November 10th, 2016 Edition

How Hillary Clinton lost

By Chris King Of The

Clinton conceded the race after 2 a.m. ET. Before polls closed her campaign had been confident of victory. In the end, however, she lost even some states thought to be safely in her column, like Wisconsin. She trailed in others, like Pennsylvania and She performed worse than Obama with blacks, Latinos, youth, even women

By Tami Luhby Of CNN

Michigan.

While she won the key demographic groups her campaign targeted, she underperformed compared to President Obama across the board, even among women, according to exit poll data.

propel Clinton into the White House.

A slightly larger share of black and Latino voters cast ballots for Trump than supported Mitt Romney in 2012, despite Trump’s disparaging remarks on African-Americans, Mexicans and undocumented immigrants.

President Barack Obama, who captured the presidency with the help of the African-American and Latino communities, issued several personal

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American November 21 will mark five years since Katherine Anderson, co-founder of Andy’s Seasoning, passed away and left the business to her son, Larry W. Lee.

At that time, Lee made a pledge to the company’s employees: “She asked that we continue the legacy of Andy’s by working hard to ensure Andy’s survival and growth, so you will have a job Larry Lee of Andy’s Seasoning is 2016 Entrepreneur

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Alan Gray (75th House District), Jay Mosley (68th House District) and Rochelle Walton Gray (4th District St. Louis County Council) all won their elections on Tuesday, November 8.

Photo courtesy of Unity PAC

By Dale Singer and Camille Phillips Of St. Louis Public Radio

Photo by Wiley Price

Poll worker Dorothy Horton discussed voter turnout with Ronnie Wright outside the polling site at New Sunny Mount Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 8.

Celebs react to Trump victory

As Donald Trump shocked the world by defeating Hillary Clinton to become the 45th president of the United States, celebrities reacted to the sobering news via social media.

“I feel like America just sent in our tuition check for Trump University,” singer/producer and activist John Legend said via Twitter.

“Worst day in America 9/11. Second worst day in America 11/9,” rapper posted on his Instagram account

“Five steps forward. Ten steps back,” “Daily Show host Trevor Noah

T.I. checks Lil Wayne for Black Lives Matter comments

Rapper T.I. refused to hold back when he addressed Lil Wayne in a new Instagram post inspired by controversial comments Wayne recently made

about how he doesn’t feel connected to the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I KNOW you wired a bit different than most other responsible adults, but still … U TRIPPING!!!!” T.I. writes. “I don’t know what you goin thru, or what you are attempting to avoid but this … is absolutely unacceptable!!!! You’re disrespecting yourself, bringing shame on your family name & tarnishing your legacy.”

Wayne caused an uproar last week with an interview on ABC’s “Nightline” in which he was asked about his thoughts on Black Lives Matter and its protests of police killings of African Americans.

don’t stand for something out here, all the money, jewelry, cars, mansions, bandannas & hit records don’t mean anything,” T.I. said. “Our people are being oppressed!!! We are being hunted, captured & slaughtered out here daily!!! You have to get outta that bubble that you’ve been living in & get out here & educate yourself on what’s going on around US!!! STOP this buffoonery … you out here doin. You looking like somebody who has something to gain or lose by pretending like it’s not as bad as BLM making it seem & you’re not aware of an issue that needs to be addressed.”

“I don’t feel connected to a damn thing that ain’t got nothing to do with me,” Wayne replied. “If you do, you’re crazy.”

Wayne later clarified his comments, telling TMZ that he’d gotten “agitated” when the “Nightline” reporter asked questions about his daughter being called vulgar names.

“From there, there was no thought put into her questions and my responses,” he said. Wayne’s reasoning provided little consolation for T.I.

“Bro if you

The rapper says he’s been “proud to call myself a fan & a friend of Lil Wayne, but if that must end in order to stand up for those who can’t do it themselves...So be it.”*

Is Phaedra Parks’ divorce claim phony?

Last week, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star Phaedra Parks announced that her divorce from Apollo Nida was final.

Insiders told Atlanta-based celebrity blog “Straight from The A” that there is no divorce case on file on the superior court of Fulton County under either Parks or Nida.

“As I understand the law, unless they consented to jurisdiction elsewhere, Fulton County superior court would have jurisdiction

on this case,” the blog says. “Phaedra is a resident of Fulton County and Apollo is as well. Even though he is incarcerated in another state, for the purposes of jurisdiction in a civil suit his last place of residence would control (jail does not constitute residence for the purposes of jurisdiction).”

Nida, who is currently serving 8 years in prison for fraud, told TMZ he was unaware the divorce had become final.

Jay Z’s Tidal battling it out with Universal over Prince music

Last week, Universal Music Group Publishing announced their new distribution deal with the estate of the late musical icon Prince. The details came on the heels of details regarding Jay Z’s streaming service Tidal announced a deal for the catalog of the recently deceased music star. According to multiple reports, Tidal was given a one year exclusive deal to stream the music. Jay Z and Tidal are threatening to file an injunction if the new Universal deal violates their agreement. The case is pending.

Sources: Straight from The A, Instagram, CNN, TMZ

*Spelling and grammar as it appeared on the original post.

Phaedra Parks

WUSTL elevates African and African-American Studies program to full department

‘This has long been a dream for all of us,’ says inaugural department chair Gerald Early

By Liam Otten Washington University

It started with an act of protest.

In the fall of 1968, as political turbulence rocked the nation, dozens of members of the Association of Black Students at Washington University in St. Louis confronted administrators in the corridors of Brookings Hall. Chief among their demands was the call to establish a black studies program, which students argued would “radically reform our future education.”

Founded the following the year, the university’s African and African-American Studies (AFAS) program, as it is known today, grew to include more than 30 core and affiliated faculty. This spring, the university will mark a new chapter when AFAS becomes a full department within Arts & Sciences.

African and African-American Studies at WUSTL

Founded: 1969

First

Degrees

Original faculty:

of our students. As in the case of sociology and, more recently, women, gender and sexuality studies, this change in status for AFAS reflects the increasing importance of our Arts & Sciences disciplines in addressing national and global issues.”

Current faculty: 21 core and program faculty; 10 affiliated faculty; two postdoctoral fellows

Current enrollment: 11 majors and second

a longstanding sense of precariousness and even embattlement within the black studies community.

“People felt they were constantly having to explain why the program is important,” Early said. It also boosts morale, aids future recruiting and creates new opportunities for leadership positions. Indeed, a search for Early’s successor as chair is underway.

“This has long been a dream for all of us connected with African and African-American Studies,” said Gerald Early, the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters at WUSTL. “Certainly, when I came to campus in 1982, people aspired to see the program become a full department. They felt it was not just an academic goal but also a kind of political goal. They hoped it would bring more presence and prestige to the study of African-descended peoples.” Early, a former AFAS director, will be the inaugural chair and oversee the transition of the program into a department.

Early noted that, unlike most traditional departments, AFAS is dedicated to issues and questions that are fundamentally interdisciplinary in nature. Faculty and students draw on insights and scholarship from across the humanities and social sciences, as well as from law, medicine, social work and other areas.

“Sometimes, it’s not easy to get those pieces to work well together,” Early said. Within traditional disciplines,

“faculty may have different methods or may specialize in different things, but they’re all starting on the same page. Getting people to think more broadly about the mission of an interdisciplinary program can take skill and diplomacy.”

In recent years, the rise of intersectional theory and other forces have led a generation of academics to embrace methods and approaches that black studies programs have historically pioneered.

“Today, if you aren’t mixing two or three disciplines, you’re old-fashioned,” Early said. “Many scholars, especially young scholars, feel constrained by traditional departments.

Students also tend to find these programs interesting and engaging because they look at things, and value things, a little differently. They want to reshape the questions that are being asked.”

As a full department, AFAS will be better positioned to set curriculum and drive hiring decisions. But perhaps most importantly, Early said, “we can diversify the types of scholarship being done.”

Barbara A. Schaal, dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences, said the shift “will greatly enhance the scholarly study of race and ethnicity on our campus as well as the educational opportunities

The transition from program to department comes amidst larger university efforts to foster a more inclusive environment. Since 2011, the number of first-year undergraduates eligible for Pell Grants has nearly doubled, while the Danforth Campus increased by 63 percent the number of tenured and tenuretrack African-American faculty.

“We are committed to generating new knowledge, new frameworks, and new ways of understanding the world,” Provost Holden Thorp said. “We are compelled to replace conflict with empathy and understanding. Recognizing AFAS as a full department helps to fulfill all of these goals.”

Early said that departmental status helps to alleviate

“As an alum of the AFAS program and the daughter of one of its late adjunct professors, I’ve long known the brilliance and importance of our program,” said Brittany Packnett, a vice president with Teach For America who served on the Ferguson Commission and the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

“I’m thankful that the university has arrived at this point – and hope that the resources, support and attention AFAS deserves will be increased given this important decision.”

Edited for length from a story posted at https://source. wustl.edu.

Marketplace, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories, designer jewelry/watches/accessories, designer sportswear, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches/jewelry/accessories; PLUS,

Photo: Washington University Archives

Editorial /CommEntary

We shall overcome, once again

The new National Museum of African-American History and Culture confronts the paradox of America (and the American presidency) as a nation built on both the ideals of equality and freedom and the realities of patriarchy and slavery. It depicts Thomas Jefferson, author of “The Declaration of Independence” and the third American president, as a slaveholder who built his personal wealth through owning other human beings. Jefferson and his peers – he is one of 18 American presidents who owned slaves – enslaved people from a race that the founding fathers deemed inferior as a matter of birth, even as they framed the national ideal that “all men were created equal.” The museum’s Jefferson exhibit positions a sculpture of him against a stack of boxes of slave-packaged goods, each engraved with the name of a slave he owned. We also are reminded that this American president owned and enslaved some of his own children.

The museum exhibit does not go quite this far, but we can add that Thomas Jefferson was a rapist and his children he owned were the offspring of rape, given that the concept of sexual consent is meaningless in the context of slavery. Donald Trump has said that when you are a “star” – a male star, presumably – then you can grab a woman’s genitals and get away with it, and indeed the American electorate of 2016 proved that Trump could be caught boasting about sexual assault in crude terms and still be elected president. But a modern celebrity has nothing on slave-owners of previous centuries when it comes to taking sex from women and getting away with it. And an American president who, like Trump, has publicly said it was acceptable to have his own daughter referred to publicly as a “piece of ass” has nothing on a president, like Jefferson, who owned his own daughters, children conceived when he raped their mother.

So not only have we seen worse than Donald Trump in the American presidency, in fact we were founded on worse. We must admit that we thought we had overcome the worst of all that, but the outcome of November 8 proved that we were wrong. We are only learning the hard way – through the election of Trump over a woman from the party most likely to defend the interests of black people and other minorities – that we will need to overcome it all again. As if we needed another reminder on top of the election of Trump, the ever-odious Rudy Giuliani compared Trump, in his stunning victory, to Andrew Jackson, intending this comparison as a compliment. Jackson was another American president slave-owner, noted by historians of slavery as the only presidential slave-owner to personally drive slaves in a gang – to literally be a slave driver. Jackson also signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and as such was the president most closely associated with our founding national genocide. A president like Trump, who threatens mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, has nothing on a president like Jackson (and others) who uprooted this continent’s original settlers to free up land for white European immigrants.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

The message on Paul Rogers’ hat – “INSANITY” – as he cast his vote in Florissant on Tuesday, November 8 would match most black voters’ feelings at the outcome of the 2016 presidential election, when a stronger white voter turnout, especially in rural areas, led to the election of Donald Trump.

Make no mistake, Donald Trump is not an American aberration. He is, rather, a throwback to a time when white male supremacy, enforced through physical violence, was the recognized law of the land. How did we fall back so far, so fast? We know it was seething white resentment, even rage, over a black president, Barack Obama, openly stoked by Republicans in Congress, who tried to stymy his every attempt to improve our country, and by right-wing media, which gave demagogues like Trump an open forum to make counterfactual claims that Obama’s presidency was illegitimate because he was born in Africa, not the United States. And surely it was fear of a woman president. The misogyny openly directed at Hillary Clinton by Trump and his supporters was another throwback to a more crude and hateful time, which we now have to recognize as very much part of our present social and political reality.

n Not only have we seen worse than Donald Trump in the American presidency, in fact we were founded on worse.

Trump succeeded with his hate by channeling white voter rage over dramatic social, economic and demographic change into simple answers to complicated problems. There are historical parallels to the attraction of harsh, hateful, autocratic leaders in times of political crisis.

To be fair, though, Trump did not win so much because he performed remarkably well at the polls, but rather he won because Clinton did remarkably poorly with her base. Her weakness as a candidate –distrusted and disliked from the left as well as the right, by the youngest and most progressive voters as well as the oldest and most conservative – was integral to our present calamity. Though Trump’s victory was a major win for white racism, even white nationalism, ironically there is one black candidate – Obama – who most likely could have beat him, had he been eligible to run again, yet a white woman lost. This may mean that sexism is even more virulent than racism, but more likely it means that

the voters who win elections for Democrats were not that excited about this particular candidate. We stand by both of our endorsements of Clinton – a bright, able, experienced leader – as the best president in the field of contenders in 2016, but she also was one of the worst campaigners. We deeply regret and resent the protest votes on November 8 that would have defeated Trump had they not been wasted on anyone other than Clinton, but no one ever won an election by telling people to vote for a candidate they don’t like. We tried, on this editorial page, but, like almost every other editorial page in the nation, we failed –though, it must be said, Clinton won the popular vote by more than 200,000 votes. Where do we go from here?

The Democrats – especially in Missouri, where Republicans won a clean sweep of statewide offices – need to reinvent themselves as something other than less conservative and less overtly racist Republicans. We don’t believe that Bernie Sanders would have beaten Trump either, but he had a message that resonated with the Democratic base and the Clinton campaign failed to learn from it in time to avert disaster. The Democrats need to learn from that lesson now. We need to go back to the basics of educating and energizing voters in all of the Democrats’ varied communities from the ground up. Donald Trump is essentially American, there is no escaping that, but so is Barack Obama, a mixed-race man with a black family who makes sincere appeals to the noblest elements of the American ideology, all of that equality and freedom stuff that Thomas Jefferson wrote about so eloquently. If we fight to protect voting rights – which is necessary, given that various voter suppression tactics were critical to Trump’s electoral college victory – and to educate and energize voters with a truly progressive agenda, the future is on our side. To the consternation, even rage, of many white Americans, our country is getting less and less white and – as James Baldwin wrote, and despite what many Trump supporters proclaim –it will never be white again. White male supremacy is part of our heritage, and it triumphed in 2016, but we have resisted it before, and we have it in our diverse, conflicted, collective power to successfully resist it again.

Closing STL’s growing wealth gap

By Dedrick AsanteMuhammad and Jason Purnell Guest columnists

Conversations about race often feature reminders that, although imperfect, our society has made much progress toward racial equity. Although a comparison between antebellum America and the world we live in today may support that finding, evidence abounds that when it comes to racial wealth inequality, things are getting worse, not better.

Take, for example, a recent report released by CFED and the Institute for Policy Studies, which revealed that if the trends of the past 30 years continue, it will take AfricanAmerican households 228 years to accumulate the amount of wealth white families enjoy today. Latino households would need 84 years to reach the point where the average white household is today.

More than two years after the senseless killing of Michael Brown Jr. and the months of unrest that followed in the wake of the Ferguson tragedy, racial wealth equity is no better than it was then. Perhaps the only thing that has changed is that we’ve started paying attention.

Some of that attention has been directed toward understanding the true depths of the racial wealth divide. To understand the ever-growing racial wealth gap in America, one needs to look no further than right here in the St. Louis area.

The liquid asset poverty rate in the city of St. Louis – the percentage of residents who lack the savings needed to weather a job loss or other financial emergency –stands at 53.1 percent, nine percentage points higher than the national average. Likewise,

the percentage of un- and underbanked households in St. Louis stands at 37.9 percent, meaning that nearly four in 10 households in St. Louis are likely to rely on predatory financial products that strip them of their hard-earned money because they don’t have access to a safe, affordable banking account.

Letters to the editor Commentary

Keep our kids in school

What do suspensions teach children in 3rd grade or younger? That children aren’t wanted. That school isn’t a welcoming space. That adults push away children when we don’t wish to deal with them. Is that the message we want to give our children?

Instead of suspending our youngest children from school, what if we took the time to teach them how we expect them to behave in school? We don’t suspend children for failing at math. Instead, we help them understand the mistake and push past it, towards success. If a child is failing at behavior, why not take the same approach?

It is too much to expect that every 5-year-old knows how to be a good kindergartner before he or she starts school? And, yet, kindergartners get suspended in our region. Kicking a child out of school for not knowing how to be a good student is just plain wrong. It’s time for the community to show up in support of our students. Join me in showing up at the “Regional School Assembly: Keep Our Kids in Classrooms” on Sunday, November 13, from 3-5 p.m. at the Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School. We expect community members

2315 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO, 63103. Phone: 314-533-8000 / Fax: 314-533-2332

However, we know that the story for households of color –although incomplete, given the challenges associated with disaggregating data by race –is even worse. Nationally, black households are twice as likely to be liquid assetpoor than their white counterparts. Hispanic households nationally are liquid assetpoor at an astonishing rate of 71 percent. These numbers explain, in part, why the average net worth of black and Hispanic households is $7,113 and $8,985, respectively, while the average net worth of white households exceeds $110,000. We also know that these poor financial outcomes for St. Louisans of color are contributing to poor outcomes in other areas as well. Health disparities between black and white households, for example, run deep. Black residents in St. Louis County are more likely to die at a younger age

than their white counterparts. In fact, the 2014 “For the Sake of All” report released by Washington University in St. Louis noted that a child born in predominantly white Clayton can expect to live 18 years longer than a child born in the majority-black JeffVander-Lou neighborhood in North St. Louis. Research also indicates that black residents get sick at younger ages, have more severe illnesses and are aging, biologically speaking, more rapidly than whites. Scientists say this is the result of cumulative stress.

Michael Brown Jr. and Ferguson raised national awareness of the racial wealth and health gaps in St. Louis, and yet neither of these gaps were mentioned once during the presidential debate held here in early October. Perhaps this is because solutions don’t fit neatly into sound bites. But the good news is that around the country, city leaders are implementing local initiatives to combat some of the biggest factors driving racial and economic inequality – unemployment, low wages and expensive housing – with the potential to have impact beyond financial well-being, including health. Both “For the Sake of All” and the Ferguson Commission made recommendations for how to get this done in St. Louis, and a diverse, cross-sector set of stakeholders is working to translate recommendations into action. Our economic success as a region depends on addressing the racial wealth and health gaps. We know we can get there, but doing so will take all of us. To learn how you can get involved, visit strongfinancialfuture.org. Dedrick Asante-Muhammad is director of the Racial Wealth Divide Initiative at CFED.

and officials from every school district to come in support of ending suspensions of students from pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. The habits and behaviors practiced by good students can be taught, just like math. Instead of kicking kids out of school, let’s keep them in school where they can learn to be good.

Nicole Greer St. Louis

NAACP should not abandon charter school students

Recently the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) released a resolution that calls for a moratorium on the expansion of charter schools. They are wrong for being opposed to charter schools and other vehicles that provide viable choices for the successful education of minority youth. Charter public schools are providing critical educational choices for many families in our region and across the country. Charter schools are publicly funded and operate outside the control of local school districts and with greater autonomy than traditional public schools relative to operations, curriculum and instruction.

In Missouri, there are currently 68 charter schools serving approximately 20,700 students. More than 30 percent of all public school students in St. Louis and 42 percent of all public school students in Kansas City are charter school students.

