October 16th, 2025 edition

Redistricting threatens abortion, health care

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

When Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a Trump-aligned congressional redistricting plan last month, critics warned it would do more than tilt elections toward Republicans — it could determine the fate of abortion rights,

Medicaid and other key issues affecting Missourians’ health and economic well-being. If the plan survives legal and ballot challenges, it would erase one of Missouri’s two Democratic strongholds — both currently represented by Black congressmen — and shift power toward Republican lawmakers who have led

efforts to roll back reproductive rights and shrink Medicaid.

The map splits Kansas City’s 5th Congressional District, dividing Black neighborhoods and merging them into distant, Republican-leaning districts, a change that could weaken the influence of Black and urban voters.

Dr. Kendra Holmes, president and

Driven by purpose

Dr. Michael Peoples left engineering to shape young lives

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Dr. Michael Peoples seemed to have his career path — and its many angles — covered as an accomplished engineer. He completed his pre-engineering studies then earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management with a technology emphasis. After graduation, he held several engineering positions, including with Emerson Electric, IBM and General Motors. Today, that same drive to excel has carried him far beyond engineering — into the classroom and district leadership, now serving as principal of University City High School. For his nontraditional path and record of student achievement, Peoples will be honored as one of five Excellence in Education awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, sponsored by the St. Louis American Foundation.

See PEOPLES, A13

CEO of Affinia Healthcare, said the redistricting plan poses a direct threat to health-care access.

“Gerrymandering that impacts urban and poor districts like St. Louis will dilute the political power of communities with greater health needs, making it harder

Honoring a legacy

Bill Clay Sr.’s life to be celebrated at UMSL memorial

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

The historic life and legacy of the late Congressman William “Bill” Clay Sr. will be celebrated during a public memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. Clay, who died July 17 following a lengthy illness, was the first Black member of Congress elected from Missouri and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“Congressman Clay helped build the

Judge jails St. Louis sheriff Mayor

urges resignation

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

After months of mounting controversy and clashes with city leaders, St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery was ordered to jail on Tuesday following a federal hearing that laid bare what a judge called a troubling pattern of deception and defiance. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Bodenhausen capped weeks of intensifying scrutiny of the sheriff, who has faced pressure to resign while fervently citing his innocence. Mayor Cara Spencer said the situation “has reached new heights and must now come to an

See SHERIFF, A13

Dr. Michael L. Peoples, principal of University City High School, chats with algebra students.

Photos by Maurice Meredith / St. Louis American

Dr. Michael Peoples will be honored as one of five Excellence in Education awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala.

St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery

Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

Guest Editorial

Why we should care about James Comey

By Larry Smith

I don’t know James Comey, but I don’t like him. When Comey was running the FBI, he often came off as smug, even arrogant, all while trying to exude what seemed to be a false sense of humility. Comey’s ‘Aw shucks, I’m just a public servant’ persona never quite rang true. However, his personality quirks are not the primary reason for my disdain.

Much more importantly, James Comey influenced the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in an unprecedented — and possibly illegal — manner. He did so by announcing two investigations regarding then-candidate Hillary Clinton’s email messages on her private server. Comey and his colleagues ultimately cleared Clinton in both cases.

Still, polls showed that the process had a negative impact on her campaign, given that they took place very shortly before the election. Clinton’s loss set in motion a series of events from which it will take our nation years, if not decades, to recover.

en Comey for (1) rebuffing his “loyalty pledge” during his first term and (2) his role in investigating whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election to bolster Trump’s chances of winning.

Despite my distaste for Comey, there is no schadenfreude on my part. In this instance, the enemy of my enemy is not my friend. My strong feelings do not blind me to the fact that a sitting president of the United States is actively making good on his promise to punish those whom he perceives to be his political enemies. James Comey is near the top of that list.

Justice Department lawyers are sworn to prosecute cases based upon “the facts and the law.” Further, they are to do so “without fear or favor.” Comey’s indictment is indicative of a total disregard for how our system of justice is supposed to operate.

Making the investigations public not only went against longstanding FBI/DOJ policy; it was also a possible violation of the Hatch Act, which is designed to prevent executive branch employees from interfering in political campaigns. In his 2018 book, “A Higher Loyalty,” Comey admits that his decision to publicly disclose the investigations was due to him being “unconsciously influenced” by his belief that Clinton was likely to be the next president.

Some have derisively referred to Comey’s actions as an “October Surprise” that was premeditated to hurt Clinton. I have doubts about such intentionality, which would be irrelevant even if it were true. History is what it is.

Fast forward to 2025 and Comey finds himself smack in the middle of President Donald Trump’s crosshairs. This is because Trump has never forgiv-

It is very difficult to overstate how dangerous this situation is. We are supposed to be a nation of laws; instead, we have become a nation of the president’s whims. His irrational, capricious and vindictive instincts are prevailing over integrity and even justice itself.

I will offer my unqualified legal opinion as someone who is not a lawyer. I believe that Mr. Comey will be vindicated of these Trumped-up charges. But that’s not the point. Comey will have to expend substantial financial resources to defend himself against charges that should never have been brought. Then there is the mental and emotional anguish — for him and his family — of having to fight a legal battle.

In the end, this isn’t really about James Comey. This is about what kind of nation we want to be. The Justice Department was created to prosecute the guilty, not to persecute the innocent. This behavior can only stand if Americans stand by. Larry Smith is a political columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder.

Commentary

A pair of unfinished revolutions

By Ben Jealous

In my house, two legacies face each other.

On one wall hangs a reproduction of “The Spirit of ’76,” painted by my cousin Archibald M. Willard for the nation’s 100th birthday. The central drummer in that painting — the older man leading the trio — was modeled after Archibald’s father, my cousin too.

“The Spirit of ’76” is America’s most famous Revolutionary painting — the definitive image of independence, instantly recognizable wherever it appears. First displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, it captured the mood of a nation celebrating its hundredth year and looking back on its birth in revolution.

For my family, it is not just symbolic. My father descends from six officers in the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Army — and from a seventh, a 13-year-old fifer who fought at Lexington and Concord. He was the youngest combatant on that battlefield, carrying both a fife and a musket into the first fight of the Revolution. He lived into his 90s — long enough to be photographed.

enslaved again.

So Morgan wagered exile — or even re-enslavement — if Confederate authorities got to them before the Union did. Still, he took the risk. He bet everything on freedom and equality.

He was right on the first count. And for a time, right on the second.

After the war, Morgan served in Virginia’s House of Delegates from 1869 to 1871. He sat on Petersburg’s city council and school board.

He helped build schools, relief associations, and even a bank. He believed that Reconstruction — America’s “second founding” — could finally make freedom and equality real. But he also lived to see those hopes collapse.

That painting is the definitive picture of 1776: a battered but unbroken march for freedom and equality. My family is literally in the frame — and in the fight.

Across the room sits another inheritance: the desk of my mother’s great-great-grandfather, Peter G. Morgan, born enslaved in Nottoway County, Virginia, in 1817.

Beside it rests the courting set he bought so his three daughters, once freed, could welcome suitors in dignity.

My family isn’t just in the picture of 1776. We live the unfinished fight of 1876. In 1864, while Petersburg was under Confederate siege, Morgan walked into a Confederate court and freed his wife and daughters.

Virginia law was brutal: any Black person gaining freedom — and their family — had 12 months to leave the state. Fail to leave, and you could be seized and

The collapse came just after the hopeful celebration of 1876, with the Compromise of 1877 — a backroom deal to resolve the contested race between Democrat Samuel Tilden and Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. Republicans kept the White House by giving in to Democratic demands to pull federal troops from the South. With the old Union soldiers gone, white supremacists unleashed murderous violence to retake power. Reconstruction ended not with a bang but a betrayal — and lynch mobs burning human flesh. That is America in a nutshell: twin spirits, twin moments, both unfinished. 1776 was for freedom. 1876 was for equality.

The warning is clear: freedom and equality are fragile, and gains can be rolled back. Today, both are under attack again — with democracy itself on the line, racial equality undermined, and immigrants targeted with open hostility.

If my great-great-great-grandfather could bet on freedom and equality in 1864 while Petersburg burned — and my father’s young ancestor could join his father and brothers in arms at Lexington — surely we can fight for freedom and equality in our own time.

Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and former national president and CEO of the NAACP.

Commentary

Without housing rights, there can’t be equality

By Marc Morial

Every way that someone could come to us and get help for free and see that someone is speaking with the voice of the American people and with the government, all of that is being dismantled. … When people lose that, they’re losing something fundamental to the American dream, to the economy, to their lives. And it has a real, concrete impact.”

— HUD whistleblower Paul Osadebe

The Trump administration’s latest assault on fair housing protections is more than a technical rollback. It is a deliberate step backward in the long fight for racial equity and opportunity. By stripping resources from HUD’s fair housing division, slowing investigations and easing the burden on cities and landlords, this administration is sending a clear signal: the federal government will no longer stand firmly on the side of justice in housing.

white families. Schools remain segregated by neighborhood. Wealth gaps widen with every generation denied the chance to own a home in a stable, appreciating community. The protections of the Fair Housing Act were designed to interrupt this cycle. When those protections are gutted, the old patterns threaten to re-emerge.

For generations, housing has been the foundation of the American dream. A home is more than shelter. It is the anchor of stability, the pathway to generational wealth and the entry point to better schools, safer neighborhoods and economic mobility. When these protections are weakened, those doors close — and too often, they close hardest on Black families.

We know where this road leads. Housing segregation in America was not an accident. It was the result of deliberate government policy: redlining maps that marked Black neighborhoods as too risky for investment, racially restrictive covenants that excluded Black families from buying homes, highways that cut through thriving communities and lending practices that preyed on rather than protected those locked out of mainstream credit. These were not unintended consequences; they were purposeful choices that created a geography of inequality still visible today.

The consequences endure. Black homeownership rates lag far behind those of

The stakes today are clear. Weakening fair housing enforcement means that a Black family can be turned away from a rental unit with little recourse. It means lenders can use coded criteria to exclude entire communities. It means cities can avoid taking meaningful action to dismantle segregation. And it means another generation of children grows up confined by the ZIP code into which they are born. Black history in America is inseparable from the struggle for fair housing. From battles against redlining and contract lending to fights for public housing reform, housing has always been at the heart of the civil rights movement. To roll back these protections now is not just a policy shift, it is an erasure of that struggle and a denial of the lessons learned at great cost. We cannot allow complacency in the face of such deliberate erosion. Fair housing is not a luxury or a partisan issue. It is a civil right, and it is a test of whether America intends to honor its own principles. This means restoring strong enforcement, demanding accountability from local governments, investing in affordable housing and challenging discriminatory practices in all their forms.

The Trump administration may seek to undo decades of progress, but history reminds us that progress is never given; it is fought for and defended. The right to live free from discrimination, to raise a family in safety and to build wealth through homeownership is fundamental to the American promise. We will not go back to a time when those rights were denied.

Fair housing is racial justice. Fair housing is economic justice. And fair housing is democracy itself.

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Donald M. Suggs Publisher ADMINISTRATION

Dina

Columnist Marc Morial

Black women stand with Letitia James

They say the indictment fits a pattern of punishing Black women in power

By Leah Gullet

St. Louis American

For The

Hours after New York

Attorney General Letitia “Tish”

James was indicted on federal bank-fraud charges, a wave of outrage and solidarity surged across the nation. From Capitol Hill to community boardrooms, Black women mobilized, rallied and raised their voices in defense of one of their own.

The Justice Department indictment, filed last week in federal court in Norfolk, Virginia, accuses James of misrepresenting financial information on a 2019 mortgage application. Prosecutors claim she listed a home as a personal residence while allegedly renting it out, saving about $19,000 over the life of the loan. If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison and fines approaching $1 million per count.

The New York Times reported Sunday that it was James’ grand-niece who occupied the property, and she testified to an earlier grand jury that she doesn’t pay rent.

James has “flatly and forcefully” denied the allegations, calling the case politically motivated. Her initial court appearance before U.S. District Judge Jamar K.Walker, a Biden appointee, is scheduled for Oct. 24.

The indictment arrived just weeks after former FBI Director James Comey — another long-

time critic of Donald Trump — was charged by the same U.S. Attorney’s Office. In recent weeks, Trump accidentally posted on Truth Social a message urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute James, Comey and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, all of whom he considers political adversaries.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a fellow New Yorker, said Letitia James has “courageously been at the forefront of successfully challenging the Trump administration’s lawless and deeply unpopular overreach.” He noted she has remained “guided by the Constitution” even while becoming a target.

Three years ago, James sued Trump and the Trump Organization, alleging he inflated his assets to secure favorable loans and insurance coverage. That civil case ended with a $454 million judgment — later reduced on appeal — but it cemented her standing as one of Trump’s fiercest adversaries.

The backlash to James’ indictment was immediate.

The National Bar Association, the NAACP, and the National Council of Negro Women each issued statements condemning the charge as politically tainted.

“This indictment is unjust and dangerous,” said Ashley L. Upkins, president of the National Bar Association. “The National Bar Association calls upon every

lawyer, judge, and citizen who believes in justice to stand

Our

cannot be bought, borrowed, or bullied.”

Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of the association, said the indictment “is something we’ve been grappling with since the start of this administration,” describing it as part of a larger effort to marginalize Black women in leadership.

U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke called the accusations “a sham,” saying they “mirror a dangerous pattern of intimidation against women who dare to hold the powerful accountable.”

That sentiment resonates deeply in St. Louis, where several prominent Black women have faced comparable scrutiny.

Former Mayor Tishaura Jones, the first Black woman to

lead the city, said she recognized the pattern instantly.

“There was a constant moving of the goalposts,” she told The American, recalling how even routine issues — from potholes to snowstorms — were politicized during her term. “Somehow I was to blame for the weather, just like Mayor Karen Bass was being blamed for the fires in Los Angeles.”

Jones and longtime City Comptroller Darlene Green both lost reelection earlier this year in what many described as one of the biggest power shifts in city government. Jones called it “an election of severe misinformation,” pointing to campaign ads and online attacks that portrayed her administration as corrupt — allegations she says were baseless.

Her experience, she added,

made

painfully familiar.

