September 11th, 2025 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

A legacy of impact

By Sylvester Brown, Jr. St. Louis American

For Maxine Clark and Bob Fox, success has never been measured only by profits or titles. It’s also measured by what they give back — and in how they use their success in business to increase opportunities for others.

They have touched the lives of scores of people across the St. Louis region through their contributions to numerous educational initiatives and their involvement in issues that intersect with education or expand pathways to success, including public health, immigration, social and racial equity, criminal justice reform and entrepreneurship.

Relief greets Spencer’s reversal on contracting program

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

St. Louis American

Mayor Cara Spencer’s sudden reversal on minority contracting has been met with relief — and a touch of exasperation — from critics who say the program never should have been shelved in the first place.

Aldermanic President Megan Green said she was glad to see Spencer put the decades-old effort back in place but questioned the need for the detour.

“It probably wasn’t necessary to pause the program, but we got it figured out and most of us who were grumpy with the initial decision are happy with this one,” Green said after Spencer’s announcement last week.

Others were more blunt.

Alderwoman Shameem ClarkHubbard (Ward 10) said she was never convinced the Trump administration posed a credible legal threat to the program, despite its efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and

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St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer meets with the press after reversing her decision on minority contracting.

Breaking barriers

Illini District sees comeback of topranked scouts after decades without one

By Wendy Todd St. Louis American

After going more than two decades without a single Eagle Scout, the Illini District of Scouting America has seen a surge. One scout earned the top rank in 2022, another followed in 2023.

This summer, something even more rare happened: Three scouts earned the organization’s highest rank, a distinction achieved by only 4% to 6% of scouts nationwide.

Sultan Al-Uqdah Jr. and twins Khalif and Khalil Morehead were recently honored for the achievement at a ceremony at New Life Church in East St. Louis. For these three young men, the milestone carries even more weight because just 7% of scouts across the country are Black.

“To see them working hard, staying dedicated and persevering to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout through this challeng-

By Ashley Winters

Louis American

Bob Fox with wife Maxine Clark. Beyond her ventures, Clark remains active in giving back through the Clark-Fox Family Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American Sultan Al-Uqdah Jr., center, and twins Khalif Morehead, left, and Khalil Morehead.

Attacks on American democracy Black Americans vital to American democracy

By Aswad Walker

Democracy in the United States has never been a gift from the powerful. It has always been won, expanded and defended by those forced to live on the margins.

And no people have done more to create, safeguard and advance democracy in this country than Black people. No one.

From the moment slavery ended, Black people’s precarious position in America forced the nation to define what “citizenship” really meant. The very parameters of rights and belonging — who could vote, who could marry, who could hold property, who could serve — were hammered out because Black people demanded clarity. Every citizen of this country, regardless of race or gender, owes their status under law to the unrelenting struggle of Black people.

That struggle also birthed institutions Americans now call cornerstones of democracy. Free Black communities were the architects of the U.S. public education system, establishing schools at a time when education was reserved for the wealthy few. By demanding literacy and knowledge for themselves and their children, formerly enslaved Black people democratized learning for all, planting the seeds of universal public education.

Voting rights, fair housing, immigration reform, women’s rights and LGBTQ protections all bear the imprint of Black struggle.

Every marginalized group that has gained a foothold in this country stands on the shoulders of Black people who refused to accept second-class status.

The Black Power and Civil Rights movements steered America from authoritarianism toward something closer to democracy.

Yet, as always, the benefits have often flowed disproportionately to others. Affirmative action, born out of Black demands for fairness, has helped white women and white male farmers more than Black communities. The same is true for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which corporations adopted to soften their long histories of exclusion. Today, veterans, disabled people, LGBTQ communities and white women rank far above Black people in terms of DEI’s material benefits.

And in 2025, the pattern continues. Every assault on Black rights — whether through voter suppression, attacks on Black history in schools, rollbacks of affirmative action or the silencing of Black voices — erodes democracy for all Americans. To weaken Black citizenship is to weaken democracy itself.

By Marc Morial

American democracy is under siege. As the nation approaches landmark civil rights anniversaries, efforts are underway in several states, including Missouri, to dismantle long-standing protections, most alarmingly, Louisiana’s recent petition to gut the Voting Rights Act (VRA).

Louisiana has taken the extraordinary step of refusing to defend its own congressional map, which includes two majority-Black districts, and instead urged the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down race-conscious redistricting frameworks established by Thornburg v. Gingles in 1986. That precedent ensures minority populations have a fair chance to elect representatives of their choosing.

The state’s attorney general argues that such redistricting is unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause, effectively challenging the applicability of Section 2 of the VRA. The case is scheduled to return to the Supreme Court on October 15, 2025, as reported by MSNBC.

This move is more than a legal maneuver. It is a direct assault on Black political power. Legal scholars warn that if successful, it would pave the way for fewer majority-minority districts not only in Louisiana but across the nation, decimating representation in Congress, statehouses and local governments.

the VRA, which the U.S. Supreme Court allowed to stand in 2024. Now, the very legal framework that enabled that progress is under attack.

This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a national pattern of voter suppression by design. The State of Black America report outlines that 27 states have passed legislation in the past five years that directly restricts access to the ballot through voter roll purges, reduced polling locations, gerrymandering and ID laws that disproportionately harm communities of color.

But dismantling the Voting Rights Act is not only a legal loss. It is a political and moral crisis. Black elected officials, advocates and all who believe in representative democracy must respond with urgency. What must be done:

Black people’s commitment to dignity, respect and equal treatment has also fueled generations of military service. Enlisting in the U.S. military was never simply about fighting foreign enemies — it was about disproving stereotypes of cowardice, asserting loyalty and showing that Black people were as committed to this nation as anyone else. In every major U.S. war, Black troops were difference-makers, their courage often turning the tide toward American victory.

But the betrayal was stark when they came home. Across the 20th century, Black veterans were beaten and lynched in uniform simply for daring to wear the garments of democracy. Many were denied the benefits of the GI Bill that built the white middle class. Still, their service protected the fragile project of democracy both at home and overseas.

This theme repeats throughout history. The Civil Rights Movement was not just about Black rights — it helped force America to extend democracy to others.

This is a call to Black people and those who genuinely respect Black humanity. We must recognize that every scrap of democracy this nation boasts exists because of us. And because of that, we must also realize that we hold the power to determine democracy’s fate. If Black people collectively decide that saving American democracy is no longer worth the effort — that we will instead build our own institutions, societies and structures that honor and respect us — then America’s experiment is over.

America has spent centuries proving that an attack on Black people is an attack on democracy. The real question for 2025 and beyond is this: Will Black people continue to save a democracy that has never saved us? Or will we decide that our fight is not to redeem America, but to build something new, something truly worthy of our sacrifice?

Aswad Walker is associate editor of the Houston Defender Network.

The stakes are stark. As the 2025 State of Black America report reveals, America’s civil rights and democratic systems are in a state of emergency. The report outlines escalating efforts, from legislative rollback to coordinated disinformation, aimed at erasing decades of hard-won protections. This year’s theme is clear: democracy cannot withstand silence or delay.

Louisiana’s maneuver arrives at a critical moment. Black Louisianans make up nearly one-third of the state’s population. Only after extensive legal pressure did the state adopt a second majority-Black district for the 2024 elections. That change came following a federal court ruling in favor of Black voters under Section 2 of

1. Hold national leadership accountable. Congress must act immediately to reauthorize and strengthen the Voting Rights Act by passing legislation such as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

2. Mobilize civic resistance. Civil rights organizations, faith-based coalitions and local community leaders must engage in robust organizing voter education and legal defense efforts to effectively address the challenges facing their communities.

3. Invest in political equity. Foundations, public institutions and allies must direct resources toward safeguarding Black electoral participation and representation. The crisis is clear. The solutions are within reach. The legacy of John Lewis, Fannie Lou Hamer and so many others reminds us that the right to vote must never be taken for granted.

To be equal, we must protect the most powerful tool we have — the vote — and resist every attempt to take it away.

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

GOP says your voice does not matter

By State Rep. Ray Reed

On Thursday, Sept. 5, my Democratic colleagues, state Reps. Jeremy Dean of Springfield and Elizabeth “Lily” Fuchs of St. Louis, began sitting on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives. Not because it’s comfortable. Not because it’s convenient. But because the majority party has forced our hand. Republican lawmakers, at the urging of Donald Trump, are pushing through a mid-cycle gerrymander that slices up Kansas City and silences the voices of thousands of Missourians.

They refused to acknowledge us on the floor, broke rules meant to safeguard debate and then left for the weekend — while we stayed put. We chose to hold the floor because the people of Missouri deserve better than a map designed to entrench power at the expense of their voice.

Let’s be clear: Democrats did not pick this fight. We came to Jefferson City ready to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, on the issues that matter — schools, health care, jobs, safe neighborhoods. But when faced with an attack on democracy itself, we could not look the other way.

partisan advantage. When Republicans ignore the rules, refuse to recognize duly elected representatives and then head home for the weekend, what they are really saying is: “Your voices don’t matter.” That is something we cannot accept.

Our sit-in is not an act of defiance for defiance’s sake. It is an act of faith. Faith in the idea that democracy belongs to us all. Faith in the idea that when people see what’s being done in their name, they will not stay silent. Faith in the long arc of history, which bends toward justice only when we help bend it.

Some will say this is just politics as usual. But I ask them, “When was the last time politics as usual asked you to give up your voice? When was the last time it told you that your community, your neighborhood, your family, should count for less because it suited someone else’s political calculation?”

The truth is, Missourians deserve leaders who rise to the challenges of our time, not ones who manipulate the rules to cling to power. They deserve maps that are fair, elections that are competitive and a government that reflects the will of the people.

The foundation of our system is simple: Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around. That principle is older than any one of us. It is bigger than any political party. And yet, here in Missouri, it is being cast aside for short-term partisan gain.

Now, I’ve been around politics long enough to know that redistricting fights are nothing new. Every decade, states redraw maps. But this isn’t the start of a new cycle. This isn’t about balancing population shifts. This is about raw power. It’s about silencing communities that have every right to make their voices heard. It’s about cutting up Kansas City, not because it makes sense for governance, but because it makes sense for

History has never been shaped by those who sat silently in the face of injustice. It has been shaped by ordinary people who refused to accept the unacceptable.

So yes, Democrats didn’t pick this fight. But we are not afraid of it because the cause we are standing for is bigger than us. It is bigger than this chamber. It is about whether the promise of democracy still holds true in Missouri.

We are here to say that it does.

And until every voice is heard and every vote counts, we will not stop holding the line.

Columnist Marc Morial

NAACP challenges Missouri GOP map that would carve up Rep. Cleaver’s seat

By Celisa Calacal

St. Louis Public Radio

The Missouri NAACP is challenging an attempt by Republican lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map and splinter Kansas City into three different districts.

The lawsuit was filed last week in Cole County, an attempt to block a special legislative session called by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe to gerrymander the state’s congressional districts — with a focus on Kansas City. It’s the first legal challenge against the special session, which convened on Sept. 3. Under the proposed map, Missouri would lose one of its two congressional seats held by Black lawmakers. The plan targets the 5th District, represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City. The 1st District, represented by U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell of St. Louis County, would remain intact.

The lawsuit argues that Kehoe’s decision to call a special session was unconstitutional, and that his reasons for doing so — to approve a new congressional map and change the laws around citizen initiative petitions — do not constitute an “extraordinary occasion.”

“Although the question of what an ‘extraordinary occasion’ under the

Missouri Constitution has not been tested in the Courts, no governor has ever before convened the legislature based on similar facts,” the lawsuit reads.

The lawsuit also argues that the state constitution does not expressly grant Kehoe the authority to request a new congressional map from the Missouri General Assembly without an action from Congress.

The Missouri NAACP, Kansas City resident Patricia Jones and Columbia resident Traci Wilson Kleekamp are plaintiffs in the case. The lawsuit asks a judge to block the special session from happening — and rule that Kehoe’s calling of a special session is unconstitutional.

The map proposed by Kehoe and Missouri Republicans would carve up Kansas City and splinter votes from the 5th Congressional District into the 4th and 6th districts, lumping together urban voters into more rural districts currently held by Republicans.

Advocates criticizing the move say it would dilute the voting power of Black and Hispanic voters in Kansas City and weaken Democratic voter representation. If approved, it would turn Missouri into a 7-1 Republican dominated state — and satisfy the wishes of President

Donald Trump.

“Runs directly against everything we fight for”

If Missouri Republicans prevail in their redistricting efforts, Kansas City’s Historic Northeast would be fractured into three separate Congressional districts.

Along Van Brunt Boulevard at 9th Street, a series of flags from around the world are painted along a retaining wall — a representation of the many nationalities that make up the Kansas City neighborhood.

Community leaders say the redistricting effort is a direct insult.

“This gerrymander runs directly against everything we fight for,” said Edgar Palacios, founder of local nonprofit Revolución Educativa.

Palacios called the Missouri First map a weapon.

