September 18th, 2025 edition by The St. Louis American

St. LouiS AmericAn

Resolution honoring Charlie Kirk rejected

Residents decry late conservative activist as hateful

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

St. Louis American

Nearly two dozen residents packed Tuesday’s St. Louis County Council meeting, divided sharply over whether assassinated right-wing provocateur Charlie Kirk should be honored by a body that represents the county’s entire diverse population.

In the end, the council rejected a resolution by Republican Councilman Mark Harder of District 7 that sought to recognize Kirk’s “commitment to truth, freedom and constitutional principles” and to denounce the political violence that ended his life. The debate stretched well beyond the usual procedure, becoming a referendum on Kirk’s polarizing legacy: Some cast him as a defender of free speech, while others painted him as a racist, misogynistic hatemonger.

Leading ladies, legends and trailblazers

By Ashley Winters

Normandy Schools Collaborative Superintendent

Dr. Michael Triplett will be honored as one of five Excellence in Education Awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Change agent

How Michael Triplett is shaping the future of Normandy education

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

St. Louis American

When Dr. Michael Triplett took over as superintendent of the Normandy Schools Collaborative, colleagues quickly noticed a difference.

“He’s one of the most conscientious people I’ve ever met,” said Dr. Deborah Powell, a former educator, politician and athlete. “He’s always mindful of what others are feeling, and that drives his leadership. He believes if he helps others

become their best, they’ll give their best to those they serve. That’s one of the secrets to his success.”

That kind of praise follows Triplett across a career that began in a sixth-grade classroom and has carried him through roles as social worker, vice principal, principal, program director and administrator. Along the way, he has earned a reputation as both a no-nonsense leader and a servant of people. This fall, the St. Louis American Foundation will recog-

“This event was created to highlight the unwavering dedication of women who consistently stand as pillars of progress.”

— Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO

“This event was created to highlight the unwavering dedication of women who consistently stand as pillars of progress,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. “We have these 13 amazing women that we want to pay tribute to, and we are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them.” The honorees represented a wide range of fields — civic leadership, education, business, philanthropy, corporate work, public service and the arts. Two

By Alvin A. Reid and Dawn Suggs St. Louis

The St. Louis American earned nine first-place honors, including awards for overall design, online journalism and community service, at the 2025 Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. The event also included the posthumous induction of the American’s late chief operating officer, Kevin Jones, into the Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame. The awards were presented Saturday at the Wildwood Hotel in Wildwood, Missouri. American Publisher Donald M. Suggs said the awards reflect

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

University City resident Rev. Edmund Lowe asks the St. Louis County Council to reject a resolution proposed by Republican Councilman Mark Harder to honor Charlie Kirk.

American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Kevin Jones

GuEst Editorial

What the assassination of Charlie Kirk reveals about America

By Frances “Toni” Draper

Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in broad daylight while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. A sniper fired from a nearby rooftop, and though Kirk was rushed to the hospital, he did not survive.

Murder is wrong. Always. No ideology, no political disagreement, no personal offense can justify extinguishing a human life. Students and staff who witnessed the chaos will carry that trauma forever. Kirk’s wife and two young children must live with a grief no family should have to bear. Assassination is barbaric and indefensible. But if we stop there, we miss the deeper truth.

Kirk’s record Charlie Kirk was no martyr for freedom. He was a provocateur whose rhetoric leaned heavily on racist falsehoods. He dismissed diversity, equity and inclusion programs as “anti-white.” He claimed white privilege was a “myth.” He denounced the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a “huge mistake.” He even reversed his praise of Martin Luther King Jr., later calling him “awful” and a “mythological anti-racist creation.”

threatened to send in the National Guard, as though Baltimore was enemy territory. Those words weren’t aimed at buildings; they were aimed at people — families, communities and a proud majority-Black city reduced to a national punchline.

Baltimore is not unique. The same contempt shows up in attacks on women, journalists, political opponents and anyone who dares to challenge his narrative. When cruelty becomes a governing style, it signals to the nation that contempt is strength and that opponents are enemies to be destroyed. He didn’t fire the bullet that killed Charlie Kirk. But the climate he nurtured made it easier for someone else to cross that line.

The problem with praise

Even more troubling was his response after Kirk’s death. He called him a “great guy,” “legendary” and a “martyr for truth and freedom.” He even ordered flags flown at half-staff.

Kirk also promoted the so-called “Great Replacement” theory — the white nationalist idea that demographic change in America is an intentional plot to reduce White influence. “The ‘Great Replacement’ is not a theory, it’s a reality,” he declared. Those words emboldened prejudice, spread division and threatened the dignity of millions of Americans.

Kirk’s ideology was dangerous and rooted in racism. His assassination does not erase that truth. Violence doesn’t end hate; it can even deepen it, handing extremists an opportunity to create martyr.

A culture of contempt

Why does violence keep erupting in America? Look at the tone set from the very top. The sitting president has turned ridicule into a political weapon. He described migrants as “poisoning the blood of the nation,” suggested violent behavior is in their “bad genes,” and cast immigrants as an invading army.

This isn’t policy — it’s poison. And it doesn’t stop with immigrants. Take my hometown of Baltimore. The president branded the city “disgusting” and “ratand rodent-infested,” insisting “no human being would want to live there.” He even

That praise is part of the problem. When leaders glorify someone who vilified immigrants, denied systemic racism and undermined civil rights, they normalize extremism. They send the message that tearing others down is not only acceptable but honorable. It’s doublespeak — condemning violence in one breath while sanctifying the ideas that help fuel it in the next.

A call to conscience

From the slave patrols of the 1800s to Reconstruction massacres, Wilmington in 1898, and the lynchings of Jim Crow, America’s history is scarred by bloodshed born of dehumanization. Violence has too often been our answer to disagreement. So why do we act surprised now? When cruelty is rewarded, when ridicule is televised and when threats are brushed off as “just politics,” words inevitably turn into bullets. Individual shooters may be caught. But the culture that incubates violence cannot be handcuffed. Incivility unchecked, rhetoric divorced from respect, divisions deepened rather than bridged — these are the true accomplices.

Charlie Kirk’s death should not make him a poster boy, nor erase the harm of his words. But it must remind us that life is sacred, that violence is always wrong and that if we cannot learn to disagree without dehumanizing, America will keep turning words into bullets.

Frances “Toni” Draper is the publisher of the AFRO-American Newspaper, the AFRO.

Commentary

Suddenly, Trump is a Socialist?

By Larry Smith

Most Americans grow up with the following maxim: “Socialism is bad.” This is despite the fact that relatively few of us actually know what the term means. Socialism is an expansive concept that encompasses a range of economic, political and social philosophies. Americans usually have a reflexively negative reaction when they hear the term.

From a partisan political perspective, Republicans tend to be more vehemently opposed to socialism, not to mention communism, than Democrats. Thus, it should be surprising that a Republican president is experimenting with America’s capitalistic system.

But that Republican president is Donald Trump.

Since his inaugural run in 2016, Trump has been a populist cosplaying as a Republican. He is a businessman and entertainer who, at the behest of his father, was trained in politics under the tutelage of infamous attorney Roy Cohn.

Trump is not an ideologue who has a core political philosophy; he is a transactional dealmaker whose interest ultimately is doing whatever he believes benefits him financially and/or politically.

How unusual is all this for a Republican? Sen. Bernie Sanders, an avowed Democratic Socialist, applauds Trump’s investment decisions. Equally as important, Sen. Rand Paul is apoplectic over these offenses to Republican orthodoxy. Still, Trump remains extremely popular among the party faithful. Not coincidentally, government ownership in private enterprises is a feature of the three most common forms of authoritarian government: socialism, communism and fascism. Government ownership, even without a controlling interest, is the antithesis of the market-based capitalism that is the hallmark of the American economy.

Fortunately for him, Trump has an innate understanding of his base that befuddles politicians and pollsters alike, allowing him to venture far outside Republican norms. This brings me to his full-throated embrace of the U.S. government acquiring ownership stakes in private companies such as Intel, U.S. Steel and MP Materials. Such actions usually would be anathema to his party.

Trump also crafted a deal in which the U.S. government will levy a 15% tax on computer chips that Nvidia and AMD sell to China. (We all know how much Republicans love increasing taxes.) Interestingly, U.S. tech companies balked when President Biden tried to get them to buy more chips from Intel, which makes China’s eagerness to acquire them somewhat curious.

While there is no war or crisis that led to Trump’s actions, one could reasonably argue that national security is at stake with most of his deals. Plus, aside from this, there are many other examples of socialism in the U.S., including Social Security and government subsidies of pro sports teams. Here’s the key question in all this: What is a “good” outcome? Is it good if the companies — and thus the government — make money on these deals? If that were to be the case, should the government do this more often? It bears noting that Republicans were not impressed when government intervention resulted in a huge profit and saved millions of jobs when it bailed out companies during the Great Recession. For example, the investment in AIG itself netted taxpayers $23 billion in profits. And what about competition? Do such investments amount to the government picking winners and losers? After all, trillions of dollars in annual government spending could make for a very heavy thumb on the scale. Further, one wonders how Trump’s base would react if the government lost billions of dollars instead. In any case, Republicans might want to rethink using “socialist” as an epithet. The “rubber and glue” retort we all used as kids is in full effect. Larry Smith is a columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder.

Bold action in city is needed now

By Blake Strode

On a recent Saturday, longtime supporters and leaders of the Close the Workhouse campaign gathered in O’Fallon Park to celebrate the end of an era. For those who invested years of effort and energy to defund and demolish the Workhouse, this was an opportunity to celebrate a clear win: There was a jail at 7600 Hall St. that caused tremendous suffering for thousands of people over decades, and now it is a pile of rubble. Just blocks from the place where we marked that seemingly impossible victory, residents of North St. Louis are living a hellish nightmare. We can recite the facts from memory: Thousands of homes damaged or destroyed, dozens killed or injured, neighborhoods awash with debris and unlivable structures. This has been a true description every day since the May 16 tornado, and it remains true with little change in sight.

But now, the machinery of “official” action is in motion. A Recovery Office created, advisory committees formed, consultants hired, spending updates released, public meetings convened — local leaders caught unprepared and ill-equipped are starting to do the sorts of things that we expect them to do. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of this.

We must demand that other public dollars be directed to this mission, in addition to major funding from abundantly well-resourced private institutions in St. Louis. I am neither best positioned nor best informed to calculate precisely what the final local commitment should be. But with the economic damage in these communities exceeding $1 billion, anything less than $500 million of local investment in recovery is an insult to the people of the Northside. And we need to commit this level of resources now, even as we continue to press the state and federal government for the balance.

Guest Columnist Blake Strode

The question is: To what end? What is the material commitment to the North St. Louis neighborhoods leveled by the storm and what political will exists to make sacrifices in the interest of those neighborhoods?

Process is nice — critical, even. But we need a clear, audacious and unprecedented demand to reconstruct North St. Louis. And that demand must be articulated in dollars and cents.

Two things must be stated clearly. First, there is no version of full reconstruction that does not require the estimated $260 million of remaining Rams settlement funds. Second, there is also no version that relies solely on those funds.

We know St. Louis can do this because it has done it before. In 1923, our city passed an $87 million bond. It funded roads, bridges, plazas, municipal buildings and the historic Kiel Auditorium. We have a chance to do something in St. Louis that can be similarly transformative. Full recovery for the places and people of North St. Louis won’t come through thoughts and prayers, but through cold, hard cash. Beyond serving our collective self-interest, it also happens to be the just and decent thing to do. But we have to start with bold expectations and be unwilling to settle for less. Here’s where a scrappy grassroots campaign may serve as a guide. When the Close the Workhouse campaign launched publicly in 2018, it was met with dismissal and mockery. Some public officials literally laughed at the idea of closing the jail. Various commentators and supposed experts called the campaign and its members unrealistic, naive and irresponsible. One early editorial agreed with city officials that “a shutdown isn’t feasible,” adding that emptying and closing the jail as demanded “wouldn’t be rational.” These “expert” assessments were sincere, even understandable. But they were wrong. Genuine crises require bold action. Now is the time to demand the impossible for North St. Louis. And mean it. Blake Strode is an attorney who lives in St. Louis.

Guest Columnist

Larry Smith

Guest Columnist Frances “Toni” Draper

UNCF seeks federal action on campus safety following threats to HBCUs

By April Ryan Black Press USA

In the wake of credible threats against nine HBCUs last week, the UNCF has condemned the threats and renewed calls for federal government support to protect the majority Black schools.

The institutions received calls and emails threatening violent acts, including bombings and shootings. One school found a suspicious person with a gun on campus, but it was unknown whether the person posed any danger. The schools responded with immediate lockdowns, class cancellations and heightened security measures.

The United Negro College Fund, which represents private HBCUs, is requesting the FBI, Congress and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help secure the schools.

“HBCUs are being targeted at a rate higher than any other category of higher education institutions,” said Lodriguez V. Murray, senior vice president for public policy and government affairs for the UNCF. “We urge the Federal Bureau of Investigation to be transparent in its investigation of these threats.”

The FBI called them “hoax threats” and said it is working with several police departments to get more information.