In many cases, parents are choosing charters because their local district schools are failing to educate their children and parents are demanding better public education choices. In minority communities across the country , they are voting with their feet. Three million children now are enrolled in charter schools, and many more are clamoring to get in. The NAACP should not abandon the 3 million charter students and their families. This misguided effort by the NAACP fails to take into account that successful and viable choices in public education are essential to their stated core mission: to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minorities and eliminate racial prejudice.

Brian A. Murphy, board president Children’s Educational Alliance of Missouri

Regional School Assembly on November 13

A Regional School Assembly focused on “Keeping Our Kids in the Classroom” will be held 3-5 p.m. Sunday, November 13 at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, 75397583 Manchester Rd. in Maplewood It will be hosted by FOCUS Impact Fellows, Forward Through Ferguson, Metropolitan Congregations United, Ready by 21 St. Louis and West County Community Action Network. Over 3,000 community members in the region identified eliminating Pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade out of school suspensions as a signature call to action of the Ferguson Commission in 2015.

The Regional School Assembly will be an opportunity for school districts and community partners to share their ongoing commitment to “Keep Our Kids in the Classroom.” Please RSVP at https://goo.gl/d0Hpz0.

Derek Martin Food Drive is December 17

The Firefighters Institute for Racial Equality will host the Derek Martin Food Drive 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, December 17 at F.I.R.E.’s building, 1020 N. Taylor Ave. They encourage community members to drop off at least 10 nonperishable food items to help someone less fortunate. The Derek Martin Food Drive Committee has a goal of feeding at least 1000 families. To coordinate your drop-off, call Captain Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057.

Omegas donate coloring books to Children’s Hospital

The men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Upsilon Omega Chapter presented the Child Life Department at St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a generous donation of 250 coloring books and 250 boxes of crayons on September 16. Upsilon Omega’s goal is to ensure that every child who is admitted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital receives a coloring book and a box of crayons to lift their sprits and bring a smile to their face during a difficult time.

When times get tough, love

By Rebeccah L. Bennett Columnist

Lots of us have gone through hardship and heartache only to find, at the end of our difficulties, more difficulties. Life has a way of testing us, pushing us beyond the limits of what we think we can bear. And yet, to hear the old wise ones tell it, “trouble don’t last always and joy comes in the morning.”

How could our elders and enslaved forbearers declare such a remarkable truth whilst living through tragedies that were generational in scope and scale?

One answer is that many believed that despite life’s appearances, love always wins.

Now if people who were force-fed a steady diet of brutality could come to believe in the omnipotence of love, then surely we can as well. Of course this is hard, because every day we are bombarded with a million ugly realities, like betrayal by people we trust, the loss of loved ones, abuse and disease, rampant inequality and persistent racism. And the resulting pain that we experience is often emotionally and physically crippling.

L. Bennett

In the midst of ongoing suffering, it’s not easy to believe in the transformative power of love. Yet our ancestors, many of whom longed for a freedom that they never knew, understood that love – if courageously and consistently applied –could eventually turn defeat into deliverance. Their conviction gave rise to resistance movements, aid societies, educational institutions, art forms, innovations and spiritual practices that have over time made our lives better. In this way, love was able to win through them, though it bore its fruits for us.

To be certain, love’s victories are not instantaneous. Healing deep hurts frequently takes years. And transmuting base energies like fear and hate into love can take lifetimes, as this shift requires major overhauls of human beliefs and behaviors. So, for those of us who are life’s walking wounded, love’s progress in our lives and communities can seem so gradual as to be invisible.

It’s at this point when it becomes useful to remember that change often begins in humble, inconspicuous ways. We humans barely notice it until it’s glaring and well established. Whether we live to see it or not, however, the seeds of love once sewn move life towards that which is highest and best for the good of the whole. Of course, what’s best for the whole, and the individuals who comprise it, is always love.

Rebeccah L. Bennett is founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom LLC.

Rebeccah

VICTORIES

Continued from A1

of the Democratic Party, activist Rasheen Aldridge beat incumbent 5th Ward Committeeman Rodney Hubbard soundly in a special election, 1,974 votes (60.3 percent) to 1,266 votes (38.7 percent). A judge ordered a special election due to Hubbard’s improper use of absentee ballots in the August 2 Democratic primary.

This continues the remaking of North St. Louis politics, as Bruce Franks Jr. previously won a special election against Penny Hubbard for the 78th House District in North City, after successfully challenging Hubbard’s use of absentee ballots in their August 2 primary. Franks became state representative-elect for the district on Tuesday, beating the Republican candidate, Erik Shelquist, 10,574 votes (85.8 percent) to 1,705 votes (13.9 percent).

The disruption of the Hubbards’ absentee-ballot program – which has benefitted Mayor Francis G. Slay, among many other

SALUTE

Continued from A1 for as long as you want a job at Andy’s.”

Lee, Andy’s CEO since 2011, has not only lived up to this promise of preserving jobs, but he has also increased the company’s staff numbers, revenue and product line.

“Larry had a challenge ahead of him when he had to succeed Katherine Anderson,” said Daniel Keao, national sales director at Andy’s Seasoning. “He took the helm and did a very good job of understanding what he had to do and lining up people to support him. Our business has grown and set sales milestones in the several years that he’s

Democrats willing to deal with the Hubbards – will have its next battle on March 7, when Megan Betts plans to challenge Tammika Hubbard for 5th Ward alderwoman in the municipal primary election. The weakened power of the

taken over.”

Aside from this, Keao said there are many reasons that Lee deserves to be recognized as the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year by the St. Louis American Foundation. But perhaps most important is the way he cares about every single one of his employees, he said.

“He not only cares about the people here but their family members as well,” said Keao, who has been with Andy’s Seasoning for 20 years. “That says a lot. He has integrity that I haven’t seen among corporate executives in my business experience.”

On Thursday, November 17, Lee will receive his award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business Networking & Awards

Hubbards also has implications for the St. Louis mayoral contest that will be decided in March.

In other city elections, St. Louis is now posed for a reboot of its criminal justice system, with a new circuit

Luncheon.

Lee remembers helping out his stepfather Reuben and his mother Katherine in their home kitchen, when they were tinkering around with recipes. However, Lee did not go straight into the family business, but first became a pastor for almost 20 years. When Reuben died in 1996, Katherine was forced to seize the leadership reigns at Andy’s Seasoning. She quickly transitioned from a St. Louis city government worker to CEO of Andy’s Seasoning’s multi-million dollar operations. Lee also offered to lend a hand with the company.

“Initially our agreement was that I was going to work parttime,” he said, laughing. “She didn’t renege on her agreement; it’s just that it was impossible

sheriff, John Castellano, 96,457 votes (79.2 percent) to 24,981 votes (20.5 percent). Jennifer Joyce has been circuit attorney since 2000 and Jim Murphy has been sheriff since 1989, when George H.W. Bush was elected as U.S. president, so this is a major change.

Incumbent Treasurer

Tishaura O. Jones easily defeated two challengers, with 93,562 votes (76.4 percent).

Darren Grant got 22,549 votes (18.4 percent) and Jerome Bauer got 6,048 votes (4.9 percent).

Incumbent 5th District state Senator Jamilah Nasheed, who represents most of the city, also firmly defeated a challenger, Stephen Schaper, 52,151 votes (84.9 percent) to 8,988 votes (14.6 percent).

Incumbent 1st District

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, who represents the city and most of North County, easily defeated two challengers with 231,604 votes (75.5 percent).

attorney-elect and sheriffelect, both African Americans. Running unopposed for circuit attorney, Kimberly Gardner got more votes than anyone else on the city ballot (110,947).

Vernon Betts soundly beat a Republican candidate for

to do because of the things that need to be done.”

Lee soon came on board full-time, and the learning curve was steep for both him and his mother. However, bolstered by faith and a supportive staff, Katherine elevated Andy’s Seasoning to new heights. Under her leadership, the company reached a milestone of 25 years in business in 2006 and completed an expansion of 15,000 square feet at its facility at 2829 Chouteau Ave. The business also achieved significant sales increases in all segments of its seasoning and breading business.

After two or three years of working under Katherine, Lee remembers telling her: “A lot of people live their life and they never get a chance to

Republican Steven G. Bailey got 61,252 votes (20 percent), while Libertarian Robb E Cunningham got 13,954 votes (4.5 percent).

In St. Louis County,

Rochelle Walton Gray – who pulled off a stunning upset

enjoy doing anything that they do. They work a job for 40 years, and they hate their job. I have been richly blessed in that I have been able to do two things that I enjoy immensely.”

Lee knew he had big shoes to fill when his mother passed, and he has done so gracefully, his staff said.

Under Lee’s leadership, the company obtained its global food certification, allowing the company to expand globally. And in that certification, it has an AA rating – the highest rating possible. Andy’s Seasoning has expanded its distribution to 44 states and Canada.

Edith Meeks, operations manager for the company, has known Lee for more than 30 years. “He is my boss; he is also

of incumbent 4th District Councilman Mike O’Mara in the August 2 Democratic Primary – easily defeated two challengers with 46,718 votes (74.2 percent). Republican Curtis Faulkner got 13,999 votes (22.2 percent) and Libertarian Jeff Coleman got 2,182 votes (3.5 percent).

In the 68th House District, which covers Florissant, Democrat Jay Mosley defeated Republican Keith English, 9,633 votes (56.9 percent) to 7,267 votes (42.9 percent). English had represented the district as a Democrat until he was removed from House committees by the Democratic House leadership after siding with Republicans on controversial veto votes. Mosley is Gray’s brotherin-law, and her husband, Alan Gray, also won her old 75th House District seat, running unopposed, with 13,424 votes. Missouri Democrats have not yet learned to harness it consistently, but Unity PAC, which helped to elect all of these candidates, remains a potent electoral force in North County. All vote tallies are unofficial.

my pastor,” said Meeks, who came to the company 20 years ago. “To see him in that light, to see one transition to the other, in my opinion there is no difference because he operates the same in both: kind, gentle, loving, caring and honest. He is a man of integrity.”

The 17th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Thursday, November 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, with a networking reception at 11 a.m. and luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for VIP/ Preferred seating, $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 or visitwww. stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Karter Moore, 4, was all smiles while waiting for his mother and aunt to vote in Florissant on Tuesday, November 8.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

SCHOOLS

Continued from A1

for the third straight year. Two others that scored in the same territory, with less than half of the possible points –Jamaa Learning Center and Better Learning Communities Academy – closed at the end of the last school year. Under Missouri’s accreditation system, school districts need to earn more than 70 percent of the available points to be fully accredited. A score between 50 and 70 percent earns provisional accreditation, while districts scoring less than 50 percent are in unaccredited territory. For K-12 districts, 140 points are possible, with half of them coming from student achievement and the other half coming from factors such as attendance, graduation rate and how well students are prepared for college or a job after graduation.

Statewide, 98.6 percent of Missouri school districts scored in the fully accredited range. The St. Louis area saw two perfect scores, in the

HILLARY

Continued from A1 pleas to black voters to back Clinton in recent weeks.

“If we let this thing slip, I’ve got a situation where my last two months in office are preparing for a transition to Donald Trump, whose staff people have said that their primary agenda is to have him in the first couple of weeks sitting in the Oval Office and reverse every single thing that we’ve done,” Obama said last week during an interview on a syndicated radio program.

But not enough African Americans, along with Latinos, heeded the call.

Some 88 percent of AfricanAmerican voters supported Clinton, versus 8 percent for Donald Trump, as of very early Wednesday morning. While

Brentwood School District and by the North Side Community School, a charter school.

This year’s Annual Performance Report (APR) numbers, released Monday, November 7, showed no districts below 50 percent for the first time since the current evaluation system, known as MSIP5, took effect in 2013. Normandy’s score, which was 7 percent just two years ago, was 54.6 percent, while Riverview Gardens, which was at 79.3 percent last year, slipped to 74.6 percent.

Both Normandy and Riverview Gardens, along with Saint Louis Public Schools, are run by appointed boards.

State education officials have insisted that before they will recommend that any district’s classification improve, it needs to show sustained progress, defined as at least two years of growth.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education expects to make recommendations for upgrades, if it has any, at the state school board next month. Last year, Riverview

that’s a large margin, it’s not as big as Obama’s victory over Mitt Romney in 2012. Obama locked up 93 percent of the black vote to Romney’s 7 percent.

Some 12 percent of the electorate was AfricanAmerican this year, compared to 13 percent four years ago.

That’s a key drop, especially when paired with a smallerthan-expected growth in Latino votes. This lowered turnout happened even after Trump repeatedly made sweeping comments about how black communities were in the worst shape ever. Referring multiple times to “inner cities,” Trump said black people live in poverty, have no jobs and get shot walking down the street. “What do you have to lose?” he asked.

Clinton’s support among Latinos was even more

Gardens asked for a boost into provisional accreditation, but officials said they wanted to wait to make sure its progress continues.

After touring Moline elementary school in Riverview Gardens on Monday, Gov. Jay Nixon said he thinks the state board should reclassify the district as provisionally accredited.

However, the lower score for Riverview Gardens creates questions around its accreditation status and for the students there who have been able to transfer elsewhere because the district is unaccredited.

unaccredited districts. One more factor comes into play with Riverview Gardens. State law says that if any district moves from unaccredited to provisionally accredited, then slides back into unaccredited status, it is automatically dissolved.

n “We are a district with a number of incredible challenges that we have to overcome, and we are working hard to overcome those challenges.”

– SLPS Superintendent Kelvin Adams

Margie Vandeven, Missouri’s commissioner for elementary and secondary education, said last week that if the district is raised to provisional accreditation status, student transfers would be governed by state law, which allows transfers only from

Riverview Gardens Superintendent Scott Spurgeon said the district’s dip in scores came primarily from science, which has seen a drop in scores throughout the state. Science also proved to be a trouble spot for Saint Louis Public Schools, which saw an overall drop to 74.6 percent from 76.1 percent. Last year, a big jump from 43.2 percent had prompted the district to seek an upgrade to full accreditation, but the state did not agree.

Superintendent Kelvin Adams said the district would work on bringing science

tenuous, despite Trump pledging to build a wall on the Mexican border, accusing undocumented immigrants of being criminal aliens and promising to deport them. Only 65 percent of Latinos

scores up. He also noted that the district is giving students more options for advanced placement and other accelerated classes in the high school, and administrators are paying more attention to data to track where growth is needed.

“We are a district with a number of incredible challenges that we have to overcome, and we are working hard to overcome those challenges,” Adams said.

In the Normandy Schools Collaborative, which began in 2014 after the state dissolved the old Normandy School District for poor performance, the move up to provisional accreditation territory was fueled in part by gaining points in non-academic areas.

In attendance, Normandy had scored no points for two years but got 7.5 out of a possible 10 this year. In graduation rate, the story was similar, from 0 to 22.5 to the maximum 30 points over the three-year period.

Normandy Superintendent Charles Pearson said members of the community had told district officials last year that attendance should be a focus

Hispanics inched up to 11 percent of the electorate, up from 10 percent in 2012.

as it worked to improve its APR score. Strong follow-up helped increase the point total, he said.

“They got more of our students coming on time, every day, all day,” he said. “We really give credit for those seven and a half points to the community working alongside us.”

On the academic side, Pearson said, a strong emphasis on reading has paid off, as well as moving to small group instruction and a reorganization that opened a kindergarten center, moved sixth graders back to the elementary school and put seventh- and eighthgraders into a center by themselves.

Pearson recalled what one student told him, as an example of the transformation. “She said there was a time that the adults were feeling hopeless, and the students were feeling hopeless,” he said. “We don’t feel that way anymore.”

Follow Dale on Twitter: @ dalesinger.

Follow Camille on Twitter: @cmpcamille.

Edited for length and reprinted from news. stlpublicradio.org.

backed her, while 29 percent cast their votes for Trump. In 2012, Obama won 71 percent of the Hispanic vote and Romney secured 27 percent.

Beyond the Obama coalition, Clinton was also not as popular with white voters as Obama was. She won only 37 percent of the white vote, compared to Obama’s 39 percent. Surprisingly, Trump also garnered a slightly smaller share than Romney, capturing 58 percent of the vote to Romney’s 59 percent. White voters made up 70 percent of the electorate this year, down from 72 percent four years ago. Asian voters, which made up a tiny 4 percent of the electorate, were also less supportive of Clinton than of Obama. Some 65 percent of Asian voters cast ballots for her, as opposed to 73 percent for Obama in 2012.

Clinton also failed to capture as many young voters, who flocked to her rival Bernie Sanders in the primary and to Obama four years ago. She won 55 percent of voters age 18 to 29, compared to 37 percent who cast ballots for Trump. But Obama secured 60 percent of these young voters to Romney’s 37 percent. When it came to women voters, Clinton won 54 percent compared to Trump’s 42 percent. Even though 70 percent of voters said that Trump’s treatment of women bothered them, they still didn’t flock to the woman who could have broken the glass ceiling. Obama won 55 percent of the women’s vote in 2012.

The St. Louis American is a CNN Wire affiliate.

Poll worker Marilyn Dilworth counted voting tickets at the polling site at the JFK Community Center in Florissant on Tuesday, November 8.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Pierre Troupe, longtime Clear Channel sales manager

Pierre Lamont Troupe was born to Rose Marie and James (Buddy) Troupe on September 29, 1954. He soon had a brother, Brian, and two sisters, Rochelle Robinson and Kimberly Troupe. His sisters joked that they didn’t quite

remember much playing with Pierre (Pete) because he spent more time reading than playing. By age 5, he was reading daily newspapers and was featured as a “whiz kid” in the St. Louis Globe Democrat and Argus newspapers.

By second grade, Pierre was placed in a school for exceptional children in Webster Groves. He was accompanied by his life-long friend, Angela (Princess) Hicks. His first summer job was at around age 11 tutoring children, most of

them older than he was. He attended grade school at Holy Rosary and high school at Saint Louis University High School. Pierre became a political guru. He loved politics, which was rooted in his family, his father, grandfather, uncles and

cousin Charles Quincy Troupe, the former state representative. Pierre earned an academic scholarship to attend college, and graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Biological Science. He met his lifelong brotherhood at Northwestern. He also expanded his taste for what he called “raw, real jazz” and became a collector. He and friend Darrel attended many concerts by Miles and other jazz greats. Soon after college, Pierre became connected to his new crew and found a club where they all hung out called Nicks Lounge. Pierre met his wife Rose (Robins) Troupe at Nicks. They married on May 5, 1984, which resulted in 32 years of marriage and the birth of their two daughters, Stephanie R. Troupe Lenzly (Kevin) and Ashley M. Troupe, both Daddy’s little girls for life. The birth of his grandson, Jace Carter Lenzly in 2015 added a renewed spirit of love, energy and appreciation for life. Pierre had a successful career in sales and management in pharmaceuticals, radio and human resources at Vensure. His most successful career spanned over 25 years at Clear Channel (IHeart) Radio. Pierre transferred in 2008 as a sales manager with Clear Channel Radio in Greensboro, North Carolina and over the past four years he lived in Georgia. Pierre was well-known and greatly respected for his intellect, communication skills and ability to share knowledge with his family, friends and colleagues. He was a mentor and father figure to many of his nieces, nephews and friends, as well as his daughters’ friends at Hazelwood schools. Pierre’s life story ended suddenly, way too soon, on October 11, 2016. Pierre often said, “The only person you can change for the better is YOU and, in the blink of an eye, everything can change – so forgive often and love with all your heart, because you may never have that chance again.” A Celebration of Life Tribute for Pierre Troupe will be held at The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 6-9 p.m. Friday, November 18. September 29, 1954 – October 11, 2016

March 1, 1931 – November 6, 2016

Marion Sylvia Gordon Miller

Marion Sylvia Gordon Miller passed away peacefully on November 6, 2016 in St. Louis, Missouri. Marion was 85 years old. Marion was born to the late Ruth and Douglas Gordon in Trenton, New Jersey on March 1, 1931. She was the youngest of five children, including Kathryn, Ruth, Douglas Jr. (Bud), and Warren (Googie).

