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St. Louis American The
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Vol. 98 No. 26 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Drake’s work earns WashU honor Dr. Bettina Drake, the Michael F. Neidorff Professor at Washington University’s School of Medicine, with Dr. Timothy J. Eberlein, founding director of the Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, following Drake’s installation.
Has built her career around cancer racial disparities research By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American Before Dr. Bettina Drake stepped onstage to have Washington University’s custom, engraved professorship medallion draped across her neck, the audience understood why she was being honored. Drake, a cancer epidemiologist at WashU
Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center, has built much of her career around taking cancer research into communities disproportionately affected by the disease, particularly addressing racial disparities in breast, prostate and colorectal cancer. That work was recognized Monday when Drake was installed as the Michael F. Neidorff
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Professor. Neidorff, who died in 2022, was chair-
man, president and CEO of Centene and support-
ed community-based approaches to health and
economic challenges. Sarah London, CEO of Centene, said Drake’s outreach and research are “incredibly aligned with the work we do at Centene and the work we want to continue to promote and amplify as we go forward.” Drake, a professor of surgery, also directs the Confluence Collaborative for Community Engagement. Dr. Bruce D. Levy, dean of WashU Medicine, credited Drake with helping improve cancer outcomes through her com-
See Drake, A13
4 shots may be heard in Wilkins video Prosecutor says discrepancy does not change decision not to charge officer By Na’Porsha Williams St. Louis American
39th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala on Oct. 17 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. For 30 years, Patterson has helped students navigate higher education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she serves as associate vice chancellor for student opportunities, diversity, equity and inclusion. She began her career at SIUE as an
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office now acknowledges that four gunshots appear to be audible on body-camera footage of the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Emeshyon Wilkins, but says the discrepancy does not change its decision not to charge the officer who killed him. Emeshyon The acknowlWilkins edgment comes after an attorney for Wilkins’ family challenged prosecutors’ initial account that Officer Brett Carlson fired three times as Wilkins ran from police on June 18, 2024. “We agree ... Investigators that what sounds like four shots recovered can be heard on three spent the body camera,” cartridge Amber Raub, a casings from spokesperson for Circuit Attorney Carlson’s Gabe Gore, said firearm, Monday. “The prosecutors number of shots fired does not say. impact our analysis.” Investigators recovered three spent cartridge casings from Carlson’s firearm, according to the Circuit Attorney’s Office. The office said Carlson’s magazine
See Patterson, A14
See Wilkins, A12
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Dr. Earleen Patterson talks with students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she serves as associate vice chancellor for student opportunities, diversity, equity and inclusion. Patterson says the relationships she builds with students remain at the heart of her work after 30 years at SIUE.
Patterson’s legacy rooted in education, service Excellence in Education honoree marks 30 years at SIUE By Na’Porsha Williams St. Louis American Dr. Earleen Patterson credits her commitment to education and service to her mother, who had little access to education herself but instilled the drive and focus that shaped her life. “She could go to school on the days that it rained, when she didn’t have to work in the cotton fields,” Patterson said. “And so those days that it rained might be an opportunity for her to go to
school.” Her mother’s formal education ended around the eighth grade, but Patterson said she understood the opportunities education could provide and was determined that her children would attend college. Patterson will be recognized as an Excellence in Education honoree during the St. Louis American Foundation’s
HEALTH
SPORTS
Closing the gap in Alzheimer’s research
Battle-tested Crusaders are ready to roll
Black Americans are roughly twice as likely as White Americans to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, a disparity researchers are working to better understand.
After beginning the season with a very challenging schedule to prepare for conference play Lutheran North has cruised to two easy victories.
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Editorial / Commentary
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Guest Editorial
Commentary
New midterm maps could impact Black voting power
Poll: Black Americans still have faith in nation
By Joseph Williams
tening to those voters. That danger is particularly clear in Alabama. The state’s revised map sharpWhen millions of Americans vote in ly reduced Black voting strength in the November’s midterm elections, they may district represented by Democratic Rep. find that the district they knew — and Shomari Figures, dropping its Black citthe political power they once held — has izen voting-age population from about disappeared. 50% to 40%. Figures and Democratic Congressional maps have changed in Rep. Terri Sewell are Alabama’s nine states since the last federal two Black members of Congress. election, shifting roughly one Louisiana offers another in 10 voters into newly configwarning. The state is nearly oneured districts, according to The third Black, but the new map Associated Press. New boundreduced the Black population in aries will be used in Alabama, Democratic Rep. Cleo Fields’ California, Florida, Louisiana, district from 53% to 25%. Fields North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, announced he would not seek Texas and Utah. Columnist reelection after the district was Through a petition initiative, redrawn. Missouri had its redistricting Joseph Similar battles have unfoldmap, which targeted Black U.S. Williams ed in Florida, North Carolina, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s heavily Tennessee and Texas. Democratic district in the Kansas The changes can affect more City area, thrown out. Its fate will be than the racial makeup of Congress. decided in a Nov. 3 ballot question, and Cleaver’s district remains intact, for now, Representatives help determine federal spending and policy on Medicaid, public with the support of three U.S. Supreme schools, environmental enforcement, votCourt decisions. ing rights, housing and criminal justice Redistricting typically is done once — issues that routinely have a dispropora decade, after the census determines where people have moved and how many tionate effect on Black communities. The changes could also cause confucongressional seats each state receives. sion, which can suppress participation. A This time, however, many changes voter who arrives at the wrong precinct, occurred mid-decade — without a new cannot identify the candidates or believes census, in red states — at the urging of a familiar representative is still President Donald Trump, who on the ballot may decide the sought an advantage in the process is not worth the trouble. battle for control of Congress. For Black voters — who Democrats retaliated, prompting Redistricting have long faced barriers, includa redistricting arms race. typically is ing strict identification requireMost of the new maps favor done once a ments, polling-place closures, Republicans. And in several decade, after voter roll purges and limits on Southern states, the changes mail voting — a last-minute came after the U.S. Supreme the census map change adds another hurCourt weakened a central prodetermines dle. tection of the Voting Rights Act where peoBlack voters should not wait that allowed maps to be chalple have until Election Day to discover lenged if they dilute the politiwhether their district changed. cal influence of Black voters. moved. They should check their regFor Black America, this istration, review an official is not simply another fight sample ballot and confirm their between Democrats and polling place through their state Republicans. A congressional or local election office. district determines which communities Voters also should ask candidates vote together, which candidates can realdirect questions: Which Black neighboristically win, and whether Black voters hoods are now in the district? What relahave enough collective strength to elect tionships have they built there? How will someone responsive to their concerns. they protect voting access? What is their What Black voters could lose is not record on health care, schools, environonly a seat in Congress. They could lose mental justice and economic opportunity? leverage. The courts may describe redistricting Mapmakers have two reliable ways to as a dispute over lines, procedure and diminish Black voters’ influence. constitutional authority. But those lines One is “packing” — concentrating determine power. as many Black voters as possible into a And when those lines divide Black small number of districts. Those districts communities or reduce their ability to may reliably elect Black representatives, elect candidates of their choice, what but surrounding districts become whiter disappears from the map is more than a and less competitive. familiar district. It is part of the political The other is “cracking” — dividing a Black community among several districts voice Black Americans fought generations to obtain — and now may have to so its voters are a minority in each one. fight to keep. A neighborhood may remain physically intact, yet become politically fragmented Joseph Williams is head of content for and represented by lawmakers whose Word In Black. electoral survival does not depend on lis-
Corrections and Clarifications The St. Louis American’s Oct. 1 coverage of the Missouri Press Association convention incorrectly reported the order in which Black women were inducted into the Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame and omitted one inductee. Lucile Bluford of The Kansas City Call was the first, in 2009; Melba Sweets of The St. Louis American was the second, in
2011; Kia Breaux of The Associated Press was the third, as a member of the 2020 Hall of Fame class; and Mará Rose Williams of The Kansas City Star was the fourth, in 2026. The American also incorrectly identified the name of Columbia, Missouri’s local newspaper. It is the Columbia Missourian.
St. Louis American stlamerican.com
Nathan B. Young (1894 - 1993) • Founder N.A. Sweets (1901 - 1988) • Publisher
Bennie G. Rodgers (1914 - 2000) • Executive Editor Melba Sweets (1909 - 2006) • Editor
Donald M. Suggs Publisher
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Fred Sweets • Ellen Sweets
ADMINISTRATION Dina M. Suggs – Sr. Vice President Dawn Suggs – Sr. Vice President Julie Erickson – Chief Operating Officer Raven Whitener – Director, The St. Louis American Foundation and Special Events Reba Smith – Executive Assistant-Coordinator
PRODUCTION Mike Terhaar – Art Director
EDITORIAL Rod Hicks – Executive Editor Alvin A. Reid – City Editor Kenya Vaughn – Arts and Entertainment Editor Earl Austin Jr. – Sports Editor Lawrence Bryant – Visual Journalist Sylvester Brown Jr. – Deaconess Advocacy Fellow Na’Porsha Williams – Breaking News Reporter
DIGITAL James LeBine – Multimedia Specialist SALES Pam Simmons – Senior Account Executive Angelita F. Houston – Classified Manager Ashley Simmons – Account Executive
The St. Louis American 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 314-533-8000
By Gail C. Christopher
Black respondents reporting personally experiencing racism and 19% saying they Young Black Americans, particularly encounter it “often.” those under age 30, are less convinced Younger respondents ages 18 to 29 are that the laws, policies and practices roughly two to three times more likely that govern everyday life in the U.S. to say they have faced racism than those work as promised. Unconvinced that the over 75. American Dream — study hard, Among all respondents ages work hard, get ahead — is still 18 to 29, only 45% believed the alive, they are more insistent on American Dream was still achievconfronting history and slightly able. For many young Blacks, more guarded toward institutions the country is not living up to the and questions of belonging. promise that hard work guarantees Yet like their elders, young a better life. Black people temper that cyniThe clearest generational split cism with pride in their country, concerns the perceived roots of Columnist a firm belief in the right to vote inequality in America. and an insistence on using that A commanding 63% of Black Gail C. power to bring about equality adults ages 18 to 29 believe Christopher and revive the American Dream. inequality is systemic in America, That is the takeaway from a bias percolating in the counthe National Collaborative for Health try’s institutions and systems rather than Equity’s 4th Annual Heart of America resulting from individual choices. Among Survey. The online survey of 1,322 Blacks ages 50 to 64, that view drops to Americans, including 172 Black people, just 23%. revealed a complex emotional landscape: Young Black adults strongly want pride intertwined with worry; faith temschools to teach the full history of pered by doubt. America, including slavery and racism. More than 8 in 10 responThree-quarters call this “very dents said America is more important,” compared with 56% divided now than ever before. of those ages 50 to 64. More than Still, even with fresh, TrumpWhen asked whether 8 in 10 era evidence of racial bias and America lives up to its ideals hard-won equity gains slipping respondents of freedom, fairness and equal away, 71% of Americans sursaid America opportunity, young Black adults veyed are hopeful Americans are markedly more skeptical. is more can bridge their differences. Only 26% of 18- to 29-year-olds divided now say the country delivers “a great Among young Black people ages 18 to 29, the poll found than ever deal” or “quite a bit.” Among a generation that sees deeper 50- to 64-year-olds, that number before. structural problems, demands more than doubles to 54%. This an honest reckoning with the gap may reflect a demand for past and holds America to accountability rather than a lack a higher standard than their of patriotism. elders. Further, young Blacks question the While Black Americans see disunity federal government’s intent to protect and divisiveness as part of America’s voting rights. Just 66% of 18- to 29-yearculture (82%), only around 4 in 10 said olds see the federal government’s role they are personally worried about the as important, compared to 82% of those discord, while nearly 70% aren’t worried ages 65 and older. about it at all. Among all Americans, 52% now About half of respondents said they believe the dream has slipped out of feel proud to be American, with 26% reach for most people; that figure increascalling themselves “extremely proud” es to 55% of Black people. Meanwhile, and another 26% rating their pride highjust 45% of Black respondents said the ly. Around 29% landed in the middle, American Dream is achievable. and 19% said they do not feel proud to Gail C. Christopher is executive direcbe an American. tor of the National Collaborative for The poll found that experiences with Health Equity and vice president of the racism were widespread, with 48% of W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Commentary
Department of Education is destroying student dreams “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela By Marc Morial
government threaten to strip schools of much-needed federal dollars for having diversity pipeline initiatives. In a video that garnered nearly 2 No student should have their dreams million views across social platforms, deferred because the government would Howard University College of Dentistry rather finance the dreams of the rich than student Darian Bogie told his followers support them on their education journey. how the Big Beautiful Bill and its new And the federal government should caps on graduate school loans threatened not be allowed to tell someone the his ability to remain in his dental value of their dream by denying program. access to loans because graduDue to the reach of his story, ates in their field fail to meet a Bogie was able to surpass his government earnings test. In the $66,000 fundraising goal on latest slap in the face to America, GoFundMe. But for millions of the Department of Education has others, the decision is more dire. implemented a system that can On July 1, nearly a year after cut off federal student loans to the Big Ugly Bill gutted key Columnist programs whose graduates fail to government programs to fund meet prescribed earnings benchtax cuts for the richest among Marc Morial marks. us, new federal student loan In short, the Department of Education restrictions took effect. Under them, the not only believes solving our greatest Graduate PLUS loan program, which social and societal issues doesn’t pay off, allowed graduate and professional stubut by cutting access to jobs that pay a dents to borrow up to the full cost of living wage, it’s also creating an environattendance, was eliminated for new borment that contributes to them. rowers. New student loan caps If education is our tool to also took effect that in many change the world, then we need cases do not cover the cost of it more than ever in this rapidly attendance. The result could It’s no secret changing economy, ecosystem be more students dropping out that Black and geopolitical climate. And of college or being unable to students the Department of Education attend at all. under this administration is leverage stuIt’s no secret that Black either blithely unaware of that students leverage student loans dent loans fact or intentionally playing more than their peers from more than a role in limiting the earning White families. And make no their peers potential and economic freemistake, it is no coincidence from White dom of millions of Americans. that under this administration, The National Urban League this year, education is becomfamilies. makes a commitment through ing further out of reach. our programs, like Project For years, critics of higher Ready, to ensure that all stueducation have blamed unidents have an education that prepares versities for raising their tuition and fees them for college, work and life. Now to figures that have ballooned the federal we’re pushing for the Department of deficit and left millions burdened with Education to do the same. debt that they will never be able to repay. But the solution to skyrocketing stuMarc Morial is president and CEO of dent debt shouldn’t be to punish students the National Urban League. pursuing a better life. Neither should the
“You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist. Lastly, I’m not a cheater or a thief.” — Tennis star Coco Gauff, responding to racist abuse she received online after a disputed point at the China Open.