Across social media, journalists and activists drew parallels between the treatment of James and other high-profile Black women in public life, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, who have each faced outsized criticism.

Journalist Jemele Hill posted that “Letitia James deserves the same energy Jimmy Kimmel got,” arguing that both James and the late-night TV comedian have been singled out in ways that expose double standards.

To many, the case represents not just a test of one woman’s integrity but a measure of how the justice system responds when power and race intersect.

James is expected to enter her plea later this month. Behind her stands a broad coalition of legal, civic and faith leaders determined to show that she will not face this battle alone.

“We’ve seen this before,” said Upkins. “When Black women rise to power, they’re too often met with attempts to tear them down. But history shows — we rise anyway.”

Leah Gullet is a St. Louisbased writer and producer. April Ryan of Black Press USA contributed to this report.

Black women came to the defense of New York Attorney General Letitia James following her indictment by Trump’s Justice Department. James denies any wrongdoing and calls the case politically motivated.

the James indictment feel

Photo courtesy of Facebook.com

Divine 9 challenge aims to boost giving for families in need

The Charmaine Chapman Society of the United Way of Greater St. Louis has launched its annual Divine 9 fundraising challenge, bringing together members of historically Black sororities and fraternities to support local families in need.

Named for the late Charmaine Chapman — the first Black woman to lead a major United Way chapter — the society was inspired by St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs and has grown to become one of the largest Black philanthropic groups in the nation, with more than 400 members.

According to the United Way, 43% of households in the St. Louis region struggle to afford basic needs such as housing, utilities, food, transportation and healthcare.

This year’s Divine 9 challenge, which runs through Nov. 21, encourages members of the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations to pledge at the Leadership level — an

annual gift of $1,000 or more to support United Way’s regional programs and partner agencies.

The effort is being led by co-chairs Arica and Steven Harris, who said the campaign reflects the society’s longstanding commitment to community impact.

“Our passion for helping people shines brightest during fundraising initiatives like the Divine 9 Challenge,” the Harrises said in a joint statement. “We are looking forward to our fellow CCS members making this year’s challenge a special one by giving their very best to support the greater good of the community.”

United Way President and CEO Michelle D. Tucker called the Divine 9 effort “a fun, friendly way for our philanthropic leaders to inspire hope and change in our community through collective giving.”

The Charmaine Chapman Society is part of United Way’s larger network of leadership giving programs, which help fund dozens of local nonprofits and direct services across the bi-state region.

The reality of leaving domestic violence

By Lynell Cooper

More than 16 million people in the U.S. suffer from intimate partner abuse each year, according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS).

NISVS asks questions about these sensitive topics using a health and behavior frame to help maximize reliable reporting of these important public health issues.

It collects lifetime and 12-month prevalence data, describes who is most likely to experience these forms of violence, as well as information on the impacts and health consequences associated with these types of violence.

According to the organization, NISVS data “informs and improves prevention and response efforts.”

groups, and lack of education and resources. Survivors often hide escalating abuse for fear of judgment or humiliation.

The threat of cyberattacks, public outings, or reputational damage makes even a single social media post feel like a viral nightmare — whether it’s seen by thousands or just a few.

In some cultures, violence is minimized or excused, especially jealousy or verbal and emotional abuse. Whether it’s the church ministry leader, a teacher, a trusted neighbor or a conversation at the elders’ kitchen table, everyone has a responsibility to remove roadblocks to help.

One of the oldest questions survivors face is, “Why didn’t they just leave?” As a survivor, professor of social work and licensed clinical therapist, my response is usually, “And go where?” or “And feel protected where?”

Institutions — including law enforcement, community organizations, places of worship and even families — must take inventory of who’s failing in this narrative.

Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault or other abusive behavior used in a systematic pattern of power and control by one partner against another, as defined by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The likelihood of leaving safely is closely tied to shame, stigma, alienation from support

Housing disparities and limited government resources are not the only challenges. A paradigm shift is needed to confront harmful narratives such as “what happens at home stays at home,” “we don’t believe in therapy,” or gossiping about problems instead of building solutions.

Domestic violence prevention and intervention is not just an individual effort. It is a family response, a community response, and a church response. When rooted in safety, accountability, and resources, this shift can lead to more survivors finding support — whether that means preserving family and implementing change that creates rehabilitation and safety or leaving without losing their lives.

Lynell Cooper is a survivor, licensed clinical therapist, professor of social work and doctoral student. In 2024, Indiana was the only state rated an “F” for its resources and protections for survivors of intimate partner violence. The Indianapolis Recorder originally published this commentary.

St. Louis American staff

Women in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., raised more than $82,000 in the Divine 9 Challenge last year while men in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., raised more than $69,000.

Photo courtesy of the United Way

Lynell Cooper

Business

Confronting St. Louis’ legacy of redlining

By St. Louis American staff

he struggle to own and keep a home has long been one of the most pressing issues for Black America — and St. Louis is no exception.

Following its 2022 apology for its role in discriminatory housing practices, St. Louis Realtors has released Reimagining St. Louis: Increasing Black Homeownership, a new report aimed at reversing decades of inequity and building pathways to generational wealth.

“The purpose of Reimagining St. Louis is clear: to increase African American homeownership in the St. Louis region,” said Stacey Sanders, St. Louis Realtors president. “Our industry has a responsibility to acknowledge the facts, respond to them with transparency, and lead with measurable action. By expanding homeownership pathways, strengthening financial education, and investing in mentorships, we can ensure our profession works for all communities.”

See REDLINING, A6

Source: National Association of Realtors

Howard University

blends classroom learning with real-world business innovation

By The AFRO

At Howard University’s School of Business, entrepreneurship has become a defining part of the curriculum — one that blends classroom learning with real-world experience and community engagement.

The university’s efforts are anchored by its partnership with PNC Bank and the creation of the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, based at Howard. The center offers hands-on programming, mentorship and technical training not only for students but also for residents and local business owners.

guidance.

“Howard’s unique combination of rigorous curriculum and practical application ensures that our graduates are not only knowledgeable but also capable of putting their ideas into action,” Dutra said. “We can stack our students up against any institution. What makes me excited about being a professor at Howard is our adaptability and our ability to equip students quickly with technical skills.”

“We provide programming for our students, mentoring around their entrepreneurial endeavors and technical skills,” said Vaneesha Dutra, an associate professor of finance at Howard’s School of Business. “We’re proud of the unique support systems in place that help students translate what they learn in the classroom into real-world success.”

Students in the entrepreneurship program are grouped into cohorts based on their business interests and skill sets. These small teams collaborate on projects throughout their academic journey and stay connected with alumni who provide mentorship and career

Robert Singh, an associate professor of management who joined Howard two years ago after two decades at Morgan State University, said the university’s emphasis on entrepreneurship aligns closely with his own research into the challenges facing Black business owners.

“The university values entrepreneurship within its business curriculum,” Singh said. Singh’s background in engineering and private industry brings a practical perspective to his teaching, which he said complements the school’s approach of combining academic rigor with industry relevance.

“Every week there are famous entrepreneurs, politicians and business leaders speaking on campus, and I learn from my students just as I try to teach them,” Singh said.

See HOWARD,

Leadership Council to honor Johnson

The Ecumenical Leadership Council will honor Twinnette Johnson, the first Black woman to serve as dean of St. Louis University School of Law, during its annual Black-Tie Ball on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel. Before joining SLU Law last year, Johnson served as dean, interim dean and professor of law at the University of the District of Columbia’s David A. Clarke School of Law.

Affinia Healthcare employees recognized

Two Affinia Healthcare employees were recently recognized for their leadership and dedication to improving their skills to better advocate for the community.

Candace Henderson, Affinia Healthcare’s community health director, received the Regional Community Health Worker Champion Award from the Heartland Conference on Health Equity and Patient-Centered Care for her advocacy on behalf of clients and the community.

Henderson leads a team of community health workers who connect patients and residents with vital health screenings and other resources based on their social determinants of health.

Ebony Hamilton, Affinia Healthcare’s maternal child coordinator for community health, was selected to participate in the Community Research Fellows Training Program at Washington University in May and graduated in August. The CRFT is a comprehensive 17-week public health research training course through the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities at Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center.

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

Pat Wilson, a University City High School lead nurse who recently retired, has been named the 2025 School Nurse Administrator of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Nurses. Wilson was previously recognized as the 2024 School Nurse Administrator of the Year by the St. Louis Suburban School Nurses’ Association.

Nursing group honors U. City’s Pat Wilson

Pat WIlson

Twinnette Johnson

Nate Johnson, former president of St. Louis Realtors and presidential advisory group chair.

Photo courtesy of Nate Johnson

Candace Henderson

Ebony Hamilton

Robert Singh

Vaneesha Dutra

Howard

Continued from A5

Howard’s School of Business has also

Redlining

Continued from A5

The report comes amid national efforts for Black residents to overcome the lasting effects of redlining, exclusionary zoning and other discriminatory policies that robbed generations of Black families of the chance to build and sustain wealth through homeownership. Across the country, many Black homeowners still face threats not only from predatory lending and gentrification but from a quieter danger — the loss of homes due to unclear ownership, missing wills and fraudulent transactions.

expanded its curriculum to include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Faculty members are working with industry partners to show students how AI can

A local and national crisis

According to the National Fair Housing Alliance’s State of Equitable Homeownership 2025 report, recent gains in Black and Latino homeownership have begun to slip. In the second quarter of 2025, the Black homeownership rate dropped to 43.9% — the steepest year-over-year decline since 2021. The white homeownership rate, by contrast, remains 74% — a 30-point gap that translates directly into intergenerational inequality.

That national picture mirrors the situation in St. Louis, where decades of redlining, restrictive covenants and uneven access to mortgage credit have

streamline operations and reduce costs — tools that can be especially valuable for first-time entrepreneurs.

“Howard is preparing business leaders for

left a lasting imprint. The Reimagining St. Louis report documents how those inequities continue to shape who can buy, keep and pass down a home today. Lower Black homeownership rates have weakened generational wealth and limited access to quality schools, healthcare, and opportunity across the region.

“This initiative signals a serious commitment to closing the homeownership gap and confronting the legacy of housing discrimination,” said Nate Johnson, 2011 president of St. Louis Realtors and chair of the advisory group behind the report. “Progress will depend on strong partnerships with financial institutions, sustained community

tomorrow,” Dutra said.

“And we’re doing it by staying responsive to the needs of industry and giving students the tools to succeed.”

The university’s focus

engagement and rigorous accountability. Together, we can translate these commitments into durable, equitable outcomes for families across our region.”

How families lose homes — and wealth

The barriers to sustaining Black homeownership go beyond mortgages and down payments. Across the nation, families are losing property through heir’s-property disputes, deed confusion and title fraud — often without realizing their legal vulnerability.

In Houston, Brandon Cofield, public probate administrator for Harris County, has seen up close how this pattern affects Black property owners. “They can’t sell, can’t get repair assistance, can’t access benefits. The property just gets stuck,” he said.

reflects a national push among historically Black colleges and universities to strengthen entrepreneurship programs as a pathway for wealth creation and community develop-

report acknowledges that history head-on, describing how “discriminatory real estate policies and practices created a legacy of exclusion that continues to shape the housing landscape today.”

From acknowledgment to action

Local leaders say data must lead to measurable results.

Jason Purnell, president of the James S. McDonnell Foundation, tied the St. Louis housing report’s findings to the region’s broader well-being.

“The Reimagining St. Louis report lays out a factual foundation for change,” he said. “It reminds us that equity in housing is a key component of quality healthcare, education, and economic stability. By working together on these priorities, we can strengthen the future of St. Louis for all who call it home.”

A recent Texas study found four times more heir’s-property cases in Black and brown neighborhoods — and foreclosure rates 30 times higher than in white areas.

Such stories are echoes of what many St. Louis families know all too well.

For decades, discriminatory lending, undervaluation of Black-owned homes and rising taxes in gentrifying neighborhoods have eroded ownership stability.

The Reimagining St. Louis

That call for coordinated action reflects a broader national push to equip Black homeowners with the tools and knowledge to protect their assets. In Houston’s Fifth Ward, for example, the Community Redevelopment Corp. recently hosted a “Know Your Rights” panel to help residents understand title protection and estate planning.

“There’s a lot of activity in the housing market

ment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Black-owned businesses grew by nearly 20% between 2019 and 2022, the fastest among any demographic group.

right now, and we want our people educated and well-equipped to deal with these challenges,” said Naseeka Cox, the group’s program director. It’s a message that resonates in St. Louis: building generational wealth requires both fair systems and informed families.

The road ahead The release of Reimagining St. Louis could mark a turning point for the city’s housing industry — one that moves from apology to accountability. By confronting its past, the region’s real estate sector is taking a rare public stand to repair trust and expand opportunity.

As Sanders put it, “This is about building generational wealth and creating a housing market that is equitable and sustainable for everyone.” Yet, the challenge remains urgent — both locally and nationally. The decline in Black homeownership and the persistence of property loss underscore how fragile progress can be. From tangled titles in Houston to long-denied mortgages in St. Louis, the pattern is painfully familiar. Whether through policy reform, education or partnership, housing advocates say the goal is to keep Black families not only in their homes, but in control of their futures.

Aswad Walker of the Houston Defender contributed to this report.

Naseeka Cox

our

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

less rest

By Stacy M. Brown Washington Informer

mericans may be spending more time asleep, but new research shows that quality sleep remains out of reach for millions.

A ValuePenguin analysis released this month found that U.S. adults now average nine hours of sleep per day, up from eight hours and 28 minutes two decades ago.

That adds up to more than eight extra days of sleep each year. Older adults and women tend to rest the longest, with those 65 and older averaging nine hours and nine minutes daily. Nebraska residents sleep the most at nearly 10 hours a day, while North Dakotans sleep the least at just over eight hours.

But the National Sleep Foundation warns that more

Studies show quality, not quantity, defines America’s sleep crisis

Push to address uterine fibroids

Rep. Alsobrooks convened roundtable on women’s health research

By Ashlee Banks The AFRO

If passed, the measure would broaden access to early screening, detection, and treatment for uterine fibroids.

