents the 43rd Congressional District of California and serves as the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. This commentary was originally published by The Grio.

Larry Smith is an NNPA columnist who also writes for the Indianapolis Recorder

Guest Columnist Larry Smith

Columnist Marc H. Morial

Guest Columnist Maxine Waters

SLACO, which held a Home Improvement Summit on the city’s northside in 2022, is leading an initiative with partner the Creative Lab Exchange, to “energize’ a stretch of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive west from downtown.

Expansive initiative planned to revitalize MLK Drive

St. Louis American

St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO) in partnership with the Creative Exchange Lab (CEL), a local design nonprofit, is launching a project to revitalize Dr. Martin Luther King Drive from downtown to Kienlen Avenue.

The initiative, which SLACO will lead, aims to harness art, history, culture, and design as equitable, sustainable catalysts to energize the area. The endeavor is expected to span over a decade.

The initial phase, supported by a grant from the Missouri Humanities Council, will focus on gathering oral histories and conducting background research as well as initiating an interactive website.

For the second phase, SLACO and CEL have proposed a project to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that includes more extensive background research

and further development of the website.

The plans include designing a bike and pedestrian walkway/loop that connects iconic sites along MLK and in surrounding neighborhoods. It would help tell the pivotal story of this historic St. Louis Black community.

“Our vision extends to developing MLK as a hub for cultural tourism and creative industries. Planned enhancements include new performance venues, heritage restaurants, a center for creative entrepreneurship, retail outlets, and lodging,” Kevin B. McKinney, SLACO executive director, and Jasmin Aber, CEL executive director, said in a letter to the St. Louis American

“We are having ongoing conversations with the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) to partner to request funding through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town program to support this comprehensive master plan.”

Celebrating the genius of Black youth

By Keeanna Warren

In a world that often emphasizes deficits, disparities, and achievement gaps, we must take a moment to celebrate the brilliance and genius that exists in Black youth as a method for raising student achievement.

Growing up in Atlanta, surrounded by a rich tapestry of Black achievement in education and politics shaped my beliefs about what I could achieve. Exposure to Black excellence instilled in me a profound sense of pride and inspiration, creating an unwavering confidence in my abilities and the determination to pursue my dreams, regardless of societal constraints.

Research suggests that a strong positive racial identity in children can lead to better educational outcomes by promoting a sense of belonging and self-worth, which in turn enhances motivation and engagement in the learning process. When children have a healthy understanding and appreciation of their racial and cultural backgrounds, they are more likely to thrive academically and socially.

A National Bureau of Economic Research study found that when young minds witness individuals who resemble them achieving greatness, they are more likely to believe in their own potential. Let this be a call to action for all of us to actively seek and celebrate Black excellence in all its forms.

To truly have influence in education, we must start by challenging our biases and preconceived notions about the potential of our Black youth. We must acknowledge that the disparities in our education system are not a reflection of innate ability, but rather a result of deeply ingrained systems that have failed Black children for generations.

Research confirms that achievement gaps should not be seen as a reflection of a child’s capabilities, but rather because of systemic failures that have disproportionately affected Black children, according to “The Black-White Achievement Gap: When Progress Stopped.” This realization became the driving force behind my career and my determination to bring about positive change.

Further, research consistently shows that students thrive when they have confidence in their abilities. Conversely, their performance suffers when Black children perceive or experience a lack of belief in them.

It is time for us all to recognize that low expectations are wrong and harmful. In “Stereotype Threat and the Intellectual Test Performance of African Americans,” the authors recommend that we collectively work to change the narrative.

Remember that one person cannot fight for the change that our kids desperately need alone. It requires a collective effort to change the narrative, shift mindsets, and open possibilities for all children, regardless of their zip code or where they live. We owe it to the next generation to ensure they feel the confidence to pursue their freedom dreams.

It is important to note that celebrating Black genius is not divisive or a method to leaving anyone out but one that brings everyone in. It is about recognizing the immense potential within every child and providing them with the belief and support they need to thrive. We must work together to create a world where every young mind can soar to new heights, fueled by the knowledge that their brilliance knows no bounds.

Keeanna Warren is CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis, which prepares urban students to succeed in technical, STEM-related post-secondary programs and high-tech careers.

Photo courtesy of SLACO

Keeanna Warren

Continued from A1

in its 114-year history,” McMillan said during a press conference prior to his organization’s 106th annual Dinner Meeting at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel.

“We have been blessed with a multiple decade relationship with Centene.”

The late Neidorff died at 79 on April 7, 2022. He was an Urban League champion and served as board chair and a board member of the St. Louis affiliate.

He was National Urban League board chair in 2014 and was instrumental in the selection of St. Louis as the site for the 2017 National Urban League convention.

“This historic donation will bolster efforts to empower individuals and families, transforming lives and fostering greater equity within the St. Louis community,” McMillan said.

“The exceptionally productive partnership over the years between Centene and the Urban League has yielded significant local and national collaborations aimed at supporting those in need within our neighborhoods.”

Ken Fasola, Centene Corporation president, said the company remains committed to the Urban League and “its mission

Girls

Continued from A1

Timberland High School junior.

Addressing vacancy

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, SLDC, and community groups toured several locations by bus to demonstrate to North City residents the administration’s efforts on demolition and efforts to address vacancy in their neighborhoods. The tour started in the 5000 block of Genevieve Ave. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in the city’s Walnut Park East neighborhood.

to create a more inclusive and empowered society.”

“By donating this building, we aim to strengthen the Urban League’s capacity to serve the needs of individuals and families

Cheryl Jones, Girls Inc. president and CEO, said her organization partnered with The Links Inc., to present the fact-filled voting discussion, which included members of the

in the north St. Louis County area and beyond,” he said.

McMillan said the 45,000-square-foot facility, which is located at 2900 Pershall Road, is

state Sen. Brian Williams Youth Advisory.

“We are just excited because young people are the ones to start any initiative. We need to engage them in the voting process

scheduled to open this summer. The facility was constructed in 2016 at a cost of $25 million. Many of its employees began working from home during and

and not wait until they are older,” she said.

“It’s important to not slide into it, but to really know it and understand it. You can’t think ‘my vote doesn’t matter.’ People

after the pandemic, which led to much of the building being unused.

McMillan said “Centene, our longtime friend and ally, accepted my request to consider a

died for this.”

Debora Patterson, a Links member, said election knowledge is essential in today’s world.

“The younger you are [when you learn], the

donation of the building.” He added that the Urban League hopes to add up to 100 employees who will support programs in the new center.

better you understand that your vote is your power. You don’t want to give that power away by not showing up,” she said.

Nikylan Knapper, the former mayor of Maplewood, opened the day by telling the girls, “If we are going to have a say, we need young folks to vote.’

“Too many rights have been taken from us. We don’t have to just accept what is coming from Jefferson City. Research says reach out to [young people] before they are old enough to vote.’

Stanford Cooper and other members of the Williams’ youth advisors introduced the girls to a card game called “The Process.” It details not only how the voting process works but also how it can be used – and misused through disinformation.

“We ask, ‘what do you want to change?’ You can vote to change it,” said Cooper.

“It is not that many young people don’t care about voting; it’s that they just don’t know.’

Josephine Goode, Links vice president, said it was important to get the advisory board involved so the girls could learn about the importance of voting from people nearer their age.

“We got 10 girls registered, and that’s wonderful,” she said.

Gena Hill, 18, and a senior at Incarnate Word Academy, registered to vote during the session.

“I’m excited. I’ve gone with my mom to vote and I’m looking forward to voting,” she said.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Moody

Continued from A1

first year of the pandemic. As his health steadily declined, his first cousin, Kevin Bryant-founder and president of Kingsway Development-said Moody never lost sense of optimism or his trademark sense of humor.

As his stores opened, closed, reopened, and rebranded, Moody displayed an unwavering, buoyant confidence through it all. When competitors (and haters) counted him out, he bounced back with new ventures and new promotions.

Flanked by a who’s-who of investors or avid celebrity supporters including Cedric the Entertainer, baseball great Ozzie Smith, comedians Guy and Joe Torry, Shaquille O’Neal, rapper Nelly and more, Moody epitomized that “never-give-up” entrepreneurial spirit.

Sterling Moody was born on Oct. 10, 1956, to Arthur and Dorothy Moody. His three siblings, Keith, Cynthia, and Julius, all preceded him in death. Moody was born and raised in Kinloch, MO. and attended Kinloch High School. He pursued an undergraduate degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

By that time, he had already started a career in the grocery store business. At the age of 16, Moody worked as a stock boy for Nationals Supermarkets in the Bell Acres Shopping

Homer G.

Continued from A1

commercialization, for private gain, of the legacy of African Americans,” the Alumni Association said in a release.

The Change the Name Coalition is also challenging the use of the name and is supporting the Alumni Association in its effort to protect their copyright, and their efforts to remove the name

Center in north St. Louis County. Within seven years, he rose to the rank of assistant manager working at National locations in East St. Louis, Collinsville, Granite City and Geoffrey, IL.

Citing his “people skills,” Moody told management he was ready to operate his own store. He was then assigned one of the chain’s more “troublesome and costly” stores at Martin Luther King Drive and Aubert Avenue near the old Sears Building on Kingshighway.

Management, Moody said in a 1998 interview with Take Five Magazine, considered him “young and arrogant” and were convinced the urban location would “break him.”

Kenny Fortner was Moody’s boss at the time and would later join the Sterling’s Marketplace team. Speaking with Take Five, Fortner addressed the young upstart’s potential.

“Sterling thought he was the best thing that ever walked this earth. He was young and cocky then, but he was a good worker,” Fortner stressed, adding: “When we first inherited the East St. Louis store it was rated number 46 out of 47 in terms of overall quality. In two years, we raised it to number 15 out of 47 (stores).”

In 25 years with the grocery chain, Moody said he “turned around” several stores but faced constant resistance and pushback from upper management who thought his tactics (though successful) were too unconventional and too expensive. He maintained

of Attorney Homer G. Phillips from the privatelyowned facility located at 1320 N. Jefferson.

“The legacy of his name needs to remain in the Ville,” Alumni President Yvonne B. Jones said in a KMOX interview.

“They can pick another name for that hospital. We’re gonna fight this all the way to the end. We are not against the facility; we just want the name removed and keep it in the Ville.”

a strict cleaning schedule and instituted services like carrying groceries to customer’s cars and events like “Western Day” - with pony rides for kids - at his stores which drove up costs and labor hours.

“They weren’t ready for my type of management back then,” Moody told Take Five. “I think they thought I was getting out of control because I acted like an entrepreneur in a corporate environment.”

During that interview, Moody recalled a heated conversation with one of his superiors.

“He took me outside and pointed to the front of the building and asked, ‘Can you tell me what that sign says?’ Moody responded: ‘Nationals of course, so what?’ Intent on making his point, Moody said the supervisor told him: ‘It doesn’t say Sterling’s Market does it? And until it does, you do what corporate tells you to and nothing else!’”

Moody resigned and,

Many Black elected officials and community leaders are alarmed with McKee’s use of acclaimed Black attorney and civil rights leader who was instrumental in the founding of the hospital.

The Homer G Phillips Hospital opened in 1937 and was the only public hospital for Black St. Louisans until 1955. The hospital was also a training facility for Black doctors and nurses both nationally and internationally to complete their medical

for the next 10 years, delved into the chaotic but exciting world of entrepreneurism. Borrowing $5,000 from friends, he opened Supreme Car Care Service on Airport Rd. in Bridgeton. Using the same charm and marketing techniques utilized in the grocery business, Moody soon lined up car dealers, rental companies, and a steady supply of community members as loyal clients. He then opened two other detail shops in University City and at Jefferson and MLK Blvd and launched a cleaning supply and janitorial services company.

During that time, the local grocery store market was changing. Nationals went out of business, selling most of its stores to Schnucks Markets and entrepreneur Jim Gibson of the Family Corporation of America. Moody was offered and accepted the opportunity to manage Gibson’s “New National Markets” in local urban areas. His unusual, rather

training.

By the early 60s, the hospital had trained the largest number of Black doctors and nurses in the world. Homer G. Phillips Hospital was more than a hospital in the Black community. It was a place where goals could be accomplished,

high-pitched voice and down-home delivery on radio commercials endeared him with locals who, he said, would walk up to him on the streets and treat him like a “long lost friend.”

Yet, still bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, Moody decided it was time to launch his own grocery store. Through friends and contacts in the sports and entertainment industries, he raised enough money to buy property in Baden. In late 1998, he opened Sterling’s Marketplace, a minority-owned “mega-market” that included a grocery store, video and health food store, a dry cleaner, shoeshine parlor, discount department store, banquet hall and, eventually, a nightclub.

For the next 20 years, Moody rode the up-anddown business rollercoaster in a highly competitive grocery business closing and reopening stores ending with an East St. Louis venture called “Neighbor’s

Black excellence was celebrated, and future Black professionals had an opportunity to succeed and prosper.

By the late 70s, the city defunded the hospital. It would soon close despite protests and political rfforts to stave off its end.

Decades later the

Marketplace” in 2018. It closed a year later.

Those who knew Moody best don’t dwell on his setbacks, losses, or business closures. They only speak of his upbeat spirit, his kindness, his support for fellow entrepreneurs and his incredible determination to beat the odds on his own terms.

Bryant credits his cousin, Moody, for giving him his start as marketing director at Sterling’s Marketplace and nurturing his innovative entrepreneurial journey as a major developer. He wasn’t the only one, Bryant insists.

Moody’s obituary read:

“While advancing in his leadership capacity within the company (Nationals), he continued to rise through the ranks as not just an amazing manager but also a marketing sensation thanks to his unforgettable voice and charismatic personality…He was the life of any party, always had the jokes and maintained a tireless spirit of optimism regardless of what he may have been going through personally. He leaves not only an entrepreneurial legacy but also an independent spirit that has motivated many…to follow similar routes and achieve great success.

“Everyone’s hearts are heavy because we lost a great one but his spirit will live on in all of us.”

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

historical hospital’s name remains a rallying point for community members still fighting to preserve the legacy of Homer G. Phillips. A GoFundMe account has been created to help support the Nurse Alumni with the legal fees to continue the lawsuit.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Bryant

From left: Ozzie Smith, Sterling Moody and the late Dick Gregory at Sterling’s Marketplace.

‘Taking Care of You’

Kids rock for good cause

Music therapy helps young cancer patients

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Music therapy can sound like a tambourine over a bass guitar rift or a child singing how silly they feel or even a heartbeat. Anything can be music–and for 15 years Maryville University Kids Rock Cancer has used music therapy to help young cancer patients cope with cancer. Patients aged from newborn to 18 are a part of the program. The university provides board-certified music therapists to help children and their families use music and songwriting as a therapeutic vehicle for self-expression.