“The FBI takes these threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” the FBI said in a statement. “While we have no information to indicate a credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention.”

The schools targeted were Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia; Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia; Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; BethuneCookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida; Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, and Alabama

State University in Montgomery.

In 2022, threats to several HBCUs were delivered by juveniles, sometimes through online gaming platforms. Once reported in the press, copycats began to make threats that impacted 51 historically black colleges and universities. Meanwhile, HBCUs are community-oriented

and open. Only one of the 105-plus HBCUs is gated.

Since then, the UNCF has “called on Congress to provide dedicated funding in appropriations bills to better protect and fortify HBCUs, and that call is even more urgent today.”

Murray also says, “The federal government’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a program that could benefit HBCUs, but for years and years our institutions have faced repeated barriers in accessing those funds.”

The HBCU security funding request is not new. An assessment from 20222023 shows 76 threats during that period, with 77 days of school disruption.

Photo by Kyle Little

Aerial view of the Hampton University campus. The HBCU is in Virginia.

Boys & Girls Club members gain knowledge through athletics

Sports and teamwork are an integral part of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis experience, and club members enjoyed two opportunities in September.

Members of the organization’s Herbert Hoover Club (HHC) sharpened their basketball skills and had fun on Sept. 11, when they hit the court with players from the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy basketball team.

HHC Club members participated in a special clinic where they not only played a lively game but also picked up valuable tips from college-level players.

“This was more than just a game — it was an opportunity for

our kids to see what dedication, sportsmanship, and hard work looks like at the next level,” said BGCSTL President and CEO Brandon Williams.

“The smiles on their faces said it all.”

The Boys & Girls Club’s Bethalto Club members joined NASCAR at the World Wide Technology Raceway on Sept. 7, in Madison, Illinois. Through a national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCSTL is an official youth community partner for NASCAR.

Club members had behindthe-scenes access and premier seating for the race at World Wide Technology Raceway.

By Dr. Stacy R. Owens

Bridging the Deep Divide

As recently as June 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense added 13 “woke” books to a growing number banned from more than 100 schools that serve children of active-duty and civilian military personnel.

The DoD alleges the more than 500 banned books promote “woke” ideologies about race, gender, sex and sexuality. Says who?

The banning of books has become a popular political tool used to erase, rewrite and reject realities and distort truth — particularly when it comes to Black history.

As Black woman and “woke” Missouri resident, I am not surprised, though still disturbed to see our state ranked third behind Florida and Texas for states with the most books banned. Regardless of ideology or political beliefs, banning books is censorship. It limits access to information, restricts freedom and suppresses texts based on content, ideas or viewpoints. The argument that books are banned “to protect students” is disingenuous. Ensuring age-appropriate materials of classroom materials has always been a pillar of the educational system.

policies like redlining, discriminatory housing practices and urban development decisions that fueled disparities in wealth, education, and access to resources. The Delmar Divide symbolizes ongoing challenges related to racial inequality and economic segregation in St. Louis, prompting community efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting greater equity and integration across the city.

Like many other cities across the nation, St. Louis has a complex, complicated and challenging history steeped in racial division not easily forgotten or healed.

Although I am not a native of St. Louis, I am well aware of the landmark case that originated in St. Louis: The Dred Scott decision. In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether freed or enslaved, were not citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court.

It also declared that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories, effectively nullifying the Missouri Compromise. This infamous decision, born out of a courageous enslaved man’s fight for freedom, inflamed tensions between pro- and anti slavery factions.

I’ve heard and read stories about the Delmar Divide, a well-known socio-economic and racial boundary that runs along Delmar Boulevard, which separates predominantly Black neighborhoods to the north from predominantly white neighborhoods to the south. Its historical roots lie in segregationist

So, what does the Delmar Divide have to do with the banning of books and Missouri’s leading role in efforts in erasing so-called “woke” literature? In St. Louis and across the nation, these bans intersect with issues of race, representation and marginalization of certain voices. Targeting Black literature, in particular, is rooted in racism and an obvious attempt to suppress narratives, restrict students’ rights to information, and threaten the First Amendment right to free speech. Removing books by Black authors erases diverse perspectives, perpetuates systemic inequalities and fosters an environment of censorship and intolerance. This deepens the racial divide, hinders understanding and empathy, reinforces stereotypes and denies opportunities for certain groups to share their stories and experiences, ultimately undermining efforts toward racial equity and cultural inclusion.

The motives behind banning “woke” books ultimately serve to deepen racial divides in St. Louis and in cities across the country. These actions obstruct inclusivity and equality, ultimately denying students and communities the opportunity to engage with and learn from a full spectrum of cultural and historical narratives.

Despite ongoing efforts in St. Louis by organizations like the Racial Healing + Justice Fund and the Delmar Divide project, which strive to address systemic racism, promote community healing, and foster collaboration, much more work remains.

The road to healing and peace requires intentionality and a commitment to dismantle barriers, build bridges and confront censorship. Only then can we begin to lessen this “Deep Divide” and move toward an equitable and united St. Louis.

Dr. Stacy R. Owens is the CEO and founder of Lift To Rise, LLC.

The University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy basketball team took the court with members of the Members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Herbert Hoover Club on Sept. 11. Participants learned and improved skills with the team which will begin its 202526 season in November.

Photo courtesy of BGCSTL

Dr. Stacy R. Owens

Lion Forge scores $30M investment

St. Louis American Staff

The wins keep coming for Lion Forge Entertainment.

Less than two weeks after the first feature film adaptation of its critically acclaimed top-rated animated youth series “Iyanu” premiered on HBO Max, HarbourView Equity Partners announced it will be leading a $30 million investment in the award-winning studio.

“This is a validating moment for our young company,” said Lion Forge founder and CEO David Steward II, a St. Louis native.

He said the combined strengths of HarbourView and Lion Forge will “enable us collectively to optimize opportunities at the nexus of entertainment, culture and content” and become a leader in the industry.

HarbourView is an alternative asset management company that invests in

the business worlds of music, entertainment, media and sports. It acquires and manages assets and businesses, with a focus on intellectual property.

With about $2.67 billion in regulatory assets under management, HarbourView says its resources strengthen its ability to fund and own intellectual property.

“This is a unique moment in the kids and family space, and Lion Forge is seizing an opportunity to lean into its ability to tell compelling stories authentically and cultivate global franchises at scale,” said HarbourView Founder and CEO Sherrese Clarke. “This [investment] synchronizes with our vision of how the next generation of multiplatform media companies can grow — by introducing fresh images, ideas and paradigms that reflect the evolving world in which we live.”

The investment was facilitated by Participant Capital. Although

HarbourView is the lead investor, the Steward family and its media company, Polarity, will keep majority ownership of Lion Forge Entertainment.

Lion Forge, one of the few largescale Black-owned production companies in North America, develops and produces animated and live action content targeting kids and family, young adult and adult audiences. It is building on the success of earlier Lion Forge Animation projects, including the Oscar-winning short “Hair Love,” and remaining committed to its mission of delivering genuine, diverse stories.

“We believe that content has the extraordinary power to influence the world,” Clarke said.

Lion Forge’s content pipeline has surged in the last few years. The studio’s latest series “Iyanu” has become a breakout cross-platform success on

new

Dawn Suggs

Dawn Suggs digital director for the St. Louis American, was elected National Newspaper Association state chair of the Missouri Press Association on Sept. 12, during the 159th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Wildwood, Missouri. Bryan Chester, general manager of the Columbia Missourian, was elected MPA president.

Riley recognized as ‘Anchor of Community’

Rev. Anthony Riley

Rev. Anthony L. Riley, pastor of Central Baptist Church, will receive an Anchor of the Community Award from the National Council of Negro Women on Oct. 4 during the Hidden Treasurers Anchors of the Community Awards Luncheon at the Marriott St. Louis Airport. Riley has served as pastor at Central since March 2019. He is the 14th pastor of the church, which was established in 1846. It is the second-oldest African American church in the region.

Rev. La’Vetta Ross new senior minister

Rev. La’Vetta Ross

only the second woman and the first African American to serve as the senior minister of the church in its 120-year history. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Ross received a master of divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in 2015 and has served as a chaplain at Christian Hospital in north St. Louis County and as senior pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Caseyville, Illinois.

Dawn Suggs elected MPA’s

NNA state chair

David Steward II, Founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment, greets City Academy students during a screening of its latest project, ‘Iyanu,’ ahead of the Cartoon Network series premiere last April. The company says HarbourView Equity Partners will lead a $30 million investment in the award-winning Black-owned animation and live action studio.

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

Continued from A5

St. Louis homebuyers can access assistance programs and address some of the upfront costs of homeownership…if they know where to look.

What are my down payment assistance program options?

Down payment assistance programs aim to make housing more affordable and can be used to address the upfront costs of homeownership. Some down payment assistance options, which span government, municipalities, non-profits, local lenders and so on, include:

• Grants: Homebuyers can receive funds to put toward their down payment—which can be available at the local,

Lion Forge

Continued from A5

HBO Max and Cartoon Network, debuting as the No. 1 series among kids on Cartoon Network and is a Top 10 Kids & Family series on HBO Max. Season 2 of the epic animated fantasy series, along with two feature films expanding its universe, have just been greenlit by Cartoon Network and HBO Max.

They have a multiyear first-look deal with Nickelodeon covering animated series and features that has resulted in multiple projects in development, including the “Marley & The Family Band” series, in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate; “Chicka

state and lender-level. Homebuyer grants may also cover closing costs if you already have the full down payment amount, and may be stacked with other forms of assistance. For example, Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $5,000 when purchasing homes in 15,000 eligible areas in the country, including qualifying neighborhoods in St. Louis.

• Forgivable loans: Also known as second mortgage down-payment assistance programs, these are low-interest or no-interest down payment loans that may be forgivable. In order to qualify for forgiveness, you may have to satisfy certain requirements. In most cases, borrowers may have to continue to own and live in the home after a period of time to avoid repayment of the loan.

• Deferred-payment

Chicka Boom Boom,” in partnership with Simon & Schuster; and “Iron Dragon,” in partnership with Mostapes. Additional strategic partnerships include an alliance with Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House, to develop series and features based on select children’s books.

Lion Forge also recently joined forces with George R. R. Martin (“Game of Thrones”) to adapt the renowned novella, “A Dozen Tough Jobs,” into an adult animated feature film; set a partnership with TalesVision to expand its short-form YouTube sensation, “Lostlings,” into a premium long-form series; entered into a first-look deal with Oware to identify and develop global kids and family and young

loans: These tend to be zero- or low-interest loans that offer a fixed rate to help cover down payment and closing costs. Typically, payments are not due unless you sell the home or refinance your mortgage. If you decide to sell and have a zero-interest deferred-payment loan, you might only have to pay back the amount that you borrowed, regardless of how much time has gone by.

• Low-down payment

loans: Outside of down payment assistance, there are a variety of low down payment mortgage options available with flexible credit requirements. These can be offered by the lender, such as Chase’s DreaMaker mortgage, or through government agency loans such as FHA, Standard Agency, etc. These loans may be as little as 3% down for a

qualifying borrower.

How do home buyers know if they qualify?

Eligibility depends on a variety of factors. While each program has different eligibility requirements, some of the elements that determine how much help you can receive and on what terms include your credit score, debtto-income ratio, income, number of people in your household and completion of a homebuyer education program. In some instances, the home purchase price cannot exceed the maximum limitations set by the agency offering assistance.

Each down payment assistance program requires its own application forms and process. By working with a local real estate or mortgage professional, you can gain insight and understanding

on local programs offered in St. Louis. Additionally, prospective buyers can use the Chase Homebuyer Assistance Finder to research and identify assistance programs at the local, state and lender-level they may be eligible for.

Using mortgage calculators can help you estimate what you can afford, and consulting with mortgage professionals can provide tailored advice and alternative financing options to fit your situation. For more information, visit chase.com/ afford.

For informational/ educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/ recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sourc-

adult content; and is working with Rebel Girls to develop unscripted content around Rebel Girls Sports. Established in 2021, HarbourView Equity Partners has built a dis-

tinctly diverse portfolio featuring thousands of titles spanning numerous genres, eras and artists.

“Sherrese is a trailblazing investor, leading a culture-driving company,”

Lion Forge’s ‘Iyanu’ had the full attention of City Academy students when it screened at the school’s Steward Hall last April.

es believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/ or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Steward said. “Her knowledge and track record will be immensely additive as we continue to scale our company and properties.”

The firm uses data and strategic insights to gen-

erate strong returns while working closely with the creative industry.

The company has acquired over 70 music catalogs encompassing over 35,000 songs across both master recordings and publishing income streams.

“We work with incredible creators and exceptional IP, and the backing of HarbourView will allow us to develop and invest in expanding our library,” said Stephanie Sperber, president and chief creative officer of Lion Forge. “Sherese and her team see what we see — an opportunity in the marketplace for premium kids, family and YA franchises, which motivates us to double down on what we believe we do best — create global content and build franchises.”