U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland convened a roundtable on women’s health research at the Capitol last month, drawing together lawmakers, advocates and prominent cultural figures to address uterine fibroids, a condition that has long been overlooked in federal research. The event, titled the “Women’s Health Research Congressional Roundtable,” featured actresses Lupita Nyong’o and Mandy Moore alongside Democratic U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley, of Massachusetts, Robin Kelly of Illinois, Shontel Brown of Ohio, and other participants. For nearly 90 minutes, the group discussed the pressing need to expand

Poll reveals declining trust in CDC

Low approval for HHS Secretary Kennedy

By Jennifer Shutt States Newsroom

A majority of Americans disapprove of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s job performance and the federal government’s evolving vaccine policy, according to a poll released late last week by the nonpartisan health organization KFF.

In addition, the vast majority of those surveyed have heard the unproven claims made by President Donald Trump, Kennedy and others in late September that taking acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, during pregnancy could be one possible environmental factor in a child later being diagnosed with autism.

A total of 77% of the people KFF polled said they knew of the statements, though whether people believe the claims, which have yet to be established by the medical community, varied.

Only 4% of those surveyed said it is “definitely true” that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of the child developing autism, and 35% said the claim is “definitely false.”

Only 4% of those surveyed said it is “definitely true” that taking Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of the child developing autism, and 35% said the claim is “definitely false.” Thirty percent said it is “probably true” and 30% said it is “probably false.”Combined, 65% said it’s either probably

See CDC,

A majority of Americans disapprove of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s job performance and the federal government’s evolving vaccine policy, according to a poll released late last week by

U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks

By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black

When the federal government shut down, WIC, the popular program that helps millions of low-income mothers and young children stay healthy, nearly went dark, too. The ongoing stalemate between Democrats and Republicans sidetracked the process to fund it for the fiscal year.

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

WIC gets a lifeline

But millions of families still face uncertainty

Last week, the Trump administration threw the program a lifeline: $300 million to keep the program going. The short-term fix, however, obscures a larger problem. Because WIC hasn’t been funded in the federal budget, cash-strapped states must temporarily cover the cost. While the $300 million will help keep them afloat, state funding is patchy at best — some can only manage through the end of October — and there’s no guarantee some expectant moms or babies won’t go hungry.

CDC

Continued from A7 or definitely false to say that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy increases the chance of a child developing autism, a complex disorder that experts believe is the result of both genetic and environmental factors.When broken down by political party, 86% of Democrats, 67% of independents and

Sleep

Continued from A7

time in bed doesn’t mean better rest. Its 2025 Sleep in America Poll found that six in 10 adults don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night, and nearly four in 10 struggle to fall asleep at least three nights a week. Almost half wake up often during the night.

The same study revealed that adults with good sleep satisfaction are nearly twice as likely to flourish in life compared to those dissatisfied with their sleep.

“Poor sleep health is a major risk factor for lower well-being across multiple areas of life,” said Dr. Joseph Dzierzewski, the NSF’s senior vice president of research. “Prioritizing sleep health can improve mental health, workplace efficiency, and stronger personal relationships.”

Georgia Machell, president and CEO of the National WIC Association, said the White House allocation is a “welcome” step,

43% of Republicans said the claims were either probably or definitely false.The survey shows 59% somewhat or strongly disapprove of how Kennedy is handling his new role at the top of the country’s public health infrastructure.The level of support changes considerably depending on political party affiliation, with 86% of Democrats, 64% of independents and 26% of Republicans disapproving. A slightly higher

but patchwork solutions will only go so far.

“We still don’t know how much funding this measure provides, how quickly states will receive it or how long it will sustain operations,” Machell said.

WIC helps low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children under age 5 buy nutritious food. It helps new moms, babies, and young children stave off malnutrition.

More than half of WIC recipients are children, and a little more than 21% of WIC recipients are Black.

number, 62%, either somewhat or strongly disapprove of the United States’ vaccine policy.A similar trend emerged when those polled were broken up by political parties. Eighty-eight percent of Democrats, 67% of independents and 31% of Republicans somewhat or strongly disapproved of vaccine policy. The survey shows a declining share of Americans have faith in the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention to provide trusted information about vaccines, compared with previous KFF polls in September 2023 and earlier this year. A total of 63% of respondents two years ago trusted the CDC on vaccines, but that has declined to 50%.

Democrats’ faith in the CDC’s vaccine recommendations has dropped from 88% two years ago to 64%, independents have gone from 61% to 47% and Republicans have

remained relatively steady, only going from 40% to 39%. Across political parties, a person’s own doctor as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association remain broadly trusted for vaccine information.

Eighty-three percent said they trust their doctor or health care provider, 69% believed information from the American Academy of Pediatrics and 64% had faith in the

A related National Sleep Foundation report found that 88% of adults who are satisfied with their sleep are thriving in areas like happiness, productivity, goal achievement and social connections. Fewer than half of those with poor sleep satisfaction experience the same well-being. Meanwhile, an earlier study published in JAMA Network Open warned that irregular sleep patterns— sleeping too little or too much — can shorten life expectancy. Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that about two-thirds of Americans are not getting the right amount of sleep, leading to a 29% higher risk of premature death.

Health

Continued from A7

women’s health research and to advance legislation aimed at addressing fibroids, which disproportionately affect women of color. Central to the discussion was the Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act, or U-FIGHT Act. Alsobrooks, a Democrat, co-authored the legislation with Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming.

If passed, the measure would broaden access to early screening, detection, and treatment for uterine fibroids, while also

addressing conditions such as Asherman’s syndrome, which involves scar tissue buildup in the uterus following surgery. It would also require greater attention to disparities in pain management.

Alsobrooks told The AFRO that the chronic underfunding of women’s health has left millions to bear their suffering in silence.

“For far too long, women and girls have suffered from fibroids and we have accepted it as normal,” the Maryland lawmaker said. “Eighty percent of women will have fibroids in their life and only 0.03% of research dollars go to studying fibroids. Women make up 51% of the population, yet only 8% of NIH research

“Maintaining healthy sleep over time is crucial,” wrote Dr. Dayna Johnson of Emory University in an editorial accompanying the study.

Children aren’t immune to the crisis.

A Brown University study found that only 14% of elementary-aged children met national sleep guidelines, with Latino

dollars go to women’s health.”

Brown, who introduced the House version of the U-FIGHT Act in July, underscored the urgency of passing the measure.

children logging the least amount of rest. On average, kids got just eight hours and 20 minutes of actual sleep each night, far less than the recommended nine to 12 hours.

Parents often overestimate their children’s rest by more than an hour. The problem extends beyond technology and late-night scrolling. A

Shontel Brown Ayanna Pressley

“When you consider that we are 50% of the population and the amount of resources that we are lacking when it comes to issues that impact women’s health, I think it is important that we have representatives like Lupita and Mandy Moore at the table to help elevate the importance of this,” Brown

told The AFRO. Brown said the economic burden of the current approach makes the case for change.

“We are spending billions of dollars in health care for women to recover or have surgery or all of the things that come with dealing with uterine fibroids, when we could be spending that money toward research and prevention,” Brown added. Pressley, who has spoken candidly about her own struggle with fibroids, offered a deeply personal account of the condition’s

A $300 million lifeline will keep the WIC program going during the government shutdown, but cash-strapped states must temporarily cover the cost.

national survey by Talker Research found that the top reason Americans stay up late isn’t TikTok or television — it’s chores and personal responsibilities. Twenty-nine percent said they delay sleep to handle unfinished tasks, while one in five said nighttime is their favorite time of day.

The National Sleep

toll during the roundtable discussion.

“I remember as a city councilor being in hearing sitting atop garbage bags because my blood flow was so heavy from the fibroids that I was carrying and still having to comport myself in a manner that was calm and effective in doing my job,” she told the group.

She continued by describing the stigma surrounding conditions such as fibroids, menopause and autoimmune diseases.

“The suffering, the shame that we carry for uterine fibroids, for menopause, for autoimmune diseases like alopecia, which I live with,” she added. “We are saying no to the suffering and shame, but yes to research and to

AMA.

The poll of 1,334 adults took place from Sept. 23 to Sept. 29 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points for the full survey. Questions broken down by a person’s political ideology had a margin of error of plus or minus 6 percentage points.

This story was distributed by the Missouri Independent.

While people may be spending more time asleep, new research reveals that quality sleep remains out of reach for millions of Americans.

Foundation stresses that healthy rest requires consistency and environment, not just time.

“Sleep is fundamental to thriving across many aspects of life,” said John Lopos, CEO of the foundation. “These results reinforce how crucial positive sleep health is to basic achievements that go beyond physical health.”

change.”

Pressley also warned that recent federal cuts to medical research, coupled with the weakening of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, risk exacerbating long-standing inequities.

“It is possible to legislate healing, it is possible to legislate equity. It is possible to legislate justice, and that is why we are here,” she stated.

Alsobrooks closed the roundtable by thanking Nyong’o and Moore for lending their voices to the cause. She reiterated her commitment to advancing the legislation.

“I hope we can start by passing my bipartisan U-FIGHT Act to end the suffering,” she told The AFRO.

Courtesy photo

Photo by Anya Richter on Unsplash

Ali loses copyright case against Nelly

Nelly won a copyright lawsuit after a judge ruled Ali’s claims were too late and sanctioned his lawyers for pushing a case that had no legal standing.

Allhiphop.com reported that the court found that Ali had received a letter from Nelly’s legal team in June 2021 rejecting his authorship and payment claims.

According to the hip hop news and gossip outlet, the judge said the letter started the clock on the three-year deadline to file a copyright claim – and that Ali didn’t file until after that window had closed.

The judge also reportedly said Ali’s legal team attempted to circumvent the timing issue by modifying the complaint and omitting key dates.

“The Court finds that Plaintiffs’ counsel acted unreasonably and vexatiously in continuing to pursue claims that were clearly time-barred and preempt ed,” the order stated, according to Allhiphop. com.

The court ordered Ali’s attorneys to pay a $1,000 fine and reimburse Nelly for legal fees incurred after the first complaint.

Andra Day embroiled in bitter legal fight with former manager

Oscar-nominated actress and singer Andra Day has filed a lawsuit that claims she can’t even pay her minimum credit card payment after music biz exec Jeff Evans was “caught red-handed” stealing from her.

failing to pay Day [at least]

$575,486.00” and that she “believes this amount is significantly more.”

Judge drops Drake’s defamation case against UMG

Universal Music Group will not have to face a lawsuit from Drake, who accused the record company of defamation over its distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”

“The Hollywood Reporter” said that U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas found on Thursday that Lamar’s diss track advances “nonactionable opinion” that can’t be considered defamatory.

Page Six reported that Evans sued the “United States vs. Billie Holiday” star earlier this week, claiming that she breached their contract and that she owes him nearly a million dollars.

But Day filed a countersuit, slamming Evans as “a faithless fiduciary” who scammed Day “with blindless greed.”

“He siphoned so much money from Day — a quadruple-platinum hitmaker and Golden Globe Best actress winner — that he left her facing eviction, unable to pay the monthly minimum on her credit card debt, and without sufficient funds to tour,” the lawsuit alleges, according to Page Six.

They have been embroiled in financial disputes for years, with Day ultimately terminating her relationship with BassLine in March, according to Evan’s lawsuit.

Evans’ suit also claims they’re “owed a minimum of $850,000” in back payments from “The Deliverance” and a percentage of her publishing advances.

Meanwhile, Day’s lawyers countered in her suit that “the Buskin Defendants have admitted to

Lamar (Interscope Records) and Drake (Republic Records) are represented by two different labels in the UMG system. Their rap battle turned to court earlier this year when the Toronto rapper claimed that UMG, which oversaw the distribution of “Not Like Us,” spread defamatory allegations that he’s a sexual predator. Drake also claimed the label made secret payments and offered reduced licensing rates to third parties to promote the song, with the goal of devaluing his music and brand amid contract negotiations

RHOP star arrested on felony insurance fraud charges

Last week, “The Real Housewives of Potomac” cast member Dr. Wendy Osefo and her Eddie Osefo were arrested on felony insurance fraud charges. The arrest and charges came after Wendy was spotted on social media wearing jewelry that had been reported stolen to their insurance company after an alleged home burglary.

According to documents obtained by TMZ, Wendy is facing 16 charges – including 7 felonies, for allegedly making false/misleading info fraud in excess of $300. She’s also facing one misdemeanor count of making a false statement to an officer.

Additionally, TMZ.com reported that an investigation determined numerous items the Osefos claimed were stolen had been purchased, then returned to the store “where a full refund was provided prior to the alleged burglary.” The documents indicate the couple had claimed a $450,000 personal property loss to an insurance company.

The couple was booked last Thursday night in Westminster, Maryland.

Sources: Allhiphop.com, The Hollywood Reporter, TMZ.com, PageSix.com

AndraDay

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

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

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

Questions or comments? Contact

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

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students at The American’s Summer Science Academy work in teams to discover the many different computer programming languages.

At the St. Louis American’s Summer Science Academy, participants work in teams on an engineering project to build a roller coaster out of recycled items.

please email: csewell@stlamerican. com

SCIENCE CORNER

A hurricane forms over tropical and subtropical ocean water. Warm water and cool, moist air combine to create strong winds that can gust up to 200 miles per hour! These winds create waves that bring the storm on shore. Hurricanes are very destructive. They can flip cars, sink boats, uproot trees, and demolish houses.

SCIENCE CORNER

of invertebrates (animals without a backbone).

Are Fungi ?

SCIENCE STARS

African-Canadian Zoologist Maydianne Andrade

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Arachnids have 8 legs and include animals such as spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks. Their bodies are divided into two segments — the anterior (front half) and the posterior (back half). The anterior section is called the part, any organs used for senses, and pairs of limbs (including pincers or poison fangs). The posterior

In addition to powerful winds, hurricanes bring a lot of rain. (Taiwan received 114 inches of rain in three days during a hurricane.) These rains can cause landslides and flash floods.

