September 26th, 2019 Edition

Celebrating success while confronting loss

Salute honors Charles and Shirley Brown as Lifetime Achievers, Valerie Bell as Stellar Performer

By Chris King

St. Louis American

The

Of

As a scholarship event for striving African-American students and a celebration of those who educate and support them, the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2019 Salute to Excellence in Education on Saturday, September 21 was haunted by some youth who could not be there.

Donald M. Suggs, president of the

foundation and publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American, began the 32nd annual Salute on a solemn note: by asking the crowd of 1,200 to share a moment of silence in memory of more than 20 youths killed in the St. Louis region since last school year.

“Words cannot express the intense grief and remorse our community is experiencing because of the horrific loss of so many of our young people,” Suggs said. “As we mourn the tragedy of so many young lives senselessly

cut short, join me in a moment of silent prayer in honor of each of them, their lives cut short by violence and in extending sympathy to their grieving families.” By the end of the night, scholarships would be awarded to 30 students, bringing the value of scholarships provided by the foundation and its partners to more than $1.2 million in 2019. When all of the scholars were gathered on the

See

under attack

Defenders of a failed status quo continue to criticize circuit attorney

n There will always be those who wish to protect the failed status quo by attacking those whom the people have chosen to lead.

court programs, ensuring that the catch-and-release mindset that too often trapped people in a cycle of crime and addiction will now be broken with treatment and care. Gardner also worked with my office this past year to secure an additional $250,000 in the state budget to support diversion programs in the City

See GARDNER, A7

Cure Violence funding and process moves forward

Jamala Rogers: ‘This is restorative justice, and they go hard’

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Florissant resident Corion Love, 15, understands why young people often get involved in selling drugs.

“They’re trying to make some money to help their mama,” Love told The St. Louis American. “Some mamas are struggling, and they don’t got good jobs to pay all the bills. So, they get on the block to help out.” Getting fast money on “the block” is the only thing some young people feel like they can do to earn money, he said. Fifty percent of all homicides in the City of St. Louis are drug-related, said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief John Hayden, and low-level drug activity also contributes to a majority of gun violence as well.

“The only way to stop all this violence is to go around to the corners and hand out jobs,” Love said. “That’s the only way to keep them off the streets, because they aren’t going to keep off the streets if they have no money in

See VIOLENCE, A6

Jamilah Nasheed

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2019 Lifetime Achievers in Education Award Shirley and Charles Brown were presented with their portrait by St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price.

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Corion Love, 15, spoke with his mentor Darren Seals, founder of Sankofa Unity Center, at the September 12 informational meeting on Cure Violence, which was held at the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being.

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Kenya Moore and Marc Daly call it quits

Yesterday, Kenya Moore announced she was ending her marriage of less than two years to husband Marc Daly.

“It is with profound sadness that I regret to inform my fans that I am divorcing my husband Marc Daly,” Moore told People. com. “Due to recent and ongoing circumstances, I can no longer continue in the marriage. My sole concern and focus is and will always be my daughter, Brooklyn, my miracle baby. She was made in love and true commitment. I ask for our privacy to be respected moving forward.”

In a statement of his own released to People. com, Daly implies that he initiated the split. It reads as follows

“I have come to the difficult decision to separate from Kenya at this time. Our daughter has two

parents that love her very much and in her best interests, this situation should remain as private as possible. I cherish our family’s good times together and will continue to co-parent in a loving way. Rumors, innuendo or false accusations only serve to hurt our family and will be addressed through counsel as the law permits. Please respect our privacy during this challenging period.”

Refund motion denied for woman who bailed out R. Kelly

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a Cook County, IL judge ruled that the woman earlier this year will not get her money back — at least not put up $100K in February, after Kelly spent a few nights in Cook County Jail. The money bought his freedom for about four months — before he was arrested again on federal

Love’s attorney, John , filed a four-page motion Friday seeking the return of Love’s money. In a court hearing Tuesday, Collins told Cook County Judge Lawrence Flood that, when she posted the

money, Love had no knowledge of federal investigations in New York or Chicago.

Love could get her money back at the end of Kelly’s criminal case in Cook County, but that could take years.

Love is also concerned the money could, at the conclusion of the case, be ordered by a judge to pay for Kelly’s attorney fees, Collins said.

But Love reportedly told the SunTimes that’s exactly what she wants to do.

Love said she wants the money returned so she could give it to R. Kelly’s team to cover his legal costs and other expenses.

While Love wouldn’t provide any details about the nature of her relationship with Kelly, she vehemently defended the embattled R&B star and called into question the nature of the allegations against him.

Beyonce and wedding planner duke it out in court over Blue Ivy trademark

Beyonce has dubbed her daughter a “cultural icon” in a trademark battle.

Bey is fighting a wedding planner over the trademark for “Blue Ivy,” with the latter owning a wedding planning business named Blue Ivy.

Court documents obtained by The Blast, Beyonce lists Blue as a “cultural icon,” adding “that consumers are likely to be confused

between a boutique wedding event planning business and Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter of two of the most famous performers in the world, is frivolous and should be refused in its entirety.”

Pointing out that her trademark application is for “Blue Ivy Carter” and not just “Blue Ivy,” she added: “The presence of the word ‘CARTER’ ties the commercial impression of BGK’s Mark to the celebrity Blue Ivy Carter rather than Opposer’s regional event planning business.”

During the lengthy legal battle, it is alleged that Beyonce refused to hand over her private communications with her mother and husband to the wedding planner.

Court documents explained that, shortly after the woman had opposed the former Destiny’s Child star’s trademark filing, a meeting was set up between the two parties to try and reach a settlement. They claimed the meeting became a “business proposal” with the wedding planner’s lawyer giving a “long speech” about the situation being an “opportunity for a business relationship rather than an adversarial proceeding.” She is said to have put together a Power Point presentation stating why Beyonce should buy her wedding planning business, along with the Blue Ivy trademark, and together they could “begin producing products and goods.”

Sources: People.com, The Blast, The Chicago Sun-Times

Kenya Moore

Blue Ivy Carter

County Older Resident Programs needs volunteer drivers

Orientation, defensive driving training, and mileage reimbursement are provided

By Laurie Goldberg and Robin B. Gillespie

For The St. Louis American

The St. Louis County Older Resident Programs (CORP) has been a neighborhood-based program since 1975 and is committed to helping senior county residents who have low to moderate incomes, and is consistently working to answer the older adults’ need of transportation.

CORP’s Neighbor Driving Neighbor program matches volunteers with St. Louis County seniors who are 60 years and older and need rides to high-priority destinations, such as medical appointments and grocery stores. This free service offers a viable alternative to those who no longer drive.

“It is a ‘door through door’ service,” said CORP Volunteer Coordinator Robin Gillespie. “Our volunteers go to the customer’s door and then actually go into the doctor’s office and wait to take the customer back home.”

Pamela McKnought has been a volunteer driver since 2007. She takes seniors to the grocery store, bank, doctor appointments, dialysis center, and the VA center on average 2-3 days a week.

“I get to interact with different people and build relationships with others,” she said. “Everyone at some time needs a helping hand and a friendly face to talk with. Driving is a very rewarding experience and a great way to give back. You can drive as often as your schedule permits, and the customers are always so appreciative.”

Elizabeth Hodges appreciates CORP drivers. “The people that come are very nice and polite,” she said. “I can’t describe how I depend upon them and how grateful I am for CORP.” Edward Jones has been driving for CORP since 2015, taking seniors to doctor appointments, dental appointments, rehab appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and eye appointments.

“In a year I’ve transported about 25 different people, many of those to multiple destinations on multiple days,” he said. “I can truthfully say they really are great people.”

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and available during the day, Monday to Friday. They use their own cars for rides that are scheduled at least five days in advance and are free of charge for the customer. Orientation, defensive driving training, and mileage reimbursement are provided. In addition, the program offers flexibility for

the volunteers, where they can designate preferred days and hours, as well as geographic areas.

“Thank you for your great service and your wonderful volunteer, who gave up almost four hours of her busy time this morning to take me to my retina doctor visit,” Virginia Frederick wrote to CORP after her first experience. “At a time when my daughter is out of town and my friends and neighbors are busy with family holiday preparations, she cheerfully gave me her time. I can’t say enough about how pleased I am with the care of my driver.” Gillespie said that CORP is always in need of more volunteer drivers.

St. Louis County Older Resident Programs (CORP) customer Elizabeth Hodges (left) with CORP volunteer driver Pamela McKnought, who has been a driver for about five years

“We serve about 5,000 seniors across the county through all CORP services and provide transportation services for about 700 seniors,” she said. “We need many more volunteers.”

Manalang said, “I am more aware now that there are people who would forego going to places simply because of lack of transportation available.”

Funding for the program comes through St. Louis County and donations. The volunteer drivers are connected with seniors through six neighborhood coordinators. Each coordinator focuses on different zip codes.

“On average our volunteers drive twice a week, but it ranges from volunteer to volunteer,” Gillespie said. “We had one volunteer who drove five days a week for about five years, and then other volunteers who only drive twice a month. It is completely based on the volunteer’s availability.” For information about becoming a volunteer driver, please call 314-615-4516.

Editorial /CommEntary

Thanks to an independent investigation by Hal Goldsmith that he conducted during his brief time in private practice in between two stints as an assistant U.S. attorney, we now know more about the DNA evidence in the Jason Stockley case.

Goldsmith’s report, released on Friday, September 20, shows that both the City of St. Louis and the State of Missouri were in possession of an analysis of critical DNA evidence in the case when the city’s police board was sued in 2012 by the family of Anthony Lamar Smith, the man Stockley killed in 2011 while on duty as a St. Louis police officer. We know that forensic experts and attorneys working under Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster all knew that evidence looked bad for Stockley and the city. We also know – without having any evidence for how this decision was made or by whom – that this critical evidence was not produced at trial, even though the state was compelled to produce it when demanded by the plaintiff’s attorney, Albert Watkins. We further know that this decision cost the city another $500,000 on top of the original award of $900,000 when Watkins renegotiated the award in 2018 after he found out that this critical evidence had been withheld at trial.

n Forensic experts and attorneys working under Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster all knew that evidence looked bad for Stockley and the city.

Tragically, we also know that knowing this does nothing to further justice in this or any case. Koster is gone from public life, having been dispatched in the 2016 gubernatorial election by a fraud named Eric Greitens. Koster has an active campaign committee, though its most recent activity was from February 2017,

when the campaign was amended to state his next statewide campaign would be August 2024. That’s as close to inactive as an “active” campaign committee gets. As for Stockley, he can never be tried again for killing Smith, due to constitutional protections against double jeopardy, having been acquitted of first-degree murder in a bench trial two years ago. This critical DNA evidence was introduced in Stockley’s criminal trial but dismissed as irrelevant by Judge Timothy Wilson, who based his judgment on explicit bias. The gun that Stockley claimed that Smith held when Stockley killed him turned up with Stockley’s DNA but not Smith’s, which is what the forensic expert and Koster’s staff lawyers found so troubling. It’s true that DNA can prove a positive – that Stockley handled the gun – but not a negative – that Smith did not handle it. Stockley testified to retrieving the gun from Smith once he shot the man, so he had an alibi (other than planting the gun) for handling it. As for Smith, Judge Wilson did not need DNA evidence to prove the dead man was carrying a gun. As Wilson wrote notoriously in his opinion, “an urban heroin dealer not in possession of a firearm would be an anomaly.”

Whether or not Stockley planted the gun on Smith – as the forensic expert and state lawyers clearly suspected – the judge’s explicit bias planted it there. Anthony Lamar Smith stays dead. Jason Stockley remains free. Judge Wilson is retired. Chris Koster has a lucrative corporate counsel position. Justice remains a fugitive. The whole damn system is guilty as hell.

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

If you’re black in America, you’re always faced with the same two political choices every four years: bad and worse. Approaching 2020, there’s no real discussion about the worse choice, Trump and his neo-fascist Republican Party. My advice to people of color and anti-racist white Americans for November 2020 is to leave them for the crows.

While the Republicans are clearly the worst, we got chance to see the bad option during the most recent Democratic presidential debate. I’m referring to Joe Biden’s incoherent, meandering answer to a question about the impact of slavery on today’s black community.

Here was the question: “As you stand here tonight, what responsibility do you think that Americans need to take to repair the legacy of slavery in our country?”

Part of the answer went something like this: “We bring social workers into homes of parents to help them deal with how to raise their children. It’s not that they don’t want to help, they don’t want — they don’t know quite what to do.”

So Joe Biden thinks the reason we haven’t overcome the legacy of slavery is black parents don’t know how to raise their children?

As contradictory as it may seem, the man who answered that question that way is currently leading in every poll for the Democratic nomination for president. He enjoys that substantial lead for one reason and one reason only: the overwhelming support among black Democratic voters, especially black Democratic voters over 50.