This year’s annual benefit concert is the program’s signature event. The Kids Rock Cancer concert is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8. It is a special Mother’s Day Tribute Concert,

“Mom’s Playlist,” featuring St. Louis’ own Brian Owens at the Sheldon Concert Hall at 7 p.m. Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer is an innovative program that helps children manage the unique emotional challenges caused by cancer or blood-related disorders. The program is for the patient and their loved ones. In 1972 the program was established by former Development Director Dr. Cynthia Briggs who heard about a similar program in Texas called Purple Songs Can Fly. The music therapy program is the sole

provider of music therapy degree programs in the St. Louis area, boasting full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approval by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). This program underlines music therapy’s role as a significant force in healthcare, utilizing music to facilitate change across various clinical environments.

Lead Music Therapist of the program Alison Cole says a music therapist assesses the patient, and based on research, training, and music preferences the therapist and the patient create a musical strategy. “Music can help people stay on track, the rhythm affects their movement and emotions,” said Cole.

See KIDS, A9

Autism awareness in the African American community

Black children and parents face unique challenges

By Aswad Walker Houston Defender network

“At two and a half years old, he was not speaking; he did not provide direct eye contact.”

“She didn’t like being held very much. I noticed she didn’t interact with other kids.”

“The other kids in his classroom would be playing and he would just kind of be off in the corner.”

“When you would call him, he wouldn’t turn around.”

“During family gatherings, he would isolate himself, turn his back away from the family, and begin to line up toys.”

These are testimonies from parents of children diagnosed with autism; more specifically,

Black autistic children. Children with autism and their parents face special challenges related to their reality. When those children and parents are Black, additional hurdles must be cleared. What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition of variable severity with lifelong effects that can be recognized from early childhoo d, chiefly characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior.

A child with a diagnosis of autism can have interests that seem very narrow or unusual, like lining up their toys or just staring at an

See AUTISM, A9

A call for a look in the mirror

By Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois Deaconess Foundation

n Systems are historically designed to foster thriving for a narrow few while intentionally structured and fueled to discount and diminish the lives of the many.

As we enter this spring season, which is the earth’s way of reminding us to hope and to be renewed, we do so under circumstances that make us have to catch our breath and square our shoulders. How infants thrive (or fail to do so) during their first year of life holds up a mirror to any society. It reflects the social, economic, environmental, and spiritual conditions that our most precious little ones face and have to endure to make it. As we hold the mirror up to ourselves in the eight counties of Deaconess Foundation’s footprint in Missouri and Illinois, our reflection is distorted. Systems are historically designed to foster thriving for a narrow few while intentionally structured and fueled to discount and diminish the lives of the many. Out of all the numbers I could share and the life experiences I can personally point to, I’m choosing to boil it down to this: of all pregnancy-related deaths in the state of Missouri, the PregnancyAssociated Mortality Review (PAMR) shows that 84% were determined to be preventable. In the Illinois Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report showing what happened to 263 people who died while pregnant or within one year of giving birth from 2018 to 2020, 91% of pregnancy-related deaths might have been PREVENTABLE. Preventable. We cannot continue to look grieving families in their eyes to share the truth they’ve always known. Many of the reasons why their loved one is no longer with us, and they are left to figure out life without them is caused by something we could have and should have stopped from happening.

See JAVOIS, A9

Rev. Bethany JohnsonJavois

Black families with an autistic child often face additional hurdles, including delays in diagnosis.

Photo courtesy of Word In Black

Alison Cole, lead music therapist, sings along with young cancer patients and family that battle cancer.

Photo courtesy of Kids Rock Cancer

‘Taking

Kids

Continued from A8

The kids sometimes experience intense treatments, and lengthy hospital stays, and the diagnosis affects the whole family. According to Cole, the therapy session gives the kids a sense of control since so many things are out of theirs. They have a chance to get some power back. The treatments can be very vigorous. “My goal is to allow them to control our whole session,” she said. The outcomes Cole sees with the kids are getting a chance to self-express, they get enjoyment from spending time with her. “A break from being concerned about their health,” she explained. The sessions help create lasting memories and a legacy that the family can cherish throughout the years. “It’s an honor to work with the kids”

“The more choice and control the kids get during the music session helps improve their compliance during their cancer treatments,” added Crystal Weaver, the program’s director.

Kids Rock Cancer partnered with Healing Reimagined started by Dr. Michelle Goetz through the Mercy palliative clinic–Healing Reimagined, is designed for palliative patients who have a serious condition. Conditions like heart failure, PTSD, cancer, or dementia. Healing Reimagined introduces a myriad of tools to manage pain. “We have to take a more whole-person approach,” said Goetz.

Autism

Continued from A8

object. They often insist on following specific routines and small changes will upset them. They may be very sensitive to noise and other sensory issues. These symptoms of autism can range from severe to mild, and that is why doctors now call it autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In other words, an autism diagnosis is not a one-size-fits-all reality.

High-functioning ASDdiagnosed persons can perform their activities of daily living (ADL), bathe themselves, dress themselves and become adults with successful careers and traditionally normal lives. Those on the lower end of the spectrum

She suggests developing a medical plan that includes other holistic approaches like music therapy, yoga, and breathing exercises.

“What we’re able to bring in this is something unique to Healing Reimagined. The program recognizes that pain of that potential cancer diagnosis is not just the patient that has the diagnosis, but it is systematic throughout the entire family,” said Weaver. “This is for their entire

might suffer from regular seizures that don’t allow them to attend school. Some require 24-hour care and may even need to be medicated.

“Only about one-third of the people diagnosed with autism have an intellectual disability. The remaining two-thirds have normal intelligence or high intelligence,” said psychiatrist Dr. Isarel Sokeye.

But how does ASD impact Black children and parents in particular?

Delayed Treatment

The Autism and Developmental Disability Network (ADDN) reports have noted that more white children are identified with ASD than Black or Hispanic children, even though research shows ASD affects Black, Hispanic and white chil-

family unit, who have also been affected by the cancer diagnosis, being that catalyst with Kids Rock Cancer for that family.”

According to Weaver Maryville University’s program is one of the only music therapy programs in the country that is based out of the College of Health Professions, most music therapy academic programs are based out of the College of Arts and

Sciences. The music therapy students are immersed with nursing students, physical therapy students, and occupational therapy students. “It is a part of the culture at Maryville that music therapy is a health profession,” said Weaver. The kids use a popular app called GarageBand on the iPad or tablet to create music. Sometimes the kids will introduce songs to their music therapist as well. “This gives them the opportunity for them

dren equally. Previous studies have shown that stigma, lack of access to healthcare services or low-income are potential barriers to identifying children with ASD. Hispanic children are 65% less likely and Black children 19% less likely than white children to be diagnosed with autism. This difference means Black and Hispanic children with ASD may

not be getting the services they need to reach their full potential. And don’t forget racist biases.

A 2007 University of Pennsylvania study found that Black children on the autism spectrum are 5.1 times more likely to be misdiagnosed with behavior disorders before they are correctly diagnosed with autism. In other words, Black

to teach me some things,” said Cole. Adjunct faculty at Maryville Alex Edith teaches music therapy students in the areas of digital technology and music notation technology. He assists Kids Rock Cancer with the production of original songs composed by Cole to help children achieve goals beyond the therapeutic songwriting sessions. The goals focus on pain management, appropriate emotional

boys said to exhibit “bad behavior” often have ASD.

Cultural Frustration Being an Afro-Latina, Madhere says she sees one of the biggest challenges coming from both the Black and Hispanic communities – a lack of cultural acceptance.

“People of color in the diaspora tend to not want to accept mental health challenges. It’s like if there’s an aunt that’s loca (crazy), she’s just loca. But the aunt needs some help. That’s a big cultural thing. I think that has been a challenge for us.

And the fact that we are hypervigilant about how our children are treated in spaces to begin with. I know for me, it was very challenging when I would take my son places and he would just throw these

expression, and self-expression. According to Edith, the digital and technical side plays a role in connecting with the kids, allowing them to explore different sounds and how that sound connects with their feelings. “It’s about how do you recognize yourself, your emotions, and how do you preserve inside of that,” said Edith. The process stretches your ‘emotional muscles’ allowing you to concentrate on how the music makes you feel, whether you feel calm, whether it brings up an old memory etc. Why aren’t more medical schools and hospitals adding this to their curriculum and medical care plan?”

Weaver believes there is a lack of curiosity about using music as a tool that is a part of the patient’s medical plan. The partnership with Healing Reimagined helps different cancer centers understand that they are the gatekeepers, and they add music therapy to the patient healing regime. St. Louis University Cancer Center which is now a part of SSM Health has had music therapy services for almost 15 years. The university is a partner of the program at Maryville University. Cardinal Glennon is also a partner in the music therapy program. “It is about the powers that be, different health care institutions understanding the value and the benefits of music therapy,” she said.

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

uncontrollable tantrums, these outbursts. And you hear, ‘That child’s bad.’ Just having that social stigma of you already being in this frustrated place of like, ‘I don’t know what to do with my child.’”

School Challenges

“And then, on top of that, a Black child in the educational space, you have to be on top of educators, on top of administrators, so they understand that these are the needs that my child has. ‘This is not a behavioral issue. My child is not a distraction in the classroom. My child is not a problematic child. My child just thinks differently and has different needs,’ said Madhere, who added that an IEP (individual education program) was huge for her son.

To each warrior seen and unseen at every level of community, institutions, and systems who never stops fighting and winning to get us closer to the best reflection of ourselves in the image of our Creator, thank you and we see you. More than one generation’s worth of philanthropic and federal funding flowed in Missouri to support innovative partnerships to curb the tide. For the sake of fueling hope, I draw attention to the possibility of what can happen when philanthropy, community health and public health infrastructure, and bold leaders galvanize to shape system response around the will and experiences of Black mothers and birthing people. In direct response to the

Continued from A8 Ferguson Commission’s call to action to create opportunities to thrive through systemic changes, including increased access to care, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) was activated. The IHN works with partners and community organizations to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services for all residents of Metropolitan St. Louis. A multi-racial group of women physicians identified and are disrupting the stark inequities and unconscious biases pervasive within infant and maternal healthcare. By intentionally listening to and amplifying the solutions brought forward through the wisdom and life experiences of Black mothers and birthing people, the IHN is perpetuating a model of well-being that can be tapped into by moms and medical pro-

fessionals alike through the work of EleVATE (Elevating Voices, Addressing depression, Toxic stress and Equity). As a status quo disruptor, EleVATE provides prenatal care in a group setting for Black women and birthing people and their support system, engaging the patient as a partner, and offering the best clinical care and quality information sharing to elicit the best choices that moms make for themselves and their families.

The results are generating improvements in infant and maternal vitality that include increased rates of breastfeeding, increased trust reported among and across care providers and patient partners, higher birth weights, and decreased stress levels. Dismantling the impacts of structural racism systemically and individually is centrally

positioned as the collaborative’s ongoing work to stop the generational cycles of trauma before they start.

In Southern Illinois, I desire my community to receive even more activation and transparency around the issues that surround maternal and infant health that squander the potential of generations of its people. What are accountable institutions, public servants, and leaders doing about it? For example, how do national statistics compare locally, disaggregated by race and socio-economic levels?

We know that only 5.7% of physicians in the U.S. identify as Black or African American, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, compared to an estimated 12% of the U.S. population identifying as Black or

African American. Of all OB-GYN physicians, only 10.7% identify as Black or African American across the U.S. I’m concerned about OB-GYN physician representation that reflects moms and birthing people in Southern Illinois. With fewer pregnancy-related deaths reported in 2023 among Black people as compared to the 20162017 Illinois Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report, and more pregnancy-related deaths for Hispanic/Latinx and white Illinoisians, what is happening, and not happening, what exists, and does not exist in the Southern Illinois ecosystem that affects its people across the board in this way?

What do we see when we look in the mirror given the lack of attention paid to this issue?

I offer my support to the open call letter written by our two health

department directors Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis and Dr. Kanika A. Cunningham for equity and reproductive justice. I lend my voice and purpose to join the cloud of witnesses around the world calling for women’s health justice before and beyond our reproductive years. Our power, value, and identity are sourced in so much more than what happens or doesn’t happen biologically within us. This is a call to be fully seen, unapologetically prioritized, and appropriately recognized for all that we bring to heal this nation and all of its people. We will not be silent, and we are far from dormant. What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Rev. Bethany JohnsonJavois, MSW is president & CEO of Deaconess Foundation and pastor of Monument of Faith Church.

Javois

The music therapy team of Lead Music Therapist Alison Cole, Dr. Michelle Goetz, DO Mercy Washington Palliative Medicine, Chrystal Weaver, Dir. of Music Therapy and Alexander Edith, Adjunct faculty at Maryville teaching music therapy shot Mon. Apr. 29,2024 at Maryville’s Walker Hall.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students

Samyra Jones and Cameron Outlaw, in Ms. Stovall’s thirdgrade class at Gateway MST Elementary School, are exploring preserved specimens to understand fossils.

Building Bridges

Civil engineers who design bridges are problem solvers. Their goal is to create a structure that will allow people and vehicles to travel over railroad tracks, roads, rivers, and other obstacles. The bridge design must be able to support the necessary weight and withstand earthquakes, strong winds, freezing and thawing. The design and cost of the bridge also needs to be considered. Bridges must be maintained, just like roads. There are many types of bridges, including beam bridges, arch bridges, suspension bridges, cantilever bridges, truss bridges, and cable-stayed bridges. Bridges need to withstand two forces: tension and compression. Tension is the force created when

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

The goal of this experiment is to create a paper bridge that can support 100 pennies.

Materials Needed:

• Piece of 81/2” x 11” Paper

• 6 Books • 100 Pennies

• Ruler Procedure:

an object is pulled, such as a rope in tug of war. If a bridge cannot support the tension, it will snap (imagine a rubber band pulled too far). Compression is the force created when pressure is placed on an object to push it down and shorten the length. Imagine your finger applying pressure to compress a marshmallow. If a bridge cannot support the compression, it will buckle. In order to support tension and compression, engineers need to redistribute the weight that is applying pressure.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text and text-to-world connections.

Build a Paper Bridge!

the bridge support before it collapses? What happens if the pennies are in the center of the bridge or spread across the bridge?

r How can you make the bridge stronger?

Can you change the design of your bridge to support more pennies?

Try bending, folding, or tearing the paper.

