May 7th, 2026 edition

St. Louis American The

MAY 7 – 13, 2026

Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928

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‘A crisis center in the middle of a crisis’

A year after the tornado, Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center’s mission stands firm

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American One year after a tornado tore through North and West St. Louis, Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center is still standing in the gap.

For CEO Keisha Lee, the work of the past year has felt like both a calling and a confirmation.

“I don’t have to do this, I get to do this,” Lee said. “This past year has been a heavy lift.”

She remembers the moment the storm hit on May 16, 2025. It was a Friday afternoon, and she was at Annie Malone’s location in The Ville handling last-minute logistics for the Annual Annie Malone May Day Parade scheduled for May 18.

As the winds intensified, the

COMPLIMENTARY

Keisha Lee, CEO of Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center, reflects on the challenges of rebuilding while continuing to serve families after the tornado devastated the organization’s historic campus.

windows of the 1922 mansion blew out. She and her staff rushed to the basement. In the darkness, they posted a video to social media.

“I knew the building was not sturdy,” Lee said. “I just hoped that somebody would see the video and come get us.”

They emerged uninjured and

See Tornado, A14

Vol. 98 No. 4

Photo courtesy of Keisha Lee

A shared calling

North County

Mother and daughter pursue nursing careers side by side

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Ann Jacho, Mechelle Engelhardt and Val Shorpise thank Ferguson Mayor Adrian Shropshire after the city’s vote on the data center tax abatement proposal.

Ferguson votes NO

Public opposition helps sink data center plan

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American A divided Ferguson City Council vote this week to block tax breaks for a proposed $1.8 billion data center highlighted divisions over incentives, environmental concerns and whether the project would benefit Ferguson residents.

After more than an hour of testimony Monday night, the council split 3-3, with one abstention, halting the plan led by SSL Investments to redevelop the former Emerson Electric headquarters site.

The proposal would have turned the more than 200-acre site into a mixed-use hub for technology, energy innovation and research anchored by a data center. Supporters said it offered a chance to redevelop a major industrial site, while critics questioned the tax incentives, environmental impact and potential cost to local schools.

Critics said the incentive package, valued

Between lectures, clinicals and latenight study sessions, Tynai Burrow and her mother, Tywana, often find themselves quizzing each other — sometimes even competing over who scores higher.

It’s a rhythm built on support, a little rivalry and years of shared experience.

As Mother’s But their journey Day approachdidn’t start in the es, their classroom. It started story is about in hospital rooms, advocating for a more than loved one. academic Now, the two ambition. It’s sit side by side about resilat Barnes-Jewish ience, second College Goldfarb School of Nursing, chances and pursuing the same the power of Bachelor of Science family. in Nursing degree and often paired together in class.

What began as a simple conversation about school became a shared commitment to a calling shaped by years of caregiving, sacrifice and personal growth.

As Mother’s Day approaches, their story is about more than academic ambi-

See Nursing, A14

Critics warned the FergusonFlorissant School District could lose $71 million over 15 years, while the Jennings School District could lose $6.2 million in the first six years. The city of Ferguson was projected to lose $5.2 million in the early phases of development.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

at up to $1.5 billion, heavily favored the developer. Under the plan, the developer would pay no personal property taxes for 15 years but would instead provide payments in lieu of taxes starting at 25% of standard prop-

See Data Center, A14

Tynai Burrow, Mark and Tywana Burrow share a moment of pride and togetherness as Tynai and Tywana pursue nursing degrees at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing.

Editorial/Commentary A2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

Commentary

Guest Commentary

Facing our Black mental health crisis Stories of angry, despondent men violently killing their wives, girlfriends and children are occurring in our community at an alarming rate. And far too often, we’re left asking why.

home, and in the workplace.

While there’s no direct correlation between these tragedies and toxic interDr. Cerina Fairfax. Vice Mayor Nancy net culture, the risks of isolation and the Metayer Bowen. Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, inability or refusal to engage with mental health supports are evident. But for many 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; Khedarrion Snow, men of color, accessing mental healthcare 6; Braylon Snow, 5; and Jayla Elkins, isn’t easy. who was just 3 years old. Each of these There are financial barriers that keep women and all eight of these children Black men out of care. Stigmas associated died in the past month at the hands of with therapy, like being labeled “crazy” men who were supposed to protect and or “weak,” encourage men to compartprovide for them. mentalize and use self-soothing tactics Unfortunately, these murders aren’t like drinking or substances that raise the happening in a vacuum. Stories of angry, risk of violent outbursts. And with only despondent men violently killing their 4% of mental health professionals being wives, girlfriends and children are occurBlack, finding professionals that men can ring in our community at an alarming connect with is also a challenge. rate. And far too often, we’re left asking The combination of feeling like finding why. help is impossible, compartmentalizing In the mass shooting in Shreveport, the that leads to isolation, and predanation’s deadliest since 2024, the tory algorithms that spew hatred family of the shooter, Shamar towards women has created a perElkins, stated he was struggling fect storm for violence and selfwith his mental health amid a harm. According to the National divorce before killing his family.

Library of Medicine, suicide has Former Virginia Lt. Gov. become the third leading cause of Justin Fairfax was also said to death among Black people, and have been experiencing isolation for younger men, most vulneraand depressive episodes before ble to alienating internet culture, killing his wife and himself days rates of mental health decline are after being requested to appear Columnist rising. at a divorce hearing. And after Tackling this crisis that is tearmurdering his wife, Nancy, Marc Morial ing our families, and community Stephen Bowen told his uncle apart will take acknowledging the structhat he “couldn’t take it anymore.” tural issues that are breaking down the The disturbing pattern in each of these cases is a group of men not just struggling mental health of Black men while holding men accountable for their actions. with mental health, but a general lack of Making mental health the center of value for the lives of their loved ones. these stories risks minimizing the deciTaken together, these cases reveal somesions that these men made to take the thing larger than individual tragedy; they lives of their loved ones. And imposing reveal a crisis hiding in plain sight. accountability without investing in preResearchers have documented the rise ventative measures to ensure that these of a male loneliness epidemic that was acts of violence don’t happen again is sweeping the country, and its effects on also shortsighted. emotional stability, ability to connect This means calling it what it is: a strucwith others, and even how men perceive tural decline in the value of human lives. reality. Researchers also found that in the And these cases, in our community, are absence of meaningful relationships, men examples of the devaluing of Black lives. who spent more time online often found If you or a loved one needs support themselves targeted by algorithms that with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of promote toxic podcasters and influencers who spout negative tropes and stereotypes self-harm or harm against others, call or text 988 for help today. about women. This world, called the “red Marc Morial is president and CEO of pill,” encourages men to dehumanize the National Urban League. and assert power over women socially, at

By Marc Morial

SCOTUS Voting Rights ruling ‘About as bad as it gets’ In a 6-3 decision, the court’s conservative supermajority dismantled Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the last remaining powerful provision of the 1965 civil rights law that prevents racial discrimination in voting. represented in Congress for decades — represents “a departure from the constiWhen the Supreme Court handed down tutional rule that applies in almost every other context.” a landmark decision last week that all The court’s three liberals, however, but invalidates the Voting Rights Act, legal and voting-rights analysts called it a decried the decision and accused the conservative majority of “eviscerating” knockout blow to a powerful tool against voting rights for millions of Americans. racial discrimination at the ballot box.

Their dissent, written by Justice Elena Political analysts predicted it would dismantle Black political power for a gen- Kagan, warned that this ruling, combined with other actions, could lead to a resegeration — or longer.

Damon Hewitt, president and executive regation of American society, effectively locking out minority voters. director of the Lawyers’ Committee for “The Voting Rights Act is — or, now Civil Rights Under Law, was more sucmore accurately, was — ‘one of the most cinct: “It’s evil genius, man.” consequential, efficacious, and amply “This is a really slick opinion” that justified exercises of federal legislative technically leaves the Voting Rights Act power in our Nation’s history,’” she in place but dismantles the enforcement wrote. mechanism and prevents an easy legislaThe court’s decision is a major tive fix, he says. “It ends up being upheaval in U.S. civil rights law a rewriting of the VRA” that and gives lawmakers permission “usurps” Congress power to write to draw districting plans that laws. weaken the influence of Black “We’re left with rights on paper and other minority voters. but very few remedies, in fact,” Former President Barack Hewitt says. “This is about as bad Obama was blunt, calling the as it gets.” decision “just one more example In a 6-3 decision, the court’s of how a majority of the current conservative supermajority disCourt seems intent on abanmantled Section 2 of the Voting Guest Columnist doning its vital role in ensuring Rights Act, the last remaining Joseph equal participation in our democpowerful provision of the 1965 Williams racy and protecting the rights of civil rights law that prevents racial minority groups against majority discrimination in voting. Section overreach.”

2, which requires states to seek federal Obama, however, saw a silver lining: permission before changing voting laws, “The good news is that such setbacks can has been a bulwark against the marginalbe overcome” at the ballot box, he wrote. ization of minority voters in redistricting.

“But that will only happen if citizens At issue was a Louisiana congressioacross the country who cherish our demonal map that was specifically redrawn cratic ideals continue to mobilize and vote to create two majority-Black districts. in record numbers.”

Opponents of the plan sued, alleging The bottom line, Hewett says, is the map was an unconstitutional racial “Black people in this country have never gerrymander under the Fourteenth enjoyed full representation of power. This Amendment. decision makes it much less likely that we Writing for the conservative majority, ever will.”

Justice Samuel Alito said taking race into Joseph Williams, a veteran journalist, consideration in creating Louisiana’s two political analyst and essayist, is head of new congressional seats — even though Content for Word in Black. the state’s Black voters had been underBy Joseph Williams

Commentary

Black representation is at dire risk With a record five Black senators, African Americans hold only about 5% of seats — less than half of what proportional representation would require.

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and making it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting practices. At the same time, partisan gerrymandering is In 1965, the United States took a embraced by both parties while regulation decisive step toward democracy with the designed to ensure Black representation passage of the Voting Rights Act. At the is being dismantled, and this could prove time, Black political representation was dangerous to those gains. The result is a not just limited — it was nearly nonexsystem increasingly driven by political istent. African Americans made up more advantage rather than fair representation. than 10% of the population but held less Gerrymandering is often discussed as than 2% of seats in Congress and none in a partisan tactic, but it has broader structhe United States Senate. tural consequences. When districts are The Voting Rights Act changed that trajectory. By dismantling formal barriers drawn to maximize political control, they can dilute the voting power of commuto voting, it opened the door for Black nities of color — even without explicitly political participation — and over time, referencing race. For Black communities, representation. That progress was neither whose political gains have often immediate nor inevitable, but it depended on fair districting, the was real. erosion of these protections is The gains since 1965 are sigparticularly consequential. nificant. Black representation in This is not simply about who the House has grown from fewer wins elections. It is about how than 10 members to more than 60 policy is shaped and whose intertoday, reaching roughly 14% — ests are represented in decisions finally approaching parity with that affect economic opportunity, the Black share of the U.S. popueducation, healthcare, and wealth. lation. But it took nearly 60 years Representation alone does not to reach this point, underscoring Guest Columnist guarantee equity — but without a critical truth: representation it, inequity is almost certain. requires sustained protection and Dedrick Nearly 60 years after the Asanteintentional policy.

Voting Rights Act, Black Muhammad Even now, the progress is Americans have come closer than incomplete. In the Senate, Black ever to achieving representation representation remains far below in Congress that reflects their share of the population share. With a record five population. But progress at this level is Black senators, African Americans hold not self-sustaining. Without strong proteconly about 5% of seats — less than half of what proportional representation would tions and continued commitment, it can be reversed. require. Structural realities of the Senate The work of building a representaaside, the result is clear: Black political tive democracy is ongoing. And in this voice remains constrained at the highest moment, it is clear that the work must levels of government. continue.

And today, even these gains are under Dedrick Asante-Muhammad is presithreat. dent of the Joint Center for Political and Recent Supreme Court decisions have Economic Studies. weakened key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, reducing federal oversight

By Dedrick Asante-Muhammad

““I would love to be able to fill in the gaps for him. I’ve got the experience — I can tell you that I know everything about the 13th District.”

— Marcye Scott on entering the race to fill her late father David Scott’s congressional seat in Georgia

News ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

Urban League reflects on tornado response, plans next phase to know that my family would not be on the street.”

The storm also affected the Urban League itself.

The applause inside the “At our business center on St. Louis Marriott Grand last Natural Bridge, one of the Thursday reflected a commuHVAC systems fell on top of our nity still processing the impact staff member’s car,” said Urban of the May 16 tornado that tore League President and CEO through north St. Louis nearly a Michael P. McMillan. “Had she year ago. been in it, she would have died.”

At the Urban League of Despite that, the organization Metropolitan St. Louis’ 108th expanded its response. annual dinner, speakers and The Urban League videos focused on reported supporting recovery — what more than 30,000 was lost, what has through been rebuilt and The Urban League people weekly relief drives what remains ahead. will start a $10 and investing more For thousands of million Rebuilding than $3 million to families, the storm’s assist more than path was more than St. Louis Fund to 40,000 residents physical. It cut repair homes and affected by the through routines, stability and the illusion support recovery in storm. It placed 750 families in hotels North St. Louis, that tomorrow would and distributed more look like today.

CEO Michael P. than one million “You start your McMillan said. pounds of food over morning off normal 15 weeks. and happy … and “Even in the face afterwards, you of challenges … come home to a we did not pause our mission,” disaster,” said Angela Meeks, McMillan said. “When the work recalling the day in a video was hardest, we expanded it.” shown during the program.

The organization now serves Unable to reach her block, about 225,000 people annually she parked two streets away and through programs that include walked through what felt like a workforce development, housmovie set — neighbors stunned, ing support and early childhood homes split open, futures sudeducation. denly uncertain.

Looking ahead, McMillan “If you don’t have a roof, you said the next phase includes a don’t have a home,” she said.

Rebuilding St. Louis Fund with “And the Urban League got us a goal of raising $10 million to back to where we had a roof repair homes and support recovover our head.” ery in North St. Louis.

Roosevelt Price described a A weekend of service is similar moment of uncertainty. planned for May 15–17, includ“May 16 changed my life,” ing a large-scale distribution he said. “The help that you guys of food and toiletries for about gave us was such a big relief …

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By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

Photo by Lawrence Bryant | St. Louis American

Honoree Michael Holmes stands with Michael P. McMillan and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis annual dinner co chairs during the event on April 30, 2026.

5,000 residents.

Donations announced during the event included $100,000 from United Way of Greater St. Louis and $1 million from the Centene Foundation.

“We believe deeply in the work you’ve done here,” said Centene Foundation President Keith Williamson.

The evening also included recognition of civic leaders Steve Smith, executive chairman and co-founder of The Lawrence Group, and Michael Holmes, chairman of The St. Louis American Foundation board.

“St. Louis can be a great city,” Holmes said. “But we will never truly be great until every-

one has an opportunity to live a good life.”

Nearly a year after the tornado, speakers said recovery is ongoing.

“In two weeks and two days, we will commemorate one year,” McMillan said. “Not just to remember, but to rebuild.”

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 – 13, 2026

News Briefs

Court orders rewrite of Missouri map ballot summary

A Missouri appeals court ordered changes to the ballot summary for a potential referendum on the state’s new congressional map, finding the original language misleading.

The revised wording must more clearly explain the measure to voters.

Opponents say the Republican-backed map could eliminate one of Missouri’s two

Democratic congressional districts — both represented by Black members of Congress — allowing voters to weigh in on whether to overturn it.

The targeted district, the 1st Congressional District, is represented by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

County to pay Black officers nearly $600,000 in bias cases

ervations, with boarding available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Bi-State Development, which has managed the line since 2022, will continue operating the trolley through 2028. Officials say service hours will be extended during some major events in Forest Park and the Delmar Loop district.

St. Louis County has agreed to pay nearly $600,000 to resolve two separate racial discrimination cases involving Black officers, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Lt. James Morgan is expected to receive $320,000 in a pending settlement, while former Officer Shanette Hall finalized a $250,000 agreement in April.

Both cases had been set for trial this month and are among several recent claims alleging discrimination or retaliation within the county police department.

Southern Illinois abortion clinics resume mail access to pills Southern Illinois abortion clinics can again provide abortion medication through telehealth and mail delivery after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted a lower court ruling restricting access to mifepristone.

The order restores, for now, rules allowing patients to receive the medication remotely while litigation continues.

Clinic operators said the ruling returns operations to the “status quo” after uncertainty created by a federal appeals court decision last week.

Free Loop Trolley rides resume through October The Loop Trolley has resumed seasonal service, offering free rides through Oct. 25 along a 2.2-mile route linking the Delmar Loop and Forest Park.

The vintage-style trolley operates Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 10 stops between the University City Library and the Missouri History Museum. Riders do not need tickets or res-

Governor-appointed panel to oversee high school sports appeals Missouri lawmakers have approved legislation creating a governor-appointed commission to oversee certain appeals involving the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

The panel would review issues including student transfer eligibility and disputes involving contests or procedures.