“It dismantles the 5th District, scattering our communities into the 4th and the 6th, binding urban Kansas City residents with rural Missourians who live over 250 miles away near the Iowa border,” Palacios said. “That is not representation. That is dilution, that is erasure.”

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver speaks at an Emancipation Proclamation program in 2024. The NAACP is suing over Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s decision to call a special session in part to redraw the state’s congressional map and eliminate Cleaver’s district.

In the proposed map, this area of the Historic Northeast in the middle of Kansas City appears to be the axis point that splits the neighborhood into three Congressional districts.

“It’s not going to reflect the reality of our neighborhood,” he said. “And we’re going to continue to struggle in attracting resources, financial resources, other types of services and whatnot, because it’s already difficult to have the state care about our neighborhood.”

Missouri Democratic Rep. Wick Thomas represents the Historic Northeast and the

Westside in the legislature. If Republicans approve the Missouri First map, Thomas’s district would include three congressional representatives.

“Where we are standing right now, the congressional district would expand east past Jefferson City,” Thomas said. “A few blocks north where I live, my congressional district would border Illinois. In (the) West Side, the congressional district would extend South almost to Joplin.” Thomas called the gerrymandering attempt unconstitutional.

“This exacerbates those racial divides that we have fought so hard as a city to overcome — the redlining, and the racial divide of Troost — that we have made great strides to remove and to reduce that segregation,” Thomas said. “This puts it all back in place.”

Lovell Holloway, board chair of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, said challenging the proposed map is part of the broader fight for equality.

“I believe this is an insidious attack on District 5 and a congressman and a community that has done everything they can to be authentically Kansas City over the decades, in the history of this city,” Holloway said.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Schnucks rolls out AI system to keep food fresher

By St. Louis American staff

Schnucks shoppers may notice fresher food on shelves thanks to a new artificial intelligence system the grocer has rolled out across its 114 stores.

The Fresh Item Management Solutions system, developed by Logile, Inc., a Dallasbased provider of AI-powered products for retail businesses, has enhanced efficiency and precision of fresh food operations, Schnucks officials say.

“We can now make smarter, more informed decisions, offering our customers fresh food at its peak flavor and freshness, while reducing waste and ensuring consistent availability of high-quality products,” said Kim Anderson, a Schnucks vice president.

Schnucks deployed the system to modernize its fresh food operations, adopting a data-driven and automated approach. By optimizing forecasting, standardizing recipe management and automating compliance tracking, the technology helps ensure consistent quality across all

locations.

“Fresh food operations require a level of precision that traditional methods simply can’t achieve,” said Purna Mishra, founder and CEO of Logile. “Retailers today are seeking technology that not only simplifies execution but also provides actionable, data-driven insights for smarter decision making.”

By embracing Logile’s technology, Schnucks is harnessing automation to refine production forecasting and inventory management, ultimately reducing inefficiencies and delivering a seamless in-store experience.

The new system helps Schnucks predict demand for fresh food and ingredients it needs, plan daily production, manage recipes and nutrition information and even track things like how meat is ground and how much food is lost in preparation.

“With these advanced capabilities, Schnucks has improved demand visibility,” said Tom Henry, chief data and information officer at Schnucks.

Always be willing to serve

By Marian Wright Edelman

The original Children’s Defense Fund logo came from a drawing I saw in a gallery window during a walk through Cambridge, Massachusetts, where CDF had its beginning.

The artwork was by 5-yearold Maria Coté and shows a bright sun shining on a tiny boat adrift on a very wide sea. Above the boat in Maria’s handwriting is the ancient fisherman’s prayer: “Dear Lord, be good to me. The sea is so wide, and my boat is so small.”

In 1974, when CDF completed its first report, I asked permission from Maria’s mother to use the drawing on the cover. A few years later, after someone suggested CDF ought to have a logo, I looked at Maria’s drawing hanging above my desk and realized it reflected the Children’s Defense Fund mission more truthfully than any abstract piece prepared by the graphic arts firm we’d consulted ever could.

good work.

Lord I cannot preach like Martin Luther King Jr. or turn a poetic phrase like Maya Angelou and Robert Frost, but I care and am willing to serve.

I do not have Harriet Tubman’s courage, or Eleanor Roosevelt’s and Wilma Mankiller’s political skills, but I care and am willing to serve.

I cannot sing like Marian Anderson or Fannie Lou Hamer or organize like Ella Baker and Bayard Rustin, but I care and am willing to serve.

I am not holy like Archbishop Tutu, forgiving like Nelson Mandela, or disciplined like Mahatma Gandhi, but I care and am willing to serve. I am not brilliant like Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois or Elizabeth Cady Stanton, or as eloquent as Sojourner Truth and Booker T. Washington, but I care and am willing to serve.

Maria’s mother agreed to our trademarking her daughter’s piece.

After 40 years, this column will be the last in the weekly Child Watch series. Today is not yet the conclusion to the reasons this column began, nor to the need to stay vigilant.

The call still remains for faithful readers who are willing to stand for children every single day; ready to do their part to ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start and a moral start in life; and determined to build the bigger boat with stronger oars that will finally leave no child behind.

I share one more time the following grateful prayer for every servant-leader carrying on this

I have not Mother Teresa’s saintliness, the Dalai Lama’s or Dorothy Day’s love, or Cesar Chavez’s gentle tough spirit, but I care and am willing to serve.

My mind and body are not so swift as in youth and my energy comes in spurts, but I care and am willing to serve.

I’m so young nobody will listen, I feel invisible and hopeless and I’m not sure what to say or do, but I care and am willing to serve.

God, use me as You will today and tomorrow to help build a nation and world where every child is valued and protected, where everyone feels welcome and justly treated and no child is left behind.

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

The Schnucks store in downtown St. Louis, like all 113 others in the grocery chain, is using an artificial intelligence system to ensure the food on its shelves is always fresh.

Photo courtesy of Schnucks

Marian Wright Edelman

11 – 17, 2025

Black women The Pivot& &

Rewriting the rules of success

By ReShonda Tate Houston Defender

hen more than 350,000 Black women were let go from the workforce in the first 90 days of 2025, the staggering number sent shockwaves through communities already battling systemic inequities.

For Black women, who, according to 2024 data from Pew Research, continue to lead academically at colleges and universities across the U.S., the layoffs underscored a painful truth: In corporate America, their labor is valued until it isn’t.

The crisis is not limited to jobs.

Black women remain three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, with a maternal mortality rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 14.5 for white women.

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Kea Point Solutions established to help St. Louis recover

By Kavahn Mansouri

St. Louis Public Radio

The St. Louis Development Corporation’s board of directors approved a contract with Kea Point Solutions, a firm that on its website says it was established “to help the city recover quickly, effectively, and transparently.”

Founder Russell Halliday is well-known to the St. Louis Development Corp. and St. Louis officials. He previously worked as a program manager for Stantec, a firm that managed the redevel-

opment of the NorthSide regeneration area of St. Louis.

Halliday, who lives in New Zealand, called the tornado an opportunity for the north side.

“The interesting thing with recovery work for a city or a town is the opportunity portion of the recovery,” Halliday said. “Earthquakes, tornadoes and other disasters create a net benefit post recovery — that’s one of the keys I’d like to focus on.” The base contract, which sees Halliday’s firm

By the numbers

Black women who lost their jobs in the first 90 days of 2025. 350,000

50.3

Deaths per 100,000 live births among Black women, which is three times the rate for white women.

Share of total U.S. venture capital funding received by Black women-led startups in 2024. 0.4%

Average pay bump for job switchers compared to those who stay in similar roles. +7%

Jones to serve as WashU fellow-in-residence

Former St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones will serve in a semester-long post at Washington University the school has announced.

Tishaura Jones

Jones will be the inaugural visiting distinguished fellow-in-residence at the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Equity beginning in the spring 2026 semester. She will “help reshape a series of public programs, according to the university. Jones served as mayor from 2021 to 2025 and was a member of the Missouri House (2008 to 2013) and city treasurer (2013 to 2021). She also was vice president of municipal finance at Blaylock Robert Van, an Oakland-based investment firm.

Pierce named BGCSTL partnership manager

Ryan Pierce

Ryan Pierce has joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) as its new corporate partnership manager. With over a decade of experience in marketing, branding, workforce development, and corporate partnerships, Pierce will be responsible for developing and executing new and engaging partnerships that enhance BGCSTL’s brand visibility and philanthropic contributions.

Sharp receives prestigious ICMA designation

Brooke A. Sharp, City of University deputy city manager, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

Brooke A. Sharp

Sharp has 14 years of professional local government executive experience and previously served as City of East St. Louis, Ill., city manager and city clerk for the City of Dellwood.

Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

Bricks are stacked outside of a tornado-damaged home on May 19 in north St. Louis.

Photo by ReShonda tate

The Champagne & Melanin Prepare and Pivot series helps women rewrite the rules for survival and success.

Continued from A5

helping SLDC with short, medium and long-term recovery, totals $936,000 with an additional $134,000 in ancillary fees. The contract cannot exceed $1.1 million. Specifically, the con-

Pivot

Continued from A5

Economically, barriers are just as steep: In 2024, startups led by Black women received just 0.4% of venture capital funding — the lowest share in recent history.

tract calls for Kea Point Solutions to aid SLDC in duties relating to business and economic recovery and other recovery efforts, including housing and infrastructure initiatives.

SLDC Deputy Executive Director Rob Orr said 12 firms submitted proposals for the contract. Out of the four interviewed, Orr said,

Amid these crushing realities, Black women are forced to do what they have always done: Pivot.

Survival and reimagination

The pivot is not just an act of survival. It is a radical reimagining of possibility. For some, it means

Halliday’s firm had the most experience with recovering from disasters.

Halliday worked as a senior project manager with MWH Global, helping facilitate reconstruction after the Christchurch, New Zealand, earthquake that killed 185 people and caused widespread structural damage.

leaving corporate boardrooms to launch businesses of their own.

For others, it’s building support networks, changing career paths or creating safe spaces to talk about the challenges that many experience but few acknowledge.

“My passion for the ultimate success of Black

Halliday said he hopes his previous work with St. Louis will prove useful as SLDC works to redevelop the area.

“This is an opportunity to get everyone engaged in the process and lifting everyone up in the community,” Halliday said. “This is a broader improvement to Northside, which we initiated with the

NGA project.”

Interim SLDC President and CEO Otis Williams said the consulting contract aims to help SLDC work in a “coordinated fashion” that sees the corporation working with city offices, neighborhoods and community groups. “The goal for us is to provide the tools that are

Black women across generations are navigating career shifts, health challenges and financial barriers — redefining what it means to pivot in today’s world.

From boardrooms to startups to community spaces, Black women are finding new ways to lead, thrive and support one another.

women — conversations. Everyone’s pivoting — we’re just not talking about it,” said Julie Griffith, founder of the Champagne & Melanin Prepare and Pivot series.

For Griffith, pivoting means “making energetic shifts to get you into a better place.”

“You have to be quick on your feet, like a chameleon,” she said. “You can’t get bogged down in where you are right now. A lot of Black women feel like they’re alone — but we’re not alone. We’re all pivoting together.”

The Great Discontent

Executive coach and author Janice Sutherland believes the pandemic exposed deeper fractures that still shape Black women’s work lives today.

“One thing we can agree on is that the pandemic has impacted working lives with the phenomenon tagged the ‘Great Resignation,’” Sutherland said. “But is the great resignation really about the great discontent?”

She notes that discontent—whether from burnout, family responsibilities or personal transitions— often triggers the need for transformation.

“For successful Black women over 40, it’s even harder to pivot or change careers as they face challenges from societal expectations and biases in addition to internal mindset blocks. Will I be thought less competent? Will I be paid less? Will my career take a step backwards?”

needed to redevelop and that includes leveraging dollars that are available or finding dollars,” William said. Halliday said his firm plans to develop a 100-day plan. Orr said Halliday will live in St. Louis and be housed in the SLDC offices for the duration of the contract.

The art of pivoting

Pivoting is often dismissed as corporate jargon. But for many Black women, it’s a lived reality. Yaa Akyiwaa, a young professional, calls it ‘job pivoting.’ Others might say ‘job-hopping.’ She prefers “pivoting,” she said, “because those who pivot from one job to another are doing it with intention and strategy.”

“Pivoting early in my career gave me experience and knowledge I would not have had if I stayed at one company,” Akyiwaa said.

For mid-career Black women, pivoting is especially fraught because they face the compounded pressures of age, race and gender, Sutherland said.

More than careers

Pivoting isn’t limited to jobs. For some Black women, it means navigating motherhood while facing a maternal health crisis. For others, it means rethinking financial strategies amid skyrocketing costs of living and barriers to capital.

Griffith explains: “Pivoting is more than finding another job to do. It’s about looking at everything in your life — what do you do from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed? Do you make time for yourself?

After you’ve given all day, do you have anything left for yourself?” Sutherland urges women not to confuse transition with failure.