Fungi are organisms made of filaments (called hyphe) that are stacked together. Unlike plants, fungi do not have chlorophyll, so they cannot make their own food. Some fungi are parasites, which mean they live off of other organisms. Some fungi feed off of dead and decaying matter. Fungi are everywhere in the environment, including the soil, lakes, river and seas, air, and on plants and animals. Fungi (plural of fungus) help organic matter to decay and release carbon and oxygen into the environment. Unlike plants, fungi do not have

In this experiment, you’ll create a replica of a hurricane and identify how the forces work together to create a hurricane.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Materials Needed:

• 2 Soda Bottles • 3 Paper Clips

In this experiment, you will create a spider web effect on boiled eggs.

• 3 Peanuts • ¼ C. Sand • Funnel

Materials Needed:

• Water • Duct Tape

• Boiled Eggs • Bowl • Fruit Juice

Procedure:

Materials Needed:

Procedure:

• 3 slices of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags

Hurricanes can last a few hours or several days. Most hurricanes occur during the fall months. How can you stay safe? Have an evacuation plan and an emergency kit prepared. Meteorologists can track these storms and keep you informed. For more hurricane facts, visit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ sciencefacts/weather/hurricane.html.

leaves, stems, or roots. Fungi use spores to reproduce. One common type of fungus is the mushrooms you find on your pizza. Mold, yeasts, and mildew are also types of fungus.

For More Information, Go to: https://kids.kiddle.co/Fungus

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to gain background information about fungi.

section is called the abdomen and contains modified gills for breathing and limb pairs used for walking. Arachnids are predators. They hunt for small insects. Arachnids typically eat their food by breaking it apart, secreting fluid on it to help dissolve it, and then sucking it in. There are over 70,000 known species of arachnids. Most of these are harmless and help reduce the population of insects which can prey on plants and other animals. There are, however, a few species of arachnids that are poisonous to humans.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

create a watertight seal. Continue taping 1 to 2 inches above and below the seam.

Spider Web Eggs

Growing Mold!

t Hold the bottles by the middle and lift the jugs.

In this experiment, you will learn how mold grows best. Mold is an important fungus that has several uses, including breaking down dead organic material. Some purified molds are actually used as an antibiotic to treat illnesses.

q Fill one bottle with the paperclips, peanuts and sand. These represent the debris and help make the movement of water easier to see.

q Choose a brightly colored fruit juice, such as grape juice. Fill a serving bowl with the juice.

• 10x10 square centimeter grid • Ruler

Process:

w Take the boiled eggs and lightly crack them against the counter (leave the shell on the eggs).

w Place the funnel in the mouth of the bottle and pour water into the bottle until it is 3/4 full, then remove the funnel.

q Wet one slice of bread enough to make it moist and place it in a bag. Seal the bag very tightly.

e Turn the second empty bottle upside down and hold it over the first bottle so that the mouths of the bottle are aligned. The bottles will look like an hourglass.

e Place the eggs in the bowl of fruit juice for 3 hours.

w Place the two other slices of dry bread in two separate bags and seal them, as well.

r Tape the seam, pressing the duct tape firmly to

e Place the bag with the wet slice of bread and one of the bags with a dry slice of bread in a dark place, such as a closed cabinet or closet.

r Place the third bag with a dry slice

z Spiders have 8 legs. If you have 8 spiders, how many legs are there total?

x How many spiders does it take to have a total of 96 legs? ______

MATH CONNECTION

r Peel the eggs and observe the spider web pattern.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR:

Webs, Science, and Courage: Meet Dr. Mercedes Burns

African American Meterologist William “Bill” Parker

Jeanette Jones

Maydianne Andrade was born in Kingston, Jamaica. When she was just three years old, she immigrated to Canada with her parents. As a young child, she was very interested in science and chose to study medicine in college. Although she began a pre-med program at Simon Fraser University, a lecture in biology class encouraged her to change career paths. Andrade was interested in studying spiders and insects.

Jeanette Jones was born on September 19, 1950, in Fort Valley, Georgia. Jones graduated from Fort Valley State University in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in biology education. In 1973, Jones received her master’s degree in botany and mycology (a branch of biology that studies fungi) from The Ohio State University. In 1976, she received her doctorate (Ph.D.) degree.

a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, Teachers,

z A hurricane has moved 456 miles in 6 hours. How many miles per hour is the hurricane traveling? ______ If it continues to travel at that speed, how far will it travel in 10 hours? ______ x Hurricane Frederick is traveling at 86 miles per hour. If the hurricane is 129 miles from the coast, how many hours will it take until the hurricane reaches the coast? ______

c Multiples of 8: Use a 100s chart to color all of the multiples of 8.

csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551 DID YOU KNOW?

y Quickly, turn the bottles over so that the water-filled bottle is on top. Set the bottles on the table again.

Do you ever see a spider spinning a web in a corner and wonder, “Why do spiders do that?” Spiders are fascinating creatures. They build webs, catch insects, and live in nearly every place on Earth. One real scientist who studies spiders and their relatives is Dr. Mercedes Burns. She is one of the few Black women known in the field of arachnology (the science of spiders and similar animals).

William (Bill) Parker grew up in New Orleans. He graduated from JFK High School, which focused on math, science, and engineering. Parker was interested in hurricanes at a young age, but he became interested in the weather after a high school statistics class. In this class, he learned how to predict the chance of rain. Parker wanted to attend a historically black college/ university (HBCU), so he chose Jackson State University to study meteorology. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree, in 1994.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Simon Fraser University, then a Master of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Toronto. In 2000, she earned her Doctorate degree in Neurobiology and behavior from Cornell University. Andrade was grateful to have her parents’ support as she switched degrees and career paths. Her brothers were surprised by her sudden interest in spiders, since they made her a bit squeamish as a child.

A new species of trapdoor spider was even named Ummidia mercedesburnsae in her honor.

She also studied at the University of Nevada, the University of California Medical School, the National Center for Disease Control-Atlanta, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After graduation, Alabama A&M University hired Jones as an assistant biology professor. In 1986, she served as an adjunct professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Services at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and worked on a project with NASA. In 1991, Jones served as the first female vice president of research and development at Alabama A&M University. She also served as President of Alabama A&M University’s Faculty Senate from 2001 to 2006. In 1992, she was appointed to the U.S. Army Science Board by the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Togo West. Since 2004 Jones has been the director of the Center for Biomedical, Behavioral, and Environment Research at Alabama A&M University. She also worked as a consultant with federal agencies to help them develop training programs to attract women and minorities to STEM education and careers.

Dr. Burns studied biology in college and then earned her Ph.D. in evolutionary biology and systematics. Today, she is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She combines lab work, field research, and teaching.

Currently, she is a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Toronto. She uses spiders to teach her course content—specifically black widow spiders and the Australian Redback poisonous spider. Andrade is considered an expert in the behavior of the Australian Redback spiders and has been featured in PBS documentaries. She has approximately 1,500-2,000 Redback spiders in her lab, along with a few pet tarantulas. Her husband, Andrew Mason, shares an adjoining lab. His research focuses on hearing and signaling systems in flies and crickets. Together, they are raising their two young kids who Andrade labels “fellow bug nerds.”

Dr. Burns studies spiders and harvestmen (sometimes called “daddy-longlegs”), which are related creatures. Her research looks at how these creatures reproduce, including how some use parthenogenesis (that means producing offspring without a mate). She asks big questions like: Why do some animals reproduce sexually (with a mate) and others asexually? What genes or behaviors help spiders adapt to different environments?

t For five days, measure the square centimeters of mold on each piece of bread through the bag. Use a grid, if possible, or a ruler. If mold covers more than half a square centimeter, it is counted as one full centimeter. If it is less, it is counted as 0 centimeters. This will give you the area of mold on each slice of bread y At the end of a week (5 days of measuring) or longer, use your final results to say what percentage of the bread was covered in mold. Make a table or graph to display the information.

u Observe the water as it drains into the bottle below. The water competes with the air from the empty bottle. Both substances push to pass through the neck.

i Turn the bottles over again. This time, shake the bottles in a circular motion. Be sure to keep the bottles vertical.

Variation: Try this experiment with different juices. Try letting the eggs sit for longer or shorter periods of time. Try boiling the eggs with fruit, such as blueberries. How does this affect the pattern? Does it matter if the eggs are warm or cooled when they soak in the fruit juice?

o The water will form a vortex as it drains into the next bottle. The water will flow along the outside of the neck, while air moves quickly up through the center of the vortex. The water will drain much faster.

Analyze: How did water and air create a hurricane?

Learning Standards: I can follow a procedure. I can make observations and draw conclusions. I can test a hypothesis.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and draw conclusions.

Spider Math!

Discussion Questions: How much mold was on the bread? Which location had the most mold? Which had the least? What conclusions can you draw about the conditions in which mold grows? How can food manufacturers and restaurant owners use this information to help them?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can display my results, make observations, and draw conclusions.

Math Storms!

Scientists often use tables and graphs to display the results of their research. Looking at these displays, you can draw conclusions.

v Spider Symmetry: Use graph paper to draw half of a spider. Trade papers with a partner to see if you can each complete the symmetrical spider.

c A tropical storm takes on a hurricane status when the winds reach 74 miles per hour. After three days, Tropical Storm

There is a

b Graphing a Spider: Make a list of the ordered pairs of coordinates so the spider can be drawn by connecting the points in sequence. (Use a symbol to show where the pencil should be lifted between certain points.)

X has grown to have wind speeds of 48 miles per hour. How much faster will the winds have to become for Tropical Storm X to become Hurricane X? ______

Analyzing a Bar Graph

As we approach spring weather (and increased rain), create a bar graph that displays the amount of rain that falls for several consecutive days or weeks. (Day 1: 1.5 inches, Day 2: 0 inches, Day 3: 1.5 inches, etc.)

v Upon landfall of a Category 4 hurricane, local officials ordered an evacuation. City A has a population of 9,613, City B has a population of 5,013 and City C has a population of 3,972. How many people were evacuated in all?

For an activity to use geometry to complete a spider web, visit: http:// highhillhomeschool. blogspot.com/2014/09/ spider-web-math-art.html.

Discussion Questions: Which day had the most measured rainfall? Which day(s) had the least? Looking at the bar graph, what might you conclude about rain patterns in March/April? What other observations can you make?

For an activity to measure spider web angles, visit: http:// www.math-drills.com/halloween/ hal_spiderangles.php.

$115,264 in damage, City B reported $236,096 and City C reported $436,869 in damages. What was the total cost of damages rounded to the nearest thousand? ______ If the state and federal government promised $500,000 in aid, how much would the local people have to raise by themselves? ______

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can use symmetry and ordered pairs to create an image.

Learning Standards: I can use a bar graph to display information. I can use the information to make deductions and inferences.

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

b After citizens returned to their houses after the evacuation, reports of damage were totaled. City A reported

There are approximately 75,500 species of arachnids alive today.

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

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

50% of women and 16% of men suffer from arachnophobia, which is a fear of spiders.

There are over 10,000 species of mold, with 1,000 of those species found in the United States.

In 1993, he began to gain experience in the field when he worked as a student meteorologist. One year later, he was a meteorologist intern at Shreveport. In 1998, Parker became a general forecaster, and ten years later, a lead forecaster. In 2012, he became a warning coordination meteorologist (WCM). There are only 122 people with this title in the United States, and Parker was the only African American. Parker is currently the meteorologist-in-charge (MIC) at the National Weather Service, leading a team of 26 weather professionals. Parker is also very active as a volunteer in his community. He is a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast Executive Committee, La Cima Bilingual Leadership Academy, Bossier Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, Volunteers for Youth Justice, and a coach for Bossier Parks and Recreation. Parker is also an associate minister at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Benton, where he has been serving the congregation since 1997.

Your Own Hurricane! County Democrats accept $2M election grant

Spider silk is made with strong strands of protein. It can support more weight than bone and half as much weight as steel.

In 1975, Jones was listed in the World’s Women’s Who’s Who and she was named an Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1978. Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society awarded her the distinguished service award. Jones also received the Significant Service Award from the NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program and the Extramural Associate Research Development Award from the National Institute of Health. In 1990 and 2006, she was named Woman of the Year at Alabama A&M University and was given the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Faculty Senate. The U.S. Army presented Jones the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Civilian Service as a member of the Army Science Board.

In her lab, Dr. Burns mentors students, helping them design experiments, travel to collect spiders, and analyze data. She also leads public outreach to show people that spiders aren’t just scary, they are important parts of ecosystems.

Dr. Burns is proof that curiosity can turn into a career full of discovery. She reminds us that scientists come from many backgrounds, and their unique perspectives help us better understand the natural world. Next time you see a spider, instead of being afraid, think of scientists like Dr. Burns who are working to uncover its secrets.

ELA Questions

Andrade has contributed to the guide “Spiders of Toronto” and has received many awards, such as Popular Science magazine’s 2005 Brilliant Top 10, the Outstanding New Investigator Award, the Pitelka Award for Excellence in Research, and the Ontario Government’s Premier Research Excellence Award. Her hobbies include going to the gym, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her advice for students is this: Pursue your passion and interests—even if they are very different than anyone else you know. Develop your knowledge by reading and making observations. Scientists notice details and patterns. Seek support from friends and family. Find a teacher or expert to be your mentor.

Discussion Questions: Dr. Jones received many awards and honors. How would you describe her achievements and her contributions to science? Dr. Jones is studying how fungi might be used as agents of war. What purpose do you think fungi serve in modern warfare? Are fungi beneficial or harmful?

What makes Dr. Mercedes Burns an inspiring scientist, and how has she been honored for her work? Use details from the article to explain your answer. The article uses the word parthenogenesis to describe a type of reproduction.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about an African American who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math.

Based on the context, what does this word mean, and why is it important to Dr. Burns’s research?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about an African American who has made contributions in science, math, technology, or engineering.

Parker believes in serving as a role model to the youth and to recruiting African Americans in the STEM field. Personally, he has hired three African-American meteorologists. In addition, he has recruited minorities for summer intern positions. Parker has also mentored an Airline High School student for his senior project. Parker’s advice to students interested in meteorology is to take as many math and science classes as possible. Learn about summer opportunities in your community. If you are interested in meteorology, visit National Weather Service offices and serve as a volunteer or intern, and find leaders in your community to serve as your personal role models.

MAP CORNER

Learning Standards:

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

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities: Types of News:

MAP CORNER

Activities —

Create a Dictionary: person in the class will be given a letter of the alphabet.

