October 31st, 2024 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Brickline Greenway championing underserved

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Derelict buildings and overgrown vacant lots have been big contributors to the blight and safety concerns that have plagued Daphne Redding’s St. Louis Place neighborhood for decades. These problems, she says, prevent her neighborhood from thriving. All of that is about to change.

A new collaborative community development corporation is going to help transform neighborhoods along the northern part of Brickline Greenway Brickline North. The Brickline North Community Development Corporation BNCDC will serve Covenant Blu Grand Center, JeffVander-Lou, and St. Louis Place neighborhoods, providing comprehensive community development services that include revitalization, public safety initiatives, nonprofit and small business support, and community engagement and advocacy.

“This CDC will be an important infrastructure for helping shape future investments, both by supporting existing efforts and catalyzing new efforts that will contribute to an ever-more-flourishing

Harris’ closing argument electrifies Ellipse rally

‘Together, we will turn the page’

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a historic closing argument Tuesday evening before an enthusiastic crowd estimated at over 75,000 on The Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

The estimated crowd of 8,000 quickly grew into a record-breaking show of support, highlighting Harris’ momentum entering the final week of her campaign.

Harris took the stage at 6:37 p.m. to a thunderous reception and shouted, “Good Evening America!”

“One week from today, you will

have a chance to make a decision that directly affects your lives, the lives of your family, and the future of this country. It will probably be the most important vote you’ve ever cast,” Harris said as the crowd cheered and repeated Ka-ma-la, Ka-ma-la.

Prop A ‘good for business’

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

workers to earn paid sick time will “boost consumer spending, reduce costly employee turnover, increase productivity, and strengthen Missouri’s workforce, businesses and economy.”

In a statement released by the alliance, Edwards added that Prop A will make Missouri’s businesses and communities “stronger and healthier.”

“Investing in employees has paid off

Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The

“At the American, we have special concerns for the vulnerable and the marginalized,” Suggs said, addressing a

By Austin Fitzgerald For the St. Louis American

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during a campaign event at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Audrey Ellerman a resident of the Covenant Blu Grand Center neighborhood standing near the intersections of Spring, Finney and Redd Foxx Lane where the renovations will start on the Great Rivers Greenway next year.

Tameka Stigers

Photo courtesy of the AP

Beyoncé backs

Vice President Kamala

Harris

Music superstar Beyoncé took the stage at a campaign rally in her hometown of Houston to declare her support for Vice President Kamala Harris

“I’m not here as a celebrity, I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” Beyoncé said. “A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we’re not divided.”

“Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations,” she continued. “We must vote, and we need you.”

Following her remarks, Beyoncé, who was joined onstage by her Destiny’s Child groupmate Kelly Rowland. She and Beyoncé stood beside each other as Beyoncé introduced Harris.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please give a big, loud, Texas welcome to the next president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris,” she said.

Lil Durk locked up, hit with murder-for-hire charges

Chicago rapper Lil Durk was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Florida on Thursday night.

According to jail records obtained by Chicago media outlet WGNTV, 32-year-old Lil Durk, whose birth name is Durk Banks, was booked into the Broward County Jail, pending charges of murder-for-hire.

Five members of Banks’ hip-hop group, Only the Family (OTF), were indicted on federal charges in Los Angeles in a plot to kill rapper Quando Rondo

Those named in the indictment are facing charges including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, committing murder-for-hire resulting in death, as well as the use of, carry and discharge of firearms and a machine gun in the furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.

Rondo survived a shooting in LA two years ago, but his cousin was killed.

Steve Harvey shuts down Bernie Mac beef rumors

King of Comedy turned entertainment and media multi-hyphenate Steve Harvey finally addressed some of the

rumors surrounding the relationship between him and late fellow King of Comedy Bernie Mac. Harvey spoke on the accusations that have persisted since Mac’s passing in 2008 during a sit-down interview on “Live From The Greenroom” with the other surviving Kings of Comedy – St. Louis’ own Cedric The Entertainer and D.L. Hughley – as well as actor/comedian Chris Spencer

“Bernie was a man’s man, so when somebody say, ‘They treated Bernie like [expletive],’ that was impossible,” Harvey said. “This dude right here was Chicago South Side to his core and blood. You mistreat this dude right here…do you know the problem you gonna have? Instantly!”

Harvey has been plagued by rumors that he attempted to run interference on Mac’s emerging acting career –particularly that he tried to use Mac’s severe battle with sarcoidosis as a means to snatch Mac’s popular role in the blockbuster “Ocean’s 11” franchise from under him.

The drama resurfaced earlier this year after comedian/ actor Katt Williams’ now infamous inter view with NFL veteran and sports media personality Shannon Sharpe on his

popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast.

Famed producer and hip hop legend DJ Clark Kent passes at 58

Pioneering hip hop figure DJ Clark Kent passed away on Thursday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 58. He worked with some of the genre’s biggest names – and is credited with introducing Jay-Z to Notorious B.I.G. A statement on behalf of Kent’s family was released via the DJ and producer’s official Instagram account.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent. Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio,” the statement read.

“Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”

Sources: YouTube.com, WGN.com, CBSnews. com, Instagram.com

Black felon voter disenfranchisement soars in Missouri

One of nation’s highest rates

By Andrea Y. Henderson

St. Louis Public Radio

A recent disenfranchisement report estimates that 1.7% of adult Missourians cannot vote because of a felony conviction, however, the rate is more than double for Black Missourians.

The Sentencing Project’s Locked Out 2024 estimates disenfranchisement rates across the country, and Missouri is ranked among those states with some of the highest disenfranchisement rates. The rate ranges from 0.14% in Massachusetts to 7.8% in Tennessee, the highest in the country. The national average is 1.7%.

Missourians in prison or under court supervision — probation or parole — cannot cast ballots. The report shows 79,479 Missourians of voting age cannot vote because of felony convictions, which includes over 53,000 people on felony probation or parole.

Experts say with so many people on felony probation or parole, it has heavy consequences for communities of color because it could affect political representation.

“Sometimes people think about disenfranchisement as something that is not consequential, or maybe not as consequential as some other barriers that people who are formerly criminalized face like housing or employment, which are obviously really critical things,”

said Marisa Omori, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. “But I also think it’s not without consequence, right? These things have very real consequences for elections.”

Although the share of Missouri’s Black incarcerated population is relatively small compared to the entire disenfranchised population in the state, the rate at which they are incarcerated is disproportionate to the state’s Black population size. Omori said this racial inequality stems from racial segregation and has implicated communities of color through over-policing, which leads to a large group of people being unable to vote.

According to the report, Missouri disenfranchises 3.76% of Black people of voting age, which is down from 5.15% in 2020. There are nearly 19,000 Black adult Missourians incarcerated with felony convictions, which is down from over 26,000 four years ago. The report also estimates the Latino disenfranchisement rate in Missouri at 1.29%, which is below the national average of 1.55%.

In 2020, the Sentencing Project estimated that there were over 95,000 people disenfranchised in Missouri, which has decreased by over 20% today. Nevertheless, researchers caution against praising the decrease in incarceration, because versions of supervision are still quite

WHEN WE VOTE, WE WIN.

A St. Louis-area resident waits in line during no-excuse absentee voting last week at the St. Louis Public Library’s Buder Branch. The number of early voters in Missouri has exceeded expectation, but nearly twice as many prospective Black voters with felony records have been disenfranchised in the state compared to white people guilty of a felony.

high. States might be putting fewer people in prison, but there are still so many people on probation or parole, and these two contrast, no matter the trends, said Omori.

“The big concern … is just the racial inequality piece of it, regardless of the scale and given the decreases in mass incarceration that we’ve had, we still incarcerate people at a really high rate — the highest of westernized developed countries in

the world,” she said. “Regardless of that scale, which is huge, it’s still disproportionately impacting Black and brown people … that’s still the fundamental issue.”

In recent years, governors of states like New York, New Mexico and Minnesota have signed bills to immediately restore voting rights to people with felony convictions upon leaving prison. Missouri lawmakers have introduced voting rights legislation for people on

probation or parole. Last session, Sen. Curtis Trent, R-Battlefield, sponsored SB 1199; Rep. Melanie Stinnett, R-Springfield, introduced HB 1927, and Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, D-St. Louis, introduced HB 2201 to restore voting rights, but all have since stalled.

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@ stlpublicradio.org.

Photo by Brian Munoz/St. Louis Public Radio

The American endorses...

Kamala Harris for President

Donald Trump is a man without any redeeming qualities. His lack of character, empathy, intellectual depth and competence make him unfit to be trusted with a puppy or small child, let alone lead a country of 330 million people. He is a convicted felon, insurrectionist, tax dodger, sexual harasser, racist, and serial liar. Trump is a genuine threat to the nation and Black America in particular. Trump has told us over and over who he is, and we should believe him.

But we are not a people without hope or choices. The St. Louis American has written that Kamala Harris is representative of an emerging America struggling to be born when she accepted the Democratic nomination for Vice President and again when she accepted the nomination for President. When President Biden laid down the burden of the Presidency, the immediate question became, who will we send, who will go for us? Kamala Harris said send me.

From that day to this moment, she has been better than good, she and her campaign have been nearly flawless. She has campaigned with an energy and enthusiasm that has lifted the spirits of a downtrodden nation. She’s bridged the political chasm that otherwise divides Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Liz Chaney, she has said come let us reason together at the table where all are welcome.

When you vote for president, you’re doing more than choosing between varied public policies, you’re electing a leader. Public policies will come and go, but there are immutable qualities that are required before you permit anyone to wear the mantle of leadership. Character and intelligence immediately come to mind, but there are two others that separate great leaders from good leaders, basic decency and toughness. The ability of a leader to intuitively connect with and understand the experiences of others is a rare quality; she’s already exhibited this gift countless times during this campaign. Toughness to manage complexity, to trust your counsel and make hard calls. Her inherent qualities, these difficult times and this transformational moment are formula for greatness.

The St. Louis American unequivocally and proudly endorses VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS as the 47th President of the United States.

Lucas Kunce, US Senate

Some of greatest figures in American history have been members of the US Senate, also some of the worst. Josh Hawley is clearly in the latter group. There is nothing about his tenure to recommend his re-election. LUCAS KUNCE, who pledges to codify Roe v. Wade to end Missouri’s harsh abortion law, is the clear choice.

Wesley Bell, 1st Congressional District

There is little question that Wesley Bell will be elected as the next Congressman from the First District. Given the political acumen and temperament shown in one and half terms as St. Louis County prosecutor, we have no doubt he will fit comfortably into Washington’s political culture and will be an effective congressman - a better fit for him than his current position. But the American has an additional aspiration for Wesley Bell. Our hope is he will decide to be more than a congressman and use his office and political skill as Congressman William L. (Bill) Clay did for 38 years, providing desperately needed political leadership for a fragmented, directionless community and become the voice for those who are never heard. The American endorses WESLEY BELL for Congress in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

Ray Hartmann, 2nd Congressional District

Ray Hartmann first entered the public arena as a speechwriter for then Gov.

Kit Bond. He went on to a distinguished career as an outspoken editor, publisher and political commentator, providing informed and insightful commentary. In these roles the American has found him to almost always be on the side of the public interest. His hopes to unseat a six-term Republican lie with his strong advocacy for reproductive freedom. We strongly endorse RAY HARTMANN for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District.

Crystal Quade, Governor

The American has great admiration for Crystal Quade’s willingness to serve under the most austere conditions. First as Democratic Minority Leader in the Missouri House of Representatives and now as the Democratic nominee for Governor. Her performance in both roles has earned our appreciation and support as the Missouri Democratic Party seeks to have a voice and regain relevance in this state. The American admires and endorses CRYSTAL QUADE for governor.

Elad Gross, Attorney General

There must be some special low bar for Republican Attorney Generals in Missouri and around the country. When you thought it couldn’t be worse than Josh Hawley, Gov. Mike Parson appointed Andrew Bailey to replace him. Bailey has become another star in the Republican State Attorneys Generals circus act doing everything possible to elect authoritarian AGs across the nation. The American endorses ELAD GROSS for Attorney General

Amendment 2

The American recommends a NO vote on Amendment 2. Not because we’re against sports gambling but because we are against campaigns that mislead or misrepresent the public benefit to win voter approval. There will be no multimillion-dollar benefit for education if this passes, but out-of-state gaming companies will make a lot of money.

Amendment 3

Amendment 3 will establish a woman’s right to choose her reproductive health options as a constitutional right in Missouri. This is an opportunity to overturn one of the country’s strictest abortion bans with no exceptions for rape or incest. This in itself is enough to merit our support. We believe it’s important for another reason, it establishes a woman’s right to her bodily autonomy as a constitutional right. Every human being has the inherent right to their bodily autonomy. The elected officials who are against Amendment 3, and they’re mostly men, would also be the men who would repeal the 13th Amendment. Bodily autonomy is an inherent human right, everyone has it or no one has it. The St. Louis American is strongly YES on Amendment 3.