News
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OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Antron Brown takes racing success beyond the track By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
STEM focus for youth groups, including Scouts and Jackie Joyner-Kersee Antron Brown knew Foundation youths. from an early age that he In March, WWT held liked to compete and go its 11th annual STEM fast. Student Forum. Some 175 Brown, a four-time students from 19 metroTop Fuel dragster champolitan-area high schools pion, visited World Wide and one school in New Technology Raceway in York City worked with Madison, Illinois, last WWT mentors to develop weekend for the NHRA technology-based solutions Midwest Nationals. to improve supply-chain He reached operations. the quarterBrown said finals before he is thrilled elimination, to collabo“I want to show but he was rate with the [young people] far from disStewards in what opportuniappointed. spreading the In part, that ties are out there word about the was because importance of for them.” he shared the STEM knowlimportance of edge. – Antron Brown STEM educa“I want to tion and work show [young ethic with people] what Scouts from opportunities throughout the region. are out there for them,” “David Steward and his Brown said. “I want to get son [David Steward II] got them exposed to things, me involved with Scouting especially with the STEM America to spread the side of it.” word of STEM through Eduardo Casas, Scouts,” Brown, a former Scouting America’s multiScout, said Saturday folcultural engagement direclowing a qualifying run. tor, called Brown “a great Steward is founder example of the values and and chair of World Wide qualities that exemplify Technology. After his firm Scouting” in an NHRA. secured naming rights to com article about Brown’s WWT Raceway, continued July visit to the Scouting investment in the facilNational Jamboree. ity helped secure major NASCAR, IndyCar and A first-place family drag racing events. Race weeks at the Brown’s grandfather facility have included a established a septic tank
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Zayne Nave, 6, and Jeremy Allen, 8, join fellow Scouts around a racing tire with drag racer Antron Brown during a visit to his team’s pit area at World Wide Technology Raceway. service company, which his father and uncle later operated. Brown serviced cars as a child, began racing motorcycles at 6 and motocross at 12. His father was also a drag strip racer, and Brown followed in his footsteps by running his first competitive drag race as a high school senior. “I come from a hard-working family. I was taught you can have anything you want as long as you work for it,” Brown said. “What separates those that are great from others is work ethic. Once I understood that, I took it to a new level. ‘I will and
I can.’ That’s the positive force in my mind.” Brown played sports while growing up with an older brother and cousins. They competed at everything, which “fueled my desire to be the best.” Brown qualified for the 1995 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 meters and set a record in the 55 meters while attending Mercer Junior College. Brown is the only driver in NHRA history to win races in both Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle. An 82-time NHRA national event winner, Brown became the first Black driver to win a major U.S. auto racing
championship when he captured the NHRA Top Fuel title in 2012. Twelve years later, he broke historic ground again by capturing his first Top Fuel crown as a team owner, becoming the first Black championship-winning owner-driver. Brown also launched the AB Motorsports Accelerate Program in 2023 for driver and career advancement. Promoting prostate screening Along with his racing success, Brown is dedicated to reducing deaths caused by prostate cancer.
It is the second-leading cause of cancer death among U.S. men, according to the American Cancer Society. Black men are nearly 70% more likely than White men to be diagnosed and twice as likely to die from the disease. Brown serves as the founding Motorsports Ambassador for Prostate Cancer Connection, a Colorado-based nonprofit focused on education, awareness and support. “Antron brings far more than visibility to PCC. He brings credibility, trust, and an authentic connection to the motorsports community,” said Kelly Fedorowich Beard, PCC founder and former executive director. “We believe his voice can help us reach men and their loved ones in places where conversations about prostate cancer don’t always happen.” “Prostate cancer is very curable if it is caught at the early stages. We have fans at racetracks for screening,” Brown said. “I’ve lost close friends and family members who found out too late, so this is personal for me,” Brown said. “I want to use my platform to spread awareness and encourage men to get tested and talk with their doctors. If sharing this message helps one person take that step sooner, then we’re making a difference.”
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
News Briefs
Commentary
Missouri adds documentation requirements for SNAP benefits
Joyce Beatty refuses to back down
Missouri residents applying for or renewing benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, now must provide more documents to verify some household expenses and financial resources. Requirements for the food assistance program, which took effect Oct. 1, include proof of certain housing and dependent care costs and money in bank accounts. Documents can include leases, rent receipts, utility bills, child care receipts and bank
statements. The rules apply to new applications, renewals and requests to add someone to a household. Current SNAP recipients do not need to take immediate action but must provide the information when they renew their benefits. When proof is required, recipients have 10 days to respond. If they do not document an eligible expense, the state will calculate benefits without using that expense as a deduction.
Annie Malone to provide $100,000 in grocery assistance Annie Malone Children & Family Services will provide 400 St. Louis families with $250 Walmart grocery gift cards in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. The $100,000 program is funded through a Missouri grant in part-
nership with ARCHS. Beginning Friday, 100 families will receive cards each week for four weeks. Families must register in advance and complete a brief wellness and food-insecurity assessment.
Tuskegee Airmen Field reopens after renovation Tuskegee Airmen Field at Tandy Park has reopened after a $2.4 million renovation that added new turf, a track, bleachers, a scoreboard, fencing and an updated public address system. The field, across from Sumner
High School in the Ville, is the only city-operated turf field. City officials and neighborhood advocates said the project provides a safer recreation space as the North St. Louis community continues recovering from the 2025 tornado.
Committee backs call for Tyus to apologize to Aldridge A St. Louis aldermanic committee voted 5-0 to send a resolution to the full Board of Aldermen calling on Alderwoman Sharon Tyus to publicly apologize to Alderman Rasheen Aldridge. The resolution follows Tyus’
Sept. 14 remark that Aldridge would be “the first person I’d put a bullet in your head because you are not trustworthy.” Tyus has said the remark was an analogy expressing distrust, not a threat.
Nine PBS recognized as top workplace for women Nine PBS has been recognized by the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis as a top workplace for women. The foundation’s Women in the Workplace: Employment Scorecard evaluates employers on leadership,
compensation, flexible work policies and recruitment and retention. Nine PBS met criteria that include having at least 25% women in top leadership and among its highest-paid employees.
By Julianne Malveaux
about Black America. They were not invited to power’s table because the powerful Standing up to a bully requires more developed good manners. They organized, than slogans, press releases or carefully insisted and disrupted. staged outrage. It requires looking power Today the CBC is larger and more instiin the face, refusing intimidation and saytutionally powerful than its founders could ing, plainly, no. Congresswoman Joyce have imagined. Black members hold seniorBeatty has that courage. ity, key committee positions and party The Ohio Democrat and former chair of leadership. Hakeem Jeffries could become the Congressional Black Caucus is standthe first Black speaker of the House. But ing virtually alone on the Kennedy Center proximity to power is not power, and titles board against Donald Trump’s are not transformation. attempted seizure of a national CBC Week brings urgent polcultural institution. Trump has icy debates about voting rights, installed loyalists, pushed aside economic justice, health, educadissenters and tried to plaster his tion and Black political power. It name onto a building Congress gathers ambitious young people, designated as a living memorial seasoned public servants, advoto President John F. Kennedy. cates and entrepreneurs, along Beatty sued. And she won. with more receptions than any Then, when the board tried human can reasonably attend. Yet again, she went back to court we must not confuse access with and won again. She did not action or networking with moveJulianne merely issue a statement; she ment-building. The measure of Malveaux used the law, reminding Trump the gathering comes after the balland his enablers that public instiroom lights go dark. tutions are not presidential playthings and Will voting rights be defended and predthat a board vote cannot erase an act of atory redistricting challenged? Will Black Congress. unemployment, Black maternal mortality Trump answered with insults and and the racial wealth gap be treated as threats. During a virtual board meeting, emergencies rather than perennial panel he reportedly called Beatty “destructive,” topics? Will elected officials confront claimed she had “never built anything” authoritarianism when it is risky? and threatened to hold her responsible if Joyce Beatty answered with her actions. the deteriorating building caused a death. Her voice was literally muted during That was not an argument. It was intimia Kennedy Center meeting. She found dation dressed up as authority. another microphone: the federal courts. Beatty did not fold. She has been Resistance is not always a march. pepper-sprayed while protesting police Sometimes it is a lawsuit, a vote or a refusviolence and arrested while demanding al to consent. Sometimes it is one woman voting rights. She knows what it means to in a hostile room saying, in effect, you may put her body, not merely her name, behind have the votes, but you do not have the a principle. Now she is defending a public law. institution from a president who thinks The CBC has long called itself the conanything touched by government belongs science of the Congress. Conscience is not to him. a ceremonial title. It is a duty. At a moment Coming out of Congressional Black when too many people accommodate the Caucus Week, Beatty provokes a larger outrageous, normalize the abnormal and question: What is Black political power calculate the cost of speaking, Beatty has for? chosen to fight. Her righteous audacity is The CBC was founded in 1971 by not simply that she challenged a president. 13 members, including the late William She refused to let public memory become “Bill” Clay Sr. of Missouri, who underprivate vanity. stood that representation without collective action was insufficient. They boycotted Julianne Malveaux, a former college President Richard Nixon’s State of the president, is an economist, author and comUnion address and demanded a meeting mentator based in Washington, D.C.
Business OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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PEOPLE
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Helping to navigate aging
On The Move
Kia Murray named Spencer’s press secretary
Personal experience was inspiration to create Senior Guide STL
Kia Murray has joined St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer’s administration as press secretary, serving as a liaison between the mayor’s office and the media. Murray has eight years of experience in broadcast, digital and crisis communications. She previously Kia Murray worked in television news, including as an anchor and reporter in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Her reporting included government transparency, public spending and disparities in education and economic opportunity. Murray holds degrees in communication studies and political science. ***************************
Shawn Henderson named chief of staff
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Andre Timberlake, right, shares caregiving responsibilities for his grandfather, Allen James Sims Sr., with other family members. The experience helped inspire Timberlake to create Senior Guide STL, an online resource for older adults and their families. By Na’Porsha Williams S. Louis American St. Louis native Andre Timberlake knows how complicated caring for an aging relative can become. His 90-year-old grandfather, Allen James Sims Sr., undergoes dialysis three times a week, with Timberlake, his mother and two uncles sharing responsibility for getting him to appointments. That experience helped inspire Timberlake to create Senior Guide STL, a free online resource designed to give older adults and their families one place to begin navigating everything from in-home care and senior living to estate planning, transportation and caregiver
support. mated that 63 million adults “Families often have to provided care to someone piece together help across with a medical condition or several different areas disability. at once,” Senior Timberlake Guide STL said. “I decidseeks to Senior Guide STL ed I want a connect careseeks to connect local resource givers, older that recognizadults and caregivers, older es the whole their families adults and their transition and with local gives people a families with local organizations organizations and useful starting and profespoint.” sionals speprofessionals speNearly cializing in services cializing in one in four services they they may need. American may need. adults are Other areas family carecovered by givers, according to a 2025 the site include downsizing, report from AARP and healthy aging, respite care the National Alliance for and hospice care. Caregiving. The report esti“We don’t specialize in
any of the areas,” Timberlake said. “We’re just the resource, so we partner with different providers.” The guide is free for families to use. Senior Guide STL generates revenue through partnerships with businesses and service providers, which pay to be included on the platform. The company also is seeking additional local professionals to join its network as founding resource partners. One of those partners is Realtor Kelley Simms of Schneider Real Estate, who focuses on helping seniors and their families navigate selling a home, downsizing or transitioning into senior living. Simms’ interest in working
KAI Build will help return effervescence to the former 7UP world headquarters in Clayton. The African Americanowned St. Louis firm is the lead construction partner on the $55 million project, which will transform the long-vacant building into a residential development featuring 118 apartments and an extensive collection of indoor
See KAI, A6
Donell Dean
Frankie Hedges
Gladys Mason
Jacqueline Williams
Four St. Louis-area transit workers honored Four St. Louis-area transit workers have received 2026 Missouri Transit Operator Champion Awards from the Missouri Public Transit Association. The honorees are Donell Dean, a Metro Transit van operator for 27 years; Frankie Hedges, an OATS Transit Mideast Region driver for 18 years; Gladys Mason, a Metro Transit bus driver for more than 32 years; and Jacqueline Williams, a MetroLink operator for 29 years.
African American-owned firm putting the fizz back into former 7UP headquarters and outdoor amenities. The 11-story building at 121 S. Meramec Ave., near Shaw Park, served as 7UP’s world headquarters from the mid-1960s through the late 1970s. During that period, the soft drink company launched its famous “Uncola” advertising campaign, helping establish 7UP as a major national brand. After 7UP relocated its headquarters to Dallas, St.
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See Seniors, A6
KAI transforming Clayton By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Shawn Henderson has joined Midwest BankCentre as senior vice president and chief of staff to Chair and CEO Orvin Kimbrough. Henderson will support the bank’s strategic initiatives, capital development and deposit growth. He has 20 years of experience in commercial strategy, Shawn operations and team Henderson leadership, most recently with General Mills. Henderson earned an MBA from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Washington University’s Olin School of Business.
Rendering courtesy of KAI and Revive Capital Development
KAI Build will lead the $55 million redevelopment of the former 7UP world headquarters in Clayton, transforming the site into a residential tower with views of St. Louis and St. Louis County.
Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to areid@stlamerican.com.
A6
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Job losses add urgency for Black women voters By Sylvester Brown St. Louis American
The challenge asks members of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council to make or pledge leadership-level gifts of at least $1,000 to United Way’s annual Community Campaign. Participants pledged
more than $264,000 through the challenge in 2025. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. led sororities with $70,236, while Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. led fraternities with $57,367. This year, the challenge will run through Dec. 31 for the first time, giv-
ing participants a longer period to contribute and encourage others to give. The Charmaine Chapman Society, a United Way of Greater St. Louis leadership giving group, has more than 400 members. Of those, 117 also belong to Divine Nine organizations.