Supporters said the measure adds accountability to the organization that governs high school athletics and activities statewide, while critics warned it could inject politics into decisions traditionally handled by the association.

The bill now heads to Gov. Mike Kehoe.

East St. Louis district expands career training facilities East St. Louis School District 189 has broken ground on a $17.2 million expansion of career and technical education facilities at East St. Louis Senior High School.

District officials said the project is backed primarily by a $17 million state grant secured with support from Illinois Sen. Chris Belt.

The expansion will add classrooms, labs and workshop space for programs including welding, automotive technology, construction trades and audiovisual production.

District leaders said the project is designed to better align student training with regional workforce needs.

Commentary

Faith without all the noise

Catholicism has been more complicated. I don’t come to this conversation as a defender of the Catholic I was raised Catholic.

Church; I come as someone shaped Not casually Catholic. My by it, challenged by it, angered by mother went to Mass every day. it and still, in some ways, holding Faith was not something she onto it. talked about; it was something As soon as I learned about the she did. In our aqua-blue kitchChurch’s historical role in sanctionen, she had the lyrics in white ing enslavement, I was repulsed — paint: “Holy Mary, dressed in and I made my opinion known, quite blue, teach me how to pray.” She vocally: skipping Mass, arguing with prayed without ceasing, and her priests and sometimes embarrassprayers were deep and strong. ing my mother. Sexual abuse in the I went to a Jesuit college, Church repulses me. The betrayal Boston College, where faith was of trust, and the lengths taken to woven into the intellectual life conceal it, stand in painful — questions of justice, contradiction to the values responsibility and what the institution professes. it means to live a life of The codified inferior role purpose. It wasn’t always of women has never sat comfortable, but it was easily with me either. always present.

When I hear that we When I hear people are created in the image arguing about the pope as and likeness of God, I if religion were a politfind myself looking for a ical sport, I find myself stained-glass window with out of step with the cona pecan-colored woman versation, because that’s Julianne with gray dreadlocks. I not the faith I knew.

Malveaux haven’t seen one yet.

The noise is everyIt is also worth noticing where. Commentary the signals we choose to see. Pope about Pope Francis — what he Francis has chosen to live in modest said, what he meant, who agrees, quarters rather than the traditional who doesn’t — fills panels and papal apartments, a small but visible social media feeds, turning belief gesture in an institution known for into a series of takes. It is loud grandeur. In a world accustomed and, for the most part, unhelpful. to power on display, that kind of We have developed a habit restraint stands out not because it is of treating religious figures like dramatic, but because it is not. political ones, as if they occuMy grandmother used to say that py the same space. They don’t. some people come to God with their Political leaders govern behavior, hands out and their mouths open. It while religious leaders, at their was her way of reminding us that best, try to speak to conscience. faith is not only about asking, but Church attendance in the about recognizing, giving thanks and United States has been declining showing up with something other for years, and fewer people claim than need. formal affiliation. Yet nearly We don’t talk much about that nine in 10 Americans say they kind of faith anymore. It doesn’t fit believe in God or some higher power. Many are no longer sitting neatly into our arguments or produce a headline, but it may be closer to in pews, but belief persists. We what faith is. measure what is easiest to count — attendance, affiliation, particiJulianne Malveaux is a pation — but not what is harder to Washington, D.C.-based economist see: practice, discipline, belief. and author.

My own relationship with

By Julianne Malveaux

Business MAY 7 – 13, 2026

A5

PEOPLE On The Move Christopher Hicks named board chair Christopher Hicks, an environmental health and safety consultant and former adjunct professor at the University of Central Missouri, has been named chair of the St. Louis County Health and Hospital Advisory Board.

He earned a Master of Science from the University of Central Missouri Christopher and a Bachelor Hicks of Science from Indiana State University, and is a graduate of the Leadership St. Louis program.

Hicks is also a past recipient of the President’s Award from the American Society of Safety Professionals and the Safety Professional of the Year Award from the St. Louis chapter of the organization.

SLU Black Law honors Judge Hardin-Tammons

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Ramada Watkins of SEIU addresses the crowd during a May Day rally at Aloe Plaza, as workers and supporters gather to advocate for labor rights in St. Louis.

‘We deserve more’ May Day rally links jobs, development, neighborhood investment

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American A relaxed, almost picnic-like atmosphere — cool weather, free food and the steady rhythm of improvised drums — set the scene at last week’s May Day rally in downtown St. Louis.

But the issues drawing hundreds of people to Aloe Plaza were anything but light, spanning labor rights, rising costs, North City investment, data center development and national political tensions.

Free food circulated

The issues drawing hundreds of people to Aloe Plaza were anything but light, spanning labor rights, rising costs, North City investment, data center development and national political tensions. through the crowd. Young people with upturned red buckets roped around their necks drummed in unison. A little girl sat upon an adult’s shoulders holding a sign that read, “We want pizza, not ICE!”

Another sign declared, “Immigrant’s rights are Worker’s rights,” while others warned President Donald Trump to “Keep your hands off our unions.”

Dozens wore red T-shirts emblazoned with the words,

“Power to the People” or “Workers not Billionaires.”

The Friday event, part of an annual global observance of International Workers’ Day, blended traditional labor demands with local concerns.

“I’m here in support of the working class. We’re being mistreated, mishandled,” said a woman who identified herself as “a good, strong health care worker” named Wanda.

“We need better wages.

Prices at the store and at gas stations are sky-high. They’re cutting food stamps and other See May day, A6

SLPS board re-elects CollinsAdams amid financial strain

St. Louis American

Dr. Karen Collins-Adams has been elected to serve a second term as president of the St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education.

Also elected to leadership roles by fellow board members are Brian Marston, vice president, and AJ Foster, secretary.

In addition to its newly elected officers, the board includes Donna Jones, Emily Hubbard, Tracy Hykes and Dr. Robert S. Harvey.

The board recently hired Dr. Myra Berry as superintendent after she served in an interim role since last fall.

The district also is managing the aftermath of a devastating tornado last May, declining enrollment and school closing decisions — all of which present ongoing financial and operational challenges.

Collins-Adams said the board “enters this next chap-

Photo by Alvin reid / St. Louis American

Karen Collins-Adams speaks at an October press conference announcing Dr. Myra Berry as interim superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools. Collins-Adams was recently re-elected as board president. ter with a shared commitment to responsible financial stewardship, ensuring that

resources are aligned to support student success and long-term district sustainabil-

ity.”

“The work ahead requires not only strong governance, but also deep engagement with the community we serve,” Collins-Adams said. “We are committed to providing quality schools, a solid budget, clean audits and a return to full accreditation.”

According to the board, it is “equally focused on preparing SLPS for a future shaped by evolving enrollment patterns, shifting community needs and the imperative to deliver high-quality educational experiences for every student.”

Board leadership also “will emphasize the importance of working collaboratively to address issues that have affected the district over time — while also acknowledging that some of these matters remain active concerns today.”

The Black Law Students Association chapter at Saint Louis University School of Law has awarded the Honorable Theodore McMillian Award to Judge Renee Hardin-Tammons, an appellate judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

The award is “an expression of Renee gratitude for her Hardinservice and dedicaTammons tion to the St. Louis legal community, law students and for integrity on the bench,” the association said in a release.

Jones newest member of Enterprise Platinum Club Melissa Jones, vice president and senior business banker at Enterprise Bank & Trust, has been recognized as a member of the company’s Platinum Club.

The honor is reserved for top producers who demonstrate exceptional performance, client dedication and meaningful impact within their Melissa department, accordJones ing to the company.

She is a 1994 graduate of Ladue Horton Watkins High, a graduate of the Consortium for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and The Links Inc.

Jonathan Goines new GM of Angad Arts Hotel Jonathan Goines has been promoted to general manager of the Angad Arts Hotel in Grand Center.

Goines has more than 15 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, and his team blends art, culture and hospitality at the hotel.

His previous roles include director of operations Jonathan at the DraftKings Goines Casino Queen Hotel and executive housekeeper at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch.

Goines’ responsibilities include customer service management, payroll administration and income statement reviews to achieve organizational goals.

Please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to areid@stlamerican.com.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 – 13, 2026

Business Briefs St. Louis proposes stricter rules for data centers

St. Louis advances $1,000 bonuses for city employees

St. Louis city officials have proposed tougher zoning rules for future data centers, including a requirement that every project receive case-bycase approval instead of being automatically allowed in certain industrial areas.

Under the proposal released Tuesday, all data centers would be treated as “conditional uses,” meaning developers would need city approval before construction could move forward. Supporters say the process gives officials and residents a chance to review issues such as noise, energy use, water consumption, traffic and neighborhood impact before projects are approved.

St. Louis officials have taken an initial step toward approving one-time $1,000 bonuses for most city employees as leaders continue grappling with staffing shortages and retention challenges across municipal departments.

The Board of Aldermen’s Budget and Public Employees Committee advanced the proposal last week. Supporters said the payments would recognize workers who continued providing city services despite vacancies and increasing workloads. Elected officials would not qualify for the bonuses.

The proposal still requires approval from the full Board of Aldermen before going to Mayor Cara Spencer for consideration.

May Day

administration and U.S. involvement abroad.

Prominent progressive social media commentator Hasan Piker criticized both Republicans and Democrats, drawing loud reactions from the crowd.

“Republicans are monsters ... who traffic in hatred,” Piker said. “But we’re no longer going to vote for do-nothing Democrats either.”

A man who identified himself as Trenton from Illinois, said he attended simply because he is a worker.

“We deserve more from our country, from our representatives,” he said. “We have control, and we need to show that.

So, I’m here to support our fellow workers.”

International Workers’ Day has its roots in the late 19th-century fight

Continued from A5 programs. How do they expect us to live?”

Speakers urged city officials to invest less in large-scale projects and more in neighborhoods, particularly in North St. Louis, where last year’s May 16 tornado destroyed homes and displaced residents.

Several participants also questioned the expansion of data centers, arguing such projects would do little to benefit nearby communities.

National politics were never far from the conversation. Signs and chants referenced immigration enforcement, the economy under the Trump

A rendering shows the proposed bus rapid transit line along Jefferson Avenue, part of Metro Transit’s planned north-south corridor designed to provide faster service through dedicated bus lanes and limited stops.

Rendering courtesy of Bi-State Development

Metro seeks public input on bus rapid transit routes Metro Transit is advancing two final route options for a proposed bus rapid transit line connecting north and south St. Louis, with planners seeking public feedback this week through open houses and a virtual meeting.

According to the St. Louis Business Journal, the proposed line would run along Jefferson Avenue and North Florissant Road and is designed to provide faster, more reliable service through dedicated bus lanes and limited stops.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the two remaining route options would extend farther east downtown than the previously abandoned MetroLink Green Line proposal.

Metro officials will host open house sessions from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rung for Women and from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Polish Heritage Center. A virtual meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.

Staff members will answer questions and gather public input, but no formal presentation is planned.

Jordan Davis stands with fellow demonstrators holding a “WashU stands up for science” sign during a May Day protest on May 1, at Washington University.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

for an eight-hour workday. Groups including the Missouri Workers

Center, Action St. Louis, ArchCity Defenders and the St. Louis chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America joined student groups and abortion-rights organizations in bringing people together.

Terry Coats with Action St. Louis held a placard reading “Hands Off STL,” which she said referred to concerns about a state-appointed police board and efforts to increase police salaries at taxpayers’ expense.

“It’s May Day and we’re not doing anything today in support of capitalism,” Coats said. “No shopping — and hopefully the kids took off from school and came down here to get a little political education about what’s going on in our country.”

Armond Walker with the Party for Socialism and Liberation said he attended as both a citizen and a worker, hoping to create space for people to express their frustration.

He said the people “who are actually doing all the work” — those who “make sure the buses run, that people get fed, that the schools are open, that

Josyland Rucker holds a sign highlighting the meaning of democracy during a May Day rally at Aloe Plaza, as workers and supporters gather in St. Louis to advocate for labor rights. the Amazon packages get delivered” — deserve better pay.

“They can’t afford health care, they can’t afford their groceries or their rent,” Walker said.

As the drumbeats and chants grew louder, Walker turned to scan the crowd, pointing to both its

size and the range of concerns represented.

“I’m seeing more and more people getting involved in this kind of gathering,” he said. “And it gives me hope.”

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

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A long search for answers ends in cancer diagnosis

By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Ann Allen visits with Vist-a-Bit volunteer Darla King at her home as the program works to bring companionship and care to older adults facing loneliness.

Aging alone Isolation carries hidden risks for older adults

New census analysis labels St. Louis the nation’s “loneliest city.”

behind the numbers lies a deeper and more complex story about connection, community and health, especially among older adults.

Nearly 20% of St. Louis County’s population is over 65, according to the U.S. Census.

“When someone retires, their social network naturally narrows,” said Michele Prevedel, coordinator of Visit-a-Bit, a program that connects volunteers with older adults living alone across the St. Louis

By Nia Hightower region. “If they stop driving, that narrows For The St. Louis American it even more. A lot of people stay in their homes, and over time, that isolation grows.” nn Allen described aher And that isolation can lead to loneliness. life as full. She grew up “Loneliness starts as an emotion, but it with her childhood friends, can domino into the physical,” Prevedel said. married, had children and, “It doesn’t just affect how people feel. It can in her senior years, conimpact heart health, brain function, sleep and tinued to live in her homeeven immunity.” town where her sisters also The World Health Organization has live. But at 75, the St. Louis native found linked loneliness to an estimated 871,000 herself living alone like a growing number deaths annually. That’s more than 100 deaths of older residents in the region. every hour.

Allen died this spring — alone in her Allen said she filled her days with reading senior living apartment — and watching television, cookweeks after speaking to The ing and baking, and she was St. Louis American. While The excited about sharing her recipe Nearly half of all American has no information for the chicken cordon bleu she linking Allen’s solitude to her households in St. had made a few days earlier. death, her story underscores Louis are occupied She also sought ways to stay the risks facing a growing connected, even as her social by just one pernumber of older adults. circle shrank. son, the highest In a recent analysis of Between her food prep and newly compiled U.S. Census share among U.S. housekeeping routine, she data by The New York Times, cities with at least admitted that aging had preSt. Louis emerged as the 50,000 households. sented some challenges. Her “loneliest city,” driven by a husband, a Vietnam veteran, dramatic rise in single-person died in 2004. Her children, households. Nearly half of all now adults, live in California households in St. Louis, 48%, are occupied and Colorado. Time normally spent with her by just one person, the highest share among sisters became limited because of mobility U.S. cities with at least 50,000 households. issues. And two of her closest childhood Living alone does not necessarily mean friends moved to Kansas City and Dallas someone is lonely, but it can increase the within the past several years. risk of social isolation, especially among In 2022, she lost both her legs as a result older adults. of a rare condition, antiphospholipid synDeclining marriage rates, more affordable drome, an autoimmune disorder that can housing costs and a growing population of cause blood clots, and had been getting seniors aging alone have all contributed to the solo-living trend in the metro area. But See Alone, A12

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By the time Shannon Lee-Sin finally learned what was wrong with her, she had seen 20 doctors and spent 12 years searching for answers.

She first noticed signs of trouble while still in high school. The daily stomachaches, Lee-Sin said, were often accompanied by blood in her stool — “the water was actually red, like KoolAid.” As a 17-yearold, Lee-Sin and her mother did what many families would do.

“I went to my pediatrician,” she said. “I was a junior in high school, and I told him that I was having a stomachache every day and that sometimes at night the stomachache could be really bad.”

“He was obviously loved and respected,” she said. “Plus, it was 1999 and [this] wasn’t even a blip on the radar yet, in terms of early At the onset, so nobody thought they’d be time, few seeing a polyp at that recogpoint. He never did nized that any diagnostic test on younger me.”

She was treated people for an ulcer, but her were symptoms worsened increasover the next five ingly being years. At the time, few recognized that diagnosed younger people were with colincreasingly being orectal diagnosed with colcancer. orectal cancer, a disease that has since been shown to disproportionately affect Black Americans and younger adults.

By the time actor Chadwick Boseman died in 2020 at age 43, colorectal cancer had become widely recognized as one that disproportionately affects Black Americans and younger adults.

For Shannon, things came to a head after her 29th birthday.

“At that point, I would have diarrhea for two weeks, and then I’d be constipated for two weeks,” she said. “So, definitely not normal.”

While living in Jamaica, she was diagnosed with ovarian cysts and sent home without further testing.

Hospitalizations continued until she returned to Miami, where her mother found her unconscious and took her to the hospital, vowing not See Cancer, A12

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Attorneys for both sides told the court this week that the matter has been resolved through private mediation. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Pooh Shiesty’s father, Big30 plead not guilty in Gucci Mane kidnapping case

‘Love & Hip Hop’ franchise ending after 15 years; farewell special coming this fall The longrunning era of VH1 reality dominance is coming to a close. Paramount announced that “Love & Hip Hop,” the franchise that helped define modern reality TV since its 2011 New York debut, is officially shutting down. To mark the end of its 15 year run, the network will air a six part retrospective, “Love & Hip Hop: The Final Chapter,” later this fall.