Amendment 6

We recommend a NO vote on this proposal to use court fees for a sheriff’s retirement fund.

Amendment 7

You must be a US citizen currently to vote in a US election. This amendment is a MAGA Republican attempt to make it more difficult for local governments to reform and manage their elections. Vote NO on Amendment 7.

Missouri Proposition A

If voters pass Proposition A, the minimum wage would be raised gradually for a third of all Missouri workers, and paid sick leave would be required as it is in 18 other states and Washington, D.C. The minimum wage would increase to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2025, and $15 by January 2026. Beginning in 2027, the state would adjust it annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The American recommends a YES vote.

This is our time, our moment

By ReShonda Tate

As a Black journalist, I’ve always felt it is my duty to remain objective, to let the facts speak for themselves, and to give each side a fair hearing. But as the country stands at the precipice of one of the most consequential elections in history, I’m putting that objectivity aside because, frankly, it’s failed us before.

We got Donald Trump because too many stayed silent, too many looked the other way, too many said, ‘he’ll never win,’ too many complained that Hillary had “hot sauce in her bag” or “her emails,” and too many chose inaction. In the words of Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” America, Trump has shown us exactly who he is. Michelle Obama recently spoke at a rally in Michigan, urging us to recognize what’s at stake. Her words were a powerful reminder that the results of this election will define our path forward—or backward. She laid bare the reality: a second Trump term would mean more of the hate, chaos, and division we’ve already witnessed.

Lewis stood against violence, intimidation, and systemic barriers, demanding a country that respects and values Black lives. To honor their legacy, we must show up and vote because if we don’t, we’re allowing those sacrifices to be trampled on. We’re allowing those voices to be silenced again.

There are those who argue that journalism’s role is to be objective, to avoid “taking sides.” But objectivity, for too long, meant giving Trump the benefit of the doubt when he called for bans on Muslims, when he spread lies about immigrants, and when he refused to condemn hate groups. Objectivity got us here.

The former First Lady reminded us that we’re not just voting for a candidate; we’re voting for our safety, our communities, and our children’s future. “We can’t let them take away our voice,” she said. That voice? It’s ours, and we wield it through our vote.

We’re witnessing a deliberate, strategic plan to undermine and unravel the progress we’ve fought for. Think about that disturbing rally held by Trump’s supporters—full of divisive rhetoric and hostility, targeting anyone who doesn’t look or believe as they do.

This rally was no anomaly. It’s a stark preview of what we’ll face in the next four years if we do nothing. This hate isn’t an accident; it’s deliberate. And it’s what they want America to become.

We can’t forget the long, brutal history that got us here. Blacks fought, bled, and died for the right to vote. Our ancestors risked everything so we could have a voice. During the Civil Rights Movement, people like Fannie Lou Hamer and John

This is not the time for neutrality. The stakes are simply too high. You see that in the unity from folks who while they may not completely agree with Kamala Harris on policy, know what’s at stake. Know what an unchecked, vengeful Trump who has been given near absolute immunity will be like. This election is about moving forward, about living up to the ideals we say we stand for. Michelle Obama reminded us that we’ve come too far to let someone who doesn’t represent us—or care for us—strip our power away. And don’t get it twisted…you see the Black men degrading Black women in an effort to support Trump – when he gives police officers absolute immunity – YOU will be their first targets. Freedom of speech, forget it. Under a Trump presidency, he will throw you in jail if you say or do anything he doesn’t like. We owe it to ourselves, to our ancestors, and to future generations to do everything in our power to fight for a better America. So, Black America, I urge you—let’s show up at the polls. Let’s remind those who seek to silence us that we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere. Let’s make it clear that we will not be silent in the face of hate. This is our time. Vote like your life, and the lives of those you love, depends on it—because it does.

RaShonda Tate is a Houston Defender Network Black columnist and author

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Guest Columnist ReShonda Tate

Khalia Collier has been selected by the Adinkra Alliance Institute as a 2024 Distinguished Black Achievers Honoree in Missouri.

Adinkra Institute honors outstanding Missourians

St. Louis American

Adinkra Alliance Institute, a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Black communities and supporting initiatives for development, environmental justice, and equity, has named its Distinguished Black Achievers Honorees in Missouri.

The recipients are:

Cheryl Watkins, YWCA Metro St. Louis president and CEO; David Steward, World Wide Technology founder and chair; James Clark, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis vice president of public safety and community response; Kevin Bryant, Kingsway Development, LLC executive founder and president; Khalia Collier St. Louis Surge owner.

Marty J. Murray, 5th Senate District – State Committeeman; Rosalind Brewer, former Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO; Sandra Moore

Advantage Capital managing director and chief impact officer; Tishaura O. Jones, 47th City of St. Louis mayor; Yolanda Young, Young Family Farm (Kansas City) co-founder.

“Our initiative recognizes exceptional Black leaders who have made a profound impact on their communities,” said Richard Seshie, Adinkra Alliance Institute founder.

“The Missouri honorees exemplify the highest standards of leadership and service. They inspire us all through their relentless commitment to bettering their communities and advancing the cause of Black excellence.”

Before founding Adinkra in Dover, Delaware, Seshie was honored as a 2017 Young Leader of the Africa-France Foundation for Shared Prosperity (a Government of France initiative), a 2016 World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and the 2012 Orange African Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

Voting for our future, our children

By Marian Wright Edelman

On the weekend of Oct18-20 congregations from across the nation joined the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) for its annual multifaith National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Celebration.

The 2024 inspiration was “Unleashing Joy,” and its grounding passage was Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

This is a vital message in an election year, as people of faith consider how their votes will affect the next generation, and help assure today’s youngest generation hope, a future, and joy right now. In each state the election presents choices voters must make up and down the ballot that will make a profound difference in children’s and young people’s lives.

Children and young people under 18 can’t vote, so adults can and must vote for their needs as a top priority. Our nation desperately needs leaders whose judgment and behavior are worthy of our children. In advance of Children’s Sabbaths, CDF asked a group of children and young people what each of them would do if they could be the leader of everything. These were a few of the answers they shared:

“I would help everybody in need and give them money if they needed it.” — Nakhil, age 9

“I would try to find a way to reduce the plastic use.” — Gillian, age 10

“I would stop racism and stop racist name-calling.” — MaKenzie, age 11

“I would encourage and help people to never give up, even if times get hard.” — Nalaiah, age 15

These are strong platforms. These young people have a clear vision of the future they want and deserve. They need elected leaders who will listen to their voices and share their vision. November 5 is now just days away, and in many states early voting is happening now.

If you are eligible to vote and do not yet have a plan, make one today! Use a trusted resource like vote.gov to learn about the registration deadlines and voting options in your state, including the most up-to-date information in states affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Review the candidates and issues on your ballot.

Ask the young people in your lives what problems they hope elected leaders will act on. We are making decisions right now for generations to come. Please don’t let them down.

Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Surge

Marian Wright Edelman

executive editor of the Columbia Missourian

“We seek to uplift the Black community by telling stories that would not otherwise be told.”

Suggs recalled how his culturally diverse upbringing, and the constant presence of newspapers in his childhood home, taught him about the connections between journalism and a just, equitable society.

Active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, he was offered a place on the faculty of Washington University’s dental school — where he would have been the first Black faculty member — before the offer was rescinded due to his race.

His past — and that of his father, whom he called “a brilliant man” with “a deep understanding of quantum physics” who “was never convinced that

Prop A

Continued from A1

in thriving hospitality businesses serving a growing number of new customers and repeat customers over decades,” Edwards said.

“Raising the purchasing power of low-wage workers by raising the minimum wage drives a virtuous economic cycle

he was special” — served to underline to students the important role of news in expanding audiences’ understanding of the world beyond the status quo.

“We have to look at things in a larger perspective than how they are presented to us,” Suggs said, noting that the St. Louis American does so through a community focus that avoids stereotypes and easy, canned narratives.

We had very little materially, but we always had a newspaper,” Suggs said of his upbringing in northeast Indiana near Chicago.

“I was taught to be of some service in a way that goes beyond yourself, and I’ve always been fascinated and intrigued by journalists and the role they play in society.”

Suggs’ tenure has seen the newspaper not only dramatically rise in circulation but introduce more content raising awareness of health disparities in the Black community. Programs

that leads to local business growth and hiring.”

Tameka Stigers, owner of Locs of Glory in the 5800 block of Delmar Blvd. agrees.

“I am in support of increasing the minimum wage; prices are going up all around us. So, we need to pay our workers a fair wage,” Stigers said, adding: “I’ve been paying our workers above $15 per hour so, it’s not going to

like Newspapers in Education, which provides free newspapers to public elementary school students with an emphasis on STEM education, have

impact my business.”

Several union and workers’ advocacy groups and social justice and civil rights organizations like “Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action” and the D.C.-based “The Fairness Project” support Prop A.

Stigers admits the measure could have a negative impact on some small businesses but maintains that a higher wage will

also aimed to increase news literacy and education outcomes among young people. In fact, Suggs has made the newspaper the nexus of

equate to more reliable, long-term employees.

“People are not going to stick around a job where they’re not being adequately compensated for your time, energy and efforts,” Stigers stressed.

The political campaign, Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, has raised more than $5 million to support the measure. The organization argues that voting for Prop

Donald M.Suggs, St. Louis American publisher and executive director, is a recipient of a 2024 Missouri Honor Medal and was honored on Sept. 26, 2024. Suggs also spoke to a University of Missouri Journalism master’s class about his journalism experience during 40 years of ownership of the newspaper.

a wide range of efforts and events designed to uplift the people of St. Louis.

The nonprofit St. Louis American Foundation provides scholarships to

A in its totality means, “improving total compensation for workers.”

“Hardworking Missourians often face impossible choices.

Parents decide between sending their children to school sick or losing a day’s pay because they don’t get paid sick days.

Families choose between paying for groceries, housing, or utilities because the minimum wage has not

students in need, hosts events like the Salute to Excellence Awards Gala to recognize educators and other community figures, and supports youth-focused nonprofits in the area. Suggs, who is also the namesake of scholarships at no less than 12 colleges and universities in Missouri, sees these programs as additive to principled, ethical journalism.

“My life has been very much enriched by being involved with the St. Louis American, and I’ve had many more rewards than I deserve — but you still see the people who are left behind and mistreated,” Suggs said.

“There is no excuse not to be engaged and make things more inclusive, more compassionate, more caring. Journalists are a group I admire no less than health care workers: they are giving voice to a community with journalism people need and can depend on.”

kept up with rising costs.”

In an interview with Missouri Independent earlier this month, Richard Von Glahn, campaign manager for Missourians for Healthy Families … made the case for the paid sick leave portion of the measure.

“Everybody gets sick. Everybody has a child or someone they care for that gets sick,” Von Glahn said, “But when there’s an unequal ability to care for yourself or care for your family, that is unjust.” Missouri businesses, Von Glahn added, should consider essential workers “essential.”

“Sick days are very common amongst the highest paid workers, you know, executives, those types of positions,” Von Glahn said, “but particularly in some of the lower wage industries — the industries that we’ve been calling essential for a number of years now — construction, retail, food service, nursing home, childcare workers, they lack access to this (paid sick leave).”

Stigers admits that paying employees sick leave may be challenging for some small business-owners, but she still supports the measure.

“It could be more of a task for some small businesses but when you consider where we are now-especially coming out of COVID-being able to retain your employees … knowing that they can have some buffer, be it a mental or health sickness day, I just think it’s important.”

Kara Corches, president and CEO of the often-conservative Missouri Chamber of Commerce, argues that increased labor costs will ultimately be passed down to consumers.

“As many U.S. families struggle with the effects of inflation, Proposition A will further increase the costs of goods and services here in Missouri,” Corches said. “Nearly half of all minimum wage earners are teenagers or young adults and raising the minimum wage can push them out of the job market if employers reduce hiring.”

According to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit, the Missouri Budget Project, if passed, the ballot measure would guarantee sick leave for more than 700,000 workers (or more than 1 in 3 Missouri workers).

The St. Louis University/YouGov poll conducted in August found the ballot measure has strong support, with 57% of those surveyed in support of it. If the measure passes in Missouri, the paid sick time provision will kick in on May 1, 2025.

Photo by Nate Brown / Missouri School of Journalism

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

“It’s more than just a choice between two parties and two different candidates. It’s about a choice of whether you have a country of freedom, or one ruled by division.”

Speaking at the same location where Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, Harris recalled that tragic day.

“We know who Donald Trump is. He is the person who stood at this very spot nearly four years ago and sent an armed mob to the U.S. Capitol to overturn the will of the people in a free and fair election — an election that he knew he lost,” Harris said.

“Americans died as a result; 140 law enforcement officers were injured.” Harris reminded the crowd – and nation – that Trump returned to The White House and when told the mob was threatening to kill Vice President Pence, he responded ‘So what.’

“If elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office,” Harris said, gesturing toward the illuminated White House in the background, “with an enemies list.”