A new national poll found that 77% of Black women voters say they are motivated to participate in the Nov. 3 election. The survey, conducted by the Highland Project in partnership with Brilliant Corners Research & Strategies, polled 700 African American women ahead of the midterms. It found that 92% were dissatisfied with the direction of the country, 61% considered this election more important than previous midterms and 87% said changes to voting-rights protections made them more motivated to vote. The women indicated that they remain determined to defend and protect their families and communities this election cycle. National pollster and Brilliant Corners President Cornell Belcher said the polling results remind him of the passion demonstrated before the 2008 presidential election, when Barack Obama was
to do with his home. “Just seeing how involved that process could be selling a home for your parents, gathering paperwork — it’s a lot,” Simms said. “It’s a lot for anyone to go through.” Through Senior Guide
STL, Simms can connect families with resources they may need before selling a home, including contractors for repairs and estate liquidators. But Simms said one of the most difficult parts of the process often comes
before a house is ever placed on the market. “I think the hardest part would be, first of all, making that decision to move from the home,” Simms said. “There’s a lot of emotions involved with it, especially if they’ve lived in the home for their whole lives.” She encourages families to have conversations about a parent’s wishes and important documents before a transition becomes necessary. “Those conversations need to be held with whomever is going to be in charge of their home or of that transition,” Simms said. “Once the actual transition has happened or if the parent has already passed, that’s not the time to be scrambling, looking for paperwork.” Simms said those discussions can include where insurance documents and deeds are located, whose
names are on the deeds and what a parent wants to happen to the home. Senior Guide STL is aimed not only at older adults but also at adult children helping their parents and people beginning to prepare for their own later years. “The earlier that we can have those conversations, the better,” Timberlake said. Visitors to the Senior Guide STL website select a “starting point” based on the situation they are facing. From there, they are directed to information about common questions and resources that may help. Timberlake said supporting caregivers is an important part of the platform because of the responsibilities they often bear. “The whole idea is to be the resource for anyone who’s entering into the
later stages of their life or anyone with a family member entering the later stages of their life,” Timberlake said. The guide also offers articles about healthy aging and everyday well-being, opportunities for seniors to remain connected locally and information about discounts and savings. Timberlake wants Senior Guide STL to reach older adults who may not regularly use the internet. The company is developing a print guide that could eventually be distributed at senior living facilities, grocery stores and other locations around the region. Timberlake said Senior Guide STL is still growing and will depend on partnerships with local businesses and service providers as it expands. “It’s gonna take a team and a village,” he said.
“We’re proud to partner with Revive Capital Development and the entire project team to preserve an important piece of St. Louis’ history while creating a modern residential development that will bring new energy to downtown Clayton for generations to come,” Giacoletto said. Architect Chris Cedergreen, working with Kent Wagster of HDA Architects, is leading a design intended to preserve the building’s midcentury modern character. The development will feature luxury studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with quartz and Carrara countertops, stainless steel appliances and expansive views of St. Louis and St. Louis County.
Amenities will include a fitness center, club room, heated outdoor spa, entertainment and theater spaces, game room, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and a private dog park. Plans also call for repairing the building’s copper fascia, replacing windows and glass walls and adding landscaping and sidewalk improvements. Octagon Finance is providing a $48.25 million construction loan that includes historic tax credits. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday. Construction is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2027. St. Louis-based 2B Residential will manage the property.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Louis
Steven L. Harris, Regina Greer, Daphne Pointer, Shuntae Shields Ryan, Adrianne Gully, Shanice Johnson and Arica J. Harris are pictured following the 2025 Charmaine Chapman Society Divine Nine Challenge. Participants pledged more than $264,000, led by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. with $70,236 and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. with $57,367.
Divine Nine Challenge launches annual United Way fundraiser Black fraternities and sororities pledged more than $264,000 in 2025 By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American Members of St. Louisarea Black fraternities and sororities are again raising money for the United Way of Greater St. Louis through the Charmaine Chapman Society’s annual Divine Nine Challenge.
Seniors Continued from A5 with older adults grew from her own experience after her father died and she had to determine what
elected the first Black president. “You see an enthusiasm and potential to (mobilize) this election that I hadn’t seen, quite frankly, since going back to the Obama era,” Belcher said. Black voters made up 12% of all eligible voters but contributed 13% of total votes cast in both 2008 and 2012. Obama received 95% and 93% of the Black vote, respectively. The 2012 voter rate marked the first time since the Census Bureau began tracking the data in 1968 that Black voter turnout surpassed White voter turnout nationwide. Women turned out in high numbers in 2024 with 90% of Black women voting for Kamala Harris. Black women have suffered disproportionate job losses under Trump, losing more than 250,000 jobs between January and August 2025. While some of those jobs were recovered, Black women ended the year with a net loss of more than 110,000 jobs.
KAI Continued from A5 Louis County purchased the property in 1988 to house its World Trade Center. The building later remained vacant for more than a decade as several redevelopment efforts failed to materialize. Kansas Citybased Revive Capital Development, led by developer Michael Knight, plans to transform the property into a residential development named The Upton. KAI Build President Paul Giacoletto said the redevelopment will preserve an important piece of the region’s history while returning the building to use.
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HealthMatters ‘Taking Care of You’ OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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Closing the gap in Alzheimer’s research
For Your Health
Making the switch to healthier fats By Dr. Graham A. Colditz
in Alzheimer’s Disease Research” at Washington University. During the community conversation, moderator Carol Daniels began by reciting sobering facts about Alzheimer’s. An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s; about 200,000 Americans under age 65 have younger-onset dementia; almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s
Choosing healthy fats is an important part of healthy eating. And that’s actually super, for a lot of reasons. Fats can add flavor and great texture to foods, boosting our enjoyment. They can help us feel fuller longer, so we don’t get too hungry in between meals. And, if we choose certain types of fats, they can do all that — plus be really good for us. The key is knowing which are the “good” healthy fats, which are the “bad” unhealthy fats and the Dr. Graham easy ways to choose A. Colditz healthier options when we’re eating out or staying in. “Not all fats are bad,” said Yikyung Park, a nutrition researcher and professor at WashU Medicine. “Some fats are beneficial, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are found in most plant oils, such as soybean, canola and olive oil, as well as in peanuts, avocados, walnuts, seeds and fish oil.” Healthy fats, she said, tend to Trans fat is be liquid at room also unhealthy temperature. Unhealthy fats — even more tend to be solid so than satuor mostly solid at rated fat. room temperature. The most common unhealthy fat is saturated fat, which is found in high amounts in foods like butter, cheese, whole milk, red meat and beef tallow. Coconut and palm oils have high levels of saturated fat, too, even though they’re plant oils. Trans fat is also unhealthy — even more so than saturated fat. But since 2018, it has largely been removed from foods in the United States. It can still be found in smaller amounts in some items, though, including margarine and shortening. And even foods labeled “zero trans fats” can contain some level, which can add up with multiple servings. To check, you can look for trans fats in ingredient lists, often listed as “partially hydrogenated oils.” “Mono and polyunsaturated fats
See Alzheimer’s, A8
See Colditz, A8
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
During the community conversation, moderator Carol Daniels, center, began by reciting sobering facts about Alzheimer’s. An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s; about 200,000 Americans under agea 65 have younger-onset dementia
WashU discussion examines disparities, trust and Black participation By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American Black Americans are roughly twice as likely as White Americans to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, a disparity researchers are working to better understand while increasing participation from underrepresented communities. Dr. Renã A.S. Robinson, a professor of chemistry at Vanderbilt University, addressed those chal-
Black Americans are roughly twice as likely as White Americans to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
lenges last week during the Norman R. Seay Academic Lecture series, titled “Measures to Achieve Equity
Help with healthy pregnancies, child development and parenting
Missouri gets $5.7M in federal funding to support mothers, babies St. Louis American staff Missouri will receive $5.7 million in federal funding to send trained professionals into the homes of expectant parents and families with young children, including families in St. Louis. The home visitors help with healthy pregnancies, child development and parenting while connecting families with health care and other services. In St. Louis, that work takes place against a troubling backdrop: Black babies in urban Missouri die before their first birthday at nearly three times the rate of White babies, and Black women
The federal Health Resources and Services Administration announced Monday that it is awarding more than $525 million to 56 states and jurisdictions.
statewide are 2½ times as likely as White women to die from pregnancy-related causes. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration announced
Monday that it is awarding more than $525 million to 56 states and jurisdictions through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, known as MIECHV. It is the largest federal investment in the program’s history. “MIECHV reflects a simple idea: supporting parents early gives children a stronger start,” HRSA Administrator Tom Engels said in announcing the awards. In fiscal year 2023, 35% of caregivers served by Missouri’s MIECHV program were Black, 83% of participating houseSee Funding, A8
Missouri will receive $5.7 million in federal funding for home-visiting services that support expectant parents and families with young children.
Envato photo
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HealthMatters ‘Taking Care of You’ ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
A8
Alzheimer’s Continued from A7 are women; and older Black Americans are roughly twice as likely as older White Americans to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia. During her presentation, Robinson addressed the difficulties underrepresented communities experience amid those dire statistics. Robinson leads RASR Laboratory in Nashville, Tennessee, a bioanalytical research group that uses advanced mass spectrometry to analyze complex biological tissues and study aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Her presentation was part of a two-part experience that included a “community conversation” at the Deaconess Foundation and an academic lecture at WashU’s Eric P. Newman Education Center. Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, Robinson said. She predicted that because of an increasing older population, more people globally will face Alzheimer’s risk
Colditz Continued from A7 help maintain heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels,” Park said. “The American Heart Association recommends consuming foods that contain mono and polyunsaturated fats in place of those that contain unhealthy fats.” These substitutions can help prevent heart disease
factors. “This is a global crisis that we’re dealing with but especially in the United States, because the demographic of our aging population is changing,” Robinson said. “And the fastest growing group of individuals 65 and older are African American and Hispanic/Latino adults.” Robinson addressed four key areas regarding Alzheimer’s: the current state of health disparities, strategies to reduce those disparities, opportunities to advance understanding of the disease and analytical measurements to advance Alzheimer’s research. Sharing data from the Alzheimer’s Association, Robinson noted that a significant number of underrepresented adults have experienced discrimination and bias involving medical care and research. “They reported that they continue to experience bias when it comes to our healthcare and hospital settings,” she said. “There are a number of individuals from these communities who may not want to participate.” Robinson noted the
long history of medical at Vanderbilt set out to atrocities that have led raise awareness was to to mistrust of the health get involved with teachcare industry in America, ing community memwhich is “still an issue bers. They established today,” she added. a virtual and in-person Partnering with other Alzheimer’s prevention universities course at the and health university that care experts, teaches particRobinson and ipants about “We can’t ask her team set such things people to give out to figure as healthy us their particout ways to eating, keepipation, their engage undering an active represented brain, rest and data, their people in relaxation and blood and not Alzheimer’s other prevengive them anyresearch. One tive measures. project was the thing. We have Robinson retrofitting of a to give back.” said the semitruck trailcurious and – Dr. John Morris er equipped engaged with “brain-restudents lated interacchallenge her tive stations, to learn and activities and computer understand more because technology” that they take “they ask really good into different communities. questions about actions “This became a really they can do or what good tool to help not only resources they can use to with engaging the comcombat Alzheimer’s.” munity with what research She also shared recent was being done but I also advances in research to engaged research teams identify relevant biomarkand scientists who typical- ers for early Alzheimer’s ly wouldn’t be present in detection, algorithms that those community settings,” distinguish how the disRobinson said. ease may manifest differAnother way her team ently among populations,
what role plasma proteins play in the disease and how studying lipid data may help researchers classify and diagnose Alzheimer’s differently among racial groups. “Desperate times call for desperate measures,” Robinson concluded. Raising awareness and leveraging “positive storytelling messaging,” she added, can build trust among underrepresented groups while increasing research participation. The community conversation included Daniels as moderator, Dr. John Morris of WashU’s Alzheimer Disease Research Center; Dorothy “Dotti” McDowell, a Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center representative; and Dr. Joyce “Joy” E. Balls-Berry, a professor of neurology at WashU Medicine. Morris stressed that research that includes all populations is a two-way street. “We can’t ask people to give us their participation, their data, their blood and not give them anything. We have to give back,” Morris said. “We (must)
be in places where people live and work. We are very cognizant about that and we are searching for ways to do that.” When McDowell was asked by Daniels what “equity in access and practice” in Alzheimer’s research really looks like and how it can be achieved, she answered cautiously. “Equity is more than just bringing people to WashU for research ... it’s what we’re doing here tonight,” McDowell said, referring to the gathering. “WashU is not only for the community; we are in the community. We are very intentional about creating this conversation. “Equity means being culturally sensitive and appropriate to the needs of our entire community.” First convened in 2006, the Norman R. Seay Lecture series honors the St. Louis civil rights leader, community advocate and supporter of Alzheimer’s research.
and stroke and even lower the overall risk of dying prematurely. And making these switches can be fairly straightforward. You really don’t need to know too many details of the types of fats or their specific sources. Some general guidelines can take you a long way. Instead of cooking with solid fats like butter, beef tallow or coconut oil, use liquid plant oils. These include canola, corn and
other seed oils. “Seed oils contain essential fatty acids and are a great substitute for unhealthy fats,” Park explained. “Some people say that they’re bad because they’re processed, but that’s not accurate. Seed oils are healthy.” Instead of meals featuring red meat and cheese — such as cheeseburgers or beef lasagna — choose those featuring fish or poultry and vegetables — such as fish soft tacos, chicken and rice or pesto
pasta. Instead of topping dishes with extras like bacon bits, cheese or sour cream, try using nuts, seeds or salsa. Cooking at home can also be a simple way to make the switch to healthier fats. We have control over which recipes and which fats we choose — plus it means fewer restaurant and fast-food meals, which can be higher in unhealthy fats. Even when we make these healthy updates,
though, it’s important to consider that healthy fats, just like all fats, are high in calories, Park said. So, when we’re eating foods high in healthy fats, we should still be mindful of portion size and eat them in moderation. At the same time, eating healthier doesn’t mean never having some of our favorite foods made with unhealthy fats. It’s important to enjoy the food we eat while also making overall healthy choices. And that’s a balance we
can all work toward, she said. “It is OK to use beef tallow or coconut oil occasionally, or eat fullfat dairy a few times per week. But for every day, plant oils are healthier.”
Funding
MIECHV-supported services in St. Louis city. Eligible families receive at least 24 personal visits a year, generally lasting about an hour. Participation is voluntary and services are free to eligible families. Parents as Teachers began in Missouri in 1981, and its national center is headquartered in the St. Louis area. Constance Gully, president and CEO of Parents as Teachers National Center, spoke about the importance of home visitors in April when the organization honored its 2026 National Home Visitors of the Year. “Home visiting works because of the people,” Gully said. She described home visitors as “trusted professionals who show up every day to support families, build relationships, and create lasting impact.” Generate Health and its FLOURISH St. Louis initiative also have worked to address barriers facing Black mothers, including access to prenatal care and transportation, while seeking to give mothers a greater
voice in decisions about maternal and infant health. In fiscal year 2023, Missouri’s MIECHV program provided 9,848 home visits to 629 families. Home-visiting programs in Missouri include Parents as Teachers, Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families America and Early Head Start’s homebased program. Missouri’s $5,747,152 award includes $5,021,260 in base funding and $725,892 in federal matching funds. Nationally, MIECHV provided more than 1 million home visits to more than 158,000 parents and children in fiscal year 2025, according to HRSA. Federal officials say decades of research show voluntary home visiting can improve maternal and child health, promote children’s development and school readiness, help prevent child abuse and neglect and connect families with services that support their economic well-being.