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

Magic sounds the alarm

The HIV crisis isn’t over for Black folks

By Joseph Williams Word in Black

Earvin “Magic” Johnson wants to spread the word to Black Gen Zers — especially those who think HIV/AIDS is no big deal because an NBA legend like him has lived with it for more than three decades. Although it is no longer a death sentence, he says, it’s still killing Black people and should be taken seriously.

By making it to his 66th birthday, “I was the curse and good for the disease,” said Johnson during his recent keynote speech at the National Minority AIDS/HIV Conference in

Washington, D.C. “They saw me, and then they saw that I had been living this long life. But then they said, ‘Oh, if I get HIV, I’m gonna be good, because Magic is good.’ And we can’t look at it like that.”

The data backs up his warning: Black people represent around 13% of the U.S. population, but account for roughly 39% of all new HIV diagnoses. Four in 10 people currently living with HIV are Black, and 43% of all HIV-related deaths are Black — more than any other racial/ethnic group in

Florida to phase out childhood vaccine mandates

By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black

For generations, mandatory vaccines have been one of the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks of potentially life-threatening diseases. But a new era of measles and polio outbreaks could be on the horizon now that Florida is poised to become the first state in the nation to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates.

The change, announced recently by state officials, comes as children return to classrooms. Public health experts warn that Florida’s decision, framed by state officials as a matter of individual freedom, will deepen existing racial health inequities, expose more children to preventable illness, and further politicize science.

“This is a terrifying decision that puts our children’s lives at risk. For decades, every state in America has had school vaccination requirements because they prevent illness, save lives, and protect

the U.S. And with President Donald Trump’s proposed budget cuts, drugs like the ones that kept Johnson alive could be harder to get for low-income Medicaid patients. Black people must be careful, Johnson said, because the virus “is out here in a big way in our community.”

The curse and the good

In a half-hour talk that was part sermon, part call to action, and part locker-room pep-talk, Johnson recounted his journey from what he considered

Public health experts warn that Florida’s decision will deepen existing racial health inequities, expose more children to preventable illness, and further politicize science.

health,” Dr. Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a statement. (The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation supports Word In Black’s health journalism.)

A radical departure from health norms

Before the announcement, Florida See VACCINES, A8

By Dr. Jessie Fields

Changes in national health policy under the Trump administration exacerbate the health challenges faced by Black Americans. Cuts to Medicaid and to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), disproportionately harm the health of Black people by reducing access to preventive care and chronic disease management, increasing disparities in health outcomes, and worsening maternal and infant mortality rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black communities experienced disproportionately high rates of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths. According to the National Institutes of Health, “This disparity is linked to long-standing social and economic inequalities, such as differences in health care access, socioeconomic status and employment in essential frontline jobs increased exposure risk.” COVID-19 vaccination helped to decrease the burden of the pandemic in Black communities by reducing infections, hospitalizations and deaths, even though vaccination rates were initially lower in Black communities due to factors like hesitancy and structural inequities. Studies have shown vaccines are highly effective at reducing severe outcomes, and increasing vaccination rates in Black communities, despite existing

and typhoid.

Photo courtesy of the U.S> Navy

syringe is prepared for giving immunizations during Gabon Medflag ‘88, in which U.S. military personnel provide medical assistance and training to the Gabonese. Villagers are being immunized

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, upper left, poses with service members aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in 2011.

Dr. Jessie Fields

Magic

Continued from A7

a terminal illness to his longevity (he just celebrated his 66th birthday).

Strolling into the audience with his microphone, Johnson discussed the need to fight disinformation in the Black community, how he intends to continue advocating for funding to fight the virus, and keep the public engaged.

An NBA Hall of Famer, five-time world champion, Olympic gold medalist and wealthy businessman, Johnson is perhaps the highest-profile person living with AIDS since the virus emerged as a public health threat in the 1980s. His diagnosis, however, literally changed the face of the disease, transforming it from a disease that was typically associated with white gay men — and that carried a lot of stigma.

Johnson put a famous Black face on a disease that was devastating communities of color, but received relatively little attention. For Black America, the epidemic was already shifting — cases among white gay men were slowing. But infections among Black women and heterosexual Black men, particularly in the South, were climbing fast.

Not a death sentence

Three decades later, science has transformed HIV into a chronic condition that can be managed with medication. But for Black communities, the burden remains out of proportion.

Black men are diagnosed with HIV more than seven times as often as

Vaccines

Continued from A7

required children to be vaccinated against measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, Diphtheria-tetanusacellular pertussis (DTaP), polio and other diseases if they were going to attend child day care facilities and public schools. The proposed shift means families will no longer be required to immunize their children against these diseases before they enter a classroom.

“When leaders talk about pulling back vaccines, they’re talking about disrupting student learning and making schools less safe,” the Florida Education Association said in a statement. “State leaders say they care about reducing chronic absenteeism and keeping kids

Fields

Continued from A7

health disparities, did help to control the pandemic within those communities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once a reliable guide in American public health, under Trump-appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is in turmoil.

The new policy decisions from the CDC restricting eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination and cutting federal funding, makes it harder for Black communities to access COVID-19 vaccination. The new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines limit

HealthMattersHealthMattersHealthMatters

white men, while Black women face rates up to 18 times higher than white women. Public health experts point to systemic barriers — poverty, racism, stigma, and unequal access to consistent care — as key drivers. There has been progress: between 2018 and 2022, new infections among Black people dropped 18%. Yet Johnson’s reminder is clear. The virus may no longer be the death sentence it once was,

in school — but reducing vaccinations does the opposite, putting our children’s health and education at risk.”

Comparing vaccine mandates to slavery

Black Americans have typically had lower vaccination rates, for reasons ranging from lack of health insurance and low access to care to concerns about the medical profession’s racist history with vaccines.

But the state’s Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, cast the proposed change as one that liberates families to decide whether to protect their children.

“Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body?” Ladapo, a vocal critic of vaccines, told a crowd in Valrico, Florida, near Tampa.

the COVID-19 vaccine to adults over age 65 and younger people with high-risk conditions. The guidelines end the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for children and pregnant women, putting their health at risk. These changes in the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations may limit insurance coverage and vaccine availability at pharmacies. Limiting access to COVID-19 vaccination diminishes the important role that COVID vaccination plays in prevention of severe disease and death. For example, if you are unvaccinated, young and healthy you may readily recover from COVID infection or you may not have symptoms at all, but

but in Black America, HIV remains a mirror of inequality.

“It’s definitely changed. We still have obstacles,” said Johnson, noting that, when he began treatment, there were few Black patients, even fewer doctors or clinicians, and a lot of misinformation in the Black community. But along with improved drugs and growing awareness, “I hadn’t seen this many minorities [fighting the virus]. What a blessing that is, absolutely.”

“Your body is a gift from God.”

Despite scientific evidence that vaccines save lives, Ladapo compared vaccine mandates to slavery. “Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery,” he said.

“This is not a slip of the tongue,” Los Angelesbased pediatric allergist Zachary Rubin told his 1 million-plus followers on Instagram and Substack. “It’s a calculated move in the ongoing politicization of public health, where evidence, history and responsibility are traded for applause lines and culture-war soundbites.”

In 2023, the Biden Administration described some of Ladapo’s statements about COVID vaccine safety as “ misinterpretations and misinformation.” Rubin noted that “vaccines are not shackles,

if you pass the infection to an older person or someone with underlying medical conditions, they may become severely ill. People who are vaccinated against COVID are significantly less likely to transmit the COVID virus to others. Vaccination helps protect the community as a whole.

Leading infectious disease and public health experts disagree with the recent CDC curtailment in eligibility for COVID vaccination.

Pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos resigned as co-leader of a CDC COVID vaccine advisory group, saying this change put pregnant women and children at

Funding cuts and obstacles ahead

Still, Johnson predicts tough times lie ahead — particularly given President Donald Trump’s funding cuts to Medicaid, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s hollowing out of the nation’s public-health apparatus, and the Trump administration’s general hostility to science and medical research.

“It’s only going to get harder because [Trump] is

they are shields,” and also called Ladapo’s policy shift “dangerous.”

Federal vaccine policy in turmoil

Florida’s announcement comes as experts report increasing vaccine skepticism and misinformation nationally. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed long-standing vaccine advisory committees, fired the CDC director and reversed recommendations on COVID19 vaccination for children and healthy pregnant women. His moves have triggered lawsuits from medical organizations as well as bipartisan calls for his resignation.

Several members of Congress, a bipartisan group of nine former CDC directors, and roughly 1,000 HHS staff members

risk.

Extensive observational studies have found that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, which can cause maternal death and stillbirth.

The crisis in Black maternal health could be further exacerbated by restrictions in access to COVID vaccination.

As the flu season and winter approaches, it is especially important for the COVID vaccine and other immunizations such as influenza and pneumonia to be widely available.

The policies and practices of the Trump administration must be opposed and challenged, especially by doctors who care for and serve our communi-

trying to cut the funding,” he said. “But we’ve got to stay together, we’ve got to work together. We’ve got to pool our resources together and continue this fight. And we’ve got to keep it at the forefront.”

Since the discovery of effective treatments, the HIV-AIDS virus “has kind of slipped” from the national agenda, Johnson says. “We’ve got to bring it back up so people talk about it.”

The key, he says, is “education, education,

have called for him to step down. And in light of this upheaval, the Senate Finance Committee is requiring him to appear at a hearing on Thursday.

Earlier this year, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, which is housed at the University of Minnesota, launched its Vaccine Integrity Project in response to the CDC’s changing approach to vaccines. The project is committed “to safeguarding vaccine use in the U.S. so that it remains grounded in the best available science.”

It’s also likely that health insurers operating in Florida will decide not to cover the cost of vaccines since they won’t be required. Such decisions could leave Black families to bear the brunt of increased infections and future pandemics.

ties.

Black leaders such as Rev. Al Sharpton have spoken out and organized against Trump’s cutting Medicaid and SNAP to fund tax cuts for wealthy businesses.

Last month, on the 62nd anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, Rev. Sharpton led the March on Wall Street, where thousands of people from all over the country protested the Trump-led corporate rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke before the Medical Committee for Human Rights in Chicago and said, “Of all the forms

education,” especially among Black men, Johnson said. Early detection, he said, was the key to his longevity, allowing his doctors to “jump on it” and maximize his odds of keeping the disease at bay.

More Black men, he added, should follow his example.

“Black men — make sure you get your physical,” he said. “Make sure you understand your status. Take your meds and do all the right things” to get and stay healthy.

A dangerous time to retreat from vaccines

Meanwhile, the United States faces rising numbers of cases of preventable disease. A CDC report this month announced that the nation had 23 more measles cases than the previous week. This increase brought the country’s total number of cases to 1,431, the most since the country declared the disease eliminated from our shores in 2000. The confusion over vaccines also comes as the COVID-19 Variant XFG surges in the U.S., and cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have increased because not enough children and adults have been vaccinated to sustain herd immunity.

of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman because it often results in physical death.”

The injustices of the Trump administration are innumerable, but they are all aimed at destroying the determination, courage and independence necessary to fight injustice. In the spirit of Dr. King, we will keep on marching. Today, more than ever, activism is necessary for our community’s health.

Dr. Jessie Fields is a primary care medical doctor in Harlem. This story was originally published by the New York Amsterdam News.

Magic Johnson and wife, Cookie Johnson, at the Mercedes-Benz Carousel of Hope Gala in 2014. The NBA legend worries young people in the Black community have learned the wrong lesson from his long-term survival.

Photo courtesy of Neon Tommy

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

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

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students Knowledge Murphy and Ramell Keeton, in Ms. Stovall’s third-grade class at Gateway MST Elementary School, are learning how to use microscopes to view microorganisms.

Photo by Ms. Stovall

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

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

Teachers,

SCIENCE CORNER

According to the American Heart Association, you can help prevent disease by following a healthy eating plan and adding more activity to your lifestyle. A healthy eating plan consists of lean proteins. Choosing fish as a source of protein also gives you omega 3 fatty acids to build brain cells. Consider meatless meals where your protein source comes from beans or other foods. Choose whole grains that contain a lot of fiber to help your digestive system and reduce cholesterol. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lowerfat dairy products. Add nuts and seeds to your diet to get more nutrients. Try to avoid sugary or fried foods. Kids should get 60 minutes of activity a day. Choose activities

What Are Fungi ?

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

What Are Fungi ?

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

including breaking down dead organic material. Some purified molds are actually used as an antibiotic to treat illnesses.

In this experiment, you will observe the chemical reactions of yeast.

Materials Needed:

• 3 slices of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags

Materials Needed:

• 10x10 square centimeter grid • Ruler

• A Packet of Dried Yeast • 16-20 oz. Clear Water Bottle (empty) • 1 Teaspoon Sugar • Warm Water • Small Balloon

• 3 slices of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags

Process:

• 10x10 square centimeter grid • Ruler

Process:

Procedure:

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

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

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

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

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

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

you enjoy—playing sports, jumping rope, walking around the neighborhood. At least twice a week, you should choose an activity that works on strengthening your muscles— such as push-ups, sit-ups, etc. Get your friends and family involved, choose some fun music, and you will be surprised how much you enjoy physical activity. For more information, visit: https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ or http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/diseases-conditions/. Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text and textto-self connections.