“When elected, I will walk in with a to-do list,” which includes finding solutions to lower costs, support working families, and restore a sense of unity and purpose.

Harris called Trump “unstable, obsessed with revenge, and out for unchecked power.”

“Donald Trump wants to avoid his problems. He intends to use the U.S. military against Americans who simply disagree with him,” said the vice president.

“He’s not focused on making your life better. He’s consumed by grievance.”

“There’s something about people being treated unfairly or overlooked that, frankly, just gets to me,” she said.

“I don’t like it. It’s what my mother instilled in me — a drive to hold accountable those who use their wealth or power to take advantage of others. Growing up, I was blessed

Harris explained during the rally what drives her as a leader.

Ellerman

Continued from A1

North Grand Corridor community,” Redding said. “The formation of this CDC has given our communities the ambition to advance and transform our living spaces.”

Audrey Ellerman had her home built in 2001 in the Covenant Blu Grand Center community as part of a development plan that she said didn’t accomplish the goals that were set out for her community. Their basic needs to have safe sidewalks, paved streets, and other infrastructure projects aren’t being met.

“The formation of the new CDC has not only been a wonderful experience; it is a dream come

true,” said Ellerman, a 20-plus-year Covenant Blu Grand Center resident. “This will assure the community that the North Central plan will be implemented and will complement the efforts of the Brickline Greenway, assuring a better future for the neighborhoods. It gives the residents a voice –‘Nothing about us without us’ – an extraordinary change is about to happen, the first of its kind in St. Louis.”

This collaborative effort by representatives from each of the three neighborhoods it will serve will work side-by-side with T.Christopher Peoples, Director of Equity + Economic Impact for Great Rivers Greenway. “My role exists to ensure that the Brickline Greenway

to have family by blood and family by love, who instilled in me the values of community, compassion and faith that have always defined our nation at its best. I’ve lived the promise of America.”

Harris said her parents took her to civil rights marches in a stroller “where crowds of people of all races, faiths and walks of life came together

is an asset that creates a ripple effect of thoughtful, sustainable support for this community, such as repopulation and opportunities for shared prosperity,” Peoples said. “I’ve spent the last two years listening and collaborating, and now we’ve come together to create this CDC as a vehicle to both implement and amplify efforts happening in these three neighborhoods, particularly when no other tool is available.”

BNCDC is a nonprofit organization that works to empower individuals and neighborhoods served by the Brickline Greenway’s North Connector by fostering inclusive and sustainable neighborhoods through collaborative initia-

to fight for the ideals of freedom and opportunity.”

“I’ve spent my life fighting for the people who have been hurt and counted out, but never stopped believing that in our country anything is possible,” Harris said.

“I have lived the promise of America, and I see the promise of America in all of you. In all of you, I see it.”

tives and partnerships.

Community members like Redding and Ellerman have felt ignored and frustrated by the promises that have not been kept over the last 20 years, resulting in distrust with elected officials and developers. Participation from residents at community meetings is steadily decreasing.

Redding hopes the partnership with the BNCDC will encourage other investors to support neighborhoods north of Delmar.

“We don’t have a lot of resources,” she said. She describes her neighbor-

Addressing the fall of Roe v. Wade, Harris assured the crowd that she would fight to restore the reproductive rights she argued Trump and his Supreme Court appointees had taken away.

“I will fight to restore what Donald Trump, and his hand-selected Supreme Court justices took away from the women of America,” she stated.

hood as a food desert. The closing of the Walgreens at the intersection of North Grand and Page Avenue is one of many resources that are leaving vulnerable neighborhoods.

Peoples said he hopes to repopulate these communities with more resources, affordable housing, and sustainable market-rate housing.

Over the years Ellerman says she has had to deal with illegal dumping and that Brickline Greenway has been a champion for neighborhoods like hers.

BNCDC will operate in

“If you give me the chance to fight on your behalf, there is nothing in the world that will stand in my way. It is time for a new generation of leadership in America, and I am ready to offer that leadership as the next president of the United States.

“Together, we will turn the page and build a country that rises together.”

conjunction with the many neighborhood organizations, neighboring CDCs, St. Louis Development Corporation, and individual stakeholders and neighbors alike to determine when the entity is the right fit for any given task, supporting the collective vision for the area. Stay informed on the project and process by subscribing for updates at www. GreatRiversGreenway.org/ subscribe. Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

Supporters of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrive to attend a campaign rally in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024

Photo courtesy of the AP

Backing Proposition B is the right call

By Megan Green and Rasheen Aldridge

St. Louis voters will weigh in on four issues that directly impact their day-today lives: vacant properties, affordable housing, street planning, and the process for funding city services.

Proposition B addresses that final point by giving residents influence over how their tax dollars are spent on city services and programs. Specifically, Prop B updates the City’s yearly budget process to allow the Board of Aldermen to redistribute funding among city departments so long as the overall budget remains balanced.

The current budget process allows the Board of Aldermen to decrease funds designated for departments but doesn’t allow the Board to redistribute funds to better meet the needs of the city.

Imagine, after noticing you’re going out to eat too often, you decide to cut back so you can spend that money to pay down credit card debt, a car note, or a medical bill.

But instead of choosing to reduce that expense, someone outside of your home gets to make those decisions for you. It wouldn’t feel like you’re in control of your household budget.

of money in the city’s reserve account. Because the board cannot increase the total size of the budget, our credit rating would remain unaffected.

Proposition B also maintains the mayor’s ability to protect the city’s financial health through line-item vetoes. Kansas City’s legislative body has the authority to balance its budget, and it has a higher credit rating than St. Louis, according to Moody’s—a company that determines credit ratings for governments. Prop B would align our budget process with virtually every other local government.

In our experience, virtually no constituents have asked the Board of Aldermen only to reduce spending on vital city services and programs.

Rather, we consistently hear requests to reprioritize funds for services like trash removal, tree trimming, and road maintenance. Proposition B would give residents a say in how their tax dollars are prioritized among city services and programs.

Empowering the Board of Aldermen means empowering the people closest to the issues. The opposition’s claims that Proposition B will hurt the city’s credit rating is not true. The proposition clearly states that any increase in one part of the budget must be offset by reductions elsewhere, ensuring the overall budget remains balanced.

The City’s credit rating is primarily influenced by factors like the amount

City voters will also choose on:

Prop S, which addresses the city’s shortage of affordable housing by charging short-term rental customers, like those who book through Airbnb and Vrbo, a 3% booking fee. Half of the revenue generated by that fee would go to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund—which subsidizes construction of affordable housing and funds non-profit organizations whose services reduce homelessness—and half would fund relocation assistance programs and legal services for tenants facing eviction.

Prop V supports development of affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization by charging owners of unoccupied, vacant properties higher penalties. The current $500 fine limit, set in 1970, does little to push landlords to invest in their properties.

Prop T creates a unified Department of Transportation to address the needs of all road users. Roadway responsibilities are currently divided among the Streets Department, the Board of Public Service, and the Planning and Urban Design Agency—meaning maintenance, safety,accessibility, and design decisions can be uncoordinated and slow-moving.

We have a meaningful opportunity to change how our local government tackles the issues closest to home. That, more than anything, is a reason to cast your ballot this year.

Megan Green is St. Louis Aldermanic president and Rasheen Aldridge is 14th Ward alderperson

Megan Green

Rasheen Aldridge

Amendment 2 draws mixed reaction

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

Surely, you’ve seen the TV commercials.

Baseball Hall of Fame member and former St. Louis Cardinal great Ozzie Smith is figuratively turning backflips in support of Amendment 2. Other commercials feature teachers, school administrators and parents.

Amendment 2 would legalize sports betting in the state, and Missouri will join 38 other states and the District of Columbia. Seven of Missouri’s eight neighboring states, including Kansas and Illinois, have legalized sports gambling. Oklahoma is the holdout.

Those supporting the amendment say that more than $100 million will be dedicated to educational programs over the first five years. An opponent of the measure, Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling, claim backers of the amendment are using “a deceptive measure they claim will fund education.”

zero dollars for schools.

● Out-of-state online gambling corporations are spending millions to deceive parents, teachers, educators and voters.

When looking at the anti-sports gambling group’s facts, one must also consider who’s funding them.

According to the Missouri Independent, the committee has received $14.2 million from Caesars Entertainment, one of six casino operators aggressively opposing the measure. Casino companies seem to dislike the fact that online gambling could be licensed without having to create a business relationship with a Missouri casino. Former St. Louis Comptroller, Virvus Jones fits in the nonbeliever category.

So, will legalized sports betting have a major impact on Missouri education?

Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling have distributed what they call a “fact sheet” that reads:

● There is no guarantee a single penny would be provided to the state to fund schools or education.

● “Zero gaming taxes for sports wagering” means

“They’re playing these bait-and-switch games. That’s what they do,” Jones told the St. Louis American. “I read it (the amendment), and I don’t think it’s going to do what they say it will, in terms of money going to schools. They take that money, but they don’t increase the (education) budget. They just replace current appropriations.”

As far as education is concerned, the amendment would “allow license fees prescribed by the commission and a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for education after expenses incurred by the Commission and required

funding of the Compulsive Gambling prevention fund.” The money from legalized sports betting would be divided across the entire Missouri educational system.

KOMU 8, a Kansas City NBC affiliate, challenged the amendment’s language, claiming that it doesn’t detail the collection of the wagering tax: “The ballot measure says that a 10% wagering tax will be imposed on any revenue. But it doesn’t outline who may collect that tax, or the methods for doing so.”

The 2022 amendment to legalize recreational marijuana laid out a clear path for collecting tax revenue, stating that it must be paid to the Missouri Department of Revenue, which would be allowed to retain a small percentage for its own costs. Any remaining money should be deposited by the department into a specific fund for veterans’ health care.

In an interview with KOMU, Amy Blouin, president and CEO of

Missouri can stand tall in Nov. 5 election

By Jamala Rogers

The conservative playbook for America—Project 2025—had been unleashed before the terrifying move of Donald Trump into the White House in 2016.

Like a lethal virus, components of the authoritarian strategy accelerated during his four years in office, and it infected all branches of government.

While democracy has taken some significant hits recently, the Nov. 5 election can reverse this backward trend. There are issues on the ballot as important as candidate selections. There are respective propositions and amendments that could ease the economic burden beating down Missouri’s working-class families and restore lost reproductive rights for women.

There are also several ballot initiatives, like legalized sports gambling, which could suck money from households of struggling families.

country—including Missouri-- still favor a woman’s right to make decisions about her body and her life.

The minute the 50-year-old Roe v. Wade decision was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, abortions became illegal in Missouri with no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest. If Amendment 3 passes, reproductive rights will become part of the state constitution and more difficult to manipulate.

Project 2025 will use federal power to further restrict abortions until they are illegal. We must send a bold and unapologetic message to the nation that women’s bodies will not be conservatives’ property.

Missouri has the chance to make history with Proposition A, the “Healthy Families and Fair Wages Amendment.” The proposition will raise the state’s minimum wage up to $15 by 2026. It’s still not a living wage so that must be our next campaign.

Prop A will also give workers up to seven days of earned paid sick leave. One in three workers in Missouri don’t have paid sick leave. They must decide whether to take off work when a child gets sick at the daycare, or an elderly parent must be taken to the doctor. People should be able to prioritize their family’s health without the stress of losing a paycheck. These measures represent a more realistic pathway out of poverty and financial distress than betting on a sports team or playing the slots.

As a feminist, I support Amendment 3 which removes the ban on abortion rights. This is the same constitutional amendment that was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, a court top-heavy with conservatives. The majority in this

A victory in Missouri will provide momentum for other states looking to re-establish the right to safe and accessible abortions.

There are also several judges on the ballot who were appointed by Republican Gov. Michael Parson. They are anxious to prove their allegiance to the right-wing agenda. Missouri Supreme Courts Justices Broniec and Gooch both voted to uphold the ban on abortions.

The two also ruled to move forward with the execution of Marcellus “Khalifah” Williams, despite evidence of his innocence. National outcries couldn’t stop his execution last month by lethal injection.

All elections matter, but some consequences are worse than others.

Trump wants to centralize government and to concentrate the power in one man –him. Civil liberties and constitutional protections will be eliminated.

On November 5, a vote for any candidate or ballot measure moves us in a certain direction. Black historian Lerone Bennett, Jr. stated that a nation is a choice and is shaped by countless decisions that determine its direction.

This country is at that “fateful fork” which requires serious intervention on the part of its citizens if we want to experience the unflinching progress we so desperately seek.

the left-leaning Missouri Budget Project said: “There have been questions raised because the ballot measure did not include the mechanism for funding that it needs to.”

Using comments from state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick’s fiscal analysis on the amendment, Brooke Foster, a spokesperson for Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, spoke to the measure’s vague funding mechanism.

“The state auditor said that zero dollars is a possibility,” Foster said. “So, from zero dollars to about $28.9 million — but the $28.9 million is the absolute high end — and by the time the gaming corporations take all of their deductions, it’s a very good chance that it will be much closer to that zero figure.”