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Civil Engineer

Karl W Reid

Karl Reid is the executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, which has over 30,000 members who are black engineers that succeed academically, professionally, and personally. These engineers also have a positive impact in their community. Dr. Reid was chosen for this position after he worked for 15 years at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to help low income and minority students receive access to college. Dr. Reid has also served as executive director of Engineering Outreach Programs for MIT’s School of Engineering. He worked to recruit minority students in the STEM related careers.

Reid was born and raised in New York. His parents encouraged his success in education and Reid looked up to his older brother, who excelled in math and science, and the brothers both attended MIT. At MIT, Reid earned his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Materials Science and Engineering. He became involved in Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society, which he states helped boost his confidence and leadership skills. Reid then earned his Doctorate of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. After graduation, Reid worked for 12 years in the computer industry.

q Make two stacks of books of equal height. Put them 6 inches apart.

w Make a bridge by putting a sheet of paper across the books.

e Put some pennies on the bridge. How many pennies can

MATH CONNECTION

Today’s word problems are all about travel!

z Joyce drove 256 miles at 64 miles per hour. How long did Joyce drive? ________

x If Gary bicycled 18 miles at 12 miles per hour, how long was Gary travelling?

c It took Rick 3.5 hours to ride to Clarkson’s house at 55 miles per hour. How far is it between Rick’s house and Clarkson’s house? ________

v If Rachel skated 22 miles at 8 miles per hour, how long was Rachel travelling? ________

DID YOU KNOW?

t Test your bridge again by adding pennies one at a time. How many pennies can your bridge support?

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

In his free time, Reid volunteers at the Reid Temple AME church where he directs Christian education. He also writes a blog about striving for academic achievement. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society, the DC STEM Network Advisory Council, and the American Society of Civil Engineers’ “Dream Big” IMAX Movie Technical Advisory Council. He was named one of the “Top 100 Executives in America” by Uptown Professional magazine. Dr. Reid has received the NSBE Golden Torch Award for “Minority Engineering Program Director of the Year” and the Outstanding Advisor of the Year award from the MIT Academic Resource Center. Dr. Reid is also a recipient of the YMCA Black Achievers Award, the MIT Presidential Award for Community Service and the MIT Excellence Award.

To read Karl W Reid’s blog and advice for school success, visit: http://karlwreid.com/.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made a contribution in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

b Sharon rode a bike to Shirley’s house. It is 20 miles from Sharon’s house to Shirley’s house. It took Sharon 5 hours to get there. How fast did Sharon go? ________

n If Paula sailed 15 miles at 6 miles per hour, how long was Paula travelling?

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can make text-to-world connections.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One

Antonyms: five sets of antonyms in the newspaper. Clip them out and then double-check your answers with a dictionary or thesaurus.

Activity Two — Slogans: Companies create slogans to use in advertising. Slogans help customers connect with the business and remember the company name, product, or service. Find five slogans in the newspaper. State what you like or dislike about the slogan.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can use resource materials. I can evaluate text. I can create text-to-world connections.

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican. com.

The Eads Bridge over the Mississippi River was the first arched steel truss bridge in the world.

The Golden Gate Bridge has been declared as one of the modern wonders of the world by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Fall 2015 issue of the NSBE magazine.

Kwame Foundation celebrates annual HBCU College Tour

Annual Golf Tournament May 9

St. Louis American

Education means everything to Kwame Building Group founder and CEO Tony Thompson, and the Kwame Charitable Foundation reflects his ongoing support through scholarships and exposure to colleges.

Nearly 50 high school students embarked on four-days of college visits during the annual HBCU College Tour. The teens and five adult chaperones visited Grambling State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Southern University and A&M College and Texas Southern University.

Each school customized an on-campus experience to showcase their history, facilities, student life, amenities, extracurricular activities, graduation rates and academic successes. 2024 marks 10 the tours since Kwame Building Group HR Manager Sonja Lemmie established the tradi-

tion.

“In 2012, my daughter was unsure about which school she wanted to attend, and the local high schools did not provide information about

n Nearly 50 high school students embarked on four-days of college visits during the annual HBCU College Tour.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” Lemmie said. I initially planned to take her and a few friends, but it turned out to be a group of 48 students.”

Lydia Huston, Kwame Charitable Foundation executive director, was also on board with check presentations for new scholarships at each school.

“The tour succeeds in increasing students’ awareness of the benefits of HBCU’s,” said Huston.

“We are now broadening the relationships with the schools to include internship opportunities, as well as endowed scholarships, as we have with 25 other partner schools.”

Funding for Kwame Charitable Foundation’s Endowed College Scholarships and the HBCU College Tour is partially possible through fundraising efforts, such as the annual Golf Tournament.

This year’s tournament will be on Thursday, May 9 at The Courses at Forest Park. Presenting Sponsors for this year are Dowd Bennett, LLP and Kwame Building Group. Sponsorship opportunities are available www.kwamecharitable. org. In 2023, there were130 golfers and checks were presented to six partner schools at the cocktail reception.

The Kwame Charitable Foundation was established in 2003 by Kim and

See KWAME, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Davis receives national recognition for service

Dannica Davis, a senior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) East St. Louis Charter High School, recently received a special recognition from the United States Office of Population Affairs acknowledging her participation in the Better Family Life Call to Action Roundtable for adolescent health. Her dedication and contribution to promoting adolescent health have been commendable. In addition to this accomplishment, Davis has been awarded over $1.3 million in college scholarships.

Whitehead to receive St. Louis Literary Award

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead has been named recipient of the 2025 St. Louis Literary Award from Saint Louis University. He will be honored next year in April.

The Saint Louis Literary Award recognizes a living writer with a substantial body of work that has enriched our literary heritage by deepening our insight into the human condition and by expanding the scope of our compassion.

Whitehead is the author of the novels “The Intuitionist,” “John Henry Days,” “Apex Hides the Hurt,” “Sag Harbor,” “The Underground Railroad,” “The Nickel Boys,” and “Harlem Shuffle,” among others. He also penned a book of essays about New York City, “The Colossus of New York.” Colson Whitehead

Malik Oliphant joins STL Diaper Bank board

Malik Oliphant

Malik Oliphant has joined the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank board of directors. Oliphant is a seasoned financial leader who brings a comprehensive understanding of core accounting principles to his role as treasurer for the organization. He is Brightway Insurance Agency owner.

Capt. Merchant makes Coast Guard history

By Renato Sago Word In Black

Study shows name bias still exists in hiring

Erika Broadwater’s career began 33 years ago with a phone call. A former colleague had seen her work as an intern and invited her to apply as a marketing administrator. The position was ideal. She had just earned a business degree.

“My résumé was by typewriter,” she remembers. “But you had to, back then, go to the location and complete a paper application. There were no online portals for you to digitally apply.”

Broadwater now manages recruiters and implements some of the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that collect data from job websites. She is also CEO of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources. Although how people navigate the market has greatly shifted from when Broadwater started working, she says one thing has remained the same: name bias.

“We have been paying a lot more attention in bringing more awareness to that stereotype, and it really is both gender and ethnic-focused,” she says. “We do know through common language — and this is in every culture for the most part, except for, perhaps, those countries and continents within the Middle East — where a name

Black job seekers are still battling name description bias. One year after finishing college, 60% of Black graduates were underemployed.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Zeita Merchant has made history as the first Black female admiral in the service’s 233-year history. Admiral Merchant, previously the commander of Sector New York, will now lead the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center in Washington, D.C., where she will oversee recruitment and scholarships.

Merchant’s career features key roles such as Special Assistant to the 27th and 28th Vice Commandants of the Coast Guard, Congressional Fellow for the Committees on Oversight and Reform and Transportation and Infrastructure, and Executive Strategic Planner for the Coast Guard Flag and Senior Executive Service Corps. Zeita Merchant

Dannica Davis

Photo courtesy of Word In Black

Nearly 50 high school students embarked on four-days of college visits during the annual HBCU College Tour. One of the stops was Texas Southern University, and students also visited Grambling State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Southern University and A&M College.

Photo courtesy of Kwame Charitable Foundation

Kwame

Continued from B1

Tony Thompson to address a prevailing need among first generation African American students.

The foundation provides support to post-secondary institutions to establish endowed scholarships, educational programming, mentorships, internships, and life-skills training to prepare for an ever-evolving workforce.

Twenty-one years later, the foundation has established endowed scholarships at nearly 30 institu-

Name

Continued from B1

with the ending of an A is usually associated with a woman. But there are some cultures that it’s not.”

The pressure to secure employment in this economy can lead Black job seekers to think about changing their names. An analysis of 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that 83.6% of Black graduates, ages 20 to 29, were employed soon after receiving associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degrees. The percentage of unemployed talent was 8.7% — higher than self-identifying Asian, Hispanic, and white graduates.

A report out this year from Strada Institute for the Future of Work and the Burning Glass Institute finds that one year after graduating, 60% of Black graduates were underemployed. This percentage was higher compared to other groups. Five years later, the underemployment

tions, while also supporting organizations that help to enhance the educational landscape within this region and throughout the United States.

According to the foundation website, “The foundation strives to change the trajectory of the lives of motivated young adults. College exposure, mentorships and endowed scholarships are the primary avenues by which we remove barriers that can impede success. Through the intentionality in various community initiatives, the future is more hopeful for scholars, so deserving of the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

percentage rate was higher than other groups, too.

“I can guarantee my name has positively influenced my chances for employment,” Amber Chatham tells Word In Black. “I can recall multiple instances of the hiring manager or

whoever was conducting the interview, having a look of slight, almost imperceptible shock on their face when they called me from the lobby, expecting to see someone else. As a biracial woman, I’ve encountered this both professionally and in my

personal life countless times.”

Chatham is a human resources practitioner who screens hundreds of applicants with algorithms that she believes sometimes overlook qualified candidates. It’s tougher in this economy,

especially for entry-level candidates. Hundreds of people might be applying for one position that decision-makers don’t fill for different reasons, she says.

According to a survey from the National Association of Colleges

Lydia Huston, Kwame Charitable Foundation executive director, presented a $50,000 donation for scholarships to Brandon Logan, vice president for University Advancement and Innovation at Grambling State University during the foundation’s annual College Tour.

and Employers, social services and engineering employers are planning to increase hires for the 20232024 academic year. The accounting services and electronics manufacturing industries are planning to decrease hires.

Broadwater with the NAAAHR says Black graduates entering the market this year need to seek professional mentors to talk them through their résumés, salary expectations, and longterm goals.

“This generation seems to only want to stay in a job for 2-to-3 years. There is no longevity, so there is essentially no commitment. You couple that with looking to come out of school making six figures, and that’s almost unheard of in very competitive instances.”

Staying connected to alumni groups is helpful for learning about opportunities and staying motivated. There are also several organizations Blacks in HR, Hire Black Now, and The Black HR Society, for example — that offer virtual and in-person support.

Photo courtesy of Kwame Charitable Foundation

n “I’m really excited to be there and to put that work in.”

– Former Missouri Tiger and Arizona Cardinals first-round selection Darius Robinson

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Top track stars aligned to shine in Kirkwood

One of the big track and field meets held last weekend was the Dale Collier Invitational, which was held at Kirkwood High.

The meet featured some of the boys and girls athletes in the St. Louis area along with some talented performers from MidMissouri and the Kansas City area.

On the girls side, sprinter A’laji Bradley of Pattonville had a big day as she won both the 100-meter and 400-meter dashes with impressive performances. She won the 100 in 11.58 seconds, then came back to win the 400 in 54.29 seconds.

St. Louis area girls powerhouse Cardinal Ritter had several girls shine at Kirkwood. Junior Kyndall Spain won the 300-meter low hurdles in 43.12 seconds. She was the Class 5 state champion in the event last year. Senior Hannah Wallace won the triple jump with an effort of 38 feet 9 inches. Wallace was followed by teammate Takia Tiller, who finished second with a leap of 36 feet 7 ¼ inches.

Jordyn Buckley of McCluer North finished second in the 200 and fourth in the 400 with strong times of 24.73 in the 200 and 57.2 in the 400. Josie Baker of Kirkwood won the 1,600meter run and finished second in the 800 while Delaney Brinker of Ladue won the 800.

One of the top individuals in the boys competition was senior Brandon Johnson of McCluer, who won the high jump with a clearance of 6 feet 10 inches. A defending state champion from last year, Johnson is taking aim at 7 feet this season.

Rashad Smith of Pattonville and Mark Goldman of Parkway North also performed well in the field events. Smith won the triple jump with an effort of 43 feet 10 ½ inches while Goldman won the discus and finished second in the shot put.

Sprinter Brooklyn Brady finished third in the 100 and 200. The Lions also sprinted to victory in the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relays. The 4x100 team turned in a winning time of 47.61 while the 4x200 team won in 1:40.23. The Lions also finished second in the 4x400 to first-place Ladue.

Jacob Fieberkorn of Lutheran St. Charles was a double winner in the sprints as he won the 100 and 200. His winning time in the 100 was 10.66 and his winning time in the 200 was 21.75. Another double winner was Graham Stevener of Kirkwood, who won the 800 and 1,600-meter runs. The host Pioneers continued their dominance in the middle distance and distance events as Levi Rowan won the 3,200 and the 4x800-meter relay

team also finished in first place. Kevin Coleman of Hazelwood Central took home a first-place medal in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. He also finished third in the 200 while running a leg on the Hawks’ first-place 4x100-meter relay team.

Hurdler Jacobi Oliphant of

SLUH had a solid day as he finished second in both the 110-meter high hurdles and the 300-meter intermediate hurdles.

Vashon High basketball standout Nassir Binion has given a commitment to Wayne State College in Wayne, NE.

Nassir Binion commits to Wayne State College

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Life won the boys’ 4X200-meter relay but took 6th place overall in the race Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024.

A 6’5” small forward, Binion was a big part of Vashon’s run to the Class 4 state championship. He averaged 13 points and six rebounds a game during the season, but he averaged 18 points a game during the Wolverines postseason run. He scored a gamehigh 25 points in the Wolverines’ 68-37 victory over John Burroughs in the state championship game. Binion was selected to the St. Louis American “Fab Five” All-Star First Team this season.

Parker was a superstar that surpassed ‘the hype’

Candace Parker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft who played 16 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces, retired last Sunday. There was no sentimental press conference, just a simple Instagram post. In part, it read “I’m retiring.”

“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.” At every level of basketball – high school, college and professionally, she was a consensus pick to be the best of all players - even before she played a single game. Few players have faced that scrutiny and then surpassed the highest of expectations. Parker led Naperville (Ill.) High School to Class AA state titles in 2003 and 2004, and became the only two-time winner of the USA Today High School Player of the Year Award. She was Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. In 2004, she was

named Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year. Parker led Tennessee to consecutive national championships in 2007 and 2008, respectively, was named the Final Four’s most outstanding player both years and was a two-time consensus National Player of the Year Next came the WNBA, and Parker helped solidify the future of the league. During her career, Parker was a 10-time AllWNBA honoree and seven-time WNBA All-Star. She won an elusive WNBA title in 2016 with Los Angeles.