Marion graduated from Clifford Scott High School in East Orange, New Jersey in 1948. She received her education at an historically black college, Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, where she received her B.A. degree in psychology in 1953 and was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Marion’s sister Ruth Richards had settled in St. Louis with her family and

Marion visited her sister and her family the summer of 1952. During that fateful visit Marion attended a Chi Delta Mu Fraternity ball and was introduced to Jack L. Miller, a dental student at Howard University in Washington. D.C. The two struck up a friendship and began a longdistance courtship which culminated in marriage. The two were married on August 24, 1957 in Trenton, New Jersey. Marion and Jack L. Miller, D.D.S. lived in St. Louis and were married 36 years until Jack’s death on August 6, 1994. Three children, Joan Kathryn, Jane Alexandria

Marion

Sylvia Gordon Miller

and Audrey Frances were born to this union.

Marion was active in many civic and social clubs. She was a charter member of the St. Louis Chapter of the Smart Set (1970) and the St. Louis Chapter of the Girlfriends (1972). Marion was also a member of the St. Louis Chapter of the Links and reached platinum status. She was also a member of the St. Louis Chapter of the Circle-ets, and was active in the mother’s club at Villa Duchesne, and a member of Christ the King Church.

Marion is survived by their three daughters, Joan Miller of St. Louis, Jane Miller Brown of

We are all Americans first

By Pres. Barack Obama Guest columnist

I know everybody had a long night. I did, as well. I had a chance to talk to President-elect Trump last night – about 3:30 in the morning, I think it was –to congratulate him on winning the election.

Now, it is no secret that the president-elect and I have some pretty significant differences. But remember, eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences. But President Bush’s team could not have been more professional or more gracious in making sure we had a smooth transition so that we could hit the ground running. And one thing you realize quickly in this job is that the presidency, and the vice

presidency, is bigger than any of us. So I have instructed my team to follow the example that President Bush’s team set eight years ago, because we are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country. I also had a chance last night to speak with Secretary Clinton, and I just had a chance to hear her remarks. I could not be prouder of her. She has lived an extraordinary life of public service. She was a great first lady. And she could not have

been a better secretary of state. I’m proud of her.

Now, everybody is sad when their side loses an election. But the day after, we have to remember that we’re actually all on one team. We’re not Democrats first. We’re not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We’re patriots first. That’s what I heard in Mr. Trump’s remarks last night. That’s what I heard when I spoke to him directly. And I was heartened by that.

That’s what the country needs – a sense of unity; a sense of inclusion, and a respect for each other. I certainly hope that’s how his presidency has a chance to begin.

Edited from remarks made at the White House on November 9.

Washington, D.C., and Audrey Miller, M.D. of Columbia, South Carolina, and her sister Ruth Richards of Boston, Massachusetts. Her memory also will be treasured by nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and many lifelong family friends.

Marion’s wish was for cremation. Those wishing to remember Marion with gifts are asked to contribute in the name of Marion Gordon Miller to: Talladega College. Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement, 627 West Battle St., Talladega, Alabama, 35160.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 12 at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 7316 Balson Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63130.

MO Republicans sweep Democrats in statewide races

After Chris Koster gave his concession speech in the governor’s race on Tuesday, November 8, 17-year-old Reece Ellis huddled together with other campaign interns at the Chase Park Plaza ballroom. Towering over his peers, Ellis seemed shocked as increasingly grim presidential election results came in shortly afterwards. Some of his friends cried on each other’s shoulders.

“I’m feeling a lot of shock at America,” Ellis said. “We had a discussion in our room tonight about whether or not Obama was who we really or was he the anomaly? Is Donald Trump reflective of who we really are as a people? It looks as though we are going to get that answer tonight, and I’m scared about what means for us as a country.”

Nixon, Greitens supports “right to work’’ legislation and promised to sign a law that would bar unions and employers from requiring all workers to pay dues or fees.

“It’s a sad day for working Missourians,” Missouri AFLCIO president Mike Louis said in a statement. “With the election of Eric Greitens the security of our livelihoods is being threatened. Good jobs, decent pay, safe work places are all at risk of disappearing.”

In his concession speech, Koster said, “Throughout my professional life, I have loved working on your behalf as a prosecutor, state senator, and attorney general. Even now, I am grateful for the responsibility and experience that we have shared.”

During his seven-week internship with Koster’s campaign, Ellis said he knocked on thousands of doors and made hundreds of phone calls.

“It’s really disappointing,” Ellis said. “The right man lost tonight. I wish Governor Greitens the best, but the best candidate lost tonight.”

Eric Greitens, a bestselling author and former Navy SEAL, was among several Republican candidates who swept Missouri’s statewide races – while having absolutely no experience in an elected office, much like the country’s new president. Running as an outsider against a term-limited attorney general, Greitens received 51.3 percent of the vote to Koster’s 45.4 percent. Greitens promised in his victory speech late Tuesday “to build a stronger and better Missouri.”

And, like Trump, Greitens promised to “drain the swamp’’ of what he called corruption in the state capital.

Unlike Koster and the governor he will replace, Jay

Josh Hawley, a Mizzou law professor and political newcomer who has never argued a case in Missouri, will take Koster’s vacated spot as attorney general. He soundly defeated the more-experienced former Cass County prosecutor Teresa Hensley, 58.7 to 41.3 percent.

Also winning with no political experience was Jay Ashcroft in the secretary of state race, crushing former TV anchor (also a political neophyte) Robin Smith with 57.8 percent of the vote against her 38.3 percent. Ashcroft is the son of former Missouri governor and U.S. Senator John Ashcroft, and he also had a hand in writing the voter photo measure, ID Constitutional Amendment 6, which also passed Tuesday (but will certainly be challenged in federal court).

The one candidate running against a more experienced opponent who lost on November 8 was a Democrat. Incumbent U.S. Senator Roy Blunt retained his spot in the highly contested race against Jason Kander, who stepped

11,362 in House District 74, with 274 write-in votes against her.

Amendments and propositions

No matter how expected, nothing could soften the huge blow of the passage of Constitutional Amendment 6, establishing a voter photo ID law. Amendment 6 passed by 63.1 percent.

The amendment requires “valid government-issued photo identification” to vote in the state. As current secretary of state, the state’s highest election authority, Kander estimates that Amendment 6 will disenfranchise 220,000 voters in Missouri. College students, low-income people, the disabled and the very elderly are the people most likely to be without stateissued photo ID. All of these demographics trend Democratic as voters, which is why Republicans all over the nation have pushed voter photo ID proposals for years.

down as Missouri secretary of state to run. In a race that attracted national Democrats’ ultimately foiled dreams of taking back control of the U.S. Senate (and their funds), Blunt won with 49.3 percent of the vote, and Kander garnered 46.2 percent.

A former congressman and son of a Missouri Democratic dynasty, Russ Carnahan, lost to Mike Parson, a former state senator, in the lieutenant governor race, 42.1 percent to 52.96 percent. In the state treasurer race, former state representative Judy Baker was overwhelmed by former state senator Eric Schmitt, 39.15 percent to 56.65 percent.

Normandy Mayor Patrick Green, who attended Koster’s watch party, said it seemed

that Missouri voters and those nationwide were driven by their emotions and raw anger.

“You are seeing the underside of the belly, that emotional side that opens up Pandora’s Box,” Green said.

“Once you open that door, you don’t control its closure.”

Teitelman retained

Among judicial retentions, especially good news is the retention of Judge Richard Teitelman, among the most progressive jurists on the Missouri Supreme Court (or any bench in the state). He was retained by 64 percent of voters.

Roberts and Walker

In an extreme and tragic anomaly, the November 8 ballot had two candidates in separate races who are connected by rape allegations and a defamation suit. Cora Faith Walker accused Steven Roberts Jr. of raping her.

When a special prosecutor said there was no evidence of “anything other than consensual sex” on which to base criminal charges, Roberts filed a civil suit against Walker for three separate charges: defamation, malicious prosecution, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Both ran unopposed for state representative. If it’s any indication of their credibility in the public eye (or how voters regarded charges of rape on a ballot where Donald Trump was elected U.S. president), Roberts won more votes than Walker. Roberts received 11,655 votes in House District 77, with 314 write-in votes against him, while Walker won

Two ballot initiatives funded by big tobacco, which called for tobacco tax increases to fund early education (Amendment 3) and transportation infrastructure (Proposition A), but had a number of devious hidden provisions that led many public health advocates to oppose them, were defeated. Amendment 3 lost with only 40.76 percent in favor and Proposition A with 44.7 percent in favor.

Constitutional Amendment 1, which renews for 10 years a one-tenth of one percent sales/ use tax that is used to fund state parks and soil and water conservation 1 passed 80.14 percent – the only tax increase measure on the statewide ballot that passed.

Amendment 4, which in fact prohibits future new local sales or use taxes, passed with 57.05 percent of the vote. Amendment 2, which established much-needed limits on political campaign contributions for state and judicial offices, passed with 70 percent.

Photo by Wiley Price

Chris Koster waved goodbye to Democratic supporters at the Chase Park Plaza on Tuesday, November 8 after conceding the gubernatorial race to Republican Eric Greitens.

COGIC projected to inject $30M into STL with 109th Holy Convocation

American staff

The Church of God in Christ’s 109th Holy Convocation projected to make over $30 million economic impact to St. Louis metro area. This gathering of more than 40,000 attendees, scheduled for November 7-13 at the America’s Center and the Edward Jones Dome in downtown St. Louis, is one of the city’s largest conventions.

“We expect a record number of attendees this year, which means our organization will have an increased economic impact on the St. Louis area,”

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. said.

The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is one of the oldest Pentecostal denominations in the world and the fourth largest Protestant group in the United States, with churches

in 83 countries worldwide and a membership of nearly 6.5 million adherents.

Highlights for the week include:

Thursday, November 10

COGIC Cares Community Clean-up. Meet in front of the America’s Center at 10 a.m. to help clean up St. Louis’ 4th Ward. To volunteer, email pr@ cogic.org.

Thursday, November 10.

COGIC Urban Initiatives presents “An Education Affair” in collaboration with the United States Department of Education in America’s Center Atrium from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, November 10-12. COGIC Health Fair in America’s Center Atrium, 2nd Floor, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

Friday, November 11. COGIC Urban Initiatives 7th Annual Job Fair in America’s Center

Atrium, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, November 12

Christmas in November blesses the St. Louis community with free groceries, clothes, appliances, cosmetics, toys, hot lunches, haircuts, and free cell phones with minutes for those who qualify, at 5300 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 9 a.m.3 p.m. Children must be present to receive toys, and adults must show an ID. This event requires registration at COGIC. org, or call 314-583-0610.

“This will be the sixth year the convention has been held in St. Louis,” Bishop Blake said, “and we are excited to return to such a hospitable city.”

For more information about COGIC’s community outreach efforts during the 109th Holy Convocation or to view the schedule of activities, visit www.cogic.org.

VA benefits office moved to Overland

The St. Louis VA Regional Office relocated to the John F. Prevedel Federal Building, 9700 Page Ave. in Overland, on Monday, November 7. The new location is accessible via public transportation (Page Avenue Bus #94) and has plentiful, free parking onsite.

The Regional Office is responsible for processing all benefit actions for Missouri veterans. All veteran benefits services and public contact functions currently located at 400 S. 18th St. in St. Louis

moved to 9700 Page Ave, effective 8 a.m. Monday, November 7. All veterans service

organizations (American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of The Purple Heart, Missouri Veterans Commission, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars) collocated with the Regional Office will also move to the federal building in Overland. The move is part of the federal government’s effort to relocate government agencies out of leased facilities and into federal buildings.

Early camping reservations available for 2017 solar eclipse

On Aug, 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will be viewable throughout Missouri. In response to public interest, Missouri State Parks is allowing visitors to make plans to observe this major astronomical event in a state park. From November 4-25, guests will be able to make camping reservations for the weekend of the eclipse.

Of the 42 state parks and historic sites that will be within the path of the total eclipse, 19 parks offer camping. These

parks are Big Lake State Park, Lewis and Clark State Park, Weston Bend State Park, Watkins Mill State Park and State Historic Site, Wallace State Park, Knob Noster State Park, Van Meter State Park, Finger Lakes State Park, Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Graham Cave State Park, Robertsville State Park, Meramec State Park, Onondaga State Park, St. Joe State Park, Hawn State Park, St. Francois State Park, Washington State Park, Dr. Edmund A. Babler

Memorial, and Trail of Tears State Park. Camping reservations are typically available six months before the first night of a stay. This special reservation window will allow guests to begin planning their visits now. Reservations for this event require a three-night stay from August 18-21. To make reservations, visit mostateparks.com or call 877422-6766.

Services available to crime victims

St. Louis County Police Department encourages victims of crime in the county to consult with the Victim Service Division. It’s a division within the prosecuting attorney’s office that offers a range of free service to anyone who has been the victim of a personal or property crime in St. Louis County.

The services provided include emergency assistance,

victim compensation assistance, emotional support, information about police and court procedures, advocacy, community education, and volunteer training programs.

“This division helps people understand the criminal justice system and assists in restoring their lives back to normal,” said St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar. “Victims of crime can feel traumatized or

frightened after the event, and the division offers different services to help deal with their situation.” For more information, call the Victim Service Division at 314-615-4872. The division is located at 100 S. Central, 2nd Floor in Clayton and is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photo by Wiley Price

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. at the Church of God in Christ’s 107th Holy Convocation in 2014.

Childhood trauma damages children and adults

I walk into the exam room to find a middle-aged woman reading a book. I ask her what brings her into the clinic. As she lists her symptoms, she becomes gradually more upset. Tears well up in her eyes and eventually a steady stream rolls down her cheeks. I pass her the box of Kleenex. As she continues to sob and list her problems, she blurts out, “I’m just really scared. We just buried my 30-year-old niece. She died from stress, you know? And I just don’t want that to happen to me! I’m so stressed.”

Stress is a term we are all familiar with and use in our everyday language. However, degrees of stress and its effects on our health and relationships aren’t completely understood.

Alex Bodkin

High levels of stress have very real seen and unseen physical, emotional, social and financial ramifications in our lives. And while we tend to discuss stress and trauma as an individual experience, it definitely plagues communities. When people are asked to provide examples of community trauma, the most common responses are refugees fleeing their homes due to war, soldiers or veterans with PTSD and communities destroyed by natural disasters. These are obvious examples of shared trauma, but we must also recognize the trauma that is taking place every day in the most marginalized populations in our society.

Educators learn about the ‘whys’ to understand trauma

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The School District of University City invited area educators and community advocates to learn about championing trauma-informed schools across the St. Louis region. The session, by Alive and Well STL, uses storytelling as a means of effective communication. As teachers and administrators learned the importance of telling their own personal stories of triumph, trauma and hope that brought them to where they are today – they learned how to recognize and advocate for someone who is living with the effects of trauma. It could be their students, parents or stakeholders.

n Understanding what others have to overcome before they get to the classroom each day can inspire teachers and educational leadership to leave biases behind and to take action to bring out the best in students.

Emily Luft, program director of Alive and Well STL, said goal of the recent event was to help individuals who believe in the importance of trauma-informed schools to hone their advocacy skills.

“By being better able to share their own stories of ‘why,’ individuals will be able to help further this work within their own school communities and regionally by more effectively reaching decision makers and other important stakeholders, like parents,” she explained. “Becoming trauma informed requires the passionate buy-in of

Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley of University City schools shared some of her story with area school educators and community advocates who were learning about understanding

n High levels of stress have very real seen and unseen physical, emotional, social and financial ramifications in our lives.

Toxic stress can have immediate and long-lasting consequences. Research shows that prolonged stress, particularly during childhood, when neural pathways and connections are forming, literally changes the structure of the brain. Research reveals a strong correlation between stress during childhood and poor health outcomes as an adult. When a child experiences stress, there are immediate and delayed social, emotional and cognitive ramifications. It can be harder for these children to synthesize and retain information as well as form positive relationships with peers and caregivers. Often times, they may adopt risky behaviors such as overeating, smoking, and drug abuse, resulting in a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and mental health disorders.

In over 41 years as a social worker in St. Louis, Tyree Miller has seen the effects of toxic stress in clients of all ages. At a high school where he worked, he said there was “an astounding amount of PTSD” among students. “They were so traumatized,” said

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2016

The School District of University City hosted, “Telling the Story for Change: How to Champion Trauma-Informed Schools Across the Region, a free session by Alive and Well STL on October 25.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

By Jacqueline Howard CNN

There were more reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases last year than ever before in the United States, according to the latest STD surveillance report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The recently released annual report showed that the rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis – the three most commonly reported STDs in the nation – increased between 2014 and 2015, reaching an alltime high.

Reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis rose by 19 percent, gonorrhea cases rose by 12.8 percent, and chlamydia cases rose by 5.9 percent, from 2014. All three STDs are curable with antibiotics, but most infections go undiagnosed and untreated, according to the CDC.

“We have reached a decisive moment for the nation,” Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, said in a written statement.

“STD rates are rising, and

TRAUMA

Continued from A12

“This is about changing mindsets … changing behaviors that we see with the adults, and making certain that we are creating an environment for all of our students,” Hardin-Bartley said. “I represent the things we are talking about. I traveled on a bus to West County as a young girl from St. Louis city and … I was ‘Sharerah-NEEK-ah’ … because most of my teachers didn’t care enough to know my name. So as a child, I had no voice. I didn’t know myself. That confidence was not there.

“And it was my 6th grade teacher who told me I was going to be nothing. My sixth grade teacher who unearthed some things I was navigating at home on my bus ride to school.” Teachers have power.

While they have the power to build up a child, Hardin-Bartley said, “they also have powers to absolutely destroy a child.”

She said it is a choice to be conscious with words and actions.

“We want to be conscious about our efforts, we want to be conscious about our actions and I think it is a choice. We choose to be aware, we choose to be informed, we choose to take action with our words and stop doing this lip service when talking amongst each other and going back into our buildings and doing something counterproductive to what we are talking about,” Hardin-Bartley said. In order to embrace every child, the superintendent said the questioning should be, not what’s wrong with the child, but what happened.

“Schools, we cannot do it by ourselves – and that’s been the problem. The schools have been

HealtH Briefs

STD rates reach record high in United States

many of the country’s systems for preventing STDs have eroded,” he said. “We must mobilize, rebuild and expand services -- or the human and economic burden will continue to grow.”

The report included data on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis from state and local case reports. Federal health officials actively track such reports, which involve a variety of private and public sources.

Data on other STDs, such as human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus and trichomoniasis, are not routinely tracked and were not included in the new report. While HIV is a STD that is actively tracked, it also was not included in this report. Who is at most risk?

Last year, there were more than 1.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, a disease that can damage a woman’s reproductive system and make it difficult for her to get pregnant if left untreated. Young people, 15 to 24 years old, accounted for nearly two-thirds of last year’s chlamydia diagnoses – and half of the gonorrhea diagnoses. There were 395,216 report-

forced to navigate these issues with no support,” she said.

Reported chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in 2015

Most reported infections occured among 15-24 year-olds.

By CNN

23,872 cases of primary and secondary syphilis last year, according to the report, and men who have sex with men accounted for the majority of new cases.