Two of the biggest backers of the online measure are FanDuel and DraftKings, which, according to the Independent, have each contributed $15.8 million. “Winning

for Missouri Education,” the committee backing Amendment 2, strongly argues that the state’s constitution directs all revenue from gambling taxes to education programs.

Jones is frustrated that education must depend on gambling-period.

“Either education is important or it’s not,” Jones lamented. “To fund something as important as education off gambling, to me, is just bad policy. It distracts from the real issue, which is that Missouri doesn’t spend enough money to educate its children.

According to the Education Data Initiative, a team of researchers who collect data and statistics about the U.S. education system, Missouri ranks 34th in K-12 school spending and 36th in funding. Missouri schools spend less than the national average on education relative to taxpayer income.

Jason Roberts, president of the Kansas City Federation of Teachers and School Related Personnel,

takes a stance like Jones.

“We have to stop using teachers as political pawns,” Roberts told the Kansas City Star. “They’re using teachers as a false promise, making false promises to the voters that we’re going to make teachers’ lives better only to expand gambling in the state of Missouri.”

Gambling may or may not be good for education and the economy, but evidence proves it’s not always best for gamblers.

According to the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA), the impact of a gambling addiction far exceeds the obvious financial losses incurred by repeated gambling.

The ADA cites studies that indicate 25-50% of spouses of problem gamblers have been abused; children of compulsive gamblers are often prone to suffer abuse, as well as neglect and are at a higher risk of developing health threatening behaviors, including alcohol and drug abuse, problem gambling, eating disorders, depression, and suicide.

Though the amount of money going to education is debatable, there’s no doubt it will benefit educational programs in some way. And many people seem to support that idea.

According to a St. Louis University/YouGov poll released on August 29, 204, 50% of voters surveyed said they supported sports wagering after reading the Amendment 2 ballot language while 30% were opposed.

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

Columnist Sylvester Brown Jr.

Columnist Jamala Rogers

‘Taking

Care of You’

Lock solid

A partnership to prevent drug poisonings

hold medications and keep them safe from children, who could take them accidentally or purposely, can also hold a small handgun.

St. Louis American

St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the St. Louis Health Department are working together to minimize the risks of poisoning deaths in the St. Louis area.

Launched in September as part of a one-year pilot program, 1,000 lockboxes are available free of charge through a Health Department grant to families who arrive at the emergency department with a child who has accidentally, or intentionally, ingested medications not meant for them.

These boxes are also provided to families experiencing behavioral health crisis – like suicidal ideation – to prevent self-harm by accessing medications.

n In 2020, the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Emergency Department began offering free gun locks to families – with no questions asked. The program now includes over 20 locations across the BJC system.

those with the key.

Importantly, the lockboxes are also large enough to hold a small handgun.

In 2020, the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Emergency Department began offering free gun locks to families –with no questions asked. The program now includes over 20 locations across the BJC system.

The city and Children’s Hospital hope to duplicate the success with the lockbox program and curb child overdoses.

Sharing my breast cancer journey

By Sharon Joseph

I don’t know what I thought a cancer patient looked like, but I didn’t think it looked like me, so when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was shocked. I had supported others, but now I was faced with my own health issue.

I was determined not to see myself as a victim. I would see myself as someone who had caught the disease at an early stage, largely because I was proactive about my health. Due to having dense breasts and a family history of breast cancer, I started my mammograms and ultrasounds early, and that vigilance saved my life. However, my story is shaped by more than just early detection — it’s shaped by the silence that came before.

My mother had breast cancer, but she never told me. I vividly remember driving her to get her procedure (which I would later learn was a lumpectomy), yet the words “breast cancer” were never spoken. I thought about all the women at church whom we prayed for who were having “a procedure.” Now I wonder how many were quietly battling breast cancer.

n My mother’s silence allowed the cancer to spread further than it needed to. She didn’t get the information that could have made a difference, and she didn’t talk about it with her family.

“We are pleased to work with St. Louis Children’s Hospital to provide another way for parents to keep their children safe while preventing unnecessary injuries and deaths.”

The lockboxes are 9.5 inches deep x 6 inches high x 5 inches wide and can hold several containers of medication. The lockbox is locked with a key and padlock – limiting access to only

“A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics just last year found that child deaths from ingesting prescription medication have risen more than 130% in a decade. Quite frankly, that is unacceptable,” said Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, St. Louis director of health.

According to data from the Missouri Child Fatality Review Program, poisoning deaths in children have increased over the past three years, from an average of 11 poisoning deaths per year to 62 deaths in 2022.

Although car accidents and gun-related injuries still kill more children each year, drug overdoses and poisonings increased by more than 500 percent in 2022.

See LOCKBOX, A11

My mother’s silence allowed the cancer to spread further than it needed to. She didn’t get the information that could have made a difference, and she didn’t talk about it with her family. When it was my turn, I knew I couldn’t be silent.

See JOSEPH, A11

Presidential election puts ACA Back in political bull’s eye

Its future is at stake

By Stephanie Armour Kaiser Health News

Health care is suddenly front and center in the final sprint to the presidential election, and the outcome will shape the Affordable Care Act and the coverage it gives to more than 40 million people Besides reproductive rights, health care for most of the campaign has been an in-the-shadows issue. However, recent comments from former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, about possible changes to the ACA have opened Republicans up to heavier scrutiny.

n Vice President Kamala Harris, who previously backed a universal health care plan, wants to expand and strengthen the health law, popularly known as Obamacare.

More than 1,500 doctors across the country recently released a letter calling on Trump to reveal details about how he would alter the ACA, saying the information is needed so voters can make an informed decision. The letter came from the Committee to Protect Health Care, a national advocacy group of physicians.

See ELECTION, A11

With the presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024, less than a week away, Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing for protection of the Affordable Care Act. Recent comments from former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, about possible changes to the ACA have opened Republicans up to heavier scrutiny.

The lockboxes being made available to families to

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Health Department

Courtesy of the Office of the Vice President of the U.S. / Facebook

Sharon Joseph

Lockbox

Continued from A10

“A locked box can be crucial to protecting older children, who may impulsively take medications as a form of self-harm or by accident,” said Dr. Lindsay Clukies, a Washington University emergency medicine physician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

“It is also important to educate children, teens, and adults on how to prevent accidental exposure, signs of overdose, and what to do in case of an emergency should someone come into contact with misused drugs outside your house.”

In addition to calling 911 in an accidental or intentional ingestion situation, another proactive safety measure is to keep NARCAN, a medication that works quickly to reverse opioid overdose, at home. This can be used for children and adults and is in the form of a nasal spray.

Cluckies recommends that any medications kept in a home are locked away.

A locked box, as opposed to simply storing medications out of reach, is crucial to protecting older children, who may impulsively take medications as a form of self-harm, cases of which Clukies sees in the emergency department. If you keep fentanyl in your home, consider also keeping NARCAN on hand.

NARCAN® is a brand of naloxone, a medication that works quickly to reverse opioid overdose, including in children,

Election

Continued from A10

“It’s remarkable that a decade and a half after the ACA passed, we are still debating these fundamental issues,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. “Democrats want to protect people with preexisting conditions, which requires money and regulation. Republicans have looked to scale back federal regulation, and the byproduct is fewer protections.”

The two parties’ tickets hold starkly different goals for the ACA, a sweeping law passed under former President Barack Obama that set minimum benefit standards, made more peo-

Joseph

Continued from A10

I chose to speak to doctors at two hospitals, consulting breast oncologists and plastic surgeons. I wanted all the facts before making my decision. After doing my research and speaking with women who had chosen various forms of surgery, I decided to have a mastectomy. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was my way of taking control and reducing the chance of further spread.

Beyond the medical decisions, I also took control of the emotional and spiritual aspects of my journey. I hosted a farewell party for my breasts with family and friends, and I

medications, as with

in

1,000 lockboxes are

in the form of a nasal spray. NoMoDeaths is a resource that can help you find or order NARCAN® for free in Missouri. For a map of naloxone distribution locations in Illinois, visit the state department of health’s website at https://www. nomodeaths.com/. If your child is accidentally exposed to fentanyl, NARCAN should immediately be administered and 911 should be called. Naloxone does not cause significant adverse effects in children who have not ingested opioids.

ple eligible for Medicaid, and ensured consumers with preexisting health conditions couldn’t be denied health coverage.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who previously backed a universal health care plan, wants to expand and strengthen the health law, popularly known as Obamacare. She supports making permanent temporary enhanced subsidies that lower the cost of premiums. And she’s expected to press Congress to extend Medicaid coverage to more people in the 10 states that have so far not expanded the program.

Trump, who repeatedly tried and failed to repeal the ACA, said in the September presidential debate that he has “concepts of a plan” to replace or change the legislation. Although that sound bite became a bit of a laugh

held a Zoom prayer meeting with loved ones. These moments gave me the strength to face my diagnosis on my own terms, and not let it define me.

Breast cancer is not just a personal battle — it’s a public health issue, especially for Black women. We are disproportionately affected by the disease, and many of us don’t get the information or support we need. Black women are also more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that doesn’t respond to hormonal therapies and has a higher mortality rate. This makes genetic testing and early detection even more critical. Understanding your genetic predisposition can be lifesaving. If you

charge to families through a Health Department grant.

Additionally, if a child is going to a family mem-

line because Trump had promised an alternative health insurance plan many times during his administration and never delivered, Vance later provided more details.

He said the next Trump administration would deregulate insurance markets — a change that some health analysts say could provide more choice but erode protections for people with preexisting conditions. He seemed to adjust his position during the vice presidential debate, saying the ACA’s protections for preexisting conditions should be left in place.

Such health policy changes could be advanced as part of a large tax measure in 2025, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) told NBC News. That could also open the door to changes in Medicaid. Conservatives have long sought to

have a family history, getting tested for mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 is essential, because these can increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Knowledge is power, and genetic testing is one of the most important tools we have in the fight against breast cancer.

My doctor, Dr. Lisa Newman, a pioneering surgical oncologist and researcher, has focused much of her work on understanding the disparities in breast cancer outcomes, especially for Black women. Her research has shown that women of African ancestry, including African American women, have a higher likelihood of developing aggressive forms of breast cancer like

ber or friend’s house for a playdate, parents or guard-

remake the health insurance program for low-income or disabled people from the current system, in which the federal government contributes a formula-based percentage of states’ total Medicaid costs, to one that caps federal outlays through block grants or per capita funding limits. ACA advocates say that would shift significant costs to states and force most or all states to drop the expansion of the program over time.

Democrats are trying to turn the comments into a political liability for Trump, with the Harris campaign running ads saying Trump doesn’t have a health plan to replace the ACA. Harris’ campaign also released a 43-page report, “The Trump-Vance ‘Concept’ on Health Care,” asserting that her opponents would

triple-negative. Her work underscores the importance of tailored treatment, increased awareness, and genetic counseling for women at higher risk. For those of us with dense breast tissue, mammograms alone might not be enough. Dense breasts can mask cancer on a traditional mammogram, which is why additional screenings like ultrasounds and MRIs are often recommended. Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, so early and frequent screenings are critical. The problem is many women don’t know this — either because they aren’t informed by their doctors or because they don’t ask.

We need to ask questions, and we need to

ians need to be aware of what medications and sup-

“rip away coverage from people with preexisting conditions and raise costs for millions.”

Republicans were tripped up in the past when they sought unsuccessfully to repeal the ACA. Instead, the law became more popular, and the risk Republicans posed to preexisting condition protections helped Democrats retake control of the House in 2018.

In a KFF poll last winter, two-thirds of the public said it is very important to maintain the law’s ban on charging people with health problems more for health insurance or rejecting their coverage.

“People in this election are focused on issues that affect their family,” said Robert Blendon, a professor emeritus of health policy and political analysis at Harvard. “If people believe

advocate for ourselves. Don’t be afraid to push for additional testing if you have dense breasts or a family history. And don’t be afraid to talk about your diagnosis. Silence only feeds fear and ignorance.

I want women — especially Black women — to understand that we cannot afford to stay silent about breast cancer. Our health depends on our ability to gather information, to speak out, and to support one another. Talk to your doctors, ask the tough questions, and don’t be afraid to seek second opinions. Speak with women who have walked this path before you and do your own research.

In my case, taking control of the situation meant talking openly with my family and friends,

plements are in the home and how they’re stored.

“Medications need to be added to your playdate safety checklist. This includes marijuana edibles and gummies because consuming products with THC can also harm children, and the products could be laced with fentanyl,” according to Clukies.

“These can be uncomfortable conversations to have, but a neutral and nonjudgmental tone can go a long way in preventing unintentional exposures, and it will give you peace of mind.”

their own insurance will be affected by Trump, it could matter.”

Harris, meanwhile, wants to preserve the temporary expanded subsidies that have helped more people get lower-priced health coverage under the ACA. These expanded subsidies that help about 20 million people will expire at the end of 2025, setting the stage for a pitched battle in Congress between Republicans who want to let them run out and Democrats who say they should be made permanent.