Parker was also a splendid role model for girls and young women playing not only basketball, but any sport.

WNBA star Aliyah Boston said she always considered Parker a special part of her high school, college and pro careers.

“I think she’s the reason I’ve just loved basketball so much because at her side, being able to do what she does, handle the ball the way that she does, shoot the ball the way she does,” Boston said.

“[As] someone tall growing up that wanted to continue in the sport, she

was just a major piece to me.”

New York Liberty guard Breanna Stewart praised Parker for her philanthropic endeavors, promotion of equity in sports, and support for youth sports and athletic organizations.

“What (Candace has] done on and off the court has been amazing for our league and I really appreciate everything that she’s

done to help me to get where I am,” Stewart said.

As for the lack of fanfare surrounding her retirement, Parker wrote, “I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love.”

“What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter. I ended the journey just as I started it, with her,” she shared on

has called it a career after 16 WNBA seasons.

Instagram.

The Reid Roundup When it comes to fate (and time travel), I believe the adage ‘If you change one thing, you change everything.” Candace Parker was born in St. Louis on April 19, 1986. Her family, which included brother Anthony Parker who would play in the NBA, moved to

Naperville, Illinois when she was two. Does her story turn out the same if she had remained in St. Louis?...Bradley Beal’s first, and possibly last, season with the Phoenix Suns ended when the Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a first-round NBA playoff series. Beal fouled out of game four, scored just nine points and committed six turnovers with five coming in the fourth quarter...C.J. Abrams of the Washington Nationals is an exciting young Black player making a bid for an All-Star Game appearance in his second full Major League season. Abrams, 23, is hitting a robust .297 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs and 21 runs scored… Steph Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant are nowhere to be found as the NBA Playoffs reach the second round. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver can’t be happy with that outcome…Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics were heavily favored to dispatch Miami in Game 5 of their series on Wednesday night. With the Heat’s Jimmy Butler out with a knee injury, this series was not a fair fight.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Candace Parker

At the Dale Collier/ Kirkwood Invitational Track Meet, Lift For

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of L.A. Sparks

AKAs support SIU-E Head Start programs with diaper donation

The Delta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority recently contributed diapers, training pants and diaper wipes to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/ Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program.

The chapter members are alums of East St. Louis. The sorority sisters gave 13 cases of diapers, eight cases of training pants and two cases of diaper wipes.

“The HS/EHS program utilizes grant funds to purchase diapers, training pants and diaper wipes to care for children while they are in our care at the centers,” said Denise Brown, RDN, LDN, health services program coordinator. “This donation will allow the program to distribute diapers to our families for use in the home.”

The diapers and other

donations will be distributed from each SIUE HS/EHS center to families with children enrolled who may need the additional support, according to Brown.

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 860 families and children from birth through age five, including children with special needs, throughout St. Clair County. The program also provides services to expectant mothers. The program is housed in nine early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and two collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities.

AKA Sorority members donating diapers include, from left, Ladonna Singleton, Lauren Maupins

Schnuck Markets garners national DEI recognition from Newsweek

Schnuck Markets, Inc., has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.

In 2020, Schnucks launched a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion plan, Unity Is Power (UIP). Internally UIP is focused on creating a workplace where all teammates regardless of background are welcome and feel valued, while externally, it focuses on efforts to increase community support for organizations and vendors that promote racial equity.

Schnucks also recently introduced a diverseowned business acceler-

(RBC) and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, has introduced a bi-monthly component called Block Builders in partnership with major

ator program, Schnucks Springboard, to provide education, resources and access to local diverseowned businesses.

Last year, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis honored

Schnucks with the Civic Leadership Award for these efforts.

“Our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are more than just words on paper. It’s how we celebrate our differences and learn from each other’s experiences and how we serve the numerous communities in which we operate,” said Schnucks Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Emma Lumpkins.

“It’s also nourishing people’s lives by providing a welcoming work environment to our nearly 12,000 teammates whose efforts make it possible for our customers to feed their families.”

RBC, Urban League introduce Block Builders program

regional utility companies to target micro locations, specific blocks or intersections, impacted by high rates of poverty, violent crime and homicide.

RBC members Spire and Ameren, in addition to partners including the City of St. Louis and Missouri American Water, will use data to identify neigh-

borhoods and assemble volunteer crews to employ equipment typically utilized for maintaining line infrastructure to improve community infrastructure,

“Diversity is a widely discussed topic – and it remains a crucial factor as people look for an employer or a business partner,” said Nancy Cooper, Newsweek global editor and chief.

targeting neighborhoods in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Clair County.

Every other month, crews will not only

cameras for

to improve safety.

Emma Lumpkins

(2nd vice president of AKA East St. Louis), Destyne Hill (chairperson of Uplift Our Local Community for AKA East St. Louis), Dawn Cox, and on the right side, Burena Howard. SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start representatives are Carol Schanuel, special services program coordinator; Lisa Tate, assistant program director/center operations, and Denise Brown, RDN, LDN, health services program coordinator. Not pictured are Mica Ike, president of AKA East St. Louis, Maurche’ Belk, vice president of AKA- East St. Louis and associate judge in St Clair County Circuit Court.

Photo courtesy of SIU-E

Living It

JazzU All-Stars play the Big Easy

STL student ensemble to play famed New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

By American Staff

This weekend, the St. Louis and New Orleans jazz connection by way of Jazz St. Louis continues in a major way. The JazzU All-Stars who compris the top middle and high school players from Jazz St. Louis’ acclaimed JazzU program, will perform at the historic New Orleans Jazz & Hertiage Festival in the WWOZ Jazz Tent on Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. Their upcoming presentation marks the first time a Jazz St. Louis student ensemble will perform at the festival.

“They will be ambassadors of Jazz St. Louis and the St. Louis region,” said Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor

n “Performing in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, will be a profound and unforgettable experience, connecting them with the rich history and cultural heritage of this music.

- Adaron Jackson

Director of Education and Community Engagement for Jazz StL

Goines. Their set is a significant milestone for Jazz St. Louis and its young musicians, offering them an opportunity to showcase their talents at one of the most celebrated jazz festivals in the world.

“Participating in a major jazz festival

is an unparalleled opportunity for our students,” said Adaron Jackson, Director of Education and Community Engagement for Jazz St. Louis. “Performing in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, will be a profound and unforgettable experience, connecting them with the rich history and cultural heritage of this music, fueling a lifelong passion and opening doors to future opportunities in the jazz world and beyond.”

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2024 performers include The Rolling Stones, Irma Thomas, Kenny Barron, Rebirth Brass Band, Charles Lloyd, Nicholas Payton, Neil Young, Danilo Pérez, Stefon Harris & Blackout, Bonnie Raitt, and Jon Batiste, among many other notable and celebrated artists. In addition to their festival perfor-

See Jazz, C3

“[I] waited in the cold in New York for, like, hours.”

Anthony Ramos, a mentor on The Voice, on his audition for the program - and being turned down

Hazelwood School District middle schooler makes TV acting debut on hit sitcom

By American Staff

Hazelwood School District student

Jacob Feaman made his professional acting debut in a major way thanks to a role on the award-winning ABC television series “Abbott Elementary.”

Blogger ‘Lando’ takes STL on a foodie tour Lights, camera, ‘Abbott’

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Orlando ‘Lando’ Peyton noticed many small businesses in the region were closing due to a lack of sales and exposure. This disturbing trend motivated the ambitious food blogger to find a way to help those small businesses, particularly the mom-and-pop restaurants. “I felt compelled to contribute my part,” Peyton said. He began by first posting his reviews on Yelp but soon decided his reviews could reach a wider audience on a larger platform. So Lando introduced St. Louis to ‘ItsEpicEats’ on Instagram where he takes his followers – virtually of course –on a foodie adventure. Going to various restaurants throughout the city, county, and St. Charles, Lando samples all kinds of cuisines. And with the weather warming up and more people hanging out, eating out, and enjoying St. Louis’ unique food scene, going out to eat is a must-do

Orlando ‘Lando’ Peyton began by first posting his reviews on Yelp but soon decided his reviews could reach a wider audience on a larger platform. So Lando introduced St. Louis to ‘ItsEpicEats’ on Instagram where he takes his followers – virtually of course – on a foodie adventure.

“His passion for the performing arts led him to a demanding process of elimination at the iPOP Talent Convention competition that began with 5000 kids and, in the end, left him as one of a few kids who could choose an agent and manager,” the district said in a news release.

A seventh grader who attends North Middle, Feaman had been developing his talent since attending the Ignite Theatre Company, a two-time national awardwinning youth theater company in St. Louis.

“We had to learn two monologues, a song and two commercials,” Feaman said of his participation in the iPOP Talent Convention.

n A seventh grader who attends North Middle, Jacob Feaman has been developing his talent since attending the Ignite Theatre Company.

“I earned five medals. If you add all that together, I won Actor of the Year,” Feaman said. “We had multiple managers and agents we could pick from who were trying to work with me. I was surprised. I was like, I am doing well here; maybe I should be an actor.”

He auditioned for a role in “Abbott Elementary” through his agent and was chosen to play the part.

The Emmy Award-winning show follows a group of dedicated, passionate staff and faculty of an inner-city Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life.

Feaman appeared in season three, episode four, entitled “Smoking.”

“Even under peer pressure, why would friends convince you to smoke if they know it hurts you,” Feaman said of the episode. “That makes no sense to me. Kids, don’t smoke. Stay in school and pursue your dreams.”

Cuisine: Caribbean Neighborhood: Cherokee

He isn’t the only St. Louis native with “Abbott Elementary” among his acting credentials. William Stanford Davis is among the sitcom’s co-stars. He portrays Mr. Johnson, the school custodian and de facto father figure who uses comic relief to steer staff and students in the right direction.

Photo courtesy of Jazz St. Louis

Drummer Tonnie Kamkwalala Jr. is one of the talented young musicians who will play as part of the JazzU All-Stars ensemble in the WWOZ Jazz Tent at the world-renowned New Orleans Jazz & Hertiage Festival on Saturday, May 4.

Photo courtesy of Orlando Peyton

Photo courtesy of Hazelwood School District Jacob Feaman

CONCERTS AND LIVE SHOWS

Kountry Wayne: The King Of Hearts Tour (comedy)

5/3/2024 7:30 p.m.

The Pageant

6161 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO

$35.50 - $75.50

Cory Henry

Jazz organist and gospel musician

5/3/2024 8 p.m. Delmar Hall

6133 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO $30

Free Outdoor Gospel Concert

5/4/2024 , 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 pm

January-Wabash Park BandShell

Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis present this free unity concert for the third consecutive year. Guests are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and refreshments. The concert is presented in partnership with PROUD (People Reaching Out for Unity and Diversity).

501 N. Florissant Rd.

St. Louis, MO

For more information:

CommunityGospelChoir @gmail.com

Free

IN UNISON Chorus

Community Concert

5/5/2024, 7 p.m.

Shalom City of Peace Church

5491 N. Hwy 67, Florissant, MO

No tickets are needed, but RSVPs are requested. Go to https://slso.org/ Seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-serve basis

STL Sites & Sounds

Je’Caryous Johnson Presents “SUPER FREAK: THE RICK JAMES STORY”

5/5/2024 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Stifel Theatre 1400 Market Street St. Louis, MO

$49.75 - $99.75

Dance Showcase 2024 5/4/2024

COCA 524 Trinity Ave St. Louis, MO

$15.00

Kids Rock Cancer Concert 5/8/2024 7 p.m.

In a Mother’s Day Tribute concert, Brian Owens will share songs from “Mom’s Playlist.”

This event is a fundraiser for Kids Rock Cancer, a non-profit of Maryville University, which provides therapeutic music at no cost to children with a cancer

diagnosis or sickle cell disease.

Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries

3648 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO

$51.00 - $151.00

Tamia & Joe

5/4/2024 8 p.m.

Please Note: This venue has a CLEAR BAG policy and is CASHLESS for concessions.

Chaifetz Arena

1 South Compton Ave

St. Louis, MO

$74.00 - $180.00

Hermanos Gutiérrez

5/8/2024 8 p.m.

The Hawthorn 2231 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO

$32.00

NIGHTLIFE

Sapphic factory: a modern queer joy dance party 5/4/2024 9 p.m.

5/5/2024 9 p.m.

Off Broadway St Louis 3509 Lemp Ave St. Louis, MO $20.00

Vashon Class of 1974 Reunion 5/31-6/2 2024 Hollywood Casino and Hotel St. Louis 777 Casino Center Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

“We’re looking for 50 classmates to represent 50 years” For more information contact: LaVerne James-Bady at (314) 315-1280 or ljbady@gmail.com; Joe Verrie Johnson at (314) 6405842 or jojohnson74@att.net; or Jordan Perry at (314) 724-4563.

ART ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS

First Friday in Grand Center: Artwork and Arias 5/3/2024 5 p.m.

Start the first Friday of the month with art, music, and culture in the Grand Center Arts District. Spend an evening experiencing connections between opera and the visual arts. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, this special selection of arias highlights AAPI voices in opera as well as connections with Paul Chan: Breathers. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m.. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis 3750 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

FAIRS, FESTIVALS AND MARKETS

Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street 5/4/2024 11a.m. Cherokee Street St. Louis, MO

COMMUNITY

Wow St. Louis: Steinberg Ice Rink 5/4/2024 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. WOW St. Louis is an annual event where families and communities are invited to come out and try a variety of beginner outdoor recreation activities with a team of professionals. 400 Jefferson Drive St. Louis, Missouri

$10.00 to $11.60—Financial

Epworth Trivia Night 5/4/2024 3 p.m. Join us for Epworth Trivia 2024! Get ready for a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions and friendly competition to raise money to empower youth in St. Louis! Free drinks, cash prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction. Ticket Options Buy an individual ticket for $25. Buy a table for 8 people for $200.

Comedian Kountry Wayne takes his “The King Of Hearts Tour” to the Pageant on May 3, at 7:30 p.m.

Day Brunch

Friday, May 3, and at the festival on Sunday, May 5.