According to the network, the special will revisit the franchise’s breakout stars, headline making moments and cultural impact, with new interviews from cast members across all four cities — New York, Atlanta, Hollywood and Miami — along with producers, executives, journalists and cultural critics.

Executive producer Lashan Browning called the farewell a tribute to the talent, crews and fans who fueled the show’s rise.

While the main franchise wraps, spinoffs “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” and “Love & Hip Hop: Miami” will continue their current seasons on MTV and BET.

Two key defendants in the federal kidnapping case involving rapper Gucci Mane have entered not guilty pleas as their attorneys push back against the government’s allegations.

Pooh Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and Memphis rapper Big30 are contesting the charges tied to the alleged January 2026 ambush at a Dallas recording studio. They are among nine defendants accused of orchestrating an armed kidnapping and robbery that targeted Gucci Mane and two other victims.

According to Action News 5, the group includes Pooh Shiesty, Williams Sr., Big30, Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson and Darrion McDaniel. Prosecutors allege Pooh Shiesty forced Gucci Mane to sign a contract release at gunpoint, while Big30 allegedly blocked the exits. Rolex watches, jewelry, Louis Vuitton Fans check influencer for bags and cash were said to have calling Dionne Warwick the been taken during the attack.

Williams Sr. initially posted a “Bword” $250,000 bond, but a judge issued a stay as prosecutors fight to keep Influencer and stylist Nicky him detained until trial.

Campbell is catching heat after With the notguilty pleas entered, es referring to Dionne Warwick as Rhym a t s both sides appear headed toward a u B the b-word expletive while critiquing lengthy legal battle. Each defendant her look from the Billboard Women in faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Music ceremony. Campbell, known for his blunt red carpet commentary, opened his April 29 recap by questioning Warwick’s choice to Busta Rhymes quietly settles assault and wear slippers — but it was the disrespectful phrasing defamation case with former assistant toward the 85 year old icon that set fans off.

Instagram users quickly pushed back, with Busta Rhymes has reached a private settlement comments like “Not the B word when referring to with former assistant Dashiel Gables, ending a legal an elder… not feeling that,” while TikTok users battle that included assault allegations and a defamacalled the remark “TOO comfortable” and “Dionne tion countersuit, according to Rolling Stone.

Warwick slander. NEVER.” Gables accused the Grammy nominated rapper of Campbell posted a followup video on May 4, punching him outside Rhymes’ Brooklyn apartment walking back his words. “I put my foot in my in 2023 after a dispute involving a delayed meal and mouth,” he said, adding that Warwick is “mother” a phone call Gables took from his young daughter. and a legend he respects.

CBS News New York reported that Rhymes, born “I wasn’t even trying to be rude,” Campbell said on Trevor George Smith Jr., was arrested and issued Instagram. “I’m just really gay and annoying and a desk appearance ticket for third degree assault, always like, you know, ‘Hey [b-word expletive],’” he though the criminal case has since been sealed. added. “Here’s what we will do. I will learn to watch Gables later filed a federal civil suit alleging my mouth, especially around icons.” assault, battery and workplace abuse, claiming the incident left him blacklisted in the industry. Rhymes Sources: Action News 5, CBS News New York, denied the allegations and countersued for defamaInstagram.com, People.com, tion, arguing the claims damaged his reputation and Rollingstone.com, Tiktok.com cost him business.

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Alone Continued from A7 around using a wheelchair since.

“I was totally independent, and then everything changed,” said Allen, referring to life as a double amputee. “I have outlived my friends –– my childhood friends, my high school friends. I only have two left.”

“When your social group and your family group are the same age as you, and they die off or they move away, you’ve lost community,” she said.

Allen and her friends and family usually spoke by phone, and she had occasional visits from her sister, who would bring fresh produce. But Allen longed for that physical connection she had grown accustomed to. So, she took action and signed up for a local program that gave her opportunities to socialize.

Visit-a-Bit offers meaningful connections for older adults through volunteer support, weekly tele-bingo games and peerto-peer connections.

Allen’s death is bringing attention to issues surrounding aging and living

Cancer Continued from A7 to leave until her daughter was tested — “even if they have to arrest me.”

Doctors again diagnosed a cyst, but she was also severely anemic and in sepsis. That’s when Dr. Eric Valladares performed exploratory surgery — a

alone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draws a critical distinction between social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation refers to the absence of relationships or regular contact with others, while loneliness is the emotional experience of feeling disconnected. Both carry serious risks.

CDC research shows prolonged isolation is linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, depression and dementia –– all contributors or related to cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of Black Americans.

Prevedel said programs like Visit-a-Bit, which is operated through SSM Health Visiting Nurses Association, are helping to bridge the gap between healthcare and community support.

“We pair people based on hobbies, interests and social needs. So, the connection is genuine, and we’re seeing meaningful connections that truly improve quality of life,” she said. “It’s about reaching people who are homebound who may not have technology, transportation or a support system.”

Darla King participated in the Visit-a-Bit program

decision that saved her life.

“I woke up a week later hearing that I had stage 3C adenocarcinoma of my colon,” she said.

“And so, my first thought was, ‘Okay, God — this is going to be one heck of a fight, and at least now I know what I’m fighting.’”

After surgery, Lee-Sin began chemotherapy and joined a cancer support

as Allen’s volunteer connection and built a friendship with her over the past four years.

“It’s a joy to go see her,” King said in an earlier interview. “We’re kindred spirits. We just have that respect for each other that makes everything

easy.”

King, a correspondence specialist for U.S. Bank, relocated to the St. Louis region 19 years ago from California to take care of her ailing father, who is in his late 80s. She understands the impact that having family and friends

around can have on older adults.

“When I’m with Ms. Ann, it’s like time stands still. We just talk and talk,” she said.

“Sometimes I bring lunch.

I always bring her flowers.”

King, who has adult children and now lives alone, said the connection shows not only the impact she had on Allen, but also how much she gained from the experience.

“She has enlightened my life the same way I have enlightened hers,” she said. “She’s the sunshine that you didn’t know you needed.”

Allen said before her passing that her quality of life would not be the same without King.

The relationship made her wish she had built a broader, more layered community –– friendships across generations that could have sustained her through her latter stage of life.

“Reassess your friendship base,” she said. “If I had thought about it, I would have had tiers of friends. People younger than me, people older than me. People I could still tap into.”

Both women agreed that those kinds of rela-

community, where she was the only colorectal cancer survivor and the youngest.

“My doctors made me feel like I was their rare case, and there was nobody else like me,” she said.

That changed in 2013.

“When I walked in, I saw a room that 80% of them were young people like me,” she said. “This was in 2013. I realized

that I wasn’t rare — and I wasn’t alone.”

Now 44, Lee-Sin uses her experience to help others. In 2023, she launched the podcast “Blue Couch Chat,” creating a space for patients and survivors to talk openly about the disease and its impact.

“Blue has always been my favorite color and it’s also the color of a

colorectal cancer ribbon,” she said.

Her goal is to ensure patients know they are not alone and understand the importance of screening and early detection.

“Don’t make yourself go through what I went through,” Lee-Sin said.

“If the doctor is not listening to you and you know something is wrong … find another doctor.”

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Ann Allen speaks with Vist A Bit volunteer Darla King during a home visit focused on companionship, support and reducing loneliness among older adults.

tionships take work.

“The seeds that you plant, you will see the flowers grow. If you plant no seeds, you have no harvest,” King said. “I choose to give of myself in a way that makes someone else’s life better because someone did that for me.”

Over the years, King’s weekly visits turned into monthly visits as life became busier, but the two continued to cook and dine together.

Her April visit got pushed back due to a business trip to Kentucky.

When King returned, she learned Allen had died.

“She was such a vibrant woman who was looking forward to doing so much.

We just talked about how she wanted to go horseback riding,” King said tearfully recalling one of her last conversations with her friend.

Allen knew it was going to take some work, but she wanted to explore further physical therapy to get her prosthetics adjusted to jump back into the saddle for equestrian classes offered to people with limited physical capabilities.

Allen, who would have turned 76 in October, said it was “seldom” that she felt lonely, “but there are times I feel alone.”

“The colonoscopy is the only way to actually prevent this,” she said. “I saw over 20-something doctors … but I didn’t stop until I got an answer, and that’s what saved my life.”

“I didn’t stop until I got a doctor who listened, and that is really important,” Lee-Sin said. “We have to know how to advocate for ourselves.”

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Tornado Continued from A1 walked themselves to safety. But the trauma lingered.

Two days later, instead of leading the parade of floats lined up along Market Street, Lee was at the Page Boulevard campus handing out food purchased for the event to neighbors who suddenly had nothing.

“Watching this makes me so emotional,” she said.

The tornado caused $1.6 billion in damage across the region, including to the Annie Malone campus. The historic mansion was already struggling with outdated boilers, old piping, lead, asbestos and strict historic-preservation requirements. Months later, the second floor collapsed onto the first.

“It would take $50 million to bring this building back up to standards, and that was before the tornado came,” board president and 13th Ward Alderwoman Pam Boyd told St. Louis Public Radio.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • APR. 30 – MAY 6, 2026 A $50 million capital campaign is underway.

A recent $1 million allocation from the St. Louis Development Corp. is a start, but the need remains enormous.

Still, the mission continues.

“We are a crisis center in the middle of a crisis,” Lee said.

The tornado’s path cut through the stretch of Page Boulevard where Annie Malone, Better Family Life and the Bayer YMCA sit side by side.

“You have three beautiful institutions right next door to each other,” said Better Family Life’s Jihad Khayyam. “It only makes sense.”

Better Family Life set up a command center with the Academy-Sherman Park Neighborhood Association the next day, while Annie Malone and the Bayer YMCA distributed food and supplies originally intended for parade-goers.

Khayyam, who lives in the neighborhood, went home, changed out of his suit, grabbed his electric saw and started clearing debris — house by house.

“It exposed the dis-

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

An open doorway reveals interior damage from the May 16, 2025 tornado at the historic Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center. investment disaster that has been going on for decades,” he said. “One year later, our people are still in turmoil. The money hasn’t flowed to the community.”

Nearly 100 years earlier, when a tornado devastated St. Louis in 1927, Malone — one of the most successful Black businesswomen in the nation — ordered Poro College to open its doors.

“Even though Annie Malone was not even in the city of St. Louis, by telegram she said, ‘Open

up the doors of the Poro College and be of assistance to as many people as you can,’” Linda Nance, founding president of Annie Malone Historical Society, told The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

For weeks, the building sheltered, clothed and fed up to 5,000 people.

“I didn’t find out about what she did back then until afterwards,” Lee said.

“I still get goosebumps thinking about that. It lets me know that I am on purpose with the work that we

are doing.”

Lee had already decided to cancel the parade because of funding shortages. When last-minute donors stepped in, she reversed course — only for the tornado to hit two days before the event.

“I felt like I was letting the city down by not having the parade,” she said.

“But with all the people who stepped up and supported us, I learned that I wasn’t alone.”

The parade will not return this year. Instead, Annie Malone will host the Annie Malone May Day Community Festival & Talent Showcase at 1 p.m. on May 17 — the day after the tornado anniversary — on Market Street near Soldiers Memorial Military Museum.

Families impacted by the storm will receive appliances and furniture, including washers, dryers, beds and refrigerators.\n\n“I have to save these babies all year round, and the parade is only one single day,” Lee said.

“We’re able to give away things people still need — appliances,

Data Center Continued from A1 erty taxes for the first 12 years, gradually increasing to 80% by the final year.

Critics warned that the Ferguson-Florissant School District could lose $71 million over 15 years, while the Jennings School District could lose $6.2 million in the first six years. The city of Ferguson was projected to lose $5.2 million in the early phases of development.

The decision followed weeks of debate about transparency, tax abatements, environmental impact, water usage and power demands. While some council members acknowledged the project’s potential for economic development, others cited too many uncertainties.

“I know that we need development,” Councilwoman Naquitta Noah said. “I know that we need financial resources. Our city does need help but there are so many unknowns and uncertainties that I cannot support this!”

Dissent was evident even before testimony began. About 30 people lined up outside Ferguson City Hall after they were unable to enter the overcrowded meeting. Some said the meeting should have been held at a larger venue, as previous meetings had been.

“There was a whole line of people here before the meeting even started,” said Kourtney Huddleston, a 33-year resident. “Starting

Nursing Continued from A1 tion. It’s about resilience, second chances and the power of family.

For Tynai, enrolling in nursing school felt like the natural next step. As a certified surgical technologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, she describes herself as “the right hand of the surgeon,” preparing operating rooms and ensuring procedures run smoothly.

She previously worked as a traveling surgical tech across the country but returned home to help care for her brother.

Advancing her education, she said, is about expanding her role in patient care.

When she mentioned nursing school, it sparked something unexpected in her mother.

“It was a friendly fire that she put under my feet,” Tywana said.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Maria Chappelle Nadal addresses the Ferguson City Council and residents before the vote on the proposed data center tax abatement. off by disenfranchising people who came here to speak on such an important topic is extremely upsetting. They should be heard.”

Inside City Hall, residents expressed concerns about the developer’s environmental plans, water usage and power demands.

“My concerns are about the cost of utilities. The utilities this company will be using are going to raise our costs. I’m a senior citizen and I’m already hav-

ing problems with that,” Mary Baker said. “I’m also concerned about the grid, the noise level from their cooling systems, increased traffic. … The streets here are terrible. Why are they coming in here with all this grand stuff and we can’t even get a pothole fixed here in Ferguson.”

Ferguson resident Henry Iwenofu, CEO of Missouri American Energy Inc. USA in Nigeria, said the council had a “heavy burden” before sharply

criticizing the proposal.

“Unfortunately, what is going on are some pressure tactics to get you to sign a contract that has nothing for us,” Iwenofu said. “Even if I accept that the health issues I’ve complained about don’t exist, it’s not required in that contract to use local labor and that’s just one of the pressures you’re under.”

Iwenofu also cited concerns about city responsibility if the project failed, water consumption, school

revenue and the burden on residents.

“You need to reexamine this project. … It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” he said.

Christopher Sudlick said he and three friends canvassed neighborhoods over the weekend. After knocking on “thousands of doors” in 18 hours, he said he found only “two residents” who supported the plan.

“That’s awful. Nobody here wants this,” Sudlick

From the classroom perspective, the bond between Tynai and Tywana has stood out to faculty. Yasir Eltahir, an associate professor at the nursing school, said teaching the pair has been both unusual and inspiring.

“They worked seamlessly together with a natural sense of teamwork and mutual respect,” Eltahir said. “They supported each other without relying on one another in a way that compromised independence. Instead, they complemented each other.”

The mother-daughter duo is entering the nursing field at a moment when hospitals are still trying to recover from years of short staffing. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many positions went unfilled. At one point, nearly 1 in 6 hospital jobs across Missouri sat vacant, according to the Missouri Hospital Association, leaving nurses stretched thin and overworked.

Conditions have improved, but the need remains. Fewer positions are going unfilled, yet demand is still high as experienced nurses approach retirement and others consider leaving the profession because of stress and burnout.

For Tywana, the moment felt less like a warning and more like a call. Nursing was never a new idea for her — it was an unfinished one. Despite earning a bachelor’s degree in business, two master’s degrees and working as a certified phlebotomist and real estate agent, she said something always felt incomplete.

“I have all of these titles, but I never felt completed,” she said.

“Everything kept reverting back to nursing.”

That feeling was shaped during years at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where her son Mark — Tynai’s brother — was treated for sickle cell disease. The

hospital became her “unofficial second home.”

“When he would have his spells, I would tell them, ‘That’s OK, I can do this,’” Tywana said. “I’m a mother first. If he was going through a crisis, I stopped everything.”

Watching the attentiveness and compassion of nurses and doctors left a lasting impression.

“They saved his life,” she said. “And they told me, ‘We need nurses like you.’”

Now that her son is healthy, she said the timing finally feels right.

“Now that I know he can live a healthy life, it’s my time,” she said.

She hopes to return to pediatric care — this time as a nurse — bringing with her the perspective of a parent who has been on the other side.

“I’ll be able to advocate for them and help them understand exactly what is going on,” she said. “The first face patients see is the

nurse, so I want to give them a positive experience.”

For Tynai, those same hospital experiences also shaped her path. Balancing full-time work with school hasn’t been easy, but she said having her mother alongside her makes a difference.

“I’m very protective of her,” she said. “But I love that we’re doing this together.”

Eltahir said the pair’s experiences have influenced not only their own work, but also the classroom around them.

“Their story brings realworld depth to classroom discussions and clinical reflections, grounding theoretical knowledge in lived human experience,” he said. “Students like them help shape a more compassionate, reflective and patient-centered future nursing workforce.”