Growing Mold!

Expand a Balloon

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

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

Form a hypothesis:

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Chemist Jeannette Brown

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR: Jeanette Jones

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR:

Leading the Future of Agriculture

Jeanette Jones

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

She also studied at the University of Nevada, the University of California Medical School, the National Center for Disease Control-Atlanta, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

She also studied at University of Nevada, the University of California Medical School, the National Center for Disease Control-Atlanta, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jeannette Brown was born in 1934 in New York. When she was just 6 years old, her family doctor encouraged her love of science, specifically chemistry. Brown was a dedicated student and graduated in 1952 from New Dorp High School in Staten Island. After graduating high school, she attended Hunter College to pursue a chemistry degree. Brown was one of only two African-American women in the class. In 1956, she earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Next, Brown went to the University of Minnesota and became the first African-American woman to earn a master’s degree in organic chemistry.

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

r. Chavonda Jacobs-Young is transforming the way America grows, processes, and protects its food. Raised in Georgia, she became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in paper science and engineering. Today, she serves as Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In her role, Dr. Jacobs-Young leads groundbreaking research in plant genetics, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices.

She oversees thousands of scientists across the USDA who are working on challenges such as developing crops that can survive drought, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving food safety. Her leadership ensures that innovations move from the lab to the field, benefiting farmers and families nationwide. She is also a champion for STEM education, encouraging young people—especially women and students of color—to explore careers in agricultural science.

u Watch the balloon inflate. How does it work? Yeast is a living microorganism. As it “eats” the sugar, it releases carbon dioxide, which is a gas. This gas causes the bottle (and the balloon) to expand.

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

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

q Add 1 inch of warm water in the water bottle.

w Add the entire yeast packet to the water and gently swirl the bottle to mix.

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

1. Does room temperature affect how much gas is created by the yeast?

Brown then went to work for CIBA Pharmaceutical Company as a research chemist. She developed drugs for diseases, such as tuberculosis and coccidiosis (coccidiosis affects chickens). In 1969, she went to work for Merck & Co. Research to continue research of new drugs to make sure they are safe and effective. In 1986, she became chairperson of the Project SEED Committee for the American Chemical Society. Seven years later, she taught chemistry at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She also served as regional director on a committee to improve science education for local students. In 2008, she shared the biography of seven chemists to the African American National Biography. Three years later, she published the novel “African American Women Chemists”. Hunter College and the University of Minnesota both have recognized Brown as an outstanding alumni. She has received other awards, including an Association of Women in Science fellow award in 2007. She was also recognized as an American Chemical Society fellow and a Chemical Heritage Foundation Ullyot Scholar. Brown has been active in professional organizations, such as the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) and the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Dr. Jacobs-Young’s work links directly to Missouri science standards in life science, biotechnology, and environmental science, showing how scientific research improves real-world systems. By combining her technical expertise with a passion for equity and innovation, Dr. Jacobs-Young is helping secure a future where agriculture is more sustainable, productive, and inclusive.

Her story reminds us that science has the power to feed the world—if we nurture the people who create it.

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

e Add the sugar and gently swirl to combine.

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

r Stretch out the balloon by blowing it up a few times and letting it deflate.

r Place the third bag with a dry slice of bread in the refrigerator.

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

t Place the neck of the balloon over the neck of the water bottle.

y Place the bottle in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.

r Place the third bag with a dry slice of bread in the refrigerator.

MATH CONNECTION

Scientists often use tables and graphs

z Suzanne runs 3½ miles every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. How many miles will she run in a month that has 4 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, and 5 Fridays? ______

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

Day 3: 1.5 inches, etc.)

DID YOU KNOW?

2. Does the size of the container affect how much gas is created by the yeast?

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

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

3. Does yeast respond the same to syrup and honey as it does to sugar?

Repeat the experiment and test your hypothesis as you change these variables.

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

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

Analyzing a Bar Graph

x If you have 4 members in your family, and each family member drinks 6 ounces of juice each morning for breakfast, how long will a 1 gallon jug of orange juice last?

As we approach spring weather (and increased rain), create a bar

Math!

subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can make text-to-world connections. This Calls for

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

(Remember: One gallon = 4 quarts, and 1 quart = 32 ounces.) ______

c You are trying a new recipe for muffins. It calls for 2 1/3 cups of whole wheat flour. The only measuring cup you can find holds 1/3 cup. How many times will you need to fill the measuring cup with the flour?

Check out these fun chemistry facts.

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

to classrooms through the St. Louis American Foundation and its NIE Corporate Partners:

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

v Anthony bought 6 boxes of grapefruit for $9/box. If he has to pay 8% sales tax, what was the total he had to pay?

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

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

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

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Learning Standards: Science: 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-2 | Math: 4.MD.A.2

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activities —

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

Good Citizen: What are the qualities of a good citizen? Use the newspaper to find examples of stories of people who display good citizenship. Share your examples with your classmates.

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

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

Target Audience: Writers must appeal to their target audience. In this activity, your classmates will be your target audience.

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

Survey your classmates to discover their favorite sport. What is the most popular sport? Next, create a newspaper advertisement for a product that relates to that sport.

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

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can find evidence to support my claim.

Dr. Chavonda JacobsYoung

MAP CORNER

Jay-Z seeks to have identity of accuser made public

Jay-Z and his legal team are said to be in federal court asking for the identity of a woman who filed suit against him under “Jane Doe.” According to Allhiphop.com, they have accused her of being hidden behind anonymity as she launched a calculated smear campaign.

The hip hop news site reported that his legal team says that Doe forfeited her right to remain anonymous by continuing to repeat claims she previously admitted were fabricated.

In her last filing, Jane Doe’s psychiatrist claimed “public exposure would destabilize her current mental health recovery” and doubled down on her claims that she was assaulted by Jay and Diddy at a party after the MTV VMAs in 2000.

The lawsuit, which stems from previously dismissed allegations in New York, accuses Jay-Z of abuse, a claim his attorneys say she has already recanted on tape.

A recently filed motion accuses Doe and her attorney, Houston-based

Anthony Buzbee, of orchestrating a campaign to damage Jay-Z’s name, family and career while shielding Doe’s identity from public scrutiny.

“By reasserting and amplifying these knowingly false allegations, Defendants seek to continue their conspiracy to inflict reputational, emotional, and economic harm on Mr. Carter, his children and his entire family, all while concealing Doe’s identity,” his attorneys reportedly said in the motion.

Trey Songz settles $20M sexual harassment suit

Trey Songz has reportedly settled a multi-million-dollar lawsuit alleging sexual assault at a Miami nightclub.

According to legal documents obtained by Billboard.com, the R&B singer reached a confiden tial deal just weeks before the case was set to go to trial. The plaintiff accused Songz — born Tremaine Neverson — of sexually violating her on January 1, 2018, at E11even Miami.

“This court has been advised that the matter has been settled as to all parties and therefore, it is hereby ordered and adjudged that this case is dismissed,” Judge

Antonio Arzola wrote on Tuesday, according to Billboard.com. “The court reserves jurisdiction to enforce the settlement and to enter orders necessary to this enforcement.”

The details surrounding the settlement have not been revealed, but the plaintiff’s attorney, Ariel Mitchell confirmed to the outlet that “the matter has been resolved.”

Lawyer makes new accusations against T.D. Jakes

An attorney facing financial sanction for fabricating citations in his legal filings related to a defamation suit filed by Bishop T.D. Jakes now claims to represent the ex-husband of Jakes’ eldest daughter, Cora Jakes. Tyrone , who represented Jakes’ Duane Youngblood, is back in court with a new set of accusations. According to a court filing seen by Christian Posted, he says he has credible allegations made by Richard Brandon Coleman and other unnamed males. They accuse the Potter’s House founder of grooming, sexual assault, sexting, and transporting them across state lines. Coleman, 36, also known by his stage name

SkiiVentura, is serving time in a Texas prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. Cora Jakes, announced her divorce from him in January 2022, shortly before his crimes became public. The couple was married for a decade and share two adopted children.

Blackburn, who says he is now representing Coleman, reportedly made his latest claim in a filing in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania last Friday.

Akon’s wife files for divorce Tomeka Thiam, wife of music superstar Akon, is said to have filed for divorce after nearly 30 years of marriage. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Thiam cited “irreconcilable differences” in the filing that was reportedly made just before their 29th wedding anniversary.

In the filing, Thiam is said to ask for joint legal custody of the 17-year-old child they share, but wants physical custody of the child. The celebrity news and gossip site said she is also seeking spousal support – and wants to block the court’s ability to award any spousal support to Akon.

Sources: Allhiphop.com, Complex. com, Billboard.com, TMZ.com, christianposted.com

Trey Songz

Ron Harris, who covered Iraq war and trained young reporters, dies in sailing accident

By Wendy Todd St. Louis American

Ron Harris, a veteran journalist who covered the Iraq war, mentored generations of reporters and taught at Howard University for nearly two decades, died in a sailing accident off the Georgia coast. He was 73.

Harris went missing during an Aug. 25 sailing trip after checking in with a friend and reporting trouble with his anchor. His body was recovered off Ossabaw Island in Georgia after a multi-day search involving the U.S. Coast Guard and state authorities.

Born in Memphis, Harris remained in the South to study journalism at Clark Atlanta University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies. He worked for a number of prestigious outlets, including the Los Angeles

Times for 14 years in various editorial positions. He demonstrated dedication to assisting up-and-coming journalists of color by becoming the inaugural director of the newspaper’s Minority Editorial Training Program (METPRO), helping college graduates gain valuable newsroom experience.

“Ron was a serious journalist whose dedication to the craft extended well beyond the business itself,” said friend and professional colleague, Carlton Winfrey. “He believed in investing in the people who make journalism work. … He was a mentor, teacher, advisor and consultant to dozens of people, and not all of whom are journalists.”

After the Times, Harris landed at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, where he spent nearly nine years in a variety of roles, including editorial writer, assistant metro editor and national correspondent, which included covering the Iraq war. He and photographer Andy Cutraro volunteered to go to Iraq.

Harris was stationed in the Middle East for six months and described the experience as a dramatic and exciting time.

Harris left the PostDispatch to become director of communications at Howard University Hospital. He’d already been working at Howard’s School of Communication as an adjunct professor. His tenure at Howard spanned nearly 20 years.

“I had the good fortune

to work with Ron twice, once at the Post-Dispatch and once at the Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland,” said Kathleen Best. “In both places, Ron showed that he was a gifted reporter, editor and mentor for young journalists.”

Not only was Harris respected as a consummate journalist, he also was a dedicated father.

“Throughout my life, we created a lot of memories by moving to a lot of different areas throughout his career,” said his son, Tracy Harris. “Our first move outside of Memphis was to Chicago, where I had to learn to grow quick. My dad was right there to teach me the lessons needed to function in this new city. We moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s and it was awesome. We had a great time.”

Tracy Harris said that as a child, he saw his father develop his passion for sailing.

“I had the opportunity to be part of watching him take sailing lessons, as well as go out and take different trips up and down the coast. It was truly some of the best times ever,” he said.

In addition to sailing, Harris also loved art and music, with jazz as his favorite. He collected art and, in his signature, gen-

erous spirit, gave away a lot of pieces to loved ones.

Harris became an author and co-wrote The Black and The Blue: A Cop Reveals Crimes, Racism and Injustice in Law Enforcement.” It’s a critically acclaimed study of policing and race after the 2014 and 2015 shootings of Black men.

Harris co-led an Associated Press collaboration that investigated nearly 1,000 deaths during police arrests involving supposedly non-lethal force. The project, which he guided students through by examining Taser use in Georgia, was a Pulitzer finalist for investigative reporting.

“In a career spanning decades, Ron never lost his passion for pursuing a good story, particularly if it shone a light on injustice,” Best said.

Harris is survived by his sons, Tracy Harris and Ohaji Abdallah; his daughter, Nykeba Newsum; his grandchildren, Kyle Brown-Harris, Imani Abdallah and Omari Abdallah; his great grandson, Jayden Brown-Harris; and a brother, Gerard Harris.

Howard University will host a memorial service for Harris on Sept. 19. His funeral will be held in Memphis on Sept. 27.

Photo courtesy of the Harris Family

Ron Harris

The American’s awards, in the weekly newspaper category

First-place awards

Best

Resolution

Continued from A1

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, built a following in this country and beyond by mobilizing young conservatives, especially on college campuses. His rallies and campus tours helped fuel Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement and his winning presidential campaign, but his inflammatory rhetoric on gun rights, abortion, DEI, immigration and other issues often sparked outrage.

Kirk was fatally shot last week while addressing a large outdoor audience at Utah Valley University.

The 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, is being held without bail. He faces several charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.

County Executive Sam Page condemned Kirk’s killing but refused to back the resolution, saying Kirk’s views were “very different from mine” and that the right-wing influencer fueled “widespread anxiety.”

One speaker who said he knew Kirk personally argued that the resolution was less about endorsing his politics than about rejecting political violence. Another credited Kirk with teaching him “it was OK to disagree with other people.”