“Mid-career doesn’t mean end of career,”

she said. “We have to acknowledge that the added pressures we face as Black women are real. But we are worth fighting for. Her advice? Take bold action, “Send that email. Book that call. Gamble on yourself.”

While the pivot is often depicted as an individual act, for Black women, it is inherently collective. Safe spaces like Griffith’s Prepare and Pivot series allow women to share strategies, build networks and remind one another they are not alone.

The stakes

The stakes of pivoting are high — not just for individual survival, but for the future of entire communities. Black women’s economic participation, leadership and health outcomes shape the stability of families, businesses and neighborhoods. The pivot is not just a coping strategy — it is an urgent demand for structural change.

Black women are reimagining careers, redefining wellness and rewriting pathways to generational wealth. They are refusing to be boxed in by corporate ceilings, inequitable healthcare or limited access to capital. But their pivots should not be mistaken for an excuse for systemic inaction.

As Sutherland reminds: “Being mid-career doesn’t mean you stop dreaming. If you don’t fight for what you want, your aspirations will always be aspirations. So shove those fears aside and take a bold leap.”

Photo by Natasha Hall / Unsplash

Photo by Alex Starnes / Unsplash

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

‘Taking Care of You’

Nursing diversification

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

n an effort to bridge Missouri’s nursing shortage and champion health equity, Ponce Health Sciences University-St. Louis is launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program aimed at expanding access for students from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Medicine needs you

Why don’t Black women join clinical trials?

By Shernay Williams Word in Black

A simple question sparked complicated answers: “Would you participate in a clinical trial?”

“I would be nervous,” Baltimore resident Kim Pennington admits. “It has to be a sacrifice, and I don’t know if I want to sacrifice my health and my life for a trial.”

She’s not alone. Black women make up just 2% of all cancer clinical trial participants. Experts say this lack of participation is one of the reasons Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials test new medications and treatments on volunteers, allowing researchers to determine if they’re safe and effective. It’s a form of medical research — and they’re often the only way patients can get access to the most advanced treatments.

“Clinical trials are just a marvelous opportunity to get the most cutting-edge therapy that’s available,” says Georges C. Benjamin, M.D., executive director of the American Public Health Association.

So why are Black women underrepresented? The answer lies in a long history of exploitation and exclusion.

A 2023 survey of 257 Black women across the U.S. conducted by TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, found that historical mistreatment of Black bodies in the name of medical research contributes to hesitancy like Pennington’s. Ponce St. Louis launches nursing program to diversify workforce

With its first cohort of 24 students set to begin in February, the program brings affordable, high-quality nursing education to one of the most overlooked healthcare education markets in the Midwest.

See NURSING, page A8

See TRIALS, A8

Prostate cancer warning signs, symptoms

By Aswad Walker Houston Defender

For Black men, and those who love them, it is essential that you heed the information provided here about prostate cancer signs and symptoms.

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. According to the ACS, about one man in eight (12.5%) will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. However, Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK), a registered charity in England, reports that one in four Black men (25%) will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

The ACS finds that prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 (60%) are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 66. According to PCUK, you may also be more likely to get prostate cancer as a Black man if:

• You are aged 45 or over — and your

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. According to the ACS, about one man in eight (12.5%) will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

risk increases as you get older

• Your father or brother has had it

• Your mother or sister has had breast cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About one man in 41 will die of prostate cancer.

“Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it,” says

See PROSTATE, A8

Photo courtesy of Ponce Health Sciences University

Your Health Matters is provided in partnership with

Courtesy photo

Black men with a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, and men with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age should discuss screening

Jimmy Castillo, a third year MD student at Ponce Health Sciences University performing a blood draw simulation at the on-site simulation lab.

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

Prostate

Continued from A7 the ACS website (www. cancer,org). “In fact, more than 3.1 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.”

According to the American Cancer Society, the prostate cancer death rate declined by about half from 1993 to 2013, most likely due to earlier detection and advances in treatment. Since then, however, the pace of decline has slowed.

Renowned prostate cancer researcher Dr. Lorelei Mucci, director of strategic research partnerships at the ACS, shared the following signs and symptoms of

Nursing

Continued from A7

“We want to be the school to help those dreams come true,” said Katie Jett, dean of the School of Nursing. “Ponce has a long history of opening doors for people of all backgrounds.”

As Missouri grapples with a 15.6% statewide nursing vacancy rate, the new program is more than an academic expansion — it’s a lifeline for communities historically left behind in both education and healthcare access.

The PHSU-St. Louis three-year BSN program admits students directly from high school, allowing them to begin nursing coursework immediately and enter the workforce sooner. The in-person program will prepare students for the demands of modern healthcare, emphasizing clinical judgment, technical skills and patient-centered care.

Students are supported by faculty academic coaches who provide early intervention, mentorship and personalized guidance throughout their academic journey.

“Our goal is to make healthcare education a reality for those who’ve dreamed of it but lacked the means or support to pursue it,” said Jett. “At PHSU, we are committed to equipping students with

Trials

Continued from A7

A history of medical atrocities

Generations of Black folks know about Black men and women who were treated unjustly by the U.S. medical community:

• In the 1840s, gynecologist J. Marion Sims perfected surgical techniques still employed today by operating on enslaved women without anesthesia.

• Throughout the 20th century, Black men and women were sterilized without consent.

• From 1932 to 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service let hundreds of Black men in Alabama go untreated for syphilis. They were told they were being treated for “bad blood,” but researchers were studying the progression of the disease.

• In the 1950s, Henrietta Lacks went to Johns Hopkins complaining of vaginal bleeding. The institution took her cells without consent, and the med-

prostate cancer, including important information about risk factors, PSA screening and more.

1 - What are the warning signs of prostate cancer?

For some men, prostate cancer may lead to urinary problems, such as having difficulty starting urination or urinating frequently or pain during ejaculation. These symptoms and signs also occur with non-cancer conditions, so it is important to follow up with a physician. If a cancer has already grown beyond the prostate, there may be pain in the hips, back or other areas that do not go away. For most people, however, there are no signs or symptoms indicating prostate cancer, and the cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy

the opportunity to succeed in nursing.”

Data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing show that minority enrollment and graduation in baccalaureate nursing programs have steadily increased since 2018. Still, the nursing workforce falls short of reflecting the nation’s racial and ethnic diversity — a persistent gap that hampers progress toward equity in healthcare

University President Dr. Gino Natalicchio wants the health science school to reflect the evolving needs of the communities the school serves, “expanding opportunities, reducing disparities and preparing the next generation of nurses for a meaningful impact,” he said in a statement.

This summer, the campus hosted an internship program for students from diverse backgrounds, teaching them that their goals are within reach, and their futures have a place in healthcare. “That comes with programs that are intentionally designed to support the students,” Jett said.

For starters, the GPA requirements for the nursing program aren’t as high as those for other medical schools. For many students, the real challenges aren’t academic. Some are juggling responsibilities at home, like caring for younger siblings or working after school to help

ical community continues to use them for research today. Her descendants only reached a settlement over her cells in 2023.

More than just fear

Today, federal consent and ethics laws protect people participating in research studies. But mistrust isn’t the only reason Black women stay out of clinical trials. Ricki Fairley, co-founder of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance says the biggest reason they don’t participate is recruitment — or the lack thereof.

“Whether it’s illicit bias, racism or whatever you want to call it, we’re not invited,” she says.

“I know I wasn’t asked,” adds Latoya Bolds-Johnson, a breast cancer survivor. “I had to push for it.”

Diagnosed at 36, the mother of three says her doctor shrugged off her request to join a clinical trial. She had to find another physician willing to enroll her in a study.

“Clinical trials do save lives,” Bolds-Johnson says. Fairley, a breast cancer

following an abnormal blood test.

2 - Who is at risk for prostate cancer? Black men and those of African ancestry are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer as well as a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk of prostate cancer. While age, family history and race/ancestry are not things you can change, there are other factors such as maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking and being physically active that can help to offset this higher risk.

3 - What is the treatment for prostate cancer? There are effective

treatments for prostate cancer. When the cancer is still confined to the prostate, surgery and certain forms of radiation are useful to treat and cure prostate cancer. For men who have a low risk of their prostate cancer metastasizing, active surveillance — in which a patient is closely monitored for signs of cancer progression — can also be an important treatment to consider. When the cancer is more aggressive, there are additional therapies that are used, including therapies that target hormonal pathways, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiopharmaceutical therapies.

4 - Is there a screening test for prostate cancer? The main screening test for prostate cancer

support their families, Jett said.

“We evaluate applicants beyond their GPA,” she said. “These kids want the same thing. They just don’t have the accessibility or right path to get it.”

Campus Director Dr. Stefani Schuette said the launch of the program “is a direct response to the needs of the St. Louis community and health care system.”

“I don’t know if we have ever had to intentionally recruit for diversity here. It’s already here, we’ve done it. And I say that very confidently,” Schuette said, explaining that the university has been doing the work in helping close the racial, social and equity gap in

survivor herself, credits a clinical trial with saving her life. That’s why she launched the campaign called When We Tri(al).

The initiative features an online platform where Black women complete questionnaires and are then matched with relevant clinical trials.

Fairley says the effort has helped enroll more than 25,000 Black women into clinical trials.

Fairley says that when more Black women participate in clinical research, it helps scientists better understand how conditions like breast cancer impact them.

involves taking a blood sample and testing it for the level of a marker called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Higher levels of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer, but also may be higher in benign conditions such as an enlarged prostate. There is good evidence that regular PSA screening can reduce prostate cancer mortality. However, there is some controversy with screening for prostate cancer since the test can pick up slower-growing cancers that will never lead to harm. An area of active research now is aiming to do more effective screening approaches, targeting the men who are at the highest risk of prostate cancer and then also safely letting people know they can screen less regularly.

said Jett, describing the racial and ethnic gap in healthcare. “It does affect the health outcomes of people of color.”

The Oakland Men’s Health Disparities Project highlights the role representation can play in healthcare, particularly for African American men, who have the lowest life expectancy of any demographic group in the U.S.

The study, which included just over 1,000 participants, found that African American men were more likely to follow through with preventive care when treated by a Black doctor. The findings underscore the importance of trust and cultural understanding in clinical relationships.

the health field.

Missouri is facing a significant nursing workforce shortage, with a turnover rate of 16.3%, according to the Missouri Hospital Association. In the St. Louis region, healthcare systems are grappling with workforce instability and limited training pipelines to meet rising patient care needs.

The issue reflects a broader national trend: The U.S. will need more than 194,000 new registered nurses annually through 2032 to keep up with healthcare demand, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We still see a disproportionate number of caregivers to the population,”

Ph.D., and her team discovered that breast cancer cells from Black women multiply faster and are more likely to spread to other organs than cells from white women.

Despite having high breast cancer mortality rates, just 2% of cancer clinical trial participants are Black women.

“A Black breast cancer cell looks totally different from a white breast cancer cell,” Fairley says. “And guess what the drug [cancer treatments] were made on?

The drugs were made on white cells.”

A research team at Johns Hopkins University announced similar findings. Diplai Sharma,

Over the last several years, she and her team have been comparing breast tissue donated with consent by Black and white women who were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive types. Black women are disproportionately affected by this variant of the disease.

The Johns Hopkins team is testing a treatment option shown to slow these aggressive cancer cells among Black women. However, before it becomes available to patients, the next step is for researchers to conduct a clinical trial. Black breast cancer research like Sharma’s is under threat because of the Trump administration’s

5 - What age should men be screened for prostate cancer?

The ACS recommends that men at average risk for prostate cancer discuss the benefits and limitations of screening with their healthcare provider at age 50. Men at high risk (which includes Black men in general and any man with a first-degree relative who had prostate cancer before age 65) should have the conversation at age 45. Black men with a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, and men with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age should discuss screening at age 40. Detecting prostate cancer early can lead to more effective treatment and improved outcomes.

Health Equity. One of its core goals is for the nursing workforce to better reflect the communities it serves, ensuring that care is culturally competent and equitable across the board. The lack of diversity and equity efforts contributes to adverse outcomes for patients and their families who find particular shortcomings detrimental to their overall experience and care — issues like a lack of female leadership, health equity, provider diversity, cultural competence, intellectual and developmental disabilities care and LGBTQ-focused care.

Yet representation in the healthcare workforce remains limited: in 2019, non-Hispanic Black nurses made up 7.8% of the profession, while 13.4% of the U.S. population identified as Black or African American, according to the Census Bureau.

And a 2022 National Nursing Workforce Study found that 80% of registered nurses identify as white, compared with 72% of the overall U.S. population.

The National Academy of Medicine, formerly the Institute of Medicine, outlined a key vision for the nursing profession in its report, The Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve

stance on DEI.

For Georges Benjamin, the head of the American Public Health Association, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

“We will push back,” he says. “In the end, we will win. But if you don’t do these things with intention, they won’t happen.”

That intention, he says, starts with trust. Researchers must also reconsider their approach to working with members of the Black community if they want to advance medical research.

He argues that effective medical research requires cultural sensitivity and relationship building, including with trusted Black physicians and pharmacists who can relay clinical trial information to their patients.