Continued from A7 holds were low-income and 97% of participating children whose insurance status was reported had public insurance. Among urban Missourians, Black infants died at a rate of 12.5 per 1,000 live births, compared with 4.2 for White infants, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. St. Louis city had an overall infant mortality rate of 9.1 from 2019 through 2023, the highest among Missouri’s urban jurisdictions. The state’s PregnancyAssociated Mortality Review Board examined 350 deaths among women during pregnancy or within a year afterward from 2018 through 2022. Of 114 deaths determined to be pregnancy-related, 80% were considered preventable. Black women died from pregnancy-related causes at 2½ times the rate of White women. Parents as Teachers National Center provides
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
Dr. Graham A. Colditz, an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention, leads prevention research at Siteman Cancer Center at BarnesJewish Hospital and WashU Medicine in St. Louis.
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Von Scales, St. Louis native and husband of Trina Braxton, dies at 58
Diddy sent to solitary after reports of ‘special services’
St. Louis son Von Scales, husband of Braxton Family Values star Trina Braxton, died Thursday morning in Atlanta. He was 58. His death was confirmed in a statement from Trina Braxton’s publicist, David Robinson. Scales had reportedly been dealing with heartrelated health issues. Scales and Braxton met through mutual friends and married in December 2019 in St. Louis — a celebration later featured on Braxton Family Values. Their marriage came a year after the death of Braxton’s former husband, Gabe Solis, and was followed by another family loss in 2022 when her sister, Traci Braxton, died after a cancer battle. Scales was a standout basketball player at DeSmet in the mid1980s. He Von Scales went on to play at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, including on the 1988 team that reached the NCAA Tournament. Scales was a devoted father to his three sons — Evan, Cameron and Brendan — all standout athletes at Lafayette High School.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has reportedly been placed in solitary confinement following allegations that he has been enjoying a lavish lifestyle inside federal prison. NBC News reported Tuesday that four anonymous inmates accused the 56-year-old of paying men for special services, including massages, using a contraband phone and keeping an illegal stash of alcohol. Combs is currently serving time after being convicted in July 2025 on two counts of transSean ‘Diddy’ portation to engage in prostitution. He was Combs acquitted of more serious sextrafficking and racketeering charges following a highly publicized trial in federal court in Manhattan. The news of his reported solitary confinement came just days after it was announced that his release date had been moved up to January 2028. There has been no word on whether the infraction will impact his release.
Chris Brown’s ex-housekeeper accepts $9.5M settlement over dog attack Chris Brown’s former housekeeper has agreed to accept $9.5 million over the 2020 dog attack that left her disfigured. Instead of returning to court to pursue a larger award, she chose to settle the case, according to Rolling Stone. Maria Avila won a $12.9 million verdict from a Los Angeles jury in June. Brown later asked for a new trial, arguing the amount was excessive. This week, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Huey P. Cotton agreed that the award was too high and gave Avila a choice: accept $9.5 million or face a new trial focused only on how much money she should get. Her deadline to decide was Friday. Court documents obtained by TMZ.com revealed that Avila has accepted a reduced payout of $9.5 million, meaning that the new trial will not take place. The payout is separated into $3.85 million for past non-financial losses, $5.4 million for future non-monetary losses, and $250,000 for medical expenses. TMZ reported that Avila said in court that the dog tore “large chunks of skin” from her body, causing significant injuries to her arm. She said her face required several sutures and skin grafts. Avila also claimed that she has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and nerve damage, which has made it difficult for her to work.
Chris Brown
Veteran comedian and actor Reggie McFadden dies at 57 Reggie McFadden, an urban comedy scene staple in the 1990s who regularly appeared on the iconic sketch comedy show In Living Color, has died. He was 57. His sister, author Bernice L. McFadden, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday, Oct. 4. She told the outlet that her brother had been living in Tanzania for the last 18 years. Berniece added that the U.S. State Department notified the family about his death. Reggie No details about the whereabouts or cause McFadden of death were shared, Bernice noted. McFadden appeared on 23 episodes of In Living Color from 1993 to 1994 – during the show’s fifth and final season. He also appeared in classic urban comedy shows such as BET’s Comic View and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, along with several films and sitcoms over the course of his four-decade career.
BillHot Sheet Sorces: Billboard.com, Essence.com, The Hollywood Reporter, NBCnews.com, Rollingstone.com, TMZ.com
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
The Way I See It
Black women push party change By Jamala Rogers
ful Black Democrats are looking for fighting public servants, not self-serving Black women have politicians without spines. been the backbone of They are seeking leadthe Democratic Party for ership outside the status decades. We have saved quo box. The the party at box contains critical times safe, centrist and have little candidates to show for The party elites who’d rather it. In the last don’t seem to be labeled presidential know what to electable than election, we transformative. showed up do with the The party nearly 90% recent victories elites don’t strong. The of progressive seem to know party leadand democratic what to do ership has socialist candiwith the recent ignored critivictories of cism of their dates. progressive racial and and democratic gender biases, socialist canand now it’s didates. They see the wins all coming to a head. It’s as a mutiny, instead of the shake-up time. cleansing of old ideas and Tired of being sick practices that have stunted and tired, some Black the growth and expansion voters, elected officials, and candidates are shaking of the Democratic Party. In 2022, Stacey up the Democratic Party, Abrams ran for governor along with their Latino of Georgia for the second allies. Black women are leading the way. The faith- time, losing to Republican
Brian Kemp. Four years November. earlier, she came within Black and qualified, 1.4 percentage points of these female candidates defeating Kemp. Many have proved they can Black voters and political run effective campaigns analysts felt her loss lay and raise big dollars. Val at the feet of her Demings raised own party. $72 million in Black women her race against candidates had Marco Rubio, already proved who raised $47 their strength million. These at the ballot candidates don’t box in 2018. get the early Dozens ran for institutional and Congress, even financial boost as relatively few from the party. initially received Some end up losJamala backing from ing by a few perRogers the Democratic centage points, Congressional which makes the Campaign Committee’s loss even more frustrating. coveted Red to Blue The party’s biased lens program for competitive doesn’t put these capable races. Ayanna Pressley women on the DCCC’s defeated a longtime coveted “Red to Blue” lists Democratic incumbent to receive priority attendespite establishment tion. This is unacceptable. support for her opponent. The concern is not Lucy McBath and Jahana just about active support Hayes won their primaries, for candidates. State and received DCCC backing local Democratic comand went on to win in mittees have complained
for years about the lack of funds to run robust voter registration and get-outthe-vote campaigns. Black media outlets like the St. Louis American are often overlooked for the big campaign dollars. Midterm elections are projected to rake in a record $12 billion for political advertising alone. The Democratic bureaucrats should not fear leaders such as Angie Nixon and Keisha Lance Bottoms. Nor should they attempt to isolate the likes of Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These women are bringing a fighting spirit and focus to a working-class agenda that has been lost over the years. The Democratic bureaucrats must seriously address the criticisms of their racial and gender prejudices. Dems have been tone-deaf to the voices of a loyal demographic who are struggling under
Wilkins
Wilkins running away office reviewed the video before Carlson fires. multiple times but could Carlson told investinot conclusively detergators he saw a gun in mine whether Wilkins was Wilkins’ hand during the holding the gun during the pursuit and feared the teen- pursuit. ager might use it Carlson told against officers investigators he approaching believed Wilkins from the oppoheld the firearm site direction. in his right hand Prosecutors do at a “low ready” not contend that position. Wilkins turned “One thing the and pointed the body cam footage gun at Carlson, does establish as police initially is that the firereported. arm was in very Gabe Gore SLMPD later close proximity acknowledged to [Emeshyon’s] that its initial account did right hand,” Gore said. not accurately reflect what “Can we say whether he was established through was holding it or not conthe investigation and clusively? That is somebody-camera footage. thing that’s inconclusive.” Asked by The Watkins sharply critiAmerican whether invescized the decision not to tigators found inconsischarge Carlson. tencies between Carlson’s “The decision is tragic,” account and the body-cam- Watkins said. “It’s eviera footage, Gore said his dence of further disregard
whether he violated Police by our city, by our police, Department policies or by our circuit attorney.” could face civil liability. The June 18, 2024, SLMPD said Friday encounter began when that its Internal Affairs plainclothes Anti-Crime Task Force officers spotted Division will conduct an administrative review to a stolen Mazda SUV drivdetermine whether departen by Wilkins, according to prosecutors. The Mazda ment policies and procedures were followed. initially fled at a high rate Watkins said his office of speed. After officers was notified of Gore’s deployed spike strips, it decision about one mincontinued on damaged ute before it was publicly tires at about 15 mph. announced. An officer following “How am I expected the Mazda reported over to explain this to a mom the radio that the driver or to a dad in one minute had a gun in his hand. before they start getting Wilkins and two other called by media, teenagers evenby friends, tually jumped by enemies?” from the movWatkins said. ing vehicle in Gore Watkins said the 4200 block announced Carlson remains of St. Louis Friday that employed by Avenue. Carlson would SLMPD and has Wilkins ran into an alley not face crim- been assigned to desk duty with Carlson inal charges, throughout the pursuing him. saying his investigation. Body-camera office found Wilkins’ footage shows insufficient parents, Shaina Carlson orderWilkins and ing Wilkins evidence to Emanuel Mays, to get on the prove beyond are pursuing ground and a reasonable federal civdrop a gun as doubt that il-rights and Wilkins conwrongful-death tinued running. the officer’s claims against About five use of deadCarlson and seconds into the ly force was the St. Louis direct pursuit, objectively Board of Police Carlson fired, Commissioners. according to unreasonThe lawsuit prosecutors. able under remains pendPolice Missouri law. ing. recovered a “We are 10mm Glock not in any way with a flashswayed by the light attached decision of the circuit protruding from Wilkins’ attorney,” Watkins said. right pants pocket. The In an April interview, gun had no magazine Shaina Wilkins spoke inserted and its slide was about the unusually close detached when recovered. bond she shared with her Prosecutors said investigators could not determine son. “I was 17 when I had whether the slide became him and he was 17 when detached when Wilkins he got killed,” she said. fell or whether he had “So, we kind of grew up been carrying it detached. together.” The family’s lawsuit She acknowledged that goes further, alleging the her son “probably wasn’t firearm was disassembled making the best decisions” into multiple pieces and but said he deserved the incapable of being fired. opportunity to learn from Carlson told investithem. gators he feared Wilkins “He was a kid,” she would encounter officers said. “He should still be approaching from the here right now.” opposite direction and Asked then what jus“either ... shoot at them or tice would mean to her, turn back around and kind Wilkins said: “I want offiof shoot at me.” cer Carlson to go to jail.” Gore said his office’s Prosecutors have decidreview was limited to ed he will not. whether Carlson could be criminally prosecuted, not
Continued from A1 could hold 17 rounds and 14 remained after the shooting. Only one bullet struck Wilkins, in the back of the head. Albert Watkins, an attorney representing Wilkins’ family, had questioned the thoroughness of the prosecutor’s review because of the dispute over the number of shots. “If he did a thorough job, a thorough job of evaluating this case, why does he not know the number of shots fired?” Watkins told The St. Louis American. The family’s amended federal lawsuit also alleges Carlson fired four shots at Wilkins as he fled. Gore announced Friday that Carlson would not
face criminal charges, saying his office found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s use of deadly force was objectively unreasonable under Missouri law. The Circuit Attorney’s Office initially said Carlson fired three shots. On Saturday, it clarified that investigators recovered three spent casings and that three rounds were missing from Carlson’s firearm. On Monday, the office acknowledged that the body-camera recording sounds as though four shots were fired. The decision not to charge Carlson came more than two years after Wilkins was killed and months after body-camera footage contradicted an initial police account that the teenager had turned and pointed a gun at officers. The video shows
Trump and the MAGA monsters. The persistent assaults on our civil liberties and human rights have the country on the brink of authoritarianism. The world economy is trembling with uncertainty. The road to the midterms could be more optimistic if the Democratic Party had a plan that was fueled by its mission to fight unconditionally for the disenfranchised and the marginalized. The future will determine whether the Democratic Party can unify internally and provide the bold, unapologetic leadership this political moment demands. Nov. 3 is a critical stop on the journey to rebuild democracy; it’s not the destination. Jamala Rogers is an opinion writer and one of the founding members of the Organization for Black Struggle, based in St. Louis.
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Drake Continued from A1 munity outreach. “She’s led efforts that have significantly reduced breast cancer disparities and improved breast cancer outcomes for African American women in our region; lowered colon cancer fatality rates and expanded vital smoking cessation programs,” Levy said. Dr. Timothy J. Eberlein said WashU’s community engagement under Drake has increased in underserved populations in the Bootheel, St. Louis city, North County and other communities along the Mississippi River. Eberlein cited Drake’s development of Health on the Move, which pairs community health workers with mobile mammography and lung cancer screening services throughout the 82-county region served by Siteman. Dr. John A. Olson Jr., who introduced Drake, described her as “rigorous, generous and quietly relentless” in pursuing a goal of “making sure that cancer research reaches the people who need it the most.” “You are exactly the kind of scholar this chair was created to honor,” Olson said. Drake also co-leads the Prostate Cancer Community Partnership, part of the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities, which works to reduce prostate cancer disparities in the region. Her approach, Drake said, requires researchers to go beyond identifying unequal health outcomes. “You just can’t identify problems; you have to engage with the community and then implement interventions to have a greater impact,” she said. Drake began her presentation with a reflection on the humble beginnings that helped shape those values. She was born and raised in “micro-politan” Marshall, a small town that “sits in the piney woods of East Texas with its farmland and cattle ranches.” Drake is the youngest of Leroy and Bettye Fisher’s five children. She grew up on “Fisher Drive,” named in honor of her father, who spent his career in community development as a construction supervisor. After her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Drake became involved in community outreach through area churches, providing information about cancer prevention and screening. “The combination of my outreach experiences and my father’s diagnosis fueled my interest and passion in disparities research,” Drake said. Her pride goes beyond the street bearing her father’s name to the sense of community she experienced growing up in Marshall. “It was a town where you could borrow a cup of sugar or a half dozen eggs from your neighbor, which I literally did,” Drake recalled. “Kids playing in the Texas heat could pause our play and always get a cup of water or a popsicle from the family down the street.” When tragedy struck a family, she said, the community came together to support one another and pray. The importance of “faith, service and community are values that I carry with me and inform the research that I do today,” Drake said. Drake earned a doctorate in epidemiology from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in public health epidemiology from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She completed postdoctoral studies at the Harvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health. She began researching prostate cancer as a doctoral student in South Carolina, where Black men face a significantly higher risk of dying from the disease than White men. Another key influence was the late Dr. Bill Carter Jenkins, an epidemiologist and activist associated with exposing ethical abuses in the U.S. government’s Tuskegee syphilis study. “What I learned from Dr. Jenkins was the methods of identifying problems and the risk factors that cause them, but I was even learning how to engage communities to refine the problem,” Drake
Dr. Bettina Drake, center, celebrates her installation as the Michael F. Neidorff Professor with her husband, John Drake, and daughters, Amelia, left, and Hannah, right, at Washington University on Oct. 5, 2026.