David Duke and the racism of Thanksgiving Uncle. No sensible person thinks Joe Biden is a racist in the flagrant tradition. But he is steeped and anchored in and unable to educate himself out of the insidious tradition.” Giridharades’ argument was essentially that Biden has disqualified himself for the Democratic nomination as a result of the implicit racism in the assumptions of his answer. Biden is morally compromised and unable draw a clear distinction between himself and the overt white supremacist who is the president of the United States. In addition, Biden can’t energize and mobilize younger African-American voters and their progressive allies in the numbers required to beat Trump.

Reid offered an equally insightful counterpoint when she observed that middle-aged black voters like Biden but they’re not in love with him. She feels there support for Biden is a function, based upon their lived experience, of their lack of confidence in white America’s willingness to do the right thing on issues of racial justice. More than this younger generation realizes, they know justice requires way more than what is currently being considered.

While the mainstream media generally overlooked Biden’s answer and, in fact gave his effort in the debate generally high marks, that wasn’t the response the younger members of the commentariat of color.

There was an extended exchange on Saturday, September 14 between Anand Giridharades (whose best seller “Winners Take All” is a book I highly recommend for anyone wishing for a more thoughtful, nuanced 21st century perspective on the American condition) and Joy Reid, host of MSNBC’s “AMJoy.” Reid also is an accomplished author with two recent books, one on Clinton’s impact on Democratic politics and her latest about how Trump conned white America.

The exchange was follow-up to Giridharades’ extended Twitter response to Biden’s answer about the legacy of slavery.

“There are two traditions of racism in American life – the flagrant and the insidious,” Giridharades wrote on Tweeter. “Racism with a hood and racism with a smile. The racism of

Letters to the editor

Post gets facts wrong on Close the Workhouse

You know you’re winning when opponents begin attacking wildly. Such was the case with the recent Post-Dispatch editorial’s misinformation about Close the Workhouse. The Post ought to at least get its facts straight.

Our city’s only daily paper wants to downplay the role the Workhouse plays in perpetuating violent crime. Many people in the Workhouse are being held because they cannot afford bail. This disrupts hundreds of lives and families, causes lost jobs, and seriously destabilizes already distressed communities.

By Kimberly M. Gardner For The St. Louis American

Today, other stakeholders in the criminal justice system and I had a productive conversation about how to address the chronic violent crime St. Louis has been plagued with for more than four decades. I appreciate the invitation from Governor Parsons to collaborate on these important issues. While it’s no comfort to those who have been victims of violence, I believe we are making progress.

One of the most effective ways to seriously address violent crime is to be more strategic in our approach and address it as the public health crisis it is. Doing things the same way we always have is not going to solve our crime problem. There are two main things I believe we can do to reduce violent crime right now. We need to deploy more strategic resources to help investigate unsolved violent crime such as murders and gun violence. We need to provide necessary resources to crime victims and witnesses to help stop the cycle of violence that fuels violence in our streets.

Responding to the governor’s invitation, here is what I’ve requested: Additional resources for crime victims and witnesses. Research indicates that crime victims

and witnesses often become future offenders due to the unresolved trauma they experienced. People who are hurting, hurt other people. We need more resources to offer victim and witness protection, counseling, social services, and intervention and mental health services. We have seen important progress in the services we have offered to date with our limited resources. There is so much more work to do.

Crime Strategies Unit (CSU) Expansion: Most violent crime in St. Louis such as homicides and gun-related offenses remain unsolved. We have a very proficient CSU that has the ability to address and solve complex crimes, such as the multi-count, multi-defendant MetroLink robberies. We asked for additional funding to expand our CSU so that we can solve more crime and better hold the crime drivers accountable.

Crime Intervention Unit (CIU): I requested money to build a Crime Intervention Unit. Most violent crime is driven by a small number of loosely-connected actors.

A CIU would enable us to work more closely with police, the Real-Time Crime Center and with our CSU data and technology to solve more complex crimes and remove the people from the streets who are creating the most violence.

Kimberly M. Gardner is circuit attorney for the City of St. Louis.

The Post pretends that Close the Workhouse advocates the immediate release of violent offenders. Those accused of violent offenses are housed at the more modern Justice Center. There could be room enough there and in other regional facilities for those who pose a threat to others; no one wants non-rehabilitated violent felons released into our communities. Fear-mongering, the Post cites a poor example in which the man has not even been charged with the described crime. Anyway, he would be in the Justice Center and is irrelevant to this discussion.

The Post misrepresents the finances that incentivize the status quo. Yes, the cost of housing federal prisoners is more than the daily allowance received. But not mentioned is the estimated $8 million annual in federal compensation for transporting those prisoners. The city is making money off those inmates.

The Post ignores Close the Workhouse’s main contention

There is nothing about the American past that Joe Biden or Donald Trump imagines that anybody black should want to excuse or reprise. Biden is not the best white America can do, according to this bitter voice of experience, but he’s probably the best white America is going to do.

You always have two options in these situations: play to your strengths or to your adversary’s weaknesses. It’s like an offensive coordinator having to decide what play to call on third down with three yards to go. On third and three, you can run or pass – either can get you three yards – but you can’t do both. You have to choose. And you won’t know if you were right until the play is over. In the case of Biden, both Giridharades and Reid may be right, but they can’t both be right simultaneously

There is one thing worse than losing: losing with a strategy that you don’t believe in. I’m going to cast my lot with the progressive young people of this country. If they’re willing to put their future on the line, how can an old man who has already lived most of his life not stand with them?

Mike Jones is a former senior staffer in St. Louis city and county government and current member of the Missouri State Board of Education and The St. Louis American editorial board. In 2016 and 2017, he was awarded Best Serious Columnist for all of the state’s large weeklies by the Missouri Press Association, and in 2018 he was awarded Best Serious Columnist in the nation by the National Newspapers Association.

concerning the Workhouse and crime: the $16 million saved from closing the facility could be better invested in neighborhoods where poverty is one of the root causes of crime. The Post needs to stop insisting on getting the basics of this issue wrong.

John Chasnoff Via email

On the passing of Cokie Roberts

Michelle and I are sad to

hear about the passing of Cokie Roberts. She was a trailblazing figure; a role model to young women at a time when the profession was still dominated by men; a constant over forty years of a shifting media landscape and changing world, informing voters about the issues of our time and mentoring young journalists every step of the way. She will be missed – and we send our condolences to her family. Barack Obama Via email

Columnist Mike Jones

Guest Columnist Kimberly M. Gardner

Photo by Wiley Price

Activist Anthony Shahid, who was critical to keeping the Jason Stockley case alive, protested with a makeshift Stockley hand puppet in downtown St. Louis on September 15, 2017.

Mother and son march to end gun violence

St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones and her son Aden marched with a crowd of nearly 300 through Fairgrounds Park on Saturday, September 14 for the Mother’s March to End Gun Violence.

Supreme Court Listening Forum on the Missouri justice system

The Missouri Supreme Court Commission on Racial & Ethnic Fairness will host a Community Listening Forum to address community concerns with the Missouri justice system and civil and municipal court issues 2-5 p.m. Saturday September 28 at the Urban League Ferguson Community Empowerment Center, 9200 W Florissant Ave. in Ferguson. It will be moderated by Professor Kim Norwood of the Washington University

School of Law, author of “Ferguson’s Fault Lines: The Race Quake That Rocked a Nation” (2016) and “Color Matters: Skin Tone Bias and the Myth of a Post Racial America” (2014) and hosted by Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO Michael McMillan.

“Have you ever appeared in court in a civil or municipal action as a plaintiff, defendant, witness, or juror? Have you sought or need to seek access to the court system to resolve a dispute? Are you

concerned with racial and ethnic fairness in the courts?” organizers ask.

“Please come and share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions for improvements. Now is the time to let your concerns and voices be heard. All are welcome to share their concerns about the justice system with the goal of increasing racial and ethnic fairness.”

However, no legal advice will be provided or discussion regarding current cases allowed.

We cannot allow guns and greed to take away our children

By Dorothy Dempsey For The St. Louis American

The killings must stop! There is nothing on this earth that is as brutal as watching children dying. The death of young children – for children to never see the rise of the morning sun, the love in their parents’ eyes, playtime with siblings and friends or growing up – is especially heartbreaking.

All of this taken away by guns. A football game is the last place you would suspect it would happen. Where are the safe and happy places for children, especially in black neighborhoods?

Lack of education and finance are two of the major causes of violence. Blacks continue to be under-educated, unemployed, incarcerated and treated as inferior. When people feel devalued, this leads to tragic consequences.

The NRA (National Rifle Association) has lobbied against firearm legislation since 1975. Gun lobbyists and gun manufacturers are in bed with the NRA. The right to bear arms has grown out of context in today’s gun world. People who live in rural areas have no problem with access to guns. Now the hunting has moved from the rural areas, and humans have become the hunted. Children are being killed like animals in the streets. Gun laws have to change for the protection of our families and especially our children. The children are our legacy for the future of the diversity of a changing world. We cannot continue on this downhill that enriches gun manufacturers and causes pain and suffering to so many families.

It is sad to hear the mother of 7-year-old Xavier Usanga speak the heartfelt truth of the possibility of her son growing up and becoming a victim of the streets and that dying might have been his better fate. How many more parents are exactly like her? In a desperate place of no return.

To continue to see mass murders, school shootings, suicide, all due to an access to guns is a form of lawlessness that is painful to digest. We the people have to take a stand and do what we know is right, and that is to protect our children at all cost. Guns should never take away the longevity of a child’s life.

Gun manufacturers will do whatever is necessary to continue to sell guns; only we the people can stop them. We cannot allow the greed of people who do not care to take away our children.

As for the children who have died, they have entered into God’s kingdom. There is always a special place in heaven for children.

Dorothy Dempsey

Photo by Wiley Price

Hundreds march for action on climate change

‘Why aren’t we doing anything?’

By Eli Chen Of St. Louis Public Radio

Instead of attending school on Friday, September 20, many St. Louis-area teenagers gathered at St. Louis City Hall to urge global leaders to act on climate change. The rally was part of the Global Climate Strike, a wave of demonstrations around the world led by 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg to demand that governments transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The strike came ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Action Summit in New York City on Monday, September 23. Young people want to see Congress pass legislation, like the Green New Deal, to prevent the worst consequences of climate change, said Emilio Rosas Linhard, 17, a senior at Clayton High School.

the crowd. “So why aren’t we doing anything?”

Multiple groups, including the youth climate advocacy nonprofit Sunrise Movement, organized the protest in St. Louis.

Among the participants were eighth graders from the Waldorf School of St. Louis who ditched school.

n “We know that summers are getting hotter and hotter, and we know that we keep on pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. So why aren’t we doing anything?”

– Emilio Rosas Linhard

“We know that summers are getting hotter and hotter, and we know that we keep on pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,” Linhard told

Violence

Continued from A1 their pockets.”

Love got into some trouble of his own this year. But for the past couple weeks, Love has spent every day with Darren Seals, a former drug dealer who is now a youth mentor with Sankofa Unity Center. Love accompanied Seals to the Cure Violence informational meeting on September 12, hosted by the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression (CAPCR) and Organization for Black Struggle (OBS). The community meeting was held at the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being.

The Cure Violence model — which treats violence as an epidemic outbreak and therefore a public health issue — is active in more than 25 cities throughout the world. The idea is to employ local residents who have respect on the streets, often ex-convicts, to prevent gun violence by de-escalating potentially violent situations before they happen.

Although Love is still in high school, he heard about the program and wanted to sign up right away.

“Being still young, I could reach kids more than someone who is 40 or 50 years old,” Love said. “The only people who can fix the streets are the people who messed it up. But fixing the streets is harder than you think. It’s not going to happen after a week.”

Nora Howerton, 13, held a sign that she cut in the shape of a dinosaur.

“I don’t want us to go extinct like they did,” Howerton said. At the rally were local environmental advocates, religious leaders and politicians, among them Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed. He sponsored a 2017 resolution that aims for the City of St. Louis to generate all of its electricity from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources by 2035.

“The Clean Energy Board has spent hundreds and hundreds of hours developing a plan for the City of St. Louis that’s going to roll out soon that will set the course for us moving towards 100 percent

At the meeting, community organizers talked about the three-day assessment of St. Louis that Cure Violence trainer Marcus McAllister performed in June, which was paid for by CAPCR and OBS. The Cure Violence model established sites in target neighborhoods of about 15,000 people. The two neighborhoods that caught McAllister’s eye were the Greater Ville and Dutchtown. Both have had a stark increase in gun activity since last year.

They expect necessary contracts to be signed by October, and then the preimplementation committee — comprised of a mix of elected officials, the health director and a few community advocates — will begin meeting. In November, the target sites should be confirmed, hiring should be completed and training should start, organizers said. The program should launch in January 2020.

Funding the cure

Lewis Reed, president of the Board of Aldermen, introduced a bill on September 13 to commit $8 million over three years to funding Cure Violence.