Their shared journey hasn’t been without challenges. For Tywana,

couches, beds,” she said.

Founded in 1888, Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center is one of the oldest Black-led social service agencies in the country.

The organization operates a 24-hour crisis center, provides parenting advocacy and court-ordered classes, and runs programs aimed at stabilizing families facing financial hardship.

For generations, the center has served families navigating trauma, poverty and instability, particularly in The Ville and surrounding neighborhoods.

The past year has brought building collapses, funding cuts, community trauma and Lee’s own exhaustion.

Khayyam sees the connection between Lee and Malone clearly.

“She is standing on Annie Malone’s legacy,” he said. “Real recognizes real.”

“It’s been disheartening to see funding being cut,” Lee said. “People aren’t giving like they used to, and we need their gifts for support. But my heart is in it and my passion is in it.”

said, before warning council members: “I don’t know how you’re gonna vote tonight but I do know how they’re going to vote in your recall elections; and that will be to remove you.”

According to the St. Louis PostDispatch, Mayor Adrian Shropshire, who voted against the incentives, said the city would pursue other redevelopment options and opposed including a data center at the site.

The Post-Dispatch also reported that developer Jim Onder said the project would not be competitive without tax incentives. City officials are exploring alternative uses for the property, including mixed-use or housing development, according to the newspaper.

Neither city council members nor representatives from SSL Investments publicly outlined a strategy to restart or renegotiate the plan.

For residents like Iwenofu and Huddleston, the rejection was welcome news.

“If they were offering something that would have made our community more viable and help it move forward, I would support you,” Iwenofu said. “But if you’re coming to build something that’s going to give us cancer or asthma … keep your money!”

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

returning to school after decades meant adjusting to a completely different learning environment.

“Back then we had encyclopedias, and now everything is tech,” she said.

Still, the two say their bond makes the experience manageable. They study together, keep each other accountable and help each other stay on track.

“She’s my extra set of eyes,” Tynai said.

For their family, the moment carries deeper meaning — a sense of completion after years of putting others first.

Her son, now healthy, calls it a new chapter.

“I’m happy for them.

It’s a new chapter in our lives,” he said. “They are a real inspiration.”

Through it all, one thing has remained constant: their connection.

“The togetherness is great,” Tynai said. “She’s my person. I’m her person.”

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Living It

“Starting over is like releasing it so the memory is not as bad as it was. Starting again means that you’re letting go of the past.”

- Veteran actress Marla Gibbs

Love on full display B1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

David and Tamela Mann bring comedy, conversation and music to Stifel Theatre

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

From the Tyler Perry movie sets to the Stifel Theatre, David and Tamela Mann continue to entertain and inspire.

Their “Love & Relationship Tour, which stopped in St. Louis on Friday night, reached both comedy fans and music lovers.

The couple delivered love, humor and conversation through a blend of R&B, gospel and an open discussion titled “Fireside Chats.” The talk featured Laterras Whitfield, creator of the “Dear Future Wifey” podcast, and his wife, Ashley Whitfield. Fans heard a candid conversation about navigating financial pitfalls, loving with intention and blending families.

“It takes a very special person to have a blended family,” David Mann said.

“Because when you’re blending a family, no one should ever be able to see where the blend starts and stops.” He spoke from experience: two children from a previous relationship as well as raising Tamela’s niece, and two children together.

They shared stories and lessons while seated in a roundtable setting behind a glowing fireplace, with the St. Louis skyline illuminated behind them. They also spoke about how faith shaped their family.

“We will have a list that we tell God, and then if you allow God to use you, He’ll have a list that He’ll give you,” Ashley Whitfield said. “And when you say yes to dating someone, you have to say yes to all of them and kids are all of

Photos by Lawrence Bryant/St. Louis American

Above: David and Tamela Mann share the stage at the Stifel Theatre on Friday, May 1, as their ‘Love & Relationship Tour’ brought music, comedy and real talk to St. Louis.

Right: La’Kea Stokes takes center stage as the opening act for David and Tamela Mann’s “Love and Relationship Tour.”

them.”

Laterras Whitfield reflected on adopting his nephew and recalled a moment before their marriage when Ashley spoke with the child and he told her, “I love you.”

“Ashley originally said she didn’t want to date a man with kids,” he said. “But God was using her so powerfully in that

A season ends, a new era opens

moment. She was being the mother he needed, and he recognized that.”

The audience also enjoyed a brief comedy set, where David Mann transformed into Mr. Brown, his infamous Tyler Perry character. He joked about the differences See Love, B3

Anita Jackson is singing for the mothers they carry with them Jazz St. Louis brunch to honor matriarchs in the room — and in memory

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

SLSO closes its 146th season with a finale rooted in community and collaboration

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American The countdown is on for a finale that carries special meaning for the St. Louis orchestral community. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is preparing to close its 146th season with a program entrenched in community, legacy and sound — each element resonating differently in this new era for the institution.

Scheduled for May 8–10, the closing

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

Scheduled for May 8–10, the closing weekend marks the orchestra’s first full season finale inside the newly opened Jack C. Taylor Music Center.

weekend marks the orchestra’s first full season finale inside the newly opened Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Under music director Stéphane Denève, the program brings together the orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and the IN UNISON Chorus — a rare moment when all three musical voices share the same stage. For longtime patrons, the weekend also celebrates what the new space has already made possible: See SLSO, B3

When Anita Michelle Jackson tilts her head back, closes her eyes and opens her mouth to sing, something shifts in the room. Her tone and phrasing sit in a sweet space where Dianne Reeves meets Al Jarreau. It’s the kind of sound that makes people stop midconversation and lean in.

That makes her a natural fit to headline the Mother’s Day brunch at Jazz St. Louis’ Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz on Sunday, May 10.

“This is my first time doing the Mother’s Day brunch,” said Jackson, who is a familiar face on the Jazz St. Louis stage. “I’m excited about it. I’m new to it too.”

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for a buffetstyle brunch built around a chef inspired menu, with Jackson’s performance beginning at 12:30 p.m.

“It will be me and my trio, my gents,” Jackson said. Joining her for the hourlong set will be Phil Graves on keys, Demarius Hicks on drums and Jordan

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

Anita Jackson and her trio will headline the Jazz St. Louis Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday May 10.

Brewer on bass. Jackson said the performance will be a straightahead jazz set.

“Her Mother’s Day performance will provide the soundtrack for a celebration filled with great music, exceptional food and time together with family,” Jazz St. Louis said in a statement. “She will create a joyful afternoon honoring the extraordinary women in our lives.”

Jackson can count herself among those extraordinary women. The St. Louis native has built a reputation for a See Mothers, B3

Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds CONCERTS Sun., May 10, 7 p.m. The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage with Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave, St Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter.com.

Wed., May 13, 7 p.m. doors, Ari Lennox Vacancy Tour, The Factory at The District, 17105 North Outer 40 Road Chesterfield, MO 63005. For more information, visit www. thefactorystl.com.

Sun., May 23, doors 7 p.m.

Tech N9ne with special guest King Iso, The Factory, 17105 North Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005.

For more information, visit www.thefactorystl.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS Sun., May 10, 11:30 a.m., Jazz St. Louis Mother’s Day Brunch with Anita Jackson, 3536 Washington Avenue.

For more information, visit jazzstl.org.

Sun., May 10, 5:30 p.m., The 30th Annual Denise Thimes & Friends Mother’s Day Concert, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd. For tickets, visit www.thesheldon.org.

Tues., May 12, 6:30 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Author Talk – “Josephine Baker’s Secret War” by Hanna Diamond, Lee

Auditorium, Missouri History Museum. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Guests can celebrate Mother’s Day with a St. Louis diva at the Sheldon Concert Hall for the 30th Annual Denise Thimes & Friends Mother’s Day Concert. See SPECIAL EVENTS for more information.

Wed., May 13, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Miles in May, Whitaker Jazz Speaks,1980s-1990s – Late Career, Reinvention & Legacy, Miles Davis: A Life in Motion – Reinvention and the Final Years, Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Avenue. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Through May 17, 10 a.m.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry’s, Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S Green Mount Rd, Belleville, IL 62220. Purchase tickets at Eckerts.com.

Photo courtesy of denisethimes.com

Sun., May 17, 7 p.m. Darius Bradford presented by Townsendx3.live, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.citywinery.com Fri., May 22, 9 p.m. Missed Connections, The Improv Shop, 3960 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://theimprovshop.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC

Fri., May 15 – Sat. May 16, COCA presents Team M, a mew musical by Dr. Phillip Woodmore, COCA, 6880 Washington Ave., St. Louis MO 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.

Through May 17, The Fabulous Fox welcomes Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Fabulous Fox. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox. com.

May 19 – May 24, The Fabulous Fox welcomes MJ The Musical, The Fabulous Fox. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

COMEDY Sun., May 10, 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Special Event: Damon Darling, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

ling and emotionally charged stage play starring acclaimed performer and storyteller Drea Kelly, .Zack, 3224 Locust St. For tickets or more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

SPOTLIGHT May 7 – May 28, 6 p.m.

Twilight Thursdays, Missouri History Museum. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Sat., May 9, 7:30 p.m. Aida Ade, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis 63110. For more information, visit https://tickets.citywinery. com.

Wed., May 13, 7:30 p.m. An Evening of Mary J. Blige with Dee Dee Franklin and The Black & White Ban, Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave,

St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https://bluestrawberrystl.com.

Fri., May 22, 7:30 p.m.

Murphy Lee and Kyjuan of the St. Lunatics Live Presented

by TownsendX3.Live & Vivid, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit wwww. citywinery.com.

THEATRE Sat., May 9, 3 p.m., JPEK Creative Works presents “Respect My Shoes: If These Shoes Could Talk,” a compel-

May 20 – June 7, The Black Rep presents Fat Ham, Washington University’s Edison Theatre. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org.

ART Through May 23, 10 a.m.

Clearly Human VI, St. Louis Artist’ Guild, 12 N Jackson, Clayton, MO 63105. For more information, visit www.stlouisartistsguild.org/.

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

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

Mothers Continued from B1

Lawrence Bryant | St. Louis American

David and Tamela Mann sit center stage during The Love and Relationship Tour on May 1, 2026 at Stifel Theatre, creating an intimate “Love Lounge” moment with music and conversation.

Love Continued from B1 between young love and old love — based on how closely couples sit next to each other — drawing steady laughter.

He also offered tips on getting a woman’s attention, demonstrating by lying back as the stage washed in deep red. Only his silhouette was visible when “Turn Off the Lights” by Teddy Pendergrass began to play.

In full Mr. Brown fashion, he poured water down his chest and then spit water into the air, sending the theater into laughter and cheers.

But while the laughs were loud and the conversations heartfelt, the music was the night’s anchor. The show opened with La’Kea Stokes, a multi-Grammy Awardwinning background vocalist, performing “Who Am I” and “Good” from her EP Diary of a Church Girl. She delivered classic gospel runs over modern R&B production that

SLSO Continued from B1 a renewed closeness between performers and audience, and a sense that the orchestra is building toward something larger than a single season.

Instead of a traditional finale built solely on familiar classics, the program leans into collaboration and storytelling. The evening opens with “Virelai,” a work by St. Louis native and composerinresidence Kevin Puts — a nod to the city’s creative spirit from the first note and a reminder that the institution’s future is tied to the artists who call this place home.

The emotional heart of the night is “Family,” a 12 minute work by Nathalie Joachim, performed with the IN UNISON Chorus. Joachim’s Haitian American background, Juilliard training and Princeton scholarship shape a piece grounded in lived experience and shared memory. Her writing often blends classical form with cultural storytelling, and “Family” con-

reflected her testimony.

After her set, David and Tamela Mann returned to the stage with their love on full display. The first stop was the “Love Lounge,” where they opened with “Us Against the World,” singing to each other with a kind of shared battle cry.

David wore a light-wash denim pants-and-jacket set with beige accents, while Tamela matched him in light blue denim layered with shimmering gold.

They followed with “You,” a slow-groove love song that invited the audience to settle into the moment. They sang to each other at the edge of the stage as strobes washed over the crowd.

The groove continued with “Good Love,” a contemporary track with lyrics that feel like a blueprint for a healthy marriage.

After the “Fireside Chat” — centered on love, faith and gratitude — it was time for gospel. The St. Louis skyline faded into images of Tamela’s album covers as she took the stage solo, with David watching from the wings.

She opened with “You Deserve My Praise,” the

stage glowing in sunny yellow. The lights shifted to lime for “Working for Me,” filling the theater with rejoicing. The lighting softened to sky blue as she sang her verse from Kirk Franklin’s “Now Behold the Lamb.”

She invited fans to stand and sing along, and they did, especially when she moved into her Grammynominated, Billboardtopping hit “Take Me to the King.”

Tamela closed the night with a gospel medley including “Change Me,” “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” and a spontaneous arrangement built around familiar gospel phrases like “praise Him” and “I’m on the winning side.” The songs flowed together like a prayer and a praise break. By then, fans were on their feet dancing, praising and giving thanks.

At the end of the praise break, David joined his wife onstage and draped a towel around her shoulders like James Brown, drawing one last laugh before the couple exited hand in hand.

tinues that tradition with intention. “‘Family’ was written for our chorus, and the lyrics came from conversations she had with our members,” said Kevin McBeth, director of IN UNISON. “It makes the chorus cocreators. Their stories are in the music.”

“This is a first for us,” he added. “We’ve premiered new works before, but never one created from our chorus’s own experiences.”

Commissioned in 2020, the piece took shape during the pandemic, when themes of family and community surfaced repeatedly in early conversations. Joachim wove those reflections into the text, pairing them with her signature, ethereal percussion writing.

“Her approach to percussion is heavenly,” McBeth said. “She imagines sounds echoing through the hall and enveloping the audience.”

He noted that Joachim doesn’t shy away from complexity. “Even with love and admiration, families go through difficult moments. She leans into that.”

“Family” is followed by “Beautiful City,” conducted by McBeth, tying the program’s themes into a spiritual reflection on unity and belonging — a quiet reminder of what connects people inside and outside the concert hall. In many ways, the pairing mirrors the season itself: moments of challenge, moments of joy and a collective movement toward something hopeful.

The second half shifts toward grandeur. The Symphony Chorus joins the orchestra for Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé, a sweeping 55minute masterpiece that closes the evening on a monumental scale.

“For Daphnis and Chloé, the Symphony Chorus sings no lyrics,” McBeth said. “They become part of the orchestra — singing ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ to create dramatic moments.”

All four works come together as the SLSO concludes a meaningful year in its new home — a season that feels less like an ending and more like a beginning.

Tickets are available at slso.org.

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms! @stlamerican

voice that carries power, warmth and emotional clarity — shaped by gospel, jazz and classic soul.

She has become one of the city’s most recognizable vocalists, known for performances that blend musical sophistication with honest storytelling.

She grew up singing in church and performing in school productions before heading to New York City to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She spent 12 years there, performing nationally and internationally in theater productions, concerts and workshops.

Those years also opened the door to work as a background vocalist for some of the biggest names in music.

Her voice can be heard on Bette Midler’s Grammy winning “From a Distance,” Patti Austin’s “I Can Move This Mountain,” and Mariah Carey’s “Anytime You Need a Friend.” She toured with Chico DeBarge and performed alongside artists like Joe and Erykah Badu. She also recorded on Cissy Houston’s Grammywinning gospel albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me. Those experiences shaped her into an artist unafraid to bring her full self to the stage.

It was motherhood that brought her back home.

“I love New York so much. It feels like my home in a sense,” Jackson said. “But I wanted Christian to experience a childhood like my childhood. I grew up with grass and neighbors. In New York it’s a totally different

type of existence. I wanted her to have a backyard and family close by. And we gave her that.”

Her return became a gift to the St. Louis cultural scene. She quickly became a fixture in both the jazz and theater communities. She has starred in productions with The Black Rep, including Gospel at Colonus, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Crowns, Caroline, or Change and Blues in the Night, earning multiple award nominations. Last year, she won a St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Outstanding Performer, Female or

“You may not have your mom, but there are women around who can support you. And there are women you can support. We can still be a community.

- Anita Jackson

NonBinary for her portrayal of Lena Younger in Raisin.

Her music career has continued to grow as well. Two years ago, she released her debut solo album, Life Is Beautiful, a project that highlights her range and her ability to move seamlessly between genres. She performed selections from the album at last year’s Music at the Intersection, where she has been a featured artist since the festival launched six years ago.

For Jackson, the Mother’s Day performance will be a chance to honor the women who shaped

her.

“It’s bittersweet for me, because I lost my mom during the pandemic,” Jackson said. “She would have been the first person in the door.”

She lost her mother and all of her mother’s sisters within weeks of each other from COVID19.

“They were all staunch supporters of me,” Jackson said. “They would have been the first people there.

And my mother would have been bringing about 30 people herself. That’s how she was.”

Performing for others who will be celebrating their mothers brings comfort.

“That’s the sweet part,” Jackson said. “I get to do what I love to do on a day when I would honor her.