Continued from C1

mance, the group will embark on a culturally enriching tour of New Orleans, visiting and performing in locations pivotal to the history of jazz. The trip will not only provide them with the opportunity to perform but also to immerse themselves in the rich musical heritage of the city. On their agenda is a trip to the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, an incubator for many of jazz music’s most celebrated artists including notable alumni Jon Batiste, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews among others. Adding to the excitement, Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor Goines will perform at New Orleans’ premier jazz venue, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, with his quartet on

Join

Thursday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Grand Center’s Third Baptist Church Free admission, advance reservations recommended

“One of my primary motivations for joining Jazz St. Louis was to help increase the visibility of our organization locally, nationally, and internationally,” said Goines.

“Having the JazzU AllStars travel to my hometown of New Orleans to perform at one of the largest jazz festivals in the world will provide them with real-world experiences of what it means to be a jazz musician.”

This trip provides a unique educational opportunity for students to experience firsthand the music and culture of a city which bears the name, “The Birthplace of Jazz.” The JazzU AllStars – which includes Miles Cole on Trombone, Ryan Cooper on Trumpet, Issac Dessau on Bass, Clio Grant on Piano, Tonnie Kamkwalala Jr. on Drums, and Jason Scholte on Alto Saxophone – will have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals, venue owners, and

renowned performers, gaining valuable insights and firsthand experience in the world of professional music.

“When I learned that Jazz St. Louis was bringing students to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, I knew that I wanted to assist,” said renowned jazz vocalist and trumpeter, Jeremy Davenport. “I grew up in St. Louis, but New Orleans has been my home since 1990. Victor Goines hired me to perform my first Jazz Fest gig that year.”

New Orleans has long served as one of the meccas for aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike. For the JazzU All-Stars, a visit to this cultural hotspot isn’t merely a field trip; it’s an immersive educational journey into the heart of the music industry.

“The St. Louis/New Orleans connection is special to me,” Davenport said. “And the educational component of Jazz St. Louis is impressive and important.”

Photo courtesy of jazzstl.com

Religion Faith leaders, Cori Bush

Not Handcuffs

By Dorothy S. Boulware Word in Black

It’s a scene that plays out far too often across America — people living on the streets, with nowhere to call home, face fines, tickets, and even jail time simply for existing in public spaces. This cruel reality was at the heart of a recent protest at the steps of the Supreme Court, where advocates demanded an end to the criminalization of homelessness.

Rev. William J. Barber II, president of Repairers of the Breach, an organization that builds and supports moral movements for social change, Congresswoman Cori Bush of Missouri and several other groups that advocate for unhoused people, rallied outside the court, raising the cry for “Housing, Not Handcuffs.”

want the court to overturn a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that ruled punishing homeless people for sleeping on the street when they have no option violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

The protesters shared statistics that speak volumes about the housing crisis in America:

• In 2022, over 12 million households spent more than half their income on rent.

• On a single night in January 2023, 653,000 people were experiencing homelessness, up 12% from a year earlier.

• Chronic homelessness can cost taxpayers over $83,000 per year per person, including the cost of legislating and enforcing criminal ordinances and potential lawsuits.

“Instead of arresting unhoused people and fining them for sleeping in parks, we should be investing in more affordable housing and less tax cuts for the greedy,” Barber said.

“Instead of trying to push poor people to the next town, we need to demand living wages in every town, city, and county because nobody making the current minimum wage of $7.25 can afford a basic two-bedroom apartment anywhere in this country.”

The case driving the protest centers on a series of laws passed in Grants Pass, Oregon, which included banning people from wrapping themselves in a blanket. And now Grants Pass, along with other jurisdictions,

• People of color represent over 60% of the nation’s unhoused population, despite making up only a third of the general U.S. population.

“We slept in our car and so often I couldn’t sleep for fear that if I closed my eyes too long and the temperature dipped for too long, I’d wake up and my children would not be alive,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO), who shared her own experience of being unhoused and living on the streets.

She said she had to mix baby formula in the bathroom of McDonalds, and finding available public restrooms in general was a constant source of stress.

“Should my children and I have been fined for sleeping in a car? For using public restrooms?

It is inhumane to punish people for not having access to a toilet,” Bush said.

Bush noted that she and 18 of her colleagues, along with sponsoring organizations, filed an amicus brief for the Court’s consideration protesting the application of public camping laws against unhoused people is

cruel and unusual punishment. Barber also called out the “lies people tell on the homeless, characterizing them as alcoholics and dope addicts, rather than people who have no place of their own to live.”

He said a young man recently asked why he had been entrusted to operate million-dollar

equipment in Iraq but couldn’t be trusted to flip hamburgers at home, debunking the myth that the homeless don’t want to work.

“We can’t be silent anymore. We have to call out the lies,” Barber said

Photo by Diane Nilan / Hear Us Inc.

Demonstrators from across the country listened to speakers that included the Rev. William J. Barber II and Congresswoman Cori Bush during a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the debate on criminalizing homelessness unfolded inside on April 25, 2024

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Spartan Light Metal Products, Inc has openings for Business Development Manager in Saint Louis, MO. Responsible for all bus. Dvlpmnt commercial activities for Ford, Volkswagen and assoc’d Tier customers.

Req BS in Mech. Engr’ing or rel., & 5 yrs exp Engr’ing, project mgmnt, or bus. Dvlpmnt in the auto industry. Email resume to Gdoerr@spartanlmp.com, put Ref # 015871.000027 in subject line.

SENIOR CENTER COORDINATOR/ ADMIN. ASSISTANT

City Seniors, Inc. an equal Opportunity Employer, is accepting applications for Senior Center Coordinator/ Admin. Assistant. Strong activity and planning skills a must. Call 314.352.0141 to apply in person. Position may be funded through CDBG and CDA.

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY CURRENT JOB OPENINGS!

The Missouri Historical Society is actively hiring for the following positions:

• IT Support Specialist

• Objects Conservator

• Resource Protection Officer, Part-time

• Visitor Experience Associate, Full-time

• Visitor Experience Associate, Part-time

Please visit www.mohistory. org under the “Job Seekers: Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer Services Provided On A NonDiscriminatory Basis

JR81166 Purchasing/Receiving Assistant

- McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI)

This position is responsible for receiving and/or purchasing storeroom supplies, including upkeep of inventory tracking system for assigned department. Asset tracking, review, and acceptance for assigned department. Assisting as needed for Preventative Maintenance visits to orchestrate between lab and vendor. The ideal candidate will meet the following required qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent high school certificate. One year of prior work experience. University required EH&S certificate of training specific to department (to be completed on the job). Depending upon department, possess or obtain prior to employment Missouri Class E driver’s license or equivalent.

JR81346 - LPN

Opportunities

WashU is seeking LPNS with current or recent hospital or clinic experience to work at one of our many clinic locations. Preferences: Experience with Epic documentation and current/recent hospital or clinic experience.

Our openings include Orthopedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, Urological Surgery and Gastroenterology.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The St. Louis Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is seeking a qualified person to fill the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in HUD programs and demonstrated success in public housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Rental Assistance Demonstration programs. A Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Business, or Public Administration, Urban Studies, or a related field is required. A Master’s or Law degree is preferred. Minimum of ten (10) years of housing development experience, with at least five (5) years at an executive level. Additional valuable qualifications include experience in affordable housing finance and development, knowledge of public sector regulations and practices, and a background in the real estate industry. Interested candidates must email their cover letter and resume to edsearch@slha.org no later than Friday, April 5, 2024. For detailed information and application steps, please view the position brochure at www.slha.org/careers/

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To see the full job description of positions available and to apply online go to: http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/ and click on “Careers at SLDC.” SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGER

Forest Park Forever has a position open for an Individual Giving Manager. The position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with individual donors to secure financial support to advance the mission and objectives of Forest Park Forever. Please visit https://www. forestparkforever.org/jobs for full details and to apply online.

CHURCH PART-TIME SOUND ENGINEER

Love Church is hiring a part-time Sound Engineer. To apply or for more information, please DM us or contact us at Love@lovechurchstl.com

Love Church Sound Engineer Description

Responsibilities:

• Provide proper soundchecks to include Front-of-House mix, monitor mixes, gain settings, proper volume settings and EQ/mixing process for all church services, livestream, live performances, designated events, Praise and Worship sessions, band sessions and choir sessions

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve all sound equipment issues

• Train all Sound Ministry sound board volunteers

• Coordinate with Minister of Music and Worship Leader for song structure to enhance mix for Sunday services, designated events, Praise & Worship, and choir

• Provide stage and audio set-up for all church services and designated events to include audio needs for guest speakers, musicians, and singers

• Provide proper volume levels and sound quality during recording using Pro Tools and console

• Receive audio requirements for timely execution of all upcoming church services and designated events

• Manage all audio engineers within the Sound Ministry

• Communicates with Premiere Event Center’s audio engineer/tech person regarding all sound equipment issues/ updates

• Responsible for over 250 pieces of audio equipment and accessories

LETTING #8772

RECONSTRUCTION OF HAMILTON BRIDGE OVER METROLINK FEDERAL PROJECT NO. BRO-B115(018)

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on JUNE 4, 2024, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using the “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress. com/businesses/20618/home. The bidder must pay $40 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined online through Bid Express at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home?agency=true and may be downloaded for free.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held May 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. The prebid conference will be held in 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, Boardroom #278, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

LETTING NO. 8771

TERMINAL 1 DEPARTURES BRIDGE OVER BAG CLAIM DRIVE AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 21, 2024, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined and downloaded online through Bid Express.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held April 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in Ozark Conference Room, 4 TH Floor of the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

LETTING #8770

RENOVATIONS TO PAVILION AT LINDENWOOD PARK

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Electronically sealed bids will be received by the Board of Public Service through the Bid Express Online Portal at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home? agency=true . Proposals must be submitted before 1:45 PM, St. Louis Time, on Tuesday, MAY 21, 2024. The proposals will then be publicly opened and read.

The bidder must pay $40 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined online through Bid Express at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home? agency=true and may be downloaded for free.

An optional pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held at the Lindenwood Park Pavilion located at 6701 Lindenwood Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63109 on April 30 th at 11:00 AM. All bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies.)

The right of the Board of Public Service to reject any or all bids is expressly reserved.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The project consists of subcontractor scopes of work related to the following categories:

1. Miscellaneous Site Work

2. Visitor Entrance Building

3. Vehicle Maintenance, Loading, and Parking

4. Event Center

5. Giraffe Feeding

6. Lodging Cabins

7. Animal Health Center

8. Distribution Center

9. Outdoor Activity Area

To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HERPETARIUM EXHIBIT GLASS RFP 2024

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 5/1/24 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Valley Park School District at the VPSD Administrative Office, One Main Street, Valley Park, MO 63088 until FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2024, at 2:00PM CST, for the following projects: Bid Package #1 –Flooring Replacement at ECC & Middle School, Bid Package #3 – Baseball Field Renovations, and Bid Package #5 –Painting at ECC & Middle School. No less than the prevailing hourly wage rates determined by the State of Missouri, Division of Labor Standards, shall be paid to all workers employed on this project. The district reserves the right to waive technicalities, to select any contractor filing a proposal, and to reject any or all bids. Drawings & specifications can be accessed via Custom Blueprint & Supply’s Plan Room: https://customblueprint-supply.com/plan-room/ Username: Wachterbidder Password: VPSDbidder then complete the login with your contact information. Bidders may obtain printed copies at their own expense.

To Advertise your Job Opportunity or to place a bid email ahouston@stlamerican.com

Notice is hereby given that the following individuals are indebted to Mi-Box Storage for past due rent and other charges. Auction will be conducted at 1444 N Warson Rd. on May 6th 2024 at 11AM. Mi-Box Storage reserves the right to bid on any unit. Sale of a unit is subject to cancellation in the event of a settlement between Landlord and obligated party. Myrtle Hamilton #525: Clothes, Handbags, Chairs, Dressers, Misc. Household Iris Salsman #528 & 578: Couch, Chairs, Mirrors/art, misc household goods AJ Partida #555: Theater Chair, Punching Bags, Misc. Gym Equipment, Folding Tables

BIDS REQUESTED NEW CONSTRUCTION

Section 3 / MBE /WBE Encouraged 42 Units Multi Family – FARMINGTON, MO For Bid Information: 573-204-3097 or nleoni@sbcglobal.net or zventura@vendev.cc Double Diamond Construction 2201 Walton Road, Ste. B Jackson, MO 63755

AGENCY PLAN FY 2024

ADVERTISEMENT: PUBLIC NOTICE

The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) is submitting to HUD the Annual Submission of the FY 2024 Agency Plan. The Plan outlines the goals and objectives to accomplish its vision over the next five years. SLHA has posted the “Draft” FY 2024 Agency Plan for public review on its website at https://www. slha.org/document-center/, and the Plan will be available for viewing at SLHA’s Central Office, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106.

Additionally, the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), a component of the Agency Plan, and a revised Utility Allowance Schedule and the Flat Rent Schedule are simultaneously being made available for public review and comment. The link to the webpage is: https://www.slha.org/document-center/. Also, the Capital Fund Program Five-Year Action Plan (FY 2024 – FY 2028) is simultaneously being made available for public review and comment.

Written comments may be submitted on the Plan. All written comments must be received by June 17, 2024. Please address comments to Deborah Fowler at defowler@slha.org. Comments and suggestions received will become part of the public record.

SLHA will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the SLHA Central Office to discuss and accept comments on its Agency Plan, ACOP, Utility Allowance, Flat Rent Schedules and Capital Fund Program.

For additional information or questions, contact Deborah Fowler, Administrative Assistant, by email at defowler@slha.org or by telephone at (314) 286-4356 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

LEGAL NOTICE

Notification is hereby given that JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1111 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43240 has filed an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) on or about May 2, 2024, as specified in 12 CFR Part 5, for permission to establish a domestic branch at the northwest corner of the intersection of South Lindbergh Boulevard (aka Highway 50) and Lemay Ferry Road (aka MO Route 267), Saint Louis, Saint Louis County, MO 63125. If you have any additional comments, you can send them to the Director for Large Bank Licensing, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 7 Times Square, 10th Floor Mailroom, New York, New York 10036 or LicensingPublicComments@occ.treas.

gov., within 30 days of the date of this publication. The public portion of the filing is available upon request from the OCC. The public may find information about the filing (including the closing date of the comment period) in the OCC’s Weekly Bulletin available at www.occ.gov

SCAFFOLDING, AND REPAIR/INSTALLATION

ISSUED APRIL 25, 2024 RESPONSES DUE MAY 16, 2024

The Land Reutilization Authority of the City of St. Louis, Missouri (“Authority”) will receive sealed bids for Structural Repairs & Related Work at 6306 West Florissant Ave.

Selected firm(s) will provide comprehensive services to address several critical aspects of infrastructure rehabilitation and maintenance. Primarily focus is scaffolding, and repair/ replacement of fence. Responses will be received at 1520 Market Street Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention: 6306 West Florissant Ave. RFB), until 4:00 PM on May 16, 2024.