Earning black women’s trust

Columbia University professor Adana Llanos Wilson, Ph.D, an epidemiologist who’s conducted dozens of studies around Black women

The report calls for increasing both the number and diversity of nurses, particularly those with expertise in health equity, population health and the broader social and economic factors that influence well-being, in leadership roles across sectors — from healthcare boards to school systems and housing authorities. When implemented correctly, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts can help increase access to care for diverse patient populations, improve care quality and deliver higher patient satisfaction, according to the report. In 2023 alone, lawmakers introduced more than 45 bills across 25 states aimed at restricting DEI initiatives or banning antiracist programs on college campuses.

and breast cancer, agrees. She says the issue isn’t getting more Black women to participate in research; it’s the medical community’s failure to earn their trust in the first place.

“When we build authentic relationships with communities, when our research teams reflect the populations we aim to serve, and when we show up with respect and transparency – Black women show up too,” Wilson wrote in an email to Word In Black.

For Bolds-Johnson, participating in a clinical trial was a no-brainer.

“I needed my body to be studied,” she says. “I have three daughters who will develop breasts soon, and whatever I could do to contribute [to] Black research, I needed to do it. I had to do this for my children — my girls.”

This is part of a multimedia series exploring Black women and breast cancer. It was published with the assistance of the Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) Health Journalism Fellowship, supported by the Commonwealth Fund.

Photo courtesy of Ponce Health Sciences University

Danielle Peebles, DC, Adjunct Professor at Ponce Health Sciences University teaching a remote class for the Remote MSMS Program.

Soldiers Memorial Honors Tuskegee Airman from St. Louis

By John Ermold, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, known as the Red Tail Angels, were the first Black aviators in the US military. Among them was Captain Charles L. White from St. Louis.

Born on June 5, 1921, White was the oldest child of Stanley, a dentist, and Eleanor White. He had two brothers, Stanley and Lionel, and a sister, Lola. He graduated from Sumner High School and went on to Stowes Teachers College, now Harris-Stowe State University.

White enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March 1943 and began a training program for Black aviators at the Tuskegee Army Flying School in Alabama. After successfully completing the course, he was commissioned as second lieutenant in March 1944.

Deployed to Ramitelli Air Field on Italy’s Adriatic coast, White joined the 301st Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group. He flew 65 combat missions, primarily escorting bombers, and conducted several strafing missions against enemy ground targets.

On April 1, 1945, while on a mission escorting B-24s from the 47th Bombardment Group to a marshaling (railroad) yard in St. Pölten, Austria, White shot down two enemy aircraft. Lt. Carl Carey from St. Louis shot down two other enemy aircraft during the same mission, and an additional eight enemy aircraft were shot down by five of their colleagues. Sadly, three of their fellow pilots were lost that day.

As a result of his performance, White received a battlefield promotion to the rank of captain. His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in aerial combat, the Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters for meritorious achievement in aerial combat, the Bronze Star with seven oak leaf clusters, and the

World War II Victory Medal.

After the war ended, White returned to St. Louis and married Mary Elizabeth Boyd in 1948. They had one daughter, Diane. White continued his education at Stowe Teachers College while working as a postal clerk. In May 1972, he earned a master’s degree in education from Washington University. White taught in the St. Louis Public Schools for 15 years, then served 27 years as principal at Stevens Middle School and Bates Elementary School. He also worked as a real-estate broker and enjoyed traveling the world with his wife.

In 1992, images of White and other local Tuskegee Airmen were exhibited at the Saint Louis Science Center.

Tuskegee Airman Charles L. White died on February 25, 2007, and was buried with full military honors in St. Peter’s Cemetery in north St. Louis County.

A month after White’s death, the Congressional Gold Medal was presented to the Tuskegee Airmen at a ceremony in Washington, DC. Dating back to 1776, the Congressional Gold Medal is the oldest and highest national award for achievement. Because several local Tuskegee Airmen and families of deceased Airmen were not able to attend the event, another ceremony was held locally at St. Louis Lambert International Airport on July 21, 2007.

Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Flyers, an exhibit honoring the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, is now on display at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. The exhibit includes a special section, “Hometown Heroes,” featuring 91 Tuskegee Airmen from the St. Louis region. Be sure to visit the exhibit before it closes on November 2, 2025.

More information about Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Flyers and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is available at mohistory.org/memorial.

Advancing Change virtual annual summit at Art Museum

The Saint Louis Art Museum will host its annual Advancing Change summit on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. This year’s theme, Advancing Change: Globalizing Museums for the Future, highlights how museums and cultural organizations can transform and reframe their practices to engage worldwide audiences.

The keynote will be delivered by Denise Murrell, the Merryl H. and James S. Tisch Curator at Large at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Murrell gained international acclaim for curating Posing Modernity: The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Now, which premiered at Columbia University’s Wallach Art Gallery in New York, before traveling to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and concluding at the Mémorial ACTe in Pointeà-Pitre, Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean. She most recently curated the 2024 Met exhibition The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism.

Following her presentation, a panel of Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship alumni will share strategies

for promoting equitable practices in exhibitions and community engagement. Panelists include Alexis Assam, the Regenia A. Perry Assistant Curator of Global Contemporary Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Danielle Burns Wilson, executive director/art director of Project Row Houses; and Charlie Farrell, assistant curator at Counterpublic, triennial exhibition in St. Louis. The discussion will be moderated by Maggie Brown-Peoples, SLAM’s current Bearden Fellow. Readers can learn more about each of these leaders in next week’s column. Launched in 2021, Advancing Change builds on SLAM’s 30-year history of supporting emerging museum leaders through the Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship, one of the nation’s longest-running programs for training professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

We urge you to register today for this free virtual summit at slam.org/events. Automated closed captions will be available.

Denise Murrell Danielle Burns Wilson Charlie Farrell Alexis Assam

Photo courtesy of The Missouri Historical Society Collections

Capt. Charles White, ca. 1944.

Social media influencer

Rolling Ray passes at 28

Reality television star and social media influencer Rolling Ray died on September 3, two days before his 29th birthday.

The Zeus Network confirmed the passing of Ray, born Raymond Harper, with a social media tribute.

“Gone way too soon. #RestInPeace to the BIG hearted, most Raw, & Real FRIEND & #Zeus Star #RaymondHarper aka @iamrollingray,” the post said. “You were Unapologetically & Authentically your TRUEST Self. From your ZEUS Fam, we Love, Thank, & will Miss you Always!”

His death was also reported by TMZ and FOX 5 DC. A cause was not immediately revealed.

According to reports, his mother, Sazola Nay, made the announcement on Facebook.

Rolling Ray starred in and executive produced Zeus’ original dating competition show, “Bobby I Love You Purr,” where he helped reality television star Bobby Lytes find love.

“Rest in Peace to the most famous boy in a wheelchair” Lytes said in an Instagram post.

Cardi B acquitted in assault case

Cardi B has been cleared by a Los Angeles jury in a $24 million law suit filed by Emani Ellis, a secu rity guard who accused her of assault during an attack in 2018.

The rapper – born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar – will not have to pay damages to a security guard.

Ellis was working at the Beverly Hills building where Cardi B’s obstetrician’s office was located. She claimed the incident left her with lasting physical and emotional scars.

and I want her to be held accountable.”

Young Thug unleashes shade in leaked prison calls

Audio of Young Thug’s jailhouse conversations was leaked to the public and included shady comments about fellow rappers. Among those who the rapper, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, had some less than flattering remarks about J. Cole, Andre 3000, Future and Glorilla

YoungThug

“I will say it until my death bed; I did not touch that woman. I did not put my hands on that girl,” Cardi told the media that gathered outside the courthouse following the verdict. “This time I am going to be nice, but the next person that tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to counter sue and I’m going to make you pay.”

Ellis emerged from the courtroom and implied that she has plans to appeal.

“What she did to me was real. I was battered,” Ellis said. “I was assaulted

In one of his calls, he dragged the Memphis rapper for her appearance, body type, head shape and wig choice.

Thug apologized to her via social media.

“I was speaking from jail and was having a hard time with life,” Thug said. “I’m sorry to you, twin.”

Glorilla responded via X. “Mind you, dis the same [n-word expletive] that was blowin’ my phone up asking what color my eyes is,” she commented along with a retweet of his apology.

Family of Angie Stone files wrongful death suit

The family of R&B singer Angie

Stone has filed a lawsuit against the drivers of her van that overturned and another tractor-trailer, as well as the companies that own them.

According to the lawsuit, filed in Gwinnett County on Tuesday and obtained by WSBTV.com, a 2021 Freightliner tractor-trailer crashed into the van overturned in the middle of Interstate-65. The lawsuit says the driver never applied the brakes.

As a result of the crash and the van overturning, Stone became trapped underneath the van and died from her injuries on March 1, the lawsuit says.

The suit claims the tractor-trailer was also equipped with Detroit Assurance 5.0, a collision mitigation system designed and sold by Defendants Daimler Truck North America LLC 3 and Detroit Diesel Corporation. The filing claims its system did not function properly and warn Wilkinson of the overturned van in the road.

The lawsuit argues that the negligence of the companies and both drivers led to Stone’s death and injuries to others in the van.

Stone’s family is calling for the defendants to pay for hospital bills, attorney fees, damages and anything else a judge deems appropriate.

Sources: E! News, ABC News, WSBTV.com, Zeus Network, USA Today, X.com, Instagram.com

Continued from A1

In recognition of their decades of impactful work, the couple will receive the Champions in Education Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education gala in November.

But how did two individuals who epitomize personal success become so committed to improving the lives of people often overlooked and helping to unlock their potential?

For Clark and Fox, the philosophy was ingrained from childhood.

Clark’s mother, Anne Lerch Kasselman, worked for Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1940s as the First Lady pursued international diplomacy and other human rights work. Later, Kasselman and a few friends started a nonprofit for children with Down syndrome.

“My mother’s philosophy was that although we weren’t rich people, we always had more than someone else,” Clark said. “So, how do you find that ‘someone else’ and help lift them up? That was our family philosophy. That’s just how we lived our lives.” Fox was influenced by his parents’ humble backgrounds.

“I was raised right here, in Clayton. My mother was from the Ozarks. My

Ovarian

Continued from A1

remain persistently worse.

These grim realities are why advocates pushed for Missouri to formally recognize September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — a chance to confront the silence surrounding the disease and reach the women most at risk.

father was a Polish immigrant raised in the ghettos of Buffalo, New York. He had a 10th-grade education but became president of the International Retail Shoe Co. Although my father just worked, … my mother was always very charitable.” Clark originally planned a career in law. She turned to retail to support that career. She worked in various department store divisions, including Famous Barr,

The designation is a legislative victory applauded by St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA), which has made addressing racial disparities central to its mission.

“What we want is for every woman, especially Black women, to be empowered with the knowledge they need to take charge of their health,” said Susan Robben, SLOCA’s execu-

Macy’s, Venture and Payless Shoe Source, where she eventually rose to the position of president. Her dream to become a civil rights attorney who “helped children, and families and persons of color,” was deterred, she explained in a 2021 interview with Early Learning Nation. She said she had become fascinated with her rising role in the retail business “because as a woman joining the workforce in the early 1970s,

tive director and a survivor herself. “If this awareness campaign saves even one life, it’s worth it.”

With no effective screening test and symptoms that can be vague, most women are diagnosed in advanced stages. Survival rates hinge on early detection, yet too many cases are caught too late.

SLOCA reports the St. Louis region alone, more

there was nothing for us.”

In 1984, Fox, who served in the U.S. Air Force, founded NewSpace Inc., a company specializing in home organization, contract furniture and retail fixtures. In 1997, Clark launched Build-ABear from an office in Fox’s building. Their personal lives eventually converged. In a 2021 interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Fox said he was intrigued by “Clark’s fast-moving ener-

than 200 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year — many of them Black women. Data from the Missouri Department of Health shows incidence rates are rising among this group.

“I know all too well the devastation ovarian cancer can bring,” said Joan Gummels, SLOCA’s board president and a nine-year survivor of metastatic ovarian cancer. She

nonprofit is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of the region through research and program development as well as investments in PK-12 and higher education, public health, immigration, social justice and racial equity, community leadership and entrepreneurship.”

Charli A. Cooksey, founder and CEO of WEPOWER, credits much of her growth as a leader to their support.

“When Maxine and Bob truly believe in something, they go all in — and they truly believe in our region’s children and those doing work in service of them. They have consistently invested in my ideas of building a better future for our youth,” Cooksey said, adding: “If you look beyond the surface, so much of what is good about education in our region can be attributed to Maxine and Bob’s time and treasure.”

gy” though she initially dismissed him as “not her type.” They started dating and married in 1984.

By the time Clark stepped down as CEO of Build-A-Bear in 2013, there were nearly 500 Build-A-Bear stores worldwide. Fox sold NewSpace to his employees and an outside investor in 2017 after 33 years of successful operation.