She’s not here in the flesh, but she’s with me. I feel her.”

“They’re with us,” Jackson said. “They may not be here in the physical, but they are still with us.

That’s what I can’t wait to impart — that they’re still with you.”

Jackson said that carrying their memory forward is part of why she encourages people to lean on the women still around them.

“You may not have your mom, but there are women around who can support you,” Jackson said.

“And there are women you can support. We can still be a community. And we can uplift this community together. That’s really my main thing.”

The Jazz St. Louis Mother’s Day Brunch starring Anita Jackson will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington Avenue.

For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Join Us

for the Grand Opening of Joni’s House East St. Louis May 16, 2026, 10am 1111 Bowman Ave East St. Louis, IL 62205 Lunch will be served

RSVP to CeCe McCoo: cece.mccoo@joniandfriends.org

Memorialize and celebrate your loved ones in The St. Louis American!

For more info contact Angelita Houston, ahouston@ stlamerican.com or call 314-533-8000

B4

You go girl! Y’all know me well enough to know that while nearly all of the time I hit up a spot hoping for the best, every now again I slide through expecting some mess. What?

Y’all love it. Anyway, I was ready to read Tisha Campbell for blood, bone gristle and marrow for whatever she was gonna do on stage at Helium last week and try to call it comedy. I had it written in my head before I even hit the Galleria parking lot. The first line was supposed to read: “Gina, girl, you tried it. Now go ahead and leave the jokey jokes to Martin.” Miss Tisha sat me down, and turned me around. I caught a for real ki at her show Saturday night! No shade, but the gag is I enjoyed her set as much as the last time I saw Martin Lawrence do comedy. I know y’all don’t believe me, but what reason do I have to lie? I can’t speak for the rest of the weekend, but anybody who was up in Helium Saturday night can cosign that we caught a cackle up in there!

Now I can’t endorse her choice of ensemble – which was a cross between Moulin Rouge and Dead Presidents. I was like, “girl are you here to rob us or seduce?” I mean, who pairs a corset with a skull cap? Her wayward wardrobe should not distract y’all from the point that I had a cute time. Her telling us she was on the spectrum was not on my Bingo card for what to expect from her show, but I’m proud of her for doing it. The Q&A portion was super cute. But what gave me life was how she decided to close the show, which was not on my bingo card either.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

When I tell y’all she was giving full choreography on that bitesized stage with her “Be Alone Tonight!” I did a chest pop and kick ball change just thinking about it!”

An ice cold Derby party.

Don’t let my title fool you, the weather was fine when the folks filed up in the Muny dressed like they were ready to be extras in a Black movie wedding reception scene. They were there to partake in a Kentucky Derby party all the way in STL presented by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha…you know…”Ice, Ice, too cold too cold…Ice, Ice, the black and gold!” Anyway, a time was had. I hope no one took offense to my sweatpants and matching fascinator. I decided I was gonna walk a piece of the park after the party. Mind your business, from the neck up I was right on theme. Chalana Ferguson showed my fascinator all the way up with her little turquoise ditty. Yulonda Brown has been repping for the SG Rhos with just about every outfit since she crossed. And I wasn’t at all bothered by her latest blue and yellow offering.

Who was the woman in the black and 1 white polka dot gloves? I need to ask her where she got them from. They were busy, but not tacky! The gentlemen were looking colorful and distinguished too. I wasn’t expecting Ced from Barcode to rock a lemon yellow blazer, but I was satisfied by it. Speaking of busy and blazers, I have to shout out Dr. Jason Vasser-Elong for his “doing the most in the best

3 2 1. Kimaiya and Justis at Counterpublic’s Coyote Time launch party recently at Garage 2. Brianna and Andre enjoy the vibe at Counterpublic’s Coyote Time launch party recently at Garage 3. Brakah and Chief Solomon attended the Valley of the Flowers Festival Sunday afternoon in Florissant 4. Kentrell and Camryn took in the Valley of the Flowers Festival tradition Sunday in Florissant Photos by Lawrence Bryant and Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

way” blazer. He It was custom made featuring articles that had been written about him. I was over the moon when I saw that he gave the St. Louis American features some play!

Way back Wednesdays coming to the Moonrise. By the time you are reading this, the first one is already in the books. But I wanted to give a shout out to the new Way Back Wednesdays set that kicked off yesterday on the rooftop of the Moonrise Hotel’s Twilight Room with Dr. BJ the DJ and DJ STEWdotNET from 100.3 The Beat. I’m certain that the happy hour drink specials, throwback vibes and music will be quite the feature. They had me at “no cover.” It kicks off at 5 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m.

Don’t just meet me there, beat me there.

Rakim rocked the house.

Hip hop icon Rakim played two

sold-out shows Sunday night – and I’m so glad he didn’t tell us to “throw your hands in the air, and wave ‘em like you just don’t care.” If he had, somebody would have gone home with a missing tooth, a black eye or a big bruise from getting popped in the chest or the shoulder. Did anybody else see that server almost catch a throat chop by the zealous fan in the red shirt who was rapping with his hands along with Rakim from his seat.

Rakim still moved the crowd, but barely because it was so tight up in there. I mean, it was packed packed. Rakim delivered in the way that only a rap god could. And we rapped along to doggone near every word. He had no backing tracks or a bunch of hype men running into each other on stage. Rakim did the old school proud. I would have needed an oxygen tank if I had to go through two whole shows rhyming like that at my age.

And while we are talking about

4 age, I’m gonna need Rakim to go ahead and get started with it.

But for real, can somebody get a message to him to quit gatekeeping and come up off that skin care routine? I was already feeling a type of way from last week’s comedy show when TK Kirkland announced that he was 65 and barely had a sip of a wrinkle on his face. I estimate Rakim to be somewhere around 86, and his face looks like he is still thinking of a masterplan!

I’m saying this out of jealousy, not hate.

The return of Twilight Thursdays. Oh and If you don’t know, the latest installment of Twilight Thursdays kicks of tonight (as in Thursday) at The Missouri History Museum. For those of you still going through it after seeing “Michael” and mourning for him all over again, you can soothe yourself by checking out JAM doing a tribute to Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. The show starts at 6 p.m.

“But I am so proud, and it was my favorite year of my basketball career.”

— Jaylen Brown, on the best statistical season of his career

Sports

B5

MAY 7 – 13, 2026

Inside Sports With Earl Austin Jr.

Hensgens dazzles at area meet Grace Murphy wins 1600- and 3200-meter runs

Prep had the top two finThe Phil Brusca– ishers in the 400-meter Connie Strobach dash. Mekenzie Rogers Invitational is one of the won in 57.58 seconds top late-season track and field meets in the St. Louis and Kauryn Durrah finished second in 57.82. area.

Uyoyoghene Omunu of Junior Bailey Hensgens Parkway North won the of Incarnate Word 100 in 12.48 seconds, Academy was one of the while Blake Borders won top individual performers the 800 in 2:12.0. Sydney at last weekend’s meet.

Lanton of John Burroughs She has already won multiple individual state cham- won the 300-meter low pionships in her career, but hurdles in 46.57.

On the boys side, she has taken it to another SLUH had an excellevel this year. lent showing in the Hensgens won distance events. the long jump and The Jr. Bills opened triple jump events the day by winning last Saturday at the 4x800-meter Ladue. She won relay in 7:59.87. the long jump with Nicholas Ahlheim an effort of 18 feet, won the 800 in 11 inches and the Earl 1:54.88. Warnicke triple jump with a Austin Jr. Beatty won the mark of 38 feet, 6 1,600-meter run inches. Hensgens in 4:17.5, while Hendrix did not compete in the Fyvie also turned in a high jump Saturday, but strong performance in the she has already established herself as one of the event.

Pattonville had a good nation’s best in the event. day in the sprints with Earlier this season, Gary Williams Jr. winning Hensgens made history the 200-meter dash in by clearing 6 feet in the 21.73 seconds and Jackson high jump, becoming the Powell winning the 400 first girl in Missouri to in 48.93. The Pirates also accomplish the feat. She finished second in the also cleared 5 feet, 11 1/2 4x100-meter relay in 42.5. inches at the Nike Indoor Football standout Nationals in March.

Manny Ellis of Cardinal Grace Murphy of Ritter finished first in the Nerinx Hall had an excel100 in 10.79. Three diflent meet Saturday, winferent winners emerged in ning the 1,600- and 3,200the sprint relays: Ritenour meter runs. She posted won the 4x100 in 42.25, winning times of 5:01.5 Cardinal Ritter won the in the 1,600 and 10:54.7 4x200 in 1:29.3 and CBC in the 3,200. She also ran won the 4x400 in 3:19.74. a leg on the first-place 4x800-meter relay.

Small-school Host Ladue put together district meets set a pair of strong efforts in for this weekend winning the girls 4x200and 4x400-meter relays.

The road to the state The Rams won the 4x200 track and field champiin 1:38.23 and the 4x400 onships for small schools in 3:48.39. begins this weekend with Cardinal Ritter College

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Ritenour’s La’vel Nelson crosses the finish line in the 4x100-meter relay, helping the Huskies win the event in 42.25 seconds during the Phil Brusca Connie Strobach Invitational at Ladue. district competition around the St. Louis area.

Most area schools will compete in Class 2 and 3 district meets Saturday.

Lutheran North will host the Class 3, District 2 and Class 2, District 2 meets. The Class 3, District 3 meet will be held at Owensville, while the Class 3, District 1 meet will be held at Cape Girardeau Notre Dame.

The Class 3, District 2 meet at Lutheran North is loaded with talented teams and athletes, including Lutheran North, Cardinal Ritter, Lift for Life and St. Mary’s High School.

The top four finishers in each event at districts will advance to next weekend’s sectional meets, which will be held at Dexter, Centralia and South Callaway.

Terron Garrett commits to Valparaiso Former Vashon High standout Terron Garrett has committed to Valparaiso.

A 6-foot-6 guard, Garrett helped lead Vashon to the Class 4 state championship in 2026. He spent the first part of his prep career at CBC, where he led the Cadets in scoring for two seasons.

Garrett played this past season at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri. He led the Cardinals to a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 16 championship and the national tournament. Garrett scored a game-high 21 points in the Cardinals’ victory over Three Rivers in the Region 16 championship game.

Sports Eye With Alvin A. Reid

MLB Black player numbers making minimal gains I find it difficult to stop Masyn Winn are in celebrate the statistics the starting lineup.

I’m about to share with Is it coincidence that you. But Major League teams from midsize marBaseball seems ready to kets in the Midwest have throw a party. the highest number of According to MLB’s Black players? breakdown, 6.8% of The Minnesota Twins players on Opening Day had six Black players on rosters were Black. That’s their roster, including two less than two players per Black starting pitchers — team on average, and it Taj Bradley and Simeon includes players on Woods-Richardson. the injured list.

That truly is rare.

On Opening The Cincinnati Day 2024, 6% of Reds had five MLB’s players Black players on were Black. That the roster, includinched up to 6.2% ing pitcher Hunter in 2025.

Greene, who is on MLB seems the injured list.

Alvin A. giddy because it The Cardinals, Reid marks the first Reds and Twins back-to-back increase in accounted for 18.6% of African American player all MLB Black players on participation in the last Opening Day. two decades.

Bob Nightengale of In addition, the modUSA Today called it est 0.6 percentage-point “alarming” that five teams increase is the largest since opened the season without a 0.7 percentage-point a Black player on the rosincrease between 2017 and ter. That is twice the num2018. ber from last year.

The St. Louis Cardinals According to his report, remain an MLB rarity with the Chicago Cubs, San three Black players on the Francisco Giants, Boston 26-man roster. On most Red Sox, San Diego days, center fielder Victor Padres and Pittsburgh Scott II, right fielder Pirates did not have a Jordan Walker and shortsingle African American

Photo courtesy of twinsdaily.com

Pitcher Taj Bradley is one of six Black players on the Minnesota Twins, the team with the most African American players in MLB. player on the roster. No help is coming internally for the Padres because the franchise does not have a Black player on its 40-man roster.

Jackie Robinson first played for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Obviously, he was his team’s — and MLB’s — only Black player.

Fast forward to March 26, 2026. Like the 1947 Dodgers, the Los Angeles Dodgers had just one

Black player on Opening Day. MLB has launched several programs designed to attract Black youths back to baseball. They include the MLB Youth Academy, Breakthrough Series, DREAM Series, Nike RBI, the Hank Aaron Invitational and others.

Of the 64 Black players on Opening Day rosters, 20 participated in one or more of those programs, including the Cardinals’

Jordan Walker.

In addition, 17 more Black players were on MLB 40-man rosters but not on Opening Day active lists.

I wrote in April about the Chicago Black Baseball Media and Classic game featuring HBCU teams at Wrigley Field. There is a growing effort to reintroduce baseball to several generations of young Black athletes and prospective fans who have seemingly been ignored for decades.

According to MLB, 64 Black players were on Opening Day rosters. Blake Perkins of the Milwaukee Brewers has been called up to the majors and was on the active roster this week when his team visited the Cardinals.

Of the 64 Black players on MLB rosters, 35 are 27 or younger and 22 are 25 or younger. Just eight are older than 32.

While incremental increases are better than declines, MLB is still far behind its inclusion heyday in the mid-1970s, when more than 25% of players were Black.

I’m 65, and I’m among a dwindling number of Black fans who follow MLB intensely. It’s because I grew up watching Black stars and future Hall of Famers.

The Cardinals are not the only team looking to fill seats as the season heads toward summer.

Black fans want to see Black players. Build it, and they will come.

The Reid Roundup Max Venable, one of two Black MLB managers, has the Chicago White Sox among the surprises of 2026. The White Sox won eight of 11 games last week and were just one game out of first place in the American League Central…The other Black manager, Dave Roberts of the Dodgers, saw the Cardinals take two of three games from his team…

Jordan Walker raised his batting average to .307, with six RBIs, six hits, a home run and two stolen bases in the Dodgers series. As of Monday, he had 10 home runs, 27 RBIs, and should be a National League All-Star.

B6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

No to the proposed police budget He claims to have worked 90 hours every week last year. This is humanly impossible. Douglas Eatherton, an I heard all of it — every word. I felt administrative assistant, made $231,000. every emotion. I stayed until the end, At least a dozen employees made more until the mayor officially adjourned the than the police chief, whose pay grade is city’s 4-hour Board of Estimate and $175,000.

Apportionment meeting.

Where is all this overtime going?

I thought I was in the queue to testify, North St. Louis residents constantly combut halfway through the meeting, I found plain about the lack of response when out my submission was late. I could’ve they call for police assistance. It’s doubtleft at that point, but it was too compelful the overtime went toward closing the ling. Nearly 100 citizens showed up to express their outrage about the controver- city’s 1,000 unsolved homicides.

Due to deficiencies within the SLMPD, sial police budget being rammed down some affluent neighborhoods are hiring taxpayers’ throats. private security firms. Sometimes, St. I choked up during Dr. Punch’s emoLouis police officers are hired tional testimony. I didn’t hold for secondary employment. back a wry smile when I heard Some residents and sources have Tracy “Spirit” Stanton’s sporaised concerns about possible ken-word version of her testimodouble-dipping — receiving payny. Many who testified are on ment from a private firm while the frontlines of addressing the also being on the department trauma, desperation and suffering clock. of St. Louis residents.

A thorough and independent The lone voice supporting investigation must be conducted the controversial police budget into overtime payments and secwas David Rodriguez, an EMS Columnist ondary employment. employee. He reminded us that The vicious attack on nonvifirst responders like himself pro- Jamala olent protesters at Mayor Cara vide the critical link between our Rogers Spencer’s State of the City event “living room and the emergency gave a snapshot of the departroom.” ment’s brutality.

The attack on protesters Opponents of the hostile, undemowas also an attack on freedom of assemcratic state takeover of the St. Louis bly and free speech. Critics of the takeMetropolitan Police Department have over fear even more repressive tactics in highlighted the police budget as another the future. gangsta tactic used to get its way. They Under state control, citizens can now have used national studies to affirm that expect to be confronted by an emboldthe SLMPD is undeserving of a perforened police force on the streets of St. mance raise. Research shows that we have one of the most brutal police depart- Louis. It appears there will be no accountability or consequences from a pro-police ments in the country. St. Louis is one of Board of Police Commissioners. The ecothe most over-policed cities in the nation.

This is about more than money; it’s about nomic crisis caused by an unhinged war criminal in the White House is predicted the unbridled power to control. to turn our lives upside down. Critics fear Two recent incidents added to the an expanded police structure could further growing calls for local control of the St. erode accountability.

Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

The people have spoken. No more Police overtime exploded from $5.5 money for an overfunded police departmillion in 2012 to $25 million in 2025. ment in a city that is decreasing in popuAt the top of the list of highest-paid lation but increasing in collective rage. police personnel was Sgt. Frank Russo.

Bearing witness after the storm

By Jamala Rogers

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nities.” And in that truth, there is responsibility.