Opponents pushed back hard.

“Charlie Kirk lived by the sword and died by the sword,” one Black resident said, accusing Kirk of insulting African Americans, including Martin Luther King Jr., George Floyd and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

A woman addressing council members called Kirk “a force for good” and challenged anyone who thought him “racist” to consider “his close friendship with Candace Owens, who is a conservative Black woman,” she said.

Another woman, who said she was from the 63141 ZIP code, rebutted that statement.

“It is gross and inappropriate to honor someone who left behind a legacy of hate,” she said, then listed comments Kirk had hurled at people of color and women.

“Charlie Kirk repeatedly used his platform to attack minorities in this country. … His words spread division, and God does not teach hate.”

Others countered that the resolution symbolized core American ideals.

“It’s not an endorsement of Kirk,” one woman said. “It’s an endorsement of life, liberty, freedom of speech and the pursuit of happiness.”

St. Louis County

NAACP President John Bowman reiterated the group’s earlier statement

Awards

Continued from A1

the staff’s dedication.

“We are honored to again receive multiple awards during the annual Better Newspaper Contest, which are a testament to the ability and dedication of our staff,” said Suggs, who attended the ceremony. “The awards help affirm our commitment to provide quality journalism to the community we serve as we move toward our 100th year of publication.”

The American, founded in 1928, will mark its centennial in 2½ years.

For nearly a century, it has served as a leading source of news and commentary for African Americans in the St. Louis area.

On Friday, the association posthumously inducted Jones into its Hall of Fame. Jones served as the American’s COO for more than 20 years. He died on Jan. 4, 2024, at age 57.

condemning Kirk’s record as one that “undermined civil rights, dismissed the struggles of marginalized communities, disrespected African American women and spread division.”

Pastor Edmund Lowe, presiding Elder of the St. Louis Cape Girardeau District, was even more blunt: “In all my life, I have never heard, nor have I ever seen anyone be as foul as Charlie Kirk,” he told council members, urging them not to “lift him up.”

Harder, the bill’s sponsor, insisted critics misunderstood his intent. Many, he said, made “snap judgments” without reading the resolution. While it recognized Kirk’s short life, Harder said, it was

“He died too young. He should be here celebrating with us,” said Jeff Schrag, who was close friends with Jones and emcee of the ceremony. Tina Jones, his widow, accepted the Hall of Fame honor, saying it feels as though little time has passed since his death. Her words underscore the bittersweet nature of the celebration, which honored both the American’s present achievements and the legacy of one of its key leaders.

“Kevin was a light,” said former American City Editor Alvin A. Reid, also a close friend. “He loved the St. Louis American, and we loved Kevin dearly.”

The Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame honors journalists not for a single achievement but for a career of sustained commitment to the profession and the communities they serve — a standard exemplified by Jones.

also meant to honor “the unyielding right to speak truth to power, to celebrate achievement and honor those who dare to challenge the status quo.”

Democratic Councilwoman Shalonda D. Webb of District 4 said she wrestled with what Kirk “had and had not done” during his short life. “I went to his site to hear things he had been saying for years — not just recently — but for years … and he has never denounced the things he’s said that were hateful. My heart goes out to his wife, his children and all those who championed for him,” Webb continued, adding, “but I cannot go along with and help let someone be championed or go down in history without seeing the whole picture. So, I will not be supporting this resolution.”

Councilwoman Lisa Clancy of District 5 also said she couldn’t support the bill. “I want to make it very clear that I denounce all violence, including political violence, and the murder of Charlie Kirk never should have happened,” said Clancy, a Democrat. She then shifted to the broader topic of rampant gun violence, reciting several recent shootings, including one last week at Evergreen High School in Colorado, where a student fired 20 rounds in nine minutes, injuring two schoolmates before fatally shooting himself. It is “obviously past time for some common-sense gun safety laws,” Clancy said, adding that the resolution goes far beyond just condemning violence. Challenging Harder’s statement that the resolution doesn’t honor Kirk, Clancy read a section that specifically states it honors his “life and legacy.”

“And that’s where I have to voice my strong opposition,” Clancy said before voting against the resolution. “His death should be mourned, but his ideas as he expressed them do not deserve the honor of this council.”

Democratic Councilwoman Gretchen Bangert of District 2 also condemned the violence that ended Kirk’s life but said she could not support the resolution. “My responsibility as a council member is to make sure the individuals we recognize embody the values of unity, respect and inclusivity of all who call St. Louis County home.” In the end, four Democrats and one Republican on the seven-member council voted against Harder’s resolution.

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

Photo Courtesy Missouri Press Association

legendary entertainers added star power to the evening. There was Pam Grier, the iconic actress and original Foxy Brown, who was unable to attend, and Evelyn “Champagne” King, the R&B powerhouse whose music defined an era. Both were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Nearly five decades after her breakout hit “Shame” put her on the map at just 17 years old, King continues to dazzle audiences. She expressed gratitude for the honor.

“Glory be to God, I am blessed to be here,” King told the audience that packed the massive ballroom. “I started this journey when I was just 5 years old. My father used to take me to the historic Apollo Theater, where I would practice my dance moves. I’d roll my belly

Triplett

Continued from A1

nize that impact by honoring him as one of five Excellence in Education Awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala.

Triplett, who has attended the gala many times, said he was floored to learn he would be on stage this year as an honoree.

“I was like, ‘Ah, man, I’m not just an attendee this time,’” he said with a laugh. “It’s really special and good to know that the work you’re doing is being recognized. Even when people don’t say it, you know somebody’s watching — and I appreciate that.”

When reflecting on what fueled his rise,

just to let him know I could dance.” King quickly ascended from South Philly teenager to international R&B star when she was discovered at Sigma Studio at age 15. Her debut album “Smooth Talk” dropped in 1977, and its lead single, “Shame,” catapulted her into stardom. Surviving the decline of disco, she delivered timeless hits like “I’m in Love” and “Love Come Down.”

Other honorees included 2025 Guild Member of the Year Dr. Juanita Chambers, 2025 UL Woman of the Year Alicia A. Bams and 2025 UL CEO of the Year Judy Reese Morse.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has a history as rich as the women it honored. Founded in 1918 — just eight years after the establishment of the National Urban League — the St. Louis chapter was born out of crisis. Following the East St. Louis race massacre the year before, a

Triplett often returns to a familiar refrain: “I felt I wasn’t doing enough.”

It all started after the East St. Louis native graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 1987. He first imagined a career as a firefighter, then accepted a position with a minor league basketball association in California. That dream was deferred by an earthquake that sent him back home, where an aunt encouraged him to enroll at her alma mater, Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.

He enrolled and studied business there, but he soon discovered something more enduring: a knack for helping classmates succeed academically.

He said the joy he found in helping them “understand content, get better grades and reach their academic goals” stayed with him even after

Business Brief

Photo courtesy of the Urban League

R&B legend and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ newest Salute to Women in Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King brought the house down as she closed out the 21st annual gala with her biggest hit, ‘Shame.’

group of Black and white residents came together to help African Americans rebuild.

More than a century

he graduated.

Instead of pursuing business, he became a substitute teacher. One of his first assignments — a sixth-grade class at L’Ouverture Middle School — nearly made him reconsider.

“It was just a really tough, unruly, rowdy class,” he recalled. “And I was like, ‘Jesus Christ, I gotta teach here?’”

Rather than walk away, he experimented. He removed the desks, let the students move and play, then slowly reintroduced structure. Within weeks, conversations replaced chaos.

That was Triplett’s first lesson in the power of shared stories.

“We all have a story, and kids respond when it’s genuine and one kids can relate to,” he said, noting the importance of students seeing he had experiences

SLATE to hold apprenticeships, career fair on Sept. 24

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment will host an Apprenticeships & Trades Career Fair on Sept. 24, part of the city’s recognition of National Workforce Development and National Apprenticeship months.

The event also coincides with SLATE’s 50th anniversary of serving St. Louis. It comes as the city works to help residents who lost jobs in the May 16 tornado rebuild their careers.

The career fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 in the first-floor conference room at 1520 Market St., St. Louis. The city previously hosted a job fair on June 25.

“SLATE has proudly served generations of St. Louisans for 50 years, and apprenticeships remain one of the most powerful ways we can prepare people for meaningful careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need,” said Connie Johnson, SLATE Missouri Job Center executive director.

“This fair is about opportunity for individuals, families and our entire community to invest in our people and help rebuild their careers destroyed by the tornado.” Apprenticeship training programs can be “direct pipelines to employment,” Johnson said.

“They allow individuals to start earning while they learn, gaining real-world skills that employers are

from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 in St. Louis.

urgently seeking.”

SLATE has placed job seekers each year into programs across healthcare, construction, information technology and transportation.

Healthcare apprenticeships are among SLATE’s strongest tracks, preparing certified nursing assistants in as little as 6-12 weeks for jobs earning $35,000$40,000 annually.

• Transportation and logistics programs, including training to help participants earn a commercial driver’s license, which qualifies them to drive trucks, buses, and other large commercial vehicles.The CDL training is offered through partnerships with MIM Trucking, MTC Trucking and St. Louis Community College. There is urgent demand for drivers.

• Information technology apprenticeships and training through providers such as Savvy Coders and Claim Academy prepare dozens of participants for high-demand, high-wage careers in software development, cybersecurity and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.

• Construction and trades remain a cornerstone of SLATE’s efforts. Each year, more than 50 young people gain hands-on skills in SLATE’s YouthBuild pre-apprenticeship program. Participants are also referred to union pathways through programs such as Missouri Works Initiative and MOKAN. For more information about the Apprenticeships & Trades Career Fair, call (314) 589-8000.

later, the local affiliate is the largest in the country and the first to receive a five-star rating, continuing its commitment to eco-

similar to theirs growing up. “Who’s better to trust, a person who has never lived a life they’ve lived or a person who has lived that life and can tell that story?”

Triplett refined his teaching under the late Dr. Alice Roach, an acclaimed public educator and 2015 Salute Lifetime Achievement honoree. Roach encouraged his innovative methods, which emphasized peer learning and student engagement.

Still, he felt he wasn’t making a big enough difference. He pursued a degree in social work at St. Louis University, hoping to address root causes like poverty and homelessness. As a school social worker, he valued the role but again felt limited.

“Even as a school social worker, I did not think that was enough, so I got into administration to be a

nomic empowerment and social justice. The evening’s atmosphere was equal parts elegance, prestige and

change agent in the school, making more systemic change.”

From program director in alternative education to assistant superintendent in Riverview Gardens, and later Associate Superintendent of Learning Services in Olathe, Kansas, Triplett kept widening his reach. Olathe colleagues praised him as “an extremely capable manager, supporter and servant of people,” a reputation that helped him earn the top role at Normandy.

Since becoming superintendent in 2023, Triplett has drawn admiration for his clarity of purpose.

Dr. Tiffany McConnell, a nearly 30-year veteran of the district, provides support to the district’s professional staff. She said she appreciates the work Triplett has been doing.

“For the first time, we

gratitude.

“Tonight’s celebration stands as a tribute to the extraordinary women whose resilience, dedication and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on our community,” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.

The celebration culminated with music. R&B group After 7, which includes St. Louis’ own Wil Robinson, filled the ballroom with smooth harmonies and timeless hits. “Ready or Not,” “Nights Like This” and “I Care About You” compelled guests to sway and sing along. Some even danced themselves right out of their seats.

King delivered a powerful rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” She then instantly lifted the entire ballroom with her own classic, “Shame.” Her performance lit up the stage and sent guests home on a high note.

have a leader with a true vision of what public education should look like,” McConnell said “Under his leadership, we’ve implemented many different initiatives that have raised the bar for all our students.”

For all the praise, Triplett describes his own leadership with candor.

“I’m the toughest cookie in the world. I’m really structured, really stern and I have a no-nonsense kind of demeanor,” he said. “But when the grass hits the fan, teachers love working with me. Students love me as a leader.

“Why? Because I believe in them, and I put everything I have into them.”

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

Photo courtesy of KAI

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) and the city of St. Louis will host an Apprenticeships & Trades Career Fair

5th Annual Music at the

tling this weekend. More than 100

sented

A smoking hot MATI

By Zaria Mac and Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

By the time Sunday night headliner Patti LaBelle prepared to close out the Field Stage for 2025, the breeze that the thousands who braved the weekend of nearly unbearable heat had been aching for finally arrived.

The 5th Annual presentation of the Music at the Intersection Music Festival and Arts Conference (MATI) was a hot one. Temperatures were blistering, but the energy and vibes never diminished. Talent of all ages and engaging attractions that stretched just over half a mile. Peppered throughout were stages that featured a diverse mix of musical genres. Jazz, hip hop, R&B, soul, funk and more was reflected in some form or fashion. The talent ranged from global stars to emerging talent. As the weekend drew to a close Brian Owens, singer and beloved figure within the St. Louis arts community, summed up exactly why Music at the Intersection (MATI) is so important.