In 2004, the couple launched the Clark-Fox Family Foundation. The

testified in support of the bill that created Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

“As a Black woman navigating this disease, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to raise awareness, to spread knowledge about genetic testing and to ensure that every woman — regardless of her background — knows the signs and gets the care she needs,” Gummels said.

The legislation was championed by Missouri Sen. Karla May of St. Louis, a longtime advocate for health equity.

“This new law isn’t just a step for awareness — it’s a promise to the women of Missouri that we will fight for them,” May said. “Ovarian cancer doesn’t discriminate, but access to resources often does. That’s why awareness must reach every corner of our state, especially underserved communities.”

Black women in Missouri are significantly more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, often due to barriers in detection or access to specialists, according to the National Institutes of Health. The five-year ovarian cancer survival rate is 46% for white women, compared to just 36% for Black women, the public health research agency found — an urgent reminder of the need for education and outreach.

Data from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance underscore these disparities. Previous studies have found that African American women are more likely than non-Hispanic white women to experience reduced chemotherapy doses, delays in treatment or early discontinuation of therapy — all factors that impact survival.

The National Cancer Institute shows that access to culturally responsive care is another challenge. Only 32% of practicing oncologists are women and just 2.3% are Black. Representation is also limited among nurses, with only 7.8% identifying as Black. Advocates say these gaps contribute to barriers in communication, trust and tailored treatment for women most at risk. Robben emphasized the importance of women taking charge of their health and feeling confident discussing their concerns

Building on this work, Clark in 2021 launched Delmar DivINe, a social enterprise zone for social service agencies. Its 35 tenants include nonprofit, capacity-building, social innovation institutions. These organizations serve children and families in the St. Louis region across health, education, food service and finance sectors.Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Symptoms of Ovarian cancer may include:

• Persistent bloating

• Pelvic or abdominal pain

• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

• Urinary urgency or frequency

• Post-menopausal bleeding

with healthcare professionals.

“Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is one of the scariest things a woman can go through,” Robben said. “But knowledge is power. We want women to understand their risks, recognize symptoms early, and feel confident asking their doctors the right questions.”

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be easy to dismiss. They may include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating, frequent or urgent urination and bleeding after menopause. Because these symptoms are often vague, diagnosis is frequently delayed until the disease has progressed.

To confront disparities, SLOCA has launched several initiatives:

• The Sister Box Program, which delivers care packages and resources to newly diagnosed women.

• Survivors Teaching Students, which partners with Washington University, Saint Louis University, and SSM Health to connect survivors with medical students and providers.

• The Together in Teal Fund, which has distributed more than $50,000 in financial assistance for housing, childcare and transportation during treatment.

SLOCA is calling on St. Louisans to take some action this month related to ovarian cancer, such as learning more about it, donating money or having conversations that help break the silence around the disease. Make Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month a step toward helping women understand their bodies, advocate for their health and recognize the signs of this deadly disease.

St. Louis American staff writer Sylvester Brown chats with Bob Fox and wife Maxine Clark in their home. The couple will receive the Champions in Education Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education gala in November.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

KAI completes $9 million Chesterfield YMCA expansion

African American owned KAI, which is renovating YMCA facilities in the St. Louis region, has completed improvements to the Chesterfield YMCA at 16464 Burkhardt Place.

The newly expanded and renovated facility debuted after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 13. KAI provided project management, architecture and interior design on the $9 million improvements.

“It was a fun project to be involved with,” said KAI Senior Project Manager Joel Kerschen.

“There were a lot of exciting changes to the facility, and it is great to see it open and great to see it busy. Even before we were totally done, the workout area was busy and the parking lot was full, so that is a great sign.”

KAI was founded in 1980 by Michael Kennedy Sr., who now serves as chair. His son, Michael Kennedy Jr., is the firm’s CEO.

Renovations to the facility include:

• An 11,000-square-foot

addition for a fitness center, fitness assessment rooms, restrooms and new accessible entrances at the theater and fitness portions of the building

• Creation of studios for mind and body, cycling and group exercise

• A community café to provide nutrition education, food outreach programming and community events

• Relocation and renovation of the Child Watch room for easier convenience.

• An updated lobby with open spaces for informational workshops and family and senior engagement activities

• Renovated locker rooms and a new family locker room space

• New glass doors, sidewalks, decorative horizontal planking on the facade, refurbished canopies and new planter boxes at the building’s entrance.

NextGen Grantmakers puts $100K in the hands of youth leaders

St. Louis American staff

Two St. Louis organizations are putting young people in charge of $100,000 in grant funding through a new program designed to let youth lead the way in shaping solutions for their communities.

The initiative, NextGen Grantmakers, was launched by the Deaconess

Spencer

Continued from A1

inclusion programs.

“To me, it seemed like people used that when they wanted to, conveniently,”

Clark-Hubbard said.

“I didn’t see anything that should have scared us, especially when (the disparity study) was already law and we had the data showing it was already working.”

Scouts

Continued from A1

ing and difficult process was wonderful to witness as their father,” said Keith Morehead, praising his sons’ tenacity.

Al-Uqdah Jr., a 15-year-old sophomore at Althoff Catholic High School, has been a scout since he was about 8. He first met his future scoutmaster, Roosevelt FairKinkaid, at a St. Louis library, where his mother promptly enrolled him.

“She signed me up right then and there, and since then I’ve just enjoyed being in it,” Al-Uqdah Jr. said.

The Morehead twins joined scouting a couple of years later, at age 10, through their church. Their father — himself a former scout — signed them up. Now the two high school seniors and football players will soon be 17. Khalil attends Belleville East High School and Khalif attends a high school program at Southwestern Illinois College.

The Eagle Scout rank requires years of commitment. Scouts must rise through several ranks, earn at least 22 merit

Foundation in partnership with Vision for Children at Risk (VCR). Unlike traditional philanthropy, where adults set funding priorities, the program gives young people the power to design, lead and allocate funds to projects they believe will have the greatest impact for youth.

A diverse group of youth from VCR’s Youth Advisory Council will

The city’s Minority/ Women-Owned Business Enterprise program promotes economic inclusion by certifying companies that are at least 51% minority- or women-owned, with the aim of increasing their share of city contracts and development projects. A disparity study, conducted every five years, measures how well those businesses are represented.

Spencer had put the brakes on the programs, citing legal risks under President Donald Trump’s

badges — 14 of them mandatory — complete a community service project and demonstrate leadership before an application is reviewed by a council. The process can take months or even years.

Eagle Scout status is recognized as a lifetime achievement, opening doors to scholarships, professional networks and even advanced military enlistment opportunities. Scouts in District Illini are supported not only by Fair-Kinkaid, but also by Operation Eagle Quest, a Greater St. Louis Area Council program designed to help young people complete the rigorous requirements.

For Khalif’s service project, he led a beautifying project for the Caseyville Moose Lodge 4 that included coordinating volunteers for painting, cleaning and landscaping for several days. “It took a long time to plan, and it’s kind of hard scheduling and contacting everyone to see when they’re all available, but I was really happy to see the job get done,” he said.

Khalil distributed gun locks, which required him to coordinate with

receive training in equitable grantmaking practices before deciding how to distribute $100,000 in grant funds. Eligible projects must be youthled or youth-serving and focused on equity, justice and community impact.

region urgently needs,” said Bethany JohnsonJavois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation. “We trust their voices and stand with the priorities they set.”

“We believe young people carry wisdom and lived experience that our

pushback against DEI efforts. The decision sparked an outcry that forced City Hall to revisit the issue.

Standing before supporters last week, Spencer signed Executive Order 91 to bring back the program under what she called a “strong legal framework.”

The revised version, drafted with the help of the St. Louis Development Corp. (SLDC) and Atlanta-based law firm Griffin & Strong, sets participation targets on a contract-by-contract basis instead of applying a

the police department to arrange events and locations. The activity was a significant piece of his Scouting America encounters.

“It brought me new experiences because there was a lot of stuff I never did before,” he said. “Like maybe two years ago, I shot a bow for the first time.”

For his Eagle Scout project, Al-Uqdah Jr. promoted the importance of literacy among youth, requiring him to collect and analyze data and figure out how to market his message. Scouting America has offered the boys an opportunity to further develop their talents and strengths and build self-pride.

Valerie Young, Al-Uqdah Jr.’s mother, has been delighted to see how scouting has enhanced her son’s development and commitment to service.

“Sultan worked hard,” she said. “He did this mainly on his own. I see how regardless of the title of Eagle Scout, he still serves the community. At 13, he became the youngest [staff member] at the National Youth Leadership Training.”

For the Morehead twins, scouting has

VCR will provide mentorship, facilitation and logistical support. Its president and CEO, Sanaria

single standard across all city work.

“This is a day to celebrate,” Spencer said. “The city proudly remains committed to using its spending powers in a way that effectively and fairly addresses the disparities documented in contracting. We have complete confidence that it will stand up to legal scrutiny and will be effective.”

Contractors and advocates welcomed the mayor’s change of heart, though some said the

played a pivotal role in shaping their goals. Khalif hopes to become an aerospace engineer, while Khalil, who gained training in digital technology and electrical engineering through Scouting America, also plans to pursue a career in engineering.

“The most helpful thing I learned would probably be discipline,” Khalif said. “Without it, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now. I probably would have given up a while ago.”

All three boys plan to stay involved with Scouting America, even after they turn 18, when scouts age out of the organization. Along with the social benefits of scouting, Al-Uqdah Jr. values the internal fortitude it’s helped him cultivate.

“Being an Eagle Scout is one of the highest honors there is,” he said. “It’s a journey in life that you’re proud of, knowing that you earned that and you did that of your own accord.”

Wendy Todd is a member of Report for America, which supports local journalists who report on under-covered issues and communities.

Sulaiman, said the effort is about giving youth genuine influence.

“Youth are not just the future — they are the present, and their voices are essential in shaping the change they want to see,” she said.

Proposal submissions will be accepted until Sept. 26 at 11:59 p.m.

Eligible organizations must serve youth ages

city still has work to do.

Yaphett El-Amin, executive director of MOKAN, praised Spencer for reinstating the program but said she will be watching closely as the new “project-by-project” system of setting goals unfolds.

“We feel it’s the right thing to do to move diversity forward in our community, and I commend Mayor Spencer for her valiant efforts,” El-Amin said.

Otis Williams, SLDC’s president, said the project-specific goals

10–24 and align with at least one of the initiative’s three priorities: youth mental health and well-being, safety programming, and leadership development. Funding is available to groups operating in the seven counties Deaconess serves: St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin in Missouri and Madison, St. Clair and Monroe in Illinois.

make the city’s efforts “more defendable” and better aligned with the 2024 disparity study, which documented persistent gaps in access for minorityand women-owned businesses. He said he hopes the Board of Aldermen will adopt a new ordinance by November to put the changes into law. Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Photo courtesy of KAI

KAI joined with YMCA representatives and residents of Chesterfield to celebrate completion of the Chesterfield YMCA expansion on Aug. 13. KAI, an African American owned firm, provided project management, architecture, and interior design on the project.

“People rather believe fake gossip instead of the truth because they’re miserable we have nothing to do with that!!! Bless up!!

- Swizz Beatz on rumors of he and Alicia Keys getting a divorce

Breezy l ves STL

Living It R&B cooked to perfection

Chris Brown sang city’s praises, delighted fans

with epic show

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

Chris Brown packed out The Dome at America’s Center from the floor to the ceiling for a sold out show Friday night for the St. Louis leg of his Breezy Bowl XX global tour. As the tour title suggests, it was a night that celebrated his 20 years of music, awards, albums –and the adoring fans who made it all possible.

“It’s been 20 years for me,” he said through the roaring cheers. “Every time I’m on a tour, I try to come to St. Louis. I just want to tell everybody here I appreciate y’all – I love y’all –and I’m so thankful for you all.”

The show also gave a rare first-person glimpse of Brown’s infamous personal challenge that played out before the world’s eyes, just a few years into his meteoric rise to the top of music.

Without the support of his fans, Brown’s career would have bottomed out in 2009 when he pled guilty to the assault of then girlfriend Rihanna. He addressed the tragic moment and fallout that ensued in his comprehensive showcase that was essentially a non-linear timeline of his career. In the years since 2009, Brown has been a polarizing phenomenon. Some believe

See BREEZY, B3

Still swinging

Jazz St. Louis performed with Saint

sentation of ‘Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker’ on December

the Skip

Performing Arts Center. On Tuesday, September 16 Jazz St. Louis will take over Strauss to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

inside the Majestic Hotel thanks to the late Barbara Rose.

“She was a true believer in jazz,” Goines said.

By Kenya Vaughn

He saw it evolve into the not-for-profit Jazz at The Bistro in Grand Center. He was also on hand for the grand opening of the world-class Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz in 2014 and the organizational upcycle into Jazz St. Louis.

Since 2022 he has served as the organization’s president and CEO.

“We have expanded the building and have wonderful education and community engagement programming,” Goines said.

“It’s a very exciting time, especially with my own career. I’ve seen it as a musician who worked there, an educator who taught there and experienced community engagement. And now to be in this particular position, it is very exciting.”