“The health outcomes of syphilis – miscarriage, stillbirth, blindness or stroke -- can be devastating,” Dr. Gail Bolan, director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, said in a written statement.

ed cases of gonorrhea last year, and the STD has become progressively difficult to treat.

Scientists at the CDC warned in July that the bacterium that causes gonorrhea, called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is developing resistance to the antibiotic drugs used to treat it. Men who have sex with men accounted for the majority of new gonorrhea cases last year,

“Higher Ed needs to embrace this in their course work. Teachers need to understand this concept and they need to have strategies,” Hardin-Bartley said. “We are sending them out ill-prepared –and they are people who want to change lives, but we need the skills and resources.”

Participants split into small groups, where they shared their stories and listened to the stories of others in the room. Feedback pointed to the value of this storytelling.

“Everyone has a why. No one comes to this work (whether it be as an educator, an advocate for trauma-informed care, or both) without a reason,” Luft said.

“Tapping into the power of those ‘whys’ can be an incredible source for social change.”

Marsha Morgan, retired COO of Behavioral Health at Truman Medical Centers in Kansas City spent over 40 years working in mental health. She said stories stick in the mind to create an “I can do this too” response.

“It also provides the framework for how we make our choices,” Morgan said. “We create pictures as we tell our stories. We also create memories.”

Three dozen organizations, including 13 school districts were represented among the 65 participants during the Oct. 25 session.

Alive and Well STL has trained more than 40 schools in the St. Louis region to become trauma-informed, as well as other key stakeholders in the community interested in advancing trauma-informed care in schools.

“Alive and Well STL continues to get a large volume of requests from local schools to provide training around the impacts of stress and trauma,” Luft added. For more information, visit AliveandWellSTL.org.

DOCTOR

Continued from A12 Miller, “girls and boys are excessively sensitive, hypervigilant, resulting in emotional outbursts, suspensions and often times learning deficits.” These self-destructive behaviors most commonly could be linked to financial hardships, food scarcity, racism, discrimination, neglect, abuse, violence and illness in the family. Ideally, every child should have a home environment and community that nurtures and protects them, instilling the confidence and resources they need to succeed. Miller said, “If a child doesn’t get the nurturing and consistency they

and antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea was found to possibly be higher among the group, the new report showed.

Overall, young people and gay and bisexual men face the greatest risk of getting a STD, according to the new report. It’s estimated that about half of the nearly 20 million new STD cases reported annually are among 15 to 24 year olds.

One of the most disturbing findings in the report revealed an increase in syphilis rates among newborns.

Congenital syphilis, which occurs when the infection is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby, increased by 6 percent between 2014 to 2015, and resulted in 487 reported cases last year. Additionally, there were

“The resurgence of congenital syphilis and the increasing impact of syphilis among gay and bisexual men makes it clear that many Americans are not getting the preventive services they need. Every pregnant woman should be tested for syphilis, and sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis at least once a year,” she said. “To reverse the STD epidemic, we should all learn to talk more openly about STDs – with our partners, parents, and providers.”

(Edited for length)

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. Karla Carroll double dutching during Saturday’s Double Dutch Showcase at Wohl Recreation Center. The event was sponsered by BJC School Outreach and Youth Development and Saint Louis Public Schools for the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities (HSHC) initiative.

need to thrive from the home, then they have to get it from the community. We have to be the insulators to toxic stress”.

Therapist and motivational speaker Tracie Berry-McGhee recognized a need in the community and started the nonprofit, Sistakeeper. She stated, “I have seen many children labeled with learning disabilities that are just traumatized

from sexual abuse, neglect, poverty, and witnessing violence over and over again.

“It’s so important for teachers, mentors, and counselors to help foster positive relationships and give young people the space to be heard.” Health disparities will not be solved by simply providing more access to medical care.

The Alberta Family Wellness

Double Dutch

Initiative says, “trying to change behaviour or build new skills on a foundation of brain circuits that were wired improperly when they were first formed requires more work and is less effective than getting it right the first time. [ ...] the exaggerated neurological response to toxic stress never goes away, with costly consequences for both children and society.” Because much of the irreversible damage is done during childhood, it makes sense to begin there. We must invest our resources and develop strategies into giving each child the best possible start. The time is now.

Alex Bodkin is senior medical student at Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Photo by Wiley Price

Drink Water!

Nutrition Challenge:

Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. This helps prevent overeating, it improves digestion and it’s even good for your skin!

DoIt ForA Cause!

Exercise Challenge:

This time of year there are many different charity walks and fundraisers. Find out how you and your family can get involved. Perhaps you can take “pledges” to raise money for an organization like the American Heart Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Many of these are 5K which stands for 5 kilometers;

Healthy Kids Kids

Try this Get in the habit of filling a glass full of water every time you feel thirsty. Don’t drink anything else until you’ve finished the water! This will greatly increase the amount of

water you drink and reduce the amount of sugary drinks you consume throughout the day.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

this is just a little over 3 miles. You should always start slowly and build up your strength, speed and endurance. You could begin by walking a mile every day, then try walking three blocks and running one.

If someone is hurt, sick, or in danger, calling 911 can get help on its way. 911 is designed to bring aid from emergency services personnel (firefighters, police officers and paramedics). As a class, discuss when you should (and should not) call 911.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, NH 1, NH 7

Keep this up until you can switch that to running three and walking one block. Eventually you’ll be able to run the full mile. But of course, if running’s not your thing, you can always walk the 5K instead. Just make sure you walk briskly (quickly) to increase your heart rate while raising money for charity.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 6, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

Huldah C. Blamoville, MD, Pediatrician

Where do you work? I am in private practice at Our Children’s Clinic and on the staff of St. Louis Children’s and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospitals. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Walton High School in Bronx, New York, and I earned a BS in chemistry from Queens College in New York. I graduated with a Master Degree of Chemistry from Howard University in Washington, DC. I earned a medical degree from Meharry Medical College and I then decided that I wanted to work in Africa, so I attended the University of London and earned a Master of Public Health in tropical medicine. After living three years in Africa, I returned to New York to get my residency in pediatrics. I also earned an MBA at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

What does a pediatrician do? A pediatrician takes care of a child from the time it’s born until they reach teenage and pre-adult years. We counsel them, immunize them, provide nutrition information and diagnose and treat any health problems and disease. Why did you choose this career? I chose it because I’m the oldest of six children. In growing up, I was always taking care of my siblings and it’s something I enjoy. I also like telling others what to do.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part is seeing how well some of the children I have treated are doing and some of my past patients — how well they’re doing, and going on to live wonderful and successful lives.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

Bryan Hill Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Dina

Webber shows students

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

African-American Neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Lanier Black

SCIENCE CORNER

Brain tumors are a mass of cells that have grown abnormally. These tumors can put pressure on different parts of the brain and can affect the way your body functions. Although the exact cause of brain tumors is not known, research has shown that they are caused from either genetics (passed down from family members), or environment. Some tumors are cancerous, which means they can travel to other parts of the body. Some tumors are not cancerous. These are called benign tumors. Doctors can treat tumors with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Brain Tumors

quickly it grows. They use the information to categorize the tumors. There are three categories. Low grade/high grade: low grade tumors are slow growing, and high grade tumors are fast growing. Localized/invasive: localized tumors are in one area and are usually easier to remove, invasive have spread to other areas and are more difficult to remove. Primary/ secondary: primary tumors start in the brain, secondary tumors start elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain.

Keith Black was born in 1957 in Tuskegee, Alabama. His mom was a school teacher and his father was a school principal. They taught their children that education was very important and that they could achieve their goals with hard work. Black enjoyed biology as a young child and dissected a frog. To encourage his interest in biology, Black’s father bought a cow heart for him to dissect. At age 10, Black’s family moved to Ohio. As a teen, he joined a program at Case Western Reserve Hospital to learn laboratory skills. These skills allowed him to get a part time job at Cleveland’s St. Luke’s Hospital as a teenager. While there, he learned how to perform transplant surgeries and heart valve replacements on laboratory dogs. Black noticed that patients with heart valve replacements had damage to their blood cells. He wrote a research paper about this at age 17. This paper won the Westinghouse Science Award.

Doctors use CT scans or MRI imaging to diagnose tumors. They look at the location, types of cells involved, and how

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Have you ever wondered why some foods taste better than others? Do you know how the brain affects the ability to distinguish between flavors?

Materials Needed:

• A small piece of sliced potato

• A small piece of sliced apple

• Volunteer Procedure:

q Be sure the apple and potato slices are the same shape and size.

CONNECTION

Put your brain to work and develop your critical thinking skills with these word problems.

z In a given school, there are 280 boys and 230 girls.

a) What is the ratio of the number of girls to the number of boys?

b) What is the ratio of the number of boys to the total

DID YOU KNOW?

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

Taste Testing Without Smell!

w Ask your volunteer to close their eyes and hold their nose.

e Give the volunteer the potato and then the apple.

r Can they identify the food?

Analyze: How does smell and sight affect your brain’s ability to tell the difference between foods?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions for an experiment. I can draw conclusions and analyze results.

Brain Builders!

number of pupils in the school?

x If Tim and his family had lunch at $30.50 and he gave a 15% tip, how much did they spend? ______

c If a car gets 26 miles per gallon of gasoline, how many gallons of gasoline would be needed to travel 150 miles? ______

v If gas cost $2.10 per gallon, how much would it cost

to fill a car that holds 18 gallons?

b The exchange rate for U.S. dollars to euros is $1 to 0.71 euros. How many euros is $150 U.S. dollars worth?

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

After graduating from Shaker Heights High School, Black attended the University of Michigan. He was chosen to be part of an accelerated program that allowed him to earn his undergraduate and medical degree in only six years. Black developed a strong interest in the brain and began to study neurosurgery (surgery of the brain) at age 24. In 1987, Black moved to UCLA to teach neurosurgery. In 1994, he patented a method to open brain capillaries to deliver chemotherapy directly to the brain tumor. He also created vaccines to boost the immune system of patients.

In 2007, Black opened a brain tumor research center named the Cochran Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Institute. He is the director of the Neurosurgical Institute there, as well. Black preforms an average of 200 brain surgeries per year, which is twice the average of other neurosurgeons. He has even successfully performed surgeries on patients who were told their brain tumor could not be operated. In 2009, he published his autobiography titled, “Brain Surgeon.”

Learning Standards: person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities — First Amendment Freedoms: One of the five freedoms listed in the First Amendment is the Right to Assembly. That is the right of people to peacefully gather together. Use the newspaper to find examples of events in your city. Categorize these events as: political, religious, sports, education, or community.

Advertisement

Estimations: A family member wants a new television and thinks a reasonable price is less than $300. Using the advertisements, locate three televisions (include brand, price, size, etc.) Compare the prices. Is $300 a reasonable estimate?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can classify information. I can make text-to-self connections.

Kayla Montgomery, Stephen Goodlow, Jameice Shannon, and Joshua Lawson how to use the STEM page in the paper to learn how the human brain works.

Bryan Hill Elementary is in the Saint Louis Public Schools District. Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Business

NOVEMBER

ESL breaks ground on $8.1M River Bridge District Project

St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern, East St. Louis Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks, and James Nations, chairman of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA), spoke at the groundbreaking for the new the $8.1 million River Bridge District Project in East St. Louis on November 1. Jackson-Hicks said that the minority participation goal for this project are set at 20 percent.

The project involves a comprehensive, multi-million dollar overhaul of Front Street from Trendley Avenue in East St. Louis to where the road dead-ends in Fairmont City, as well as improvements to connecting roadways. It will open up several hundred acres of undeveloped, newly accessible ground. This infrastructure work will create enhanced access for patrons and employees of the Casino Queen and citizens of East St. Louis, providing separation of the heavy commercial traffic from other normal public movement.

Bungee-SFC, Cargill and Casino Queen have each committed $500,000 for the project. The additional funding is being provided in the form of a $3.5 million grant from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration; a $1.5 million contribution from SWIDA; $900,000 from the St. Clair County Transit District; $500,000 from the Metro East Park and Recreation District; and a $125,000 TARP grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Alex Fennoy promoted to executive VP of Midwest BankCentre

Bank is leading mortgage lender in majority-black census tracts in STL city and county

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Alex D. Fennoy was promoted to executive vice president of Midwest BankCentre, where he continues to lead the bank’s community and economic development lending, investment, financial education and volunteerism. In addition to traditional, middle-market commercial banking, Fennoy – who is based at the bank’s Lemay headquarters, 2191 Lemay Ferry Rd. – leads the bank’s delivery of fullservice banking products and services to meet local credit needs. By cultivating partnerships with such local organizations as Beyond Housing, Mount Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, the City of Pagedale, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church and others, he has spearheaded the bank’s expansion into serving previously underbanked communities.

“Access to banks and mortgage loans is an undeniable marker of community vitality,” Fennoy wrote in a column for The American on August 4. “When banks fail to make loans in

n “Access to banks and mortgage loans is an undeniable marker of community vitality.”

– Alex D. Fennoy, executive vice president of

Midwest BankCentre

low- and moderate-income neighborhoods or in areas populated mostly by minorities, working people have a hard time building wealth, and neighborhoods lose the stability that widespread home ownership brings.”

According to a recent study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition on mortgage originations from 2012-2014 in three Midwestern

cities, African Americans make up 18 percent of the metro St. Louis population, but only four percent of all home purchase loans here were made to African Americans in that span.

In the same 2012-2014 period, under Fennoy’s leadership (as approved by Midwest BankCentre Chairman and CEO Jim Watson), Midwest BankCentre approved nearly 80 percent of all home purchase applications and nearly 70 percent of all home refinancing applications from majority-African-American census tracts in St. Louis city and county.

Including home improvement loans, the bank’s total mortgage loan applications in that span totaled 677. That was a dramatic change from 2009-11, when the bank took fewer than 65 applications in those same census tracts.

“We made a sober decision to embark on changing past patterns in ways that were sustainable and would jointly help our local community, our customers, our employees and our shareholders,” Fennoy wrote – while fully

See FENNOY, B6

A new model for developing North St. Louis

By Sylvester Brown Jr. Guest columnist

In my last St. Louis American commentary, “St. Louis Black leaders: What’s Going On?” I specifically questioned black politicians about the seemingly lack of legislative action or plans drafted to address historical and disproportionate disparities and health crises facing black people in our region. The piece focused mostly on the millions upon millions of public tax dollars and incentives doled out to already rich developers, tony neighborhoods and powerful entities. Recently, the St. Louis Cardinals announced plans to expand Ballpark Village with an office

Sylvester Brown Jr.

building, retail center and a 29-story apartment tower. This “phase II” development relies on almost $200 million in city and state subsidies. Keep in mind this money is on top of the hundreds of millions already designated to the NGA, NorthSide Regeneration and Cortex projects and other developments in tony areas like the Central West, Midtown and South Side neighborhoods.

An October 31 Riverfront Times article revealed that almost $10 million in tax

abatements (from 2000 to 2014) have been awarded to the Botanical Heights, Shaw, Tower Grove East and Forest Park Southeast (aka the Grove) neighborhoods where “black residents are being displaced for white ones.”

In my commentary, I asked why black politicians aren’t making sure that long-neglected neighborhoods are included in these publiclyfunded endeavors. I spoke of a need for a new model that would not only revitalize North St. Louis but empower residents to make and sustain much-needed change. As an example, I spoke about the 10 or so nonprofits struggling but

Vanessa BlacknallJamison is chair elect of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. She has over 39 years of professional aviation experience, with 28 of those as a supervisor, manager and human resources specialist. Currently she serves at the Federal Aviation Administration on the Flight Standards Leadership Development Team. She is the first woman and first non-pilot to chair the association of over 3,000 aviation and aeronautical professionals.

Jacob Marshall joined the 20162017 Leadership 100 Cohort of the Regional Business Council’s Young Professionals Network. He is superintendent of Operations at Kinder Morgan. The goal of the network, which is open to ethnically diverse professionals under 40, is to attract and retain young talent to the region and to give future leaders unique opportunities for networking, professional development and community involvement.

Michelle Butler became the first and only correctional officer in the St. Louis Division of Corrections to become a Certified Corrections Professional through the American Correctional Association. She completed a self-study program followed by a four-hour proctored exam that recognizes high-level capabilities and accomplishments in the field of corrections.

Jerome A. W. Thomas has formed J Thomas Carpet Cleaning LLC. He was born and raised in St. Louis and is an alumnus of Soldan International Studies High School in the Saint Louis Public Schools. He is no stranger to the discipline it takes to running a business as he was a faithful employee for 16 years with JW Aluminum.

Ametra Harris was appointed to the City of St. Louis Planning Commission by Mayor Francis G. Slay. She works as a staff engineer for Kaskaskia Engineering Group and received her bachelor’s degree in of civil engineering from the University of Dayton. The Women’s Foundation Appointments Project helped to secure her appointment.

Jim Clingman received the James E. Young Visionary Leadership Award, the National Bankers Association’s highest and most coveted award. He writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column, Blackonomics, and has written seven books, five of which are on economic empowerment. He is the former editor of the Cincinnati Herald Newspaper and founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce.

the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

Vanessa BlacknallJamison

Michelle Butler

Jerome A. W. Thomas

Ametra Harris

Jacob Marshall

Jim Clingman

Photo by Wiley Price

How a little work could save you $1,000

By Nathaniel Sillin

How long would it take you to earn an extra $1,000?

Contrary to what spam and internet ads tell us, after taking taxes and deductions into account, it’s not an easy task. But you might be able to save over a thousand dollars with a little work. The key is to decrease or eliminate unnecessary recurring expenses.

You can use the savings to build up an emergency fund or invest them for important long-term goals, such as travel or retirement.

Additionally, a savings safety cushion can help keep an unexpected setback from ballooning into a financial crisis, such as a broken down car or the loss of a job leading to debt.

First, identify savings opportunities. You may want to start by connecting your bank and credit card accounts to budgeting software, or uploading previous months’ statements and categorize purchases. You’ll get a quick snapshot of your finances, which can help you identify savings opportunities and get a sense of how much money is on the line.

Cancel services and regularly negotiate rates

– save over $100 a month.

“Cord cutting” is a popular and simple way to save money. Rather than pay for cable or satellite TV, you might choose to cancel your service and opt for lower-cost entertainment options.

If you don’t want to eliminate services entirely, you could try to negotiate rates with your cable or internet providers. A successful call could lower your bill by $20 a month or more, saving you a couple hundred dollars a year. A few tips: ask for the cancellation department and request the business match a competitor’s lower price or give you the current promotional rate. Don’t be afraid to try again if you’re not successful – it can take several attempts to connect

with a representative who will work with you.

Avoid bank fees –save over $10 a month. Occasionally paying to withdraw money from an ATM or paying fees for a low-balance checking account might not seem like a big deal, but the money adds up. Two ATM fees and a checkingaccount fee could cost you

over $10. Some accounts waive fees as long as you maintain a minimum balance, and there often isn’t an ATM fee for withdrawing money from an in-network ATM or getting cash back when making a purchase. There are also checking accounts that refund ATM fees at the end of each month. There can be advantages and disadvantages

Ask your agent about potential savings if you decide to stick with your current insurer. You might be eligible for discounts you aren’t receiving because the information on file doesn’t reflect your current situation. If not, there are usually discounts for simple purchases, such as a fire extinguisher for your home or an anti-theft device for your car.

Buy products that more than pay for themselves –save hundreds each year. Sometimes you need to spend money to save money. Buying a coffee maker for your home is the cliché example, but that doesn’t mean it’s without merit. Purchasing a water pitcher with a filter rather than bottled water can also lead to immediate savings. Other purchases are longterm investments. It might take months to break even after buying LED bulbs or upgrading your appliances to energy-efficient models, but after that you could save money on your utility bill each month.

to any account, read the terms of your checking and saving account agreements to understand when, and why, you may need to pay a fee.