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocated to SLDC, passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration, may provide funding for certain projects. SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE NAME CHANGE

Phuc Thien Hua has changed their name to Tina Hua Stephens

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Foundation Stabilization & Waterproofing, E.W. Thompson State School, Sedalia, Missouri, Project No. E2329-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/21/24. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovation to Exterior/Interior RC Building, Warrensburg Readiness Center, Project No. T2306-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 23, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF

PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WATER MASTER PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS WATER DIVISION, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. Statements of Qualifications are due by 5:00 PM CT, May 17, 2024, through the Bid Express online portal at https://www.bidexpress. com/businesses/20618/ home?agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from the BPS website https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/public-service/ under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov 25% MBE & 5% WBE participation goals.

SEALED BIDS

For Bids (SFB)

Service:

Pre-Bid Meeting Date: May 14, 2024, 2:00 PM

Question Due Date: May 16, 2024

Bid Due Date: May 30, 2024

M/WBE Goals & Incentives:

Native American and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Bidders. Point of Contact: Gigi Glasper – gxglasper@flystl.com Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00

Bids for Replace Fire & Smoke Detector System at Harry S Truman State Office Building, Project No. O2001-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 16, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC System, Third Floor, MoDOT Millbottom Building, Project No. O2330-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 23, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Splash Pad & Associated Infrastructure Improvements, Bennett Spring State Park, Project No. X2228-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/6/2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Sewage Lift Stations, Thousand Hills State Park, Project No. X2302-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May, 21, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Midland Boulevard (East)

Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1471, Federal Project No. STP-5523(623) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on May 22, 2024.Plans and specifications will be available on April 22, 2024 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087. ACTING DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 4/24/24 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

FOOD SERVICE BID

ADVERTISEMENT

The Leadership School is accepting proposals for contracting out the Food Service Program with a Fixed Price contract for the 24-25. A pre proposal meeting will be 4/25 @ 2pm. Requests for Proposals are due by 6/3 @ 3pm. For questions and bid specifications, please contact The Leadership School at 314-492-2301. The Leadership School reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

LETTING NO. 8769

RECONSTRUCTION OF TAXILANE CHARLIE FROM S TO G - PROJECT 2 AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on June 4, 2024, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using the “Bid Express Online Portal” at https:// www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined and downloaded online through Bid Express.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on May 14, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., via Zoom (refer to Bid Express for meeting link)

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-service/bps-online-plan-room.cfm (Announcements).

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Abbott

Continued from C1

“‘Abbott Elementary’ is a show for the culture,” Davis told The American in 2022. “It’s a show about hope and optimism.”

With his second consecutive “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” nomination thanks to the role, Davis earned an

Foodie

Continued from C1

Top

choice drink/ why: None Atmosphere/vibe: Casual Price:$$

Cathy’s Kitchen Cuisine: American Neighborhood: Ferguson Top menu choice/ why: Chicago Philly Cheesesteak, tastes like an authentic Philly Top menu choice drink/ why: None

NAACP Image Award earlier this year.

It is Feaman’s father that influences and inspires him the most in real life.

“He has to wake up at 2:00 a.m. every morning and is a hard worker,” Feaman said. “That is why I look up to him.”

Recently, Feaman auditioned for a Netflix show and will audition for a leading character role.

He hopes that his appearance on “Abbott Elementary” encourages all of his peers who want

Atmosphere/vibe: Casual Price: $$

Beyond Sweets Kitchen + Bar Cuisine: American/ Cocktail Bar Neighborhood: Delmar Maker District Top menu choice/why: Austin’s Grilled Cheese Smash Burger/it’s super cheesy like a grilled cheese but also a burger Top menu choice drink/ why: The Hov/nice flavorful cocktail that tastes really good

Atmosphere/vibe: Casual/ Date Night They also have amazing desserts like giant shakes Price: $$

Yummy Sweetcakes:

to pursue a career in acting, and offers a few helpful tips.

“If you ever want to do acting and get a script or something to audition from, don’t read it just like the lines,” Feaman said. “You have to think about the thought. Read between the lines.”

Information from St. Louis American content partner ksdk. com contributed to this report.

STL Cheesecakery

Cuisine: Dessert Neighborhood: St. Louis(Online Only)

Top menu choice/ why: Peach Cobbler Cheesecake/ using real ingredients and you can taste it Top menu choice drink/ why: None Atmosphere/vibe: None Price: $ Anything additional you want to add: order more than one cheesecake! They are all good!!

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

and we

Whether you’re looking for date night, girls’ night out, or a solo

Photo by Gilles Mingasson / Disney Quinta Brunson, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, William Stanford Davis and Jacob Feaman in a scene from Abbott Elementary. After a student is caught smoking, the Abbott staff come together to revamp the outdated drug policy. Abbott Elementary airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Mental Health Awareness

Empowering Communities: The vital role of Amanda Luckett Murphy

Hopewell Center Behavioral Health Services

In the labyrinth of mental health care, Amanda Luckett Murphy (ALM) Hopewell Center stands as a beacon of hope for St. Louis city, offering a comprehensive array of services tailored to adults, children, and adolescents grappling with mental illness. The ALM Hopewell Center Adult Behavioral Health Program facility is snuggled between the Betty Jean Kerr’s People’s Health Center and ALM Hopewell Children’s Behavioral Health and People’s Dental Care for Kids facility on Delmar Boulevard near DeBaliviere. Nestled within its programs lies a commitment not just to treatment, but to empowering individuals to integrate seamlessly into their communities. Dwayne Butler, CEO of People’s Family of Corporations (parent company of ALM Hopewell Center), stated, “Mental health needs to be addressed in our community. The goal at the Delmar campus is to integrate primary health care and mental health, serving as one necessary resource to holistically heal our community.” Programming is aimed at removing the stigma around mental health so that anyone experiencing trauma, stress, and other factors that lean into being socially and emotionally well, are not afraid to seek or ask for help.

At the heart of ALM Hopewell Center’s mission is its dedication to fostering independence and holistic well-being. Through a multifaceted approach, they address the diverse needs of their clientele, recognizing that mental health is intricately woven into the fabric of one’s life. Dr. Moses Waithaka, Vice President of Operations, stated, “Through partnerships such as Department of Mental Health and SAMSHA, we have made some strides to ensure that mental health services are readily accessible to those who need our services. Many times, individuals don’t receive the help they need, simply because of barriers that hinder access to mental health services. It is our pleasure to offer clients walk-in appointments to receive same day services, just as it gives us joy to offer schoolbased and healthcare home services.”

For children and adolescents, the Lacy Clay Center for Children’s Health serves as a nurturing space, providing specialized care that acknowledges the unique challenges faced during formative years. Meanwhile, the adult outpatient program extends a lifeline through services ranging from crisis intervention to medication management. Here, individuals are not just clients; they are active participants in their journey towards wellness.

The Psychiatric Rehabilitation arm of ALM Hopewell Center embraces the philosophy of community integration. Through tailored support and rehabilitation services, individuals are empowered to navigate life’s complexities, armed with the skills necessary to thrive independently. This isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about reclaiming agency and building meaningful lives.

In the residential program, ALM Hopewell Center continues to break down barriers to inclusion. From the STRIVE Group Home to RISE Residential Services, the focus remains steadfast on providing safe, supportive environments where individuals can flourish. Whether it’s learning life skills or accessing transitional support, every aspect is geared towards promoting autonomy and dignity.

Crucially, ALM Hopewell Center recognizes that stable housing is a cornerstone of mental health. Through initiatives like the Hopewell Apartment program and the Hopewell Voucher program, they address the pressing issue of homelessness head-on, offering not just shelter, but a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency.

Moreover, the Contract Provider program extends a lifeline to those in need of alternative housing arrangements, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. By

partnering with approved facilities, ALM Hopewell Center expands its reach, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of belonging within the broader community.

In a world often marred by stigma and isolation, ALM Hopewell Center shines as a testament to the transformative power of compassionate care. Beyond the clinical confines, it fosters connections, restores hope, and champions the inherent worth of every individual. As we navigate the complexities of mental health, let us remember that true healing begins when we stand together, guided by empathy, understanding, and unwavering support. ALM Hopewell Center embodies this ethos, lighting the way towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

To learn more about Amanda Luckett Murphy Hopewell Center Behavioral Health Services, call: (314) 531-1770, or visit: www.hopewellcenter.com. 24/7 Suicide Crisis Lifeline, dial: 988.

Mental Health Awareness •

No one should feel alone during their most difficult times

“My life was like living in a burning house. I got so used to the heat, the fire, the stones, that I didn’t realize it was still burning. I ended up in the hospital during one of the worst parts of my life and received a mental health screening and was referred to Provident Behavioral Health.” - Bryona, 22 years old

Fortunately, Bryona contacted Provident where she was able to connect with licensed therapist LaTanya Mackey. These sessions helped stabilize Bryona’s life as she and LaTanya were able to work through the barriers that kept Bryona from fully being who she wanted to be. A treatment plan with Bryona’s goals in mind guided her and taught her skills to get healthy. Today, she works and goes to college.

Every year, up to 20% of Americans experience mental illness. Of those, 60% of adults and 50% of youth do not receive the treatment they need, due to lack of resources, or having geographical or stigma barriers. In 2022, 1,215 Missourians died by suicide, the 10th leading cause of death in our state. Nationally there is a rise in suicides among black men and women, as well as among all adolescents. Programs like Provident’s Access Center, which offers same-week, $5 counseling sessions with master-level counseling students, provides accessible, affordable, and exceptional behavioral health care to anyone who needs it, and keeps individuals out of emergency departments that may be expensive and understaffed.

No one should feel alone during their most difficult times. Mental well-being impacts so many things in our lives, including physical health, employment, academic success, and personal relationships. Everyone deserves to feel mentally well and to have access to exceptional behavioral health care. Provident Behavioral Health strives to serve those in mental health crisis or experiencing suicidal ideation; those who are uninsured, underinsured, or who face financial barriers; and those who have geographical or stigma barriers to care.

We have 164 years of experience in caring for the people of St. Louis, and that care is offered in confidential, professional, equitable, and accessible settings.

Counseling, Psychiatric Services, 988 Crisis Center, Mary Ryder Home, TeleHope supportive calls for City residents age 55+, Behavioral Health Intervention Spe-

cialists in schools, and Community Education are some of the ways we meet the unique needs of our community. We serve kids, adolescents, adults, and older adults in offices, schools, and community-based settings, via telehealth, and telephone and offer many financial options such as grant and contract funding, sliding fee scale, $5 Access Center counseling, and insurance billing including Medicare and Medicaid.

Thanks to major community leaders such as the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, the St. Louis Mental Health Board, and the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, many of our programs are available at little to no out-of-pocket costs. Please call 314-533-8200 or visit our website at www

providentstl.org to get additional details on our services, and to learn more about our clinical staff. Be well.

Trends in Suicide Rates by Race and Ethnicity in the United States | Public Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network Study finds increase in suicides among Black and Latino Chicagoans (msn.com)

Mental Health Awareness •

CSF provides help for youth mental health

The St. Louis region has a wealth of mental and behavioral health resources for kids, youth, and families; however, it can be daunting to figure out where to start the search. That’s where the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund’s (CSF) Find-A-Service Tool comes in.

CSF is the largest children’s service fund in the State of Missouri, having allocated over $550 million to services for the children, youth, and families of St. Louis County through a voter-approved, quarter-cent sales tax established in 2008. CSF focuses on long-term partnerships with community leaders and nonprofit organizations, supporting a network of mental and behavioral health providers. Together, CSF’s 104 partner organizations lead the way in providing much needed mental and behavioral health services to the region, from respite care to non-therapeutic counseling to transitional and temporary housing.

Although there is a tremendous network of care in the region, finding the right service for the right community member at the right time can be a challenge. To help address this issue, in 2022 CSF launched an online inter-

active service map – the Find-A-Service Tool – giving providers, school personnel, and parents and caregivers a way to search all of CSF’s funded-partners to find the right service for their child or youth.

“While the function of CSF is to provide funding and to support our incredible funded partners, our mission is to make sure the right kid finds the right service at the right time. One of the most important ways we can do that, beyond providing funding, is to help connect kids and their families with services in the region,” said Emily Koenig, Executive Director of CSF.

The Find-A-Service Tool can be found on CSF’s web-

site, stlcsf.org/find-a-service/. Once on the website, users are greeted by an interactive map. Red and blue dots fill the map, indicating sites of community mental health providers (red) and school-based mental health providers (blue) across St. Louis County and into the greater metro region. Users can search for a provider by service, school district, school name, or by the provider’s name. Users can also scroll through the map by neighborhoods and click on the dots to learn about the associated organization.

Since its development, the Find-A-Service Tool has enhanced CSF’s responsiveness to the community and has become a valuable tool when there is a need for rapid response and deployment of resources.

“This tool demonstrates our commitment to ensuring families receive the support and services they need and deserve,” Koenig said. “Navigating the mental health system doesn’t have to be as difficult as it is, and the FindA-Service Tool helps break down some of the barriers in the system.”

Mental Health Awareness •

National Foster Care Awareness

Written by Trisha R. Gordon, Chief Growth Officer Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition

May marks National Mental Health Awareness Month and serves as a reminder of National Foster Care Awareness Month. Shocking statistics reveal that one-third of U.S. youth aged 12-17 have experienced two or more traumatic childhood experiences. When considering the perspective of foster care, these numbers become even more concerning. The National Institute for Health indicates that up to 80% of the 40% of youth in foster care exhibit severe behavioral or mental health issues.

As of August 2023, there were nearly 13,000 children in Missouri foster care, with Black children representing nearly 70% of those youth. Surprisingly, Black foster parents represent 13% of the total licensed foster parents.

In collaboration with child welfare agencies, the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition (Coalition) plays a crucial role in supporting foster youth and families by addressing foster care-related inquiries and facilitating access to mental health resources. As we walk alongside our youth and families, this additional assistance significantly aids families in navigating the complexities of the foster care system.

Regrettably, a substantial percentage of foster parents, as reported by Human Development and Family Science, disclose that the mental health needs of their foster children are unmet. This is often attributed to inadequate mental health evaluations for children entering foster care and insufficient identification of emotional and behavioral challenges among foster youth.

Despite the foster care system's intention to provide a secure and nurturing temporary environment, more than 20,000 foster care children age out of the system annually. The Chief Growth Officer of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition recounts a poignant personal experience transitioning from foster care to adulthood, underscoring the profound impact of unresolved childhood trauma on her mental and emotional well-being. “After spending more than a decade in foster care and transitioning from the system to adulthood, today it remains one of the memorable life challenges due to unaddressed childhood trauma.”