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

Use the front section of the newspaper to evaluate the types of news stories presented: local, national, and international. Sort the articles into the three categories and create a bar graph that displays the amount of coverage each type

Once you have your assigned letter, find 5 unfamiliar words in the newspaper that begin with that letter. Create a dictionary page for your five words. Include the part of speech, definition, example sentence, etc. Be sure your words are in alphabetical order and that you have used guide words.

Activities — Who works where? a picture of a building in the newspaper and of jobs people who work in that building could have.

Newspapers are a great way to keep current on local, state, and national events. Read three news stories and come up three current events questions about them. Next, use the caption on two pictures to create a question. Share your questions with your classmates and see how many you can answer.

I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can use reference materials to determine the meaning of unknown words. I can read for main idea and supporting details.

Mystery Story: Cut out several pictures from the newspaper without reading the caption. Place the pictures in a bag, and without looking, pick your mystery picture from the bag. That’s your stimulus for writing. Construct a graphic organizer to identify the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) of your story by looking at your picture. Then, continue the writing process.

Problem and Solution: Over a period of weeks, clip articles from newspapers that deal with problems and issues facing your local or county government. Discuss the reasons for these problems and how the government hopes to solve them.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can categorize and summarize that information.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can discuss problems and solutions. I can identify types of jobs. I can make text-to-world connections.

Aariyah Thompson and Savannah Fisher, in Ms. Stovall’s firstgrade class at Gateway MST Elementary School, are learning how to construct a series circuit.

Photo by Ms. Stovall

Clay

Continued from A1

CBC into a force for equity and accountability in American democracy,”

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York, chair of the CBC, said after Clay’s death. “As a member of Congress, he was a fierce defender of labor rights, education and social justice.”

A native of St. Louis, Clay earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Saint Louis University in 1953. He later established the William L. Clay

Redistricting

Continued from A1

for us to advocate for resources,” Holmes said. “My greatest concern is Medicaid. Redistricting will shift power further to Republicans who have historically pushed to restrict or shrink Medicaid … which would strip Missouri’s most vulnerable residents of essential care and destabilize the state’s safety-net system.”

Missouri’s ongoing debate over abortion rights underscores what’s at risk. In the 2024 general election, voters approved Amendment 3, a ballot

Scholarship and Research Fund in 1983 to help students with the ability and drive to attend college but without the financial means to do so. He was also a staunch supporter of UMSL, playing a key role in securing funding for the Touhill Center, where his memorial will be held. “If America is to be prosperous and stay competitive, we must continue to improve educational opportunities for students of all ages,” Clay once said in reflecting on his scholarship fund’s founding.

Clay represented Missouri’s 1st

initiative that preserved a right to “reproductive freedom” in the state constitution and overturned a near-total abortion ban.

The Republican-led legislature has since approved its own measure to put another abortion referendum on the 2026 ballot — a move that reproductive-rights advocates see as an attempt to reverse the will of voters.

Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, said the redistricting plan is part of a coordinated effort to silence voters.

“The attacks on fair maps, on our right to the ballot box, and on our fundamental bodily auton-

Congressional District for 32 years, serving his entire tenure on the House Education and Labor Committee. He was instrumental in major legislative reforms, including the Hatch Act, which limits political activities of federal employees, and he helped advance the Family and Medical Leave Act, signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993.

In his final term, Clay was a co-sponsor of the federal bill calling for a commission to study reparations for slavery and racial discrimination.

omy, are all one and the same,” Schwarz told The American.

Democracy and representation

Although the redrawn map is law for now, several organizations are working to overturn it, either in court or through a statewide referendum.

People Not Politicians, a Missouri coalition that says voters — not politicians — should drive political representation, is gathering signatures for a referendum on the 2026 ballot to block the new map. The group filed its petition with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office

on Sept. 15, allowing it to collect more than 110,000 signatures from registered voters by Dec. 11. If successful, the question of whether to approve the new map would go before voters statewide in November 2026.

Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, said the goal is “to protect a democracy that is accountable to voters.”

During the legislative session, he argued, Republican lawmakers weren’t operating in the best interest of Missourians.

“They weren’t talking about what voters needed, whether it was tornado relief, access to good jobs, quality healthcare, fully funded schools, safe roads and bridges … none of that came up,” von Glahn said. “It was simply about what politicians want. And that’s endemic of the problem … when politicians’ desires are prioritized over voters.”

Legal and legislative challenges

State Rep. Marty Joe Murray said the redistricting law “shows blatant disregard for fairness, accountability, and the

Constitution itself.” He added that signing the map into law serves as “a direct attack on the democratic principles this state and country were built on.

This isn’t about Missouri values; it’s about political manipulation.”

The map has already prompted multiple legal challenges. The Missouri NAACP filed a lawsuit last month arguing that Kehoe’s call for a special legislative session to redraw districts was unconstitutional and that “partisan gerrymandering” dilutes the voting power of Black residents in Kansas City and St. Louis.

The ACLU of Missouri filed a separate suit focusing on Kansas City-area districts, saying the new map violates state constitutional requirements for equal population and compactness.

Residents of Kansas City’s 5th District — represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver since 2005 — are among the plaintiffs. Terrence Wise, a Missouri Workers Center leader who has lived in the city his entire life, said the new lines threaten his community’s voice.

“Voting is an important tool in our toolbox, so that we have the freedom

Riley Owens

to make our voices heard through a member of Congress who understands Kansas City’s history of racial and economic segregation along the Troost divide, and represents our needs,” Wise said in an ACLU release. “If our communities are needlessly split by these new lines, we would no longer see our strong values reflected in the priorities of our congressional representatives.”

Gillian Wilcox, director of litigation for ACLU Missouri, said, “In a blatant illegal and unconstitutional power grab, the governor bowed to the whims of Washington while sacrificing representation in both urban and rural populations of Missouri.”

Ming Cheung, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Voting Rights Project, said the move was politically motivated.

“Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around,” Cheung said. “No matter how the state spins it, Kansas City voters will have worse representation in Congress if this map is allowed to take effect.”

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

III, longtime Centreville leader and advocate, remembered

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

As the day came to a close on Sept. 30, 2025, so did the life of Riley L. Owens III — beloved husband, father and fiveterm mayor of Centreville, Illinois.

A pillar of the community, Owens was a familiar face in the Two Lane Terrace neighborhood, where he lived with his family until his death. He was often seen biking through the streets or walking to his parents’ home for a morning cup of coffee.

Owens’ life was defined by public service. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership and devotion to the people of Centreville and the greater region.

“He was one of Centreville’s greatest leaders and a champion for the people,” said close friend and neighbor Marius “Mark” Jackson. “He was intelligent enough to know what to do and how to do it, and passionate about his work and for our people.”

A graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Owens earned a bachelor’s degree in urban planning before serving in the U.S. Air Force. His first term as mayor marked the beginning of a lifetime of advocacy — he was a founding member of the National Conference of Black Mayors, underscoring his commitment to collaboration and urban develop-

ment. As mayor, Owens also encouraged others to lead. Jackson said Owens persuaded him to run for alderman.

“I wouldn’t be where I am and who I am today without him,” Jackson said. “I wasn’t thinking about politics, didn’t like it, but he was one in our community that everyone looked up to.”

Owens’ leadership extended beyond Centreville. He later chaired the East St. Louis Area Development Gateway Coordinating Council and served on the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education Commission, promoting justice and equality.

Among his many achievements, Owens was proud of his presidential appointments — first as a Selective Service System local board member for

Illinois in 1999 and later as a district appeal board member in 2014. Over the years, he met with Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, reflecting the respect he earned across the political spectrum.

A lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Owens also served on the board of the Katherine Dunham Center for Arts and Humanities in East St. Louis. Away from public life, he found joy in creating — carving masks, flutes and other works that celebrated his African American heritage.

“He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues and the community he faithfully served,” Jackson said. “It was the small things that meant the most — being able to talk about anything, from sports and church to politics.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The life of the late Congressman William Clay Sr. will be celebrated during a public memorial Saturday at UMSL’s Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Obituary

Riley L. Owens III receives the Outstanding Commitment in Community Service award from state Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Owens died Sept. 30.

Courtesy photo

Delish on Delmar returns with flavor, music — and a spirit of resilience

St. Louis American staff

After a successful debut in 2024, Delish on Delmar will return to the Delmar Maker District on Friday, Oct. 17, celebrating the neighborhood’s growing restaurant scene and its continued recovery as a vibrant arts corridor.

The event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and is described by organizers as equal parts block party, food festival and makers market. It will coincide with the Third Friday anniversary celebration for Third Degree Glass Factory, the district’s original anchor.

This year’s festival carries added meaning. In May, a tornado struck the area, causing widespread damage and hardship for residents and businesses.

“More than a festival, it is a celebration of recovery, hope and the future of Delmar,” organizers said in a statement. “Coming out to the event is not only a chance to enjoy great food, music, and makers — it’s also a way to stand

with and support a neighborhood that is rebuilding stronger than ever.”

Created and led by Maxine Clark, founder of Delmar DivINe and BuildA-Bear Workshop and a board member of Delmar Main Street, the festival will welcome guests to the revitalized stretch of Delmar Boulevard between Union and Kingshighway boulevards.

“It really is an introduction to the economic expansion on Delmar in the new Delmar Maker District,” Clark said. “It is meant to be fun and entertaining, as well as a way for everyone to see the changes that have been made and how so many have been able to bounce back from the tornado.” District restaurants will serve food and drinks from street tents, including Ben Poremba’s acclaimed concepts Nixta, Esca, Florentin and Deli Divine, along with AO&Co., Fountain on Delmar, Steve’s Hot Dogs, Too Much Sauce and Cellar Cigar Lounge.

Lambert breaks ground on new maintenance, snow removal facility

St. Louis Lambert International Airport has broken ground on a new Airfield Maintenance and Snow Removal Equipment Facility, the first project in the airport’s West Airfield Program — part of a

Sheriff

Continued from A1

end,” urging Montgomery to step aside and allow the city to “move forward during a time of transition.” City officials have already taken steps to limit Montgomery’s authority and maintain stability within the sheriff’s office, where Col. Yousef Yasharahla has assumed command in his absence. The arrest marks a major shift in a saga that has combined federal criminal charges, internal turmoil and growing frustration from the mayor’s office over what it calls Montgomery’s “self-serving” behavior.

Judge says house arrest no longer enough

Bodenhausen revoked Montgomery’s bond after hearing testimony that, while under home confinement, the sheriff bought a disposable cell phone under another person’s

Peoples

Continued from A1

The event will be held Nov. 1 at America’s Center.

Though successful in corporate life, Peoples said he felt he should be on a different path. “I always knew internally that I had a different calling. I wanted to contribute more to society beyond simply making money,” he said.

He left the engineering world — and its higher salaries — in search of purpose. That search wasn’t easy. “Several people around me thought I lost my mind,” he recalled. “But I knew money alone was not enough.”

While coaching his son’s YMCA basketball team, Peoples had what he called his “first interaction with young, impressionable African American

long-term master plan to modernize operations and improve passenger service.

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer and Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, the airport’s executive director, participated in the

name, failed to disclose the full number of firearms he possessed and made an aggressive remark in a recorded call suggesting he might physically harm someone he believed had spoken out against him.

The judge said such conduct showed that electronic monitoring and other restrictions could no longer ensure compliance. Prosecutors argued that keeping Montgomery out of custody posed a continued risk of intimidation to employees who may be called to testify. Montgomery, dressed in a brown suit, appeared composed as he handed his glasses to his attorney before marshals led him from the courtroom.

Pattern of contradictions

At the hearing, a federal pretrial officer described repeated inconsistencies in Montgomery’s dealings with court supervision. In addition to the unreported “burner” phone, the officer said the sheriff initially claimed to own six guns

males,” sparking a passion for working with youth. He soon found a foothold in education, joining the Special School District of St. Louis County as a math tutor. Encouraged by teachers and staff, he earned his teaching certification and later taught mathematics at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, Pattonville High School and Hazelwood East High School. At Hazelwood East, he also directed summer school and served as a math instructional coach — experiences that inspired him to further his education. He went on to earn master’s degrees in teaching and school administration from Lindenwood University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Saint Louis University. Peoples later rose through the Hazelwood

groundbreaking ceremony.

“This new facility represents a major step forward in strengthening the airport’s infrastructure,” Hamm-Niebruegge said. “The West Airfield Program is separate from the Consolidated Terminal

but later turned over 14 — a mix of pistols, rifles and assault-style weapons.

He also faced questions about a recent drug test that came back positive for marijuana, despite his earlier statement that he had stopped using it. Montgomery reportedly told officers the result might have come from visiting a restaurant known for cannabis-infused dishes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug told the court that such conduct illustrated the impossibility of adequately monitoring Montgomery outside of jail. Bodenhausen agreed, calling his recent actions “cagey” and inconsistent with the court’s expectations for defendants on bond.

Defense says evidence incomplete

Defense attorney Justin Gelfand argued that Montgomery’s behavior had been exaggerated and that prosecutors were “criminalizing miscommunication.” He offered

Plan. These upgrades are needed regardless of future terminal decisions, and the Federal Aviation Administration strongly supports them.”

The 285,000-squarefoot complex will consolidate key airfield operations

to impose additional safeguards — including routing all personnel decisions through former Judge David Mason — to address concerns about retaliation.

The judge was unconvinced, noting confusion about Mason’s exact role and questioning his objectivity after hearing him speak publicly in support of Montgomery.

After the hearing, Gelfand told reporters he was disappointed the court had not allowed the defense to present what he described as proof of the sheriff’s innocence. “We’re sitting here begging to objectively prove he isn’t guilty of the crimes he’s charged with,” he said.

From jail inquiry to federal felonies

Montgomery’s legal troubles began in August, when he was charged with depriving a citizen of rights under color of law for allegedly detaining the city’s acting jail director, Tammy Ross, after she

“The role of the teacher has changed. We’ve found that students learn best by speaking and working with each other. There is more of a sense of agency.”

– Dr. Michael L. Peoples, principal of University City High School

School District’s ranks as assistant principal and associate principal before being named principal of University City High School in 2017. Today, he also serves as director of secondary education for University City Schools, overseeing middle, alternative and adult education programs, as well as instructional planning across the district. Under his leadership, University City High has seen notable gains in graduation rates, academic performance and college acceptance. Students earned more than $2 mil-

lion in scholarships from 65 colleges and universities following the 2024-25 school year.