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
recalled. “Bill Jenkins’ methodology was not just iden-
tifying problems; it was trying to understand why the problem existed in cer-
tain communities and then taking actions.” Drake said that
approach includes making sure medical research reflects the communities it is intended to benefit. “When we do research, we want our patient population to resemble the people who will be receiving the treatment in the future,” she said. WashU Chancellor Dr. Andrew D. Martin praised Drake for demonstrating “how to take research out into the community to serve the people of St. Louis and our region.” “And for that,” Martin added, “we are all in awe.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Patterson Continued from A1 academic adviser before becoming a program director and moving into her current position in 2020. “I am as excited about this work 30 years later as I was when I first began as an academic advisor,” Patterson said. “There have been a lot of shifts in the responsibilities. There have been shifts in the titles. However, the students, the people, they don’t change, the goal, that doesn’t change, and that’s what continues to excite me.” Patterson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and a doctorate in higher education administration from Saint Louis University in 2004. She said her job never gets boring because every student enters college with a different story, and she does not view them simply as numbers or data points. “Every one of these students have a story,” Patterson said. “And to be able to connect and engage with them and their story creates relationships, and relationships — I mean, that’s the soul of the work that we do.” Ariel Combs, a former SIUE student, developed a relationship with Patterson after Patterson became her adviser through FAME, or Females of African Descent Modeling Excellence, in 2018. Combs described Patterson, whom she calls “Dr. P,” as a nurturing, charismatic and fashionable force who made students and their families feel welcome. She remembers Patterson reassuring parents about their children’s safety as they prepared to leave them on campus. “She made sure that by the time they left, they felt confident that you was going to be OK,” Combs
Jocelyn Nelson, left, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, talks with Dr. Earleen Patterson as she prepares for job interviews.
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
said. Patterson would pick Combs up from her dorm at least twice a month for church and helped her develop campus relationships that led to other opportunities, including working as a Black Studies assistant. “Even now as an adult, I’m no longer there. I’m no longer a student, but she makes sure I’m OK,” Combs said. “She’s encouraging me. She’s uplifting me, making sure that I’m reaching my full potential.” Patterson said those lasting relationships are among the most rewarding parts of her career. “I am seeing the chil-
dren of the children of some of my students now,” Patterson said. “It happens all the time.” SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor said Patterson’s influence stands out when he encounters graduates. “I have met countless SIUE alumni who, with gratitude, simply say to me, ‘If it were not for Dr. P. …,’” Minor said. Howard Rambsy, a distinguished research professor of literature at SIUE, has worked with Patterson for 22 years through the Boundless Scholar Experience, a program for first-year Black students. Rambsy described
Patterson as a knowledgeable leader with high standards and a skill for anticipating what students and programs will need. BSE once served about 50 Black students. When university leadership decided to expand the program, Rambsy said Patterson was instrumental in making it happen. This fall, he said, the program serves 685 students. “She was the person to make it actually happen,” Rambsy said. “She’s that person back there behind the curtain making all the magic happen.” Rambsy said Patterson also led a team of advisers in coordinating schedules after Black students
complained about being the only Black student in some of their classes. “They don’t know that there was a person who made it possible,” Rambsy said. “That’s how it is sometimes when people, they enjoy a kind of benefit, but [are] not really clear how that came about.” Patterson is also a Golden member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., serving the organization for more than 50 years. She recently was appointed to the Central Region leadership team as scholarship committee chair and also serves as membership and scholarship chair in her graduate
chapter. “I enjoy membership development. I enjoy bringing new people into our organization. I enjoy making sure students have funds and providing scholarships for students to continue their education,” Patterson said. “It fits again so much with who I am, what my personal goals are [and] my professional goals.” It is a commitment that traces back to the example set by her mother. “They didn’t have the opportunity, but they had the vision,” Patterson said. “They had the vision for the future.”
“I hope that you are still proud of the person you’re becoming.” – Scott Evans
Living It
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OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Style will take center stage at 39th Annual Education Salute
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Formalwear is settling back into elegance. Designers are choosing refinement over spectacle. They’re reminding people what it looks like when the clothes do their job — and let the person wearing them take the spotlight.
Gala offers lessons on glamour while celebrating educators and scholars By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American Watching Brandin Vaughn pull together looks for what has become an annual tradition — illus‑ trating the elegance of the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala through a fashion
editorial — is downright fascinating. The final looks fall squarely within the spec‑ trum of style guests can expect from honorees and attendees at the 39th Annual Education Salute, which takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 at St. Louis Union Station Hotel. He brings in piles of
The final looks fall squarely within the spectrum of style guests can expect from honorees and attendees at the 39th Annual Education Salute.
clothes and accessories. Some are his original designs. Others come from
establishments and indi‑ viduals who allow him to pull items. This year, that
included The Vault Luxury Resale, Loafer League and Vauje Jewelry. As he chisels looks from the piles, three things become abundantly clear: glamour knows no price. Glamour knows no size. Glamour knows no age. I watched him pair a $5,000 vintage Chanel Diana flap quilted lamb‑ skin bag with a $35 Zara
dress. I’ve seen him bring together models ranging from teens to wellsea‑ soned, in different heights and shapes, and create a cohesive statement that defines elegance on every level. “I’m not gonna say anything goes when it comes to formalwear, but See Cann, B3
Bryson Tiller headlines a high‑ energy night in St. Louis ‘Trap Soul’ turns ten By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American What a difference a decade makes. When Bryson Tiller came to St. Louis in May 2016, he was a fresh face with a new sound that blended R&B melodies with club‑banger beats and trap lyrics. He hit the stage at The Pageant per‑ forming selections from his then‑new Trap Soul album with barely any lighting. It was almost as if he were performing from the shadows. He was new on the scene, but he already had a devoted fan base. Fans didn’t seem to mind the minimal view of the emerging music star as they sang along to every
He wasn’t the first artist to blend R&B and rap or trap — but his mix had an infectiousness and vulnerability that set him apart.
word. He wasn’t the first artist to blend R&B and rap or trap — but his mix had an infectiousness and vulnerability that set him apart. The way the crowd responded to him back then was a sign of what was to come. On Oct. 3, 2026, Tiller
celebrated the ten‑year anniversary of Trap Soul with a nearly sold‑out crowd at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. The Neo Trapsoul Tour had the production elements of a music superstar — pyrotechnics, background dancers and striking big‑screen visuals. Videos that felt like a mashup between scenes from the Dune film franchise and Jodeci’s “Cry For You” music video flashed across the massive screens. If the seats had not been anchored in concrete, they would have shaken from the electricity of the fans when he emerged. The entrance was staged to See Hit Show, B4
Bryson Tiller celebrated the ten‑year anni‑ versary of Trap Soul with a nearly sold‑out crowd at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
St. Louis American Calendar
Halloween Oct. 9-Oct. 30 (select nights) 5 p.m., Boo at the Zoo presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Hospital, The Saint Louis Zoo. For more information, visit stlzoo.org. Sat., Oct. 31, 12 noon, Annie Malone’s Safe Halloween Trunk-orTreat, Annie Malone Children and Family Services, 5355 Page Blvd. For more information, visit www.anniemalone.com. Sat., Oct. 31 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Thriller Live! A Halloween Exclusive Michael Jackson Tribute Featuring Santana Jackson, The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information, visit www.bluestrawberrystl.com. CONCERTS Sat., Oct. 9, 6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., City Winery welcomes Tamar Braxton, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way. For more information, visit citywinery.com Sat., Oct. 16, 6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., City Winery welcomes Rakim, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way. For more information, visit citywinery.com Sat., Oct. 17, 6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Winery welcomes MC Lyte, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way. For more information, visit citywinery.com. Sun., Oct. 18, 7 p.m., The Sheldon presents in partner-
ship with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves celebrate John Coltrane. Powell Symphony Hall. For more information, visit.thesheldon.org.
The St. Louis County Library Foundation will welcome comedy legend D.L. Hughley to The Pageant for an onstage conversation about his new memoir ‘Charlie’s Boy.’ See SPECIAL EVENTS for more information.
Thurs., Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Thundercat: Distracted AF Tour, The Factory at The District, 17105 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. For more information, visit thefactorystl.com. SPECIAL EVENTS Thurs., Oct. 15, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation presents D.L. Hughley for an onstage conversation about his memoir Charlie’s Boy, The Pageant. 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com. Sat., Oct. 17, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. reception), St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, St. Louis Union Station Hotel. For more information, call 314.533.8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com. Tues., Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., Beyond the Diamond: An Evening with Mike Claiborne and Bob Kendrick, Spend an evening with acclaimed St. Louis journalist and broadcaster Mike Claiborne and Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell. For more information, visit www.
ents The Niceties, The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square. For more information, visit www.playsiren.com Through October 18, Stages Saint Louis presents Come Away with Me, Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org. Oct. 23 – Oct. 24, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis presents Joshua’s Boots by Adolphus Hailstork and Susan Kander. COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre. For more information, visit opera-stl. org. ART
mohistory.org.
heliumcomedy.com.
Thurs., Oct. 22, 8 p.m., The Rogue Route Tour with Sarah Jakes Roberts, Stifel Theatre. For more information, visit www.stifeltheatre.com.
Oct. 30 – Oct. 31, Josh Johnson’s Comedy Band Camp, The Factory at The District, 17105 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. For more information, visit thefactorystl. com.
COMEDY Sun., Oct. 11. 7:30 p.m., Grief Sucks: A One-Man Show by KevOnStage, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com. Fri., Oct. 16 – Sun., Oct. 18, Helium Comedy Club welcomes Tony Rock, Helium. For more information, visit st-louis.
ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT Sun., Oct. 25, 3 p.m., The Erykah Badu Experience featuring Crystal Lynn and The Black & White Band, The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information, visit www.bluestrawberrystl.com.
Tues., Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m., Love is a Song – The music of Roberta Flack starring Margery Handy, The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information, visit www.bluestrawberrystl. com. THEATRE Through Oct. 11, St. Louis Shakespeare presents Romeo and Zooliet, Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park (across from Saint Louis Art Museum). For more information, visit stlshakes.org. Oct. 15 – Oct. 18, Soul Siren Playhouse pres-
Through November 8, A Hum Beneath the Surface by Lillian Stephen, on display through November 8. The Kranzberg Gallery, 501 N. Grand Blvd. For more information, visit kranzbergartsfoundation.org Through February 7, 2027, Ayana Evans: Nobody’s Gonna Love You the Way I Do, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit camstl.org. Through Dec. 12, Counterpublic 2026: Coyote Time, various locations. For more information, visit counterpublic.org.
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Photos by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
One more Saturday until Salute 2026. That’s right. We only have a week and some change until the gala of all galas goes down! The St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th Annual Salute to Excellence Scholarships and Awards Gala on Saturday, October 17. Is anyone else as excited as I am to see the vibe at an all-new venue? I can feel it in my bones that St. Louis Station Hotel is going to be a moment of pure elegance. That’s either my bones, or my stomach growling as I hit the home stretch of my annual Education Salute diet. Either way, the pangs are only making me more excited. Can y’all believe that I only have one more time to hype y’all up before Education Salute gets here? I hope you have your look all the way together, because the folks stay steppin’ on necks with the opulence when they step up in the building for an Education Salute. It will be no different for 2026. It might be sold out by now, but I would recommend that you hit up stlamerican.com or call 314.533.8000 to see if you can get squozed in. Yes, I said squozed. Bryson Tiller. I have been following Bryson Tiller’s career since 2015. And yet I was Saturday night year’s old when I finally truly saw what he looked like. Y’all, this man has enough fans to fill up Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – and if he were standing in front of me at Schnucks he would have not had to worry about me getting into fangirl mode on him. I promise he is the first music star that could have been in witness protection. I’m thrilled to report that after the Neo Trapsoul Tour STL stop, I am 82 percent confident that I can recognize him in a lineup. I felt like me and Ty Dolla $ign were the oldest two people up in there, but the show was super cute. Let me say that DJ Austin Millz deserves a raise. And I say that with my full chest – and without knowing, or caring, how much he makes. Especially after he brought the crowd back to life after Majid Jordan had all but flatlined the vibe with their unseasoned K-Ci and Jo Jo vibes. I ain’t gonna lie, the music was actually good. But that step-touch, last place in a Fort Zumwalt South talent show stage presence was not giving. And Ty Dolla $ign set them up to win with his short but sweet show. They couldn’t even get the crowd pumped up when they sang the songs they did with Drake. But Mr. Millz took them from zero to 100 when he gave them a Sexyy Red moment before Bryson popped out. The girls hopped out their seats and got to twerking like the rent was due. This one child jumped over the rail and hit a full split right to the concrete. I don’t know how she survived with her thigh meat intact! Austin Millz got the crowd back right ______ (insert new slang for crunk). When I tell you they went bananas before Bryson showed up in real life. They started hollering when the video started on the screen. Then they went on to sing every single word of every single verse of every single song. He could have put the microphone down, sat at the top of the stage and said, “y’all got it!” Maybe not at the top, because the pyrotechnics might have set him on fire. Denise and Pops in the firehouse. I made it out of the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater parking lot just in time to catch my girl Denise Thimes and my boy Pops Jackson in concert for the Firehouse Concert Series Sunday afternoon. If the name doesn’t give it away, the venue is the old Firehouse No. 7 in Lafayette Square. When I tell you Madam
Zanyia, Jayla, Mariah, Abriell and Bre came to Hollywood Casino Amphitheater Saturday to catch their favorite music star Bryson Tiller
Kenya, Lauren and Sasha were eager for The Neo Trapsoul Tour to kick off at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater on Saturday
Alana and Serena were in the place to be when The Neo Trapsoul Tour touched down at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater Saturday night
Diva Denise got it in as only she can. Her rendition of “Here’s to Life” took me all the way out! So long Levitt 2026. Please note: This little bit got clipped from last week’s print edition, so I’m including it again. Just so you don’t think I messed up – or even worse, that you’re crazy. Is this how the TV networks used to feel back in the day when they had to play reruns? Anyway, okay. Ready. Set. Go. I closed my weekend by bidding farewell to the 2026 Levitt Vibes St. Louis Concert Music Series presented by Delmar Main Street. I’ve been cooked and I’ve been chilled at various points over the course of the spring and summer while attending these shows. They ended on a literal high note with Brian Owens. Listen, those high notes were noting! I might have to refer to him as Brian Benét after hearing his take on “Tennessee Whiskey” Sunday evening. I hope the series returns for 2027!