Amphitheater.

‘Uncle Charlie’ and company served up old school music at its finest

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

It’s a good thing that the roof is already off of Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, or the venue would have needed a new one after hosting the St. Louis leg of Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout tour Sunday night. The concert was a Black cookout playlist come to life. The all-star old school R&B lineup included El DeBarge, K-Ci Hailey and Babyface.

Vocal assistance tracks were not on the menu. Their mint condition voices made the audience feel as if they were in their own backyards enjoying the beautiful weather and a type of vibe only the perfect throwback playlist can provide. The cookout kicked off with El DeBarge. He started off on a high note with his falsetto classic “I Like It.” His act set a groovy tone that got people on their feet, especially when he performed “Rhythm Of The Night.” The audience was so enchanted that they flowed along with his tempo.

“It’s a miracle I’m standing here on this stage.”

- Charlie Wilson

K-Ci Hailey, best known as a lead vocalist for the groups Jodeci and K-Ci and JoJo, dug deep in the crates for his fans. He started his set in his hip hop bag with his featured vocals on Tupac’s “How Do U Want It.” He blended the track into his own song, “You Bring Me Up.”

Much to the delight of the audience, K-Ci said he came to the cookout to perform everything he has recorded. He kept his word. The audience swayed along to “Feenin’” and “Forever My Lady.” They were captivated by a funky electric guitar that made the songs feel even more moving. They were almost moved to tears when he performed the Jodeci classic “Love U 4 Life.” They sang along as they waved their hands in the air, or wrapped around their partners – a re-creation of a familiar slow jam cookout moment.

Babyface brought the ultimate old school R&B party playlist. He has a prolific catalog of his own hits, but he

Photos by Lawrence Bryant/St. Louis American

‘Uncle’ Charlie Wilson headlined an allstar lineup that gave fans the best of throwback jams. Along with El DeBarge, K-Ci Haley and Babyface, a memorable vibe was created Sunday night for the St. Louis leg of Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout tour Sunday night at Hollywood Casino

CHARLIE, B3

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

Louis Dance Theatre for their collaborative pre-

20, 2024 at

Viragh

Chris Brown blew the roof off of The Dome at America’s Center with the St. Louis stop of his Breezy Bowl XX tour Friday night.

Photo by Taylor Marrie/ St. Louis American

CONCERTS

Fri., Sept. 12-14, 10 a.m.

Music at the Intersection (MATI), Grand Center Arts District, 634 Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// matistl.org.

Wed., Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram with Buffalo Nichols, The Factory, 17105 North Outer 40 Road, Saint Louis, MO 63141. For more information, visit thefactorystl.com.

Wed., Sept. 17, 7 p.m.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Forest Park Concert. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Sat., Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. NBA Youngboy MASA Tour, Enterprise Center. For more information, visit www.livenation.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fri., Sept 12, 9 a.m.

Big Bounce America, Arsenal BG Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget, IL 62206. For more information, visit https://thebigbounceamerica.com.

Tues., Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis 30th Anniversary Celebration kickoff party, Grand Center, starting at

STL Sites & Sounds

Compton & Washington Ave to Strauss Park. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Sun., Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. Candle Light Concert: Best of Hip Hop featuring the sounds of Drake, Outkast, and 2 Pac Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theatre, 1 Touhill Cir, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, visit https://feverup.com.

Sat., Sept. 20, 12 p.m.

FrizzFest: Natural Beauty Festival, Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https:// frizzybynature.com.

Saturday, Sept. 20 10 a.m. and Saturday, Sep. 27 10 a.m., 23rd Annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration, Missouri Botanical Garden (Sep. 20) and the Mississippi Greenway (Sep. 27). For more information, visit marymeachum.org.

COMEDY

Fri., Sept. 12, 7 p.m.

DeRay Davis: Live On Stage, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Sept. 13, 7 p.m. Ali Siddiq: In the Shadows Tour, Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis, MO

63103. For more information, visit www.stifeltheatre.com.

Wed., Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Special Event: A Pair of Jokers with Special Guest, Helium Comedy Club, 11151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https:// st-louis.heliumcomedy. com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

City, MO 63130. For more information, visit www. ucitymo.org.

Wed., Sep. 24, 7 p.m., World Chess Hall of Fame Music Series presents Chuck Flowers Sings the Music of Bill Withers, 4652 Maryland Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit worldchesshof.regfox.com.

THEATRE

Through Sept. 21, The Black Rep opens Season 49 with Raisin (The Musical), Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org.

Theatre, 501 N Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information visit, https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

ART

Through December 31, To STL With Love: A Celebration of St. Louis Hip-Hop Culture, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, 3333 Washington Ave, St. Louis, O 63103. For more information, visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Sat., Sept. 20, 9 p.m. Cassette Presents: CHAN’S HOUSE: JUST KICKIN’ w/ DJ Charlie Chan Soprano, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, 3333 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Thur., Sep. 21, 3 p.m.

Starlight Concert Series featuring Adrianne Felton- King, Heman Park Miracle Playground, 7200, Olive Blvd., University

Through Sept. 28, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Cottage, Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves, MO 63119. Matinee showtime available. For more information, visit https://www. repstl.org.

Fri., Sept. 19 – Sun., Oct. 19, Stages St. Louis presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ross Family Theatre at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org.

Sept. 19-20, 7 p.m. Festival of New Works: Spotlight on HOPE, The Kranzberg Black Box

Through Sept. 27, Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry & Afrofuturism, Kranzberg Arts Foundation, 501 N Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation. org/.

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

Through June 2026, The Future Is Female, 21c Hotel and Museum Hotel St. Louis, 1528 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://21cmuseumhotels. com.

Comedian and actor DeRay Davis will bring his hilarious brand of humor to The Pageant this weekend. See COMEDY for details.

CHARLIE

Continued from B1

made room for the songs he composed for others, including deep cuts like “Dial My Heart” and “Fairweather Friend.”

He also performed songs he had written for Bobby Brown from his career-defining sophomore solo album “Don’t Be Cruel.” “Every Little Step” “Rock Wit’cha” and “Roni” had the crowd rocking from side to side. He performed the songs with the same direct but demure attitude he applies to his own discography. His backup singers also helped power through the catalog of top hits that he is credited with writing. For selections like “My, My, My” and “End Of The Road” they serenaded with just as much sauce as Babyface.

Babyface didn’t neglect his own string of hits. “Soon as I Get Home” and “Whip Appeal” were two songs the audience

BREEZY

Continued from B1

that the actions of a 19-year-old should be forgiven since he admitted his guilt, and completed the terms of his sentence.

Others feel that he should be forever tethered to the violent encounter.

Regardless of the negative interpretations about Brown, there was a stadium full of doting fans in St. Louis Friday night. They came to Breezy Bowl dressed in their finest. Many of the outfits paid tribute to Brown’s likeness. His face was plastered across custom t-shirts – and on jeans. One fan was super creative with digital single-lens sunglasses with the words “Breezy Bowl” in bright red, a tribute to fashion in

JAZZ

Continued from B1

Next Tuesday Grand Center’s Strauss Park will host a second line parade to commemorate the milestone.

“Whoever comes to this event on September 16th – and I hope it’s everybody – I hope we have a street party like none other in St. Louis or around the world,” Goines said. “I want them to come as themselves.” He wants them to leave knowing that there are two types of people in the world.

“There are those who like jazz and those who are going to like jazz –and you just don’t know it yet,” Goines said. “We are trying to find a portal that they can enter into this particular art form to realize that it’s actually their art form.”

The St. Louis region has a leg up in the portal thanks to the fact that one of its sons is a singular figure in the art form.

“Few people in the world, and I do mean in the history of the world – and in the history of mankind – you say just one name to them and it is universally known who the person is,” Goines said. “In music, you say Miles –and not just in jazz music.” Goines didn’t have the opportunity to meet Rose personally, but he is certain that Davis played a hand in her decision to establish Just Jazz.

“If you came after Miles, you were influenced by Miles,” Goines said. “You can’t avoid it. Especially if you decide to be a musician of any

couldn’t help but sing along with. He performed “Every Time I Close My Eyes” with improvised runs and a flirtatious smirk. The saxophone solo deepened the feeling of gratitude that this slow jam provokes.

Headliner ‘Uncle’ Charlie Wilson, brought the party to a head with a white grand piano and several outfit changes from him and his back up dancers. The wardrobe included sequin sets and blazer jackets in every color.

Wilson showed with his performance that he still has it, despite his personal and health setbacks. He was in pristine form – even after two back surgeries, prostate cancer and an addiction to alcohol and cocaine. He told the crowd he is celebrating more than 30 years of sobriety. And he is more grateful than ever to still be able to perform at 72 years old.

“It’s a miracle I’m standing here on this stage,” Wilson said.

the early 2000s. The tone was set for Brown by featured artists Bryson Tiller and Summer Walker.

Tiller brought everyone to their feet with classics from his debut studio album “Trap Soul.” Walker worked the stage and gave a performance that included fierce and flirty choreography. Her well-rounded set was a far cry from the days when she performed seated in a lone chair, and sang to her lap.

Their sound and energy set the stage perfectly for Brown, who emerged singing his classics “Run It!” and “Gimme That.” Fans were immediately on their feet. They sang and danced with so much passion that they shook the ground.

The beat of the music and fans rippled through the seats as he performed

kind.”

The party will also serve as the start of the centennial celebration of his birth, which will feature a robust schedule of programming leading up to and beyond his 100th birthday on May 26.

“Over his lifetime, he changed the way not only how people play music, but how they listen to music,” Goines said. “He created something for everybody. He had such an internal flame that he used it to catapult himself to be around people like Charlie Parker, who would actually help him reach his North Star.”

Goines wants people to know that Jazz St. Louis also has something for everybody – because the music has something for everybody.

“It’s not a ‘one person’ type of music,” Goines said. “You can take the same song and everybody can get something different out of it through their own lens.”

He said the parade will give everybody a chance to do their own thing.

“If they want to dance, they can dance. If they want to watch, they can watch. It’s going to be the party of all parties.”

It will be a time to celebrate the artists who were able to have a platform for their artistry through the organization. And an homage to the tireless supporters who have helped Jazz St. Louis grow into the top notch institution with a world-class venue in the Steward Center for Jazz and its Ferring Jazz Bistro.

The list is endless, but Goines is especially excited to celebrate those musicians who have been

“Because over the years I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb.”

The moment of vulnerability quickly turned into a full blown testimony.

“I said, ‘God if you give

“Party” and “Ayo”. He kept things fun loving and joyous with “Yo (Excuse Me Miss), “Yeah 3x”, and “I Can Transform Ya.”

In his music, Brown has always portrayed himself as an imperfect lover boy. His performance at the Breezy Bowl was no different. The epic performance followed the ebbs and flows of his 20-year career. He took the audience through a gauntlet of emotions. They ranged from love and longing to appreciation and gratitude. He also shared life lessons.

“The journey ahead is unknown to all of us,” he said in a voice over message to himself. “Stay focused but be careful along the way, what goes up must come down.”

After “I can Transform Ya,” the stage faded to black. A revealing montage followed.

generous enough to keep their talents in their hometown. He named Kendrick Smith, Adam Maness, Anita Jackson, Denise Thimes and many others.

“Obviously we are going to celebrate those St. Louisans who have gone on to do amazing things outside of our community, and celebrate artists who come in from all over the world,” Goines said. “But I think this is a great chance for us to continue to elevate the visibility of our people who live in St. Louis, so that they can actually be celebrated in the same capacity of those who have left – but at home.”

Although heralded for its improvisation, Goines believes jazz music’s secret sauce is in the swing.

“The most fundamental definition of swing is being in coordination with the person you are with,” Goines said. “When they come together, they swing – and they produce the highest level of art.”

That swing is what has given Jazz St. Louis its staying power.

“This has blossomed into the beautiful flower that Barbara Rose planted some time ago,” Goines said. “I never had a chance to meet her personally, but I think she would say the same thing now that I’m sure she said back then, ‘Keep swinging.’”

Jazz St. Louis’ 30th Anniversary Parade will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. in Strauss Park in the heart of Grand Center. For more information, visit jazzstl.org.

me one more chance at life and at music I promise I will shout you out.’” Wilson then led the audience in a praise break with a gospel medley that included Kurt Carr’s “For Every Mountain.”

In it he flashed clips of his arrest and mugshots. Brown also commented on the isolation that followed the 2009 incident.

“It was hard. Nobody really picked up the phone,” Brown said. “Nobody wanted to be associated with you. Nobody really wanted to be around you.”

He credited the love of his fans for helping him through that period of his life.