On September 24, the aldermanic Public Safety Committee unanimously passed the bill — but for the amended amount of $5 million. At the committee hearing, members of the audience voiced concern about the decrease in funding. However, Reed explained that

clean energy,” Reed told the crowd. Activists at the strike also stressed the importance of relieving environmental burdens on low-income and minority communities. After nearly two hours of

on September 17, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment approved $1.5 million for the program, and the Board of Aldermen approved $500,000 in July, as part of the regular budget process. They will have a couple years to secure the last $1 million.

Reed said he amended his bill to pull from different funding sources because, “it takes any argument out of anyone who said that we can’t do it because we can’t afford it.”

Reed also said that it’s important to have three years of funding because he doesn’t want it just to be a “pilot program.”

speeches and chants, protesters marched down to Keiner Plaza and back to City Hall. If the protesters weren’t involved before in environmental issues, the climate strike may inspire them to take action and volunteer with an

was a 63 percent reduction in shootings in one year; according to the New York City Police Department, an East New York neighborhood utilizing the Cure Violence program saw 1,000 days without a homicide.”

n “The only way to stop all this violence is to go around to the corners and hand out jobs.”

– Corion Love

Regarding Reed’s bill, Mayor Lyda Krewson’s spokesman said, “We are in favor of any proven program that could help reduce the gun violence that we are seeing in the city.”

The bill states that there have been 138 homicides in 2019, and there were 186 murders in 2018 — 93.6 percent of them were committed with a gun.

“Cure Violence is proven to reduce shootings and killings dramatically in urban settings in just one year,” the bill states. “Cities such as Philadelphia saw a 30 percent reduction in shootings, Baltimore had a 56 percent reduction in killings and 34 percent in shootings; and in New York City, there

Reed invited several people to speak in support of the bill, including Dr. Randall Jotte, an emergency physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. When shooting victims are brought into the emergency room, his role is to speak to the patients while the surgeons are preparing. He explained that when they are so close to death, there is an opportunity to reach them and offer them an alternative.

“A couple days down the road, the cycle of violence continues,” Jotte said. “If there is a program to intervene, where you can maintain that hope, it can be very impactful.”

Reed explained that the Cure Violence interrupters would be dispatched to the hospital when they hear about a shooting to engage the victim, as well as to meet with family members and friends to prevent retaliation.

Another speaker was Jeanette Culpepper, who organizes the annual candlelight vigil for homicide victims on New Year’s Eve.

“We’ve been out here on the battlefield for 28 years

environmental group, said Jackie Kinealy, an activist with the Al Gore nonprofit Climate Reality Action.

“It’s important for us all to come together and realize it’s much bigger than not using a straw,” Kinealy said. “We need to join together and show the people in power that we’re serious and that we’re not going away.” Follow Eli on Twitter: @ StoriesByEli.

with permission from

and haven’t got a dime,” she said. “It’s time to get some antibiotics and chemo, and stop dealing with Advil.”

Several others who spoke during the public comment period reflected this sentiment as well. Cheeraz Gorman started a support group for siblings of gun violence victims after losing her two brothers. She said she didn’t feel the funding amount for Cure Violence was enough.

“We have to wait for people to die in order for us to act,” Gorman said. “I don’t care how well you dress up a city to attract corporations, if the heart is not well the body is not well. Look at the cost and the impact on families.”

McAllister heard in the news that some believe that $8 million is too much to spend on “a gamble.” To this, he said that they have evidence from multiple cities proving that the program works and saves lives.

“And this will pay for 50 employees over a three-year span that come from these neighborhoods,” McAllister said. “I don’t understand how that is not a worthy investment.”

The Cure Violence contract has been a source of tension between the comptroller and mayor for the past month. On August 20, Mayor Lyda Krewson sent a letter urging St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green to support an emergency contract for Cure Violence. On September 12, Green said

she finally received a contract for $125,000, and she signed it. Green criticized Krewson for the delay in getting a contract to her, saying she was “buying time.”

“The people of St. Louis deserve an administration that is proactive and engaged. Now is the time for solutions—no excuses, and no delays,” said Green.

“Supporting a supplemental appropriation is the least that the mayor can do after raising people’s hopes that a contract was ready, and the program could start imminently.”

Krewson’s spokesman said the $125,000 contract pays the Cure Violence consultants to start the process and training the interrupters.

Green’s representative attended the September 12 community meeting at the Deaconess Center for Well-Being and stayed until near the end. Krewson’s representative, Steve Conway, stayed for only 10 minutes. Three of Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner’s diversion team members were also present and stayed until well after the meeting was over.

“The people who are doing Cure Violence are the same people who perpetrated violence on the community,” said Jamala Rogers, a leader of CAPCR and OBS at the September 12 meeting. “This is restorative justice, and they go hard. This about redemption for them.”

Some protesters drew attention to Missouri’s environmental problems, including flooding and extreme heat.

Photo by Eli Chen / St. Louis Public Radio

Salute

stage at the America’s Center Ballroom, emcee Carol Daniel, news anchor at KMOX radio, again made the connection. It was particularly haunting that the number of youths killed since last school year was almost as large as the number of scholarship recipients awarded on Saturday night.

Still, Daniel was anything but defeatist. Instead, she insisted, there is a “direct connection” between affirming students and supporting their studies and stopping the violence against them. The ambitions and success of these young students, Daniel thundered, is “just as real” as the tragic loss of other young lives.

It was theme also sounded by Reverend Earl Nance Jr., pastor of Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, in his opening prayer. Nance yoked “excellence” – the theme of the Salute – with “justice,” an intense compression of the two ideas.

The 2019 Stellar Performer in Education Valerie Bell, immediate past board chair of the Saint Louis Public Schools Foundation, made a similar point in the same, succinct way by focusing her comments on her pursuit of “educational equity.” Bell also seconded Daniel’s “direct connection” between efforts like the Salute and saving our youth by stressing the “transformative power” of education.

The dire challenges faced by many of our youths was thematized in the choice of the 2019 Bayer School of Excellence, Flynn Park Elementary School in University City School District.

“Many of Flynn Park’s students have experienced

Gardner

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 of St. Louis. She helped the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department recognize corruption within its own ranks by forming an exclusion list to identify more than two dozen officers whose own misconduct had jeopardized the meaningful convictions of dangerous criminals. Similar lists in other cities helped clean up those departments, and now it’s being put to good work here.

some kind of trauma in their lives,” said Al Mitchell, president of the Bayer Fund and vice president of Community Relations for Bayer, “and to manage this, through a variety of methods, every educator is trained in trauma-informed teaching practices that utilize innovative interventions and alternative outlets.”

In a celebration of excellence tinged by grief, Michelle Perkins, president of the PNC Bank AfricanAmerican Employee Business Resource Group, quietly wept onstage while introducing the recipient of the 2019 PNC Bank Early Childhood Education Award: Chandria Taylor, a preschool teacher at Gateway MST Elementary in Saint Louis Public Schools. It was a reminder that we lose children by more ways than gun violence.

“I think Chandria would want you to know that her outlook and approach to teaching is not accidental,” Perkins said — “it was an intentional choice that was solidified after a very personal

witnesses who are helping law enforcement catch violent criminals. Previously, criminals could use a legal loophole to find out the identities of witnesses cooperating with an investigation; this led to witness tampering and bad guys going free. Gardner brought attention to this issue and closed this loophole when we successfully amended provisions from legislation I sponsored to Senate Bill 224, which became law last month.

n Kimberly Gardner is exactly the kind of tough, smart and successful circuit attorney that St. Louis needs right now.

Gardner is also helping to place more attention and resources toward the deadly epidemic of opioid deaths – including overdoses from heroin and fentanyl –by ceasing the ineffective practice of spending time, energy and money on low-level marijuana possession charges. By focusing on more potent, dangerous, and deadly drugs, we will save lives in our city.

This past year, Gardner worked with my office to pass statewide legislation to protect the identities of

This new law means that the days of criminals threatening and harassing witnesses are over. This is an important tool to help law enforcement fight crime, and it would not have happened with Gardner’s leadership.

Of course, as with any series of victories, there will always be those who wish to protect the failed status quo by attacking those whom the people have chosen to lead.

I am not surprised that there are some who would try to undermine such a progressive and successful circuit attorney, but I am disheartened at the baseless attacks that continue to distract our citizens from

loss.” Taylor lost a child who was stillborn. St. Louis American reporter Rebecca Rivas’ video about Taylor and her reliance on teaching to cope with her grief brought tears to the eyes of many.

A gala that confronted so much loss and embraced so much raw emotion ended on an almost unbelievably sweet note: with a public kiss on the lips.

For the first time in its history, in 2019 the St. Louis American Foundation presented its Lifetime Achiever in Education Award to a couple: Shirley and Charles Brown. “Combined, the Browns have spent more than 100 years working in education in Missouri, almost entirely in St. Louis,” Daniel introduced them. “Both started their teaching careers at elementary schools in the late 1960s, and they still are actively involved in education today, though technically retired.”

Much of Shirley Brown’s work stems from her formation of desegregation initiatives through the Saint

the shared goal of improving public safety.

Kimberly Gardner is exactly the kind of tough, smart and

Louis Public Schools’ School Partnership Program. Charles Brown served in various roles at the Saint Louis Public School District from 1969 to 2002 before becoming assistant commissioner of teacher quality and urban education for the State of Missouri and being appointed superintendent of Wellston School District.

Charles spoke, then Shirley, who remembered “a lifetime of loving our students and loving our work.” She did not have to add “and loving each other,” because she showed the audience that by grabbing her husband and partner and planting a quick kiss on his lips.

Amber Mitchell, a school counselor at Ritenour High School, also received the 2019 SEMO Counselor of the Year Award, and 2019 Excellence in Education Awards were awarded to eight people: Petra Baker, principal at Gateway Michael School; Monica D. Diggs, Ed.D, English Language Arts Teacher at Hazelwood North Middle School; Victoria A. Harris, director of Career Engagement and Experiential

successful circuit attorney that St. Louis needs right now, and I am proud to support her in her efforts to clean up our

Learning at Harris-Stowe State University; Kimberly Patrice Long, principal at Nottingham Community Access and Job Training High School; Duane McGowan, Career Technical Education teacher at East St. Louis Senior High School; Tina Clark-Scott, assistant superintendent of Academics and Support Services at Normandy Schools Collaborative; Lawerence Shields, Alternative School coordinator at Webster Groves High School; and Tanesia L. Simmons, co-founder and school leader at KIPP St. Louis High School.

Rick Sullivan, former member of the Special Administrative Board for the Saint Louis Public Schools, served as general chair.

Platinum Level Sponsors were ANHEUSERBUSCH, BAYER, CENTENE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY, WELLS FARGO and WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY and

streets, save lives, and lift up every citizen who has been ignored for too long.

State Senator Jamilah

By the end of the 2019 Salute to Excellence in Education, scholarships would be awarded to 30 students, bringing the value of scholarships provided by the foundation and its partners to more than $1.2 million in 2019.

THE STEWARD FAMILY FOUNDATION. The Gold Sponsors were BJC HEALTHCARE, BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL, ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, PNC BANK, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA and WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY.

The schools hosting scholarships through the St. Louis American Foundation now include the University of Missouri-Columbia, Southeast Missouri State University, Harris-Stowe State University, Missouri State University, Webster University, St. Louis Community College, Fontbonne University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University, the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College and Maryville University.

Since its inception in 1994, the St. Louis American Foundation and its partners have now invested $7.2 million in education.

Nasheed (D-St. Louis) represents Missouri’s 5th District in the Missouri Senate.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

FELLOWSHIP & PHILANTHROPY

If a sense of community is important to you...

If you are driven by a culture of caring...

If you think that you can make a difference...

Then let us introduce you to the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society (CCS).

CCS was created to lift the voices of African-American leaders in the St. Louis philanthropic community. Now, a quarter century later, CCS is not only a pillar in our community, but is the #1 philanthropic program for African Americans in the nation.

Deeply embedded in the St. Louis community, CCS is centered around a united community acting together to lift others. As a member of CCS, you can engage with key African-American leaders shaping our region through United Way of Greater St. Louis. Special invitations to exclusive events allow you to work and play shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other likeminded philanthropists.

Merge philanthropy and fellowship and consider becoming a member of the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society

To learn more about CCS, please contact Joyce Bogan at joyce.bogan@stl.unitedway.org.

By U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay For The St. Louis American

I strongly support Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to launch a formal impeachment inquiry against President Trump, an urgent measure that I have supported for more than three months. Donald J. Trump has violated his Oath of Office. He has abused his power. He has repeatedly lied to Congress and the American people. He has obstructed justice. He illegally sought the help of a foreign leader for his own campaign by applying undue pressure on the president of Ukraine to dig up negative information to use against one of his potential political

people from St. Louis and St. Louis County graduated from the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) program on September 14. NLF, an advanced leadership training program, is a collaboration of the University of Missouri – St. Louis, the MU Extension and the St. Louis Promise Zone – St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The mission of NLF is to increase and amplify the voices of North St. Louis City and County residents at the civic decision-making tables in order to produce more equitable regional policies for neighborhoods. The cohort of 23 fellows were selected from neighborhoods within the St.