The Coalition's initiatives, such as RESPOND, a culturally sensitive program designed to support prospective foster, adoptive, and guardianship families from the Black community, address the disproportionate representation of Black/African-American children in the local foster care system. Notably, Black/African-American children in foster care spend nearly a year longer in the system compared to their BIPOC counterparts.

The Coalition offers foster care youth and families wraparound support related to educational assistance, job training, housing placement, and access to health care, which may significantly impact children and caregivers' mental health.

Coalition programs like RESPOND, a culturally competent approach to foster care, support potential foster/ adoptive/guardianship families from the Black community as they enter the foster care system to respond to the inequity of African American/Black children in the foster care system in our St. Louis Region.

For anyone impacted by the foster care system or interested in making a difference in the lives of youth affected by foster and strengthening their mental well-being, contact us at https://www.foster-adopt.org/

For individuals interested in becoming foster parents or learning more about our RESPOND Program, visit https://www.foster-adopt.org/respond/.

Mental Health Awareness

Missouri mental health director: 'Mental health is just like a broken arm'

Alisa Nelson Missourinet

Mental health problems are on the rise among children and Missouri state government is discussing ways to meet their growing needs.

Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn told the State Board of Education that in the past three years, the U.S. Surgeon General has issued advisories about the mental health of children, instead of about drugs and tobacco.

“This feels different. Mental health is just like a broken arm for kids,” said Huhn. “We would never let them walk around with a broken arm. We need to start making sure we are addressing the things that are impacting mental health and that we are talking about mental health. We literally talk about this as a generational issue and it may be a two-generational issue.”

The advisories say that children who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems. Huhn said multiple studies show rates of depression and anxiety among children jumped by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2019.

Board member Kim Bailey, a mental health specialist from Raymore, said teachers should be trained to educate students about the importance of face-to-face interaction.

“We are seeing a significant increase

in our higher-level mental illnesses. I do feel that if we can get more healthy social connection, we’ll see those numbers come down,” said Bailey.

Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said she’s glad to hear federal discussions about regulating social media use among children.

“I have not heard those same conversations at the state level,” she said. “What role does policy play in helping parents regulate this? We know parents need to put kids in seatbelts, but it’s also a law that you have to wear a seatbelt.”

Board President Charlie Shields, of St. Joseph, said things must change if Missourians want different results.

“We help with nutrition services, children experiencing homelessness. We have schools that have washing machines in them,” said Shields. “We’ve had school nurses for 100 years. We don’t tell parents you take your kid to school; we send a bus by. All those services are designed to help parents. But somehow, we talk about mental health, behavioral health, values, that’s the third rail we can’t touch and we’ve got to get past that,” he said.

Dr. Cla Stearns, with the Department of Mental Health, said not all jobs held by mental health professionals need to be people who are licensed, or have a master’s degree, or doctorate.

“Even with a massive push, we’re not going to get enough master’s level LPCs,

LCSW, doctorate level folks in this to solve this issue,” said Stearns. Stearns said the state is trying to educate parents and give them the skills to

improve the well-being of their children. He said making parents the “frontline mental health workers” is the best avenue to take.

Mobilizing Churches in St. Louis City and County to Care for Others

When people are facing mental health problems or during times of grief, loss, or trauma, they often turn to trusted members of their community for help. Relationships formed in the spiritual community are deeply supportive. Faith leaders become first responders and can make a huge difference in how the individual and community copes – but only if they know what to do, what resources are available and how to access them.

Bridges to Care & Recovery, an initiative of the Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis, mobilizes clusters of churches in St. Louis City and North County to support the behavioral health treatment and recovery of congregants and other community members. The initiative extends the system of care and brings together the faith-based community, behavioral health providers, social service organizations, law enforcement and others to coordinate services for those in need.

GOALS OF BCR:

- REDUCE STIGMA of behavioral health issues through training and education.

EQUIP CONGREGATIONS with tools to develop wellness ministries and volunteer companion programs for

long-term sustainability.

PROVIDE EARLY INTERVENTION to divert from health emergencies and the criminal justice system.

STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS between providers and congregations that enable better access to treatment.

Since the inception of the program, over 100 churches have been trained as “Behavioral Health Friendly” and more than 400 volunteers serve as Wellness Champions (trained volunteers) in their congregations. In addition, the program also offers a network of Referral Coordinators who are advocates with the ability to link individuals to community resources including counseling sessions with culturally competent providers. If you would like to speak to a Referral Coordinator or need more information about available resources CALL THE BRIDGES HOTLINE at 314-628-6272. Leave a voicemail and a Referral Coordinator will contact you within 24-48 business hours.

UMSL counseling provides mental health evaluations

Convenient locations in North and West St. Louis County. Evaluations can also be scheduled in children's schools. Common problems we evaluate include: · Anxiety and depression · Poor attention or hyperactivity · Aggression, anger, and defiant behaviors · Body image and eating concerns · Stress and coping difficulties · Peer relationship and social problems · Difficulties with problem solving and decision making · School-related difficulties · Adjustment to changes in family make-up, bereavement,

or health concerns Evaluations we provide include: • Mental Health Screenings • Diagnostic evaluations for behavioral, attentional, and emotional difficulties, and/or school-related problems • Violence and Suicide Risk Assessments • Psychoeducational Assessments • Psychosexual Evaluations • Autism Evaluations • Trauma Assessments

Making an appointment is easy 1. Call 314-516HELP / 314-516-4357 to speak to our staff or visit umsl.edu/cbh and “Request a Call” 2. Confidentially discuss the evaluation or service you are seeking. 3. If we are the right fit, simply schedule an appointment within our convenient hours.

Mental Health Awareness • May 2-8, 2024

Mental health conditions are invisible. You are not. Your mental health matters.

Your mental health matters.

Did you know mental health conditions are the most common health concern in the U.S.? One in five US adults live with a mental illness, and one in five youths (ages 1318) have had a seriously debilitating mental illness

In Mental Health America’s 2023 State of the Mental Health in America report, Missouri was ranked 36th for access to mental health care. This is based on highest access to care.

Of the almost 1 million Missouri adults with a mental illness, 50% did not receive treatment and 16.7% were uninsured.

Two common signs of mental illness, anxiety and depression, are the most common mental health conditions. Below are common symptoms of each to help you understand if it’s time to speak to a mental health provider.

Anxiety: Feeling restless • Feeling tired • Difficulty concentrating or losing train of thought • Irritability • Muscle pain, tightness, or soreness • Difficulty sleeping –both falling asleep and staying asleep.

Depression: • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood • Sleeping too much or too little; middle of the night or early morning waking • Weight fluctuations; reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain • Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex • Restlessness, irritability • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders) • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Fatigue or loss of energy • Feeling guilty, hopeless, or

worthless • Thoughts of suicide or death.

Getting Help

You are not alone. There are different ways you can get help. Get help immediately by calling or texting 988. Free and confidential support is available 24/7. More than 240 languages are supported via voice calling. If you’re not sure about what you’re feeling, you can start by taking an online mental health screening. It’s a free tool to help you think through your thoughts and behaviors. If the results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health concern, it’s best to talk with your primary care provider (PCP).

Your doctor or nurse practitioner can recommend a mental health specialist. You may also hear the term “behavioral health,” because those working in the profession understand conditions of the mind impact the whole person. It’s important to know “mental health” and “behavioral health” can be used interchangeably. When choosing a mental/behavioral health provider, your PCP can help

you select the type of provider (psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker) for your mental health needs.

From there, consider the following: Your concern or condition: Some mental/behavioral health providers have areas of focus or specialties. - Severity of your condition: Again, your PCP can help you understand more about the severity of your behavioral health condition.

Your health insurance: Check with your health insurance to learn what is covered and find a provider in your network. If you are uninsured, community health centers, like Family Care Health Center (FCHC), offer services with low fees using a sliding scale based on salary. - Whether or not you need medication: Not all mental/behavioral health providers can prescribe medication. Your PCP can help you understand if you may need medication for your condition.

Availability: Some health centers, like Family Care Health Centers (FCHC), have behavioral health specialists onsite to conduct an in-person screening during a sameday visit with your primary care provider. These same-day visits to FCHC are free of charge and don’t require you to make another appointment for this initial consultation. Other mental/behavioral health providers may work in an office separate from your PCP and it’s important to call to learn when you can be seen. Most importantly, talk to someone if you are feeling “off” or not yourself.

Getting support sooner rather than later is the best path to moving toward a happier, healthier life.

Mental Health Awareness •

Trauma effects us all

Trauma transcends race, social status, gender, or generation. A common thread that weaves us all together. Look to the person to the left of you right now, then to the person to the right of you. One of those individuals has experienced some form of trauma in their lives. As common as it occurs, it’s unfortunately just as common that people never seek help. A trauma is any event that’s deeply upsetting, scary, or harmful. Things like abuse, violence, sexual violence, accidents, or natural disasters can be trauma.

Imagine experiencing those things in early childhood, with no support? I can tell you from experience, it can leave scars across your mind that hinder your self-esteem, self-worth for many years after the incident itself. To experience trauma and never receive counseling or support from family and friends, leads to your inability to make healthy decisions.

It is very difficult to make healthy decisions from a broken mindset. In today’s world it has become so normal for a young girl to have experienced trauma that to seek help almost seems absurd. Add teenage parenthood and the demands of caring for someone who depends on you solely to survive to the mix; the painful bouts of gas, the teething, the common colds, the uncontrollable crying, the lack of sleep, the mental fatigue, schoolwork, a negative home life and trying to balance all of it. It can certainly take a heavy toll on a young lady who’s already battling the lasting effects of unaddressed ACES (Adverse childhood experiences).

Low self-esteem, low self-worth, the feeling of being a failure, disappointment, shame and dirty. How do you find the light of positive mental wellbeing inside a world clouded with mental darkness.

As an adult woman who is now able to look back and recognize all the barriers I faced to a healthy mindset, Community of Hope, a nonprofit 501C3 organization for teenage mothers, 11-19, was founded to provide a safe space for teen moms to get the resources, guidance, direction and help they need to succeed as young parents. Through our Parents & Community Connected Program (PACC), we provide young mothers with one-on-one case management with case managers who were teenage mothers themselves, resources

to outside entities to ensure the needs of the overall family can be met, parenting classes, financial literacy classes, life skill classes, peer support and in-depth counseling assessments with licensed trauma counselors from within the participant’s own community. Counselors with experience in identifying the signs and symptoms of trauma, grief, and PTSD. Additionally, we provide necessities such as baby clothing, emergency formula, diapers, strollers, car seats, bedding, baby beds, pack n play’s, period

supplies and more through our Mommy & Me Closet. All services are free to our program participants. If you have a young mom in need of support, please reach out to us. One of our dedicated case managers will contact you within three working days.

Community of Hope Office: 314-8875941 Email: communityofhopestl@gmail. com Web: www.communityofhopestl.org

Mental Health Awareness •

PreventED helps prevent substance misuse

PreventEd has been a source of support around substance use in Eastern Missouri since 1965.

The organization envisions a region free of the problems associated with the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, and provides assessment and referrals to treatment, community education, coalition support, school-based prevention education, and recovery support services.

PreventEd is the region’s foremost provider of school-based substance use prevention education and delivered programming to nearly 60,000 K-12 students last year (41,000 in City of St. Louis/St. Louis County.) We further develop youth leadership through Teen Institute, Hear Us and It’s Complicated programs.

The counseling staff provides substance use assessments and referrals to treatment providers for adults and early intervention programming for teens, PreventEd’s GuidEd program provides early intervention, helping teens who are beginning to exhibit signs of substance misuse make informed decisions and shift towards healthier behaviors.

Since 2021, PreventEd has provided peer support to adults trying to start on their recovery journey. Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) use their lived experience with

substance use disorder and recovery to help their peers gain footing and establish a foundation in recovery. CPS services will expand into St. Louis City and County in 2024.

PreventEd also offers resources and support for community coalitions seeking to mount effective responses to alcohol and other drug-related issues through grassroot efforts and public policy advocacy. PreventEd staff trains first responders, treatment professionals, and members of the public to effectively handle opioid overdose situations. Staff also distribute Naloxone, the overdose reversal drug, to the community free of charge. Addiction is a treatable disease, but it takes a change in perspective, ideology, and community sup-

port to combat it together

Preventing substance misuse is society’s most cost-effective way to address disorders involving alcohol and other drugs. PreventEd is committed to guiding all people through tough conversations around alcohol and other drugs, utilizing programs rooted in evidence-based practices to best serve the needs of the community. All services are confidential. Most services are provided at no charge and are funded through grants and donations. It is our shared responsibility to help young people grow and live the healthiest, happiest, best life they can.

For over 50 years, PreventEd’s prevention programs have been empowering young people to thrive as leaders in their schools and communities. PreventEd is committed to helping prepare young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make the best educated decisions. PreventEd is proudly supported by both the Mental Health Board and the City’s Department of Health.

Additionally, PreventEd relies on generous donations of their supporters within the community. Please visit www.prevented.org or call 314-962-3456 to learn more.

LAAMI assists clients in multiple areas of the law

Jennifer had struggled with her mental health most of her life. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young adult, but her medication was no longer working. Her family had run out of options to help, and Jennifer no longer had stable housing. Seeking food and shelter, she often went to local emergency rooms.

During one of these visits, doctors worried Jennifer was not able to make her own decisions. They asked the court to appoint a guardian to care for her. Jennifer began improving. She found a medication that helped her, and with the assistance of community support, she found housing and employment. She wanted to go back to school and get her driver’s license, but her guardian did not agree.

If Jennifer wanted to make her own decisions about her future, the court would need to remove the guardian. Jennifer came to a free legal clinic hosted by Legal Advocacy for Adults with Mental Illness, a program at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. Legal Advocacy for Adults with Mental Illness, known as LAAMI, helped Jennifer terminate the guardianship.

LAAMI is funded by a grant from the St. Louis City Mental Health Board and assists adults in St. Louis

City living with or at-risk of developing a mental illness with their civil legal issues. LAAMI assists clients in multiple areas of the law, including guardianship terminations, divorces, name changes, expungements, municipal cases, housing and powers of attorney.

By combining both legal and social work assistance, LAAMI can help clients with their legal problems and connect them to other supports, such as counseling, financial assistance and public benefits. Because LAAMI can assist in multiple areas of civil law, clients can receive help with different legal issues in one place. Anthony was searching for a new apartment, but he was struggling to pass a background check.

He had a felony on his record, but he had not been in any legal trouble for over 20 years. He was referred to LAAMI to assist with an expungement. LAAMI obtained an expungement for Anthony to clear his record and expand his housing options. Anthony also had concerns about how he would be cared for as he aged.