“We have set the cultural standard in music going back to Scott Joplin and all the way up to Smino,” Owens said just before LaBelle took the stage. Chris Hansen, executive director of The Kranzberg Arts Foundation – presenter of MATI – reinforced Owens’ remarks as he shared the festival’s intention.

“A true celebration of St. Louis’ footprint on the American Songbook, Music at the Intersection fully represents what we’re all about as a city,” Hansen said of the more than 100 artists who graced nearly 20 stages. “And all of the great giants that come here are really just celebrating St. Louis with us.”

Friday night energy

After an afternoon of workshop programming that provided attendees with essential music industry insider information, guests poured in. Unlimited options for entertainment awaited inside the festival grounds. There was cuisine from countless cultures. A myriad of vendors sold candles, oils and garments and other items. One could even buy a wig or get their hair braided while listening to the local and nationally acclaimed artists on the surrounding stages. The jam sessions began with K Kudda Muzic. He was backed by an eclectic jazz band of horns and keys and a guest vocalist. The sound radiated through the walls of The Sovereign concert venue with low lighting that heightened the listening experience and compelled those hearing them to connect. The brassy, jazzy funk fusion of The Playadors brought patrons from every end of the festival to The Big Top stage. “The Playadors is an amalgam of all my friends in St. Louis that plays music,” said band leader Dave Grelle. “And tonight, we decided to bring the whole crew… it’s like

Homegrown artists shine at MATI

Photos by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

The

Intersection Music Festival and Arts Conference had the Grand Center Arts District bus-

artists across 19 stages shared their talents thanks to the world-class festival pre-

by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation.

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

Grammy winner and Ferguson native Keyon Harrold was one of many artists with St. Louis roots who performed

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

Leon Thomas The Baylor Project

Branford Marsalis

Lucky Daye

Patti La Belle

CONCERTS

Sat., Sept. 20, 7 p.m. NBA Youngboy - MASA TOUR, Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m.

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

Sun., Sept 28, 5 p.m. City

Winery St. Louis and WSIE 88.7 present Peabo Bryson Live, City Winery St. Louis,3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information visit https:// citywinery.com.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sun., Sept. 21, 3 p.m. Steve Lacy and DJ Kut will present The Kearbey’s Reunion Party, Treasures Sports Bar and Grill, 4517 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

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

FrizzFest: Natural Beauty Festival, Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more

STL Sites & Sounds

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.

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

COMEDY

Sat., Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Helium

Presents: Rod Man, Helium Comedy Club, 11151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com

Sat., Sept. 27, 6 p.m.

KevOnStage & Tony Baker aka The Bald Brothers, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sun., Oct. 12, 6 p.m. Special Event: Nicole Byer, Helium Comedy Club, 11151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louisheliumcomedy-com..

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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.

Sun., Sept. 21, 3 p.m. Starlight Concert Series featuring Adrianne Felton- King, Heman Park Miracle Playground, 7200, Olive Blvd, University City, MO 63130. For more information, visit www.ucitymo.org.

Wed., Sept. 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

Sept. 19-20, 7 p.m. Festival of New Works: Spotlight on HOPE, The Kranzberg Black Box Theatre, 501 N Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information visit, https://kranzbergarts foundation. org

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.

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

ART

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://kranzbergarts foundation. 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.

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

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.

a St. Louis Circus under the Big Top.” Among them was singer/actress Anita Jackson, who took a night off from her starring role in The Black Rep’s “Raisin” to blow MATI audiences away with The Playadors and her own jazz sets. She was among the rotating vocalists who brought funk, soul and Caribbean vibes to The Playadors original tunes and covers, including The Allman Brothers classic “Midnight Rider.” Their music awakened internal rhythms and stirred up a boogie even for those who didn’t know the lyrics – or the songs.

The hypnotic sounds continued with the main act of the night Weedie Braimah & The Hands of Time. Their world-blending music style was a perfect fit for special guests Afro-Cuban drummer Pedrito Martinez and MATI artist-in-residence Keyon Harrold on the trumpet.

The Hands of Time had the audience spellbound with a hypnotic symphony anchored by Weedie’s Djembe. He played in the center while a band of electric guitars and keys swelled around him. They brought in classical, traditional and complementary influences creating a whole world sound that took you on a spiritual journey and brought you to your feet.

He shared how every song has a story behind it, including “Weediefoli.”

The song was recorded in Mali with some of the best musicians in that

LOCAL

Continued from B1

across the world,” said Chris Hansen, Executive Director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, presenter and producer of MATI. “We are so proud to be here, and so proud that you are celebrating with us.” All three days, each stage was a constant reminder of the talent that is here – and the talent that started here, but keeps the region close to its heart.

MATI also gave back in ways that went beyond giving area artists their largest audiences and established artists who have spread their wings the opportunity to receive some St. Louis love. In response to the devastating tornado that touched down in the region on May 16, there were several opportunities to donate to 4TheVille – including rounding up on purchases and a QR code for individual donations.

The Ville was one of the areas that was hardest hit by the tornado. The historically Black neighborhood was home to major contributors to the American songbook. Rock music icons Chuck Berry and Tina Turner are amongst them.

“We believe that arts based development is the key,” said Aaron Williams, President of 4TheVille, a community based cultural heritage organization. “We will be investing in our community and in their creativity to bring back The Ville – and make sure that it is better and brighter than ever before.” Artists with St. Louis roots and connections represented from all over the region. South City, North County, East St. Louis and everywhere in between showcased the depth and broad range of talent.

country. He told the story of his journey from East St. Louis to Mali and beyond. He said that when he brought this rhythm to Mali, they questioned where it came from.

“This is from my village, East St. Africa,” he said humorously. For this song, he mixed traditional African drumming with a hip hop tempo and R&B melody – all bridged with an electric guitar that formed a provoking yet tranquil swirl of cultural sounds.

The sounds were later elevated by Martinez on the conga and Harrold on trumpet, who added a hint of the blues. The band of friends jammed throughout the evening into the night. By the end the aisles were filled with fans who grooved as the music moved through their bodies.

A hip hop and soul

Saturday night

The merriment continued for day two of the MATI. St. Louis artists who made the most of the moment and made the region proud. Poets screamed black boy joy at Word Warriors Take the Mic on the High Low Stage. Those who popped into Sophie’s to cool off received a bonus vibe from Enoch Is Real and the Indigenous Groove. A hip hop dance party took over Strauss Park with sounds from CASSETTE, DJ Charlie Chan and Rhashad La Rocka. Grammy Award winners Lucky Daye and Common – along with iconic hip hop producer, DJ and emcee Pete Rock –headlined the Field Stage. Lucky Daye sang his way through a few technical difficulties, including

hits from his third studio album “Algorithm.” He gave classic R&B vibes with his Grammy-winning single “That’s You.” He got the crowd’s attention with “Think Different” and “Top.” He kept them deep in their feelings with his album’s namesake “Algorithm.”

The emotions heightened when he performed “Love You Too Much” from his freshman album “Painted.” He cried out passionately for his lover in elaborate runs.

He lamented with “Diamonds in Teal.”

Doubling over with emotion, he demonstrated why his voice needs to be heard live.

Powerhouse duo Common and Pete Rock, who share a “Best Rap Album” Grammy nomination for their joint album “The Auditorium, Volume 1,” closed out the Field Stage.

The pair greeted the audience with their song “Dreamn.” Released last year, the infectious track sounds as if it was plucked straight from the 1990s.

The poetic duo performed other joint records like “Fortunate” and “Wise Up.” Pete Rock moved into some of his classic tracks, including “They Reminisce Over You,” a song by Pete Rock & CL Smooth that pays tribute

When The Bosman Twins introduced multiple Grammy Award nominees The Baylor Project on The Big Top Stage, they didn’t shout out McCluer grad Marcus Baylor. They claimed his wife, neo-soul pioneering singer/songwriter Jean Baylor, who is the lead vocalist for the group.

“She’s ours too,” they said in unison with a synergy typical of twins.

Before The Baylor Project took the stage, St. Louis artist Drea Vocalz gave a performance that demonstrated her growth as an artist, and proved that she’s ready for prime time.

The day before, T-Dubb O represented for St. Louis hip hop at Sovereign. He shared the stage with fellow veteran Tef Poe, who was on brand when he took the energy through the roof with his high impact presence. MATI Artist-InResidence and Ferguson native Keyon Harrold was busy every night. The Grammy winner delivered his own set, performed with fellow area trumpeters that reminded listeners that the spirit of Miles lives on. He also made guest appearances, including alongside Common, who

to fallen angels. He also gave a taste of “The World Is Yours,” a hip hop staple by Nas that was produced by Pete Rock, who also sings the chorus on the record.

Then Common performed his own features like “Get Em High” a song with Kanye West and “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop), a high energy feature with Erykah Badu that the audience freely sang along with. He took it way back with “I Used to Love H.E.R.” a classic for his day one fans that pays tribute to his art form. He then traveled through years of his conscious rap with “Come Close” and “The Corner.” He hyped the crowd with “Testify” before he ended the set on a bright and hopeful tone with the endearing hip hop love song “The Light.” Fans sang along with chorus with their hands in the air, free from any inhibitions.

Soulful Sunday

Sunday’s festivities kicked off with a fitting tribute to “word warrior king” Dr. Eugene B. Redmond on the poetry stage in High Low. Members of the writer’s club he founded that bore his name celebrated him for his contributions to

poetry – including his invention of an entirely new style, the Kwansaba.

DJ James Biko, spun soul, funk and R&B classics on vinyl at Sophies. Later in the afternoon, Leon Thomas ignited the Field Stage with soul, psychedelia, and pure fire. Air buzzed with something electric, beyond the blazing sun.

It wasn’t just anticipation — it was the unmistakable promise of Leon Thomas. When he finally took the stage, guitar in hand and a mischievous glint in his eye, it became clear instantly: this was about to be something special.

He kicked things off with “How Fast.” The studio version of the track already thumps in the studio, but live it roared. The rock overtones were heightened by his searing vocals and a gritty electric guitar that cut through the air. From the first riff, fans were on their feet.

Sliding into “Safe Place” Leon grabbed his guitar and serenaded the psychedelic hip hop infused with electric soul.

“Dancing with Demon” was a showstopper. Stripped of backing vocals, Thomas let the rawness of his voice speak. The rock electric guitar solo that followed, backed by a thunderous drum break, sent the crowd into a frenzy. It was a moment of freedom and fire.

He brought things deeper with “Lucid Dream”, fans belting along with torn expressions and raised arms. He ended it with a triumphant return

to the guitar — a dreamy outro that felt like falling upward.

Just when silence seemed to settle… he brought out “Mutt.”

“This song changed my life,” he said, beaming. After a solid set from hip hop veterans De La Soul – with an assist from Talib Kweli – it was time for Patti LaBelle to turn it out with her signature soulful soprano.

Dressed in a multicolored caftan, LaBelle looked fantastic as she started the show off with a deep cut, “Release” from her 1984 album “Gonzo.” She quickly moved into one of her signature tunes, “Love, Need and Want You.” LaBelle’s band and background singers – whom she thanked repeatedly – were showstoppers in their own right. She gave them plenty of time to shine during her hour-long set, which was a crowd pleaser. She deserves grace for powering through despite the heat – and the fact that this year is the 65th anniversary of her career. Among the highlights from her set was a praise break that featured “Something About the Name Jesus” belted by her supremely talented male background singer Aaron Marcellus. Her set also included “The Right Kinda Lover,” her Michael McDonald duet, “On My Own” as well as his classic “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near).”

After a wardrobe change and a DJ break, she gave a snippet of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” before closing the show out with “Lady Marmalade,” that concluded an audience participation moment where local artist Eldraco brought the house down.

“I love St. Louis,” LaBelle said. “I always have so much fun here.”

he started playing with at the tender age of 18.

There isn’t enough room in this entire print edition to list all of the St. Louis artists who participated in the energy exchange and talent sharing opportunity that was MATI 2025. It’s one of the reasons why the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) continues to be a major supporter of the festival.

“It is our honor to partner with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation to bring Music at the Intersection (MATI) again this year,” said RAC President and CEO Vanessa Cooksey. “We are excited to be celebrating our 40th anniversary. And we’ve invested over 120 million dollars in this region to make sure that it is a great place to live, work and visit.”

Just before Common and Pete Rock took the stage, she informed the crowd that the St. Louis arts and culture community brings more than one billion dollars of economic activity to the region.

“MATI is so special,” Cooksey said. “It is one of the best investments we are making – and we can’t wait to see you here next year!”

Weedie Braimah & The Hands of Time

Photo by Taylor Marrie/ St. Louis American

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

Anita Jackson

Change is coming: Our leaders impacting global arts

The Saint Louis Art Museum is hosting its annual Advancing Change summit today, Thursday, September 18, from 10 am to 1 pm via Zoom. Simply register to get the free link.

This year’s topic, Advancing Change: Globalizing Museums for the Future, focuses on how museums and cultural organizations can transform and reframe their practices to engage global audiences. Grab your cup and coffee and join us for this insightful conversation to kick off your morning.

From Harlem to St. Louis to the world, our leaders are setting the agenda for museums and the arts. They are shaping not only who and how institutions tell stories, but also how they connect with communities, embrace global audiences, and envision the future.