Monday, October 7, 2019 • 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Deaconess Foundation 1000 Vandeventer Ave. St. Louis, MO 63113

7 Tuesday, October 8, 2019 • 9:00 a.m. – noon North Central Community Health Center 4000 Jennings Station Rd. Pine Lawn, MO 63121

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 • 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. Ferguson Municipal Public Library 35 N Florissant Rd. Ferguson, MO 63135

9 Thursday, October 10, 2019 • 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. North County Transit Center 3140 Pershall Rd. Ferguson, MO 63136

O’Fallon Recreation Center 4343 West Florissant Ave. St. Louis, MO 63115

Guest Columnist Wm. Lacy Clay

Chief justice calls out attorneys for ‘weaponizing’ non-partisan court plan

Missouri Chief Justice George W. Draper III gave a stinging rebuke to Missouri lawyers in his address at the joint annual meeting of The Missouri Bar and the Judicial Conference of Missouri on September 19. This is edited from his remarks.

After a decade in the St. Louis city circuit attorney’s office, I worked my way through the judiciary. After 25 years on the bench, I have come to appreciate the Missouri Supreme Court in its broadest sense, as an institution existing well beyond the seven of us who may sit at any given time. I consider our court conservative in its jurisprudence, yet proactive in its policies. My predecessors in this position have led the court in some significant accomplishments – building electronic filing and case management systems from the ground up; leading the way with the Uniform Bar Exam; and making meaningful and significant changes to our municipal, juvenile, criminal and civil justice systems.

Furthermore, beginning with the current reporting year, all judges and lawyers must have one hour of “elimination of bias” training among their 15 hours of required continuing legal education.

Some have questioned the policy behind this new Continuing Legal Education, but let me tell you, this is one imperative in which we are way behind.

Additionally, our treatment courts are on the front lines, helping us fight the opioid crisis in our state by adopting treatment court standards.

Most significant and timely is our racial and ethnic fairness commission, which is taking a holistic view of our entire profession and recommending a myriad of improvements.

Supporting that work, my colleagues at the Supreme Court and I are doing what we can to help educate lawyers and judges about the harm our biases can have on our profession. The entire judiciary – all judges and all employees – now have undergone implicit bias training. And, effective in July, ethics rules for attorneys and judges expanded protections against bias, prejudice and harassment.

The corporate world long ago recognized the need for diversity, inclusion, and a real understanding of the racial bias that divides and threatens community, industry, democracy, and profit. Major law firms, national and local, are requiring anti-bias, antiracism (or ABAR) training for their attorneys and all their employees. Their clients are demanding truly diverse representation, and the firms are working to improve their cultures so their minority attorneys can thrive. The need to address and remedy bias is at the nation’s forefront. Just last month, The New York Times announced its 1619 Project, named for the year when the first enslaved Africans were brought to Virginia and sold to the colonists. While not an anniversary to be celebrated, the project aims to reframe our nation’s 400-year history since then in the context of the consequences of slavery and the light of contributions of black Americans to our society. But lest we forget, the history of our country includes the maltreatment of other minority groups as well.

Without addressing bias, we perpetuate the founders’ original sin, which directly led to the Freedom Suits, the death of hundreds of thousands in our Civil War, and post-Civil War terrorism, which was often left unchecked by the courts. Implicit bias and racism infect

our profession as they do society as a whole. They inhibit our cultural growth, impede the progress of minorities into the profession and onto the bench, and even threaten the welfare of the Missouri nonpartisan court plan.

To offer some perspective: In 1984, when I became a Missouri lawyer, the judges statewide included only 16 Caucasian women, four African-American men and one African-American woman. Of these, the nonpartisan court plan had facilitated the appointment of seven of the women – including the lone African-American woman –and all four African-American male judges. All of these were on our trial courts – no woman and only one black man had been appointed to the appellate

bench, and neither to the Supreme Court. Now by 2004, judicial diversity had improved.

The Supreme Court had its first African-American man serving as chief justice, and one Caucasian woman.

Our appellate bench, out of 32 members, included one African-American woman, seven Caucasian women, one Hispanic man, and two AfricanAmerican men (including me). The trial bench included 46 Caucasian women, 11 African-American women; nine African-American men; one Hispanic woman; and one Hispanic man.

Of the judges then serving statewide, the nonpartisan plan had facilitated the judicial appointment of 29 of the Caucasian women, all 12

African-American women, and all 11 African-American men.

But as you know, selection is only one piece of the nonpartisan court plan. Another piece involves retention elections – but how voters have been informed has been by trial and error.

In 1948, when no minorities or women served on the judiciary, The Missouri Bar simply surveyed lawyers to vote yes or no as to whether a judge seeking retention should be retained and made the results of these surveys public.

First participating in retention elections in 1980, women judges – including African-American women judges – did well with voters, earning higher percentages of “yes” votes than their male counterparts.

In 1992, however, responding to a significant downturn in retention percentages for nonpartisan judges across the state, the bar expanded its survey, asking lawyers to “grade” judges on a scale of 1 to 5 using criteria such as courtesy, integrity and legal analysis.

Now anecdotally, AfricanAmerican judges across the state began noticing their ratings were lower than their Caucasian – and particularly their male Caucasian –counterparts. Not until 2006 did anyone attempt to quantify, through a data study, the apparent disparity between the genders and races in the bar surveys.

Two years later, the court required the bar to establish review committees – one for each nonpartisan trial court and one for the appellate courts – to conduct “judicial performance evaluations” of judges facing retention. The JPEs, as they are called, had been used for decades in a number of other states.

Even after the JPE process was established, minority judges continued to receive lower ratings than their white male counterparts, but no one –including me – spoke out, as it seemed only natural that a bar dominated by white men would “like” and find more “popular” judges coming from their neighborhoods and churches. I wish I had said something then, because the impact of implicit bias only became more acute.

You may think this is just about my family, and to some extent, it is. But it goes so much further than the result of any one judge’s retention election. This issue is about all the lawyers who

leave their practices behind to become judges, and it crosses racial lines. Being a judge is a position of honor and sacrifice. We owe it to all our nonpartisan judges – and especially to women and judges of color – to ensure any rating we give them comes from a system as free from implicit bias as we can make it, and it is truly based on an objective evaluation of their performance in office.

But I also remind you there is a reason the court has mandated implicit bias training throughout the judiciary and has amended Rule 15 to require “elimination of bias” training! Clearly, I am discouraged by the effect of implicit bias on our JPE system, but I will continue to support the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan. Do not misunderstand me. I believe in the integrity of the nonpartisan court plan, and the good it has done and continues to do. Our state is not just black and white. The most recent demographics show approximately 18 percent of our state’s residents are racial minorities, while our judges statewide are approximately 14 percent minority. This could not have happened without the Missouri nonpartisan court plan. But we can, and must, do so much better.

We could choose to follow the example of states such as Illinois by ensuring the criteria by which we evaluate our judges are designed to reduce biased responses, instead focusing on concrete, objective, directly observed judicial behaviors. And then it is incumbent on all our attorneys, across the state, to act ethically and responsibly in evaluating judicial performance if the plan is to survive. We are leaders. We are innovators. But we also must be collaborators. We must act as a fully integrated bar – in every sense of the phrase – and finally pull our feet from the mud. Those recalcitrant practitioners, mired in their unconscious bias, who perpetuate the myths and lost causes of discrimination must, if unwilling to be educated, be exposed and marginalized.

Weaponizing our nonpartisan court plan against any particular class of judges hampers its effectiveness and encourages exactly what it was designed to check – politicization and tampering by forces seeking to gain greater influence on the composition and independence of our judiciary.

Missouri Chief Justice George W. Draper III

Prostate cancer survivors celebrate caregivers

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The 11th Annual Prostate Cancer Survivors Gala of The Empowerment Network of St. Louis (TEN) will take place Saturday, September 28 at 7 p.m. at the Atrium at Christian Hospital. The prostate cancer survivors group, along with advocates and supporters, will celebrate caregivers who helped them get through their battles. Mellve Shahid, who founded the organization along with the late Isadore Wayne, said the recognition is long overdue.

“The doctors, they take care of the body, but many of the survivors, even after the body has been through the surgery or whatever, many of the men are broken and wounded,” Shahid said.

n “During this month of awareness, promoting survivorship and remembering those who lost their lives, we encourage men in the community to get tested.”

– Mellve Shahid, The Empowerment Network of St. Louis

“It’s very traumatic. Nobody really understands how when the health of the human spirit is broken and wounded, that

it also needs to be healed and repaired. And that’s what those caregivers have done, because they are there to nurture us back to health.”

One particular caregiver’s experience shows how a diagnosis of prostate cancer affects physical, emotional and spiritual health and even the dynamic of your relationships.

Shahid said TEN initially started working with the Boyd family in secret, because individuals reach out to the organization in their own time and in their own way.

Shahid said when Pamela Boyd’s husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer, as a caregiver she had nowhere to turn.

By Flint Fowler For The St. Louis American

When children have the opportunity to live up to their potential and pursue their dreams, they can bring limitless value to our community and our state.

This belief guides our work at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. We strive to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to live up to their promise as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. We do this through after-school and teen programs, mentoring opportunities, health clinics, and more. And we are counting down the days until we open the Teen Center of Excellence facility in Ferguson, which will focus on workforce development and academic achievement. But there is more work to be done to ensure children in the St. Louis region and across our state have the resources and support they need to thrive. The good news? We are fast approaching a once-in-a-decade opportunity to create a stronger, healthier future for Missouri’s children and families. The better news? We can all take part.

n The 2020 Census is our chance to make sure our children, and our community, get the attention and investment we deserve.

I’m referring to the 2020 Census. In just a few months, each and every one of us will have the opportunity to be counted. But what does that mean for our children?

Census response rates are used to make sure states get their fair share of public funds. They help determine how many Missouri kids get free lunch at school. How many hospitals stay open to provide care to our most vulnerable neighbors. How many libraries can open our children’s imaginations. But historically children are among the

Want Medicaid expansion in Missouri?

Then sign the petition

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

A statewide coalition called Healthcare for Missouri wants voters to decide whether the state expands Medicaid. A signature petition drive is underway at www. healthcareformissouri.org where you can add your name to this 2020 ballot initiative. Healthcare for Missouri is a growing coalition of doctors, nurses, patients, business executives, and healthcare supporters. They need to collect 172,000 signatures to place the question on the November 2020 ballot.

“Currently, we are paying for health care in the most expensive way possible, so when families can’t afford insurance and they end up in a crisis situation because they haven’t been able to take their insulin – or even if they have an emergency episode, like cardiac arrest or other threatening conditions – we end up footing the bill through state and local taxes but

n “All Missourians need access to basic health services and lifesaving care.”

– Rick Stevens, president of Christian Hospital

also through higher insurance premiums,” said Connie Farrow, spokeswoman for Healthcare for Missouri. “By expanding Medicaid, we can fix this and we can get Missourians access to care and save money at the same time.” Missouri is one of only 14 states that have not expanded Medicaid, which would bring federal dollars back into the state for

Flint Fowler

Nathan and Pamela Boyd recline at their home in St. Louis with their dog Princess. Pamela Boyd is a caregiver to her husband Nathan, a prostate cancer survivor, and serves as a 27th ward alderwoman in St. Louis.

Photo by Wiley Price

First Missouri death related to vaping

‘Once the lungs are injured by vaping, we don’t know how quickly it worsens’

American staff

A Missouri man in his mid40s died this week at Mercy Hospital St. Louis due to an illness associated with the use of e-cigarettes. This is the first vaping-related death in Missouri and the eighth nationwide.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) concluded it was a vaping-related lung injury after lung samples were taken of a Mercy patient who had a history of vaping but normal lung function prior to starting vaping in May. He developed mild respiratory symptoms that worsened, leading to hospitalization on August 22 before being transferred to Mercy St. Louis on September 4. “He started out with shortness of breath and it rapidly progressed and deteriorated, developing into what is called acute respiratory distress syndrome,” said Dr. Michael Plisco, Mercy critical care pulmonologist and medical director of Mercy’s extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program. “Once the lungs are injured by vaping, we don’t know how quickly it worsens and if it depends on other risk factors.”

In the case of the Mercy patient, the man’s lungs were unable to provide enough gas exchange, leading to heart failure and near cardiac arrest. He was emergently placed on venoarterial ECMO in an effort to support his heart and rest his lungs.

“Unfortunately, because ECMO doesn’t fix the problem and only buys time for healing, it didn’t work in this case,” Dr. Plisco said. “Due to the nature of this critical illness, acute respiratory distress syndrome ultimately led to his death.”