Tiller Continued from A1 look as if he were walking out of one of the video scenes wearing a black trench coat. Their reaction to the start of his headlin‑ ing set was explosive. It was on brand for the audi‑ ence from the very begin‑ ning of the night. DJ Austin Millz opened the show with an immac‑ ulately curated set of millennial club classics and current bangers that gave the crowd permis‑ sion to cut loose. They sang along, rapped the lyrics and twerked to tracks from artists ranging from Frank Ocean to PnB Rock and new voices like Little M.U. He gave Ty Dolla $ign an alley‑oop when he closed with PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “TBH.” Ty Dolla $ign didn’t waste any of the momen‑ tum. He emerged with his featured verse from Kanye West’s “Everybody,” jumped right into “Paranoid,” and followed up with “Miss U,” his track with Leon Thomas. His set was the shortest of the night but carried the most energy. He jumped into the crowd. He played the guitar. He tugged on the audience’s emotions with a moment commemo‑ rating the 10th anniversary of “Cinderella,” his record with the late rapper Mac Miller. He catapulted the energy with “Psycho,” the hit he shares with Post Malone, and “Carnival.” The energy plummet‑ ed when Canadian music duo Majid Jordan took the stage. Their hybrid of R&B and EDM was solid, but their stage presence left much to be desired. They grabbed the audience’s attention with “Summers Over Interlude,” their collabora‑ tion with Drake, but quick‑ ly lost their grip. It wasn’t until “Hold On, We’re
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Hip-hop and R&B hitmaker Ty Dolla $ign made his way into the crowd at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater on Saturday, with fans pulling out their phones to capture the moment during The Neo Trapsoul Tour. Bryson Tiller headlined the show, which also featured DJ Austin Millz and Majid Jordan. Going Home,” which they co‑wrote with Drake and were featured on, that they were able to draw the audience back in. Their live performance felt inex‑ perienced — something that could improve as they grow more comfortable on stage. Millz returned to the tables before Tiller’s head‑ lining set and revived the crowd from the start of his second set just as he did with the first. His instincts were spot‑on. He sent the audience into overdrive with a segment dedicated to St. Louis rap star Sexyy Red. After Millz com‑
Ty Dolla $ign didn’t waste any of the momentum. He emerged with his featured verse from Kanye West’s “Everybody,” jumped right into “Paranoid.”
pelled them to twerked themselves into a frenzy to songs like “Skee Yee” and “Rich Baby Daddy,” it was time for Tiller to close out the show. Though still clearly shy and more comfort‑ able in the studio than on stage, Tiller’s growth as a performer since his last
visit was instantly appar‑ ent. Opening with “Mini Kelly,” he appeared much more at ease in the spot‑ light compared to his 2016 showing. Back then, it was as if he shielded his identi‑ ty for most of the night. What stood out most was the devotion of the fans. They stood on their
feet and sang along to every word with enthu‑ siasm that seemed to lift Tiller’s confidence and put him at ease. Fans screamed through the entire intro for “Don’t,” and when the beat dropped, they sang so fervently that Tiller could have stepped back and let the audience take over. It happened several times during his hour‑long set. “Wild Thoughts,” the DJ Khaled track that also features Rihanna, was another example. So were “Could’ve Been” and “Playing Games.” Even with the produc‑ tion elements signaling
a music superstar, Tiller often retreated into the music as he performed. The crowd either gave him grace or were too caught up in their nonstop sing‑ along to notice. But their connection to him — and to the songs that defined the last decade — carried the show. By the time he closed with “Exchange,” the audi‑ ence was completely in sync with him. It felt less like a finale and more like a full‑circle moment — the same fans who embraced him in the shadows ten years ago now lifting him into the spotlight.
“I haven’t even thought about that. I love it here. I love the organization. But I just haven’t had the time to give it any thought.” — St. Louisan Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, who is an unrestricted free agent.
Sports
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OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Inside Sports With Earl Austin Jr.
Battle-tested Crusaders ready to roll Lutheran North football will decide the Metro League championship. coach Lorenzo Brinkley They will conclude the put together a very challenging schedule to test his season with games against powerful teams from talented team this season. Kansas City St. Pius X In their first three and De Smet. games, the Crusaders took on perennial state chalRIP Von Scales lenger Cardinal Ritter, Class 3 state champion Our thoughts and Blair Oaks and Class 7A Lincoln-Way Central from prayers go out to the family and friends of St. the Chicago area. North Louisan Von Scales, who lost all three games but died last week at the age played very competitive of 58. He was the husfootball. The idea is to get band of singer and reality his team prepared television star Trina for the postseaBraxton. son, where the Scales was a Crusaders will former basketball be in Class 3 this standout at De Smet season. in the mid-1980s. He Things started enjoyed an excellent to pop in the past collegiate career at two weeks as the UMSL, where he Crusaders have Earl was a 1,000-point posted impressive Austin Jr. career scorer. He victories over was part of some great Metro League opponents Rivermen teams that Lutheran South and advanced to the NCAA Westminster. Lutheran Division II Tournament. North scored a total of Scales was a great 101 points in those two games. They defeated rival father to his three talented sons, Evan, Cameron Lutheran South 61-0, then and Brendan, who were followed up with a 40-19 all excellent athletes at victory over Westminster Lafayette High. last Friday night. Von’s loss is a tremenThe Crusaders boast an dous one for us in the St. impressive trio of offenLouis basketball commusive weapons in senior nity. quarterback Jonathan Moore, junior running Tiffany Spain headed back Kai Robinson and to the Hall of Fame senior wide receiver Kyren Evans. All three contributCongratulations to ed several big plays in the Cardinal Ritter College victory over Westminster. Prep track and field coach Moore threw three Tiffany Spain, who was touchdown passes and selected for induction into ran for another score. the Missouri Track and Robinson scored three Cross Country Coaches touchdowns on runs of 41 Hall of Fame. and 43 yards, along with Spain coaches the an 87-yard kickoff return. girls and boys teams at Evans scored two touchCardinal Ritter. She has downs on receptions of 42 and 48 yards. Evans is also built a dynasty with the girls program, which won a talented defensive back who has a team-leading 18 four consecutive state championships from 2021 tackles. to 2024. The boys team Lutheran North will also finished in third place visit MICDS on Saturday in 2019. afternoon in a game that
Photos by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
No. 8 Kai Robinson breaks through Westminster’s defense during Lutheran North’s 40 to 19 homecoming victory Friday night. Robinson scored three touchdowns, including runs of 41 and 43 yards and an 87 yard kickoff return, as the Crusaders continued their strong Metro League run. Under the direction of Spain, Cardinal Ritter has had 17 individual state champions and 14 relay teams that won state championships. One of the great athletes Spain coached was her daughter Kyndall Spain, who was a state champion and AllAmerican hurdler. She is now a sophomore at South Carolina. Standout performers from last weekend Reece Shanklin (East St. Louis): The senior quarterback completed 13 of 15 passes for 364 yards and six touchdowns in the Flyers’ 70-0 victory over Belleville West. Laron Baker Jr. (East
St. Louis): The senior wide receiver had three receptions for 104 yards and three touchdowns in the Flyers’ 70-0 victory over Belleville West. Rocky Sharp (De Smet): The sophomore wide receiver had seven receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown in the Spartans’ 49-36 victory over SLUH. Zac Kern (Eureka): The senior quarterback rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 187 yards and three touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 55-24 victory over Marquette. Chase Cooper (De Smet): The junior quarterback completed 24 of 31 passes for 360 yards and
three touchdowns in the Spartans’ 49-36 victory over SLUH. Chase Griffin (Kirkwood): The junior running back rushed for 100 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns in the Pioneers’ 27-3 victory over Lindbergh. Daylen Austin-Harvey (CBC): The junior quarterback completed 25 of 39 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns in the Cadets’ 28-27 loss to Rabun Gap-Nacoochee of Georgia. What’s on tap for this weekend • Lift for Life at Cardinal Ritter, Thursday, 6 p.m.
• Vianney at SLUH, Friday, 6 p.m. • Chaminade at CBC, Friday, 6 p.m. • Eureka at Ladue, Friday, 7 p.m. • Mehlville at University City, Friday, 7 p.m. • Pacific at St. Mary’s, Friday, 7 p.m. • Alton at East St. Louis, Friday, 7 p.m. • Troy at Francis Howell, Friday, 7 p.m. • Highland at Cahokia, Friday, 7 p.m. • Hannibal at Festus, Friday, 7 p.m. • Lutheran North at MICDS, Saturday, 1 p.m. • Maryville at Gateway STEM, Saturday, 1 p.m. • Kansas City St. Pius X at De Smet, Saturday, 1 p.m.
Sports Eye With Alvin A. Reid
Hamilton, Black drivers speed to glory Lewis Hamilton, the sent him tumbling down greatest Black auto racing the field. driver in history, holds Hamilton was also seven Formula 1 drivers’ among several drivers titles. The Englishman also affected by a software owns the records for most problem during the chaotwins, pole positions and ic, rain-soaked start. But podiums in F1 history. he persevered and closed He added to his podium the race in third. record by finishing third “My heart sank,” in the Bahrain Grand Prix Hamilton said postrace in Malaysia on about his early tire Sunday. The race predicament. was held in that “I was kind of nation because of like, ‘That’s it, the Middle East tenrace is over’. But I sions as the conflict just didn’t give up. with Iran drags on. I definitely didn’t Hamilton expect to get back finished behind to P3. It’s crazy to Alvin A. Red Bull driver think we were over Reid Max Verstappen, a minute down.” who recorded his With a vicfirst win of the season, tory at the Barcelonaand points leader Kimi Catalunya Grand Prix, Antonelli of Mercedes. two runner-up finishes While Hamilton has (Canada and Monaco), failed to reach the heights three thirds (China, Britain of his past success with and Bahrain) and comMcLaren and Mercedes, pletion of 15 of 16 races, he is making steady progHamilton is third in drivress under the red banner ers’ points with 214. of Ferrari. He trails Mercedes drivHis latest race began ers Antonelli (320 points) with disaster. Hamilton and George Russell (236 started second, but an early points). gamble on slick tires while Hamilton’s effort on the track remained wet Sunday earned him 15
The Reid Racing Roundup
Photo courtesy of Sky Sports
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton was thrilled to finish third in the Bahrain Grand Prix after a near-disastrous tire decision and software glitch hindered his effort. valuable points. “For us to get back to the podium, I never thought that that was going to be the case,” Hamilton said. “I’m really, really grateful that we managed to get back here.” While Antonelli should cruise to his first drivers’ title, Hamilton is within
striking distance of Russell with seven races remaining in the F1 season. Two of the races are in America: the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 25 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 21. The F1 circuit moves to the Singapore Grand Prix on Oct. 11.
Antron Brown, whose outstanding career, support of STEM education and partnership with David Steward and the Boy Scouts of America are profiled in this week’s St. Louis American, is having an outstanding season in Top Fuel drag racing. Brown, a four-time Top Fuel world champion and AB Motorsports team owner, advanced to the quarterfinals of the NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday after qualifying second. “The weekend was really good. We qualified well at No. 2, right where we wanted to be, and first round, we went down nice and smooth,” Brown said. “Just like my scripture said this morning, we’ve got to be patient.” …Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s lone Black driver, had a chance to win the Las Vegas race on Sunday, but tire wear caused him to tumble from second to eighth in the event’s final laps. Wallace was also penalized for pit
crew “equipment interference.” “Ultimately, we paid the price on our front tires,” he said. “[We] fell off pretty hard there but just hate that we had a penalty. Trying to come from the back, it’s difficult. In the Chase, you can’t have any mistakes. Pit crew rebounded, so I do appreciate that. It was a hard-fought day ... just wasn’t meant to be.” Wallace, who races for Michael Jordan’s 23XI team, is 10th in the drivers’ championship standings. A win, which would have been his first of the year, would have been huge. He returns to competition on Oct. 11 for the Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. …Rajah Caruth is 12th among 36 drivers in the Chase for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series title with 2,113 points. His goal is a podium finish in the series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 10. Caruth finished 11th in the series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 3.
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
Beyond the Diamond: The history we share By Lyah B. LeFlore-Ituen, African American History Initiative Director
Photos by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
For both men and women, metallics are playing a bigger role. Gold and pewter are showing up in shoes, clutches and lapel details. It’s not the mirrorfinish metallic that reads futuristic — it’s softer and more wearable.
Fashion Continued from B1 you certainly don’t have to box yourself in,” Vaughn said. “I love to have fun with accessories.” He said this as he pinned a cluster of brooches on a green velvet tuxedo jacket — already a statement piece on its own. The gold and ruby tones from the brooches did exactly what he intended. They elevated the look. A less skilled eye might have created a clash with the bold coat and bling. But Vaughn’s choice of jewelry accentuated the jewel tone of the jacket. “You can follow trends. You can opt for something more traditional. You can do a blend of both,” Vaughn said. “The key is to create a look that makes you feel good and expresses how you want to present yourself to the world in that moment.” The looks he conjured up aligned perfectly with what designers are leaning into for fall 2026 and spring 2027. This is a season where formalwear is settling into a new rhythm. A shift from shock value to classic cuts and shape This year, there has been a revisitation of classic silhouettes. In previous seasons, evening gowns,
tuxedos and blacktie looks were chasing shock value. Designers are now leaning into structure, with clean lines. The details are intentional as opposed to loud. After several seasons of draped and oversized gowns, designers are also moving back toward shape. Defined waists, sharp shoulders and hems that frame the body are making their way back into eveningwear. With colors, there has been an emergence of jewel tones — emerald, garnet and deep sapphire — instead of the neon shades that had their moment a few years ago. Blacktie menswear is moving in a similar direction. Tuxedos are moving away from the ultraslim cuts that were a staple of the early 2020s. Tailors are giving jackets more room through the shoulders and trousers a cleaner break at the shoe. The classic black tuxedo is still the foundation, but midnight blue and charcoal are in a steadier rotation. Velvet jackets remain in the mix, but they’re being paired with traditional bow ties instead of the novelty pieces that came with them in past seasons. For both men and women, metallics are playing a bigger role. Gold and pewter are showing up in shoes, clutches and lapel details. It’s not the mirrorfinish metallic that reads futuristic — it’s
softer and more wearable. Designers are using it to add dimension without overwhelming the look. Accessories follow the same pattern. Evening bags are smaller and structured. Jewelry is leaning toward single statement pieces instead of layered stacks. Shoes — for gowns and tuxedos — are cleaner and more classic. Formalwear is settling back into elegance. Designers are choosing refinement over spectacle. They’re reminding people what it looks like when the clothes do their job — and let the person wearing them take the spotlight. The St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place at 6 p.m. (5 p.m. reception) on Saturday, October 17 at St. Louis Union Station Hotel. For more information, visit www.stlamerican.com or call (314) 5338000. The creative team for the 2026 St. Louis American Foundation Education Salute fashion photo shoot included Lawrence Bryant, cocreative director and photographer, and Brandin Vaughn, cocreative director and designer/stylist. Models: Tia B, Bryan Logic, Ronyea Measimer, Shirley Vaughn and Serroge Watt.