Fellowship alumni will share strategies for promoting equitable practices in exhibitions and community engagement.

Advancing Change: Globalizing Museums for the Future

TODAY! Thursday, September 18, 2025 10 am –1 pm Virtual Free, Advance Registration is Required to get Zoom Link

Denise Murrell, the Merryl H. and James S. Tisch Curator at Large at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will deliver the keynote address. Murrell gained international acclaim for curating Posing Modernity: The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Now which premiered in America, Europe, and the Caribbean. She also curated the 2024 Met exhibition, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism Following her presentation, a panel of three Romare Bearden Graduate Museum

The 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 BrownPeoples, SLAM’s current Bearden Fellow. 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 and statistically underrepresented backgrounds at American art museums. You can still join this free virtual summit by registering at slam.org/summit. Automated closed captions will be available. A recording of the program will be posted on the Saint Louis Art Museum’s website and social media, and all registrants will receive an email notification once it is available.

Much love to MATI. As hot as it was this weekend, I still had the time of my life at MATI. That’s how you know it was on point…not even a heat advisory could keep your girl away! For those who missed, you really missed out. It was like mid-2000s ESSENCE Festival…well, if it was held inside of an air fryer instead of the Superdome. But enough about the temperatures, let’s talk about the heat that was coming from those stages! Oh, and whoever curated that baby Taste of St. Louis food walk, thanks to you I will now have to be chained to an elliptical machine to make sure I can fit into my Salute dress. (It’s going down Nov. 1 at America’s Center! Visit stlamerican.com for more info). If I had to pick a favorite performance, it’s really neck and neck. I’m torn between Weedie and The Baylor Project. I also have to give Keyon Harrold a hand for being the hardest working man at MATI. I got life every time I saw him – especially with Weedie Common and his own set. Common got it in, too. I have to give it up for the SOS Band for living through their set in those dresses and suits. I liked Lucky Daye. And I actually really enjoyed Leon Thomas, he just kept singing about the same ole NSFP (not safe for Partyline) thing and that got boring. I can’t wait to see what the MATI folks cook up next year. I just hope Mother Nature doesn’t try to cook us again by showing us what her hot flashes feel like.

Patti at MATI. Now y’all know I love me some Patti LaBelle. She is always a good time, and typically gives a good show. Folks still seemed to have an absolute ball with her closing set at MATI on Sunday night, I’m going to go ahead and say that her performance was a bit atypical. She looked phenomenal, but I’m going to give her the grace she deserves and blame the heat for whatever that concert was. I know I’m right about it, because she was asking for water and ice. She also kept sneaking over by the fan, so the breeze could hit up under that bedazzled moo moo. And why was

she spraying perfume…did y’all get musty up front? That being said, can we talk about how phenomenal she looked?! She took me out when she switched wigs on us for her wardrobe change! She left the stage looking like a potato salad making auntie and returned as a China doll. I got a cute cackle at the audience participation. A gentleman said he lost a gang of weight by following Ms. Patti’s cookbooks and recipes. Those Patti Pies and cobblers had the opposite effect on me. I was one slice away from “My 600 LB Life!” And where did they find Eldraco Nick Ashford Jr.? He had a Jheri curl bang, y’all! He definitely made the most of that moment with Ms. Patti. She clutched her pearls after his six o’clock kick. I just hope his chest, back and thigh meat wasn’t falling off the bone like those Jive Turkey legs when he peeled off that gold aluminum foil suit.

Ain’t no party like a Steve and Kut party. We are literally going to be partying like it’s 1999 thanks to Steve Lacy and DJ Kut. They are getting ready to turn Treasures (4517 Olive Street) up like we did when we were taking over the 99 and the 2000s. Their Kearbey’s Reunion Party is taking place Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. I can’t wait to be a vibe and a problem at the same doggone time. I have Salonpas lidocaine patches, Icy Hot and an extra dose of sciatica medicine on deck in a special recovery bag. Steve’s parties had the kind of energy that went back even further than the late 1990s. And you already know how Kut gets down. I’m talking peak Kennedy’s, The Polynesian Room, The Max and Spruills. Back when you had one of three looks for your going out clothes – the En Vogue body dress, the Luke dancer biker shorts or executive secretary. My midsection has been hating on me since the mid-80s, so I had to leave the catsuits to Oaktown 357 and B Angie B, but my SLPS main office administrative assistant swag had every single uncle and play daddy out here folding like origami! No man with an

open face front and solid side gold tooth combo was safe. I truly believe my polka dot silk blouse with the shoulder pads, rayon shorts with the L’eggs everyday control top sheer pantyhose and Bakers black mules would still slap.

An animal at the intersection. It’s a bit out of sequence, but I have to tell y’all what happened when I made my way to Midtown to kick off my annual MATI (Music at the Intersection) mixing and mingling Friday night. At Grand and Washington, a commotion started out of nowhere amongst the group of three or four young ladies who had been calmly walking ahead of me. This girl was on the sidewalk trying to save a sprawled out baby possum! “We have to call a mobile vet or something,” the girl said to her crew. “I can’t let him die alone out here like this.” Possum whisperer got a napkin and picked the possum up off the sidewalk. She brought it close to her face. If she had started doing mouth to mouth on that thing, they would have needed to call a human ambulance for me! As she picked it up, she felt his heartbeat. They were relieved. When they told her to put it down so they could get to the concert, the possum whisperer refused to leave him. Y’all, when did we start caring about animals like that? Because…well...I’ll just say if it had been my little friend group, there might have been some pepper spray involved. In all fairness to us, in my day that block used to be sketchy as a mug. Back then, I wouldn’t have been surprised if the mama possum made that poor thing lay out like that so she could catch us off guard and snatch our purses. Hopefully they took him down to check out Weedie and Coco and Breezy Because if he was on his way to animal heaven, I’m sure the vibes brought him all the way back to life. And I’m basing my proposed remedy on how Weedie, Keyon Harrold had Lyah LeFlore up in the Big Top audience putting her familiarity with the Dunham technique to good use.

Denise Murrell Danielle Burns Wilson Charlie Farrell Alexis Assam

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

Anissa curry ( @_bosscurry), neah “Miss Fluid” Barnhart (@flowingwithfluid), Traydon Inspires (@traydon.inspires), Nabia Sylla (@Nabiasylla) and Ivana Solomon (@_ivana_is)

Sunday @ MATI

Cheryl Branson, William Ross and Crystal Johnson @ (MATI) Friday in Grand Center

Letitia Goodman Williams, Aisha Goodman Hamilton and Kristen Collins waiting to catch Common and Pete Rock @ MATI

Photos by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

There is something brewing over at University City High with its football program.

Second-year head coach Will Franklin has the Lions program going in the positive direction. It started last season when Franklin guided the Lions to five victories in the last six games.

The Lions have carried that momentum into this season with a 2-1 record, with victories over John Burroughs and Fort Zumwalt East. Those two teams defeated University City by a combined score of 88-28.

University City opened the season with a 20-0 victory over John Burroughs. Last Thursday, the Lions scored a 39-34 victory over Fort Zumwalt East in a very entertaining and high scoring game. The Lions had a late defensive stand to hold off a late East rally.

prEp Football NotEbook

With Earl Austin Jr.

University City Lions off to roaring start

against Fort Zumwalt East, including a spectacular one-handed grab in the fourth quarter. Junior Jayshyn Cotton also added a receiving touchdown for the Lions. University City will try to keep things rolling when its host Riverview Gardens on Thursday night.

SLUH gets breakthrough win at DeSmet

Franklin has built a very potent offense with a lot of players who are capable of making big plays. Sophomore quarterback Teddy Stephens showed his talent when he passed for five touchdowns against Fort Zumwalt East.

The Lions also have a stable of talented athletes who can catch and run with the ball. Senior Jalen Cotton had two touchdowns on a reception and a kickoff return.

Senior Gerard Minnix is a tall wide receiver who also had two touchdowns

St. Louis University High picked up one of its biggest wins in years when it defeated Metro Catholic Conference rival DeSmet 31-14 on the road last Friday night. The Jr. Billikens are off to an impressive 3-0 start with victories over DeSmet and Chicago area school St. Ignatius.

SLUH has a roster full of Division I athletes and many of them came up with big plays against DeSmet. University of Missouri recruit Keenan Harris scored three rushing touchdowns while also playing stellar defense from his linebacker position. Senior running back Jordan Taylor rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown. Taylor has committed to Sacramento State. Senior Kendall McNutt had a big interception in the third quarter that set up a touchdown. He is headed to Indiana State. Senior quarterback Kyren Eleby is a 6’2” 270-pounder who is a threat to run and

throw the ball.

Standout performers from Week 2

• Junior quarterback Jonathan Moore of Lutheran North completed 13 of 16 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 56-14 victory over John Burroughs.

• Senior wide receiver Jasahn Tiller of Summit had six receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons’ 31-16 victory over Oakville.

• Junior quarterback Ta’Vren Williams of North Point completed 17 of 22 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns in the Grizzlies’ 45-29 victory over Timberland.

• Junior running back Donald Collier Jr. rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the Comanches’ 62-0 victory over Granite City.

• Senior quarterback Tylin Moore of Gateway STEM passed for 196 yards and two touchdowns in the Jaguars’ 34-8 victory over Clayton.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Of all the odd decisions the St. Louis Cardinals front office and manager Oli Marmol made during the 2025 season, allowing shortstop Maysn Winn to play with an injured meniscus in his knee during September could be the worst.

Wynn, who will likely win his first Rawlings Gold Glove award for defensive excellence, was finally placed on the injured list on Sept. 12. He admitted that his knee had been barking for several weeks before he was finally shut down. While I admire his determination, the decision to end an impressive 2025 should not have been his. When the team fell six games out of the National League wild-card race on Sept. 2, management should have stepped in.

• Junior wide receiver Kyren Evans of Lutheran North had five receptions for 180 yards and three touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 56-14 victory over John Burroughs.

• Senior quarterback Nick McClellan of CBC passed for 166 yards and a touchdown and scored two rushing touchdowns in the Cadets’ 64-7 victory over Chaminade.

• Senior wide receiver Ty’Ron Williams of North Point had eight receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown in the Grizzlies’ 45-29 victory over Timberland

• Junior running back Kingston MIles rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns in the Dragons’ 33-21 victory over O’Fallon.

(You can listen to the Earl Austin Experience on Saturday mornings from 9-11 a.m. on 590-KLIS, The Lou Information Station. You can also listen on demand on LouInfo. com or on YouTube. On Saturday, Earl’s guests will be members of the St. Louis U. High football team).

Dedicated Masyn Winn needed Cardinals to step in

by slogging on in pain.

I’m certainly not a doctor/surgeon but allow me to “dad brag” and share a Reid family experience. My daughter Blaine injured her knee during her college career at Missouri.

As she studied toward her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, she wanted to delay surgery until after her May 2023 graduation. We learned from her surgeon that he really would not know the severity of her meniscus tear until the surgery. It turns out her’s was almost gone. She had surgery, she’s fine and will graduate with her master’s degree, also in electrical engineering, in December.

St. Louis was not mathematically eliminated at that juncture, but Wynn was risking further injury

City Royals star shortstop

Bobby Witt Jr. were tied in the highest-outs-over-average statistic in Major League Baseball as the final two weeks of the season began. Winn, who suffered at the plate because of his painful knee during the season’s second half, closed the year with a .253 batting average, nine home runs and 51 RBI.

While there is conjecture that Wynn will have the surgery soon and be ready for action by spring training in February, I don’t think he or the Cardinals will know for sure until after the procedure.

Winn did not play two games during the threegame series at Seattle Sept. 7-9. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “I was hoping after three days off that it would feel a lot better and when I showed up (Sept 11), it was really tough to swing, and really tough to take groundballs.”

“The training staff kind of noticed I was trying to hide it a little bit but, I went in there, got some work done and was just … in a lot of pain and then

just kind of made the executive decision to just shut it down.”

While Wynn’s desire to play should be applauded, allowing him to press on was shortsighted if not reckless.

His defensive improvement since his 2024 rookie season has been astronomical.

After committing 18 errors last year, Wynn closes the 2025 season with just three in 501 chances. He and Kansas

At just 23, he is one of few encouraging stories during a dismal 2025 campaign and part of the Cardinals’ longtime future. Hopefully, Chaim Bloom, incoming president of baseball operations, will appreciate the gem he has at shortstop.

Winn should be polished and protected, not chipped — even if the team must make tough decisions in his best interest health wise.

The Reid Roundup

Don’t write the 0-2 Kansas City Chiefs off.