Since the Missouri DHSS began advising, and now requiring, physicians to report possible vaping-associated pulmonary illnesses in late August, DHSS has received 22 reports from throughout the state of Missouri. Seven of these cases, including this first death, have been confirmed using the case definition developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nine are still under investigation, and six reports

Cancer

Continued from A10

“My husband was a good hider,” Boyd said, “But at home, he wasn’t handling it well, and we had a lot of conversations and we cried a lot of nights.” She encouraged him, and she reached out to those who know the fight to provide

Fowler

Continued from A10 most undercounted populations. For every person who goes uncounted, Missouri gives up thousands of federal dollars. The 2020 Census is our chance to make sure our children, and our community, get the attention and investment we deserve. And this is critical because, today, there are too many

Patients report e-cigarette use and similar symptoms including: cough, shortness of breath or chest pain; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; fatigue, fever, or weight loss; and elevated heart rate. Anyone using vaping products who experience these symptoms should seek medical care promptly.

n Patients report e-cigarette use and similar symptoms including: cough, shortness of breath or chest pain; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; fatigue, fever, or weight loss; and elevated heart rate.

were investigated and did not meet CDC’s case definition. “We encourage Missourians to follow the CDC guidance to refrain from using e-cigarette products if you are concerned about these specific health risks, especially while the investigation is ongoing,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS director. No infectious diseases have been identified with the illness, meaning it doesn’t spread from person to person. These lung illnesses are likely associated

further encouragement. She called Shahid. And Boyd said that’s when things started turning around.

“I feel that our family prayers and Mellve healed my husband, because we kept believing that we was going to beat this,” Boyd said. “Mellve walked me through on the nutritional part and the mental part to help me go through the process.”

Two years after beating

children whose basic needs are not being met. The network of safety net programs and services that help Missouri families in times of need is already stretched thin. We need them to be supported adequately and focused on what Missouri children and families really need.

Medicaid provides vital coverage for children –including those with special needs – who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get the care they need to grow and thrive.

with a chemical exposure from vaping.

Patients report e-cigarette use and similar symptoms including: cough, shortness of breath or chest pain; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; fatigue, fever, or weight loss; and elevated heart rate.

DHSS and the CDC advise anyone using vaping products who experience the symptoms listed above to seek medical care promptly. In addition, if someone uses e-cigarettes, they shouldn’t buy products

prostate cancer, Nathan Boyd was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Pamela Boyd and their family were right there with her husband through another two years of treatment.

“The treatment a success, but it was such a mental toll,” she said. However, he has made a turnaround, is doing better and has retired a second time.

One thing that has helped Boyd through the caregiver

off the street (for example, e-cigarettes with THC or other cannabinoids). They also shouldn’t modify e-cigarette products or add any substances to them that are not intended by the manufacturer.

If someone is concerned about their health after using e-cigarettes, call the local poison control center at 1-800222-1222.

If someone needs help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contact your doctor or other medical provider or call the Missouri Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800784-8669). For information on the text-based e-cigarette quit program from Truth Initiative, visit truthinitiative. org/quitecigarettes or text “DITCHJUUL” to 88709.

role at home is keeping busy – working fulltime and volunteering in the community.

“I think that kept my mind off it,” she said, “but when I can home, I had to readjust my whole mind and demeanor to make him not feel like he’s not important and he’s not the focus.”

For self-care, Boyd started eating better and walking again. And working on behalf

n Census response rates are used to make sure states get their fair share of public funds. They help determine how many Missouri kids get free lunch at school. How many hospitals stay open.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) protects the 17 percent of Missouri children who were food-insecure at some point during 2016 by ensuring that families who are struggling

Medicaid

Continued from A10

the health insurance program for persons who earn up to $18,000 annually. Healthcare for Missouri estimates 200,000 Missourians would be eligible for the health coverage if the state expanded Medicaid.

“Medicaid expansion is the right thing to do for the people of our state. It’s the fiscally responsible thing to do as well,” Rick Stevens, president of Christian Hospital, stated when the campaign launched September 4. “All Missourians need access to basic health services and lifesaving care. That’s why we’re launching our campaign to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot.” Healthcare for Missouri said those uninsured Missourians — including farmers, service workers, and small business employees — would be eligible to receive healthcare if voters approve Medicaid expansion. Rural as well as urban folks understand what’s at stake for everyone.

“They are feeling it when you have to drive 125 miles to get to a hospital – all of the sudden, this issue becomes urgent for you,” Farrow said. Nine rural hospitals have closed in Missouri since 2014.

Herb Kuhn, president and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association, one of the organizations supporting the effort, said rural areas have been hit particularly hard due to the fact that Missouri has yet to expand Medicaid.

to get by have enough food to put on the table. And Shelter Plus Care vouchers provide housing support to Missouri households, 75 percent of which have children. Together with local

Missouri Foundation for Health is a resource for the region, working with communities and nonprofits to generate and accelerate positive changes in health. As a catalyst for change, the Foundation improves the health of Missourians through partnership, experience, knowledge and funding.

“Hospital closures in rural communities have increased the distance to lifesaving care for Missourians suffering from traumatic injuries, stroke and heart attack,” said Kuhn. “Minutes count in medical emergencies. Medicaid expansion will help maintain access to emergency care in rural Missouri — benefiting those gaining coverage and all rural residents.”

n “By expanding Medicaid, we can get Missourians access to care and save money at the same time.”

– Connie Farrow, Healthcare for Missouri

Expanding who is eligible for Medicaid would help Missourians who are caught in the middle – those who earn too much to qualify for existing Medicaid and earn too little to be able to afford private insurance.

“These are individuals who are hardworking. They are going to their jobs and in some cases, they are going to two jobs, but they simply don’t have health care through their traditional employer, and yet they don’t make enough to afford it on their own,” Farrow said. “These truly are people who are trying to do everything right but they’re just not able to afford health care, and, in some cases, they’re also seniors – older citizens who are kind of at that end of their working career where they don’t qualify for Medicare yet, but they’re still working parttime jobs.”

Passing Medicaid expansion will bring home more than a billion of Missourians’ tax dollars from Washington, D.C. every year to keep rural hospitals open, boost the state’s economy, and deliver healthcare to people who have lower-paying jobs that don’t come with insurance, according to the group. Expanding Medicaid would make health coverage available to those making less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level (less than $18,000 a year for an individual or $30,000 for a family of three). A study conducted by researchers at Washington University found that expanding Medicaid in Missouri would save $932 million by 2024. A recent financial analysis conducted by the state also found that expansion could save up to a billion dollars by 2024. Momentum is building and Farrow said Medicaid expansion in Missouri has been a long time coming.

“I think people really understand that right now, we have a crisis in our state where too many Missourians are slipping through the cracks in our health care system and they’re being forced to choose between paying for lifesaving care and putting food on the table or making the mortgage payment on their home,” Farrow said. “The families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid and not enough to afford coverage on their own on the Healthcare Exchange. There has been a tremendous amount of interest in this, and we feel good. We’re in it to win it.”

For more information and in addition to the online signup, click the Events tab at healthcareformissouri.org to find a petition signing event near you from throughout the state.

of others in the community provides nourishment in the form of service. In 2017, Boyd was elected alderwoman in the 27th Ward of St. Louis. And while September is the month set aside to promote awareness of prostate cancer, it is a year-round, unending effort for Shahid and members of TEN.

“We want to encourage men to get tested,” Shahid said. “During this month of awareness, promoting survivorship and remembering those who lost their lives, we encourage men in the community to get tested.”

organizations like ours, these programs ensure that our children have access to health care, nutritious food, shelter, and other resources they need to live up to their potential. And in the end, our entire community sees the net benefit.

So, let’s all step up. Let’s do it for the kids.

To our state leaders: let’s prioritize the census so that our state gets the resources it needs to better serve all Missourians.

To the many individuals and organizations serving the

For more information about the gala or The Empowerment Network, visit 6000 West Florissant Ave., go online at http://www. theempowermentnetwork.net or call 314-385-0998.

St. Louis community: let’s do our part to make sure every resident is aware of the census and gets counted. To everyone: mark your calendars for April 1, 2020, because the census is just around the corner.

Flint Fowler, PhD, is president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, which has partnered with Missouri Foundation for Health and its #TheNetBenefit campaign. Find out more at www.thenetbenefit.org.

Your Health Matters is provided in partnership with

Dividing Your Plate!

Nutrition Challenge:

For years kids were taught the proper variety of different categories of food by the use of a “Food Pyramid.” The tip of the pyramid represented the small amount of fats a child should consume and that was followed by the five food groups (Milk/Cheese, Meat, Vegetables, Fruits and Grains/Breads). Now the more common image is a plate divided into portions, showing how much room vegetables, fruit, meats and breads should fill.

Play Tag!

A fun way to run around, get your heart rate up and have fun is to play good old-fashioned tag. One person is “it” and they must tag someone else who is now the chaser. This game has many variations including: Freeze Tag — Once you are tagged, you are frozen until a friend crawls through your legs to un-freeze you. Game continues until everyone is frozen. When this happens, the first one frozen is now “it.”

Healthy Kids Kids

The image also includes a side of milk. Seeing the different kinds of foods on a plate can help you see how much of each type of food you should eat. Notice that the fruits/vegetables portion fills half of your plate. And remember to include whole grains in the “bread” section of your plate. For more information visit: https://www.superhealthykids.com/ parenting/myplate-guide-portion-sizes/.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 1, NH 5

Partners Tag — Two people hold hands and chase the others.

Once they catch another player, that player joins their chain.

Once two more partners have joined the team, they can split into two teams of two, and so on. (Teams must always have at least two players.)

Most of our childhood we are taught to share. But there are some things that should never be shared! These include eating utensils such as forks, spoons, straws and even napkins. But some other items to keep to yourself are your brush, comb, toothbrush, headbands and make-up. Germs, allergens and even living organisms (such as lice) can be passed through sharing these items. What are some other things that should not be shared?

Learning Standards: HPE 3, NH 1, NH 7

Flashlight Tag —

Instead of tagging other players, “it” must simply shine a flashlight on another player, who then becomes “it.”

What are some other ways to play tag? Share your ideas with your classmates.

Learning Standards:

2,

Fruit Roll-ups

Ingredients: 1/3 Cp No-sugar-added fruit preserves (any flavor) 1 Tsp Cornstarch

Directions: Mix the fruit preserves with the cornstarch until dissolved. Spread into a 12-inch by 2-inch rectangle onto greased parchment paper. Bake at 225 degrees for 45 minutes and cool. Cut around the rectangle and roll up.

Dr. Danielle Peebles, BADC, Author, Owner of Pro Health Family Chiropractic

Where do you work? I work at Pro Health Family Chiropractic. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Metro Academic and Classical High School, St. Louis, Missouri. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and a minor in math from SLU and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan University, Chesterfield, Missouri.

What does a chiropractor do? I restore normal functioning to the nervous system. I also help improve motion in the joint spaces and I help encourage a healthier lifestyle for my patients. Why did you choose this career? I chose chiropractic because I wanted a career that would allow me to work with the nervous system on a daily basis and also have the freedom of time to build my family.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of being a chiropractor is seeing the smiles on my patients’ faces after treatment, when they’re able to do simple motions that we take for granted such as going from sitting to standing, standing straight up or simply walking down the hall.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

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

At Soldan International Studies, teacher

Rickiyah

British-Nigerian Doctor and Emergency Helicopter Pilot Olamide Orekunrin

An entrepreneur is a person who creates and organizes a business. Famous entrepreneurs include Oprah Winfrey, who created O Magazine, Harpo productions, Oxygen Network TV, and much more. Debbi Fields created Mrs. Fields cookies which are sold in malls and supermarkets. Henry Ford was the entrepreneur who created the assembly line and Ford Motor Company. Madame C. J. Walker was the first African-American female entrepreneur who became a millionaire in 1905 when she invented products

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

to soften and smooth AfricanAmerican hair.

In this experiment, you will apply problem solving skills to try to move an object (or a person) across a bare floor without carrying it.

Materials Needed:

• Piece of Plywood • Marbles • Rope • Balloons

• Tape • Straws • Newspaper

Process:

q Try to move an object, without carrying it, across a room with a bare floor.

16 ounces (oz) = 1 pound 2,000 pounds = 1 ton

z Which weighs more 3 pounds of butter or 45 ounces of butter?

x If you have a 5-pound bag of flour, how many ounces of flour do you have? ________

c An average car weighs 4,000 pounds. How many tons does an average car weigh? ________

DID YOU KNOW?

Entrepreneurs need to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. They need to be able to work well with others. Entrepreneurs need to be creative, but they also need to be able to read and write well so that they can present their ideas and communicate with others. Finally, entrepreneurs need to be patient and persistent as they work to develop their product.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting detail. I can make text-to-world and textto-text connections.

w You are only able to use the materials listed here…

e Develop a plan and try to move your object. Revise your plan as needed.

Extension: Try to move your object across a carpeted floor. How did you need to change your strategy?

Learning Standards: I can use trial and error to complete an experiment. I can make observations, analyze results, and draw conclusions.

Olamide Orekunrin was born in London. Her parents were Nigerian and they chose her name based on its meaning. “Ola” means “wealth” in the Nigerian language. She attended the Hull York Medical School in London, where she graduated at the young age of 21 as a medical doctor. While she was studying medicine, she was also earning her helicopter pilot license, with a specialty in aviation medicine. She earned the Japanese MEXT scholarship which allowed her to continue her studies in Tokyo, Japan.