That responsibility has been carried forward by individuals like Pamela WestMay arrives with a memory in its brooks-Hodge, a direct descendant of bones.

For many of us in St. Louis, this month Celia who is president of the Celia Newdoes not simply open into spring—it pulls som Legacy Foundation and a leading us back. Back to May 16. Back to the sky voice in preserving her legacy. As Westbrooks-Hodge has shared in reflection, that shifted, the wind that roared, and the “This story is not just about what was unsettling quiet that followed. The anniversary of last year’s tornado sits with us. done to Celia—it is about her humanity, her resistance, and our responsibility to Not always loudly, but persistently—in make sure she is remembered fully and our bodies, in our neighborhoods, in the truthfully.” Her work reminds us that spaces where something once stood and remembrance is not passive; it is an act of now does not. restoration.

And yet, if we are honest, this is not Celia Day, then, is not just about one unfamiliar ground. woman. It is a moment of public reflecAs Black people, we have always tion—an honoring of the countless others known what it means to live in the whose names we may never know, but aftermath—of storms both natural and whose lives were shaped by the same viomanmade. We know how to stand in the lence and injustice. It is a call to rememwreckage and still imagine a future. We ber and to tell the truth about Missouri’s know how to rebuild not only homes, but history as a slaveholding border spirit. Not only structures, but state with a statewide system of meaning. enslavement, where freedom was Recently I had the honor of contested and oppression was standing inside the Missouri embedded in law, economy, and History Museum to introduce a daily life. program centered on the life and And that is where May meets legacy of Celia Newsom. Her us now. story is one that refuses to sit Between memory and declaquietly in the past. Enslaved in ration.

Missouri’s Little Dixie slave belt, Between what tried to break repeatedly abused, and denied us and what continues to build autonomy over her own body, Columnist us.

Celia resisted. For that, she was Lyah B. The tornado disrupted lives. tried, convicted, and executed.

LeFlore-Ituen It displaced families. It altered More than a century later, landscapes. But it also revealed through the work of descendants, something deeply familiar: our capacity to advocates, and historians, the state of show up for one another. In its aftermath, Missouri issued a posthumous pardon. we saw neighbors become first respondBut a pardon does not erase injustice. It ers, churches become sanctuaries, and names it. It forces us to confront what community rise where systems fell short. was always there.

That is legacy.

As Cicely Hunter, African American That is inheritance.

History Initiative (AAHI) Public HistoriThat is what connects us to Celia—not an, reflects, “Celia’s story brings together only her suffering, but her resistance. Not childhood, motherhood, and resistance under the brutal institution of slavery. She only her story, but the fact that it did not end with her. was a young girl navigating the trauma So this May, we hold both truths. The of enslavement and repeated abuse while CMYK-7-37-95-0 weight and the will. The grief and the also bearing the weight of motherhood.

CMYK-36-80-93-51 grit.

Yet even within these constraints, Celia CMYK -Because 0-8-100-04 resilience is not the absence of resisted and was punished by death for fear—it is the decision to move forward it.” anyway.

CMYK7-37-95-0 We are called not just to remember May is not just a reminder of what we Celia, but to understand what her life have endured. reveals. “Celia’s story challenges us It is a declaration of who we have to look directly at the darker truths of always been. enslavement,” Hunter writes, “not as disWe rise. tant history, but as lived experience that shaped real lives, families, and commuBy Lyah B. LeFlore-Ituen, Missouri Historical Society

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • •JANUARY -24, 27, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH MARCH 4121-- -10, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • APRIL 18 7, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 19 - 25, 2022 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • •JANUARY -24, 27, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH MARCH 4121-- -10, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • APRIL 18 7, 2021 ST.ST. LOUIS MAY197- -25, 13,2022 2026 LOUISAMERICAN AMERICAN ••MAY

NEWSPAPER IN NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPERIN IN NEWSPAPER IN NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION NEWSPAPERIN IN EDUCATION EDUCATION NEWSPAPER Planting the Seeds for Success!

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Staying Staying Active Warm Up Staying Active Warm Up (Naturally) & Active DoCool This.

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Down First Summer!

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Spring! > > No Slip No Smart Bullies Sliding Slip > Smart Bullies Away...

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Healthy Kids

EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION

PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT:

Planting Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

The The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips onon nutrition, provides provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips nutrition, exercise exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more.

Healthcare Careers

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH 6 - 12, 2025

A13

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

B9

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

Questions or comments? Contact us at nie@stlamerican.com or 314-533-8000 Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students Salem Students Aariyah Valente-Heine Thompson and at andStudents Luca Lane, in American’s Savannah Fisher, in Ms.The Nikki Binion’s Summer Ms. Stovall’s first3rdScience grade class grade at Gateway atclass Jackson Parkwork Academy MSTElementary Elementary in teams to work together School, are learning how to School, discover the

SCIENCE STARS SCIENCE STARS SCIENCE STARSMeterologist African American

Reaching for the Stars: William (Bill) Parker grew up Jeanette Jones Astrophysicist Jedidah Isler in New Orleans. He graduated AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR: William “Bill” Parker

construct a series acircuit. to construct bridge to many different Photo support

by Ms. Stovall a heavy object computer using index cards, rubber programming bands, and tape. languages.

Photo by Nikki Binion

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

SCIENCE CORNER

Hurricanes

SCIENCE CORNER SCIENCE CORNER What Are Stars?

What Are Fungi?

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Make Your Own Hurricane!

A hurricane forms over tropical and Hurricanes can last a few several sky, kind of like “connect the dots.”

They are hours usuallyornamed subtropical ocean water. Warm water and days.

Most hurricanes occur during the after mythological characters, people, animals and objects. cool, moist air combine to create strong fall months.

How can you stay safe?

Have The stars shine both day and night. However, during winds that can gust up to 200 miles per plan and anSun) emergency kit the an day,evacuation the brightest star (the makes the Fungi are organisms made of filaments (called leaves, stems, or roots.

Fungi use spores to hour! Did These winds create waves that prepared.

Meteorologists can track these sky so bright that the other stars appear dim. you know that stars are actually hyphe) that are stacked together. Unlike One common type the of fungus bring large the storm shore. storms andwhen keep you informed.

Atreproduce. night, the sky is dark, other is balls on of gas thatHurricanes give off light? plants, fungi do not have chlorophyll, so thecan mushrooms youcan findsee on about your pizza. are very destructive.

They can flip cars, stars be seen.

You 3,000 Stars vary in their size, color, and For more hurricane facts, they cannot make their own food. Some Mold, yeasts, and mildew are also types sink boats, uproot trees, and demolish stars with your naked eye, but you can see brightness. A star can be red, orange, visit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ fungi are parasites, which mean they live of fungus. houses. billions of stars with powerful telescopes. yellow, white, or blue. The surface sciencefacts/weather/hurricane.html. off of other organisms.

Some fungi feed More Information, Go to: temperature, which is determined FunIFor Fact: In addition to powerful winds, hurricanes bring a lot of rain. off of dead and decaying matter. Fungi are Learning Standards: can read nonfiction text for main https://kids.kiddle.co/Fungus by age and mass, impacts the color The prefix “astro” means “star” in the (Taiwaneverywhere received 114 inches of rain inincluding three days during a in the environment, idea and supporting details. of the star.

Stars go through many Greek language.

Learning Standards: I can hurricane.)

These rains can cause the soil, lakes, river and seas,landslides air, and and flash floods. stages in their lifetime. Fungi Some (plural of the of readMore nonfiction text to gain background on plants and animals.

For Information, Visit: names for these stages are Nebula, Red information about fungi. fungus) help organic matter to decay and release carbon and https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/ Giant, White Dwarf,Unlike Neutron oxygenSupernova, into the environment. plants, fungi do not have Learning Standard: I can read nonfiction text Star and even Black Holes. A constellation is a to find main ideaContinue and supporting create a watertight seal. taping 1details. to 2 inches above and In thisgroup experiment, you’ll create replica shape in the of stars that makes an aimaginary below the seam. of a hurricane and identify how the forces Grow ing Mold! work together to create a hurricane. t Hold the bottles by the middle and lift the jugs.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

t Forturn five the days, measure the centimeters of bottle mold is In this experiment, you will learn how mold grows best.Tw Twbottles inkle Little Star!

Materials Needed: yinkle Quickly, over sosquare that the water-filled on each piece of bread through the bag.

Use a grid, Mold is an important fungus that has several uses, including 2 Soda Bottles 3 Paper Clips on top.

Set the bottles on the table again.

• • if possible, or a ruler. If mold covers more than half a breaking down dead•organic Some purified molds are ¼ C. Sand Funnelmaterial.

• 3 Peanuts • Placethe thewater starsasonittop of the cardboard. ur Observe drains into the bottle below. The water Didactually you know stars can shine fortouptreat to 10 billion square centimeter, it is counted as one full centimeter. used as an antibiotic illnesses.

Duct Tape • Water • competes with the air from the empty bottle.

Both substances years? In this experiment, you will find out why t Place glass on top the cardboard and turn off If it isthe less, it isbowl counted as of 0 centimeters.

This will give Materials Needed: push to pass through the neck. stars seem to “twinkle.”

Procedure: the lights. you the area of mold on each slice of bread • 3 slices of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags i Turn the bottles over again. This time, shake the bottles in a Materials Needed: q Fill one bottle with the paperclips, peanuts y Shine on the bowl.

At the endthe of aflashlight week (5 days of measuring) or longer, use • 10x10 square centimeter grid • Ruler circular motion. Be sure to keep the bottles vertical. and sand.

These represent the debris and help Aluminum Foil • Medium-sized Box your final results to say what percentage of theto bread u Tap the bowl and see what happens the make the movement water easier Glass Bowl •ofFlashlight o The water willwas form a vortex as it drains theornext bottle.

• Process: • to see. in mold. ainto table graph to starscovered when the waterMake moves. q Wet oneinslice of breadofenough to make The water will flow along the the outside of the neck, while air moves Scissors w Place the funnel the mouth the bottle display information.

Analyze: do the foil to it moist andbottle place until it in aitbag.

Seal the quickly up through the center ofWhen the vortex.

Thestars waterappear will drain and pour water into the is 3/4 Procedure: Discussion Questions: How much twinkle? Why? When you shine light on much faster. bag very full, then remove the tightly. funnel. mold was on thewhile bread?water Which location the q Fill the glass bowl 2/3 aluminum is moving, Analyze: How did water create a hurricane? wfull Place the twobottle other upside slices of dry e Turn the second hadand theair most mold?

Which had theair least? withempty water and set it light travels through the and bread in two bags and down and hold it over theseparate first bottle can you draw about the Learning Standards:What I canconclusions follow sequential directions to aside. makes the aluminum stars twinkle. seal them, as bottle well. are so that the mouths of the conditions in which mold grows?

How can complete an experiment.

I can make observations and draw When the star light moves through we Cutbottles a piecewill of cardboard aligned.

The look like manufacturers and restaurant owners Place the bag with the wet slice of conclusions. Earth’sfood atmosphere at night, the air it passes from the box.

Make sure it is an hourglass.bread and one of the bags with a use this information to help them? through makes the star light appear to twinkle. big enough to fit underneath the bowl. dry slice of bread in a dark place, r Tape the seam, pressing LearningI can Standards: I can follow Learning Standards: follow directions to complete a etape Cutsuch small pieces aluminum foil and shape them into as to a closedofcabinet or closet. the duct firmly sequential directions to complete an experiment. procedure. I can analyze and compare results. stars.

I can display my results, make observations, and draw rlittle Place the third bag with a dry slice conclusions. of bread in the refrigerator.

MATH CONNECTION

Math Storms!

MATH CONNECTION How Canof 48You$115,264 Run?in damage, City B reported X has grown to haveFar wind speeds

MATH CONNECTION z A hurricane has moved 456 miles in Graph miles perAnalyzing hour. How much fastera willBar the $236,096 and City C reported $436,869 Telescopes help people see

Seanwas runs 143.23 6 hours. How many miles per hour is have to become for Tropical Storm in damages.r What the total meters cost a long distance away.

Solve and graphs winds in 40 seconds.

Robert runs Scientists often use______ tables to display the results Discussion Questions: Which day had the most measured the hurricane traveling?

If it X to become Hurricane X? ______ of damages rounded to the nearest these words problems aboutat these displays, you can draw 97.92 meters in the same of their research.

Looking rainfall?

Which day(s) had the least?

Looking at bar graph, continues to travel at that speed, how thousand? ______ If the state and distance. conclusions. time.

How much further what might you conclude about rain patterns in March/April?

Upon landfall of a Category 4 far will it travel in 10 hours? ______ federal government promised $500,000 Sean run than Robert?

What other make? qAsIfwe weapproach are running at weather (and increased spring rain), create a ordered hurricane, local officials an observations can youdid in aid, how much would the local ________________ people a speed of 9 that milesdisplays per Hurricane Frederick is traveling at 86 of evacuation. bar graph the amount rain that fallsCity for several LearningofStandards: I can use a bar graph to display A has a population have to raise by themselves? ______ hour and we run foror 2.5 consecutive days weeks.is(Day inches,City Day B2:has 0 inches, miles per hour.

If the hurricane 129 1: 1.59,613, t Taratoruns 8 laps around and the information.

I can use the information make deductions a population of 5,013 hours, far did weetc.) run? hours Daythe 3:how 1.5 inches, track.

If she ran a total of 944 inferences. miles from coast, how many Learning Standards: I can add, and City C has a population of 3,972. ____________ yards, what is the perimeter of will it takeRAINFALL until theMEASURE hurricane reaches How many people were evacuated in all? subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a the track? ____________ w I walk 3,000 meters on Saturday. On Sunday, I walk twice as the coast? ______ problem. ______ 5 far. How far did I walk this weekend? ____________ Learning Standards: 4 A tropical takes on ameters. hurricane cantheir add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

Afterand citizens returnedI to e The storm mountain is 700 I walk halfway twist my 3 the winds reach 74 miles per statusankle. when How far did I get? _________ houses after the evacuation, reports of 2 three days, Tropical Storm hour. After damage were totaled. City A reported 1 S M T W Th F S

Jeanette Jones was born from JFK High School, on September 19, 1950, in which focused on math, science, Have you Georgia. ever looked up Fort Valley, Jones at the won- was andnight engineering.

Parker graduated fromsky Fortand Valley dered what’s in out there? For Stateinterested University in hurricanes 1972 with at Jedidah Isler, that question a youngdegree age, but he became aturned bachelor’s in biology into a powerful interested in the weather education.

In 1973, Jones career. aishigh school statistics received master’s degree in Dr. after Islerher a young African botany and mycology (a branch class.

In this class, he learned American astrophysicist who studies some of the most of biology that studies how to predict thefungi) chance of mysterious objects in space, from The Ohio State University. rain. Parker wanted to attend black holes.

Astrophysics is In 1976, she received her a historically black college/ the science of understanding doctorate (Ph.D.) degree. university (HBCU), so he chose Jackson State University how the universe works, to She alsometeorology. studied at the University of Nevada, thebachelor’s University degree, study He graduated with his including stars, planets, galofinCalifornia Medical School, the National Center for Disease 1994.and axies, even things we cannot see. Dr. Isler focuses Control-Atlanta, and theare Massachusetts Institute Technology. on blazars, which super bright areasofpowered by

In 1993, he began to gain experience in the field when he

giant black holes at the of galaxies.

After graduation, Alabama A&Mcenter University hired Jones as an worked as up, a student meteorologist.

One later,who he was a Growing Dr. Isler didn’t always seeyear people assistant biology professor.

In 1986, she served as an adjunct meteorologist intern at Shreveport.

Indidn’t 1998, Parker became lookedinlike in science.

Butand that stop her.

She professor the her College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical aloved general forecaster, and curious, ten yearsand later,worked a lead forecaster. learning, stayed hard in Services at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University school.

Shebecame earned her Ph.D. in astrophysics from Yale In 2012, he warning and worked on a projectawith NASA.coordination In 1991, Jonesmeteorologist served as University, becoming the first African American woman (WCM).

Therevice arepresident only 122ofpeople with this title in the United the tofirst dofemale so at that school. research and development States, and Parker was the only African American.

Parker is at Dr. Alabama A&M University.

She also served as President of how Isler’s work helps scientists better understand currently the meteorologist-in-charge (MIC) at the National Alabama Faculty from 2001 to 2006. black A&M holesUniversity’s behave and howSenate energy moves through Service, leading team 26 weather professionals.

InWeather 1992, she wasthough appointed toathe U.S.ofArmy Science Board by space.

Even black holes are invisible, scientists can study the light and energy around the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Togo West.

Since 2004 Jones Parker is also very active them.the Thisdirector helpsofusthe learn more has Center for Biomedical, Behavioral, asbeen a volunteer in his about the universe and how it A&M University. She and Environment Research at Alabama community.

He time. is a member changes over also worked as a consultant with federal agencies to help them of theDr. Shreveport-Bossier But Isler does more than develop training programs to attract women and minorities to just research.