Democrats in September introduced a bill to make them permanent. One challenge: The Congressional Budget Office estimated doing so would increase the federal deficit by more than $330 billion over 10 years.

gathering information, and making a decision that was right for me. But every woman’s journey is unique, and that’s why having access to research, support, and resources is so important. We must be our own advocates and push for the best care possible.

Breast cancer doesn’t have to define us, but we do need to face it. By speaking out, staying informed, and finding the right support, we can take control of our health and our futures. Let’s break the silence, and empower ourselves and each other to fight this disease. Sharon Joseph is CEO of the Boys and Girls of Harlem. This commentary was originally published by the New York Amsterdam News

Keeping

guns,

lockboxes is recommended by the St. Louis Department of Health and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

now available free of

Photo courtesy of Good RX

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

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

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.

SCIENCE CORNER

Arachnids are a classification of invertebrates (animals without a backbone).

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 cephalothorax and contains the mouth part, any organs used for senses, and pairs of limbs (including pincers or poison fangs). The posterior

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

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

Materials Needed:

• Boiled Eggs • Bowl • Fruit Juice

Procedure:

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

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

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

MATH CONNECTION

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? ______

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

DID YOU KNOW?

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.

Spider Web Eggs

r Peel the eggs and observe the spider web pattern.

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?

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

Spider Math!

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.)

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

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

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

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

SCIENCE STARS

African-Canadian Zoologist Maydianne Andrade

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

50% of women and 16% of men suffer from arachnophobia, which is a fear of spiders. Spider silk is made with strong strands of protein. It can support more weight than bone and half as much weight as steel.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities —

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

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.

Current Events: 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.

Learning Standards:

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.

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

All About Arachnids

Prop B threatens city’s financial stability

By Darlene Green

As a long-time resi-

dent and civic leader of St. Louis, I’ve witnessed our beloved city weather numerous storms. We’ve faced shrinking population, crumbling infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, economic downturns, and persistent crime issues.

Yet, amidst these trials, St. Louis has maintained a beacon of hope – our sound financial management in city government. Every day, our city

employees work tirelessly to meet the basic needs of our constituents, and these essential services form the backbone of our community. When things run smoothly, residents hardly notice. But when they don’t it disturbs our quality of life.

That’s why I’m deeply concerned about Proposition B on the November ballot. This misguided initiative threatens to dismantle the very system that has kept our city financially stable in

turbulent times. Despite our challenges, St. Louis has maintained an enviable high credit rating. Today it’s AA, even with continued population loss. This translates to real benefits for our residents. It means lower interest rates when we borrow, allowing our limited funds to stretch further

and accomplish more for our community. This financial stability is no accident; it’s the result of prudent fiscal management and strong controls that have served as a check against imprudent spending. Proposition B, under the guise of giving the Board of Aldermen more control, risks upending this

delicate balance. While its proponents may argue for more legislative oversight, the reality is that our current system isn’t broken – it’s working exactly as intended, protecting the financial interests of St. Louis and its residents.

As voters, we have a responsibility to see Proposition B is a misguided power grab that’s not in our best interest and vote NO. Our city faces enough challenges without self-inflicted wounds to our financial

stability. I urge my fellow St. Louisans to reject Proposition B. Vote NO on Proposition B on November 5th. Let’s maintain good credit and financial stability that has served our city well. St. Louis deserves leaders who prioritize the city’s long-term health over short-term political gains.

Darlene Green is comptroller of the city of St. Louis

Darlene Green

Ten tips to keep your business ‘cybersafe’

Should be a top priority

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

A cybersecurity breach can present significant threats to your business. No matter the size of your organization, it’s important to take cybersecurity seriously. Your data is your company’s most important asset, and you need to keep your digital operations safe. Most businesses also rely on external partners and vendors, which can introduce cybersecurity risks that must be carefully managed.

Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or just beginning to priori-

tize cybersecurity measures within your organization, it’s important to equip your company with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance cyber-readiness. These tips and best practices may help protect your organization in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

1.Create guidelines to access your data Businesses should develop protocols for responsible use of technology resources within their organization. Users should only have access to the data they need to do their jobs, and

should avoid accessing, sharing or disclosing sensitive information without proper authorization.

2.Keep an eye on your data Internal control best practices can include classifying data based on sensitivity (e.g., public, internal, confidential), regular auditing and monitoring, employee training, building an incident response plan, completing data backup and recovery, instituting third-party vendor assessments, making regular updates and disposal of

Battle to reduce or eliminate student debt rages on

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Education Dept. has new initiatives

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new proposed regulations to expand student debt relief, potentially impacting around eight million borrowers facing financial hardship.

A U.S. Department of Education proposal would allow the Secretary of Education to forgive loans in cases where borrowers are unlikely to repay due to severe hardship or where continued collection costs are deemed unjustified.

“For far too long, our broken student loan system has made it too hard for borrowers experiencing heartbreaking and financially devastating hardships to access relief, and it’s not right,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

The proposed rules outline two pathways for relief: automatic loan forgiveness based on predictive data for at-risk borrowers and an application-based process for those with persistent financial struggles.

New rules would ensure lasting support for some of the most financially vulnerable Americans, including many Pell Grant recipients.

The Biden-Harris Administration is continuing its efforts to alleviate student debt despite opposition from MAGA Republicans and setbacks imposed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Administration secured a $900

Draper, Warren on LSEM Breakfast Forum panel

Retired Missouri Supreme Court

Judge George Draper

Judge George W. Draper and Karen Warren, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) associate director, will join Bill Bay, president of the American Bar Association in discussing the Legal Services Corporation’s impact during the 2024 Breakfast Forum at 8 a.m. Thursday Nov. 21 at the Missouri Athletic Club, 05 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102. The Breakfast Forum will celebrate Legal Services Corporation’s 50th anniversary. The panel, moderated by Ronald Flagg, LSEM president, will also examine the current state of legal aid in Missouri and nationwide and look toward the future.

LSEM has provided free legal case representation, advice and counsel, public education programs, referrals, outreach, and legal clinics since 1956. Since its inception, LSEM has assisted more than one million low-income individuals and families.

Allen Bluiett honored as Visionary Leader

Allen

Allen Bluiett Jr. will be honored as a Missouri Visionary Leader on Nov. 2, 2024, by the National Council of Negro Women – Gateway Metropolitan Section during its 17th Anniversary Legacy Luncheon. Bluiett, who will receive special recognition for excellence in church leadership and community involvement, has been a member of the Olivet Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years.

Jr.

He has served as Deacons Ministry chair since 2004 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bill Hall helps Newsweek political coverage

Bill Hall

Adjunct Professor Bill Hall was quoted in Newsweek about a recent study that said people with conservative views are more likely to believe they are being discriminated against. He also was interviewed by Newsweek about a recent poll that found that crime is a bigger election concern for Black communities than White communities in the U.S. In addition, Newsweek quoted him about the status of Presidential power and the ability to determine the fate of welfare program recipients. Hall was interviewed by Al Sharq (a newspaper in Dubai) about the potential impact of both internal and external family disputes over politics, candidates and policy issues, involving the current 2024 U.S. Presidential elections.

U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona visited Compton-Drew Middle School on Sept. 6, 2023, with Congresswoman Cori Bush in support of public schools. Cardona is backing a proposal that would allow his office to excuse student debt under some circumstances. Photo by Wiley Price I The St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Howard University

Karen Warren

African American business owners should be knowledgeable about cybersecurity threats. Regardless of the size of the company, it should be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance cyber-readiness.

Photo courtesy of JPMorganChase

Bluiett

million borrowers have already received debt relief through various targeted programs.

The measures include $74 billion for over a million borrowers under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), up from just 7,000 approvals at the start of the Biden Administration; $56.5 billion for over 1.4 million borrowers under income-driven repayment plans, which addressed past administrative issues and improper forbearance practices; $28.7 billion for more than 1.6 million borrowers who attended schools that engaged in fraudulent practices or abruptly closed; and $16.2 billion for close to 572,000 borrowers with permanent disabilities.

The Department of Education’s new proposal

Cybersafe

Continued from A8 data.

3. Manage your network

Protect your network across traditional data centers, your cloud or other vendor-hosted environments. A secure and well-managed network reduces the risk of cyber threats, enhances productivity, and contributes to customer trust and satisfaction. Require strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication for all network users, regularly update and patch systems and complete regular security audits and assessments.

4. Maintain business con-

aims to provide two types of pathways to relief. The first would enable automatic forgiveness for borrowers identified through data-driven assessments as likely to default within the next two years. The second, an application-based option, would evaluate individual cases where hardship remains unaddressed by other repayment options.

The Department plans to publish these regulations in the Federal Register in the coming weeks and open a 30-day comment period on Regulations. gov. The Department aims to finalize the regulations in 2025, broadening debt relief options and providing vital support for millions of student borrowers.

“President Biden, Vice President Harris, and I will not stop fighting to deliver student debt relief and create a fairer, more just, and more affordable student loan system for all borrowers,” Cardona stated.

tinuity

Implement backup and disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in case of a breach or cyberattack. Test data recovery procedures and processes and develop robust incident response and business continuity plans to allow for swift recovery.

5. Protect your data with encryptions Encryption can help protect data from unauthorized access in transit (when it’s being transmitted over networks) and at rest (when stored on servers or devices). This involves using technologies such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt communications between servers,

are

are deemed

applications, users and systems. Ensure appropriate controls where encryption keys are stored, managed and accessed.

6. Create backup plans Incident management helps to address and manage security incidents, breaches and other disruptive events that can impact your organization’s ability to deliver services and products effectively.

7. Identify vulnerable areas Find security threats and vulnerabilities early to help reduce the risk of data breaches, financial losses, operational disruptions and customer dissatisfaction. Many industries have legal and regulatory requirements mandating incident

response preparedness and reporting.

8. Ensure your business objectives are aligned Outline goals and key performance indicators you want to align with your business objectives. Effective logging and monitoring help you maintain the reliability, security and performance of your services and products.

9. Consistently log and monitor Continue to observe your systems, applications and networks to ensure they operate efficiently, securely and reliably. Identify problems before they impact users, which allows for proactive resolution, reduced downtime and fewer service disruptions. Consistent logs also

aid in investigating security incidents and ensuring compliance with data protection laws.

10. Test your applications in a separate environment

By developing and training your applications in a test environment, you can work out any bugs in a safe environment to help minimize security risks. Creating a secure and efficient work environment minimizes distractions and misuse of resources.

Stay Cybersafe

Cybersecurity should be considered a top priority for your business. These cyber-safe steps are aimed to help small businesses address security gaps, to serve their clients and

customers more securely. You can learn more about JPMorganChase’s Global Supplier Diversity program at jpmorganchase. com/supplierdiversity

For informational/ educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Deposit products provided JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC © 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

These Howard University students are facing brighter futures after graduation, but many of them will also have to deal with staggering loan debt as they begin their respective careers. A U.S. Department of Education proposal would allow the Secretary of Education to forgive loans in cases

where borrowers

unlikely to repay due to severe hardship or where continued collection costs

unjustified.

Photo courtesy of Howard University

“There was a little magic in the air!”

– Earvin “Magic” Johnson, on Jayden Daniels’ miraculous “Hail Mary” TD pass against Chicago

The high school football regular season ended last Friday with a pair of spectacular games that were decided on the final play of the game.

On the Missouri side, Lutheran North edged Cardinal Ritter 50-48 in an epic contest between favorites to win state championships in their respective classes.

The Crusaders snapped Cardinal Ritter’s 35-game winning streak with the victory.

IMG Academy (FL)

defeated host East St. Louis 14-13 in an overtime thriller in a matchup of two nationally-ranked teams. East St. Louis took a 13-7 lead in overtime, but the IMG defense blocked the extra point. On its possession, IMG scored on fourth down, then converted the extra point to take the dramatic victory.

Week 9

standout performers

Running back Terrance Little of Hazelwood East rushed for 165 yards on 17 carries and four touchdowns in a 48-7 victory over Parkway West.

Receiver Mike Clark of Lutheran North had two touchdown receptions and an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Crusaders’ 50-48 victory over Cardinal Ritter.

Quarterback Dillon Duff of DeSmet rushed for 50 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 237 yards and two touchdowns in the Spartans’ 42-19 victory over Edwardsville.

Running back Trevion Taylor of Parkway Central

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Going out with a bang

Prep playoffs now on tap

2024 at East St. Louis High School. The Flyers would lose to the Ascenders of IMG Academy from Bradenton, Florida. 14-13 in overtime.

scored three rushing touchdowns in the Colts’ 40-0 victory over McCluer North.

Receiver Graham Faust of MICDS had two touchdown receptions and an interception on defense in the Rams 45-7 victory over Mexico.

Quarterback Collin

Sinclair of Orchard Farm passed for 225 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 70 yards in the Eagles 36-35 victory over Moberly.