Unfortunately, Orekunrin’s sister died due to lack of prompt medical attention. Orekunrin put her training together to form the Flying Doctors Nigeria (FDN) Limited in 2007. This was the first air ambulance service offered in West Africa. FDN offers medical evacuation services, remote site clinic management, first-aid training and other medical solutions. It saves hundreds of lives each year, especially for those working in the oil and gas industry.

She is a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Surgeons and the British Medical Association. She is also a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians. In 2012, she received the This Day Award. One year later, she was one of the “Young Global Leaders” listed by the World Economic Forum. She has also received the Mouldbreaker’s Award, the Vanguard WOW Award, and the New Generation Leader for Africa. Orekunrin has published two medical textbooks and several medical journals and is also a TED Fellow. Orekunrin believes in charity and helping others. She works with leaders to help improve health care in Africa. She is one of the most successful business women in Lagos, Nigeria.

For more information, including links to Olamide’s blog and videos, visit: http://www.lionessesofafrica.com/lioness-ola-orekunrin Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

v You can buy candy for $5.00 a pound or for 25 cents per ounce. Which is cheaper?

b Convert your weight to ounces. ________

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

Descriptive Words: Make a list of at least 15 descriptive words you find in the advertisements. Compile a list; write two paragraphs describing something. Use as many of the words as you can.

Activity Two —

Family Entertainment Planning: Plan a family event using information from the newspaper. Maybe there is an article about an exhibit in town, or a new restaurant, or a play or movie. Use at least 3 details from the newspaper in your plan.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can make text to self connections.

Mr. Rhodes (second from right) shows students Alexis Reed, Dany Nguyen, Kenisha Knighten,

Mull, Elijah Bevly and Diamond Edwards how to use the newspaper’s NIE page in their lessons. Photo by Wiley Price/ St. Louis American

A large crowd enjoyed food and drink at the Taste of Black St. Louis in Tower Grove Park on Saturday, September 14.

WWT ranked 70th best workplace for women

The ranking was based on feedback from more than 4.5 million employees

World Wide Technology (WWT), headquartered in St. Louis County, was ranked 70 among the Best Workplaces for Women in 2019 by Fortune and Great Place to Work. WWT is a technology solutions provider founded by David Steward with more than $11 billion in annual revenue and over 5,000 employees globally.

WWT’s vice president of Global Human Resources, Ann Marr, is a woman. Among its diversity and inclusion initiatives is its Women’s Leadership Forum, a company mentorship program “with the aim of elevating all women in the company, regardless if they are in the board room or the factory floor,” according to a release.

n “I have always felt empowered to do a great job here, and I have always felt I have an equal chance at a position as any man,” one WWT employee reported.

The ranking was determined based on feedback from more than 4.5 million employees at Great Place to Work-certified organizations across the country.

“I am an ‘older’ woman and this is the first company I have worked for where I can be my

honest, kind self,” one WWT employee reported. “I have always felt empowered to do a great job here, and I have always felt I have an equal chance at a position as any man.”

WWT was the only company based in the St. Louis area to make the list of 75. The highestranking company based in Missouri was Veterans United Home Loans of Columbia (44), and the highest-ranking company based in the Midwest was CoverMyMeds of Columbus, Ohio (14).

The organizations on the list were evaluated on what women themselves report in a 60-question Trust Index survey about their workplace, and how fairly those experiences

STL NAACP seeks investigation Into minority contracting under Stenger

By Rachel Lippmann

The president of the NAACP in the City of St. Louis says former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger may have violated federal law relating to minority contracting.

Adolphus Pruitt made the allegations at a news conference on September 17. He said he started looking into whether the county was following the rules after reading a letter the St. Louis County Council submitted to federal prosecutors as part of Stenger’s sentencing. The letter said Stenger “appointed individuals with histories of opposing minority-owned and woman-owned businesses participation in procuring contracts for County business,” adding that city leaders had threatened to pull the city out of the regional economic planning agency called the St. Louis Economic Development

See STENGER, B2

Kevin Cox Jr. was named one of only 15 Hanna H. Gray Fellows by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The fellowship will support him for up to four years of postdoctoral training and will supply him with up to four years of start-up funding in a faculty position anywhere in the U.S. He is a post-doctoral associate at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center working in the laboratory of Blake Meyers.

Darnetta Clinkscale was honored as a Pioneer in Education by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for her service on the Special Administrative Board (SAB) for the St. Louis Public School District.

Under the SAB’s guidance, the district improved student and district performance, stabilized leadership and regained full accreditation. A registered respiratory therapist, she also served as president of the elected SLPS Board of Education from 20032006.

Timothy Staples was named director of the East St. Louis Center, which provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. He was the interim director of the center, which is operated by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Previously he the inaugural director of SIUE’s new Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, housed in the Office of Student Affairs.

Z’Sanique Sanders is returning to her seat on the Illinois State Board of Education’s Student Advisory Council, which provides the State Board with diverse student perspectives on education issues in Illinois as the Board formulates policy throughout the year. She is a junior at East St. Louis Senior High School in East St. Louis The council includes 11 new and 10 returning members from across the state.

Christian Adams participated in a rite of passage at the Kappa Beautillion, National College Signing Day, and Awards Ceremony. The event was the culmination of his affiliation with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., St. Louis Alumni Chapter’s Guide Right/Kappa League (KL) Program. KL is a mentoring program for young males in grades 6 – 12. He is a graduate of Maplewood Richmond Heights High School attending St. Louis Community College.

Adolphus Pruitt, the president of the St. Louis NAACP, outlined allegations that former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger violated the law around minority contracting at a news conference on September 17.

Ramona Jones is one of the 18 co-authors of the global book of missions “Tear The Veil,” a two-volume compilation of trauma to triumph stories shared by 18 women from around the world on a mission of hope and healing. The St. Louis stop for the World Tour Book Launch is Saturday, October 5 at UMSL Millennium Student Center.

Christian Adams

Darnetta Clinkscale

Z’Sanique Sanders

Kevin Cox Jr.

Timothy Staples

Ramona Jones

Photo by Wiley Price

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Photo by Wiley Price

Taste of Black St. Louis

Kwame Foundation raised more than $50K at Golf Tournament

The Kwame Foundation raised more than $50,000 at its 16th Annual Golf Tournament at Top Golf in Chesterfield on August 29th. Proceeds will fund scholarships for first-generation, collegebound students at Washington University, Maryville University, Saint Louis University and the University of Kansas and several other higher education institutions. Since 2003, the foundation has endowed over $1.5 million in scholarships and grants at over 12 different universities.

Founded by Kim and Anthony (Tony) Thompson, CEO of Kwame Building Group, the Kwame Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides young people an opportunity to learn, grow, and become professionals in their chosen careers. Programs include financial assistance and scholarships, educational mentorships, internship opportunities and

training in careers consistent with those needed to compete in a changing environment. Although the foundation serves students of all races, the primary focus is minority students who are bright, talented, high-achieving individuals but might not otherwise have an opportunity for higher education.

Major corporate sponsors included The Staenberg Group, Mercury Communications, ZeroDay Technology Solutions, L. Keeley Construction, Inspired Solutions, HR Green, Inc, Alberici, Regional Business Council, Enterprise Holdings, Millennia Music & Media Systems, MiTek Inc, S. M. Wilson & Co., Parsons, KDG Engineering LLC, Bodley Group, Steward Family Foundation, Webster University and World Wide Technology.

For more information, visit www.kwamefoundation. org or call (314) 754-5619.

Bank of America expands closing cost grant program

Bank of America expanded its America’s Home Grant program, a closing cost grant that is part of its national $5 billion Community Homeownership Commitment. Through this program, eligible homebuyers can receive up to $7,500 to be used toward non-recurring closing costs or, in some instances, to buy down the interest rate. The funds do not require repayment.

As part of this program, Bank of America will also expand resources to assist customers in lowand moderate-income communities by adding a staff of Community Lending officers, who specialize in providing the resources and solutions required to help individuals and families thrive through homeownership. D’Wayne Sargent Jr. and Joshua Stump have been hired in St. Louis.

U.

City Police hiring event on Sept. 28

The University City Police Department will host a hiring event starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 28 at the Heman Park Community Center, 975 Pennsylvania. The department is seeking to fill immediate openings. Starting salary is $61,402 - $78,329 with a Bachelor’s Degree, including many benefits. Attendees will meet with department staff one-on-one to complete the first three phases of the hiring process, including the application, written test and physical fitness test for entry into the Police Academy.

Applicants must be U.S citizens, at least 21 years old, provide a current and valid driver’s license, have a high school diploma or G.E.D, have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions, and meet a list of physical requirements. Applications are available to print at www.ucitymo. org or pick up at Human Resources, 1st floor in City Hall, 6801 Delmar Blvd. For more information, visit www. ucitymo.org or call Deanna Townson at 314-505-8652.

Fathers’ Support Center will become Fathers and Families Support Center

Fathers’ Support Center will change its name to the Fathers and Families Support Center in 2020, according to CEO Halbert Sullivan. Its mission is

Stenger continued from page B1

Partnership.

“It shook us to the core to really have an inside view of the highest realms of county government and what they thought about the effort to have increased inclusion and equity for minorities,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt’s allegations focus on projects for which the county received federal dollars. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that minority participation levels are guidelines, not mandates, officials must make a “goodfaith effort” to meet them.

Pruitt said Stenger actively worked to undermine minority contracting requirements by delaying the closing date on bids so preferred companies could submit their proposals, and wrongfully inflating the costs of contracts so it appeared that minority- or women-owned business were receiving a larger share of work.

“Any effort to not adhere to the federal executive order as relates to contracting is criminal,” Pruitt said. “Any

WWT

continued from page B1 compare to men’s reports of the same workplaces. It’s also based on how well represented women are in the workforce and throughout management, taking into account industry trends.

“We analyze whether different identities women

to foster healthy relationships by strengthening families and communities. By March 30, it also will be moving into its new headquarters at 1601 Olive

effort whatsoever not to adhere to the county’s bidding process and procedures are criminal.”

Pruitt said he had delivered letters to federal prosecutors and the FBI seeking a full federal investigation. He is also seeking additional records from County Executive Sam Page and the St. Louis County

n “At the end of the day, there are damages. There are contractors who should have received some work and they did not get it.”

– Adolphus Pruitt, NAACP

Council. County officials confirmed they had received those requests.

A spokeswoman with the U.S. attorney’s office said she was not sure if the prosecutors who handled the case against Stenger had seen the letter. The FBI would not confirm or deny whether a complaint had been filed.

Stenger was ordered to report to federal prison in

hold change their experience of the workplace,” Great Places to Work claims on its site.

“We analyze these patterns relative to each organization’s size, workforce make up, and what’s typical in their industry and region. We also consider employees’ daily experiences of innovation, the company’s values, and the effectiveness of their leaders, to ensure they’re consistently experienced, as well.

St. in downtown St. Louis. Its current headquarters is at 4411 N. Newstead. The agency also has a new website at www. fatherssupportcenter.org.

North Dakota on Saturday, September 21 to begin serving a four-year term for political corruption. Pruitt said further investigation is still necessary to determine who else may have played a role. In addition to investigating whether a crime was committed, Pruitt wants the county to fully implement its minority contracting program, which passed in 2018. He’s also asking for an accounting of how much money the unfair practices might have cost the black community.

“At the end of the day, there are damages,” Pruitt said. “There are contractors who should have received some work and they did not get it, and it had an impact on their bottom line, and it had an impact on the bottom line of their workers. We need to fully ascertain what that looks like.” Pruitt would not comment on the possibility that the NAACP will sue the county over its hiring practices.

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rlippmann. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Fifteen percent of the remaining rank is based on how well represented women are in the workforce and throughout management, taking into account industry trends. To be considered, at a minimum, companies need to employ at least 50 women, at least 20 percent of their nonexecutive managers need to be female, and at least one of their executives needs to be female.

D’Wayne Sargent, Jr. and Joshua Stump, newly hired Bank of America Community Lending officers in St. Louis

n “It’s a dream to come here and play. It’s a dream, and I’m just living it.”

— Mizzou’s Ronnell Perkins, who had a 100yard interception return for a touchdown last Saturday

Harris leads LutheranSt. Charles to huge win

Sophomore Arlen Harris of Lutheran-St. Charles rushed for 231 yards and three touchdowns in a 51-0 victory over Duchesne. Harris has 13 touchdowns for the 4-0 Cougars.

Phillip Russell of Vashon scored five touchdowns in the Wolverines come-frombehind 46-45 victory over Miller Career Academy.

DeSmet’s running back trio of Rico Barfield, Taj Butts and Darez Snider combined to rushed for 305 yards and five touchdowns in the Spartans 42-14 victory over CBC last Friday night on ESPNU.

Prep football this weekend

Parkway West (4-0) at Summit (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

CBC (3-1) at SLUH (2-2), Friday, 7 p.m.