LAAMI’s social worker met with Anthony to discuss his health care wishes, and they created powers of attorney and a health care advanced directive for him. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri offers representation at no-charge to low-income individuals with civil legal issues. Although LAAMI focuses on individuals suffering from mental illness, clients do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to seek services.

LAAMI has assisted people recovering from substance use disorder with municipal cases and custody issues. LAAMI frequently obtains name changes for people in domestic violence situations or to better reflect their gender identity.

If you or someone you know is struggling with civil legal issues because of their mental health, assistance may be available by email at LAAMI@lsem.org or (314) 860-5156.

Mental Health Awareness •

Trauma and Teen Mental Health: Understanding How It Can Impact You

Let's talk about something that affects the mental health of a lot of young people: trauma. Traumatic experiences can have a lasting effect on how you feel and function. It's essential to recognize these effects, find support, and learn healthy ways to cope. In this article, we'll dive into how trauma can affect your mental health and explore strategies for healing and resilience.

Understanding Trauma: Trauma refers to experiences that are distressing and overwhelming, and can include life-threatening events like accidents, a school shooting, or natural disaster. Trauma can also be felt on an individual level like abuse or comments or behaviors that are directed at you that are based in racism and bias. Over time this can cause deep, lasting harm and overwhelm your capacity to cope.

Impact on Mental Health: Everyone reacts differently to trauma, and its effects on mental health can vary. Trauma can mess with your emotions, relationships, and everyday life. Here's how it might affect you:

1. Emotional Rollercoaster: You can feel a range of emotions like sadness, anger/irritability, guilt/shame, feeling numb, hyperaware, and in denial. These intense emotions might pop up at unexpected times and can be hard to handle but they are normal responses.

2. Bumpy Relationships: Trust issues and communication problems can arise from trauma, making it tough to connect with friends, family, or romantic partners. You might withdraw or struggle to build healthy relationships.

3. School Troubles: Concentration, memory, and motivation can take a hit because of trauma. It might be hard to focus in class, and affect grades.

4. Physical Pains: Some teens may experience physical

symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or disruptions in appetite and sleep.

Coping Strategies: Once you are aware of these signs, you can seek help. Here are some tips to help you cope with trauma:

1. Reach Out: Talking to a trusted adult or counselor can make a big difference, and provide support and guidance. Call 988 or the Youth Connection Helpline at (314) 819-8811 or text BHEARD to 31658, or call The SPOT at (314) 535-0413 or visit https://thespot.wustl.edu for

additional resources.

2. Self-Care Matters: Take care of yourself! Prioritize sleep, eat well, exercise, and activities you enjoy. These simple actions support your emotional well-being.

3. Get Mindful: Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing exercises or meditation can help calm your mind and manage anxiety.

4. Connect with Others: Find friends who get it. Join clubs or support groups where teens with similar experiences support one another. Knowing you're not alone can create a strong sense of belonging.

5. Learn and Empower: It can feel empowering once you understand that what you're experiencing is normal and that does not need to define your identity. Be sure to use vetted resources/tools from a counselor.

Trauma's impact on mental health is a real concern, but remember, you're not alone in this. Seek support, practice self-care, connect with others who understand, and educate yourself. With these strategies, you can build resilience and start your journey towards improved mental health.

Resolving conflict can improve mental health

Conflict is exhausting. When we are stuck in conflict, it drains our mental energy and makes us angry, or anxious, or stressed. If the conflict is at home or at work, it can make us want to avoid that place or those people.

Conflict is also sticky. When things are going on at home, we carry that with us into work. Or if things are going on at work, it can be hard not to bring that home with us. And the more intense the conflict, the stickier it is.

That’s why the Conflict Resolution Center-St. Louis (CRCSTL) cares about supporting people through conflict. We give people the tools to have difficult conversations. We are a confidential and safe place for people to understand the sources of conflict in their own lives. We know that there are better, more creative ways to resolve conflict, and that conflict can make us and our relationships stronger.

While we serve people of all ages, we have seen firsthand the need for empowering our young people with conflict resolution skills. Conflicts among young people are more likely to escalate into violence, which creates long-lasting trauma for the whole community.

With CRCSTL’s Student-Led Peer Mediation (SLPM)

training, we equip teens with a Problem-Solving Toolkit. This toolkit empowers the next generation of peacebuilders with vital conflict resolution and creative problem solving skills. These skills include active listening, identifying needs, de-escalation, understanding our own and others’ conflict styles, and facilitating dialogue, among others.

We offer SLPM at no cost to the youth by partnering with local schools and libraries. By training young people to act as neutral mediators, we give them the skills to

resolve conflict for themselves and their friends. In our school partnerships, the school builds a peer mediation program where students in conflict work with a trained peer mediator to uncover the root causes of their disputes and together decide on fair ways of resolving the conflict.

Research from the U.S. Department of Education tells us that youth at schools participating in conflict resolution training see on average a 90% reduction in assaults and a 73% reduction in expulsions, along with reductions in disciplinary actions and initial drug use. Education becomes more accessible for students when there are fewer interruptions to their learning time and they have the skills they need to more efficiently process conflict.

The youth we work with are on the very precipice of adulthood. Learning to prioritize mental health and gaining the skills to work through conflict at this young age sets teens up for much greater success as they cross that barrier into being an adult. This sort of peer mediation training also exposes students to a wider variety of professional opportunities.

We are currently only able to offer SLPM to St. Louis City young people, but plan on starting a program in the St. Louis County Public Library this fall.

Initiatives. Innovative Partnerships. Improving Mental Health 24/7.

You do not have to go far to find local initiatives that support improved mental health and healing through innovative partnerships.

“So many people in our community feel isolated, alone, and helpless. We know them. They are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and even family members.” shares Tiffany Lacy Clark, President, and CEO of Behavioral Health Response.

Thanks to professional publications like the St. Louis American, Behavioral Health Response (BHR) highlights trusted resources for those in need in the St. Louis community. Those who may feel like they are alone. Call, text, or chat 988 and you will be connected to a trained professional from BHR whom you can trust. They will take the time To Care. To Listen. To Respond. To help You. Every Day, 24/7.

988 and BHR is the best place to start. It is your lifeline and just the beginning of your healing journey.

“As an innovative community leader, Behavioral

Health Response (BHR) understands that partnerships strengthen our ability to help people realize improved overall health.” shares Lacy Clark. Through connections with organizations like BJC Healthcare, Mercy, Preferred Family Health, Youth in Need, Independence Center, Easter Seals, St. Louis City, and Places for People, BHR ensures people have access to follow-up services for their next step toward improved wellbeing.

Several local businesses within the St. Louis com-

munity rely on Behavioral Health Response to provide Employee Assistance Program services that are fast, effective, and easy to access for their workforce, including virtual counseling and in-person options.

Collaborating with the St. Louis City Metropolitan Police Department, our Street Triage Co-Responder program connects residents to services and interrupts violence, decreasing the number of people with mental illness being hospitalized or incarcerated.

Behavioral Health Response is the largest, most trusted provider of crisis line services, with a strong history of strategic collaboration and innovation connecting people to the services that they need, especially in marginalized communities.

988...just three numbers to remember to start your journey and be connected to compassionate, trusted professionals. Do not let worry or fear keep you from calling when you need to talk, text or chat. We are here for you. Every day – 24/7. You are not alone.

Mental Health Awareness •

Discover Leading-edge training at Saint Louis University's Gateway Geriatric Education Center

Unlocking the Future for Geriatric Professionals

For over a quarter of a century, Saint Louis University's Gateway Geriatric Education Center has pioneered cutting-edge education for both current and aspiring geriatric professionals. Supported by the prestigious Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), our center stands at the forefront of advancing geriatric care.

Training a Multitude, Transforming Communities

Having trained tens of thousands of individuals, including public groups, students, and professionals nationwide, our impact reverberates across regions and communities. As an integral part of the esteemed SLU School of Medicine's Division of Geriatric Medicine, our reach extends to students, professionals, direct care workers, older adults, and their support networks.

Empowering Missouri's Health, One Initiative at a Time

Backed by funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, our initiatives are tailored to enhance the health and well-being of older Missourians. We focus on training primary care health providers in geriatric medicine, particularly in underserved areas where the shortage of knowledgeable healthcare professionals is keenly felt.

Revolutionizing Care with Innovative Tools

At the heart of our mission lies the Rapid Geriatric Assessment (RGA), a groundbreaking screening tool enabling primary care providers to evaluate frailty, nutrition, sarcopenia, and cognitive function swiftly.

The Saint Louis University Geriatric Evaluation Mnemonics and Screening (SLU GEMS) serves as a valuable tool for clinicians, aiding them in formulating comprehensive assessments and management strategies for prevalent geriatric issues. These mnemonics streamline the process, allowing clinicians to swiftly develop

accurate differential diagnoses, conduct risk assessments, and devise effective management plans.

To access print copies of the SLU GEMS booklet, simply send an email request to aging@slu.edu.

The Saint Louis University Mental Status exam (SLUMS) is an assessment tool for mild cognitive impairment and dementia and was developed in partnership with the Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center at the St. Louis Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Explore Our Initiatives

Circle of Friends®: Developed by leading scholars at Helsinki University, this group rehabilitation model tackles loneliness among older individuals, offering solace and companionship.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): Our center provides evidence-based support for individuals experiencing mild to moderate dementia, empowering them to maintain cognitive vitality and social engagement.

Expert-led Education for Optimal Care In Long term Care

In collaboration with post-acute and long-term care experts, our Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program delivers concise, informative presentations aimed at optimizing care for older adults in post-acute care and long-term care settings.

Make checking in on yourself a routine

ü How am I feeling today?

Saint Louis MHB

Serving the Behavioral Health Needs of St. Louis City Residents Since 1994

Saint Louis MHB

Serving the Behavioral Health Needs of St. Louis City Residents Since 1994

Our community thrives when…

ü What has been worrying me lately?

ü Am I providing my body with its basic needs?

ü What am I doing to bring myself joy?

ü Who do I have in my corner?

Practice self-care. Be patient with yourself!

Young children are socially and emotionally healthy and ready for kindergarten

Here are some suggestions from the staff at Saint Louis MHB…

v Do a simple activity that you enjoy

Children and youths' experiences of trauma & violence are addressed and reduced

v Write or read about something that interests you

v Find quiet time to just site and be still

v Spend time outside in nature

v Make art or express your creativity

v Listen to or play music

Disparities in behavioral health equity and racial justice for Black, Indigineous, and People of Color are addressed and reduced

Children, youth, and adults with mental health and/or substance use conditions initiate and sustain healthy behaviors

St. Louis is a healthier and more equitable community when all children, youth, and adults feel safe, emotionally healthy and socially connected

v Do physical activity that is calming like walking or yoga

v Do physical activity that is energizing like dancing or exercising

v Learn a new skill

Normalize Conversations About Mental Health

Saint Louis MHB is on a mission to improve the quality of life for city residents by investing and participating in a coordinated system of social, behavioral, and physical health services aligned with community priorities.

Seven $5,000 Grants Available

v Mental health is how we think, feel, and act

v Physical health and mental health are linked

v Our mental health is on a range from good to poor When our mental health is good, we think positively, feel confident and act calmy

v Poor mental health is when everyday things become difficult to cope with

Make checking in on yourself a routine.

ü How am I feeling today?

ü What has been worrying me lately?

ü Am I providing my body with its basic needs?

ü What am I doing to bring myself joy?

ü Who do I have in my corner?

Who We Are

Practice self-care. Be patient with yourself!

MHB will award up to $5,000 in seven St. Louis City Wards to host fun, social neighborhoodlevel events focused on mental health and well-being and that offer education on how to access mental health services and supports.

v Do a simple activity that you enjoy

v Write or read about something that interests you

v Find quiet time to just sit and be still

v Spend time outside in nature

v Make art or express your creativity

v Listen to or play music

v Do physical activity that is calming like walking or yoga

As reflected in the tag line of our logo, MHB’s strategic approach is best described as:

Scan the QR Code to access the On-Line Grant Application

v Partnering by leveraging other funding sources and regional relationships, MHB supports multisector partnerships to build equitable, just systems of behavioral health and related services

v Investing MHB builds capacity in the City of St. Louis through funding, relationship building, technical assistance for organizations who serve the behavioral health needs of City residents

or more residents across the Ward. The planning committee may propose multiple events and activities in one application as long as the combined total of all events does not exceed $5,000.

v Empowering Community-driven solutions inform MHB’s efforts by highlighting gaps, inequitable root causes, and opportunities for innovation.

Funding Decisions: Multiple applications from one Ward may result in all applications being returned to the project contacts with a request by MHB staff for coordination. MHB will have final approval on which events are funded.

Here are some suggestions from the staff at Saint Louis

Eligible applicants: Must be legal entities such as nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, community development corporations or businesses. Informal groups such as neighborhood associations, block units, or clubs must be sponsored by a legal entity. The sponsoring legal entity will submit the application for funding. If selected, the sponsoring legal entity will be responsible for receiving, managing, and reporting on the grant funds.

Submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding.

Established in 1994, Saint Louis MHB is an independent government taxing authority administering two special property taxes in the City of St. Louis: the Community Mental Health Fund and the Community Children’s Services Fund. Authorized in Missouri State Statutes and local ballot initiatives to administer public funds for behavioral health (mental health and substance use) and children’s services for the benefit of city residents, MHB does not provide direct services but makes funding available for direct services delivered by non-profit organizations or government. In addition to its grant making responsibilities, MHB initiates and participates in community planning, collaboration, and in the development and distribution of supplementary financial resources

Planning Committee: If there are multiple neighborhoods in your Ward interested in conducting events, we recommend establishing a planning committee of three

v Do physical activity that is energizing like dancing or exercising

v Learn a new skill

Deadlines:

Know When to Ask for Help Call or Text 988 Missouri’s Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Saint Louis MHB 701 Market Street, Ste. 200 St. Louis, MO 63101 www.stlmhb.org

May 1 – May 31 for events in July or later

June 1 – June 30 for events in August or later

For more information contact: Lisa Potts, Director of Prevention Partnerships lpotts@stlmhb.org l 314.535.6964 Ext. 15

The St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission (VPC) works to reduce violent crime in the region by promoting and advocating for coordinated, wellresourced policies, support systems, and interventions among area governments, institutions, and agencies that serve individuals and families most at risk of violent crime.

MHB…

Scan the QR Code for links to Mental Health Resources

A Mental Health Public Awareness Campaign Co-Sponsored by Saint Louis MHB and the St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission

Spring 2024