Running back Trevor Kodak of Eureka rushed for 321 yards on 21 carries and five touchdowns in the

Wildcats’ 63-28 victory over Pattonville.

Running back Connor Lanham of Lindbergh rushed for 164 yards on 28 carries and four touchdowns in the Flyers 56-21 victory over Mehlville

It’s playoff time

Here is a look at some of the first-round matchups on the Missouri side. Games are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., unless noted. To view that full Missouri district playoffs bracket, visit www.mshsaa.org

Class 6 District 1: Fox at

Lindbergh

District 2: Vianney at Marquette

District 3: Hazelwood West at Pattonville

District 4: Francis Howell Central at Hickman

Class 5

District 1: Mehlville at St. Mary’s, 6 p.m.

District 2: Parkway South at Summit.

District 3: McCluer at MICDS, 3:30 p.m.

Class 4

District 3: Confluence at Jennings Lutheran St. Charles at Orchard Farm

Class 3

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Lutheran South vs Lift for Life at Gateway STEAM, Saturday, 1 p.m. Owensville at John Burroughs, Saturday, 1 p.m.

IHSA Playoffs First Round (Times TBA as of press time)

Class 8

Belleville East at Wilmette Loyola Academy Edwardsville at Elmhurst York

Class 6

Springfield High at East St. Louis

Class 5 Morris at Triad

Marion at Highland

Class 4

Columbia at Cahokia Taylorville at Waterloo Harrisburg at Breese Central

Class 1 Dupo at Althoff

Earl’s World

Former MICDS football standout Steve Hall of Lindenwood University was named as a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award Watch List, which goes to the FCS Freshman Player of the Year. The redshirt freshman running back then went out to have a career day in the Lions’ 49-38 victory over Western Illinois. Hall rushed for 259 yards on 13 carries and scored four touchdowns in the Lions’ victory. The fourth and final touchdown came on a spectacular 93-yard run which sealed the victory in the final minute of play. In nine games, Hall has rushed for a team-high 683 yards on 71 carries and five touchdowns. He is averaging 8.3 yards per carry…Former CBC football standout Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame rushed for 102 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns in a big 51-14 over previously unbeaten Navy. Love broke loose for a season-high 64-yard TD run in the second quarter. For the season, he has rushed for 564 yards and nine touchdowns…Former Parkway West basketball standout Tyler King has given a commitment to SIUE. King is entering his sophomore year at North Central Missouri College in Trenton. As a freshman, he averaged 21 points a game in leading NCMC to a 27-8 record. He also shot 38 percent from 3-point range.

Michael Jordan a driving force behind NASCAR lawsuit

The NASCAR racing season is down to its last weeks with playoff races with a month of crowning a 2024 champion.

The offseason leading to the 2025 Daytona 500 on February 16 should be newsworthy, as well.

23XI team owners Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin and Front Row Motorsports have sued NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France. France’s family is the longtime owner of NASCAR.

The antitrust lawsuit was filed in North Carolina and alleges “the stock car racing circuit and its leadership have used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport.”

‍Listed in the lawsuit as anti-competitive actions are: Buying a majority of the premier racetracks that are exclusive to NASCAR races; Imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-

sanctioned racetracks; Acquiring Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), the only notable stock car racing series competitor; Preventing teams from participating in any other stock car races, while also retaining ownership over Next Gen parts and cars; and Forcing teams to buy their parts from single-source suppliers chosen by NASCAR.

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning,” the plaintiffs said in a release.

“Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love. Together, we brought this antitrust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans.”

“No other major professional sport in North

America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices,” the plaintiffs stated.

3XI Racing was founded in 2020 by Hamlin, Jordan, and Curtis Polk. Front Row Motorsports is owned by Bob Jenkins and has been racing full-time since 2005.

Bubba Wallace, the lone Black NASCAR driver, races for 23XI.

“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and

Michael Jordan, a co-owner of the 23XI NASCAR Series racing team, is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against NASCAR and CEO Jim France.

the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan said in the release announcing the lawsuit.

“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. [The lawsuit] shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

Wallace remained silent on the legal action when it was announced but recently told The Athletic, “Me being an advocate for

change and standing up for change, that’s what I look for. It’s a crazy time to be in NASCAR, but I stand behind my team 100%, and we’ll see where it takes us.”

The growing popularity of the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway led NASCAR to make it part of the playoff circuit. It will be the second race and is scheduled for Sept. 7, 2025. While the wheels of justice turn slowly, unlike NASCAR tires, the case could be reaching a courtroom by fall of next year.

The Reid Roundup

While Bubba Wallace did not qualify for the playoff races, his 2XI teammate Tyler Reddick was in first place after a win last week at Homestead. He is one of four drivers that is still in competition for the NASCAR driver’s championship…If Anthony Davis can avoid injuries, he could win the NBA MVP Award. After the

Lakers 3-1 start to the season, Davis is averaging 33 points, 12 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 blocks per game… Trouble follows St. Louis native and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. He served the first game of a two-game suspension last Sunday for a failed NFL PED test. He said he has no idea how the PED entered his system but did not file an appeal…He received a sixgame suspension (which was reduced) in 2023 for placing a bet while at the Lions’ practice facility. He now also faces charges for allegedly illegally carrying a concealed weapon in Detroit…L.A. Rams running back Kyren Williams continued his potential All-Pro season by rushing 23 times for 97 yards and catching five passes for 19 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ 30-20 win over the Vikings on October 24…The Rams are still rumored to trade Williams to make room for rookie Blake Corum

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

IMG senior defensive back Major Preston just misses East St. Louis wide receiver Kortez Rupert (12) during second-quarter action Friday night Oct. 25,

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Jasen Vinlove / USA Today Sports

Construction Inclusion Week keeps building diversity in industry

The St. Louis Construction Consortium celebration of Supplier Diversity Day on Oct. 16, 2024, included honoring Tony Thompson, KWAME Building Group founder, chair and CEO with its Lifetime Achievement Award

The Consortium includes AEC firms ABNA, Alberici, Clayco, KAI Enterprises, KWAME Building Group, McCarthy Building Companies, PARIC, S.M. Wilson, Tarlton and TW Constructors.

Held at the Forest Park campus of St. Louis Community College during national Construction Inclusion Week (Oct. 14-18), the networking event provided regional minority- and womenowned businesses with an opportunity to display their products and services and connect with consortium members, general contractors, construction managers, architects and owners. Construction Inclusion Week was launched in

2020 and has grown into an industry-wide effort with over 5,000 firms registered to participate nationwide. Its goal is to “champion change and cultivate a more inclusive construction industry.

KAI is a founding member of the Consortium, and its CEO Michael B. Kennedy says diversity and inclusion are integral components of St. Louis’ growth and success and encourages other regional AEC leaders to join the effort.

“Leaders in the construction industry have a unique responsibility to champion supplier diversity, not just as a policy but as a practice embedded in every project,” said Kennedy.

“By driving inclusion from the top down, we not only open doors to underrepresented businesses but also strengthen the entire supply chain, foster innovation, and build more resilient communities.

“True leadership recognizes that diversity is not

an option but a strategic imperative that shapes the future of our industry.”

Lifetime Achiever Thompson has led the minority-owned construction management firm for the past three decades and is recognized for his strong commitment to community, equality in education and diversity/inclusion within his company. Thompson also developed a scholarship program within his KWAME Charitable Foundation that has presented over $3 million in endowed scholarships to local universities for first generation and minority students.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in St. Louis, KWAME is one of the nation’s top pure construction management firms, dedicating 100 percent of its resources to project management services. The employee-owned company pro-

Anthony ‘Tony’ Thompson, KWAME Building Group founder, chair and CEO, was presented with the St. Louis Construction Consortium Lifetime Achievement Award during Supplier Diversity Day at St. Louis Community College Forest Park on Oct. 16, 2024.

vides estimating, scheduling, project planning, value engineering and other project management services as an independent advocate for owners and developers. KWAME also has division offices in Atlanta, Dallas and Seattle.

Provident Behavioral Health receives Reinsurance Group grant

Provident Behavioral Health recently received a $40,000 grant from RGA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA), to support its Access Center in downtown St. Louis.

RGA has supported Provident’s work in the community for more than a decade, consistently advancing the organization’s efforts to offer affordable, impactful mental health care to underserved populations.

“Our Access Center is a lifeline for people who are experiencing behavioral health challenges and need to talk to someone right away,” said Julie McDowell, vice president of advancement at Provident.

“This grant demonstrates RGA’s continued commitment to our mission and confidence in our ability to build brighter futures through excep-

tional behavioral health services.”

Provident’s Access Center provides counseling for depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and relationship issues.

Clients also gain access to Provident’s 24/7 crisis hotline, ensuring they have support whenever they need it.

Appointments start at just $5, and services are available to children, adults, and older adults through in-person or telehealth appointments.

“RGA and RGA Foundation believe that mental health is a key component for a long and happy life,” said Matt Blakely, RGA vice president of corporate responsibility and sustainability.

“We are proud to partner with Provident Behavioral Health in their work to make mental health services more accessible to everyone in our community.”

Photo by Nicole Adewale / Courtesy of St. Louis Construction Consortium

Living It

Usher the unstoppable

R&B god praised for stunning ‘Past Present Future’ stop at Enterprise Center

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

With his “Past Present Future” tour, Usher revealed a confession that wasn’t connected to his classic 2004 album of a similar name. According to the storyline of the show, Usher is a cyborg sent from the future to become an R&B phenomenon. He relentlessly powered through the first concert of his two-night run at Enterprise Center. So much so that Usher being a cyborg is easier to believe than the idea that a mere mortal of a certain age could pull off the type of show he delivered for what appeared to be a soldout crowd Friday night.

After a lively and interactive session with DJ Mars, Usher emerged on stage around 9:10 p.m. By 9:40 he had sung seven songs without missing a step of high impact choreography, made four wardrobe changes, twisted and turned his way through two roller-skate segments and performed the chair routine from his “You Make Me Wanna…” video. With the exception of a crowd participation moment that carried on too long involving him randomly feeding women cherries, the pace of the show rarely let up. In less than two hours, more than 40 songs were performed – and the setlist provided a full scope of Usher’s 30-plus year legacy.

Usher was just 13 when he began his music career in the early 1990s. He would have been considered an anomaly in just about any other musical era, but urban music was jam packed with youth acts in the 1990s – including Aaliyah, Tevin Campbell, Another Bad Creation, Lil Vicious, Monica, Brandy, Immature and Kriss Kross.

His sophomore album “My Way,” set him apart from his young musical peers –and made him a superstar with sales that exceeded 7 million copies in the United States alone. He now has more than 100 million albums sold and 8 Grammy awards. Along with the title track, he performed “Make Me Wanna…,” and “Nice and Slow” during “Past Present Future.” And while it was curated with his greatest hits in mind, Usher dedicated at least one track from each of his nine studio albums over the course of the show and managed to squeeze in a few selections for the hardcore and day one Usher supporters. He started in the industry as a child performer, but the vibe for “Past Present

Future” was “grown and sexy”– even before Usher took the stage thanks to Mars who declared Usher “The King of R&B.” Wearing an impeccably structured white suit that felt like an upcycle of Michael Jackson’s attire in the

See Usher, C2

Celebrating the legacy of The Black Rep

9th Annual Gala returns to 560 Music Center next weekend

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

Actor Stephen McKinley Henderson made a statement about being honored with the Woodie King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Black Rep Gala that is as compelling today as it was eight years ago.

“The footprint for the Black Rep goes all across this country – all over the world, really,” Henderson said. “That’s why I’m so thankful that they chose to recognize me.”

The Tony Award-nominated Broadway, film and television veteran has always been an ally of the Black Rep and grateful for the platform it has provided for Black theater practitioners and patrons for nearly a half-century. And when the Black Rep Gala returns to 560

Music Center next weekend for the ninth year, some of the staples of their core community will join Henderson’s ranks.

The event will once again usher in their upcoming season, their 48th, which kicks off in January with Douglas Lyons’ “Chicken & Biscuits.”

Playwright Pearl Cleage, costume designer Daryl Harris and singer/actress

Denise Thimes will be honored for their life’s work involving the stage. Maxine Clark and Rudy Nickens will be honored

Celebrated jazz singer and actress Denise Thimes is among the three artists who will be presented with the esteemed Woodie King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award at The 9th Annual Black Rep Gala on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 560 Music Center.

with the Frankie Muse Freeman Service Award at this year’s gala.

Co-chaired by Vito and Adrian Bracy and Everett and Amy Johnson, proceeds from the Gala support The Black Rep’s Education and Community Programs. The Spelman Glee Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, will be the featured entertainment for the 2024 gala – as part of the Black Rep’s commitment to showcase the talents of HBCUs. This year the performance will be an extra special experience because Spelman is Thimes’ alma mater.

The lifetime achievement

“Our goal remains the same; celebrating women of all shapes and sizes.”