during Hispanic Heritage Month. My own understanding of the richness of the Afro-Latino community grew during my years in television and entertainment in In my previous column, I teased New York in the early 1990s. As an evening that I have been looking a young executive transitioning forward to for months: Beyond the into television production, I Diamond, coming October 20 to was introduced to Puerto Rican, the Missouri History Museum, with Dominican, and other Latino award-winning sports journalist communities and began to better Mike Claiborne in conversation understand the connections among with Bob Kendrick, president of the African Americans and our brothers Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in and sisters throughout the African Kansas City. diaspora and Latin America. Now, we are getting closer. And Our histories have never existed I want you to be there. in isolation. When I first imagined this Baseball makes that conversation, I knew visible. Mike Claiborne had Here in St. Louis, to be part of it. Mike consider Henry “Flick” is St. Louis baseball Williams, the Negro history. He has spent League catcher whose decades telling our career stretched stories, chronicling from 1923 to 1937. our players, and He is also the greatunderstanding the uncle of three of my heartbeat of this dear friends, Dottie city’s relationship McDowell, Gwendolyn with the game. Williams, and Erica When Mike said, Hickman. “I’d love for my That is the thing good buddy Bob about history in St. Kendrick to join us,” Louis. You never know I was over the moon. Lyah LeFlore-Ituen how close it is until you Because this is start looking. exactly the kind of The names in the conversation that St. history books are often connected Louis at Bat: 100 Moments in to people sitting beside us at Baseball History deserves. The church, across from us at the exhibit is now open at the Missouri dinner table, raising families in our History Museum, and while there neighborhoods, or carrying stories will be many stories to tell during passed down through generations. its run, there are some moments that That is why I want you to see St. deserve to be placed squarely in the Louis at Bat. And then come hear spotlight. This is one of them. Mike Claiborne and Bob Kendrick. On October 20, Beyond the I am especially proud that Diamond will begin with happy the Eta Boulé Foundation is a hour at 5pm, followed by the presenting partner for Beyond the conversation at 6:30pm. It will Diamond, adding another layer to be an evening about baseball, but an evening that celebrates it will also be about Black history, leadership, history, perseverance, community, and exclusion, opportunity, institution-building. and the extraordinary On October And just two days ways Black Americans 20, Beyond the later, the Missouri History have used institutions, Diamond will Museum will turn another talent, and visibility to page in our collective push the country forward. begin with story with a conversation The Negro Leagues happy hour at the 1876 citywere born because Black 5pm, followed about county split and its legacy players were denied by the 150 years later. access to organized At first glance, conversation baseball. So they built baseball and the citytheir own teams, leagues, at 6:30pm. county divide may seem and institutions. unrelated. They did not They are not. necessarily know that Both ask us to examine they were laying a foundation that the lines we draw, the institutions future generations would stand we build, and the ways decisions upon. made generations ago continue to But they were. shape everyday life. Satchel Paige. James “Cool That is what history does when Papa” Bell. Josh Gibson. And we allow it to speak. countless others who were not It asks: Where have we been? simply playing baseball. They were What have we inherited? And where creating possibility in a country that are we now? had placed extraordinary limits on Those are questions I will Black life. continue exploring later this fall Their legacy belongs in the larger when Bakari Sellers joins me at the story of the fight for civil rights— Missouri History Museum. not because every player set out But first, I want us to gather to become an activist, but because around the diamond. simply insisting upon the right to Come see the exhibit. Open the compete, excel, and be seen was history books. Bring your children. itself a powerful statement. Bring your questions. And the story does not stop at Come hear two extraordinary Black baseball. storytellers remind us that the It intersects with the history of history of baseball is also a history Latino players who faced their own of America—and that some of the barriers of race and segregation and most important stories in the game whose contributions to baseball were never just about the game. are essential to understanding the They were about us. game’s American story. That feels especially meaningful
Saturday, October 17th St. Louis Union Station Hotel
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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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Mobile wallets can help teens build financial confidence By Kyla Pollard, Group Manager, Retail Banking, Commerce Bank
3. MICDS (Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School), St. Louis 4. DaySpring Arts & Education, Maryland Heights 5. Center Cross Academy, St. Louis 6. New Life Academy, Bridgeton 7. Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis, St.
When teens get their first job, they often get their first real taste of financial independence. For many families, that milestone brings new questions about spending, safety, and how much oversight is appropriate. Mobile wallets can help bridge that gap by giving teens a convenient way to manage money while providing parents with added visibility and security. A mobile wallet is a digital application that stores payment card information on a smartphone or other mobile device. Instead of using a physical debit card, teens can make purchases by tapping their device at checkout. While the experience feels simple and seamless, mobile wallets include several security features designed to help protect financial information. Rather than sharing an actual debit card number during a transaction, mobile wallets use encrypted digital tokens. Kyla Pollard This means sensitive card information is not transmitted to merchants, helping reduce the risk of fraud if a payment terminal or retailer experiences a security issue. Most mobile wallets also require biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition or a device passcode before a payment can be completed, adding another layer of protection. Getting started is typically straightforward. Parents can help teens add an eligible debit card to their device, enable security features and review notification settings together before using the wallet for purchases. Many mobile wallet providers also offer family settings that give parents Rather than sharing an actu- additional tools to help manage access and monial debit card tor activity. number during For many families, the benefits of mobile wallets a transaction, go beyond convenience. mobile wallets Because transactions use encrypted happen digitally, parents digital tokens. and teens can often view purchases in real time through notifications, transaction histories and banking tools. This visibility creates opportunities for ongoing conversations about spending habits, budgeting and financial priorities. Mobile wallets can also help teens take meaningful steps toward financial independence. They allow young consumers to make purchases on their own while still benefiting from the guidance and safeguards parents may wish to maintain. Some banking and financial management tools even allow families to set spending limits or receive alerts when purchases are made. Of course, technology alone isn’t enough to build strong money habits. Mobile wallets are most effective when paired with regular discussions about financial responsibility. Reviewing transactions together, talking about the difference between needs and wants, and setting spending goals can help teens better understand how
See Schools, B10
See Mobile wallet, B10
Photo by Joy Sewing / Houston Chronicle
For many Black families, choosing a school can mean weighing resources and opportunities against representation and a sense of belonging.
A mother reflects on school choice regrets Black parents know the trade-offs between resources, opportunity and belonging By Joy Sewing Houston Chronicle My daughter was 5 years old when I enrolled her in kindergarten at a Houston Independent School District elementary school across town, in a majority White community. At the time, I was a licensed foster parent with the goal of adopting, which meant I had become a mother almost overnight.
I was learning to in a brand-new do everything at building with a once, including grand piano in finding a school the foyer, where for a child who a teacher would had become my play as students daughter. A few arrived in the colleagues recmorning. There ommended this was a large one. library, a music The school studio and a new Joy Sewing had a strong auditorium with music and fine a booming sound arts program with everysystem that was funded by thing you could want for the PTO. a child. It was located I had attended a won-
derful public elementary school that was centered on music and arts. It didn’t have the impressive amenities of this school, but it gave me something I believe many schools are missing: a place to express yourself, to create and to learn. I wanted my daughter to have that too. But I couldn’t ignore something else. Only about
See Choice, B10
Governor French tops list of diverse private schools St. Louis American staff Governor French Academy in Belleville, Illinois, ranks as the most diverse private K-12 school in the St. Louis area, according to newly released rankings from Niche. Principia School ranks second and MICDS (Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School) is third. DaySpring Arts &
Education and Center Cross Academy round out the top five. Niche, a website that helps families research and compare schools, releases rankings each year based on school data and reviews from students and parents. For its diversity rankings, Niche looks primarily at the racial makeup of a school’s student body. It also considers gender and
economic diversity, where students come from and what students and parents say about a school’s culture. Niche’s newly released 2027 rankings list these as the 12 most diverse private K-12 schools in the St. Louis area: 1. Governor French Academy, Belleville, Illinois 2. Principia School, St. Louis
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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Schools Continued from B87 Louis 8. Gateway Legacy Christian Academy, Glen Carbon, Illinois 9. The Fulton School, Chesterfield
Choice Continued from B7 10% of the students were Black. I worried she might be the only one, or one of few, in her class. And she was. There is a particular type of isolation that comes with being the only one. It can chip away at a child’s sense of belonging and their sense of self. When you’re Black, you don’t simply notice it. You feel it. I told myself the quality of the school outweighed everything else. I began to regret my decision within a few months. This is one of the reasons Nikole HannahJones’ recent New York Times essay, in which she reckons with the choices she has made about her daughter’s education, has resonated with me and with so many other Black parents. Hannah-Jones, the journalist who led “The 1619 Project,” writes about regretting the decision she and her husband made a decade ago to put their daughter into a low-income, under-resourced New York public school. They could afford to choose a different school, even a private one. Instead, they believed they could help change the system of education inequities from within. But what struck me was something simpler.
10. North County Christian School, Florissant 11. Providence Academy, St. Louis 12. Veritas Christian Academy, O’Fallon Governor French is a private, nonprofit college-preparatory school that has operated in down-
town Belleville since 1983. It serves students from prekindergarten through 12th grade and emphasizes small classes and individualized instruction. Private School Review reports that 59% of Governor French students are students of
There is no perfect answer for Black parents trying to educate their children. There are only choices and sacrifices that come with them. For generations, schools in Black communities have faced disparities in resources and funding compared with schools in wealthier, predominantly White communities. So Black parents are often forced to weigh two competing needs: Do we send our children somewhere they will see themselves reflected — even if the school has fewer resources? Or do we send them somewhere with more resources and opportunities knowing they may be singled out and possibly face racial bias in the classroom? Many Black parents don’t have options. They must rely on the underfunded, under-resourced public school in their community and hope their kids get what they need. At the school across town, I watched my daughter disappearing inside the choice I had made. The problems seemed to begin when the staff learned that she was in foster care. Almost weekly, I received reports from teachers about something she had done: taking another child’s snacks, using the wrong-colored pencil, standing when she needed to be sitting. I am not a teacher, but I’ve been around a lot of 5-year-olds. Most of them
semester. I requested an are slightly unruly. That’s immediate transfer to why we send them to kindergarten — to teach them another school. structure, rules, manners Singled out and how to function in a classroom with two dozen I remembered Hannahkids. Jones’ 2016 essay about My daughter’s ordithe decision to enroll her nary 5-year-old behavior daughter in a New York seemed to become evipublic school in a Black dence of something more. neighborhood, The final and it inspired incident came me to do the when an assistant principal Many Black par- same. Change called to tell ents don’t have doesn’t happen me that she options. They unless you are had taken a vested in the chicken nugget must rely on the process. off a child’s underfunded, I grew up plate. Then he under-resourced in Riverside implied that Terrace, a she cut another public school in their community middle- and child’s hair. upper-class I asked for and hope their community of details. He kids get what Black families. said he would they need. Many enrolled call me back their children with specifics. in majority An hour White private later, he schools across town where called. they often were the only He laughed. He had Black students in the classmade a mistake. Another room. child had done it. Still, today, Black famI felt my jaws clench so ilies are faced with the tight I could hardly swallow. The callousness of his same decision about their children’s education, often assumption made me sick. sacrificing representation, Then I received a mesbelonging and identity to sage on the school’s app from the gym teacher, demanding that I speak with my daughter about respect because she wasn’t following instructions. The teacher wrote that my daughter had “a joyous Continued from B7 smile on her face as she looks me in the eye and their choices impact their completely ignores what I finances. am saying.” As digital payments We lasted exactly one
color, compared with 34% at private schools statewide in Illinois. The school describes itself as diverse and nonsectarian and says it provides education regardless of national origin, race or religion. Niche also gives Governor French an A
Moblie wallet
for diversity, a grade that considers racial and economic diversity as well as student and parent assessments of school culture. Kim Powers, an administrator at Governor French, credited the school’s small classes and individual-
ized approach with its success in a 2024 interview with the Belleville NewsDemocrat. “We attribute our success to the academy’s ability to take a highly individualized approach on education and our small class sizes,” Powers said.
send them to predominantly White private schools. I’ve talked with many Black parents who want their kids to attend White or diverse classrooms so they will know how to assimilate in the world. I think there is a time for that. I want my children, first, to be confident in their Black identity, to know they are beautiful, smart and good, so that if the world tries to diminish them with hate, they have an armor of self-love to protect them. My daughter’s new public school had a strong music magnet program, but the landscape was much different. The student body was 70% Black, and the 1930s building looked like it had never been renovated. There was no grand piano. No studio or fancy auditorium. The gymnasium doubled as a cafeteria and performance space. On some winter days, there was no heat. But what it lacked in amenities it made up for with veteran teachers who were rooted in education and invested in the welfare of the children. I felt my
daughter was safe, nurtured and, most importantly, excited about learning. Then came 2023. The state takeover of HISD changed the landscape almost immediately. By December, many of the teachers had left. My son’s kindergarten teacher had no teaching certificate and was responsible for 26 kindergartners. My children also were placed in special education with an autism diagnosis. They were not autistic. A few months after our adoption was finalized in 2023, we moved to a small, mostly Black private school in the neighborhood. Both children began to thrive. We hope that if we think carefully enough, sacrifice enough and love our children enough, we’ll make the choices that send them down the right path. Most of all, we hope we won’t look back with regret. Joy Sewing is an award-winning news columnist for the Houston Chronicle who writes about social justice, politics, education, health care and inequity.
become a larger part of everyday life, mobile wallets can be a practical tool for helping teens build financial confidence while giving parents opportunities to guide healthy money habits.
If you have questions about mobile wallets or digital payment options, a Commerce Bank banker can help you find solutions that fit your family’s needs.