Dr. Ian Buchanan, an engineer-turned-educator who once taught math in University City, said he relates to Peoples’ path and described the school’s progress under his leadership as “amazing.”

“Mike is receiving this award because of the incredible work he is doing, and it is measurable,” Buchanan said. Peoples credits that success to the district’s strong leadership team, including Superintendent Sharonica

— including snow removal, the auto shop, materials warehousing, landscaping and maintenance — into one centralized location. Those functions are currently spread across nine outdated buildings, some more than 50 years old.

denied him access to a rape victim he wanted to interview. The incident stemmed from an investigation into a deputy accused of sexual contact with an inmate. That deputy was later charged by city police.

Within weeks, prosecutors filed a new indictment accusing Montgomery of retaliating against subordinates who cooperated with investigators — four counts of witness retaliation and one of witness tampering.

Mason, who sits on the defense team, has called the case politically motivated and the new charges “flimsy.” “You know how they say, ‘you can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich?’ Well, in this case it was just a mayonnaise sandwich — there’s nothing between that bread,” he said.

He maintains that the evidence cited by prosecutors, including profanity-laced recordings in which Montgomery declared, “I’m the sheriff; I don’t have to take this [expletive],” amounts to

L. Hardin-Bartley, and to a shared vision that emphasizes excellence and equity. He said the district has built systems to raise performance while also meeting students’ social, emotional and wellness needs.

He has also seen how learning itself has evolved.

Teachers, he said, now act more as facilitators.

“The role of the teacher has changed,” he said.

“We’ve found that students learn best by speaking and working with each other. There is more of a sense of agency.”

Peoples describes the University City School District as “a family, a community,” one that embraces all races, backgrounds and income levels. That inclusive spirit, he said, is what makes the high school thrive.

Counselor Kim Merrill, who joined University City High the same year

Construction of the Airfield Maintenance Facility is expected to be completed by late 2027. Once finished, work will begin on the West Deicing Pad, the second phase of the West Airfield Program.

bluster rather than threats. Mason has also questioned how investigators obtained those recordings, saying no lawful order for phone surveillance has been disclosed.

Next steps

Montgomery has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in federal custody while awaiting trial. Yasharahla will oversee day-to-day operations at the sheriff’s office under city supervision.

Spencer said City Hall stands ready to support the department “during a time of transition,” emphasizing that public confidence in law enforcement must come first. For now, the once-elected sheriff who prided himself on being a hands-on leader faces the opposite reality — watching from behind bars as others manage the office he insists he has been wrongfully accused of corrupting.

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

Peoples became principal, said she immediately noticed a difference with him leading the school.

“The students like to say he has ‘swag,’” she said, adding that his open-door style makes him approachable.

“He is a person of vision; he understands the importance of relationships. It is definitely a community here.”

Peoples said he wants parents and families to be part of that community as well. Every Monday, he sends an email to staff, students and families outlining the week ahead.

“We work together, and we all come together as a team,” Peoples said. He also is motivated by his wife, six children and three grandchildren.

“Of all I have accomplished, I am most thankful for my family,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Delish on Delmar

Steve’s Hot Dogs will be among the participating vendors for the 2nd Annual Delish on Delmar. The event takes place at 5 p.m. Friday in the Delmar Maker District.

Food trucks will feature Guys with the Fries, Honey Bee Tea and Crooked Boot. Three live bands —

Anita Jackson, Groove Junkies and the Fabulous Motown Revue — will perform on a main stage along Delmar Boulevard,

which will be closed from Academy to Lake avenues. The music runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m. “We want to make

people feel welcome and see what is possible when we are all in for St. Louis,” Clark said.

Living It

Elevated Lights, camera and STL action

Elegance

Luxury style options for 38th Annual Education Salute gala

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

When Diana Ford, Director of Luxury Goods & Gatherings for The Vault Luxury Resale, started speaking on the hottest formal trends of 2025, this reporter instantly had a flashback to 2024.

“Pantsuits are so hot right now,” said Ford. “You can pair it with a satin blazer or some gorgeous accessories. Winter white is also huge, so are monochromatic looks.”

Two of the best dressed at last year’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala proved themselves to be fashion forward trendsetters based on Ford’s remarks pertaining to this season.

Karen Gordy’s winter white pantsuit was a head turner. So was the black

Urban drama ‘Who Ya Wit?2’ premieres at Alamo Drafthouse

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

rolled out the red carpet for the premiere of their latest film “Who Ya Wit? 2” Saturday night at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The star-studded event was a dazzling display of Black excellence. Guests arrived in diamonds and sequins, ready to celebrate a gritty drama born right here in

“The Lou.”

Dressed in a sharp, all-black power suit, Hampton beamed with pride for her city as guests mixed and mingled with several of the stars of “Who Ya Wit?2.” For Hampton, the film’s success is about more than box office numbers. She wants to put on for her city – but she wants to put the city on as well. A bestselling author and familiar name within the urban lit genre, Hampton’s characters came to the screen with “Who Ya Wit?,” an adaptation of her novel of the same name. In 2023, Hampton

the leap of entering the arena of film production. She launched Black Girl Powerhouse and produced the film “Blood Brothers,” which starred St. Louis natives Jason Little, Zachary Scott Clark, Jordan “Shorty Da Prince” Johnson and Seviin Li. The film can be streamed on Tubi and Peacock and features several faces that are familiar to the city.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant/St. Louis American

Countess Edwards, Demetrius Roberts, and Brenda Hampton on the red carpet at the premiere for Who Ya Wit 2, which took place at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on 10/11/25. Photo by Taylor Marrie

Photo by Taylor Marrie

See SALUTE, B3

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds

CONCERTS

Thurs., Oct. 16, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), Psykotic Tour 2025 starring OsamaSon, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com

Fri., Oct. 17, 7 p.m. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Presents Chuck Berry’s Birthday Bash, Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information visit https://shop.slso.org.

Fri., Oct. 24, 7 p.m. doors, The Factory at The District welcomes T-Pain, The Factory at The District, 17105 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. For more information, visit www.thefactorystl.com.

Sat., Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Playboi Carti Antagonist 2.0 Tour, Enterprise Center. For more information, visit www.livenation.com.

Tue., Oct. 28, 7 p.m. doors, J.I.D in God Does Like Paradise Tour with special guest Young Nudy, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Sat., Nov 22, 8 p.m. (RESCHEDULED) Sexyy Red and Friends, Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106. All previous tickets will be honored. For more information, visit / www.enterprisecenter.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fri., Oct. 17, 5 p.m. Delish on Delmar block party and food

festival, Delmar Blvd between Union and Kingshighway, For more information, visit www. delishondelmar.com.

Fri., Oct. 24, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. cocktails) Jackie JoynerKersee Foundation (JJKF) 13th Annual Sequins, Suits & Sneakers Gala. This year’s event marks a special milestone—the 25th Anniversary of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, known in the community as the “Miracle on 25th Street.” Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis. For more information, visit www.jjkfoundation.org

Sat., Oct. 25, 7 p.m., The Black Rep’s 10th Annual Gala, featuring the Tennessee State University Meistersingers, 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Avenue. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org.

Fri., Oct. 31, 7 p.m. doors. Zac Fox Live DJ Set, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Sat., Nov. 1, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. reception) The St. Louis American Foundation presents the 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, America’s Center. For more information, visit www. stlamerican.com.

COMEDY

Fri., Oct. 17, 7 p.m. & 9:15 p.m. Helium Presents: Benji Brown, Helium Comedy Club, 11151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

Sun., Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Special Event: Tim Shrophire, Helium Comedy Club, 11151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Fri., Oct. 17, 6 p.m. doors, Southern Avenue, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way. St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https:// citywinery.com.

Sat., Oct. 18, 9 p.m. Supa Dupa

Unfly with DJ Charlie Chan Soprano & MC Javi, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, 3333 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Thurs., Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., Louis York featuring Brian Owens, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way. St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https:// citywinery.com.

Fri., Oct. 24, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) Through The Fire: A Chaka Khan Tribute featuring

Cherise Louis Mason and Tish Period, Live By Loews, 799 Clark Avenue.

THEATRE

Fri., Oct. 17- Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. I Have Been Here Before by J.B. Priestley, Kranzberg Black Box Theatre, 501 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information visit, https:// albiontheatrestl.org.

Wed., Oct. 22, 7 p.m. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Brothers Size, Emerson Studio Theatre, 130 Edgar Rd. Webster Groves, MO 63119. Matinee showtimes available. For more information, visit www.repstl.org.

Through Oct. 25, New Line Theatre presents Bat Boy, a musical-horror-comedy, Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.newlinetheatre.com.

ART

Sat., Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. ‘To STL With Love’ Artist & Contributor Talk & Happy Hour, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, 3333 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Through February 1, 2026, Jennie C. Jones: A Line When Broken Begins Again, Pulitzer Arts Foundation and Museum, 3716 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https:// pulitzerarts.org.

Photo by Taylor Marie/St. Louis American

Pop into Sophie’s Artist Lounge this weekend for an exclusive conversation with the artists and contributors of the ‘To STL With Love’ exhibition, including curator Kris Blackmon. See ART for more information.

Neosoul pioneer D’Angelo passes at

51

Grammy-winning singer and songwriter succumbs to pancreatic cancer

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

If James Brown was the “Godfather of Soul,” then D’Angelo was the “Godfather of Neo-soul.”

He emerged at a time when R&B male groups, studio singers and producers with “lab generated” hit factories dominated the charts.

His music ushered in a new era for the genre that shifted the culture of Black Music back towards the glory days of funk, soul and R&B. D’Angelo’s sound was a throwback to the days of pure musicianship. With his sound he paved the way for a collective of artists who proved that the rich legacy of Black music’s future was safe in their hands.

He passed away on Tuesday, October 14 after a private battle with cancer. He was 51.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” his family said in a statement, according to CBS News.

“After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home.”

D’Angelo was equal parts mercurial and unpredictable. His 1995 debut “Brown Sugar” and its infectious title track introduced him as a laidback singer/keyboardist that bore more of a resemblance to the hip-hop artists of the day than a soul crooner. For his 2000 follow up “Voodoo,” he turned the R&B world on its head by emerging as a sex symbol with the release of the seductive music video for his lead single “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” The video was shot with him in the nude.

Fueled by that lead single, D’Angelo avoided the sophomore jinx with his second album. Then, at the height of his popularity, he essentially disappeared from the industry for more than a decade.

D’Angelo’s R&B heartthrob era was a far cry from his Pentecostal roots.

Michael D’Angelo Archer was born on February 11, 1974 in

Richmond, Virginia. The son of a preacher, his talent for music was discovered at the tender age of three. By the time he was five, he was playing organ for his father’s church.

D’Angelo was still a teen when he branched out to New York to pursue a career in music as part of an R&B singing group that leaned on cover music as well as original material. He was also working on original compositions for himself as a solo artist.

At the age of 17, he was introduced to Afropunk Festival partner Jocelyn Cooper. She signed him to Midnight Songs LLC, her joint venture publishing company administered by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMG). Ironically what caught Cooper’s attention was a demo of a hip hop track from the group I.D.U. (Intelligent, Deadly but Unique). D’Angelo was featured on the song as a rapper and producer. Cooper introduced D’Angelo to attorney Kedar Massenburg, who helped negotiate his first major label recording contract. Massenburg later became D’Angelo’s manager.

He caught the industry’s attention in 1994 through the hit single “U Will Know.” D’Angelo co-wrote and co-produced the song for the all-male R&B supergroup “Black Men United” which featured some of the biggest names in the genre.

Roc, a man who’s rough around the edges but fiercely loyal to family.

Continued from B1

Hampton ensures this drama is authentic to the Black experience.

“Who Ya Wit? 2” tells stories of struggle, loyalty, and the pressure of meeting expectations versus following one’s heart.

The film plunges viewers into the chaotic aftermath of a shakeup within a crime family’s business.

Roc Dawson (played by Demetrius Roberts), and his girlfriend, Desa Rae (Fancy Jones), get caught up in a greedy struggle for power.

Roberts brings to life

Opposite him, Jones’s Desa Rae is mature and intuitive. She fights to steer Roc away from the chaotic street life and toward a quieter path. That decision is complicated by his side chick, Vanessa, and the unfortunate reality that Roc’s own crew might be the biggest threat of all.

Can Desa Rae’s soft nature save a hardened killer from a world that won’t let him go?

Viewers will have to wait to find out, but urban movie fans should prepare themselves for love, war, and homegrown St. Louis talent.

The release date for the film is yet to be

SALUTE

His genre-defining debut solo album was released the next year. The platinum-selling “Brown Sugar” was followed up by “Voodoo,” which remained on the Billboard charts for more than 33 weeks.

After his lengthy hiatus from the music industry, D’Angelo released his Grammy-winning third album “Black Messiah” in 2014. Nominated for 14 Grammys over the course of his career, D’Angelo won four awards, including Best R&B Album twice for “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah.” He also won Best R&B Vocal Performance for “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” and Best R&B Song for “Black Messiah’s” “Really Love.”

He is survived by his three children – including son and namesake Michael Archer, whom he shared with former partner and fellow R&B star Angie Stone. Stone was tragically killed in an automobile accident on March 1.

“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” the family added. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

announced. Based on the reactions of those who saw the film on Saturday, “Who Ya Wit?2” is worth it. Audiences can get a taste of what to expect from other Black Girl Powerhouse films “Blood Brothers” and “Complicated Christmas.” Both can be streamed via Tubi.

On the surface

“Who Ya Wit? 2” is an urban drama about the tumultuous nature of love, drugs, and how Roc strives to control the two. What lies beneath – by way of the cast and crew – is another opportunity to demonstrate the talented and resourceful individuals who can be found right within the region.

Continued from B1

lace jumpsuit paired with a Valentino belt worn by Janet Williams.

The 38th Annual Education Salute will take place on Saturday, November 1 at America’s Center. The event is an established trendsetter in its own right. One of the highlights of the nearly four decades that St. Louis American Foundation has presented the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala is seeing who wore what – and predicting who will be best dressed for the next year.