- Nelly on the re-release of his Apple Bottom fashion brand next month

Positive emotional baggage

Hip hop icon Darryl “DMC” McDaniels will be in St. Louis this weekend to support My Life In A Bag Foundation’s 2nd Annual Charity Gala Weekend, which culminates with a sneaker ball gala on Saturday, Nov. 2.

2nd annual My Life in a Bag Charity Gala Weekend continues through Nov. 2

By Kenya Vaughn The St.

Louis American

As President and CEO of Agape Executive Protection & Management, Charles “Bizkitt” Smith is in the business of providing security. That same notion fuels his passion for helping youth through his My Life In A Bag Foundation. He founded the nonprofit in 2021 to provide self-worth and a sense of hope through the distribution of luggage and essential items for young people in the foster care system and those who reside in group home settings.

“We want these kids to see that they are somebody,” Smith said. “It is our job as a community to step up to the plate.”

To raise funds and awareness about the organization, My Life In A Bag Foundation will present its 2nd Annual Charity Gala Weekend, which culminates on Nov. 2 with a sneaker ball gala hosted by Queen MochaLatte and DJ Charlie Chan Soprano. Hip hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels will be a celebrity guest for this year’s gala. It takes place at Orlando’s Maryland Heights location, 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza. Doors open at 5 p.m. The weekend will kick off Thursday, Oct. 31 with Treat Or Read from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at The Machinists Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd. in Bridgeton. In addition to games and giveaways, a read along with McDaniels and his children’s book “Darryl’s Dream” is the main

See Rep, C3

See DMC, C2

Photo courtesy of Denise Thimes

Photo by Taylor Marrie

Music superstar Usher made a triumphant return to St. Louis when his ‘Past Present Future’ tour filled Enterprise Center on October 25 and 26..

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds

CONCERTS

Sat., Nov. 2, 8 p.m., Anthony Hamilton and Fantasia Chaifetz Arena. Please Note: This venue has a CLEAR BAG policy and is CASHLESS for concessions. Visit chaifetzarena.com for more details.

Fri., Nov. 8, 7 p.m., AG Touring & Mammoth present the Rod Wave Last Lap Tour, at Enterprise Center. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Nov. 9, 8 p.m., Lupe Fiasco Samurai Tour, The Factory STL, 17105 N. Outer 40 Rd. Chesterfield, MO. For more information, visit TheFactorySTL.com.

Sat., Nov. 16, Derrick Sr. presents The F.L.A.M. (Fight Like A Mother) Benefit Concert Series with Glenn Jones, Shantay Savage, Tracie Spencer, Tony Terry and Shanice Wilson. The attire is all black with a pink twist. The Ambassador, 9800 New Halls Ferry. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sat., Nov. 2, 9 p.m. (8 p.m. doors), THIMES 2 PROMOTIONS presents the historical and legendary MISS FANNIES BALL 2024. The Ambassador, 9800 New Halls Ferry Rd. For more information, contact the Ambassador @ 314-869-9090 or THIMES 2 PROMOTIONS @ 314324.0945.

Sat., Nov. 9, 5 p.m., NABJSTL, The National Association of Black Journalists – Saint Louis 2024 Living Legends

Awards reception. This year’s honorees include St. Louis broadcasting legend Julius Hunter, St. Louis American News Editor Alvin A. Reid and 5 On Your Side evening co-anchor Kelly Jackson, Nine PBS, 3855 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63108. For tickets visit, https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2024-living-legends-award-program-tickets-999737751527?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sat., Nov. 9, 7 p.m. (5:30 p.m. reception) Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Salute to Women in Leadership 20th Anniversary Celebration featuring Regina Belle and Kenny Lattimore, honorees include Noémi Neidorff and Lynn Whitfield. Marriott St. Louis Grand, 800 Washington Ave. For more information, visit www.ulstl.com.

Sat., Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Slumfest Mixer & Showcase (The Return of Slumfest) Red Flag, 3040 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO, United States, Missouri. For tickets, visit https://www. etix.com/ticket/p/91775584/thereturn-of-slumfest-saint-louisred-flag

Sat., Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., Dance St. Louis presents Pilobolus re: Creation, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit dancestlouis.org.

COMEDY

Fri., Nov. 14 – Sun., Nov. 16, Flyover Comedy Festival featuring Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Anointed Greens Presents: Unsung Black Sheroes, DC Ervin and more. Various locations including Stifel Theatre. For more information, schedule

World Chess Hall of Fame Music Series will present Louis York. The duo consists of Grammy winner and East St. Louis native Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly. See ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT for additional information.

and full lineup visit www.flyovercomedyfest.com.

Sat., Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., Eddie Griffin Live, The Factory STL, 17105 N. Outer 40 Rd. Chesterfield, MO. For more information, visit TheFactorySTL.com.

Fri., Nov. 29 – Sat., Nov. 30, Helium welcomes St. Louis’ own Lavell Crawford, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St Louis Galleria Street, St Louis MO 63117. For more information, call 314.727.1260 or visit st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Fri., Nov. 1, 8 p.m., Live Music

DMC

with Chuck Flowers, Lit Cigar Lounge STL, 17049 N. Outer 40 Rd, #189, Chesterfield, MO. For more information, visit litstl.com

Wed., Nov. 13, 6 p.m. World Chess Hall of Fame Music Series featuring Louis York, which includes Grammy Winner and East St. Louis native Chuck Harmony, 4652 Maryland Ave. For tickets, visit https://worldchesshof.regfox.com/ Sat., Nov. 15, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. doors), The Coleman Hughes Project featuring Adrianne Le Belle Coeur, 1117 S. Main Street, St. Charles, MO. For tickets, visit https://tchpfaf.ticketbud.com/nov2024

THEATRE

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attraction.

“With that book, he teaches the kids that you can be anything that you want to be,” Smith said. “He just gives encouragement. I think that it will be a good thing.”

Smith worked in group home settings for more than 15 years. But it was when he started touring them with McDaniels that he saw just how universally hopeless the system can be for the young people that Smith refers to as “behind the wall.”

McDaniels became passionate about improving conditions and building awareness about the system when he learned a secret about his own personal history.

“He found out at the

Usher

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“Smooth Criminal” video, Usher opened his set with a “Coming Home” and “Hey Daddy,” and spent the rest of the night proving Mars right.

The wrap-around stage and top tier audio visual elements that included a computer generated guide named Celeste that segued into autobiographical sketches were much appreciated added value. So was the magnificent costuming. But Usher could have performed the same set on a bare stage in a withered t-shirt and sweatpants and blown the crowd away just the same.

As the title of the tour suggests, the show is an encyclopedic overview. Each of the segments –

Sat., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., St. Louis Black Repertory Company will present their 9th Annual Gala featuring The Spelman College Glee Club and honoring the achievements of playwright Pearl Cleage, designer Daryl Harris and Denise Thimes –who will receive the Woodie King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award Maxine Clark and Rudy Nickens, who will receive the Frankie Muse Freeman Service Award, 560 Music Center. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org or call 314.534.3807.

Through Nov. 17, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Steve Woolf Studio Series returns with The Roommate, Emerson Studio Theatre, Loretto-Hilton, 130 Edgar Rd. Webster Groves, MO. For more information, visit www.repstl.org.

ART

Through Feb. 16, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Narrative Wisdom and African Arts, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Feb. 9, 2025, Great Rivers Biennial featuring Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid and Ronald Young, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108. For more information visit www.cam-stl.org.

Through Apr. 13, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Federal Art Project 1935-1945, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

age of 45 he was adopted,” Smith said. “He told me, ‘Now that I know I was a foster kid, I need to do things to help out foster kids – to let them know that you are somebody.’”

Smith would be right at his side as security.

“It didn’t matter if it was in another city – it didn’t matter if it was in another country, everywhere we went, I saw young people with their belongings in black plastic bags,” Smith said. “You shouldn’t have to walk around carrying the things that you own in anything that represents garbage. Seeing that just really did something to me.”

And he did something about it. Years before he officially created My Life In A Bag Foundation, Smith would provide luggage and other essentials to the young people that were in the facilities where

past, present and future – had their own highlights. And there were moments of fashion that were as captivating as the performance. In addition to the opening suit, the post-apocalyptic ensemble that seemed inspired by “Book of Eli” and the bedazzled show stopping final look that featured a blinged out racer jacket and black pants were the best of them. As far as the best of the performances – it depends on the preferred Usher. If it is singer/dancer Usher, then “My Way,” “Make Me Wanna” and “Caught Up” and “You Don’t Have to Call” were favorites. Pop star Usher fans enjoyed “OMG,” DJ Got Us Falling in Love and the “Without You” finale. R&B Usher lovers connected with “Confessions II,” “U Got

he worked and others throughout the region.

“I want to see these youth live the life that God created them for,” Smith said.

The gala weekend programming includes a Mental Health Day event that also features McDaniels and hometown hero Laurence Maroney as well as Rhonda “Hatchett Queen” Taylor, Shernetta Bouier-Blue and Briante Wells at 7:15 p.m. (6:30 p.m. doors) Friday, Nov. 1 at Next Time Café (10466 West Florissant Ave.)

“God created us for a purpose, but we will never meet our purpose if we keep letting the darkness take us from that.”

For more information about the 2nd Annual My Life in a Bag Charity Gala Weekend, visit www.mylifeinabagfoundation.org.

It Bad,” “Superstar,” “Nice and Slow,” “You Remind Me,” “My Boo” and “New Flame” and “Lovers and Friends.” Several selections could have cross pollinated for crooner Usher, but “Climax,” “There Goes My Baby” and “Without You” were best in show. Skater Usher fans were surely impressed by “New Flame (Chris Brown cover),” “In the Club,” “Don’t Waste My Time” and “Tell Me.” Club banger Usher devotees got a kick out of “Yeah,” “Love in This Club,” and “Good Good.”

“I want to take this moment to be present with y’all,” Usher said. “I want to acknowledge all of you and the fact that you have loved this music as long as you have. This has been a 30-year career for me..” Last night it felt as if he’s just getting started.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Embrace sweater weather

By Barry Draper

Even as temperatures

dip, you’ll find plenty of things to do in St. Louis this November.

We’re spotlighting everything from signature street parties to major sporting events, but you can find even more festivals, events and celebrations to add to your calendar at explorestlouis.com.

Narrative Wisdom and African Arts

Until February 16, 2025

Narrative Wisdom and African Arts explores how historical and contemporary African arts make visible narratives rooted in collective and individual memory and knowledge.

The ticketed Saint Louis Art Museum exhibition acknowledges the intersections between certain historical arts and oral traditions, placing historical works made by artists across sub-Saharan Africa from the 13th to 20th centuries in conversation with contemporary works by African artists around the globe. Pictorial forms are featured prominently; in this way, Narrative Wisdom and African Arts breaks from biases toward formal abstraction in African art. By underscoring the mutability of meanings associated with African narrative arts, the exhibition challenges Western constructs of narrative.

Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl November 2

The 12th annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl will bring music and dance to every corner of the thoroughfare. Featuring blues musicians and swing dancers alongside marching brass bands and racks of vintage clothing, the celebration is free, except for the grand finale at The

Golden Record. Full Moon Festival November 2

In celebration of the pending Beaver Full Moon on Nov. 15, Schlafly Bottleworks will host a full moon festival, complete with seasonal beers from Schlafly Beer, roasted pigs from local farmers and live music. At the event, guests can also sample four different chili recipes and then vote for their favorite!

Laumeier After Dark November 2

For one night only, Laumeier After Dark gives the public a unique opportunity to explore Laumeier Sculpture Park. The annual event features temporary art and light installations from local artists as well as illuminations of the sculpture park’s most iconic pieces. Laumeier After Dark also includes a night market with local makers, food and beverage vendors and live music.

Peter Pan November 13 to 24

The high-flying musical Peter Pan has thrilled audiences of all ages for almost 70 years, and now, it’s been reimagined by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price and choreographed by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey that they’ll never forget. The extraordinary musical features timeless songs such as “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” Hooked? Get tickets to Peter Pan when it soars

into The Fabulous Fox.

Flyover Comedy Festival November 14 to 16

Three days. Forty events. More than 100 comedians. The Flyover Comedy Festival is an annual comedy invasion of St. Louis featuring standup comedy showcases; improvisation workshops and performances; and sketch and storytelling shows. This year, Patton Oswalt and Tig Notaro will headline the festival, performing at Stifel Theatre on Fri., Nov. 15.

Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal November 18

U.S. Soccer has selected St. Louis to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2024-2025 Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal home leg on Nov. 18, when new USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will coach his first home match in official competition at CITYPARK. The critical match marks the national team’s first step toward its fourth-straight Concacaf Nations League title, as the USMNT has won every edition of the competition since it launched in 2019.

Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time November 29

Mariah Carey, the Queen of Christmas, will perform live at Enterprise Center to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her album Merry Christmas. Every year, Carey breaks records with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” –last year, she shattered the record for the most Spotify streams in a single day on Christmas Eve with the song streaming 23,701,697 times. This is your chance to hear the endearing earworm live!