Shop for insurance discounts – you might be able to save over 20 percent on your premiums each month. Use online comparison tools to quickly and easily get quotes on auto, renters, homeowners and other types of insurance. Compare the rates, coverage and insurance companies to see if switching makes sense for you.

MODEL

continued from page B1

dedicated to making a positive economic and social impact on MLK Boulevard from Wellston all the way down to the Greater Ville area near Grand Boulevard.

Well, I’m happy to report there’s been some momentum in this direction.

Two faculty members of Saint Louis University’s Nutrition and Dietetics department collaborated with Northside Community Housing Inc. to submit and receive a $500,000 USDA grant to implement the “North City Food Hub” at North Sarah in the Greater Ville area.

This summer, there will be entrepreneurship classes, a business incubator program to accelerate food-related business development; a shared-use kitchen where residents can turn produce into marketable products; a cafe, food processing center, a grocery store and a home food delivery operation.

The beauty of this partnership is that about five grassroots organizations –Annie Malone, Hosco Foods, the Ville Collaborative, Good Life Growing Inc. and the Sweet Potato Project – along with SLU are responsible for carrying out and sustaining a mission aimed at creating culinary and food-related jobs, stimulating small business growth, helping residents gain access to vacant land to grow food, packaging and bringing food and food-based products to market in North St. Louis and the rest of the region.

It gets better. After attending an awards ceremony in September, I wrote a commentary based on comments made by award recipient Malik Ahmed. Ahmed (founder of Better Family Life, Inc.) talked about the need for black organizations to collaborate, strategize and collectively go after funding to do what we do best.

Since then, a new

Bottom line. Start your savings effort as soon as possible and you can build your emergency fund, a safety net that can help you avoid stressing about potential financial setbacks. Lowering your monthly cable bill will lead to almost instant savings, while making an investment in energy-efficient appliances will pay off after months or years. Add it all up and in the end you could find that just a bit of effort leads to over $1,000 in annual savings. It’s a great start.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

community-based organization, the New Opportunities Alliance for Hope (NOAH), has been formed. Its mission is to recruit individuals and struggling nonprofits already involved with affordable housing, land ownership, crime reduction, neighborhood revitalization, youth and adult business training and urban farming in North St. Louis. Beloved Streets of America, the Sweet Potato Project, A.C.E.S. 4 Youth and Robert Powell, founder of the now shuttered Portfolio Art Gallery, are just a few members of the alliance. Powell intends to apply for the annual $11 million in state funding already designated for an African American Arts District that will showcase, support and enhance black arts and culture in St. Louis.

I can’t help but imagine the possibilities inherent in the collaboration of organizations like the North St. Louis Food Hub and NOAH. The possibilities are even more promising if politicians adopted this vision and expanded the definition of “development” beyond the limited boundaries of only funding “big box” projects and upper-class neighborhoods. The North City Food Hub will be in operation by summer 2017. Positive motion is afoot but small grassroots agencies and community players need political champions to empower their causes just like they do for the affluent and connected. With a little more vision and aggressive, creative legislation, St. Louis could very well introduce a new national template that empowers grassroots organizations and individuals who are already doing their best with meager resources to uplift North St. Louis.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is a writer, community activist and executive director of the Sweet Potato Project, a program that seeks to empower low-income youth and adults through land-ownership and urban agriculture.

Purchasing a water pitcher with a filter rather than bottled water can also lead to immediate savings.

n “We got to get our toughness back, our identity back. We’re playing with no toughness, no swag.”

– Bradley Beal, on the Washington Wizards’ 1-5 start

Pro Football Notebook

Black athletes badger Wisconsin to

Late-game drama

Playoff games go down to last seconds

There was plenty of late-game drama and excitement during last weekend’s postseason action on both sides of the river.

The most dramatic moment came at East St. Louis when senior Jeff Thomas grabbed a 23-yard touchdown pass with three seconds left to lift the Flyers to a heart-stopping 32-28 victory over Glenbard North in the IHSA Class 7A playoffs.

Earl Austin Jr.

Ladue trailed upset-minded MICDS 29-17 with four minutes left in the Class 4, District 2 championship game at SLUH last Friday night, but junior quarterback Jordan Jackson engineered two late drives to lift the Ladue to a 37-29 victory at the district title.

Small school powers Trinity and Lutheran North were locked in a titanic struggle in their Class 2, District 2 championship game last Friday night. Trinity marched down the field 85 yards and scored in the last minute to take a 31-24 victory. Sophomore quarterback Isaiah Williams scored the winning points on an 11-yard run.

On Saturday, CBC and Hazelwood Central needed two overtimes to decide their Class 6, District 2 championship game. The two teams traded big plays in the fourth quarter and overtimes before the Cadets survived with a 47-40 victory.

This week’s playoffs for STL teams

Here is the schedule of this week’s state playoffs involving the

During last season’s NBA All-Star festivities, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine and Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon put on a dunk contest showcase for the ages. The two then-reserve players may have lacked the star power of Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins but they made up for it in raw athleticism and jaw-dropping slam dunk ability. LaVine and Gordon are not content to rest on their dunk dynasty laurels though. It seems they are both using their slam dunk success to bound into bona fide NBA players. Before LaVine racked up back-to-back dunking titles, he was a one and done at UCLA who really didn’t do much while he was there. As a freshman, LaVine averaged 9.4

points (and not much else) as a sixth-man but somehow turned that into a first-round draft selection in 2014. Sure, he could jump out of the gym, but not much was expected from the 6-foot-5, 180-pound project outside of Sacramento. Even with one dunk championship under his belt, before last year’s All-Star game, LaVine posted averages of 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists. After his virtuoso performance though, the team put him back in the starting lineup (He started for an extended period during his rookie year due to an injury to Ricky Rubio). Armed with confidence, LaVine’s scoring average jumped to 16.4 points per game while his rebound and assist numbers dropped ever-so-slightly to 2.5 and 2.8

respectively. This season, LaVine has continued his ascent. Though Andrew Wiggins and KarlAnthony Towns get most of the praise in Minnesota, LaVine, now a starting combo guard, is quietly putting together a nice early season. LaVine See CLUTCH, B5

is averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists. More importantly though, his threepoint percentage has increased from 38.9 percent in 2015-16, to 45.2 percent so far this season. If LaVine can continue to stretch the defense and become a knockdown shooter and improve

With Earl Austin Jr.

Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine put on

year’s Slam Dunk Contest.

season, they are proving they can be legitimate NBA starters.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Black athletes badger Wisconsin to take action against campus racism

Dozens of athletes at the University of Wisconsin are demanding their college address racism on the Madison campus following a chilling incident during a Badger football game on October 29.

A man in a Donald Trump mask was leading another, who was wearing a Barack Obama mask, with a noose around his neck. The second man later donned a Hillary Clinton mask, complete with the rope. Rather than throw the people out of the game, officials decided these creeps could stay in the stadium if the nooses were removed. Surprise! The ropes returned as soon as officials left the area.

On Monday, Wisconsin officials indefinitely revoked the season tickets of the people involved. More than 20 black football players, All Big Ten basketball player Nigel Hayes and other student athletes signed a statement saying the campus is rife with racism.

n

neck,” the statement said. “That moment was like a punch in the face to not only student-athletes of color but also current students, faculty and alumni of color. This incident was yet another blow and reminder that there are people in this community that may not value diverse populations.”

The statement said black athletes “are loved during competition but then subjected to racial discrimination in our everyday lives too.”

According to the athletes, some professors “discourage us to not take their courses because they assume it’s too challenging.”

“It is painful that someone in our community would show up to an athletic event with a mask of our sitting president, who happens to look a lot like us, with a noose around his neck.”

“It is painful that someone in our community would show up to an athletic event with a mask of our sitting president, who happens to look a lot like us, with a noose around his

“We also have to deal with not being chosen for groups (by classmates) because it’s assumed we are only here for sports and not to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for our future careers.

“Nor should we have to hear in the dorm, the classroom or the street people refer to us as niggers or monkeys.”

UW-Madison chancellor Rebecca Blank said Monday during a Faculty Senate meeting that she was “personally very sorry for the hurt that this incident and our response to it has caused.”

“I have heard from students, faculty and community members who are dissatisfied with our response, and I understand why,” Blank said. “A noose is the symbol of some of the worst forms of racial hatred and intimidation

in our country’s history. We understand this, and we should have communicated that more forcefully from the very beginning.”

While there has been no threat to boycott games, as Missouri players did last year, the players left this challenge for university officials: “We implore Chancellor Blank and her cabinet to take action, be visible, leave your ivory tower and speak to the students. Please create real programs, initiate meaningful change and understand that students of color deserve to thrive in this institution just like our peers. We want to be a part of the amazing legacy this university has held for years and years.”

Not Miller time for Mizzou

A year ago, five-star women’s basketball player Lauryn Miller was preparing to return to the court for Kirkwood High School after knee surgery sidelined her for the first half of the season. Her spectacular second half helped the Pioneers reach the state championship game in Columbia against Kickapoo and most scouting services had her headed to the University of

Missouri in 2017. Then came that fateful title game. Miller found herself in foul trouble early and was forced to miss much of the game. Miller and three other starters fouled out. The Pioneers had a whopping 35 fouls called against them and Kickapoo made 37 of a staterecord 53 free-throw attempts in a 63-53 victory. Kirkwood shot just 18 free throws.

Miller, who seemed to be a lock for Mizzou, signed her letter of intent to play for UCLA on Wednesday. I have a tough time believing that that title game played no role in her decision to be a Bruin and not a Tiger.

What’s up with the Wizards?

The Washington Wizards are 1-5 after a 114-106 loss on Monday to the Houston Rockets, coach Brooks says he is “fed up” with his team’s play and St. Louis-area native Bradley Beal is calling out himself and teammates.

“We did not expect it to be like this,” Beal said.

“We got to get our toughness back, our identity back. We’re playing with no toughness, no swag. We

At a University of Wisconsin football game on October 29, a man in a Donald Trump mask was leading another, who was wearing a Barack Obama mask, with a noose around his neck. The second man later donned a Hillary Clinton mask, complete with the rope. On Monday, Wisconsin officials indefinitely revoked the season tickets of the people involved.

got to pick each other up. We’ve got to get something going. Everybody’s frustrated. Everybody’s mad.” Part of the problem is the Wizards’ porous defense which has a 106.0 rating, among the NBA’s worst. The team is last in three-point defense, giving up 39.5 percent to opponents. All-star guard John Wall will not play in back-to-back games early this season after surgeries on both knees during the summer. He missed last week’s loss to the Orlando Magic and is staring at a suspension after making contact with an official and swearing at him. Before his ejection, Wall surpassed the Wizards/Bullets all-time assist mark when he recorded number 3,287. Hall of Famer Wes Unseld, Earl Austin Jr.’s uncle, held the previous record. As for the rough start, Beal said, “We all got to look at ourselves individually first before we start pointing fingers and just try to figure out how we can get better.”

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

With Maurice Scott

Clutch catch sends ESL to quarterfinals

In a game that marked the 25th anniversary of the 1991 State Championship game between Glenbard North and East St. Louis Senior High, the two teams staged an instant classic.

East St. Louis faced a third down and 13 from the Glenbard North 26-yard line when quarterback Reyoundus Estes found All- American wide receiver Jeff Thomas for a leaping, electrifying catch for the winning touchdown with three seconds left, lifting the Flyers to a 32-28 victory in the second round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs. Estes was simply marvelous against Glenbard North, amassing 309 yards of total offense. In addition, his ability to elude the pass rush and gain yardage via the run was devastating against the Panthers defense. Jeff Thomas

Flyers face #23 seed Villa Park Willowbrook on Saturday

had another stellar performance as well, hauling down seven catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner.

n On Saturday, East St. Louis will continue to rely on Estes, Thomas, and workhorse running back Jarrell Anderson.

But it was the Flyers’ defense that held the Panthers to 13 yards rushing, led by linebackers James “Bonecrusher” Knight and LaMontre “State Street” Harvey on Saturday to send the Flyers into the quarterfinals Saturday afternoon against #23 seed Villa Park Willowbrook. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

On Saturday, East St. Louis will continue to rely on Estes, Thomas, and workhorse running back Jarrell Anderson. But the unsung hero on offense all season has been Charlando Robinson, who picked up a key first down during the winning drive, something he’s been doing all season long for East St. Louis.

The Willowbrook Warriors (8-3) out of the West Suburban Conference are coming into the quarterfinals with some impressive wins of their own, defeating Quincy 34-13 in the opening round and upsetting Glenbrook North 49-21 last Saturday.

It’s the best season for the Warriors since 1990. In addition, they haven’t hosted consecutive playoff games since 1994.

Last week against the Spartans, the Warriors scored on their first five possessions totaling 576 yards of total offense. The Warriors are led on offense by two-way player Jack Jessen. The workhorse has 244 carries for 1,625 yards and 28 touchdowns for the season. He led the Warriors ground game on Saturday, rushing for a game-high 221 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback M.J. Ranieri, who has passed for 1,876 yards and 17 touchdowns,

will manage the offense for Willowbrook. Ranieri completed 9 of 11 passes for 171 yards last week. Ranieri will look for wide-outs Jon Kelso (36 receptions for 678 yards and five touchdowns) and Khalif Copeland (28 receptions for 458 yards and five touchdowns) to challenge the Flyers’ secondary. A key factor in this game is whether the Warriors can keep pace with the Flyers’ highoctane athletes having a number of their key players playing both offense and defense.

East St. Louis Flyers head coach Darren “Quarterfinals” Sunkett can inch closer to shutting up the “street patrol” in his quest for his second state title while at East St. Louis by winning and then having the opportunity to host the winner of the #3 seed Rolling Meadows or #11 seed Lisle (Benet Academy) in the Class 7-A Semi-Finals at the

ily outpointed Jessie Vargas last weekend, rumors started about a rematch between “Pac Man” and Floyd Mayweather Jr. It’s been a year and a half since the overhyped “Fight of the Century.” Mayweather has stayed mostly quiet in retirement. Pacquiao, however, has stayed active (despite a bogus ‘retirement’) by beating Vargas and Tim Bradley to prove that he still has something left in the tank.

Mayweather was sitting ringside in Las Vegas during Pacquiao’s most recent bout, fanning the flames for a

“House of Pain,” Clyde C. Jordan Memorial Stadium, on Saturday, November 19. Villa Grove Willowbrook is in the way. The fun is over for the Warriors. Prediction: East St. Louis 36, Willowbrook 17

Other predictions

Class 8-A Quarterfinal: Glenbard West at Edwardsville, 1 p.m. Saturday.

Continued from B3

at power forward. The second-half of the season, he averaged 12 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists. This year, Gordon stayed in the starting lineup, but moved to small forward after the Magic acquired Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gordon’s scoring numbers are around the same (11.6 points) and his assist numbers have risen to 3.0 per game. Like LaVine, he’s

shown a substantial increase in three-point shooting after jumping from 29.9 percent to 36.4 percent. The rise in outside shooting shows that Gordon is making progress morphing from a post player into a wing player.

More importantly though, the 6-foot-9 pogo stick is developing quickly on the defensive end. Gordon’s defensive field goal percentage is at just 39.3 percent. That means the man he guards shoots under 40 percent each night. Compare that to Kawhi Leonard (49.1) or LeBron James (40.0) and you’ll see that Gordon’s

defense is legit. Of course, Leonard and James are tasked with guarding the other team’s best player every night, so let’s not get carried away. But the defensive aptitude is there. So far, both LaVine and Gordon have committed to a much-awaited rematch in the Slam Dunk Contest in February. However, it’s been nice to see both players develop into real ballers instead of just one-trick ponies.

Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 on the horizon?

After Manny Pacquiao eas-

TBA

Class 4A: Rochester at Althoff, TBA

Class 4A: Canton at Mater Dei, TBA

Class 4-A Belleville #1 seed Belleville Althoff vs. #5 seed Rochester, 7 p.m. Saturday at Lindenwood University’s Belleville campus. A rematch of last season 46-42 thriller in front of 4,000 fans. Malik Easley scored a late touchdown, and Edwyn Brown’s interception in the back of the end zone during Rochester’s final drive preserved the win for the Crusaders, snapping a 27-game playoff win streak dating back to 2009 41-40 defeat against Metamora. Both teams return’s abundance of fire power from last season contest. Althoff’s C.J. Coldon, Stephon Belt, Jordan Goodwin, Edwyn Brown, Devyn Nash, Jaylon Bester, Christian Wills, Bryson Strong will all return from last season’s thriller. Rochester has wide receivers Collin Stallworth (43 receptions for 943 yards and 14 touchdowns) and Avante Cox (58 receptions for 875 yards and 16 touchdowns) returning. Prediction: Althoff 33, Rochester 28.

rematch. Many boxing insiders and fans have long-believed that Mayweather would not be able to resist the urge to come back for a chance to push his undefeated record to 50-0.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum even went so far as to say there was a 75 percent chance that Mayweather and Pacquiao would meet up again.

Of course, Arum is known for stretching the truth like an unnamed wealthy politician-elect. If the match happens, it’ll make sense. Mayweather still feels he can easily beat Pacquiao and make decent

Edwardsville and #1 recruit in Illinois A.J Espensa will host one of the most successful programs in the state when Glenbard West (9-2) comes to Southern Illinois. Glenbard West is the defending state champion in class 8A. In addition, they sport a record of 105-10 since 2012, with two state championships. Prediction: Glenbard West 26, Edwardsville 23.

money by doing so. Pacquiao has rebounded from the loss well, so there’s a storyline that a shoulder injury really was the cause of his lackluster performance in May of 2015. Also besides next weekend’s matchup between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev (more on that next week), boxing has been short on blockbuster bouts. At this point, we’ll have to wait and see, but all signs are pointing to a rematch.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTeS of The Week

Jeff Thomas

Football – East St. Louis

The All-American receiver provided the most dramatic moment of the postseason in the Flyers 32-28 victory over Glenbard North in the IHSA Class 7A playoffs last Saturday. Thomas made a leaping catch for the game-winning touchdown with three seconds left in the game to give the Flyers the comeback victory. Thomas finished the game with eight receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns. For the season, Thomas had 44 receptions for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns. A five-star prospect, he is being recruited by several of the top college programs in the country.

East St. Louis (11-0) will visit Willowbrook in the Class 7A state quarterfinals this weekend.

Tyriq Arties

Football – McCluer South-Berkeley

The senior defensive back was the star of the Bulldogs’ 12-7 victory over St. Charles West in the Class 3, District 5 championship game last Saturday. Arties scored both of the Bulldogs touchdowns on interception returns of 98 and 31 yards. He now has eight interceptions for the seasons to go along with his 39 tackles. On offense, he has 10 receptions for 267 yards and a total of nine touchdowns.

McCluer South-Berkeley (11-0) will visit Blair Oaks on Friday night in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.

Maurice Scott

Manny Pacquiao knocked Jesse Vargas down en route to a unanimous decision. Will he be able to lure Floyd Mayweather Jr. back into the ring to try and avenge his lackluster loss in 2015?

Public meeting to discuss redeveloping Jamestown Mall

November 14 at West Side Missionary Baptist Church

American staff

State Rep. Alan Green, D-Florissant, will host a community discussion regarding the redevelopment of the Jamestown Mall property at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 14 at West Side Missionary Baptist Church, 2677 Dunn Rd. in Florissant.