She is also Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast STEM education about and careers. passionate helping Executive Committee, La

other youngwas people, InCima 1975,Bilingual Jones listed inespethe World’s Women’s Who’s Who Leadership cially students of Outstanding color, see Young Woman of America and she was named Academy, BossieranChamber themselves in Beta science.

SheBiological created aHonor Society inof 1978.

Beta Beta National Commerce Education program called “Vanguard: Con-award. Jones also awarded her the distinguished Committee, forofservice versations Volunteers with Women Color in received the Significant Service Award from the NASA Space Youth Justice, a coachcan learn from STEM,” whereand students Lifescientists Sciences Training Program and the Extramural Associate who share for Bossier Parks and their experiences Research Development Award from the National Institute of and challenges.

Recreation.

Parker is also Health.

In and 2006, was named Woman of the Year Dr. Isler1990 believes thatshe science belongs an associate minister at Elizabeth Baptist Church at to Alabama A&M University and was given the everyone. She encourages studentsOutstanding to ask inquestions, Benton, where he been serving stay and never give up on their since Leadership Award by curious, thehas Faculty Senate.

Thethe U.S.congregation Army 1997. dreams,Jones eventhe if Commander’s they don’t see many people like thempresented Award for Outstanding selves in that field yet.

Civilian Service as a member of the Army Science Parker believes in serving as a role model toBoard. the youth and to So the next time you look up at the stars, remember:

recruiting African in the STEM field.

Personally, Discussion Questions: received many awards someone like youAmericans couldDr.beJones studying them one day. he

hashonors. hired three African-American meteorologists.

In addition, and How would you describe her achievements and he hasDiscussion recruitedtominorities summer intern how positions. her contributions science?

Dr.forJones is studying ELA Questions: Parker hasbealso mentored High School for fungi might used as agentsan of Airline war. What purpose dostudent you What does Dr.inJedidah Isler study, and why is herorwork think fungi serve modern warfare?

Are fungi beneficial his senior project.

Parker’s advice to students interested in important tois understanding harmful? meteorology to take as many the mathuniverse? and science classes

as possible.

Learn about summer in your Learning I can read aopportunities biography to learn about How did Standards: Dr. Isler’s experiences growing up influence

Iftoyou are interested in meteorology, visitinNational ancommunity.

African American who hasother madestudents contributions in science, her efforts support interested Weather Serviceor offices and serve as a volunteer or intern, and math, technology, engineering. science? find leaders in your community to serve as your personal role What is Chavonda’s role at the USDA? models.

Learning Standards: I can read about

MAP CORNER MAP CORNER

a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, Use the newspaper Use the newspaper to complete the to complete following these activities: activities: Enjoy these activities

MAP CORNER

Types of News: Activity One that you—get Use thehelp front

Create an to know your St. section of Ad: the Create newspaper Louisa American newspaper to evaluate employment ad forstories jobs newspaper. the types of news that existedlocal, during presented: national, Activities — and international. specific Sort theperiods Who works where? Find in America’s articles into the three categoriespast and (1800s, create a bar graph that a picture of a building in etc.). the Identify the skills needed, 1950s,the displays amount of coverage each type newspaper and educational tell what kind requirements, salary range, of news story received. of jobs people who workthe in that building and benefits that reflect appropriate Mystery Story: Cut out several could have. time period. pictures from the newspaper without Problem and— Solution: Over a period Activity reading the Two caption.

Place the pictures of weeks, clip articles from newspapers in aor bag, and without Pakistan looking, pick your Cooperation Conflict? that withfrom problems and issues mystery picture the bag.

That’s With your classmates, use the deal India facing yourfor local or county government. your stimulus writing.

Construct a newspaper to find a story about Discuss the reasonstofor thesethe problems graphic organizer identify 5Ws and cooperation between two County or conflict how thewhat, government hopes solveofthem. (who, when, where, andtowhy) countries.

Draw conclusions about mocrats Light from the Sun reaches Earth in De Chinese have been using There are over your story by looking at your picture.

Then, the regional differences or similarities around 8 minutes.

Learning Standards: accept $2M the bracket fungus in 10,000 species of continue the writing language, process. or political (religion, resources, I can use the newspaper to locate their medicines for 4,500election grant mold, with 1,000 Hurricane Katrina 90,000 do not form particularly The Sun is largeaffected enough approximately The core of the Sun is 15 Hurricanes The Moon orbits Earth atIf a hurricane If youiscould stand on the beliefs) thatStandards: might lead to cooperation conflict.

Learning years. information.

I can or discuss problems and

x

c

b

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

Alexander Fleming usedstates. a type ofIt has been the of those species square multiple within 300 miles of the the name will be you’d formiles Earthacross to fit inside the million degrees Centigrade a velocity of about 1 km/damaging,surface of the Sun, mold fungus to Chinese caterpillar fungus in roughly the United costliest tocreate date, the withdrug $81.2 in million degrees equator found because there isas fast as apermanently retired so that is do Sun ahurricane million times.

— billion that’s 27 sec, weigh 28 times whatityou has been used for fatigue penicillin, which is now used to Penicilllin States. property damage and overall damageFahrenheit. amounts of mold no Coriolis Effect at the not used again.

Five hurricane rifle bullet. onand Earth! cancer treatment. commonly grows on fruit treat illness. more than $100 billion. equator. names were retired in 2005.

This special Newspaper In Education initiative is made possible, and delivered to classrooms through the St. Louis American Foundation and its NIE Corporate Partners:

Content—Jennifer Content—JenniferWirthwein• Wirthwein Design—Beth Sharpe • Design—

v

I can use theStandards: newspaper to locate information.

I can of jobs. I can Learning solutions.

I can identify types andasummarize that information.

Icategorize can write for specific purpose and audience.

I can identify make text-to-world connections. cooperation and conflict and the causes of each.

MentalHealth AWARENESS B10 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 – 13, 2026

Sponsored Content

Helping navigate landscape of mental health care CSF created new tool that connects families with the right supports

Provided by St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund The St. Louis region has an extraordinary network of mental and behavioral health resources for children, youth, and families. But for many caregivers, teachers, and even seasoned professionals, figuring out CSF has where to start can feel overwhelming. investso many proed more With grams and providthan $550 ers, families often million find themselves in men- asking the same question: Where do tal and we begin? behavioral That’s why the health St. Louis County services Children’s Service for kids Fund (CSF) created the FindAService and their Tool—an easy, families in welcoming resource St. Louis designed to help County. families navigate the landscape of mental health care and connect with the right supports at the right time.

CSF is the largest children’s service fund in Missouri. Since its creation in 2008 through a voter-approved quartercent sales tax, CSF has invested more than $550 million in mental and behavioral health services for kids and their families in St. Louis County. Through partnerships with 100+ community organizations, CSF supports programs ranging from respite care and counseling to transitional housing and specialized services.

Available at stlcsf.org/findaservice/, the Find-A-Service Tool features an interactive map showing CSFfunded providers across St. Louis County and the metro region. Red dots indicate com-

BLACK MEN CONFRONT GROWING LONELINESS EPIDEMIC

For Black men, loneliness is often compounded by cultural expectations and systemic barriers.

By Laura Onyeneho Houston Defender James Pierre X remembers the moment his father apologized for crying.

The lesson was immediate and unspoken. Men do not show emotion. Men endure.

“A man doesn’t cry,” his father told him.

He was reinforcing a belief that shaped how he navigated manhood. X learned to build what he calls “dams,” blocking emotional rivers before they surfaced.

Years later, he said he realized the mask he was wearing had become too heavy. So he burned it.

His story reflects what health experts now identify as a growing male loneliness epidemic, a pattern of emotional isolation and social disconnection that is quietly affecting men across the country.

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a national advisory declaring loneliness and social isolation a public health crisis. The report found that chronic loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and premature death.

Researchers concluded the health impact can rival smoking up to 15

See Loneliness, B12

See CSF, B11

Treating mental health can lower maternal mortality mate New American Heart Association guidelines link mental health to cardiovascular issues that can lead to pregnancy complications — including death.

Linking cardiovascular and mental health to childbirth, the American Heart Association is recommending that doctors include psychological screening for new and expectant mothers to help reduce the nation’s disturbingly high maternal mortality rate.

The guidelines, which the AHA issued Tuesday, also call for adding a behavioral health specialist to

a patient’s overall maternal care team. Paying attention to a patient’s mental health, they say, can help with everything from preeclampsia — a common, potentially deadly childbirth complication — to postpartum depression.

While maternal, cardiovascular and psychological health don’t seem to align, the AHA believes the connection is the key

to lowering the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage or death. Data shows Black women are far more likely to die during childbirth as white women.

Guidance for clinicians “It’s critical that we redefine maternal cardio-

See Maternal, B12

Mental Health Awareness

MAY 7 – 13, 2026

HBCUs boost student mental health and resilience

B11

A new report finds that Black students at predominantly Black schools have better wellbeing overall.

By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black Despite consistently making do with fewer resources and far smaller endowments than their white peers, a new study finds students at historically Black colleges and universities have better overall mental health and show significantly stronger resilience compared to their peers nationwide.

The study, conducted jointly by the United Negro College Fund’s Institute for Capacity Building, the Healthy Minds Network and The Steve Fund, finds that, 45% of HBCU students report “flourishing” mental health compared to 36% in national samples of all colleges and 38% among Black students at predominantly white institutions.

“This research confirms what we’ve long understood about the unique power of HBCUs to

CSF Continued from B10 munitybased services; blue dots show schoolbased providers. Families and professionals can search by service type, school district, individual school, or provider name—or simply explore by scrolling through neighborhoods.

nurture not just academic achievement, but holistic well-being among HBCU students,” says Michael Lomax, UNCF president and CEO. “Even with fewer resources than our peers, these institutions create environments where students are affirmed and celebrated, fostering remarkable mental resilience despite significant socio-economic challenges,” Lomax said.

The Healthy Minds Network researches issues affecting adolescent and young adult mental health.

It conducts the Healthy Minds Study, which surveys post-secondary students about their mental health.

The Steve Fund is a nonprofit organization focused on transforming educational, organizational, and workplace environments to support the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.

“The function of CSF is to provide funding and support for our incredible partners, but our mission goes deeper,” said Emily Koenig, Executive Director of CSF. “We want to make sure the right kid finds the right service at the right time. Beyond funding, one of the most important ways we can do that is by helping connect families to the services

Getty Images

Researchers found that nearly 80% of HBCU students believe their institutions prioritize mental well-being, compared to 73% of Black students at PWIs. Researchers examined mental health indicators among 2,504 students across 16 HBCUs and two predominantly Black

institutions during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years.

They found that nearly 80% of HBCU students be-

available to them.”

down.

To make the search experience even smoother, here are a few simple ways to navigate the tool:

• Try the school search.

Parents, caregivers, and educators often find it helpful to filter by school or district to see which providers are already connected to their child’s educational environment.

• Browse through CSF’s funded services via the “select a service” drop-

• Take a moment to explore. Browsing the map by neighborhood can help

Tips for getting the most out of the FindAService Tool

lieve their institutions prioritize mental well-being, compared to 73% of Black students at PWIs. And 8 in 10 HBCU students report having a strong sense of belonging within their campus community, versus 73% nationally and 72% for Black students at PWIs. HBCU students also exhibit rates of anxiety, substance use disorders and eating disorders that are significantly lower than the national average, according to the report.

Moreover, 74% of HBCU students were significantly less likely to keep negative feelings to themselves when feeling sad, the report found, compared to 86% of Black students at PWIs. Among Black adults, rates of depression increased from 9% in 20132016 to 21% in 2023 and rates of anxiety increased from 6% in 2018 to 27% in 2023. For the overall population depression rates

among women increased from 10% to 23%, while rates among men similarly increased from 5.5% to 22% during the same timeframe.

The U.S. has been grappling with a mental health crisis in recent years, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide since the COVID pandemic.

Nearly one in five adults experience a mental illness issue each year, according to a 2023 report from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of teens and young adults found that 42% of high school students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, and nearly 1 in 5 seriously considered attempting suicide.

you discover services you may not have considered.

quickly narrow results.

Finding mental and behavioral health care shouldn’t be stressful.

CSF’s Find-A-Service Tool helps families take the first step towards care.

“Navigating the mental health system doesn’t have to be as hard as it often feels,” Koenig said. “The FindAService Tool helps make it easier for families to get connected.”

• Click on provider dots. Each dot opens a snapshot of the organization and its offerings, making it easy to compare options.

• Mix and match filters.

Combining two search options—like service type and school district—can

B12

Lonliness Continued from B10 cigarettes a day.

But what exactly is the loneliness epidemic?

The male loneliness epidemic is a growing, serious public health crisis characterized by a sharp rise in men reporting a lack of close friendships, emotional support, and meaningful social connections.

Licensed therapist Katherine Barner explains that loneliness is not simply being alone. It is the distress that comes from feeling unseen, emotionally unsupported, or discon-

Maternal Continued from B10 vascular health to include psychological health because there is robust evidence on the association of psychological health with cardiovascular outcomes,” said Dr. Garima Sharma, director of preventive cardiology and women’s cardiovascular health at Inova Schar Heart and Vascular in Fairfax, Virginia. Sharma chaired the AHA writing group that produced the statement, which appears in a Go Red for Women® spotlight issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Along with the recommendation, he says, it’s important to provide “guidance to clinicians on how to integrate psychological health screening into the perinatal period and focus on providing a holistic approach with the mind and heart interconnection.”

As with the overall U.S. population, car-

Mental Health Awareness nected from meaningful Cultural conditioning relationships. plays a significant role for “Many of the Black Black men. men I work with are “Black boys are often surrounded by socialized to people,” Barner suppress vulnerasaid. “They have bility very early,” families, jobs, and Barner said. responsibilities.

“They are praised But internally, for being tough they feel like no and corrected for one really knows being tender. Over them.” time, that supBarner said pression becomes social isolation automatic.”

Katherine refers to having Kwesi Barner few relationships Dreams is a or limited contact Houston-based with others. Loneliness, community leader who however, is emotional. creates safe spaces for A person can be married, Black men and boys to employed, and active in explore identity, masculinchurch, yet still feel deeply ity, and emotional health. disconnected.

Through poetry gatherings,

diovascular issues, like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, are the leading cause of maternal deaths. The maternal mortality rate in the United States is two to three times higher than estimates from other high-income countries, and has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rate for Black women is even worse, at 2.6 times higher than white women.

Just over half of all women of childbearing age report having a history of mental health issues. Roughly 4 in 10 women in marginalized groups experience anxiety or depression during and after pregnancy.

Research shows that depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of maternal mortality in the U.S., associated with pregnancy complications and poor, long-term cardiovascular health.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and interventions, such as antidepressants and other medications, can be used to improve

long-term maternal health outcomes.

“Pregnancy is an important time of life from a health perspective,” says Sharma. “However, it is not known how many health care professionals understand the connection between the mind and heart and routinely screen and optimize psychological health during the perinatal period.”

“Screening for psychological health before, during, and after pregnancy should be used alongside screening for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and other modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” he says.

Social factors such as a person’s living conditions, traumatic events, and combating daily stress affect mental health, which may show up as negative health behaviors, ranging from having a poor diet or not sleeping or exercising regularly to smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol or using prescription or illegal drugs.

discussion circles, and firsthand after graduating one-on-one mentorship, he from college and losing works to dismantle what he the daily brotherhood he calls inherited emotional had built on campus. That silence. was the first time “We’re taught he experienced what not to be the loneliness before we’re ever epidemic. It felt taught what to like graduation, be,” Dreams said. then real life, “To be a man is with no transition separate from whatsoever. being human.”

He described He describes struggling to the phenomenon adjust to the disKwesi as emotional castance from close Dreams tration beginning friends and the in boyhood. Boys abrupt shift into learn quickly that softness adulthood. is punished. Isolation be“We gotta be real with comes framed as elevation, ourselves to say, I am hurtthe lone provider, the stoic ing, I am in pain,” he said. protector.

“I believe that my brothers He experienced it can help me to get through

MAY 7 – 13, 2026 this pain.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates among Black males have risen significantly over the past decade, with notable increases among Black boys and young adults. While overall suicide rates remain higher among white men, experts note that Black men are less likely to access mental health treatment.

Barner said stigma is one of the biggest barriers.

“There is still a perception that therapy is weakness,” she said.

“For Black men especially, admitting emotional pain can feel like risking respect.”

Envato photo

Research shows that depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of maternal mortality in the U.S., associated with pregnancy complications and poor, long-term cardiovascular health.

MAY 7 – 13, 2026

Mental Health Awareness

B13

THE THE

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ St. Louis american B14

Career Center ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

NOTICE REGARDING TREATMENT COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY TO ALL ATTORNEYS RESIDING IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI The Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, announces that it is soliciting candidates for the position of Treatment Court Commissioner of the Circuit Court of St. Louis County.