The staple black-tie event for Black St. Louis has its own set of reliable style stars. 2025 Stellar Performer Mary Elizabeth Grimes is one of them. There are also those who come through and surprise the event’s regular fashionistas– like Gordy and Williams did last year.

Along with Gail Holmes and Gayle Jones, Williams was one of the lovely women who agreed to show off the formal style options available at The Vault Luxury Resale.

Though she mostly shops out of town, the high end buyer and seller with inventory that runs the gamut, is one of Williams’ go-to establishments.

“I can go high or low,” Williams said. “I like Zara. I also like Chanel.”

Among the high end looks the women sported was a cutting edge dress by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean. A rising star in the fashion industry, her dresses can retail at up to $1000. The Vault’s price

is $299.

Holmes wore the long sleeve midi dress that features a red and white toile print with a blue border at the hem that has the numbers 9,10 and 12 printed on it. An ordinary shopper might overlook the dress as a formalwear option. But the contemporary look caught the eye of costume designer, fashion designer, stylist and wardrobe specialist Brandin Vaughn – who selected the looks for the fashion shoot. The gown was stunning on Holmes, and it checked two of the boxes Ford says are go-to trends for 2025.

“Red is hot right now, too,” Ford said.

While the House of Andrew GN ceased operation two years ago, dresses from the Asian designer retailed for upwards of $3,500 at the height of the brand’s popularity.

Williams donned an emerald green gown that is on brand with respect to GN’s vibrant colors and glamorous details – which often include unique embellishments. The high neck is a nod to his heritage and is elevated with blue jewels. The Vault Luxury Resale price is $289.

“We get dresses that no one has here,” Ford said. “Like Lela Rose. Her dresses retail at $3000. We have them because we have a client in Dallas. We also have a client in New York. That’s why people shop with us. There are a lot of interesting pieces here that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Among those pieces are luxury handbags, shoes and jewelry – all of which can be a gamechanger when it comes to glamour.

“Don’t underestimate the accessories,” Ford

said. “You could have a basic black dress, but if you pop a cool handbag or a colorful shoe, you have just elevated it.”

Such was the case with Jones. Her elegant, but understated black floorlength gown was instantly elevated by the pearl-colored Cult Gaia Luna crossbody purse.

The dress also illustrates Ford’s notion that brooches and pins are also an easy way to upcycle a look for this season.

She says that the younger generations have embraced the accessory often associated with postWorld War II fashions.

“The millennials and Gen Z are all about embellishments – even purse charms,” Ford said.

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will take place on Saturday, November 1 at 6 p.m. (general reception at 5 p.m.) at America’s Center. For more information, call 314.533.8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

The clothing and accessories used for this feature were provided by The Vault Luxury Resale, 2325 S. Brentwood Blvd. For more information, visit https://shopthevaultluxuryresale.com.

The style team for this feature included: Lawrence Bryant, co-creative director and photographer; Brandin Vaughn, co-creative director and stylist; Brittanie Skye, hair artist and creative associate and Diamond White, makeup artist and creative associate.

Photo courtesy of Facebook.com

D’ Angelo

Photo by Lawrence Bryant/St. Louis American

Janet Williams stuns in For Love & Lemons X REVOLVE bustier gown in the shade warm taupe. The dress was among plenty of formalwear options at The Vault Luxury Resale.

Two weeks until Salute. If you’ve been paying any attention to me, you already have your calendars marked for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at America’s Center for the St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala. And you probably are wondering how my 30-day challenge is working for “Operation Zip This Gown!”

I will have y’all know that it’s only been two weeks, and I’m already seeing results. It’s like night…and later that same night. Thanks to everybody for keeping me accountable. I can’t wait to be amongst the folks that slay the game as we turn America’s Center into an epicenter of Black excellence! But for real, I know it seems subjective when I say it, but the Education Salute is one of those “Black bucket list” items that you have to experience at least once in your lifetime.

It’s a bold statement, and I will stand on it. I’m talking ESSENCE Festival, the NAACP Image Awards, American Black Film Festival and a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. You can ask anybody if you don’t believe me. Or you can come see for yourself! Visit www.stlamerican. com or call 314.533.8000 for tickets or more information.

Ya Wit? 2.” We had the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on lock! It was super cute. Y’all, after rubbing elbows with some of my favorites and sitting down to watch a movie made by people from St. Louis, filmed in St. Louis, set in St. Louis and starring some folks from St. Louis had me feeling all tingly. I was like, “The girls might not have to move to Atlanta, or her dusty cousin Houston, to further their entertainment careers after all!”

Speaking of careers, KiKi The First Lady is in her vixen era as a radio personality and blacktress — and I’m not the least bit mad. I wish I could say the same for how Desa Rae folded for Roc again in the film. I know we need the drama for the sake of the movie, but girl. If you said to yourself that you know you are getting played, it’s time to change the game. Yes, I know it’s a movie!

If I had to hear my big granny holler at Victor Newman and Mrs. Chancellor every weekday as she watched “Young and The Restless” like they could hear her through that black-and-white TV, y’all can put up with me doing the same thing for “Who Ya Wit? 2” this one time.

RIP to a music master.

1. Tiffany Goggans and Devaron Davis were ready for the premiere of

“Who Ya Wit? 2” Saturday at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

2. A survivor is flanked by supporters as thousands turned out in the name of breast cancer awareness for iHeart Media’s Sista Strut on October 4

3. Joyce Davis (executive producer) and Dara Dollaz on the red carpet at the premiere for Who Ya Wit 2, which took place at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Saturday

4. Tabitha Davis and Alecisa Slater felt the vibe of Strawberry Bounce recently at Tschüss

An urban drama at the Alamo. I got my whole entire life when I put on my Salute dress from last year and moseyed to the Foundry region to catch the world premiere and red carpet experience for Brenda Hampton’s and her Black Girl Powerhouse Productions original film, “Who

My heart broke in a million little pieces when I learned that D’Angelo passed away on Tuesday. That hit me like a freight train. And he was only 51. For those of y’all who didn’t come up in his musical era, just understand that in R&B, there is BD (before D’Angelo) and AD (after D’Angelo). The genre was never the same once he sprinkled his “Brown Sugar” on it. And my love for him was

deep. It was so serious that my college boyfriend still accuses me of derailing his career when I forced him to get “D’Angelo braids” at the same time he was interviewing for internships. But seriously, it feels unreal to put RIP and D’Angelo together in the same sentence. I want to send a special set of condolences to the son he shared with the late great Angie Stone. That poor child is probably going through it right now.

Fly high, Doug Eason. I don’t want to turn Partyline into the obituaries, but all would not be well with my soul if I

didn’t give proper tribute to St. Louis radio legend Doug Eason, who passed away last week after some health challenges. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that if it weren’t for him and the other greats during the heyday of Black St. Louis radio, there might not be a Partyline. That’s what got me interested in entertainment, and passionate about keeping my people informed — even if it’s with the tea.

The Ambassador is at risk. Since we are on the subject of St. Louis legends, I thought I would mention news surrounding another one. By the time y’all read this, it might be too late for The Ambassador. I would have told you sooner,

but I just found out myself. According to an emergency plea by The Real JR four days ago, they needed to raise $15,000 by Thursday, Oct. 16, to keep the doors open. I’m not throwing shade, just stating the facts. I’m hoping for the best, because The Ambassador — both the old one and the new one — has given me Partyline gold, platinum and diamonds over the years. I would need five Partylines to do justice to a historical overview of how the venue has served me. Because I am not allowed to provide Cash App links and things of the sorts for people soliciting donations, I won’t list it. But for those who are compelled to give, it’s not hard to find out how on social media. Try Facebook. I will be sure to keep everyone posted on its status as it unfolds.

Photos by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

“We have guys showing up to player-only meetings late, guys not showing up to player-only meetings.”

— Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

prEp Football NotEbook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Undefeated SLUH, CBC to clash Friday night

The CBC vs. SLUH matchup is one of the long-standing high school football rivalries in the St. Louis area.

The two Catholic school programs used to play their games in the old Busch Stadium years ago to some very big crowds.

On Friday night, CBC and SLUH will renew their rivalry in one of the most anticipated games of the regular season. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

also undefeated at 7-0.

CBC is led by senior quarterback Nick McClellan, who has passed for 1,560 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 648 yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior Vic Williams has rushed for 913 yards and 10 touchdowns while senior Jayden Reed has 30 receptions for 575 yards and five touchdowns.

Both teams enter Friday night’s game at SLUH with perfect 7-0 records. The undefeated record is no surprise at CBC as they have been one of the state’s most dominant programs in the last decade. The Cadets are currently ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 6. For SLUH, this may be the program’s most important game in many years. The Jr. Billikens are off to their best start in 25 seasons and feature a senior-heavy lineup loaded with future Division I players.

The stakes are high for this game as the winner will be the champions of the Metro Catholic Conference. They are also jockeying for seeding in what is a very competitive Class 6, District 2 field as well. In addition to CBC and SLUH, Lafayette is

SLUH’s top player is two-way standout Keenah Harris, who is headed to the University of Missouri. Harris recently became the school’s all-time leading tackler on defense. He also excels on offense with 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Senior running back Jordan Taylor has rushed for 836 yards while senior quarterback Kyren Eleby has passed for 1,231 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Zach Allen has 419 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Individual standouts from Week 7

Jamie Sloan (Kirkwood): The senior wide receiver had four receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard punt return in the Pioneers’ 49-7 victory over Marquette.

during Friday

Jordan Taylor (SLUH): The senior running back rushed for 176 yards on 21 carries in the Jr. Billikens 27-10 victory over Chaminade.

Jeremy Ingrum (Jennings): The senior quarterback passed for 312 yards and seven touchdowns in the Warriors’ 69-0 victory over Clayton.

Brady Micek (Lafayette): The senior quarterback passed for 241 yards and two touch-

downs, rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown in the Lancers’ 35-6 victory over Eureka.

Cooper Owens (Kirkwood): The senior quarterback passed for 296 yards and two touchdowns in the Pioneers’ 49-7 victory over Marquette.

Jarrell RideoutAnderson (Jennings): The junior running back returned two punt returns for touchdowns in the Warriors’ 69-0 victory

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

over Brentwood.

Kyren Eleby (SLUH): The senior quarterback passed for 250 yards and a touchdown in the Jr. Billikens’ 27-10 victory over Chaminade.

Graham Faust (MICDS): The senior wide receiver had a 75-yard punt return and a 65-yard punt return for touchdowns in the Rams’ 56-7 victory over Lutheran South.

Cam Sharp (DeSmet): The junior running back rushed for 189 yards and four touchdowns in the Spartans’ 56-28 victory over Festus.

Jaylen Mack (Wentzville Liberty): The senior running back rushed for 154 yards and four touchdowns in the Eagles’ 55-7 victory over Fort Zumwalt East.

Ty’ron Williams (North Point): The senior wide receiver rushed for 106 yards and had nine receptions for 177 yards plus an interception return for a touchdown in the Grizzlies 27-21 victory over Washington.

Steven Brown (Althoff): The junior running back rushed for 291 yards and three touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 56-35 victory over Mater Dei.

Myson JohnsonCook (East St. Louis): The junior running back rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns in the Flyers’ 55-7 victory over Belleville East.

Zay Henderson (Jennings): The senior wide receiver had 213 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in the Warriors’ 69-0 victory over Clayton.

Why Norwood Hills could be the stage for Tiger’s next big moment

I’m not backing off my Tiger Woods prediction.

I predicted last spring that Tiger Woods would play his first PGA Tour Champions event in September 2026 at the Stifel Charity Classic event, and I’m sticking with that prognostication. However, the date has changed. The 2026 Stifel Charity Classic, presented by Compliance Solutions, will return to Norwood Hills Country Club in north St. Louis County as a Charles Schwab Playoff Cup the week of October 19-25. While Woods will likely not be in the running for the PGA Tour Champions playoff championship, his historic success on the PGA Tour would make him the toast of the tournament. Woods certainly would like to play alongside his son, Charlie, in a PGA Tournament event in 2026, and the lure of The Masters is always present. But the calendar points to St. Louis.

competitively since a tournament on March 4. It’s not only that Woods’ golf game is falling apart, but his body is also. Last Friday, Woods underwent his seventh back surgery in just over a decade. He had a lumbar disc replacement. He is still recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture he suffered in April.

In addition to the back surgeries, Woods has “gone under the knife” for respective procedures on his leg, knees and ankle. He was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident, which led to several surgeries. But age and the torque of his golf swing have taken a toll.

Tour Champions president, said in 2024 that the tour is already preparing for Woods’ arrival.

“It’s not too early to just think through everything. So, we’ve done that, we’ve had conversations at the annual meetings with all of our tournaments about it,” Brady said.

During a December 2021 press conference Woods said with a smile, “Four more years and I’m in a cart.” What better time (October), course (Norwood Hills) or place (St. Louis) to begin the next chapter of Woods’ legendary golfing career.

The Reid Roundup

Woods has not played

“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back … I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back,” Woods wrote on X. There is no timetable for Woods’ return to action from the Achilles injury or his latest back surgery.

One date is almost certain though — Woods turns 50 on Dec. 30. This will make him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

In January 2024, Golf Monthly reported that Woods was “eagerly” looking forward to competing on the PGA

Champions Tour, in part because he could use a golf cart. Jack Nicklaus told the magazine “[Tiger would] love to play the senior tour. That’s what I love about Tiger, he’s a competitor, he loves competition.” Miller Brady, PGA

Should Tiger Woods join the PGA Tour Champions in 2026, he would join Black golfer Tim O’Neal, who finished in a 6th-place tie at the Stifel Classic this year.