“I was able to be vulnerable and still do my music in that time,” Brown said. “[Since then] I’ve focused on my craft. And I’ve learned just how to be a better human, and just to be myself and don’t worry about trying to fit this pic-

Prior to the moment of praise and worship, Wilson and his backup dancers dazzled on stage while performing his 70’s throwbacks like “Outstanding” and “You Dropped A Bomb On Me” from his

ture that somebody needs me to be.” He followed this montage with flashing blue and red lights that seemed to simulate his arrest. The lights transitioned into a deep green as he belted out “Anxiety” and “Grass Ain’t Greener”. His confidence showed in songs like “Sweet Love”, “Back To Sleep” and “New Flame.” He leveled up on self-assurance with his performance of the double-platinum single “Take You Down.” He sang the first half of the song with his male dancers grinding and lifting their shirts. The music paused so that Brown could bring a lucky fan on stage. She reclined on a red curved

Babyface didn’t neglect his own string of hits. “Soon as I Get Home” and “Whip Appeal” were two songs the audience couldn’t help but sing along with.

time as a member in The Gap Band. He then dove into his more contemporary cookout hits like “There Goes My Baby” and “Charlie, Last Name Wilson.”

He then sang through his discography, and toggled back to the early 1980s with jams including “Yearning for Your Love,” “Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me) and “Early in the Morning” to more modern tracks like “You Are.” He also dipped into the 1990s with his own spin on Guy’s “Let’s Chill.”

Regardless of the era, Uncle Charlie had the audience on their feet and two-stepping late into the night.

loveseat while Brown sat on top. The audience watched in awe, some shocked by his forward display. The audience let out screams and gasps as Brown lowered his face to hers and the lights went black. He concluded the concert with “Forever,” and paired the finale with a backdrop of a futuristic neon city-scape in the background. Brown and his dancers returned to the stage with high energy footwork. They jumped and kicked to the techno beat. Brown smiled brightly and exuded his joy and appreciation for performing – and the mutual love between him and his fans.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant/ St. Louis American

Guess who’s back?

That’s right, your favorite auntie on your mama’s side is out here in these streets once again! Long COVID, you tried it girl. But it will take more than Miss Rona to keep this sturdy shape down. I know, the nerve of me to show up out of nowhere after five years! Two more years and y’all could have had your girl declared unalive. But I’m not here to carry on about my absence. I want to focus on how I picked the perfect weekend to pop back out on y’all. Uncle Charlie, cousin Breezy, stepdaddy Babyface, real daddy El DeBarge, problematic big brother K-Ci and

enlightened nephew AJ McQueen came through this weekend and reminded me how much life I get by being outside. So did some of my favorite creatives in the 314 (and 618). Let’s go ahead and get into it.

A Breezy Bowl blast. When I tell you Chris Brown did not come to the Dome to play! Just know that he did way more than just run it. I would borrow a line from BBD and say he “smacked it up, flipped it and rubbed it down.” But the “smacked” might be taken out of context (no shade). However, he popped, locked, dropped, hunched, flipped it and

By Delores Shante

flew through the sky. But let’s give a bit to his openers before I get into how he threw down. Bryson Tiller the Black male Sia kept it cute. He just might be the first person in witness protection to become a music star. I swear, I’ve seen him in concert three times and if he walked up and started a conversation with me, I would have to pretend like I knew who he was. And to the Godsend that finally got through to Summer Walker about actually performing for the audience instead of singing like she is in her dorm room under her comforter, I owe you an edible arrangement. Meanwhile, Chris owes me absolutely

nothing! He went so hard that some of the Gen Z and Millennials were complaining. Yes, Richard Slater, I’m talking about you. Your post and the comments had me hollering! But back to Breezy. He gave us more than 2.5 hours of uninterrupted energy. And had he given five minutes less, the Gen X folks would have been like, “was that it?” But we couldn’t say a thing about how he slayed the stage nonstop Friday night!

Fun at the 5K. Because I am a glutton for punishment and a regular glutton, I decided to take a nap after Breezy and head to the 5th Annual Northside Trap Run first thing Saturday morning in The Ville. I’m so glad I did! In these few short years, it has really turned into an annual moment. Hundreds upon hundreds got their run, jog, sassy shuffle and walk on. Can

I talk for a bit about how the runners ran the whole 5K with times that I wish I could do in one mile? The winner, Dorrian Gordon crossed that finish line in 15 minutes. Help! And let me give a shout out to Dr. Duane Moore for his sub20 minute 5K. Sir, you are making us Gen Xers who are aging disgracefully look even worse!

Uncle Charlie and ‘nem cooked! I can’t tell y’all how wore down I am after starting my weekend with Chris Brown and ending it with my aunties and uncles – including Uncle Charlie – at his R&B Cookout at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. It’s a good thing my job is still halfway hybrid, or your girl would have been calling in after Sunday night’s shenanigans. And by shenanigans, I mean Babyface threatening to find his next wife in St. Louis. Sir, you best ask a few of your

music industry colleagues about us – and they will tell you once you fall in love with a woman from The Lou, we will have you emotionally locked in for life. Ain’t no shaking us! Now that you have been officially warned, you are more than welcome to buy my clothes, pay my rent and cook my dinner too. But let me get on with the show! Uncle Charlie, El DeBarge, K-Ci and Babyface brought enough heat to cook pork steaks on that stage. They did not let up or take it easy on us. The energy was on 1,000 (and that’s out of 10)! It brought out those types of uncle and aunties who you can always trust with the aux at the family parties. You now, the ones who know all the right slow jams and the party anthems to play. If you missed it, you missed a golden opportunity. A time was had!

Black creatives got their groove on for First Sunday Fest @ Atomic By Jamo

Northside Trap Run 5K volunteer coordinator Ellen Usher and volunteer Rachel Powers @ the Northside Trap Run 5K Saturday morning in The Ville

Chris Brown had the crowd amped up for his sold-out show Friday night @ The Dome at America’s Center

Because of its teams and history, the NFC East remains the most-watched division in the National Football League.

The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders have battled in the NFC East since 1970, and something unique happened during the opening week of the 2025 season.

Each NFC East team had a Black quarterback starting its respective game — Dak Prescott Cowboys; Russell Wilson, Giants; Jalen Hurts, Eagles; Jayden Daniels, Commanders.

Of the 32 NFL teams, 14 had an African American starting quarterback in Week 1. This was just over 43%, and that number included a rookie, rising stars, two former MVPs and seasoned veterans.

The Black starters combined to go 5-9, which included two games in which both starters were African American.

Beginning with the Prescott-Hurts duel on Thursday night in Philadelphia, it was a historic week in the NFC East.

The Eagles prevailed 24-20, with Hurts connecting on 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards. He also rushed for two touchdowns. Prescott was 21-of-34 for 188 yards. If not for dropped passes by Ceedee Lamb, the Cowboys might have prevailed.

On Friday in Brazil, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the L.A. Chargers 27-21. Patrick Mahomes was 24-of-39 passing for 258 yards, rushed for 57 yards, and was critical of his team’s early-game effort.

Justin Fields of the New York Jets had one of the best games of his career in a 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields was 16-of-22 for 218 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed

Black QBs make history in Week 1 Top prep football matchups for Week 3

SLUH (2-0) at DeSmet (1-1), Friday, 6 p.m. — The two Metro Catholic Conference rivals meet in their league opener. Both are coming off impressive non-conference victories last weekend. SLUH defeated Hillsboro 35-0 while DeSmet defeated MICDS 31-14. Senior quarterback Gabe Rodriguez has passed for 500 yards and three touchdowns in his first year as a starter at DeSmet.

Cam Sharp has rushed for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

for 48 yards and a pair of TDs.

Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens was superb in an excruciating 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jackson completed 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He added 70 yards rushing and a touchdown, and his 144.4 QB rating was tops in the NFL.

C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans was 19-of-27 for 188 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in his team’s 14-9 loss to the L.A. Rams.

Stroud also rushed for 32 yards, but his offense often sputtered.

Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans, No. 1 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, lost 20-12 to the Denver Broncos. Ward completed 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards and surrendered a

pair of sacks in the fourth quarter with the Titans in field goal position and trailing by one point.

Geno Smith led the Las Vegas Raiders to a 20-13 road victory over the New England Patriots. Smith was 24-of-44 passing for an outstanding 362 yards and a touchdown. It was among the top Week 1 QB performances.

Daniels and Wilson squared off in the Commanders’ 21-6 win over the Giants. Daniels was 19-of-30 passing for 233 yards and a touchdown. Wilson was 17-of-37 for 168 yards. He also rushed for a team high 44 yards.

Jordan Love led the Green Bay Packers to an impressive 27-13 win

Area hoops stars commit to college

By Earl Austin Jr. Of the St. Louis American

The basketball recruiting season picked up last week as three of the area’s top players made their collegiate commitments. Standout forward Jamison White of East St. Louis committed to Penn State University. Point guard Ian Thomas of DeSmet committed to Indiana State, while shooting guard Semaj Stampley of Alton gave a pledge to South Dakota State. All three of the talented players are related to former star players from the St. Louis metro area. Jamison White is the son of Jahidi White, a former Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Georgetown standout who also played nine years in the National Basketball Association.

Ian Thomas is the nephew of former Sumner High great Albert Thomas, who led the St. Louis area in scoring twice during his high school career in the late 1980s. He played college basketball at TCU. Semaj Stampley is the nephew of former Alton High star Leroy Stampley, who was a standout collegiate player at Loyola of Chicago and who was drafted by the Phoenix Suns. He is a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. White is a 6’8” forward who played

ranked No. 3 in the latest Max Preps national football poll.

CBC (2-0) at Chaminade (2-0), Friday, 6 p.m. — Another Metro Catholic Conference matchup between two teams that are undefeated after two weeks.

Kyren Eleby of SLUH has thrown for 390 yards and four touchdowns while senior Jordan Taylor has rushed for 253 yards.

East St. Louis (0-1) at Bishop Gorman (2-0), Friday, 9 p.m. — The Flyers continue their ambitious national schedule with a trip to Las Vegas to take on perennial national power Bishop Gorman. East Side was idle last weekend after having their game against Gadsden County canceled at the Gateway Scholars Classic. Bishop Gorman is 3-0 and

The Cadets posted an impressive 34-12 victory over Cardinal Ritter last week. They are led by exciting dualthreat quarterback Nick McClellan, who passed for a touchdown and ran for another against Cardinal Ritter. Chaminade has posted victories over McCluer North and Poplar Bluff.

Lafayette (2-0) at Kirkwood (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m. — This is an early season showdown between two teams that advanced to the state semifinals last season. Lafayette was in the Class 5 semifinals but has been moved up to Class 6. Kirkwood has been moved down to Class 5 after advancing to the Class 6 state semifinals last season. Lafayette

Alvin A. Reid

See QBS, A7

Geno Smith led the Las Vegas Raiders to a 20-13 road victory over the New England Patriots. Undefeated CBC and Chaminade to clash

Chattanooga, Tennessee to take on one of the top teams in the Volunteer State. The Hawks have opened the season with a pair of impressive road victories over MICDS and Cahokia. Baylor features multiple major college prospects, including fivestar senior offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda and fourstar junior running back David Gabriel Georges.

Cardinal Ritter wide receiver Ryan McDavis (3) fights off a tackle from CBC’s Nick McClellan (0) during Friday, Sept. 5, action at CBC.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Hazelwwod East stellar play harks past memories

By Earl Austin Jr. Of the St. Louis American

It is the 30th anniver-

sary of a great Hazelwood East football team that won the Class 5 state championship.

That Spartans team was full of talented players as several of them went on to play collegiate football with a few of them making it all the way to the National Football League.

The current Hazelwood East team has been doing some positive things to try to keep that tradition alive. The Spartans are 2-0 under the direction of head coach Bobby Cole, who is a 2003 graduate of Hazelwood East. The Spartans have averaged nine victories in the last three seasons under Cole.

Hazelwood East has looked impressive in its two one-sided victories to open the season. The Spartans defeated Hazelwood West 45-0, then followed up with a 40-6 victory over Parkway Central last Thursday.

“We are a senior-heavy team this year,” Cole said. “Many of them have three or four years of varsity experience. So now, it’s coming to a head in their senior seasons, and it’s starting off the right way.”

The showcase player at East is senior running back Terrance Little, who has been tremendous so far with 524 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He rushed for 262 yards and scored five touchdowns against Hazelwood West.

He followed up with 262 yards and four more scores against Parkway Central.

“It’s a testament to the work he’s put in during

the offseason,” Cole said of Little. “He does a great job in the weight room. He has the natural stature of a running back. He’s short,

stocky and explosive.”

New to the offense is junior quarterback Tyshawn Tillman, who is an athletic duel-threat performer who runs well and who also has a strong throwing arm. He rushed for a pair of touchdowns against Parkway Central. Senior Dion Hentz is a big-play performer on both sides of the ball. On successive plays against Parkway Central, he had an interception on defense, then he hauled in an acrobatic catch for 37 yards on offense.

The defensive line is anchored by senior Oscar Chatman, who is a disruptive force for the Spartans. He stays in the opposing team’s backfield throughout the game. He was a Class 5 All-State performer as a junior last season.