After 41 years of business and gradual deterioration, the 1.2 million-square-foot Jamestown Mall property closed in 2014, causing concern among area residents

FENNOY

continued from page B1

acknowledge that the impetus for this action was discussions with federal regulators and ultimate agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) beginning in 2011. However, he wrote, “our DOJ agreement became the beginning, not the end, of our story about the catalytic power of banking upon local communities.”

Midwest BankCentre opened a new full-service bank in 2012 in Pagedale, a community never before served by a bank, in collaboration with Beyond Housing. In Pagedale, members of the bank’s 24:1 Community Advisory Board help develop unique financial solutions tailored to a traditionally underserved region.

Next the bank will open a new full-service branch in partnership with Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church in the 5500 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.

“In banking, we expect a retail branch to show profits in

and a decrease in economic development. The closure of its major retailers – including Macy’s, Dillard’s and J.C. Penney – eventually lead to customer vacancy. Ongoing discussions of redevelopment have occurred since 2008. Currently, constituents, researchers and developers are working towards putting these plans into action and restoring what was a major source of income for St. Louis County. “For several years, there has been a lot of discussion

five years,” Fennoy said at the April 27 groundbreaking. “That branch in Pagedale showed profit in less than three years. So we wanted to be somewhere else in North City to replicate that process.”

After developing a series of interior design enhancements, construction of the new Midwest BankCentre branch at Friendly Temple began in early October. Friendly Temple is serving as the general contractor. The majority of subcontractors are minority-owned, Fennoy said. Weather permitting, construction will be completed in late 2016.

“The bank’s six-person team has been hired, and the staff includes a member of Friendly Temple. All are currently on board, working in other Midwest BankCentre locations until our Friendly Temple branch opens,” Fennoy said. “Pastor Michael Jones has joined the bank’s legal board of directors. The church and several church members have already opened accounts, and several have been extended loans with us.”

regarding the revival of the Jamestown Mall property, its decline and how it has affected our community,” said Green. “This meeting will give us the opportunity to come together as a unit and voice our thoughts and opinions on the redevelopment of this once thriving property.”

For more information regarding this meeting, contact Rep. Green’s office at 573-751-2135 or Alan. Green@house.mo.gov.

He said a new St. Louis City Advisory Board, modeled on the bank’s 24:1 board, will be invaluable to helping spur economic success and business reinvestment in St. Louis.

Fennoy possesses nearly 25 years of commercial banking experience. He joined Midwest BankCentre in 2010, focusing his efforts on helping local unbanked and underbanked citizens. He has co-chaired the St. Louis Unbanked Tax Force and its Bank On Save Up initiatives since 2013.

Fennoy serves on the boards of Better Family Life, Northside Community Housing, the Metro St. Louis Coalition for Inclusion & Equity, the Center for the Acceleration of AfricanAmerican Business and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, for which he serves as board president. A native of East St. Louis who currently lives in Swansea, Illinois, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Thinking person’s ‘hood drama

November 11. Black &

‘Moonlight’ brings Intention and introspection to cinematic stereotypes

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

A seat at the table in Hollywood

Kimberly Steward makes grand, ‘blessed’ entrance with ‘Manchester by the Sea’

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“Look, I’m a girl from St. Louis, so being a part of this was a blessed project, for sure,” Kimberly Steward said.

Her excitement lit up the entire area in the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, where she conducted rounds of media interviews Friday, November 4, a day ahead of the St. Louis International Film Festival showing of Kenny Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea.” Reporters came and went, clamoring to discuss her role as executive producer of the film by way of her company, K Period Media. Steward has hit the ground running in Hollywood since her first feature film executive producer credit came to be a darling of last year’s Sundance Film Festival. “Oprah said in this awesome article in Variety with Ava DuVernay that people want to feel included and have a seat

at the table with the people who are making real decisions,” Steward said. “In some ways, I was ushered in with a great seat at the table.”

According to fellow “Manchester” producer and Academy Award winner Matt Damon, she led herself there by providing financial backing for the film when no one else would.

A convoluted six-year legal battle between Lonergan, producers and the studio surrounding his sophomore film “Margaret” essentially made the filmmaker persona non grata when it came to getting funding and industry support. Steward and her K Period partner Lauren Beck stepped in as the saving grace for his follow up.

“We had nobody except K Period,” Damon was quoted by Deadline.com.

The film was Damon’s idea. He presented the story to Lonergan and signed on to be the film’s star and a producer, but the money wasn’t

See STEWARD, C4

Unlikely homecoming hookup

Falling for an alum of a certain age on the yard

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I met somebody at homecoming,” she said.

“Really? Like ‘met’ met or ‘stroll down memory lane’ met?” I asked.

“We met for the first time,” she said. “He’s G-Fam though.”

She waited almost a week to tell me. She knew I was quietly bitter about not being able to go. HBCU homecomings go so hard – and Grambling State University is no different. Crunk, epic, lit and turnt all rolled into one is the best way to describe it.

For the past 16 years (okay, maybe 20) our crew has reverted to our 18-year-old selves and stomped the yard down. Because of work I haven’t been to homecoming since 2009. Recently I’ve been able to live vicariously through social media – and for the last three years I’ve been peering through feeds and timelines like the lonely child stuck in the house with chicken pox.

Depending on the state of a person’s love life, plenty of folks use homecoming to partake in an “I want that old thing back” experience with a former boo or secret crush. Most of the time, they ultimately fall into the “what were you thinking?” category – but they are almost always cute while they last.

“He’s G-Fam? What year?” I asked.

She told me that he got there a few years before she did.

“I was there before you too. Maybe I had a class with him or something,” I said. She said she was sure that I didn’t –and started to sound as if she was hiding something. I thought she had secretly exchanged info with a grad student and was too ashamed to say so.

“Girl, what year did he graduate?” I asked.

Louis American

Alex Hibbert as the young Chiron with Mahershala Ali in “Moonlight,” directed by Barry Jenkins. The film opens in theatres nationwide on Friday,

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Sat., Nov. 12, 7 p.m., Scottrade Center presents Maxwell and Mary J. Blige: King and Queen of Hearts Tour. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Nov. 12, 8 p.m., Randy Holmes Quintet presents A Tribute to Clifford Brown. The Quintet consists of Randy Holmes-trumpet, Carolbeth True- piano, Larry Smithsax, Eric Warren-bass, Steve Davis-drums. Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 962-7000 or visit www. ozarktheatre.com.

Fri., Nov. 11, 7 p.m., The National Blues Museum presents the Howlin’ Fridays Concert Series feat. Big George Brock. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Nov. 19, The Ambassador welcomes Meek Mill, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Nov. 25, 8 p.m., Illphonics: A Formal Affair for Charity. Music has played such a large role in the lives of the members of iLLPHONiCS, so for this event, we’ve decided to partner with Music for Lifelong Achievement. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

special events

Thur., Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m., Caleres Fashion Show Entrepreneur Competition. Five St. Louisbased fashion makers will present their brands and vie

for the competition win. Featuring interactive fashion presentations, innovative designs inspired by Caleres shoes, video presentations and live pitches from the finalists. This year, you’ll even get to help choose the People’s Choice winner, in a public vote online in advance of the event. Majorette, 7150 Manchester Ave., 63143. For more information, visit www. eventrbrite.com.

Fri., Nov. 11, 10 a.m., 2016

C.O.G.I.C. Urban Initiatives’ Job Fair. Come and meet with employer’s looking to hire in the community. We will also offer jobseekers onsite access to free resume critique with Human Resources professionals. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information or to register, visit www. cogicjobfair2016.eventbrite. com.

Sat., Nov. 12, 7 p.m., The Naked Truth Clothing Company presents 50 Shades of Melanin Fashion Show Four our second fashion show we’ve invited Kris Cole, Vanity Stylz, and Chelsea Brey to slay the runway. Come support young fashion designers in their emergence onto the St. Louis fashion scene. 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Nov. 12, 8 p.m., ‘68 Alumni Classes 28th Anniversary Dance. Participating high schools include Laboure, O’Fallon, Beaumont, Sumner, Soldan, Deandreis, and Vashon. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 489-4716.

Sun., Nov. 13, 2 p.m., Magdalene St. Louis invites you to the launch of Bravely Bravely is an apparel company providing women employment opportunities and empowering them to live free from abuse,

Featured Event

Nov. 11 – 12, Cardinal Ritter College Prep presents The Meeting. This eloquent play depicts the supposed meeting of two of the most important men of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There will be a community forum following Saturday’s performance. 701 N. Spring Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 446-5500.

addiction and prostitution.

Boo Cat Club, 812 Union Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (618) 6550425 or visit www.bravely. org.

Sun., Nov. 13, 5 p.m., Women in Business Fashion Show & Networking Event. North County Recreational Center, 2577 Redman Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 6294021 or visit www.facebook. com/ dbfashionandnet workingevents.

Sun., Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m., ZMG Books presents Lyrics & Laughter. Join us for an evening of spoken word, comedy, and soulful music grown folks style. The Signature Room, 9002 Overland Plaza, 63114. For more information, call (314) 877-8804 or visit www. zmgbooks.com.

Mon., Nov. 14, 11 a.m., Black Anthology Froyo Benefit Day. Come out and support Black Anthology, Washington University’s yearly all student-run theater

production that touches on important issues in the Black community, for our fall benefit event. Remember to mention Black Anthology or bring a flyer to make sure your contribution is directed to us. Froyo ion the Loop, 6329 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Nov. 19, 7 p.m., The Covering House will host the Second Annual Rock ‘N Roll for Refuge. Live music, food, photo booth, silent auction, and more. All proceeds from the event will help The Covering House expands its services in 2017. Old Rock House, 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, call (314) 962-3450 or visit www. rocknrollforrefuge.org.

Sun., Nov. 20, 6 p.m., The Metro Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi present The All Black Experience. With DJ Charlie Chan and DJ Lonnie B. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, call (314) 3459481.

Bill Ayers, author of Demand the Impossible!: A Radical Manifesto. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com.

Fri., Nov. 11, 5 p.m., Green Door art gallery’s exhibit “Barcelona, Paris and Villages of Southern France” is hosting a reception featuring Michele Wells, Vic Mastis, Linda Briesacher, Gretchen Gackstatter, Suzie Tenzer, Julie Bell, Carolyn Tschomakoff and Marilyn Callahan and 30 other artists. The exhibit will be available from November 9 thru January 6, 2017 - 21 N. Gore Ave, Webster Groves MO 63119, www.Greendoorartgallery.com 314-402-1959.

comedy

Fri., Nov. 11, 8 p.m., UrbArts presents She’s Got Jokes. Featuring comedians Jamie’e Elizabeth, Karen Nelson, Precious J Comedic Beast, and Tiffany James Robinson. 2600 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, call (314) 374-3419.

Sat., Nov. 12, 6 p.m., YCYOS Entertainment presents A Dose of Laughter Christian Comedy Show. Fun with family and friends as you laugh your way into the beginning of the holidays. Enjoy music, comedy, food, pictures and more. Florissant Assumbly of God, 1425 S. New Florissant Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www.ycyos.ticketbud.com/ dose-of-laughter.

Sun., Nov. 13, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Hannibal Burress: The Hannibal Montanabal Experience. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Nov. 25-27, Helium Comedy Club welcomes D.L. Hughley, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street. For more information, visit http://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com/ or call (314) 727-1260.

literary

Tues., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author

Nov. 11 – 12, Cardinal Ritter College Prep presents The Meeting. This eloquent play depicts the supposed meeting of two of the most important men of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There will be a community forum following Saturday’s performance. 701 N. Spring Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 446-5500.

Sat., Nov. 12, 2 p.m., Solid Lines Productions presents Permanent Collections Inspired by the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, the play examines the institutional, financial, and racial politics of collecting and exhibiting art. A talkback with the actors and director will also feature Nichole Bridges: Associate Curator in Charge of Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. St. Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. solidlinesproductions.com.

Nov. 12 – 18, Rebel and Misfits Productions presents Hamlet: See What I See. The first show in a series of true immersive theatre experiences, which create no line between the actors and spectators. The ensemble features both local and national talent, anchored by NYC-based television and film actor, Brandon Alan Smith, as Hamlet. Barnett on Washington, 3207 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (419) 438-2895 or visit www.

Scottrade Center presents Maxwell and Mary J. Blige: King and Queen of Hearts Tour. See CONCERTS for additional details.

Through Nov. 13, Hawthorne Players present Driving Miss Daisy. Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Nov. 10, 2 p.m., SLATE presents Legal Clinic for Entrepreneurs. Aspiring entrepreneurs are often confronted with challenges when launching a startup or developing an existing business. Appointments required. 1520 Market St., 63103. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (314) 657-3768.

Thur., Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., OSI Speaker Series: An Evening with George Takei. From a childhood spent with his family wrongfully imprisoned in a Japanese Internment Camp during WWII, to becoming one of the country’s leading figures in the fight for social justice, LGBTQ rights, and marriage equality-George Takei remains a powerful voice on issues ranging from politics to pop culture. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-5291 or visit www.touhill. org/events.

Sat., Nov. 12, 10 a.m., Financial Literacy Workshop. Learn and LOL, making money work for you. Come out for comedy and financial education. Lunch provided and entertainment by Smile Advantage. Drury Inn & Suites, 8700 Eager Rd., 63144. For more information, email calvin.dantley@gwrymca.org.

Fri., Nov. 18, 8 a.m., People and Climate Change: Vulnerability, Adaptation, Social Justice. Join us for

this symposium on the human impacts of climate change, the social responses necessary for transformational solutions, and the policy implications of such solutions. Key speakers include experts on flooding, drought, heat, urbanization, adaptation, and indigenous health—representing research from the United States, Latin America, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Hillman Hall, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-7433 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

health

Thur., Nov. 10, 7 a.m., Traffic School for Healthcare Professionals: Effective Responses to Victims of Human Trafficking. This seminar provides the current, evidence-based literature on the epidemiologic aspects, identification, care, referral, and community-based service resources. Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Jewish College, 4483 Duncan Ave., 63110. For more information, email cmalott@ymcastlouis. org.

Sat., Nov. 12, 6 p.m., 30th Annual National Kidney Foundation Gala. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the National Kidney Foundation’s efforts on the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. Your support will help to fund important programs like kidney health screenings, patient assistance hotline and peer mentoring program, and advocacy programs. Hilton Saint Louis at the Ballpark, 1 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, call (314) 9612828 or visit www.kidney.org.

Sat., Nov. 12, 9 a.m., Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church Community Health Awareness Fair, 4424 Dr. James Brown Sr., Dr. (Formerly: Washington Ave.) For information, call Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church 314-531- 3759.

Sat., Nov. 12, 1 p.m., St. Louis Pan Afrikan Movement presents Addressing Mental Health in the Black Community Workshop. It is now a known fact that black people are disproportionately more likely to experience circumstances that increase the chances of having a mental illness or challenge. Join us for a very honest discussion that will address our issues & why we suffer in silence. This workshop includes a panel discussion, 2 lectures, and interactive exercises that will touch on topics such as stress, depression, suicide, abuse against children, battered women/men, the impact of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed children in schools, and much more. Yeyo Arts, 2907 S. Jefferson Ave., 63118. For more information, email stlpanafrikanmovement@

gmail.com.

Sat., Nov. 12, 4 p.m., Winter Fit for Diabetes. A seminar to raise awareness about the dangers of diabetes and how to take care of yourself. Dellwood Community Center, 10266 W. Florissant, 63136. For more information, email lwise@northwestschools.net.

Mon., Nov. 21, 6 p.m., The Alzheimer’s Association presents The Care & Conquer Education Series Come hear Dean Hartley, Ph.D., speak on cutting-edge dementia information and resources. Anheuser Busch Academic Center, Maryville University, 650 Maryville University Dr., 63132. For more information, visit www. alz.org/stl.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Get Sexy Movement

Boot Camp. Station styled boot camp with 1 minute at each station for three rounds. North County Recreation Center, 2577 Redman Rd., 63136.For more information, call (314) 898-8898.

spiritual

Through Nov. 15, Church of God in Christ 109th Holy Convocation, America’s Center. For more information, visit www.cogic.org.

Fri., Nov. 11, 6 p.m., When St. Louis Prays – Worship & Prayer Shut-In. Join us to pray for our city and country in a cross-denominational and diverse gathering to pray in unity. The evening will begin with a workshop on how to be more strategic and effective in our prayer life. Afterwards,

prayer and worship will continue throughout the night, with specific targeted themes led by local pastors, psalmists and community leaders. All ages are welcome to this free overnight event. Mt. Zion M.B. Church, 1444 S. Compton Ave., 63104. For more information, call (314) 324-7248 or visit www.whenstlprays.eventbrite. com.

film

Friday., Nov. 11, Moonlight opens in theatres nationwide. Through Nov. 13, Cinema St. Louis presents 25th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival, 419 films: 111 narrative features, 73 documentary features, and 235 shorts. The fest also will feature 15 specialevent programs, including four free master classes and the closing-night party. This year’s festival has 72 countries represented. Through Nov. 13, 2015 Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. Join us for a globe-circling mission that explores the far corners of the cinematic universe. For more information about the films and theatre locations, visit www.cinemastlouis.org/filmcategories.

The following films will be shown as part of the Race in America: The Black Experience series: Nov 10: Gentlemen of Vision (7:30 p.m.) Nov 11: The Sand Box (6:30 p.m.); Chi-Raq (7 p.m.); Raising Bertie (7:30 p.m.); When War Comes Home (7:30 p.m.) Nov 12: Southern Rites (12 p.m.); Free Cece! (2:30 p.m.); Camden: Love/Hate (3 p.m.); The Prison in Twelve Landscapes (4:30 p.m.); The Nine (6:30 p.m.); Within Our Gates (7:30 p.m.) Nov 13: Milwaukee 53206 (12 p.m.); Two Trains Runnin’ (6 p.m.); Daughters of the Dust (8 p.m.)

The Pageant presents Hannibal Burress: The Hannibal Montanabal Experience. For more information, see COMEDY.

Continued from C1

a black male’s perceived masculinity is his first line of defense. And with the introduction of Chiron, one sees that its absence can be a matter of life or death. Chiron is suffocated by his circumstances. Victimized at home and school, he retreats inward. Even before he’s able to recognize it himself, everyone sees that Chiron is not like the other boys. He has all but accepted his fate as a target of bullying from his classmates and on the receiving end of emotional abuse from his mother – until he finds a saving grace in a neighborhood drug dealer named Juan. He provides Chiron a refuge from the harsh realities of the youngster’s home life, and his first experience of unconditional

acceptance. “Moonlight” boldly goes where few films have gone before – not only with the unlikely love story, but with the depth and substance that is provided to characters typically seen as inhumane personifications of negative

to heal from the perspective of grief.”

Continued from C1

rolling in. While he was still passionate about making sure “Manchester” made it to the big screen, scheduling conflicts meant that Damon could no longer appear in the film. (Casey Affleck ultimately took the role of a lonely janitor forced to confront his painful past in “Manchester,” which also stars Michelle Williams.)

Steward read the script, which was also written by Lonergan, and developed an instant connection and willful determination to bring “Manchester” to the big screen.

“I didn’t think about the film’s potential for success, I thought about how it’s going to affect people – that’s where the excitement comes from,” Steward said. “It’s like, ‘Oh my God, people who come to see this movie might be able

SINGLE

Continued from C1

“Is he a pending member of the class of 2017?”

I was only half-joking.

“He came out in 1986,” she said.

“Came out of what … his mama?”

Steward’s gamble paid off in ways she never imagined. She admits “her mouth still falls open” when she hears Damon sing the praises of her company’s willingness to take the risk on Lonergan and “Manchester.”