A majority of the Circuit and Associate Circuit Judges will make the appointment for a term of (4) years, at an annual salary of an associate circuit judge, payable by the State of Missouri, pursuant to RSMo §478.003.

Missouri law requires the Treatment Court Commissioner(s) to possess the same qualifications as an associate circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state, residents of St. Louis County, Missouri, at least twenty-five years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See RSMo Chapter 478).

Questionnaires and Candidate Instructions may be obtained by sending a resume and cover letter to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov.

Completed questionnaires must be submitted in writing to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@ courts.mo.gov on or before May 18, 2026.

The appointment is scheduled to take place upon a vote of the majority of the Circuit and Associate Judges en banc on or about June 10, 2026. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

REQUEST FOR BIDS Hankins Construction Co. is requesting bids from MBE/WBE/SDVE/DBE Subcontractors and Suppliers for our proposal on the Saint Louis Public Schools Central Visual Performing Arts / Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience North Vestibule Entrance Project. A diversity goal of 25% MBE and 5% WBE has been established for this project. To access the bid documents, or if you have any questions, please email/call Nicole at Office@HankinsMidwest.com / 314-426-7030. Please submit bids to Bids@HankinsMidwest.com by 3:00 PM on 5/7/2026. Hankins Construction Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

•

THETHE

St. Louis american

MAY 7 - 13, 2026

PROFESSIONAL PARK MASTER The City of Velda City Mo. seeks professional Park Master Planning Services. Please contact Velda City for more details by 4pm May 8th, 2026.

QUALITY ENGINEER Purem Novi, Inc. seeks a Quality Engineer in St. Louis, MO. Qualified candidates must have a Bach deg or foreign equiv. + 2 years exp. Email resumes to Kaylie. bradley@purem.com

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Domestic & Heating Loop, Infrastructure, Charleston, MO. Project No. C2516-01 will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 4, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

Bids for OA-FMDC, Remodel Space State of MO will have a REBID for Print Shop project X2410Utilization at 01 for New Scruggs Station Sites/Cabins & Warehouse in Site Repairs/ Jefferson City, Renovs, State Project No. Park, Lagrange, O2544-01, will MO. Project No. be received by X2410-01 that FMDC, State of will be open MO, UNTIL for public bid 1:30 PM, June in the month 9, 2026. Project of May. When released, bid information documents will available at: be available at: http://oa.mo. http://oa.mo. gov/facilities gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Bids for Repair to Historic Structure at J. Huston Tavern, Arrow Rock State The Missouri Historical Historic Site, Society is actively hiring Project No. for the following positions: X2501-01, will Exhibitions Fabricatorbe received Part Time Director of

by FMDC, Exhibitions- Full Time State of MO, Housekeeper- Full Time UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 2, Please visit: 2026. Project https://www. information paycomonline.net/v4/ats/ available at: web.php/portal/ http://oa.mo.

E998F425DE7F6E gov/facilities

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY CURRENT JOB OPENINGS!

8DDE1C5D212F5D 1D9D/career-page for position details and to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Great Rivers Greenway is hiring a Civic Engagement Manager Go to greatriversgreenway. org/careers/ for information and apply.

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Hankins Construction Co. is requesting that subcontractors who employ qualified Section 3 employee(s) submit bids in accordance with Section 3 requirements for the Saint Louis Housing Authority/ Al Chappelle Community Center Roof & HVAC Replacement. To access the bid documents, or if you have any questions, please email/call Nicole at Office@HankinsMidwest. com /314-426-7030. Please submit bids to Bids@ HankinsMidwest.com by 3:00 PM on 5/22/2026.

Hankins Construction Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Bids for Bids for Rebid Improvements Replace Campground to HVAC/ Concrete Loop 5 – Chiller, Troop Driveway at Eelectrical C Service Higginsville Improvements, Center, Park Veterans Project No. Hills Project Cemetery, X2204-04 will No. R2515-01 Project No. be received will be U2603-01, will

by FMDC, received be received State of MO,

by FMDC,

by FMDC, UNTIL 1:30 State of MO, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/28/26.

UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 14, PM, June 4, Project infor2026. Project 2026. Project mation availinformation information able at: http:// available at: available at: oa.mo.gov/ http://oa.mo. http://oa.mo. facilities gov/facilities gov/facilities

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ St. Louis american THE

B15

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.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for the ARSCRS2 Improvement Program, Package 3 project, St. Louis County Project No. AR/CR-1941 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 June 3, 2026.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for the Hanley Road – Laclede Station Road Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR- 1819, Federal Project No. ST-5613(610) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at: https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx until 2:00 p.m. on June 3, 2026.

Plans and specifications will be available on May 4, 2026 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.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT ST. LOUIS COUNTY

WE PRINT EVERY

THURSDAY

NEWSPAPER &

ONLINE at

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT ST. LOUIS COUNTY

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

www.stlamerican.com

Plans and specifications will be available on May 4, 2026 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.

St. Louis american THE

Bids & Public Notices •

MAY 7 - 13, 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

SEALED BIDS

OA-FMDC, State of MO will have the following MO National Guard The Hazelwood School The Youth & Family Center is seeking bid proprojects that will posals for interior renovations at 818 Cass Ave. District is seeking bid be open for pubSt. Louis, MO 63106. This project involves lic bid through proposals to install select interior Demolition, renovations to September 2026, galvanized chain link HVAC, ACT Ceilings, interior painting, Gym subject to available funding. floor refinishing and replacing light fixtures. fencing with bottom When released, wire at Jamestown bid documents See Bid Documents on: theyfc.org will be available Elementary, Twillman at https://oa.mo.

Elementary, Keeven Important Dates gov/facilities/ • Mandatory Onsite Walkthrough: T2523-01 Elementary, & May 07, 2026. 9 AM CST Springfield Hazelwood East High AVCRAD• Proposals Due: May 21, 2026 2 PM CST School.

Replace Boilers • Award Announcement: May 28, 2026 Phase 2, Building 29 Submission Instructions Interested parties T2527-01 Sealed Bids are to be submitted at 818 Cass Springfield should submit their Ave. at 2p. Thursday May 21, 2026.

AVCRAD bid proposal through Repairs to Roof and Skylight Information Bidnet via the district’s Contact T2601-01 Camp • Contact Person: Michael McClain website at https://www.

Crowder Training Site-Storm hazelwoodschools.org/ • Email: mmcclain@kwamebuildinggroup.com Damage Repairs Page/2238 on or before 2025, Multiple • Company: Kwame Building Group Assets Tuesday, T2612-01 Camp May 26, 2026 not later Clark Training Site #1-Construct than 10:00 a.m.

SEALED 60-Man Barracks, BIDS Building 446 T2519-01 Chillicothe Bids for 39 North AgTech Readiness Center, SEALED SEALED Renovations to Innovation District invites USB Roof Replacement Rebid Interior/ BIDS BIDS qualified vendors to and Latrine Exterior Renovation submit proposals for Bids for Bids for T2613-01 Fort & Install furnishing services HVAC System Replace Roof Leonard Wood Emergency related to an upcoming Readiness CenterUpgrades, & Renovate AASF Door & Generator, office expansion project.

Missouri State Basement Floor Repair, Multiple Assets, We are seeking Highway Maintenance and Access, experienced partners Building Project No. Patrol, Troop Support T2413-01 capable of providing C, Weldon R2502-01will Services Jefferson Spring, be received by high-quality furniture solu- Barracks-Install Building, Missouri, Photovoltaic Solar tions, delivery, and FMDC, State of Project No. Array, Building Project No. installation services.

MO, UNTIL R2508-01 will 27 R2415-01 will T2504-03 be received 1:30 PM, be received Jefferson A complete copy of the

by FMDC, May 19, 2026.

Barracksby FMDC, Request for Proposals Readiness State of MO, Project informaState of MO, (RFP) is available Center Interior UNTIL 1:30 UNTIL 1:30 tion available Renovation (St at: https://39north Bernadette) PM, May 14, PM, 5/12/26. at: http://oa.mo. stl.org/wp-content/ T2147-01 Project infor2026. Project gov/facilities Jefferson City uploads/2026/05/RFPmation availinformation Readiness Center FURNISHINGS-1.pdf able at: http:// 2-Addition, Civil available at: Support Team oa.mo.gov/ http://oa.mo.

Building To be considered, proposfacilities gov/facilities T2038-01 als must be received no Jefferson City later than 3:00 PM CT on Readiness Center 2-Cunstruct Thursday, June 11, 2026 CST Ready Bay Addition, Hangar T2520-01 Monett Readiness Center, POV Parking Replacement T2232-01 Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Wappapello Training SiteAct, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, Construct New, 200 Soldier imitation, or Dining Facility T2504-01 discrimination because of race, color, Jefferson Barracksreligion, sex, handicap, Purchase Land & Construct new familial\status, or national origin, or Military Vehicle Compound intention to make any such T2332-01 Springfield preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will AVCRADReplace Blast Booths, not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate AVCRAD Building which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby Corrosion Control Facility informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an T2331-01 Bellefontaine equal opportunity basis.”

Neighbors Readiness Center-Repairs to Interior/Exterior, Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 Unheated Storage Building or email ahouston@stlamerican.com

Overview

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

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Religion B16

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 7 - 13, 2026

Her calling: Healing through music and medicine

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word In Black A compliment to Robin Fay Massie is certain to elicit her response of, “It’s God, or it’s the Lord.” She’s careful, as good Christians say, to give God all the praise and glory for her life.

It’s more than an affectation; it’s her entire life.

And what a life it is. She’s a full-time school nurse in Atlanta by day, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse by night and a freelance classical violaist.

As such, Massie’s life sits at the intersection of faith, caregiving, and artistry, where her work as a school nurse and professional violist becomes a single ministry rooted in service. From Baltimore to Atlanta, her journey shows how devotion to God shapes not only her calling but the way she heals, performs, and moves through the world.

Few Black Classical Musicians A freelance musician, “I perform with organizations like the Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Symphony,” she says. “I’ve also worked with groups like the Philadelphia Orchestra and National Symphony. I also do chamber music and work through the musicians’ union, which has been incredibly helpful for opportunities and support.”

The field, however, can be challenging for Black classical musicians.

A 2023 study found that Black people represented 2.4% of musicians in surveyed American

orchestras, but for string players like Massie, representation for Black string players — violin, viola, cello, and bass — is often even lower.

There has been growth, albeit slowly: the percentage of Black classical musicians increased from 1.8% in 2014 to 2.4% in 2023.

As a nurse and professional violist, Massie embodies a rare blend of artistry and service, using both as tools of healing while navigating the challenges of being a Black musician in classical spaces.

‘From the Very Beginning’ Massie’s musical journey began in Baltimore when her parents managed to get her a second-hand piano she had long coveted. ”It was just sitting in someone’s house, not being played,” she says. “It wasn’t financially easy for them, but they got it for me. And I loved playing it from the very beginning.”

Later, Massie’s musical interests migrated to the violin — her second musical love. But it was not to be: “My teacher, my mentor, said the notes I played leaned more toward the lower instrument,” the much larger viola,” she says.

That was her next musical challenge, and that’s where she remains.

Though Massie isn’t officially connected to any orchestra, some critics have become enamored of her playing. They include Michael Caruso, a Philadelphia-area journalist who reviewed one of Massie’s performances.

“Especially noteworthy was the strength of Massie’s playing,” he wrote. [Her] strongly projected and beautifully modulated brawny tone made certain that her voice would be heard.”

Photo courtesy of Robin Faye Massie

Personal Caregiving Journey Massie’s relationship with the Lord was nurtured from the beginning by her parents and has grown to be the central part of her life. Each day begins with a consultation with the Lord and orders for the day. ”Then I say, ‘O.K., let’s go to the gym,” Massie says.

Massie is divorced, but she began her transition to nursing by providing care for her then-husband. ”I knew I had to take care of him regardless of his resistance at the time. I was at peace with it even if he wasn’t,” she says.

Her next assignment was caring for her mother, who was having trouble managing diabetes.

The healing touch, Massie says, merges with her faith.

“I just want everyone I care for to know they’ve been

touched by the Lord.”

Word in Black: Tell me about your work as a nurse.

Robin Fay Massie: I believe that music and nursing, for me, are one spectrum of care, really doing God’s work. It’s ‘heart’ ministry. I knew from a young age that I wanted to help people, even before I fully understood what that meant.

It wasn’t until 2016, during a very difficult time in my life, that I stepped into nursing. My then-husband was struggling with health issues and addiction, and he became my first patient in a sense. I remember saying, ‘God, I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m going to take the next best step.’ And I did.

WIB: How did music become a profession for you?

Massie: I started piano at four years old. My parents saw that I wasn’t just playing—I was con-

AI Won’t Build Your Business for You (But It Can Make You Dangerous) Let me tell you the truth about the season I’m in: I am building a business I’ve never built before, while also trying to run it. I’m creating a ORVIN T. KIMBROUGH course, shaping Chairman and CEO, an ecosystem, Midwest BankCentre testing ideas, Author, Twice Over a Man, refining content, More Than a Conqueror, stitching systems and Ward and the State together — and none of it is neat. None of it is linear.

None of it comes with a playbook.

I’m learning as I go. I’m trying. I’m failing forward. And I’m pulling on every resource I can — including AI. But let me say something clearly: AI is not the business. AI plugs into the business.

People like to say, “Anybody can use these tools now.” And they’re right — access has been democratized. But everybody can hold the hammer; not everybody knows how to build a house.

AI is the hammer. My gift is my perspective. That’s what makes the tool powerful.

What AI does for me is accelerate what’s already inside me. It helps me organize my thinking, test my logic, challenge my assumptions, and refine my frameworks. But the wisdom? The life experience? The story? The leadership instinct? That comes from me.

Here’s how I’ve been using it: I start messy. I brain-dump. I talk. I scribble.

I give AI raw pieces of my thinking and ask simple questions: • “What’s the main idea here?”

• “Is this clear or incomplete?”

• “What’s missing?”

I don’t ask it to write for me. I ask it to sharpen me. But the real work — the leadership work — is deeper than the tool. It’s the system behind the tool.

Because when you’re building something new, you feel the waste: creating things twice, losing track of notes, chasing outdated files, forgetting the structure you used last time. And you realize it’s not about intelligence — it’s about systemization.

necting with it—so they sacrificed to get me lessons. At eight, I fell in love with the violin, and at fourteen, a mentor introduced me to the viola. The moment I played it, I knew that was it.

WIB: Now, I know you were taking care of your mom. How’s that going?

Massie: That has been a profound part of my journey.

I moved to Atlanta to care for my mom when I saw her health declining. She’s diabetic, and things weren’t well-controlled.

I left Baltimore without a job, without a plan—just trusting God. I call that my ‘wilderness season.’ But he provided every step of the way.

Today, my mom is doing so much better. She had surgery and is now standing upright for the first time in years. My brother is also doing well, and I’m able to help care for him, too. It’s clear to me now that God prepared me through nursing for this very purpose.

WIB: How does your faith sustain you as well as propel you in life?

Massie: I want to leave this world better than I found it. I believe pain connects us, but joy heals us—and true joy comes through Jesus Christ. I want anyone who encounters me to feel like they’ve been touched by him.

I start my day intentionally with the Lord because that prepares me to meet others. For me, everything—music, nursing, life—is about the heart. I have to examine myself before I can pour into anyone else. And I strive to show up with joy, because that’s what draws people to him.

The Next MOVE

That’s when I started tagging things differently, setting up step-by-step workflows, and asking myself: “Could someone else follow this if I wasn’t in the room?”

Because leaders don’t just build products. Leaders build systems.

Systems that outlast the season.

Systems that protect the mission.

Systems that reduce friction, confusion, and burnout — for the person building and the people following.

That’s why I’m investing in a CRM and designing a sales pipeline right now. Not because I love software. But because I refuse to build a business where opportunity depends on my memory, my inbox, or one person’s charisma.

A spreadsheet is fine to start. But at some point, hustle becomes a liability. I know the season I’m in: heavy investment, light visible return. A lot of work. Not a lot of applause.

But here’s what anchors me: I’m buying back future time with present discomfort. I’m creating orientation documents for myself. I’m structuring workflows. I’m building containers for chaos.

AI is helping me think faster, yes. But the leader in me has to decide what to do with that speed. Because here’s the truth every builder eventually learns: AI won’t build your business for you. But in the hands of someone with vision, it will make you dangerous. Dangerous in the best way — clearer, faster, more strategic, more disciplined, more prepared.

The tool is not the talent. The system is not the story. You are the engine. The technology is simply the accelerator.

And if you can stay in the messy middle long enough — the trial, the questions, the late nights, the constant refining — you don’t just build a product. You build a process. A repeatable, transferable way of working. A leadership system that can scale, sustain, and serve people well. That’s the real breakthrough.

Reflection Questions: Are you using AI to accelerate what’s in you? What’s one system you could put in place to turn today’s chaos into something that scales tomorrow?

For more, visit OrvinKimbrough.com or MidwestBankCentre.com.