After two impressive home victories to start the season, the Spartans will go on the road for the next month with games against McCluer, Ladue,

Stars

Continued from A1

his first three years at Chaminade before transferring to East St. Louis for his senior year. As a junior, White averaged 14.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in leading the Red Devils to a berth in the Missouri Class 6 state

QBs

Continued from A1

over the Detroit Lions. Love was 16-of-22 for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His 128.6 QB rating was among the highest in Week 1. Michael Penix was 27-for-42 passing for 298 yards and a touchdown, and he also rushed for a TD, but the Atlanta Falcons dropped a heartbreaker to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Penix was the victim of two key dropped passes late in the game.

Marquette and Parkway North.

Standout performers from Week 2 in high school football

• Junior quarterback Phoenix Isaiah of Lift for Life completed 17 of 29 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score in the Hawks’ 22-14 victory over Cahokia.

• Senior quarterback Nick McClellan of CBC completed 10 of 19 for 191 yards and one touchdown, and rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns in the Cadets’ 34-12 victory over Cardinal Ritter.

• Junior receiver Travis Shores Jr. of Kirkwood had eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown in the Pioneers’ 42-7 victory over Pattonville.

• Senior running back Jordan Taylor of SLUH rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown in the Jr. Bills’ 35-0 victory over

championship game. He was a member of the St. Louis American “Fab Five” First Team All-Stars in 2025.

Thomas is a 6’3” point guard who is one of the best in the state at his position. As a junior, he averaged 8.4 points, four rebounds and four assists while shooting 59 percent from the field. As a sophomore, he averaged nine

Kyler Murray awoke ill on Sunday morning but led the Arizona Cardinals to a 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. Murray was fantastic, completing 21 of 29 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns.

On Monday night, Caleb Williams was 21-of-35 for 210 yards and a touchdown but the Chicago Bears bowed to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 after leading throughout the game. Williams also rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown.

The Reid Roundup Bubba Wallace led

Hillsboro.

• Sophomore Anthony Busby of SLUH had 13 tackles and two quarterback sacks in the Jr. Bills’ 35-0 victory over Hillsboro.

• Junior running back Steven Brown of Althoff rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 42-26 victory over Highland.

• Senior running back Jaylen Ballard of Francis Howell rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns in the Vikings’ 28-7 victory over Fort Zumwalt North. He scored on runs of 91, 96 and three yards.

• Senior running back Manny Ellis of Cardinal Ritter scored on a 93-yard kickoff return and a 99-yard run in the Lions’ 34-12 loss to CBC.

• Senior wide receiver Maqell Campbell of North Point had seven receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns in the Grizzlies’ 20-17 victory over Holt.

points, three rebounds and three assists in helping the Spartans to the Class 5 state championship.

The 6’2” Stampley is one of the best perimeter shooters in the St. Louis area. In the past two seasons, he has made a total of 196 3-pointers. As a junior, he averaged 18.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals in leading the Redbirds to a 26-7 record.

73 laps, the second-most of any driver, won the second stage and finished eighth in the Enjoy Illinois 400 at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday. He has a pair of Top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Cup Series postseason and is within reach of advancing into the second round…Tim O’Neal was tied for the lead early in

Lift For Life’s quarterback Phoenix Isiah (4) is on the move during action against crosstown-rival MICDS Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. The Lift for Life Hawks went on to defeat the Rams of MICDS 22-17.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

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.

WashU is currently recruiting for Registered Medical Assistants for the following specialties and locations:

• Medical Assistant II – Cardiology (West County)

• Medical Assistant II - Bone & Mineral Diseases (West and South County)

• Medical Assistant II – Neurology (WashU Medical Campus)

You will be responsible for preparing and maintaining the exam rooms, preparing charts, and obtaining reports and records. You will also be responsible for assisting with patient flow and ensuring the overall smooth running of the clinical office.

You will interact with patients in a clinical setting and complete clinical tasks which may include obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, completing a phlebotomy and verifying medications. You will monitor supply inventory, ensuring adequate supplies, equipment or garments are available and that they comply with regulations. Cleaning and stocking exam rooms and sterilizing instruments are also a requirement.

All positions are full-time 5 days per week, with 5 regular 8-hour shifts. The typical shift hours range within the hours of 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. This position has paid vacations, sick leave and holidays. Please note that the department is closed on weekends and holidays.

For the full job description and to apply, visit jobs.washu.edu, JR90073, JR89332, or JR90027.

We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion, and creativity. EEO/AA/VET/Disability Employer

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting qualifications for prequalification list for planning, landscape, architecture, engineering, and surveying services. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/vendors/ by October 13, 2025.

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 9/10/25 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

ASST. PROF. BIOLOGY

St. Louis Univ. PhD Biology or related. Postdoc exp. Pub. record. Full descr. & apply slu.wd5. myworkdayjobs.com/ Careers

CONSULTANT

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking a consultant to provide expertise in design and engineering services five (5) retractable bollard replacement systems and one (1) new retractable bollard system at Gateway Arch National Park. Go to www. greatriversgreen way.org/vendors/ by October 13, 2025.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM –FAMILY COURT - JUVENILE DIVISION

Family Court (Juvenile Division) of St. Louis County is seeking an attorney to serve as guardian ad litem (GAL) in the Family Court to handle juvenile matters/ parent attorney. A GAL who serves the Court must commit to serve on various Family Court (Juvenile) cases on an as needed basis for a monthly retainer to be paid by public funds. The current retainer is in the amount of $2,500.00 per month. Payments for time expended in adoption, guardianship of minor, and termination of parental rights matters may be made over and above the retainer fee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, up to three (3) years of trial experience preferred; preferably in juvenile or family law (additional years of trial experience and guardian ad litem experience are highly preferred), and completion of necessary guardian ad litem training as required by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding.

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov or to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by September 30, 2025): Family Court of St. Louis County, Attn: Human Resources Department, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for New Pavilion, Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon, Missouri Project No. U2417-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, October 7, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Tusconia Reclamation Project, Barton County, Project No. Y2303-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 30, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

Ai Software LLC dba Capacity seeks a Sr. Software Engineer I in St. Louis, MO for design, development, maintenance, & enhancement of company’s core apps. Incl. front-end/ back-end/API design; data int. & opt.; mobile dev.; & cloud int. Email resume to hr@capacity.com

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MARKETING AGENCY OF RECORD RFP 2025 The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 9/10/25 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

This college chaplain fills the pews by teaching, not preaching

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware

Word in Black

It’s understandable for par-

ents of strong faith to worry about the spiritual lives of their children who’ve gone away to college. After all, it’s easy for a young person, perhaps on their own for the first time, to succumb to the temptations of partying late on Saturday night and sleeping in on Sunday morning.

But Minister Lawrence Lockett Jr., chaplain at Morgan State University in Baltimore, is packing them into the pews most Sundays. He is engaging them in lively ways during the week. And students are joining the choir, accompanying worship on various instruments and serving as readers and leaders throughout the service.

gives them time to do whatever they need to do. I’m sure many of them still like to party hearty over the weekend. So they have a chance just to refocus, recalibrate, get themselves lunch and then come over to the chapel for service.

WIB: Tell me about pastoring on a college campus.

Lockett, who’s beginning his second year as the school’s director of chapel, has grown his flock from the 25 or so students who showed up at his first services to more than 200 each Sunday. Sometimes, it’s standing room only.

“We’ve been trying to figure out what to do next because on Easter Sunday we had 342 people, and some were standing in the back,” he says.

Word In Black talked to Lockett about the secrets of his success. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Word in Black: How do you get so many young people to chapel every Sunday?

Lawrence Lockett: I changed the time of service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A lot of the students like to sleep in late. It

LL: Morgan actually started as a biblical institute, so the Christian traditions have always been here. As a pastor or shepherd, I’m walking students through their questions, not always just trying to preach answers to them. I tell them I was in their same position, just trying to figure it out. A lot of students focus on mental health, but they really need to focus on spiritual health as well. It should be one and the same. So I’ve been trying to preach that, if anything, spiritual health is just as important as your mental health. But we do encourage the use of the counseling center, for sure, if there is a mental health crisis.

WIB: What does Monday through Friday look like for you?

LL: Mondays, we are usually off because of Sundays. Tuesdays, we have Bible studies, so I’ll host a Bible study at noon along with my colleagues that work in the chapel. And then I’m teaching a class called Hip-hop and the Gospel on Tuesdays at 2:30, dealing with mixing culture and religion.

On Wednesdays, we do something called “breath and balance,” which is just a meditative

type of program with breathing exercises as stress relievers. For Thursdays, we started something called the mosaic in which we have different campus ministers gather in small groups just like a mosaic painting. So the students who come on Sundays then get plugged into small groups on Thursdays. And on Fridays at 1 p.m., we do prayer for Muslims. We have an imam lecture and then lead in corporate prayer. It’s a good mix.

WIB: What is “Spend a Block”? Didn’t you receive an award for it?

LL: That started last year. We just basically do services outside: outside the residence halls, in the quad, wherever it may be. Students want something real and authentic, something they can gravitate to and something that’s convenient. We come to them. They don’t have to come to us.

WIB: What should I expect when I arrive for Sunday service?

LL: You’ll see our praise team full of students. You’ll see a choir full of students. You’ll see students reading scripture.

Why I’m Doing a 360 — and Why It Might Matter for You Too

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

“Search me, O

God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

- Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT)

Why do people think what they think about you as a leader? Is it because of something you said — or something someone else said about you? Is it based on an actual experience? And if they haven’t experienced you firsthand, are they simply manufacturing a perspective?

The Prompt for Self-Reflection

At the urging of our Human Capital and Governance Committee, I decided to undergo a 360-degree feedback evaluation. Over the past 18 months, I’ve participated in five 360s — for other leaders. This time, it’s me.

And I’ve taken a bold step: I expanded the 360 to include feedback from across the entire enterprise. Anyone — at any level — can weigh in. Because a 360 isn’t about validation. It’s about vision. Not just how you lead — but how you’re experienced.

Why Perception Matters People form opinions whether we invite them or not. And in the absence of proximity, they fill in the gaps with fragments of what they’ve heard, assumed, or imagined.

Sometimes the loudest story in the room isn’t the truest. It’s just the one no one has challenged. That’s why this process matters. Not because it’s comfortable. But because it’s clarifying. Leadership demands we tell the truth — not just about others, but about ourselves.

What You Learn from a 360 When you open yourself up to feedback, two things show up: • Gems – The affirmations that confirm where you’re effective and impactful.

Jabs – The critiques that linger in silence — until you give them permission to speak.

Both are sacred. Gems build confidence. Jabs build character.

One of the best pieces of feedback

Moving Sunday services from morning to afternoon, holding open-air worship around campus and other changes have helped Morgan State University Chaplain Lawrence Lockett Jr., increase participation in religion.

You’ll see students giving testimonies. And then I’ll come in and give a sermon, or I’ll have a guest come in to do the sermon. But you’re gonna see a lot of student involvement.

WIB: What about musicians and choir?

LL: The musicians are also students. They say, ‘Hey, I love to play. I wanna use my gifts in some way, shape or form.’ And they’ll ask whether there’s a spot for them. And we say absolutely. And there is a chapel choir. Some of the members are also members of the university choir.

WIB: What is the “next” you see for the chapel?

LL: I want the students to know God, find freedom, discover purpose and make a difference. The chapel really is the heartbeat of the campus, and I want students to know more about where faith and hope and belonging really stem from. I also want the chapel to become more interfaith and involve as many students and beliefs as possible.

I’ve ever heard wasn’t even mine.

A leadership assessor once told a colleague, “If you don’t believe the feedback, go ask your spouse.” He did. Her response? Immediate confirmation. Humbling? Absolutely. Helpful? Even more so.

When Feedback Meets Action

Years ago, I was in consideration to lead a global nonprofit. As part of the process, I was put through a two-day leadership simulation — complete with case studies, financials, role plays, and live feedback.

I didn’t just learn what I knew. I learned what I didn’t know I didn’t know. And that changed everything. Because the real risk in leadership isn’t weakness — it’s unawareness. When you know your blind spots, you can build around them. Ignore them, and leadership becomes dangerous.

Three Things Growth-Oriented

Leaders Do

1. Look Outward They don’t just analyze markets. They analyze themselves through the lens of others. They welcome input. They don’t get defensive. They lean in.

2. Discern the Data They know not every critique is a crisis. They separate signal from noise. They mine the gems. And they absorb the jabs — without letting them define them.

3. Act They don’t just reflect. They move. They identify the 2–3 changes that grow them inside, and the 1–2 shifts that grow the enterprise outside. And then they follow through.

What About You?

If you’re a leader—aspiring or seasoned—let me offer a few questions: What feedback have you ignored that might actually be a gift? What truth are you avoiding because you’re afraid of what it might reveal? Where are you choosing comfort over clarity?

Leadership isn’t about looking flawless. It’s about being formable — open to what you don’t see, so you can become who you were always meant to be. That’s why I’m doing this 360. Because I’m called to become the kind of leader who doesn’t just build organizations — but builds people.

And if that’s the leader you want to be — maybe it’s time to ask the hard question too.

Photo courtesy of Lawrence Lockett Jr. via LinkedIn.