Troy (3-1) at Francis Howell (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

Lindbergh (3-1) at Marquette (4-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

Trinity (2-2) at Duchesne (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

Hazelwood West (3-1) at McCluer (3-1), noon

Lift for Life (3-1) at Brentwood (2-2), 1 p.m.

John Burroughs (4-0) at MICDS (3-1), 2 p.m.

Spence and Porter engaged in a unification battle Saturday night

Ever since Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao ventured into the welterweight division in the mid-to-late 2000s, the 147pound division has been the center of the boxing universe. One could argue that the welterweights have ruled the roost since the 1999 “Fight of the Millennium” between Oscar De La Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad. However, star heavyweights like Mike Tyson Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield were still active at the time. Regardless, it is impossible to deny that welterweights have carried the sport for well over a decade. Today, the division is as strong as it has ever been with four proven champions. Pacquiao (WBA), Terence Crawford (WBO), Errol Spence Jr. (IBF) and Shawn Porter (WBC) have each

defeated talented fighters on their way to claim and defend their titles. Each fighter knows that becoming a unified, or undisputed, champ at welterweight could give them a legitimate claim as the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Therefore it’s a big deal that two of those champions will meet in the ring Saturday night. The process of unifying the welterweight division has begun as Spence and Porter will square off in a battle of skill versus will at the Staples Center in Los Angeles (televised by FOX PPV). Porter (30-2-1, 17 KO) enters the fight as a pretty heavy underdog. Some betting sites have Spence (25-0-0, 21 KO) as

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Self-righteous Bill Self and his Jayhawks might pay a heavy price

This Jayhawks’ feathers are ruffled, and I can’t blame the NCAA. For the first time since Larry Brown led the Kansas Jayhawks to the 1988 NCAA men’s basketball title, KU is facing serious charges of impropriety from the NCAA. The NCAA alleges that head coach Bill Self and assistant coach Kurtis Townsend were complicit in major recruiting violations.

Self allegedly “both participated in some violations and knew of others that he failed to report,” according to an NCCA Notice of Violation. In addition, the NCAA alleges that at least three athletic department administrators shared concerns about improper activity involving Adidas representative T.J. Gassnola –and no actions were taken.

Plus, what happened with Terrence Curry at Trinity?

ban for at least one year.

In a letter from his attorney to media outlets, Self said the NCAA is “overreacting,” has “falsely accused him,” and that that he and the school will “vigorously” defend themselves.

“By the NCAA’s own admission through its public statements early this summer, it’s no secret that there is tremendous pressure on the NCAA to respond to the federal court proceedings involving college basketball,” Self said in the statement.

According to the NCAA, Gassnola was acting as a booster of KU when he paid $90,000 to the mother of former KU team member Billy Preston and $2,500 to the guardian of current player Silvio De Sousa. Gassnola admitted in federal court to those payments and pleaded guilty in the wire fraud case.

A judge did not sentence him to a prison term, citing his cooperation which led to three other convictions.

Self’s program might not be so lucky. The NCAA charges leveled against KU could lead to recruiting sanctions, a suspension for Self, Townsend and others and a postseason

“Compelled to reassure member institutions and the general public that it can police its member institutions, the NCAA enforcement staff has responded in an unnecessarily aggressive manner in submitting today’s unsubstantiated Notice of Allegations, and I, as well as the university, will vigorously dispute what has been alleged.”

As many of you know, I attended KU, was an employee of the athletic department as a football manager and count as a “booster” of the team as a member of The Williams Family Scholarship Fund and K-Club.

While I hope KU can beat the rap, Self, Townsend and the athletic department have no one to blame but themselves for this mess.

I’ve detailed the circumstances for more than year in the SportsEye and on The Charlie Tuna Show on KFNS. KU did nothing to publicly to address the charges

that it knew could come based on testimony during the federal trial, as well as intercepted phone calls and e-mails by the FBI.

In St. Louis style, Self and company buried their respective heads in the sand and adopted a “nothing to see here” attitude.

KU Chancellor Douglas Girod admitted last year that he had not demanded answers from either Self or Townsend after the wire-tapped phone call transcript and e-mails were introduced in court. While it might not be enough to warrant possible penalties for the basketball program, it sure is pathetic. Girod runs the university, not the Hall of Fame basketball coach.

If you visit any KU message board, the attacks on the FBI, law enforcement and U.S. judicial system are alarming. It’s everybody’s fault except Self, Townsend and the athletic department.

I don’t care that Townsend was speaking about the demands of former Duke player Zion Williamson’s family on his damning taped phone call. I don’t care that Arizona has not been contacted by the NCAA (I believe it will soon), nor do I care that North Carolina was

not punished for an academic scandal that ran for decades before it was exposed.

Self is a coaching superstar. But like so many others before him, the lure of future success seduced him into ignoring the simple fact that he and his program have gone astray.

Yes, this might be the way things are done. Yes, the NCAA is a sanctimonious, hypocritical group of selfserving blowhards who pocket millions of dollars by taking advantage of college athletes. None of this excuses KU – and this is coming from a guy who loves the place.

What happened at Trinity?

The late George Curry, who passed away in 2016, was a landmark football coach and educator in the Kirkwood School District. A friend of my late grandfather who also taught at Nipher Junior High School, Curry left a mark of integrity and honor behind.

Thus, I am among many other friends of the Curry family and Kirkwood residents who were surprised at the sudden dismissal of Terrence Curry as head coach of Trinity High School.

Curry coached just 18 games at Trinity, yet led the talented squad to a state championship in 2018.

Trinity administrators will not comment, saying it is a “personnel matter.”

The 90-6 defeat of DuBuorg, in a game that was called in the third quarter, might seem a case of poor

sportsmanship for running up the score on a hapless opponent – but is it an offense that would lead to dismissal? I and others do not wish to embarrass Curry, Trinity or its players. But this is a situation that needs closure or wild speculation will rule the day.

A youth’s NBA dream

A youth from Glendale named Ryan T. Geiser had a letter published in the PostDispatch this week sharing his thoughts on an NBA franchise relocating to St. Louis.

“Hello, I am St. Louis’ biggest sports fan, and I’m a kid. I wanted to talk about why St. Louis should get an NBA team. We have the 20th-largest metro area in America. With Mr. Richard A. Chaifetz thinking about bringing an NBA expansion team to St. Louis, we have a chance,” Geiser wrote.

“When the Rams moved to Los Angeles in 2016, the city lost its second chance to keep an NFL team, and we probably won’t get another NFL team anytime soon. But we haven’t had an NBA team for more than 50 years. I think we deserve a second chance.” Naturally, adults decided to attack the young man’s dream, citing politics and crime. Pitiful.

The Reid Roundup

What have I told you, readers and Cardinal fans, the last three weeks? The Cardinals are going to win the NL Central title before the Cubs

Bill Self is a coaching superstar. But like so many others before him, the lure of future success seduced him into ignoring the simple fact that he and his program have gone astray.

even get here on Friday. The Athletic-Kansas City said via Twitter that Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ career touchdown passes (60) are 36 percent of the total thrown by Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman (165). Aikman fired back, saying “Talk to me when he has 33 percent of my Super Bowl titles.” Aikman has three. Since he became the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback in week 4 of the 2018 NFL season, Baker Mayfield has thrown 19 interceptions, the most of any quarterback. He also has a horrible Quarterback Rating of 30 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Case Keenum, Washington Redskins starting quarterback, threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles in his team’s 31-15 loss to the Chicago Bears. All the turnovers led to points. Yet, coach Jay Gruden said after the game that he won’t bench Keenum in favor of rookie Dwayne Haskins. Fans were chanting, “Let’s go, Haskins.” Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @ aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

inSide SPorTS

With Earl Austin, Jr.

Young, black and committed

Several talented young athletes from the St. Louis area made their intentions known last week by giving verbal commitments to major colleges.

East St. Louis Senior High twoway football standout Antonio Johnson gave a verbal commitment to Texas A&M.

The 6’3” 190-pound Johnson is rated one of the top safeties in the Midwest region. He is among the Flyers’ leading

Area athletes pick their future college homes and teams

tacklers this season with 35 after four games. On offense, he has seven receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown.

Trinity Catholic boys’ basketball standout Ryan Kalkbrenner gave a verbal pledge to Creighton earlier this week. The 7’0” senior chose Creighton over Purdue and Stanford. He is one of the top shot-blocker in the country. As a junior, Kalkbrenner averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks to lead the Titans to a 25-4 record and a berth in the Class 3 state quarterfinals. During the summer grassroots season, Kalkbrenner played with Mac Irvin Fire and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the

Rashad WeeklyMcDaniels

Nike EYBL, which is the top grassroots circuit in the country.

Another Trinity Catholic basketball player headed to the Division I ranks is point guard Rashad Weekly-McDaniels, who is headed to Central

Michigan. The 6’0” WeeklyMcDaniels averaged 10 points a game last season for the Titans.

Vashon High basketball standout Phillip Russell gave a verbal commitment to Southeast Missouri State. The

Dragster Daddy and son

Three-time NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series champion Antron Brown guided his son Adler’s car to the starting line during the Midwest Jr. Super Series event at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois on Saturday, September 21. The event is a lucrative, regional Jr. Dragsters-only race, drawing entries from as far away as Iowa and Indiana. Antron Brown will compete in the September 27-29 AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at WWTR. He won the final round of Top Fuel Dragster eliminations at WWTR four consecutive times, from 2012 to 2015. Brown grew up in New Jersey but now resides near Indianapolis.

Clutch

Continued from B3 them over 12 rounds.

The 31 year-old “Showtime” also boasts an edge in experience. Saturday night’s contest will be Porter’s seventh major world title fight. His 29 yearold opponent will be participating in his fifth world title fight.

“I think experience is going to play a major role in this fight,” Porter told Spence in a face-to-face promo for PBC on FOX.

“I don’t think you’ve been in the ring with anyone who has made you adapt, has made you make adjustments, has made you get out of your comfort zone,” Porter continued. Porter has arguably made his entire career by dragging opponents outside of their comfort zone. He has a solid chin and often controls the ring by backing up his opponents using his broad shoulders, looping punches and a constant body attack. Nobody will ever confuse Porter with Mayweather or Sugar Ray Leonard. However, we’ve all heard the saying “pressure breaks pipes” and Shawn Porter is a human vice. If there is any weakness or bend in an opponent’s will, he will find it.

Spence is more of the classic boxer-puncher. Like Porter, Spence often uses constant pressure to pummel his opponents. However, unlike Porter, the southpaw Spence is technically sound. He often works behind a stiff jab and a bazooka straight left hand. His punches and combinations are tight, compact, crisp and accurate. Rather than relying on a stiff chin for his defense, Spence keeps his hands high and possesses solid head movement. He also appears to be equally competent fighting while moving forward or backwards.

In his most recent fight against former multi-division champion Mikey Garcia,

Spence showed his incredible boxing acumen by dominating his smaller opponent. Going into the bout, many expected Spence’s path to victory would be to bully Garcia. However, Spence decided to prove his technical superiority and outboxed the previously undefeated Garcia from the outside –and he made it look easy.

While Garcia managed to stay upright until the final bell, Spence has stated several times that he plans to knock Porter out.

“I’m going to punish you, watch,” Spence told Porter. “I’m better than you talent-wise, skill-wise and I know I got more dog than you,” he added.

Who has the most “dog” is really going to be the key in this fight. In a technical battle, Spence should box circles around Porter. However, the same can be said for many of

the opponents that Porter has run through.

No one can rightfully question Porter’s grit and grind.

Up to this point, Spence has not shown anything that would suggest he will wilt under the pressure. However, he hasn’t been tested at the same level. At some point in the fight, Porter will make him prove he has the will resolve to fight through adversity.

In that regard, Porter may have unsuspectingly predicted how the fight will go in one of his pre-fight quotes.

“You can still have your legacy and everything, I’m just going to slow you down a little bit,” Porter told Spence.

Porter meant that Spence can still go on and have a successful career and become a legend in the sport after he takes an “L” Saturday night. My prediction for the fight though, mimics that sentiment.

Noah Arinze

The senior defensive end turned in a dominant performance in leading the Statesmen to their first victory of the season against Pattonville. The 6’4” 245-pound Arinze recorded 10 tackles and a season-high four quarterback sacks in the Statesmen’s 41-20 victory. For the season, Arinze has

recorded 30 tackles with six sacks. As a junior, he recorded 83 tackles with four sacks. Arinze emerged as one of the top football prospects in the state of Missouri during the summer and compiled several scholarship offers from major colleges. He eventually gave a verbal commitment to Oklahoma University.

6’0” Russell averaged 13 points a game in helping the Wolverines to the Class 3 state championship. Russell averaged 17 points a game during the Wolverines run to the state championship last season.

Girls’ basketball standout Jayla Kelly of Parkway Central will be headed to the University of Missouri.

The 6’3” Kelly led Colts to the Final Four of the Class 5 state tournament for the first time in the school’s history.

As a junior, Kelly averaged 12 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.9 blocks in leading Parkway Central to a third-place finish in the state tournament.