She fought back tears talking about the film’s premiere at Sundance, seeing her company’s name among the credits and the emotions that came as 1,300 people sat around her captivated by what they were watching. “I could cry right now just thinking about it,” Steward said. It was at Sundance that Amazon Studios purchased rights to the film for a reported $10 million after a bidding war with Sony Pictures Classics, Universal, Fox Searchlight and Lionsgate. The staggering price tag was second only to Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation,” which sold for more than $17 million.

“Ha. Ha. Ha,” she said. This man she had become smitten with over the past seven days graduated college when she was in the first grade. Nine times out of ten he’s rocking a jheri curl in a GSU yearbook photo.

“Girl, he is in his fifties,” I say.

“You’re in your forties,” she snaps back in defense of her pending boo thang.

statistics. Roles that are typically destined to become victims or victimizers because of choices, circumstances and/ or surroundings – or a shell of a character study that fuels stereotypes – are afforded a grace that is rarely depicted on

screen. Juan uses his ill-gotten position in the community to uplift a young boy in desperate search of a support system. He sells drugs, but through the film he is shown beyond being entrenched in the scum of his hustle. He is a man struggling

n “I didn’t think about the film’s potential for success, I thought about how it’s going to affect people.”

– Kimberly Steward

The film is an adaptation of actor/playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney’s acclaimed semiautobiographical stage drama “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.”

with the internal warfare of the screams of his moral compass as he subjects himself to street life and the consequences that come with the decision to do so.

Chiron is a young black man struggling with his sexuality. Yet in his confusion and eventual exploration, he is not emasculated or boxed into a depiction that reduces the experience to a stereotype, caricature or result of a perversion that stems from a violent traumatic sexual experience. Through “Moonlight,”

Chiron’s story is told in three chapters over the course of

especially appreciative of the creative process. She founded K Period out of a desire to create access for people to make meaningful films that wouldn’t otherwise live beyond the script or storyboard.

about two decades. He must fend off the constant attacks from the young black men who deem him “soft,” much as mainstream society generalizes them as criminals. The story is gritty, but not grimy. The play-by-play of consequence of choices that typically give way to gratuitous violence and sex are forfeited. Intention, introspection are the first order of business for “Moonlight.”

In real life, the character who inspired Chiron experienced a success story that could’ve been scripted for a “from the ‘hood to happily ever after” story. He rose out of the slums of South Florida to the Yale School of Drama, to the Royal Shakespeare Company as playwright in residence and to the Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble.

“Moonlight” opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, November 11. The film is rated R with a running time of 111 minutes.

Hollywood.”

“Certain things make you say, ‘Man, this really happened!’” Steward said. She can’t bring herself to speak out loud about the strong possibility of Oscar contention for “Manchester” – perhaps not to jinx it. But if the film were to be nominated for “Best Picture,” Steward would be only the second African-American woman to be nominated as a producer in the history of the Academy Awards. Oprah Winfrey is the other one.

“If anything happens with any kind of awards, I will definitely be giving Oprah a shout out,” Steward said. “What she’s done as a filmmaker and

I’m only 40, by the way.

“I like him,” she said.

“Besides, tell me what else I have going on? He’s nice, handsome – and very attentive so far.”

Since they crossed paths, they’ve talked at least twice daily and been in communication through text and Facebook Messenger several times a day. She loves his conversation and energy –and believes a nearly 20-year age gap is not a deal breaker.

“Grow up, girl,” she said. “We are not young anymore.

a producer has opened doors for me and so many others.”

Producing with purpose

Her company K Period is only two years old, but her love of films and passion for storytelling in various formats made the transition into film a natural progression. A 2003 graduate of Webster University, she earned an undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism and entered the publishing world, where she worked at magazines like Women’s World Daily

She always had a special love of film and became

You mean to tell me that if a man who has it going in every area of his life wanted to sweep you off of your feet, you wouldn’t do it if he’s more than five years older than you?”

Five years is one thing. Twenty five is another matter altogether.

I just couldn’t reconcile that he’s about the same age as her father would be if he were still alive.

She believes that we have hit the milestone where dating men of a certain age is actually quite appropriate for us right now.

Her first foray was with Thomas Allen Harris’ NAACP Image Award-winning 2014 documentary “Through a Lens Darkly.”

“I’m able to help first-time filmmakers who don’t get a chance to work with big studios,” Steward said. “I know God has me in it because I am supposed to do something for other people.”

Part of her mission is to be a counter-narrative to infamy of what goes on behind the scenes in the industry.

“Treat people fair, be an honest person, be transparent, uplift people, encourage them, have patience and operate from a place of kindness and love,” Steward said are her goals. “All of those are things that I’m trying to reinvigorate within

“Aaliyah said it best: ‘Age ain’t nothing but a number,’” she said.

“You do realize that she was 15 talking about a man who was doggone near 30 – and HE was the one who wrote the song,” I said.

“Don’t do Aaliyah,” she said.

Because I see myself as a 27-year-old trapped in a 40-year-old body, for the life of me I can’t reconcile it.

“Girl, there is a 28-year-old that would say the same thing about you if you started dating

These are lessons Steward said she learned from her parents David and Thelma Steward. She joked that her father, founder and chairman of WorldWide Technology, scratches his head because she and her brother (David Steward II of Lion Forge Comics) went in the opposite direction of his path by pursuing artistic and creative fields. But what she does through K Period actually mirrors her parents’ unyielding support of the arts through philanthropy.

“Like them, I’m able to pass that blessing on,” Steward said.

“If you can inspire people then you’re a leader. And that’s how I want to lead, by inspiring and encouraging other people. I got that desire from watching my parents do it so eloquently.”

“Manchester by the Sea” opens in theatres nationwide on December 2. The film is rated R with a running time of 137 minutes.

one of his friends, so get over it.”

Even as I limp into my forties with my salt-and-pepper hair and a body that doesn’t quite work like it used to – and as terrible as it is to say so – the idea of caking up with a baby boomer is just not an easy thing for me to grapple with. Yes, it’s shallow … but I know I’m not alone in my thinking – and at least I’m honest about it. “I knew you were going to trip,” she said. “But it’s not about you.”

Celebrations

Birthdays Star Student

Happy

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967 will meet at the Natural Bridge County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge 63121 at 1:30 pm on Saturday, Nov. 19, and Dec. 17. Please update your contact info at Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net. We will be mailing info soon.

Beaumont High School,

Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Central Visual and Performing Arts Class of 1996 will be hosting its 20th Year Anniversary Spooktacular Soiree Reunion Kickoff Event at Central Visual and Performing Arts Gym, 3125 S Kingshighway Blvd, on October 29 from 7:00 pm-11:30 pm, admission $20. For more information contact Dr. Miranda Avant-Elliott, at cvapclassof96@gmail.com or visit the VAP C/O of 1996 20th Yr Reunion Facebook page.

Happy Birthday to my amazing sisterin-law, Antionette Johnson, who turns the Big 4-0 on November 15. As always, she is going to do it BIG with a birthday celebration in Mexico. I wish you the most amazing day ever.

Happy Birthday to Chylar Jo Nice who celebrated her first birthday on November 5. She is such a smart baby! Love, Granny (V.N. Phillips)

Sumner Class of 1965 is planning a “70th” Birthday Cruise for October 2017. If you’re interested and want to receive more information, please contact Luther Maufas (314) 541-4556, Brenda Smith Randall (314)382-1528, or Laura Young (314) 328-3512 with name, address so the info can be mailed to you.

Sumner Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and need contact information from those classmates. Please contact Carlotte Algee Stancil at algee1999@ yahoo.com; DonnaYoung Rycraw at donnarycraw@ aol.com or Stella Smith Hunt at stellalhunt58@sbcglobal. net, 314-381-5104 with email, address and phone number.

The McCluer North athletics department named Amber Tate as its StudentAthlete of the Month for October. Tate, a senior, is currently ranked third in her class and is carrying a 4.3 GPA. She was a letter winner for the Lady Stars girls volleyball program during the 2015-16 school year and was a starter this season as a setter. Tate also runs track and is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Best Buddie program, a Special Olympics buddy, and a member of the Spanish Honor Society.

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Vashon Class of 1957 is having its 60-year reunion on May 20, 2017 at the Atrium at the rear of Christian N.E. Hospital on Dunn Road. Classes 1955-1959 are welcomed. For more information, please contact Lovely (Green) Deloch at 314-867-1470, Marlene (Randall) Porter at 314653-0107, Mae (Simmons) Mahone at 314-653-0818 or Phyllis (Bolden) Washington

at 314-531-9925.

Vashon Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and is need of contact information for all interested alumni. Please contact JoAnn Alvoid at alvoidjoe8@gmail. com; Sarah (Taylor) Robinson at srobinson647@hotmail. com; or Sonya (Walker) Smith at 314.381.8221, with your address, email and phone number.

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St.

2nd Birthday to the Roach Triplets Arri Ashtin and Addison on November 22! We love each of you. You give us so much love and joy. Lots of fun is being sent your way! Love, Mommy (Ke’shawna Roach), sister (Alyssa Roach), Mom Mom Deborah H., Pop Pop Anthony, Uncle Daran and Uncle Shawn

Swag Snap of the week

A presidential nightmare. I typically don’t get political in Partyline, but I can’t tell y’all how sick I am right now – not only because the Obamas will have to hand over the keys to the White House to the Trumps, but because my 3 a.m. binge on Rotel dip nachos and salted caramel gelato to comfort me through watching “The Donald” declare victory. I was actually hoping I would wake up and it would all have been a terrible dream. I’m not going to labor on it except to say that some people forced us to learn the hard way that black votes matter. The truth is, apathy and indifference when it came to some folks hitting up the polls probably had as much to do with his earth-shattering victory as the folks who voted for Trump to protest to Obama and/or a hatred for Hillary Clinton. My hope is that this is a lesson we won’t have to live through again.

Get into our business (Salute). I know y’all are here for the nightlife, but it’s only right that I hip y’all to the fact that our 17th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Luncheon is right around the corner. Next Thursday (Nov. 17) the movers and shakers of the black corporate and entrepreneurial community will be in deep at The Four Seasons to celebrate their successes. Listen; if there was ever a place to network, this is the place. Do I ever steer y’all wrong? Of course not….anyway, this will be yet another sell out, so what you need to do is hit up www.stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000 for tickets before it’s too late.

Getting lit with Lil Uzi. My street beatin’ kicked off Thursday night at the Pageant with Lil Uzi Vert. For those wondering who he is, Uzi’s an underground trap star that pulled a sold-out crowd that looked like they belonged at a Fifth Harmony or Justin Bieber show. They came straight from seventh period to stand in line too. The show itself was especially lit even though the content of the concert from Uzi wasn’t hittin’ on much. Smitty and Kimmy Nu set it off and local rapper A-Game got a taste of what it’s like to be a star the way the crowd turned all the way up for his set. The energy level went to the moon and back for the main attraction. Uzi came out hopping around and basically abandoned the actual rap element of his show. It didn’t matter, because the fans sang every.single.word. as he got into his “trap salsa” dance moves. He hopped across that stage with a shoulder shimmy and that grapevine/cha-cha-cha combination that used to be inserted into aerobics just to throw me off beat. I can’t say I was impressed, but it was fascinating to watch those kids so captivated. Arsenio brought heat to Helium. I must say that I was expecting to crack a few smiles and that was about it when I hit up Helium Comedy Club to check out Arsenio Hall. Being a part of the dog pound (the studio audience of his TV show) was always on my bucket list and thanks to Helium it kind of came true. I got to bark and throw my fist up and everything as he hit the stage. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to get much life from his routine – because most of the folks use their celebrity to hit the comedy circuit for the sake of a few coins, and aren’t really bothered with actually eliciting a cackle. But Arsenio has roots are in stand up. I know you’re thinking “so does Chris Tucker.” But Arsenio made it feel like he never left standup – and I got life. He had me when he went in on Halle Berry, claiming she has an unfortunate toe game, and never let me go!

Big ups to Black Rep. Since I’m singing praises, I might as well keep them going by giving The Black Rep a shout out for celebrating 40 years with a live concert version of “Dreamgirls” to cap off their gala Saturday night at the 560 Music Center. There were some technical glitches that came between me and the usual state of bliss I achieve because of a Black Rep musical. But everyone else seemed to get all of their life. And I was thrilled that they such a huge crowd come through and support for one of our cultural gems. I don’t know if was the star power of the special guests (which included T.C. Carson from “Living Single” and Angela Robinson from Tyler Perry’s “Haves and Have Nots”) or just being able to partake in the beloved musical again, but It was a packed house!

Lil Durk come lately. Saturday was a night historic for The Marquee in more ways than one. First, they pulled the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen thanks to a visit and concert snippet from Chicago rapper Lil Durk. It was so deep I had to hold the wall to keep from being swept away. Secondly, Lil Durk achieved record-breaking tardiness by taking the stage at 2:05 a.m. Now this may not sound far off from some of their other late night sets, but keep in mind that it was Daylight Savings Time, which means that if an hour hadn’t been snatched back, it would have been 3:05. I was so over him taking his time to get on stage that I never quite got into him rapping along to those tracks for dear life, but the masses seemed pleased enough.

Props to Power 100. Since I’m talking about packed houses, I might as well tip my Deena Jones wig to Keith Griffin and DELUX for another sold-out Power 100 at the Missouri Athletic Club. Folks came with formalwear realness this year as opposed to last year’s mostly business attire. The style choices ran the gamut – from cocktail cat suits to kente cloth ball gown realness. I was impressed with the ladies and the gentlemen’s choice of attire, but what blew me away was the hair game some of the ladies were serving. Trina McDuffie Claggett and her Rapunzel slayage and the extra-long, blunt bob Meghan O from Hot 104.1 was whipping back and forth had me feeling all sorts of hair envy. But back to the actual awards…I would need the whole Partyline to pray proper homage to them all individually, but I do want to shout them out as a group and give Keith and the crew a nod for bringing the diverse mix of awardees and audience members together.

Model Alexxia and Fashion Stylist Khandi Ray came out to kick it Friday night @ Prime @ Mood

Artist Ray and Ebony hung out @ Parks Friday while showing off there artwork for First Friday Gallery Walk

Tah of 3 Way Promotions and Raphael of The Umbrella Group came together to throw an all black event Saturday @ Hiro

Sisters Precious and Ebony made their way to Mood Friday night

Dani Jacks, Nicole Womack, Tia Coleman, Tenisha Kaid and Tasha Blake helped Nicole celebrate her birthday @ Hiro Saturday night

UFC Welterweight Champ and STL native Tyron Woodley with Chief Operations Officer at Empowered Strategy and DELUX Magazine Creative Director Mario Hunt Sunday night @ The Power 100

Abriela Sykes and Sarita Holloway chilled in VIP Friday night @ HG

The Farrar Twins and PT kept the crowd pleased during their Prime party Friday night @ Mood

Lola, Rapper\Photographer Roach and Kaels Friday @ The Marquee

Chanese Harris, Lauren and DJ MentiFresh Friday @ HG

Hip-hop veteran Beanie Sigel was in the building at HG for Big Jerry’s birthday bash Sunday night. Rising St. Louis rap star Doughboi was able to chop it up with the former Roc-A-Fella rapper who had close ties to Jay Z.

Photos by John Scott

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the Construction Manager, S. M. Wilson & Co. at S. M. Wilson & Company Jobsite Trailer, 1201 Warson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124 until 2:00 pm on November 23, 2016 for the Work Packages described herein. Bids will be opened publicly and read aloud at that time. Bids must be hand delivered to the above address by 2:00 pm on November 23, 2016. If you elect to mail your bid, it must be mailed to S. M. Wilson & Company Jobsite Trailer, 1201 Warson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124.

Bid Package #04

– Fire Protection, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical

• Work Package #05 – Fire Protection

• Work Package #06 – Plumbing

• Work Package #07 - HVAC

• Work Package #08 - Electrical here will be a Pre-bid Site Walk-through Meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. he meeting will be held at Ladue High School, 1201 Warson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124 - We will meet in the South parking lot at the S.M. Wilson JOB-SITE TRAILER. he purpose of this meeting is to observe current existing conditions and to address any technical questions concerning the project from prospective bidders. All Contractors are highly encouraged to attend this meeting. hose Contractors who do not attend the Pre-Bid Meeting but wish to schedule a site visit must contact Vernon Pfeil, Project Manager at S. M. Wilson & Co at 314/645-9595. Contractors are not allowed to visit the site unless prior arrangements are made with the Construction Manager. he bid package will be available for viewing ater October 31, 2016 at the following locations: Smartbidnet https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=265762&i=1

he Construction Manager for this project is S. M. Wilson & Co. and the Project Manager is Vernon Pfeil, 314/791-0870 phone, vernon.pfeil@smwilson.com email. or 314/645-1700 fax.

S. M. Wilson & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer he Ladue School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

INVITATION FOR BID

Barracks Tunnel project located in St. Louis, Missouri. Project Description: The Jefferson Barracks Tunnel (Lemay WWTP to Martigney PS) Project Number 11711 consists of approximately 17,800 feet of 7-foot finished diameter tunnel. The ground cover over the tunnel alignment will vary in depth between approximately 95 feet and 210 feet. This sewer tunnel facility is located in St. Louis County within the Lemay WWTP Service Area. The facility will collect, store and convey sewer flows to the Lemay WWTP. Dragados is looking for qualified MBE subcontractors and suppliers to assist with the following work items: Fencing, Electrical, Clear & Grub, Site Grading, Site Utilities, Drainage, Trucking, Concrete Supply, Aggregate Supply, Security, Drilled Shafts, Tie-Backs, Miscellaneous Metals, Metal Fabrication, Asphalt Paving, Steel Pile, Pre-Cast Concrete, Pipe Supply (D.I., S.S., P.V.C., R.T.R.C.), Rebar Supply, Rebar furnish & Install, Cast-in-Place Concrete, Demo, Traffic Control, Signage. To request plans and specifications, please email Arinda Cale. acale@dragados-usa.com. There is a 17% MBE (African American) requirement for this project. Dragados-USA, Inc. encourages Minority Owned Business Enterprises to participate in this project and hereby notifies all bidders that minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation in consideration for an award.

LETTING #8626

RECONSTRUCTION OF TAXIWAY V CONNECTOR at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 208, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on November 29, 2016, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City and State laws (including DBE/MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. in the Ozark Conference Room (AO-4066) at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: services to restore Grand Glaze Service Area 54, lood damage. he District is proposing single source procurement to Interface Construction for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to bschubert@ stlmsd.com.

SEALED BIDS

for HVAC, Roofing, Interior and Exterior

s Youth Center, St. Louis, Missouri, Project No. H1602-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/15/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Pardee-Blackthorn-Holly I/I Reduction (Watson Rd and S Rock Hill Rd) under Letting No. 11989-015.1, at

A.M. in Room 305 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www. stl-bps.org (Announcements).

#8630

for Health Center Renovation, Missouri School for the Blind, St. Louis, Missouri, Project No. E1602-02 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/8/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

MAINTENANCE AND SMALL SCALE CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING PROJECTS

Great Rivers Greenway is accepting bids and proposals for various maintenance and small-scale construction/building projects on various greenways. Please refer to www.GreatRiversGreenway.org/jobsbids for submittal dates and further information.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Prairie 2033 Sewer Repair (IR) under Letting No. 12742-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at a place designated.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis City drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 9, 2016 for Purchase of: MANHOLE FRAMES & COVERS AND INLET GRATES/DUCTILE IRON.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 6721 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

Notice of Funding

Availability

St. Louis City Housing

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

he St. Louis City Community Development Administration (CDA) seeks proposals from developers interested in facilitating the new construction or rehabilitation of either market-rate or low-income, residential or mixed-use development projects. A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was issued on November 7, 2016. A copy of the NOFA can be obtained from CDA’s website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda. Deadline for proposal submission is December 30, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. A workshop to explain the NOFA process and answer questions will be held on November 18, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at the CDA Oices at 1520 Market, Ste. 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Any questions concerning this NOFA may be directed only by e-mail to cdanofa@stlouis-mo.gov.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, disability, or national origin in the administration of the program. CDA is an equal opportunity Agency. Minority participation is encouraged.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

Building Exterior Repairs / Toxocology Lab Renovation, Jefferson City, Missouri, Project No. R1505-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/15/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

Need a quote?