O’Neal, who golfed in college at Jackson State University, has one Tour Champions event title and three top-10 finishes during his two years of competition… LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will miss the sea-

son’s opening weeks as he deals with sciatica –pressure on nerves that run down the lower back and into a leg. It’s agony. It struck me in November 2010, and it was March 2021 before I could run again…Dallas QB Dak Prescott is having an MVP-quality season. He has completed 71.6% of 229 pass attempts for 1,617 yards, 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions…KC Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes passed for 257 yards and three touchdowns in a 30-17 win over Detroit on Sunday night. He also rushed for 34 yards and a touchdown…Mahomes became the fastest QB to 300 combined TDs (139 games), surpassing former Miami QB and Hall of Fame member Dan Marino (147 games)… Former St. Louis Cardinal Randy Arozerena stole two bases and scored a run during the eighth inning of Seattle’s 3-1 over Toronto in the opening game of the American League Championship Series. During six games of the 2025 postseason, he has four hits, an RBI and 4 runs scored.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

SLU running back Jordan Taylor (9) is about to meet up with Chaminade’s Gus Kriegel (23)

night game-action. The Jr. Bills went on to defeat the Red Devils 27-10.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Tiger Woods spoke during the dedication of the Payne’s Valley public golf course in March 2021. Woods, who helped design the course near Branson, Missouri, will be eligible for the PGA Tour Champions on Dec. 30 – his birthday.

Photo by Kevin Jones / St. Louis American

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

To apply online and see a full job description go to https://www.developstlouis.org/careers and then click “Open Positions & Apply Online.”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Hazelwood School District is seeking bid proposals for the replacement and repair of roofing systems at Hazelwood’s Logistic Center and North Middle School. Interested parties should submit their bid proposal through Vendor Registry via the district’s website at https://www. hazelwoodschools.org/ Page/2238 on or before Wednesday, October 29, 2025 not later than 10:00 a.m.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roof, Cameron Veterans Home, Cameron, Missouri, Project No. U2606-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 20, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SOLICITATION FOR BIDS (SFB)

Service: Operation & Maintenance of Airport Baggage Handling System Services

Pre-Bid Meeting: October 15, 2025 9:30 A.M.. Meeting will be held via Zoom. See SFB for details.

Question Due Date: October 20, 2025, close of business.

Bid Due Date: November 5, 2025 at 2:00 P.M., local time.

Point of Contact: Gin Nelson –gmnelson@flystl.com

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8033. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/ civil-rights/business/contract-opportunities.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Olive Boulevard Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1822, Federal Project No. STP5526(651) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on November 12, 2025

Plans and specifications will be available on October 13, 2025 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo. gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Lackland Road Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1565, Federal Project No. STP-4956(604) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on November 12, 2025.

Plans and specifications will be available on October 13, 2025 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscounty mo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE

SERVICES

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting qualifications for Pre-Construction and Construction Management services for multiple projects in St. Louis City, Missouri. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ bids/submit by October 31, 2025.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

# 57825287-1, Project Representative to Support Project Director and Help Coordinate and Enhance Services to Victims and Survivors of Sexual, Domestic, Stalking and Dating Abuse

#57825287-2, Educational Promotional Podcast/Online Education Prevention Curriculum

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals from qualified individuals or organizations to provide either of the above listed requirements. If interested, copies of the request for proposals can be obtained by emailing Barbara A. Morrow at email address: morrowb@hssu.edu and freemanc@hssu. edu.

Proposal due dates are listed below and must be emailed to: morrowb@hssu.edu and freemanc@hssu.edu as follows:

1. # 57825287-1, Project Representative to Support Project Director and Help Coordinate and Enhance Services to Victims and Survivors of Sexual, Domestic, Stalking and Dating Abuse

Proposals are due no later than 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

2. #57825287-2, Educational Promotional Podcast/Online Education Prevention Curriculum

Proposals are due no later than 12:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, or to cancel this request in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interests of the University to do so.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC, Multiple Assets, Project No. H2404-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , November 20, 2025. Project i n f o r m a t i o n available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Upgrade Generator Controls & Transfer Switch, 5201 S. Morley Street, Moberly, Missouri, Project No. C1920-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 20, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/DBE/Veteran/ SDVE for the following: CP241934 Memorial Stadium Facilities – SEZ Recruiting Room Fit out

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roofs & Tuckpoint Exterior Masonry at Farmington Correctional Center, Project No. C2504-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 13, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

gov/facilities

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/DBE/Veteran/ SDVE for the following: CP262031 Memorial Stadium – West Bleachers ImprovementsRenovations

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com Phone: 573-682-5505

WASTE HAULING SERVICES RFP 2025

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 10/15/25 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Service: Marketing Advisory Services

Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: October 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time Meeting will be held via Zoom. See RFP for details.

Question Due Date: October 29, 2025

Proposal Due Date: November 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time

Point of Contact: Delia Cummings –dfcummings@flystl.com

Proposal documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8174. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at https://www. flystl.com/civil-rights/business/contractopportunities

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Siding & Roof of Multipurpose & Dormitory Buildings, Camp Avery Park, Project No. H2402-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 18, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

CITY OF PINE LAWN

SEALED BID

City of Pine Lawn Seeking Sealed Bids to be opened at Pine Lawn City Hall

5:30pmThursdayNovember 20, 2025 for:

1. Construction of 2 Bathrooms in PeltonJackson City Park

2. Roofing to Cover Snow Salt Bin

3. IT Company to Provide Integrated Technology Services Contact Pine Lawn City Hall at 314-261-5500 (press 1) or at 6250 Steve Marre Ave. (zip 63121) for availability of bid specifications

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the Land Clearance for Redevelop Authority of the County of St. Louis (collectively, “SLEDP”) issue a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for Redevelop Project Management Services. A copy of the RFQ is available at https://stlpartnership. com/rfp-rfq/. SLEDP will accept proposals on a rolling basis throughout 2025, with the initial review of qualifications beginning after Friday, November 7, 2025.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The School District of University City is seeking sealed proposals for University City High School Stadium Demolition. Proposals are due by 2:00 PM on October 31, 2025. A mandatory pre-bid walkthrough will be held at 10:00 AM on October 23, 2025, at University City High School, located at 7401 Balson Ave, University City, MO 63130. For more information and the complete RFP package, please contact Likitha Kaki at lkaki@ kwamebuildinggroup.com.

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of Publication: 10/16/2025

City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) 1520 Market Street St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TDD)

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of St. Louis (“The City.”)

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or after 11/3/2025, the City will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the City’s Federal CDBG Program funds under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq.; to undertake the following project:

Project Title: 5514 & 5518 Cabanne

Purpose: New construction of two (2) single-family detached homes on vacant lots. 5518 Cabanne will be approximately 1,760 square feet in size, and 5514 Cabanne will have 1,800 square feet. Each will contain three (3) bedrooms and two and a half (2.5) bathrooms.

Location: 5514 Cabanne Avenue, 5518 Cabanne Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63112

Estimated Cost: Total development cost of this project is approximately $855,000, with an estimated $475,000 of funding coming from St. Louis City’s Year 2021 Federal CDBG Program Funds, Grant #B-21-MC-29-0006, and awarded in the Spring 2021 NOFA.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City has determined that this project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Certain conditions will apply to this project. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional information for each project is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City CDA, at the above address, where the ERR is available for review and may be examined or copied, weekdays 8 A.M. to 4 P.M., or visit https://cpd.hud. gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews to review the HUD ERR.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Trey McCarter, Community Development Planner III, CDA, at the address listed above. All comments received by 11/2/2025 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City certifies to HUD that, Nahuel Fefer, in his capacity as Executive Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use the City’s above-referenced HUD program funds.

HOME FOR RENT

Beautiful, 4 Bedroom Sec 8 Accepted 314-713-3165

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings adver- tised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of the release of funds by HUD; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to the HUD St. Louis Field Office, CPDRROFSTL@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Nahuel Fefer Certifying Officer

Black preaching has always been about survival and revival

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word in Black

When the Rev. Dr. Kelly

U. Farrow founded an institute to support Black preachers in 2019, she wasn’t just creating another training program. She was building a movement to sustain and evolve the legacy of Black preaching — a tradition she calls “the heartbeat of the Black church and a lifeline for our people.”

The Kelly U. Farrow Institute for Black Preaching and Education serves clergy, seminarians, and lay leaders through preaching intensives, leadership labs and wellness cohorts. Rooted in the rich history of the Black pulpit, the programs combine theological rigor with social justice engagement and personal renewal.

women clergy to have training in sermon development, construction, delivery, and presentation.

Through the institute, Farrow launched Circle of Sacred Fire, an initiative designed especially for women of color in ministry.

“In 2018, I was asked to do a boot camp for some women at the university I was teaching at,” she says. “I think at the time, I just thought it was going to be that class.”

But it grew into so much more.

“Our mission is to build a new generation of prophetic preachers and educators who are spiritually grounded, academically sound and emotionally whole,” Farrow said in an interview posted on her website. “We teach preaching as formation — not performance.”

Preaching circles and leadership labs

Farrow says the work began by addressing the need for Black

The institute’s signature offering is the Circle, a cohort-based preaching intensive that runs in three-, six-, or nine-week formats and focuses on developing womanist ethics, leadership and authenticity in the pulpit. Each Circle provides sermon labs, peer critique, and lectures from guest scholars. Graduates of the longer sessions earn a certificate equivalent to a three-credit course in a seminary setting.

“It’s a sacred space where women can bring their whole selves to the call of preaching,” she says.

Newer initiatives include the Wellness Circle, which addresses the mental and spiritual health of Black clergy, and Brotherhood and PhoeniX, companion programs for male preachers and intergenerational leaders. The institute also hosts the annual Flourish Preaching

Conference and the podcast “Candid Conversations,” both exploring themes of preaching, justice, and healing.

A growing impact

Since its founding, the institute has partnered with seminaries and church networks, including McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta and Hampton University, to offer regional cohorts. The model emphasizes accessibility — both in geography and theology.

“Preaching should liberate, not limit,” Farrow says. “Our students don’t just learn to preach; they learn to listen — to God, to history and to their communities.”

Farrow’s approach reflects both tradition and innovation. Her institute stands in the lineage of historic training grounds for Black clergy, yet it responds to contemporary challenges — burnout, funding and the changing landscape of church leadership.

The Wellness Circle, launched

at

earlier this year, grew directly from what Farrow calls “a crisis of exhaustion among Black ministers.” Through guided reflection, counseling partnerships and retreats, participants learn practices for sustainable ministry.

Scholar, pastor and educator

Farrow holds degrees in business administration, theology and higher education, including a Ph.D. in higher education administration. She also completed certificates in homiletics from Vanderbilt University and in Black theology from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Her pastoral experience is equally broad. She has served as minister of discipleship at Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn and as associate minister at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem. She currently teaches homiletics and womanist leadership through Union Theological Seminary’s Bedford Hills College Program

Fragile Leadership: The Weight of Choosing Differently

ORVIN T. KIMBROUGH Chairman and CEO, Midwest BankCentre Author, Twice Over a Man

The phone rang.

On the line was a young Black attorney, his voice filled with both hope and hesitation as he asked how to join United Way’s network of attorneys.

I had just stepped into the top leadership role and already made my intentions clear: I wanted to break open the system, to move beyond the “legacy vendors” who were, more often than not, majority firms.

On paper, it sounded simple — equity, opportunity, fairness. But in practice, it wasn’t simple at all.

I remember wrestling with one of my earliest decisions: to hire a talented African-American man into a senior leadership role. At the time, it was uncustomary for United Way, or any mainstream institution, to have two Black men in visible leadership. I worried that if I made the wrong move — if he stumbled — people wouldn’t just second-guess him. They’d second-guess me. That’s fragility. Not just of the system, but of leadership. My leadership. Over time, I did begin opening doors — bringing in diverse vendors, service providers, and partners. But our largest contracts still went to majority firms. They had longer track records. They carried institutional trust. And while I took calculated risks here and there, I could never shake the weight of uncertainty that came with choosing differently.

This isn’t just my story. Talk to any Black leader — or any leader of color — who sits at the intersection of power and resources in a mainstream institution. The dilemma is the same: when you’ve fought so hard to get a seat at the table, do you risk it by inviting others who look like you, knowing that one stumble could make the whole table question whether you belong there at all?

Most leaders hire and contract within their networks. It’s human nature. It’s how boards are built and teams are staffed. The difference is this: for majority leaders, their networks come pre-trusted. For leaders of color, our networks come

of preachers.

Looking back

As for her own call, Farrow was at a national conference when she “heard” it.

“I felt like I heard God call me into ministry, but I wasn’t sure, and I said, ‘Well, God, if you’re calling me to this, I really would like to see a woman do this with precision and power and elegance’ because I hadn’t seen that.”

True to her request, the Rev. Dr. Rita Twiggs preached that Saturday a sermon titled “Purpose,” Farrow says. In an era when churches face declining attendance and rising stress among clergy, Farrow’s institute offers a hopeful model rooted in resilience.

“Black preaching has always been about survival and revival,” she said. “We’re just making sure the next generation knows how to do both.”

pre-questioned. The hurdle is higher. The risks feel heavier.

I felt this acutely when I transitioned into banking. I told a prominent Black community leader about my move to Midwest BankCentre and invited him to consider banking with us. His response was blunt: “Prove yourself.”

So I asked him, “Where do you bank now?” He named a large, well-known bank. “And did they have to prove themselves to you as it relates to community?” I asked. He said no.

That’s the double standard. The higher hurdle.

And yet, for those of us who do get the chance to lead, we can’t afford to ignore it. We have to resist the temptation to play it safe, to keep opportunities with the same familiar players. Because if we don’t use our platform to open doors, then when our time in leadership ends, we’ll be left with the haunting question: Did I do enough?

Leadership is fragile. But fragility isn’t failure — it’s the testing ground of courage. And the courage to choose differently? That’s what makes leadership transformative.

Key Takeaways for Leaders Leadership fragility shows up when fear of being second-guessed holds us back from bold, equitable decisions. Most leaders hire and contract within their networks — but not all networks carry the same level of institutional trust.

For leaders of color, the stakes are higher and the risks heavier — but the responsibility to open doors is just as urgent.

• Playing it safe may preserve your position, but it rarely expands opportunity for others.

Call to Action If you are in a position of influence — whether in hiring, contracting, or board building — ask yourself: Who isn’t in my network that should be?

• What risk am I willing to take this year to open doors for diverse talent or vendors?

• When my leadership chapter closes, will I be able to say with confidence that I did enough to expand opportunity for others?

Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for women.

Rev. Kelly U. Farrow is training the next generation

Photo courtesy of Dr. Kelly U. Farrow