Once quarterback Patrick Mahomes has his injured

wide receiver, Xavier Worthy, and suspended WR, Rashee Rice, back in a month, the team will be among the AFC’s best… Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones yelled to Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts that he didn’t have 100 yards passing (he actually had 101) in the closing seconds of Philly’s 20-17 win last Sunday. “We won the bleeping game,” Hurts shouted as a retort… Colorado coach Deion Sanders said during a halftime interview his defense was playing like “hot garbage” in what would be a 36-20 loss at Houston. Is he auditioning for a future TV gig?... There are few Black head coaches in college football. I cringe when one is fired. However, UCLA’s dismissal of second-year coach DeShaun Foster after Saturday’s humiliating 35-10 loss to New Mexico in the Rose Bowl last Saturday was warranted. The Bruins are 0-3 this year and went 5-10 under Foster’s guidance.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Senior Jalen Cotton of University City returned this kickoff for a touchdown in the Lions 39-34 victory against visiting Fort Zumwalt East last Thursday night.

Photo by Earl Austin Jr. / St. Louis American

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn now awaits knee surgery after an impressive 2025 season.

Photo by Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

GUARDIAN AD LITEM –FAMILY COURT - JUVENILE DIVISION

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an

(3)

(additional

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.

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

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

BIDS

Bids for REBID Renovate Interior & Exterior at St. Clair Readiness Center, Project No. T2326-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, October 2, 2025. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SOLICITING BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting bids for Mississippi Greenway: NPS Building Access Controls/Security Upgrades at Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis City, Missouri. Go to www.greatriv ersgreenway.org/bids/ submit by September 19, 2025.

DECLARE IN-HOME HEALTH CARE Currently Hiring Home Health Aides $18 Hr. VA Homemakers Program 314-537-7181

CITY

CLAYTON

is hiring MUNICIPAL SERVICE

TECHNICIAN I (Public Works – Full Time) Valid driver’s license & willingness to perform physical labor, including operating equipment & working in various weather conditions . Apply now at claytonmo.applicantpro. com (Job #3762713) Equal Opportunity Employer

SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Ungerboeck Systems International, LLC seeks a Software Engineer in Clayton, MO to design & develop cloud-based software products while ensuring the integrity & security of FinTech modules. Telecommuting is permitted. Send resume to hrinbox@ gomomentus.com

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.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Big Bend Boulevard Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1794, Federal Project No. STP-5537(624) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymoven dors. munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on October 15, 2025.

Plans and specifications will be available on September 15, 2025 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www. stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

ACTING DIRECTOR OF

AND

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST (FULL-TIME)

JeffCo Fuels Inc seeks Operations Research Analyst (full-time), Arnold, MO. Analyze gas station/convenience store operations, ensure compliance, model and improve efficiency, prepare reports and advise management. Requirements: Master’s in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Economics, Business Analytics, or related + 1 year experience in an analytical or regulatory role. Occasional travel to Jefferson City, MO (up to 2 days/month) required. Send resume to bpgas3700@gmail. com (Subject: Operations Research Analyst).

SEALED BIDS

Bids for HVAC Improvements for Infection Control, Project No. U2301-07 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, October 16, 2025 Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for REBID, HAWTHORN CHILDREN’S PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, REPLACE ROOF, ADMINSTRATION BUILDING, 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63133, Project No. M2416-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 10/21/25. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

RFP 2025

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 9/17/25 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NOTICE TO SMALL (SBE), DISADVANTAGED (DBE), MINORITY (MBE), & WOMEN’S (WBE), SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED (SDVOB) & VETERAN OWNED (VOB) BUSINESSES ADVERTISEMENT RIVER CITY CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C., 6640 AMERICAN SETTER DRIVE, ASHLAND, MISSOURI 65010, (573) 657-7380 (PHONE) (573) 657-7381 (FAX) IS SEEKING QUALIFIED SMALL, DISADVATANGED, MINORITY, & WOMEN’S BUSINESSES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI WALTON STADIUM TRACK AND SOCCER SURFACE UPGRADE FOR THE SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: CONCRETE, ELECTRICAL, EARTHWORK, EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS, AND UTILITIES. ALL INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED SMALL, DISADVANTAGED, MINORITY AND WOMEN’S BUSINESSES SHOULD CONTACT, IN WRITING, (CERTIFIED LETTER, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED) BROCK BURSOTT, TO DISCUSS THE SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES. ALL NEGOTIATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE BID OPENING BID DATE OF 9/24/2025 @ 1:30 PM. PROPOSALS WILL BE EVALUATED IN ORDER ON THE BASIS OF LOW RESPONSIVE BID RECEIVED. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/ MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:

1) Email your company name, contact name, and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com 2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the NFL Fund Subdivision Program

Package 4 project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1911, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymoven dors. munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on October 15, 2025.

Plans and specifications will be available on September 15, 2025 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscoun tymo.gov) or by contact ing Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

ACTING DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS COUNTY

BID CONFERENCE

CF Vatterott Construction Co. is looking to hire minority and women disadvantage businesses, section 3 contractors, and section 3 employees for work on multifamily homes in the Velda City Neighborhood of St. Louis County.

• Construction Bid Conference – 11/19/25 9AM at 10143 Paget Dr. 63132

• Plans and specs can be obtained at bid conference or through email by contacting Jeffb@cfvatterott.com

• Intended qualified applicants for subcontractors are selected without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion or national origin.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Donald Maggi Inc. is accepting bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on the Historic Route 66 Sidewalk Improvements, Waynesville, MO 65583. Phase 1 and Phase 2, Project No.: TAP-9903 (536) & TAP-9903 (551) Bid Date and Time: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 / Prebid: September 16, 2025 Plans/Specification are available via email/google drive Contact Donald Maggi Inc. at 573-364-7733 or email maggiconst@gmail.com Donald Maggi Inc.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the NFL Fund Subdivision Program Package 3 project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1910, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouiscoun ty movendors.munisselfser vice.com/Vendors/default. aspx, until 2:00 PM on October 15, 2025

Plans and specifications will be available on September 15, 2025 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscounty mo.gov) or by contact ing Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

ACTING DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS COUNTY

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Improvements for Infection Control, Mount Vernon Veterans Home, Project No. U2301-04 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/25/25. Project information available at: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

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

Religion

Faith leaders mobilize ‘prayerful resistance’ in D.C.

Churches confront Trump-era policies with prayer, solidarity and action

By Jada Ingleton Washington Informer

Atop the pulpit of The First Baptist Church of Deanwood rang petitions for change and a bevy of #PrayerfulResistance as more than 24 faith-based and community organizations took to the Northeast Washington, D.C., sanctuary demonstrating the power of prayer — or what event convener the Rev. Dr. O. Jermaine Bego calls “the first form of active resistance.”

“When you think about the life of Harriet Tubman, everything that she did was grounded first in prayer, before she went to serve out her mission, her purpose and to bring freedom to those who are oppressed,” Bego said, “and I believe the same thing is true today.”

Set to the backdrop of a national opioid crisis, anti-immigration efforts, housing discrimination and disparities and the Aug. 11 federal occupation of D.C., with recent orders to extend through Nov. 30, the event proved to be far more than a prayer service.

Titled “Pray for the District: #PrayerfulResistance,” the demonstration brought prayers from the mouths of local leaders to God’s ears, covering topics from law enforcement and first responders to justice and equity, health and healing, remarks for peace and safety, and more.

“We have to pray as though everything depends on God, but we’ve got to work as though everything depends on us,” said Bishop Joel Peebles Sr., prelate of Global United Fellowship, crediting the words of Augustine. “At the end of the day, our prayer is critical, and our prayer works, but our work

has to work too.”

Much of the work begins with mirroring how to put faith over fear, Bego noted, a task he bestows upon clergy and Christian believers such as himself.

Amid preparations for mobilizations and growing initiatives, Bego reflected on the day’s tribulations as “the times designed to test our souls,” while exuding confidence that the congregation would leave with “answers to our problems.”

Before speaking with The Informer, he echoed a similar notion during a video segment on local TV station Fox 5, assuring a broader audience that D.C. residents had a plan for the journey ahead — and faith and community-based leaders are ready for the fight.

D.C. faith leaders: We cannot be ‘complicit in a false peace’

According to Free DC, a nonprofit fighting for District statehood, rights and against injustices, the next steps toward liberation in the city can be chopped up to five counteractions that “push back on those who are trying to build a dictatorship.”

At the top of the list is to not obey an advance or be complicit in the threats and fear tactics designed to force action that actually does not have Washingtonians’ best interests at heart — which many local organizers, including Kristen Bonner of the DC Against Trump Coalition, believe D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has failed to do.

“[Bowser’s] administration has taken the position that if

we collaborate with [President Donald] Trump and do what he wants, that will preserve some local autonomy. But we know that giving into fascism and … a racist agenda will never preserve anything. Trump is going to do what he wants to do,” Bonner told The Informer.

Bonner also highlighted the efforts of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has openly condemned recent threats from Trump to expand federal occupation into the Illinois city.

“That’s what we want Bowser to be like,” said Bonner, who’s also a member of the DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “If she can’t be like that, then she needs to get out.”

Thus, the next step, as touted on the pulpit by Free DC’s Paige Davis, was prioritizing joy, followed by taking up space, practicing solidarity and organizing.

“Do so strategically, do so in numbers. Do so in a way that is inclusive of all people,” she told the congregation.

The Rev. Delonte Gholston, lead pastor of Peace Fellowship Church, encouraged congregations to host peace walks within their own jurisdictions. He challenged the more than 24 organizations to each find a job for at least one youth.

“If we can get kids in summer youth employment, then we can figure out a way to employ our 8-year-olds to 18-year-olds after school and on Saturdays,”

When Staying Feels Right But Growth Says Go

I was sitting in the corner of my basement office in St. Louis — back pressed into the old leather chair, a small leak I hadn’t quite fixed dripping nearby. I had poured myself into fortifying those walls like I had poured myself into leading the organization.

That night, I had a tough decision to make. I was in a good environment. But I wasn’t sure it was a growth environment. That persistent leak seemed to ask: Is this still where I grow?

Hungry for More

It was early in my career. I was leading an interfaith organization with a board of extraordinary people. Many were growth-minded: growing their congregations, deepening relationships, increasing influence.

We made progress. But after a few years, I challenged the board: “If we want to grow, we may need to stretch our vision and funding in different ways.” That didn’t sit well with everyone.

One influential member responded, “We’re a mom-and-pop shop. We’re not trying to get bigger.” He wasn’t being rude — he was being real. Their goal wasn’t to expand, it was to sustain. I realized: A good environment isn’t always a growth environment. Growth isn’t just about strategy. It’s about values — and hunger.

What Makes a Growth Environment?

That moment taught me to recognize growth-oriented environments. Here are five signs I look for — and the silent signals of their absence:

1. People Are Challenged to Stretch In growth environments, people are stretched. In stagnant ones, they’re settled. You’re invited to move beyond comfort zones, test new ideas, try new skills, and take risks. Growth requires discomfort.

2. Mistakes Are Treated as Learning In growth environments, mistakes are data. In stagnant ones, they’re shame. Failure isn’t the end — it’s part of the process. Growth is iterative. You learn by doing — and sometimes stumbling.

Gholston said. Bego and Peebles both agreed that the day of prayer was just the beginning of a forceful shift in both the church and broader community.

Bego told Fox 5 his hopes to see the Trump and Bowser administrations invite clergy and community-based groups to help “restore the element of trust that has been lost,” while Peebles shared his vision for achieving “global prosperity.”

“We will not be puppets, we will not be distracted by circus antics and we will not bow to fear or manipulation,” Peebles declared. “Instead, [we will] rise with holy boldness, uniting across as races, parties, and classes to defend the freedom of God’s people.”

3. Feedback Is Clear and Constructive In growth environments, feedback is fuel. In stagnant ones, it’s a cage. I was often told: “You’re too forward-thinking.” If your ideas are always “too much,” you might be in the wrong room.

4. Success Is Shared and Celebrated In growth environments, wins are momentum. In stagnant ones, they’re the finish line. Celebration alone doesn’t create movement. Small wins signal you to keep going — not stop there.

5. There’s a Clear Vision That Compels Forward Motion In growth environments, vision pulls people forward. In stagnant ones, comfort keeps them still. I tried to position the organization for national relevance. The vision wasn’t shared. Growth needs a destination that matters to the people building it.

What Season Are You In?

Maybe you’re in an organization full of kind, ethical, competent people. It’s stable. It’s good. But is it growing? Are you? Ask yourself: Am I being stretched — or just supported? Are my ideas oxygenated — or suffocated? Do the people around me believe in possibility — or just maintenance?

Where you are in your career will shape the environment you need. Sometimes, you need stability. Other times, you need an ecosystem that agitates your potential and expands your relevance.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” — Isaiah 54:2 Even good ground must be expanded to carry new growth.

What I Carried With Me

When I left that role, I took my mindset with me:

To United Way: I saw scale as service.

To Midwest BankCentre: I saw reinvention as responsibility.

• Into every boardroom, every decision, every speech: I brought a growth mindset.

Growth isn’t about chasing titles. It’s about evolving into who your calling demands you to become.

Final Thought: Your Next Move Before you make your next move, pause. Ask yourself: Do I need a good environment — or a growth environment? One will comfort who you are. The other will challenge who you’re becoming.

Photo by Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer

Communities gather at The First Baptist Church of Deanwood in Northeast D.C., on Sept. 3 to demonstrate the power of prayer in laying the foundation for activism.

The Next MOVE