E-mail your text to Angelita @ ajackson@stlamerican.com

METROPOLITAN ST.

BID PROPOSAL

“K&S Associates, Inc. is soliciting subcontractor bids from certiied MBE and WBE irms for Project #SB10792 – Grauel Building Renovation located at the Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO. Bids are due to K&S by 1:30pm local time on November 15, 2016. Bid documents can be obtained from the University links http://a360.co/2eaZ9LR, http:// a360.co/2eaUr0r and http://a360. co/2emJwiw or from the K&S planroom website www.ksgcstlplanroom. com/. Interested parties can contact the K&S estimating department via phone at 314-647-3535 or email at estimating@ksgcstl.com. Bids can be submitted via fax at 314-647-5302 or email at estimating@ksgcstl.com.”

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Lilac Avenue – ARS Infrastructure, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1449, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 16, 2016. Plans and specifications will be available on October 24, 2016 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800. DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Millstone Weber, LLC is soliciting proposals for Taxiway V ConnectorLetting No 8626 at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Please phone 636-688-8794, fax 636-949-3129 or email bob.stubbs@millstoneweber.com quotes by 5:00 pm Monday, November 28. Subcontract work includes, removals, concrete, asphalt, concrete pavements, hauling, fencing, sewers, surveys, testing, landscaping, striping, and electrical. Plans and Speciications are available for review on City of St Louis website http://www.stl-bps. org/planroom.aspx or at Millstone Weber oice.

Notice to Minority Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, and/or Veteran Business Enterprises

TARLTON CORPORATION, 5500 West Park Ave., St. Louis MO 63110, is seeking qualiied Minority, Women, Disadvantaged, Service Disabled Veteran, and/or Veterans Business Enterprises to bid on the Student Recreation Center Addition – Modiications to North Vestibule for the University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia MO for subcontracting opportunities in all work areas as deined by the contract drawings and speciications. Tarlton would appreciate subbids for the following: demolition; concrete; masonry; metals; thermal and moisture protection; doors, windows & glass; inishes; and

Electrical

shall consist of

of

operators. A Diversity Participation goal of 10% for Combined MBE, WBE, DBE and Veteran/3% SDVE has been established for this contract. All interested and qualiied businesses should contact Scott Snyders at 314-633-3300 to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to 12:00 p.m. on November 16, 2016. AN EQUAL

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

he Missouri Department of Transportation has a vacancy for an Employee Development Specialist in its Human Resources Division. his position performs activities in regards to identifying, training, and creating solutions to efectively remove barriers so that employees can improve their performance, including coordinating the prestigious Accelerated Leadership Development program and providing oneon-one employee career coaching.

Successful candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development, Training and Development, Organizational Development, Adult Learning, Business Administration, or related ield. he selected candidate has the lexibility to work at any location within the state of Missouri.

We ofer an excellent beneits package.

To view the entire job description, and to apply on-line, please visit www.modot. org/jobs. he deadline to apply for this position is November 16, 2016.

EEO/AA

DIRECTOR, GRANT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

ARCHS has a position for a Director in the Early Childhood Department. Applicant must have experience with family child care environments, goal setting, early childhood best practices, and be familiar with strength-based coaching techniques. Applicant will be required to complete monthly on-site visits with family child care providers, model best practices, and complete assessments in order to work with owner/directors to individualize quality improvement.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Social Work or a related ield with at least 24 credit hours in Early Childhood Education is required. Competence in Microsot sotware including: Word, Excel, Power Point and Web Based Data Systems a plus. Applicant will be expected to conduct early childhood and leadership trainings. Full beneits package, including 401(k) match. Email letter of application, resume and salary history by December 15, 2016 to careers@stlarchs.org or Fax to HR, 314289-5670. No phone calls please.

PASTOR

The Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church of Troy, MO is seeking a Pastor. We are a small congregation with much enthusiasm and great potenial for growth. For more info please call 636-528-8899.

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

MUSEUM EDUCATOR

he Missouri History Museum seeks a temporary part-time Youth and Family Programs Museum Educator. $10/hr. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

COORDINATOR, PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

he Missouri Historical Society seeks a Coordinator for the President’s Oice. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

MEMBERSHIP AND ANNUAL FUND MANAGER

he Missouri Historical Society seeks a Membership and Annual Fund Manager. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

WALK TO END

ALZHEIMER’S MANAGER

he Alzheimer’s Association, St. Louis Chapter has an opening for a Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager for Metro East Illinois. he position is FT Exempt 40 hrs/ wk with a competitive salary plus beneits. he Walk Manager identiies, cultivates & manages relationships within the community that directly increase resources for our mission. Measurable outcomes of this position are achieving designated inancial and participant goals through team and individual fundraising, corporate solicitation and community partnerships as well as increasing Walk-brand visibility in the community. A bachelor’s degree and min of 3 yrs experience in non-proit fundraising and/or corporate sales required. Marketing, community organizing and public health education skills are necessary. Strong public speaking, communication and volunteer recruitment are a must. Please submit your résumé and cover letter, including salary requirements and a minimum of two professional references to Stl-hr@alz.org.

ASSEMBLY

HELP WANTED

HHA aides starting at $9, CNAs starting at $10, LPNs & all applicants must past a background screening 314-862-0172 ask for Andrea Bell

JOBS Window mfg. co. has assembly jobs now! Temp-to-perm, 1st shift, 40 hr/wk, mid-Stl County. Tape measure & power tool skills and 75# lifting req’d. $10.00/hr, Nextemps Staffing, 314-727-1060, Jerry. Search Nextemps on craigslist.

Looking for an exciting and rewarding career? Charter is currently looking for Cable Technicians and Service Delivery Coordinators I- Day of Job.

We are seeking dynamic candidates who like a challenge and an opportunity for success. Please join us to learn more about this opportunity at one of our Information Sessions:

Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 8am-noon at 101 Northwest Plaza, Saint Ann MO 63074

Charter Communications is America’s fastest growing TV, internet and voice company. Charter has been named one of the Best Places to Work in St. Louis and ofers competitive salary with excellent beneits that include medical/ dental/vision health coverage, 401k, paid vacation and holidays, discounted or complimentary broadband services (cable, internet, telephone –where available) and more.

We are proud to be a drug free Equal Opportunity/Airmative Action Employer M/F/D/V

ACCOUNTING

The St. Louis American is seeking a Part-Time Accounting Assistant Proficient in Accounts Payable & Excel Spreadsheets.Working knowledge of Accounts Receivable. Understands General Ledger and Financial Reports. Experience in Quick Books preferred. Professional phone etiquette & customer service skills. Send resume with qualifications and work experience to: SLAM Blind Box 1001 – Accounting Assistance 2315 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 Or email to BlindBox1001@gmail.com NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

Maryland Heights Fire Protection District is accepting applications for the position of Firefigher/Paramedic. Qualifications and requirement packets may be picked up from District Headquarters at 2600 Schuetz Road Maryland Heights, MO. 63043 beginning November 9, 2016 through November 23, 2016 between 09:00am and 3:00pm MondayThursday and completed packets must be turned in no later than 3:00pm on November 23, 2016. Maryland Heights Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

WEBSITE COORDINATOR

The Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) is looking for someone with a passion for design, technology, and customer service to fill the website coordinator position. This position plays a pivotal role in researching, identifying, and implementing the best technology for online communications. The person in this position works closely with others to establish, coordinate, and be accountable for the priorities of the web team. Duties include developing and maintaining several internal and external websites. Major projects include a complete redesign of both the public and secure portions of www.mosers.org. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in web design, computer science, communications, graphic design, or other closely related field; experience with and a strong understanding of content management systems, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; and five years of experience producing content and designing for the web. Experience with the MS Visual Studio, Google Analytics, ASP.NET or VB.NET, Adobe Creative Suite is preferred, but not required. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Qualified candidates can apply online at www.mosers.org, click Careers. Candidates should apply by November 8, 2016.

To learn more about MOSERS and the position including our extensive benefit package, visit us online at www.mosers.org. EOE:M/F/V/D.

HIRING FAIR

HELP WANTED

Daycare worker needed for evenings. Email resumes

SEEKING - NORTHWOODS POLICE CHIEF

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Louis American, the largest weekly newspaper in the entire state of Missouri, continues to grow. We are looking for a full time, creative Graphic Artist to join our award-winning design team. In addition to assisting in the design of The St. Louis American newspaper, you will design: print ads, online ads, flyers, posters, brochures, invitations, annual reports, tickets, signage, etc.

• Must be fluent in InDesign and Photoshop

• You will work strictly on a Mac • Must be detail oriented • Typing skills of at least 40wpm Full time. (Includes benefits package). For information, contact: Kevin Jones, Chief Operating Officer, kjones@stlamerican.com

ACCOUNTANT

MEMBERSHIP

he candidate for Northwoods Police Chief should be a career professional with at least ive years of street patrol and administrative combined experience. He/ She is required to provide administrative support to the Mayor and City Administrator and guide development of the Police Accreditation process to completion. A minimum of an Associate College Degree is also required. he candidate should be able to plan, direct and supervise daily activities, projects and operation of the Police Dept. Salary and essential detailed duties will be discussed during interviews. his position is full time with beneits. Applications should be picked up at the Northwoods Police Dept. -4800 Oakridge Blvd.-Northwoods, Missouri 63121. Return completed application w/your resume, Attn: Mayor-Rev. Everett R. homas at the address above by 5:00 pm, November 23, 2016.

ACCOUNTING/ PAYROLL CLERK

Leveraged Resources Management, Inc. (LRM) a subsidiary of ARCHS is seeking a Full Time Accounting/ payroll clerk. he ideal candidate will have experience in digital payroll processing, EFTPS and MODR on-line tax payments, and quarterly/annual payroll ilings. Duties include A/P Processing, General Ledger Closes(monthly) and Payroll Processing. Experience with Abila MIP payroll sotware desirable. Accounting degree a plus but not required. No Phone Calls Please Send resume and cover letter with salary history to careers@stlarchs.org or Fax to HR 314-289-5670.

CLIENT SERVICES SUPPORT SPECIALIST

he Alzheimer’s Association, St. Louis Chapter has an opening for a FT 40 hrs/ week Client Services Support Specialist. he position is responsible for clerical and administrative support for our Client Services team. Goals are to signiicantly scale up database efectiveness and internal and external customer service, enabling the Chapter to fulill its mission. Minimum requirements include 3 yrs of demonstrated experience working with database mgmt. Must be proicient with Microsot Oice applications and have excellent communication & organizational skills. Please email cover letter with salary requirements, resume and a min of 2 professional references to stl-hr@alz.org

Complete application at: www.kirkwoodmo.org or call 314/984-6975. EOE

RECREATION

SPECIALIST (AQUATICS) City of Florissant is seeking a Recreation Specialist (Aquatics) to provide supervision, oversight and management of all aquatic

operations. The person in this position must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a degree in recreation or a closely related field, and at least one year of experience in recreation. Preferred certifications Ellis Lifeguard Instructor, CPR and First Aid Instructor, Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and/or Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO). Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Submit resume to Human Resources, 1055 Rue St. Francois, Florissant, MO 63031, hr@florissantmo.com

of Academic Services provides expert pedagogical support to faculty on teaching with technology, including the University’s Learning Management System. he Assistant Director works closely with colleagues at he Teaching Center to develop, implement, assess and improve programs on evidence-based teaching and on professional-development in teaching for graduate students and postdocs. he Assistant Director contributes to he Teaching Center’s writing and research projects on teaching and learning in higher education. his position is a 12-month, full-time, exempt staf position.

System Engineer IV – 35044: Under minimal supervision, responsible for design, implementation, and engineering support for complex solutions such as MS Exchange, Skype for Business, active directory, provisioning and authentication mechanisms. Must possess a broad range of technical skills and experience with enterprise-class services. Work with a team of technical staf within the Washington University IT organization to ensure that WashU IT services stay aligned with University initiatives that include research, teaching, patient care, and administrative objectives. Provides technical guidance and leadership to other IT staf and management.

Nurse Practitioner – 34987

Position provides primary and/or specialty nursing and/or medical care in a variety of settings; works under physician oversight as required by state regulation, and functions within the scope of practice deined by the NP’s specialty certiication, BJH medical by-laws, and, where it exists, the collaborative practice agreement. Support pediatric asthma clinical research programs. 80% efort, clinical setting 20% efort.

Polysomnographic Technologist- Neurology 35105

A Polysomnographic Technologist works under the general supervision of the Technical Supervisor in order to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. his may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. A Polysomnographic Technologist can perform the duties deined for a Polysomnographic Technician and may provide supervision of other staf if authorized.

Compliance Coordinator-Surgery – 33325

Position is responsible for supervising chart abstraction by coding staf, assisting in resolving related billing activities, developing and implementing medical review processes for determining provider and non-physician provider compliance with government and other third party payer regulations.

Manager of Coding Compliance– Urology/Surgery- 33513

Position handles the day to day operations of charge capture activities assuring compliance and maximizing revenue.

Senior Associate Director, Engineering; Alumni and Development Programs –34921

he Senior Associate Director of Development is a major gits oicer and is responsible for man-

aging a portfolio of major git donors, engaging alumni, donors, and friends, and works closely with other A&D leaders as well as academic and administrative leaders in Engineering. Assists the Director of Development in fundraising eforts, including capital campaigns, major gits, annual fund giving, special initiatives, and endowment support. Work closely with the Director of Development and the Engineering A&D team on the development of campaign preparation, strategy, and execution.

Director Project Management , WashU IT – 32267 Manages the pool of Project Managers (PMs), executing strategic IT capital projects and other critical projects as directed by the Sr. Director Portfolio & Project Management Oice in support of the organization’s IT needs. Performs project intake/engagement management

METROPOLITAN

BID PROPOSAL

Kacie Starr Long to lead all-night prayer service

Plus, Monsanto Fund grants $160K to Symphony’s IN UNISON program

American staff

Kacie Starr Long and local clergy call for an interdenominational worship service for the St. Louis region and nation on Friday, November 11, with an urgent focus on praying for specific areas plaguing St. Louis and the nation.

The all-night worship and prayer service will begin with a workshop teaching the Christian fundamentals of prayer. Immediately afterwards, an all-night worship and prayer service will ensue. Each hour will be dedicated to a specific prayer concern, led by local clergy and community leaders.

This free event will take place 6 p.m. Friday, November 11 at Mount Zion, M.B. Church, 1444 S. Compton St. in St. Louis. The all-night prayer service will begin at 8 p.m. and will end at 6 a.m. on November 12. All attendees will receive a free audio prayer CD, “When St. Louis Prays,” featuring local prominent pastors praying for the St. Louis region, such as Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor of Christ the King United Church of Christ, and Pastor F. James Clark, of Shalom Church (City of Peace).

Kacie Starr Long, former 6th Ward alderman, is a Christian author, minister and founder of Inspired Overflow Ministries. She leads a weekly Christian broadcast, “Inspired Overflow”, heard throughout the nation on gospel station, Jubilee 690AM. For additional information, visit www.InspiredOverflow. com

Monsanto Fund grants $160K to IN UNISON

The St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON program has been awarded a $160,000 sustaining grant from the Monsanto Fund. IN UNISON’s mission is to increase diversity in

all aspects of music by providing resources for African Americans in the St. Louis area. IN UNISON, now in its 22nd year, reaches more than 20,000 people annually and is involved with 40 predominantly AfricanAmerican churches. From the program’s beginning, the Monsanto Fund grant has helped provide scholarships for AfricanAmerican students studying music at the college level.

Ra’Geen Washington, a three-year IN UNISON scholarship recipient and twoyear IN UNISON Arts Administration Fellow, was recently named Elementary Orchestra instructor for Normandy Schools. Washington graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a B.A. in music. “IN UNISON has given me the chance to share what I have learned about music with the world,” she said. “It is a dream come true.” In 2012, IN UNISON expanded its partnership with the University of Missouri-

St. Louis Music Department by offering tailored mentorship and arts administration opportunities to IN UNISON scholarship recipients. The program currently supports seven scholarships for students pursuing music and two scholarships in the area of arts administration.

Brian Owens is the Symphony’s IN UNISON Artist in Residence and a former IN UNISON scholarship recipient. He is also Washington’s mentor.

“It’s a blessing to be able to see our students succeed and contribute to our mission of diversity in the arts, especially when that success is reinvested in our community,” Owens said.

Thanks to support from the Monsanto Fund, St. Louis Symphony musicians are also able to visit partner churches and provide music during worship services.

The IN UNISON chorus will take the stage at Powell Hall on December 8 for “A Gospel Christmas with Richard Smallwood.” Led by chorus director Kevin McBeth, the performance will feature gospel and spiritual music of the holiday season. “Lift Every Voice: Black History Month” is the second IN UNISON concert of the season at Powell Hall. Guest trumpeter Byron Stripling will join the chorus for the event on February 17, 2017. The final IN UNISON concert of the season is a free “Community Concert” at Third Baptist Church on April 30, 2017. Brandon Williams will be the guest conductor.

Northside Seventh-Day Adventist hosts Transformation

Northside Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 9001 Lucas & Hunt Rd., will host Transformation from through November 19 with services at 7 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Meals will be provided 6 p.m. every Wednesday. Child care (3-10 years old) will be provided each night. For free transportation, call 314-2998403. Organizers say to expect “soul-stirring singing and Bible-based preaching.” For more information, call 314-868-0707.

A minister friend preached that a major prerequisite of being a Christian is understanding that it’s an evolutionary process. There will be problems along the way. But remember this process has purpose. However, lest we forget, there is also power resulting from committing oneself to the process of being faithful. In that sanctuary I claimed it as an important reminder that there is power in the process of trying to be faithful. There is purpose behind our struggle of faith. God is still in control and, at every stage of our lives, the test or the temptation is there to give us a chance to confirm and clarify our status with the Almighty.

You’re kind of on His team or not. You’re either practicing for the game, in the game, or wasting your time and that of your so-called teammates.

What do you consider your duty in this life? Why are you here? What’s the point of existence? To a man or woman of God, these are not hard questions. Life is a manifestation of knowledge that allows you to know God. Our purpose is to recognize who we are in relation to God and then act accordingly.

Now God does give us assistance in the process. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

You must do something in the name of God, period. It must be conscious. It must be deliberate. It must be inclusive of some understanding that Jesus would approve.

Maybe you remember something about the learning process in your youth. To be successful, study was required. Learning, real learning, did not happen by osmosis. It had identifiable results and measurable consequences. In school you had to pass a test. In life you grow in faith and thereby in knowledge of the truth i.e. God is the reason.

Isn’t it amazing that the more you know about the Lord, the more there is to know? Isn’t it wonderful to begin the process of service in His name? The more you serve, the more you want to serve. How you serve is a byproduct of the gifts already given you by Him. I think in church some say, “Come on, somebody.”

Can you feel the power? When you are fully engaged in the process of being a Christian, there is power to be had and shared when you realize you’re having success. And success has already been defined as understanding the war is already won. Christ emphatically assured that. These battles are mere formalities.

Find yourself a quiet place to study. Prepare for your tests and graduate with testimony. Just remember in these classes failure is possible but dropping out is not an option.

Columnist James Washington

Kacie Starr Long