Continued from C1

award recipients are an embodiment of Henderson’s aforementioned remarks. Cleage is a playwright, essayist, novelist, poet and political activist. She is currently the Playwright in Residence at the Alliance Theatre and at the Just Us Theater Company. Several of her works have been staged by The Black Rep, including “A Song For Coretta” – which ironically premiered at Spelman College in 2007. “Theatre is a communal experience. It is my hope that the characters and the audience will have a chance to connect,” Cleage told The American ahead of The Black Rep’s inaugural staging of “A Song For Coretta.” “And that the audience will feel that they are a part of this community.”

Although she has made a name for herself as a jazz singer around the world – including a performance for the late Queen Elizabeth II –Thimes’ talent was honed through her experiences as a musical theater major at Spelman. St. Louis also

knows her for her work both as a musical theater actress and as a dramatic actress, particularly for her work on the Black Rep stage.

In addition to many other performances, the power of her presence on stage was evident through the Black Rep’s blockbuster staging of the Black theater classic “The Wiz” back in 2000. The show sold out for four straight weekends. And Thimes’ portrayal of Evilene, would stand against any. In the years following, she leaned more towards her jazz singing, but has returned to the stage from time to time – most recently for The Black Rep’s presentation of August Wilson’s “King Hedley II,” which closed out the company’s 47th season.

Her list of noted performances would be too lengthy to include in its entirety, but among the highlights are a headlining performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club and being hand picked by the late Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin for her 72nd birthday celebration.

“I look at what I do as a ministry. I have always felt that way about my

singing,” Thimes said.

“I know this sounds farfetched for a jazz singer –but I don’t look at myself as just a jazz singer. God uses this music to relax and make people happy and put them in a different frame of mind. When you can change a person’s feelings and energy, that’s a ministry.” Harris, a native of East St. Louis, has more than 50 years of experience as a writer, director, costume designer, actor and professor of costume design. He is a 2010 recipient of President Obama’s President’s Call to Service Award – the nation’s highest honor in recognition of volunteerism. In 2016 he was tapped to become a member of the Fulbright Specialists program. The five-year appointment involved him working as an expert consultant for other colleges and universities across the globe.

The 9th Annual Black Rep Gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Blvd. For more information, visit www. theblackrep.org or call 314.534.3807.

Photo courtesy of Laumeier Sculpture Park

Laumeier After Dark

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Proposal

Bids for Replace Highway AA Bridge at Katy Trail State Park, Project No. X2408-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, December 3, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

Bids for Replace Roof System & Selective Ceiling Demolition, 511 Airport Road, Jefferson City Airport, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109, Project No. R2407-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, December 5, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive sealed bids for the General Contracting Work for Contract No. F25 402, Transformed Projects at the Forest Park Campus for the EHC Renovation, until November 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. local time CST. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110. Specifications, drawings and bid forms may be obtained from Cross Rhodes’ Plan room at 2731 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis MO 63118. Documents are also available in Bonfire at https:// stlcc.bonfirehub.com. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on November 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. in the Forest Park Student Center, Room SC118.

The College has the proposed minority goals: MBE 15% and WBE 12%.

Individuals with special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact 314-6449039.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR OPEN-ENDED ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING SERVICES AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, NOVEMBER 6, 2024 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/ public-service/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov. 25% MBE and 5% WBE goals.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The project consists of providing low voltage and technology systems throughout the campus site and buildings. To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Cahills Construction Inc. is requesting bids for Project RC000221 – Norwood, Parker, and Harris Hall Mechanical Upgrades at Missouri University of Science and Technology. The place of performance is Rolla, Missouri.

Bids should be submitted to our office via email (bids@ cahillsconstruction.com) on or before 10.30.2024 at 10:00 am.

If you would like to get access to the plans and specifications, please contact our office at either bids@cahillsconstruction.com or via phone at 573.426.5305.

AND STOREFRONTS, ALUMINUM WINDOWS, DRYWALL, INTERIOR FINISHES, SIGNAGE, TOILET ACCESSORIES, FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALTIES,

SPECIALTIES, WARDROBE AND CLOSET SPECIALTIES, APPLIANCES, WINDOW TREATMENTS, EARTHWORK, ASPHALT PAVING, FENCES AND GATES, LANDSCAPING, AND SITE UTILITIES. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not receive a bid invitation, please send your company information to tlalexander@paric.com.

A PREBID meeting will be held on Wednesday, 10/23 at 9:00am at the project site.

Questions / RFI’s are due to Paric by November 7th, 2024. BIDS WILL BE DUE ON November 20th, 2024 @ 2:00pm. Send all questions to Grant Whitson (gwhitson@paric.com).

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

LETTING NO.8778

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Will receive electronic bids for the Kitchen Equipment Package for Contract No. F25 402-A, Transformed Projects at the Forest Park Campus for the EHC Renovation, until November 26, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. local time CST.

Proposals MUST be submitted electronically to Travis Aly, Project Manager at tcaly@tarltoncorp.com on or before the time and date stipulated in the Request for Proposal (RFP) document.

Specifications and drawings may be obtained from Cross Rhodes’ Plan room at 2731 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis MO 63118. - https://www.x-rhodes.com/ sendfiles.php

Documents are also available in Bonfire at https://stlcc.bonfirehub.com

Questions regarding the scope of work should be directed to Travis Aly.

The College has the proposed minority goals MBE 15% and WBE 12%. Also proposed for Contractors to participate in a registered Apprenticeship Program approved through the United States Department of Labor.

Individuals with special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact 314-644-9039.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – YOUTH JOB PROGRAMMING FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

The City of St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention invites proposals from qualified nonprofits for youth job training programs targeting at-risk youth aged 15 to 24. Find the RFP online: https:// tinyurl.com/ovp-youthjobs Direct all communications to Cynthia Davis at violence-prevention@stlouis-mo.gov, 314-299-2196. Submission deadline: November 17, 2024, 11:59 P.M. CST. Late proposals will not be accepted.

TUCKER BOULEVARD CYCLE TRACK

FEDERAL PROJECT NO. TAP-5603(610)

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on November 19, 2024, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using the “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home. The bidder must pay $40 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

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

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on October 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in City Hall, 1200 Market Street, Room #325, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

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

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

SEALED BIDS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (“LCRA”) requests proposals to purchase and redevelop an approximately 28.33-acre property, commonly known as the Wellston Industrial Park and located at 1335 Ogden Avenue, Wellston, St. Louis County, Missouri 63133. Further information, including the complete RFP and a site informational packet, is available at https://stlpartnership. com/rfp-rfq/ or upon request at LCRA’s offices. Proposals must be received no later than 3 PM CT on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Bids for Replace Fire Alarm PanelsInfrastructure, Crossroads Correctional Center, Project No. C240401 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/3/24 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Switchgear, Power Plant & Maintenance Building, Eastern Reception and Diagnostic Correctional Center, Bonne Terre, Project No. C233001 – Re-Bid, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 21, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Heartland Regional Investment Fund, LLC issues this request for proposals for qualified legal services firms to provide ongoing advice and legal counsel for current and future New Markets Tax Credit projects. A copy of the RFP is available at https://stlpartnership.com/ rfp-rfq/. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2024.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (“LCRA”) requests proposals to purchase and redevelop an approximately 15-acre property, commonly known as the Plymouth Industrial Park and located at 6440 Page Avenue, Wellston, St. Louis County, Missouri 63133. Further information, including the complete RFP and a site informational packet, is available at https://stlpartnership. com/rfp-rfq/ or upon request at LCRA’s offices. Proposals must be received no later than 3 PM CT on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Gardens Apartments 4333 Nebraska Avenue St. Louis, MO 63111

1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units available. Market rate & income-based rents available. Stop by the office or call 314-832-7000 for more details. Applications can be returned Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

for an affordable 1-bedroom unit. Stop by the office or Call: (618) 345-7240 for an application Applications may be returned in person or by mail. Monday-Friday 8-5 Managed by Related Management Company

PUBLIC NOTICE

Donald Maggi Inc. is accepting bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on the Utility Relocation West Highway #54 –Camdenton MO Project No.: 24175 01 Bid Date and Time: 10:00 am November 15, 2024 Plans/Specification is available via Dropbox or Email Contact Donald Maggi Inc. at 573-364-7733 or email maggiconst@gmail.com Donald Maggi Inc.

NOTICE AFFIDAVIT OF

OF

I Ralph C. Moore Jr a native of the original peoples of North America present Minnesota Court Rule 220. Birth Certificates. I am familiar with the facts recited, stating the party named in said birth certificate is the same party as one of the owners named in said certificate of title; and that thereafter the Registrar of Titles shall treat said registered owner as having attained the age of the majority at a date 18 years after the date of birth shown by said certificate. Task Force comment – 1991 Adoption. This rule is derived from 4th Dist. R. 11.05.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Castle Point Improvements project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1847, 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 6, 2024 Plans and specifications will be available on October 7, 2024 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www. stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

ACTING DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS COUNTY

SERVICE DIRECTORY 314-289-5430

Poor People’s Campaign makes final push for votes

By Dorothy Boulware Word In Black

At the start of 2024, the Poor People’s Campaign, in partnership with various faith groups, set out on a mission: mobilize at least 30 million eligible voters among low-income people of color. Their goal is clear — to awaken what they call a “sleeping giant” of voters.

But why have so many stayed away from the polls? Bishop William J. Barber II, the campaign’s national co-chair, says it’s simple: politicians campaign without addressing the issues that matter most to these communities.

That’s why the Poor People’s Campaign has taken a grassroots approach, engaging directly with the communities it aims to mobilize. By building trust and encouraging participation, it hopes to move people from voter registration to casting their ballots.

One of the target areas is Georgia, which is experiencing a record turnout. More than 1.4 million ballots have been cast since early voting began on October 15. These numbers reflect the campaign’s strategic efforts. They sent out 8.7 million text messages to low-wage, infrequent voters, whom they describe as the “least of these” in biblical terms.

“It’s a problem when people who follow Jesus don’t follow the principles of Jesus’ ministry,” Barber said at a recent rally in North Carolina. “That’s the problem with Christian Nationalism.”

Barber points to a study by Pew that analyzed 50,000 sermons and found poverty mentioned in less than 1% of them. In white churches, the focus was on doctrine; in Black churches, it was on praise. Churches aren’t addressing poverty, and that’s why poor people are not engaged in the political system. They are ignored by the campaigning politicians, and their issues are not

addressed, Barber said. “That’s why young people have to make a choice between church and movements,” he explained.

“They can’t find the moral faith they know is right in church, so they choose movements such as this one.”

He emphasized the urgency of the campaign’s work by highlighting the daily toll of poverty.

“So many poor people die in this country that it would take 2 1/2 years to attend the funerals of the ones who die in one day,” he said.

The Poor People’s Campaign recently visited over two dozen states as part of the second National Canvassing Weekend, where they worked tirelessly to get out the vote. They canvassed and did outreach in neighborhoods with high concentrations of poor and low-wage infrequent voters, whom they called the “sleeping giant of this election.”

North Carolina faith leaders and organizers joined the team on a tour that included stops in Raleigh, Greenville, and Salisbury.

”As a disabled trans veteran, fourth-generation faith leader with the Christian Church, DOC,

and tri-chair in the Arizona Poor People’s Campaign, I canvass because my lived experiences of marginalization fuel a deep, unwavering commitment to justice and equity,” said volunteer Zade Evans.

“Voting as an impacted person is a civic duty and an act of defiance against systems that have long silenced us,” Evans

said. “In Arizona, a battleground state, I am dedicated to awakening the sleeping giant of poor and low-income voters to build a future where all voices matter and where there’s always room at the table.”

A voice from the Pennsylvania campaign, Tammy Rosing said the experience felt really good and centered on the big issues, rather than divisions.

“Looking out upon my community of Lancaster, seeing the different dynamics, the diversity, and where everyone is…there was no intensity or hate around any conversations, even in the Bible Belt of Pennsylvania,” she said.

“We took the time to have really in-depth conversations, hearing their thoughts and struggles. It wasn’t about Democrat or Republican. It was about meeting people where they were.”

A report from Lake Research

Reverend Dr. William Barber II and the Poor People’s Campaign recently showed up in over two dozen states as part of the second National Canvassing Weekend, where they worked tirelessly to get out the vote.

Partners demonstrates just how powerful this untapped coalition of low-income voters could be. It found that in the seven states that will likely decide the 2024 election—Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Pennsylvania—low-income voter participation was an average of 12 percentage points lower than that of their higher-income voters.

Using past averages to project 2024 turnout, this study measured the difference between the margin of victory in the last Trump/Biden matchup and the number of eligible low-income voters who are likely not to vote. In Georgia, for example, Biden won by almost 12,000 votes in 2020. In North Carolina, he lost by 74,000. But in both states, more than a million eligible low-income voters will likely not vote in 2024 if past trends continued. That’s a huge potential swing vote, and the proportions are similar across the seven swing states in the study.

Photo by Jemal Countess/ Courtesy of Repairers of the Breach