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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United, we give. Together, we strengthen our region United Way of Greater St. Louis is excited to unite our region in a shared spirit of generosity. Through the United Way Community Campaign, individuals, businesses, labor partners, and nonprofits unite to help stabilize families, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact across our region. Every year, United Way helps more than one million neighbors across 16 counties in Missouri and Illinois. The numbers tell an important story, but the people behind them tell an even more powerful one. Every gift helps solidify families, creates opportunity for children, and strengthens the support systems our community depends on. Through a network of more than 150 nonprofit partners, United Way brings people, resources, and funding together to help neighbors find security, opportunity, and support. United Way’s Community Campaign helps neighbors like Veronica, Nora, and Juanita: • Veronica’s home was destroyed after the May 16 tornadoes tore through the St. Louis region. She found herself suddenly without a
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE • OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
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Moms ignite movement for Black kids in private school Nine percent of K-12 private school students are Black. Private School Village works to counter racial isolation. By Aziah Siid Word In Black In the spring of 2018, two Los Angeles mothers, Kawanna Brown and Lisa Johnson, sparked a movement. Frustrated by the racial isolation their children faced in private schools, they dreamed of a community where Black private school kids could connect and families could support each other. Johnson, having experienced being one of the few Black students in her Atlanta independent school, was dismayed to find little progress decades later for her own children. “What I realized as a parent, which was different from my parents, was that we spend so much time in school. These are the most important developmental years of your life,” said Johnson, founder and executive director of Private School Village. “As a parent of two children, who are also in an independent school here in California, they were living the same experience that I lived as a student, many decades ago,” Johnson told Word In Black. “It is this experience of isolation. It is an experience of being the only one or one of a few. It’s an experience of a lot of othering.” Determined to break this cycle, Johnson and Brown organized a casual park playdate, inviting Black families from various schools across Los Angeles. What started as a simple electronic invite to Black and Brown families as a way to connect turned into a movement. “We booked this park that had a capacity of only 50 people. I asked four other friends of mine who are in other private schools if I put their name on an Evite, and we sent this thing around, and it went around to 75 people,” Johnson said. “By the time the event rolled around, the RSVP was at 500.” The overwhelming response marked the birth of Private School Village. The grassroots effort, formalized as a nonprofit in 2018, goes beyond social gatherings. PSV works to improve the private school experience for Black and Brown families by creating supportive communities and promoting racial literacy, representation and a greater sense of belonging. PSV encourages parental engagement, works with schools on policies and practices and builds networks intended to help students feel reflected and supported. In 2022, it expanded its work with the launch of Somos PSV, an initiative serving Latino and Hispanic private-school families. The organization has continued to grow. PSV says it now serves families across more than 90 schools in California, and its Parent Ambassador program has expanded beyond Southern California to Northern California, Philadelphia and Charlotte. Its programs also include grade-level social groups, high school leadership activities and The Village Scholarship, which has provided $398,000 in tuition assistance to 19 students at 12 private schools. PSV’s work has taken on renewed relevance amid a national discussion about the educational choices Black families make. In September, journalist Nikole HannahJones wrote about regrets
Photo courtesy of Private School Village
Students gather at Private School Village’s 2019 back-to-school picnic. The nonprofit works to counter racial isolation and build community for Black and Brown students attending private schools. surrounding her decision to send her daughter to an under-resourced public school in Brooklyn and the academic consequences her daughter believes resulted from that experience. Lisa Johnson and her husband, Andre Johnson, joined that discussion in a recent interview with People, emphasizing that neither public nor private schools offer a perfect answer for Black families. Lisa Johnson said some families make significant financial sacrifices to send their children to private schools, only to encounter different challenges involving identity, culture and belonging. Private school truths “What I’ve found in the past five years is people make a lot of assumptions about private school families and kids,” Johnson said. Like many institutions in the United States, private schools — often called independent schools — were not initially designed for Black students. In the South, private schools were “established, expanded, and supported to preserve the Southern tradition of racial segregation” as federal courts dismantled “separate but equal,” according to the Southern Education Foundation. White students left public schools in droves for traditional and newly formed private schools, and from 1950 to 1965, private school enrollment grew at unprecedented rates across the nation. In the 2017-18 school year, Little Red School House, an elite private school in New York City, came under fire after grouping students in two grades partly by race for
homeroom, a practice the school said was intended to better support students of color. After criticism from some parents, the school discontinued the policy. Federal data show that about 4.7 million kindergarten through grade 12 students were enrolled in private schools in fall 2021. Black students represented 9% of private-school enrollment, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, during the 2019-20 school year, median private-school tuition was $26,866, and the average financial aid award was $11,500. Part of the ongoing discussion between private- and public-school supporters involves school vouchers, education savings accounts and other programs that allow families to use public money for private-school tuition or other educational expenses. Those programs have expanded significantly in recent years. As of January 2026, at least 18 states had private-school-choice programs with universal eligibility, according to the Education Commission of the States. Vouchers generally direct public money toward private-school tuition, while education savings accounts allow parents to use state-provided funds for approved educational expenses that can include private-school tuition, tutoring, curriculum materials and other services. The expansion has remained controversial. Supporters say the programs give families greater control over their
children’s education, while critics question their effects on public-school funding and whether they disproportionately benefit families whose children already attend private schools. “In the short term, mostly it’s just going to be a funding giveaway to families that were already sending their kids to private schools,” Douglas Harris, an economist at Tulane University who studies education policy, told Vox. Changing the system The realization Johnson came to was that instead of trying to change the entire system, she’d work with what she and the parents around her could control: the quality of education, getting students proper
mental health resources and increasing parent engagement. “I was raising my children saying, well, you’re there for the education, and I keep you rooted and grounded in the Black community outside of school,” Johnson said. “But what I realized as a parent, which was different from my parents, was that we spend so much time in school. These are the most important developmental years of your life, when your identity development is most impressionable.” Johnson said the first step in shifting the private-school experience for Black kids is getting parents together to figure out what their students and environments need. One way Johnson is doing so at her organization is “primarily focusing on racial
socialization, increasing racial socialization, racial literacy, representation, and research.” “I think the American education system is hugely flawed, and in my dream world, we would start over from scratch tomorrow,” Johnson said. “So to me, there’s really no one fit or solution. I believe that the strongest indicators for a child’s success have nothing to do with whether or not they’re in public charter or private. It is parent engagement.” This story was originally published by Word In Black in 2024. It has been updated throughout for The St. Louis American with the latest available information and data.
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Career Center
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OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
REQUEST FOR BIDS
Great Rivers Great Rivers Great Rivers Greenway is Greenway is Greenway is requesting bids hiring for a seeking proposfor Seasonal Construction als for a hospitalConservation JR93641 Housekeeper - Real Estate Manager posiity-focused Host/ Project and Maintenance tion and Project Ambassador Volunteer This position is responsible for the cleanliness of Manager position. Program at Kiener assigned areas, offices, building facilities or other Management Go to www. residential spaces associated with a business unit Services. Go to Plaza. Go to www. greatriversgreen for WashU. Daily responsibilities include the www.greatrivers greatriversgreen cleaning of areas within assignments such as way.org/careers/ entryways, entry lounges, restrooms, stairwells, way.org/vendors and greenway.org/bids for more hallways, floor lounges, study rooms, laundry areas, and submit by submit by student suites and detail projects within residential information and October 20, 2026. areas assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. November 06, 2026. apply. Daily communication with housekeeping Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.
supervisors is important to relay any issues concerning an assignment and reporting all maintenance issues that are observed. Required qualifications: Education: A diploma, certification or degree is not required. Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position. Driver’s License: A Class E (MO) or Class D (IL) license and a good driving record are required for this position.
JR97848 – Medical Secretary II – Certified – WUCA Grant Medical & Diabetes Associates This position provides patient-facing and administrative support within a clinical setting. Responsibilities include patient registration and check-in, appointment scheduling, processing insurance referrals, managing medical record requests, coordinating electronic document workflows through Epic, Sfax, and OnBase, and supporting daily clinic operations. The position serves as a key resource in ensuring efficient patient flow and exceptional customer service while maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements. This position requires a Basic Life Support certification, and it must be obtained within one month of from date of hire.
We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion, and creativity. EEO/AA/VET/Disability Employer
Bids for Renovate Kitchen Food Service Building, Moberly Correctional Center Project No. C241901 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 10, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
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For the full job description and to apply, visit jobs.washu.edu, JR93641, JR97848.
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Bids & Public Notices ST. LOUIS AMERICAN
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Proposal for Parking Facilities Garage Repair Design Services Proposals will be received by the City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM October 30, 2026 For Specific project Information, go to http://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/
SEALED BIDS
SEALED BIDS
Bids for REBIDFulton Reception and Diagnostic Center HVAC Improvements, Project No. C2406-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 3, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
Bids for Scruggs Stations Warehouse Complex, Porite Roof Electrical & HVAC Repairs, Project No. O2534-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 5, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
SEALED BIDS
Sealed bids for the Hanley Road – Laclede Station Road Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR1819, Federal Project No. ST-5613(610) will be received electronically thru the County’s Procurement Portal at: https://stlouiscountymo. bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities until 2:00 p.m. on November 4, 2026.
Bids for Design & Construct New, Supervision Center Building, Joplin Community Supervision Center, Project C2512-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, in November of 2026. Project information soon available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
Plans and specifications will be available on October 5, 2026, from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlou iscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087. DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT ST. LOUIS COUNTY
REQUEST FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROPOSAL Proposals are requested from qualiProposal for Parking Facilities Kiel Garage Lighting Proposals will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00pm October 30, 2026 http://www.stltreasurer. org/Request for Proposals/
fied contractors to clear and dispose of vegetation,brush, and overgrowth along designated rights-of-way in Kinloch, Missouri. This project is managed in part by the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. A copy of the RFP is available at https://stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/.
Jefferson City, Project No. R2607-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, October 29, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
Proposals must be received no later than 3 PM CT on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Equal Opportunity Employer
FOR RENT Nice, clean, 1 Bed Apart, $700/mo, Southside, near Benton Park,
314-437-4763
1, 3 & 4 Bed Apts & Rooms for Rent $600 - $1,000/mo Plus $500/Dep Section 8 Accepted
618-781-7968
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4431 South Broadway I St. Louis, MO 63111
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55+ SENIOR LIVING
ROOMS FOR RENT
Charless Place provides income-eligible individuals and families with affordable, quality housing within the community.
Upscale, Very Clean, Good heating and cooling. Cable 314-484-3147
314-352-1362
No application fee – October, November, and December ½ off the first month’s rent for those who qualify – please call for more details
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OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TREE TRIMMING AND/OR REMOVAL SERVICES
The Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) of the City of St. Louis is requesting proposals for tree trimming and/or removal. The complete RFP can be viewed online at www.stlouismo.gov/sldc or picked up at the office of the St. Louis Development Corporation located at 1520 Market Street, 2nd floor, Suite 221 in the Real Estate Department.
The funding of this project, is financed in part through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the SEALED Community Development Administration under the proviBIDS sion of Title 1 of the Housing and Bids for Community Development Act of Renovate 1974 (Pub, L 93-383 42 USC 5301 Building No. et seq.) and/or Home Title Il of the 5 at Missouri Interoperability National Affordable Housing Act of Center in 1990, as amended (Pub. L 101-
To Advertise Real Estate, Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com 314-289-5430
FOR RENT
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St. Louis american
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Great Rivers Greenway is requesting qualifications for firms not currently on the 2026-2028 Prequalification List for Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Engineering and Surveying Services. Go to greatriversgre enway.org/vendors for details and submit by October 19, 2026.
SEALED BIDS
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Bids for Design & Upgrade Construct HVAC New, Directors System, House, Project No. Sedalia, R2518Project No. F2402-01 will 01 will be be received received by FMDC, by FMDC, State of MO, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, UNTIL 1:30 November PM, 11/5/26. 12, 2026. Project infor- Project information avail- mation available at: http:// able at: http:// oa.mo.gov/ oa.mo.gov/ facilities facilities
CATERING/ EVENTS LINEN RENTAL SERVICES RFP 2026 The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified vendors. Bid documents are available as of 10/7/26 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.
Religion
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OCTOBER 8 – 14, 2026
The black church fed souls. Now it must feed communities By Joseph Williams Word In Black Throughout history, oppressive systems have used faith as a foundation for their oppression. The gospel has been twisted to promulgate hate and excuse abuse. A warped definition of Christianity has been used to defend slavery, destroy self-sustaining Black cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma, enact and support Jim Crow laws and more. Oppressors have consistently dismantled Black power and prosperity. But this is not the liberating, loving nature of God or a true example of faith to love thy neighbor as thyself. Throughout my lifelong relationship with God, one thing has been clear: Faith has space for everybody. The religion I know means a Creator who cares to see you thrive and be sustained, and who asks for that care to be replicated in every part of life. Ending ‘food apartheid’ This call to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God, as Micah 6:8 teaches, drives my work in food justice to ensure the Black church is a space where our communities can pursue liberation, equity and self-sufficiency. As a young boy, I
learned from the resilience of the church mothers and fathers who stewarded my dreams and showed me I mattered. From my college days and an internship with the juvenile court system to later work in multicultural affairs and health solutions and my current position with the Black Church Food Security Network, equity and faith have been the constant thread through my efforts to help people become self-sustaining. The Black church has guided me on how to offer that support effectively. We must emulate its strategies as a means of addressing food insecurity and food apartheid. Black institutions, including the Black church, are a nucleus of our communities and instrumental to our resilience when the government, corporations and white supremacists have tried to stop us. The church’s unity and sacrifice were crucial to the civil rights movement’s success; people advocated not just for themselves, but for others. They built a “we” movement. They knew their efforts wouldn’t succeed unless every corner of the ecosystem worked together and stepped in where needed. Every time there has been a dismantling, there has been a stronger rebuilding. Today is no
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Gilbron Jones, executive director of HOSCO Farm and North Sarah Food Hub, picks greens with his son on Nov. 21, 2025. As Black churches look for ways to address food insecurity, advocates say community farms such as HOSCO can help Black communities become more self-sufficient and expand access to nutritious food. different. Taking food off the table In food security today, this rebuilding means
the Black church, Black farmers, nutrition and health experts and the government collaborating to feed people. It means utilizing the land we have
and sharing it with those who can make the most of it. It means advancing policies that put food on the table for people in need. It means taking responsibility for our neighbors. Unfortunately, our government today is not holding up its end of the bargain. Instead of bringing people together for the common good, national leaders once again are twisting Christian values to dilute unity and maintain their power. Lawmakers have cut SNAP, a federal program that provides critical nutrition assistance to children and families. The Trump administration also proposed cuts to WIC’s fruit-and-vegetable benefit, though Congress ultimately rejected those cuts and fully funded the benefit. While politicians put their names on buildings and build ballrooms, people are going hungry. Black communities remain underfunded, and the wealth disparity widens. Systems are designed to take food out of our mouths. So the Black church must expand its role of helping communities feed themselves. It’s what Fannie Lou Hamer taught us: Food can be weaponized when we are ensnared in a system that never saw Black people as fully human. When the government doesn’t fill the role we need, we grow
our own gardens and build our own systems. We become self-sustaining. ‘A new supportive ecosystem’ We can do this with resources we already have. Churches have land, and community members are coming through our doors. They have resources and people. The opportunity is ripe. If we turn to Black farmers as partners, we can make the most of our land and build a network to grow and distribute nutritious food within our communities. We must incorporate this into our understanding of the Black church. We are not preaching just to preach, but to offer the love, liberation and stewardship that unite and strengthen us. To build our own “we” movement, we must lift each other, feed each other and advocate for each other. The church has shown me what it means to love all of our neighbors. If more churches lead communities to self-sufficiency, then we will see people blossom in a new, supportive ecosystem. We will see God’s care to sustain people be replicated. The Black church will nourish people physically and spiritually. Joseph Williams is head of content for Word In Black.