Angela Lewis Basketball Clinic

Former Saint Louis University basketball standout, author and motivational speaker Angie Lewis will be presenting a Post and Perimeter Clinic, which will be held at Lift for Life Academy (1811 S. Broadway) on Sunday, October 20 from 1-4 p.m. Players can learn a variety of skills in the post and on the perimeter, plus Lewis will also give a presentation about college recruiting. The cost of the clinic is $30. For more information, contact Lewis at (314) 5987870 or

Spence should cruise in the beginning, utilizing distance well to keep the lunging Porter at bay. Sometime around the middle rounds, Porter will connect with something that will make Spence dig deep. It could be a body shot. It might be an inadvertent head butt that opens a cut. It might just be a clean, powerful, looping punch. I do believe Spence will weather the storm. He will use his boxing skills to regain his advantage before dominating the second half of the fight. All the talk about knockouts is great to sell fights, but I just don’t see him ending Porter’s night early. I’m taking Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision. Who do you think will win? Let me know by dropping me a line on Twitter @ishcreates or commenting at stlamerican. com.

Earl Austin Jr.

Antonio Johnson Phillip Russell

Photo by John Bisci

KAI has one project completed and another underway in Texas

KAI Enterprises, a blackowned national design and build firm based in St. Louis, has one project just finished and another underway in Texas.

In San Antonio, KAI designed the VIA Metropolitan Transit’s Brooks City Base Transit Center that opened on September 14. The new $1.3 million, 4,300-square-foot transit center includes eight bus bays located on a transit island with new bus lanes looping around it. The Brooks Air Force Base once located on the site was one of the first training facilities for the U.S. Army Air Corps, dating back to December 1917. The facility’s design takes cues from World War I biplanes with its curved roof and columnar support system.

In Dallas, KAI served as the architect-of-record on a new 73,000-square-foot Dallas County South Government

Financial Focus

By Andre K. Nelson, AAMS

Don’t change 401(k) mix during market drops

As

cial

when their price is down, you won’t be able to benefit from owning them when their value goes up again – in other words, you’ll be on the sidelines during the next market rally.

Here’s the key issue: A 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan

is a long-term investment account, whereas moves made in reaction to market drops are designed to produce short-term results. In other words, these types of actions are essentially incompatible with the ultimate objective of your 401(k). Of course, when the market is volatile, you may want to do something with your 401(k), but, in most cases, you’re far better off by sticking with the investment mix that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. However, this doesn’t mean you should never adjust your 401(k)’s portfolio. In fact, you may well want to make some changes under these circumstances:

n If you were to scale back your plans you might be able to afford to “step off the gas” a little and invest somewhat more conservatively in your 401(k).

may require you to invest somewhat aggressively in your 401(k). But you could change your mind. If you were to scale back your plans – perhaps more volunteering, less traveling – you might be able to afford to “step off the gas” a little and invest somewhat more conservatively in your 401(k), though you will always need a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented investments.

By responding to factors such as these, rather than short-term market declines, you can get the most from your 401(k), allowing it to become a valuable part of your retirement income. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

• You’re nearing retirement –If you are nearing retirement, you may need to prepare your 401(k) for future downturns – after all, you don’t want to have to start taking withdrawals when your portfolio is down. So, if you are within, say, five years of retirement, you may need to shift some, but certainly not all, of your assets from growth-oriented vehicles to income-producing ones.

• Your goals have changed – Even when you’re many years away from retirement, you probably have an idea of what that lifestyle will look like. Perhaps you plan to travel for several months of the year or purchase a vacation home in a different climate. These are expensive goals and

This information is believed to be reliable, but investors should rely on information from the Social Security Administration before making a decision on when to take Social Security benefits. It is general information and not meant to cover all scenarios. Your situation may be different, so be sure to discuss this with the Social Security Administration prior to taking benefits.

For further information contact Andre K. Nelson, AAMS at (636) 735-2204 or 1-800-EDJONES.

Center where construction just got underway. KAI Design also integrated its in-house Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) engineering group into the project and assisted with master planning the overall site for future growth. Design features of the

new facility include a public walking trail around the property that will also be used by the Constable’s and Sheriff’s Academy for agility training, a weight room for employees and a wellness room for nursing mothers. The project included the design and integration of a 160-foot-tall radio communications tower, a kennel for the K-9 Unit, and property and evidence storage. The facility is designed to achieve a LEED v4 Silver Certification. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in December 2020. To learn more about KAI, visit www.kai-db.com.

Design for the Dallas County South Government Center

Music for L.I.F.E. and Ferguson

Concert featuring Brian Owens and Michael McDonald to benefit youth music program

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

When Brian Owens and The Deacons of Soul released “The Soul of Ferguson” album, he was using his talent to be a part of the soundtrack for a city that has become synonymous with unrest and protest.

“St. Louis is a city of beautiful chaos,”

Owens said. “Because of the chaos, sometimes we miss the beauty.”

Through his music and L.I.F.E. Arts Inc. nonprofit organization, he wanted to have a hand in

telling the whole story.

He formed the organization in response to the unrest, so that teen and young adult artists could have a place to polish their talent and the business element of entertainment and media in a way that brings the community together around both problems and solutions – and provides sustainable hope.

“We are birthing leaders and creative thinkers that live at the forefront of what’s next and what’s now,” Owens said. “Every artist that wants to be an artist is really an entrepreneur. We are looking to leverage creativity as an entrepreneur to help non-creatives solve vital issues and problems.”

On Sunday, September 29, he will have a benefit concert at The Touhill for the institution entitled “A Night For Life” presented by M1 Bank For Life Community Partnership.

Owens will share the stage with Ferguson native and music legend Michael McDonald,

Entertained by Salute 32

Musical wedding at Powell Hall

SLSO welcomes Stéphane Denève as 13th musical director

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Why am I here with my French accent speaking to you in St. Louis? It’s because of music,” said Stéphane Denève. “There is no other reason. I love music, and my love for sharing it brought me to this town.”

Denève officially becomes the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s musical director when its classical concert season opens this weekend with Mahler’s “Resurrection” in what Denève is calling his “musical wedding.”

“Last year I was like a fiancé, and the welcome that was offered to me by the community was so touching,” Denève said. “And now it’s starting for real.”

He was introduced to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 2003 and returned eight times as a guest conductor. In 2017 he was selected to succeed David Robertson to become the 13th musical director in the symphony’s 139-year history. The season will be marked by what Denève called “creating an arch between” French and American cultures.

“I have been influenced by American music. The influence on France from America is all about jazz,” said Denève. “We will celebrate together what I think is the greatest power of music, which is that it brings us together –sitting together, listening together and breaking barriers.”

St. Louis has welcomed him with open arms. His charm and charisma allow for instant connections. A penchant for observation and humor make him an easy conversationalist –and buck the stereotypes of pretentiousness that tend to haunt the classical music community.

“Like your friend who was in the lobby was wearing on her shirt, I am a hope dealer,” Denève said, paying close attention to the phrase written on Rev. Traci Blackmon’s shirt

Art as beauty in action

‘Adornment’ at COCA’s Millstone Gallery through Dec. 15

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

There was a familiar sound upon entering COCA and turning the corner towards the doors of Millstone Gallery for the opening reception of “Adornment” by curator-in-residence Yvonne Osei. It’s a buzz anyone versed in black culture will instantly recognize.

The entryway of the small gallery was transformed into a mini-barbershop with a small boy getting the finishing touches on his fade as guests gazed upon him and other elements of the exhibition that continues through December 15.

“This is performance art titled, ‘The Gallery at Barbershop,’” Osei said. “My wish is to re-envision what a gallery can be and to bring in the community. The viewer is not only someone who looks, but they are someone who participates. We have to activate the viewer in an exhibition where there is a tangible activation.”

Thanks to what Osei and the artists she enlisted for the exhibition, many of the guests – some who were visiting a gallery for the first time, and others who are accustomed to twodimensional exhibitions – were confronted with art as something to be experienced as well as viewed.

Osei uses the work of five artists – Seth Aryee, Basil Kincaid, Yowshien Kuo, Yolanda Newson and herself – to explore the intersection of art as a thing and a state of being with “Adornment.”

“You have some wonderful artists exploring the theme of beautification of the human body,” Osei said. “Exploring how can the human body be presented as a beautiful ‘object’ and how it can activate the act of beautifying in itself.”

Just beyond the fully stocked pop-up barbershop that included a barber chair, full-length mirror and fully stocked barbering product and tool station were two statuesque models holding still enough to win a mannequin challenge. They were draped in beautiful garments made of lace and sequence topped off by the added bling of ostentatious jewelry made from gold rope and rhinestones.

“Fashion can change in the click of a moment,” Newson said as she stood before her work that displayed items of clothing on sewing torsos and live models.

When the models turned to expose their backs, the dresses took on new shape with different jewelry and style lines.

“You never know whether you are in style or out of style,” Newson said. “Just as these beautiful models turned around, that’s how fashion does.”

Photo by Seth Aryee

Seth Aryee’s ‘Barbershop’ is among the work included in ‘Adornment,’ an exhibition curated by Yvonne Osei that opened Friday, September 20 and will run through December 15.

Photo by Dilip Vishwanat

Stéphane Denève was welcomed as the 13th musical director in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s 139-year history. The symphony’s concert season opens this

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., Fox Theatre presents Boyz II Men. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Sun., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., The Pageant and RockHouse Ent. present Chrisette Michele: The Self Love Tour. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., 2 Jo’s Entertainment presents The Ambassador’s 20 Year Anniversary Concert feat. T. K. Soul. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., A Night for Life with Michael McDonald, Brian Owens, and Kennedy Holmes. 3 generations of Ferguson take to the stage for a unique community celebration.

Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Thurs., Oct. 3, 6;30 p.m., Chris Brown – Indigoat Tour 2019, Enterprise Center. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Thur., Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents The Kingdom Choir The London choir, best known for their performance at the Royal Wedding, draws from various Christian traditions. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Tyler, The Creator, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

Sat., Oct. 5, 7 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents The Rhythm & Jazz Series: Cécile McLorin Salvant Feat. the Aaron Diehl Trio.

3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.thesheldon.org or call (314) 533-9900.

Sat., Oct. 5, 8 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Erykah Badu with special guest Goodie Mob. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.chaifetzarena.com.

Wed., Oct. 9, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) TrapStar Turnt Rockstar Tour starring PNB Rock, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com

Fri., Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a Tribute to Aretha Franklin. In Unison Chorus will sing vocals. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Tues., Oct. 15, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), 85 to Africa Tour starring Jidenna. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), From The South With Love Tour starring BIG K.R.I.T. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sun., Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., Chaifetz Arena welcomes The Sketchbook Tour starring Fantasia and featuring Robin Thicke, Tank and The Bonfyre Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m. A Night of Soul Searching presents The Elevation Tour with Case and Elle Varner, The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.

Tues., Oct. 29, 8 p.m. Immortal Technique’s The Middle Passage Tour,

Kenya Vaughn recommends

The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.

Thurs., Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m., Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly, St. Charles Family Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

local gigs

Sat., Oct. 12, 2 p.m., Gordon’s Entertainment Present Jazz Heaven Series “Gone But Not Forgotten,’” James Eagan Theatre (inside Florissant Civic Center), 1 James Eagan Dr, Florissant MO 63033. For tickets, visit https://florissantmo.thundertix. com/

Sun., Oct. 13, 5 p.m. ( 4 p.m.)

Chuck Flowers & Acoustic Soul, BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups 700 S. Broadway St. Louis.

special events

Olympic Legend and Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Charles F. Knight Center, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. marianmiddleschool.org.

Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m., Gateway Arch National Park Celebrates National Public Lands Day, Yoga under the Arch, the Great MonArch Migration Event and Mississippi River Cleanup lead day of free, family friendly activities. For more information, visit www. gatewayarch.com.

Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m., Independent Schools of St. Louis and Mocha Moms, Inc. invites you to an Elementary Schools Fair for Families of Color. Central Christian School, 700 South Hanley Rd., 63105. For more information, visit www. independentschools.org/events.

Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., St. Louis Housing Fair. Friendly Temple, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Chaifetz Arena welcomes Erykah Badu with special guest Goodie Mob. See CONCERTS for details.

Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 465-8360.

Sat., Sept. 28, 4 p.m., Artscope’s Family Picnic and Fun Fair. Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.artscopestl.org.

Sat., Sept. 28, 6 p.m., Secondary and High School Info Night. MICDS, 101 North Warson Rd., 63124. For more information, visit www. independentschools.org/events.

Sun., Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m., American Foundation for Suicide Prevention presents the Out of The Darkness Community Walk. Tremayne Shelter, Creve Coeur Park, 13725 Marine Ave., 63043. For more information, visit www.afsp.donordrive.com.

Tues., Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m., High School Here I Come. Parents can learn about SLPS options, magnet application process, and more. Allied Health Professions Building, 3437 Caroline Mall, 63104. For more information, call (314) 633-5200 or email Stephen. anderson@slps.org.

Sat., Sept. 28, 11 a.m., The Village Resource Fair and Education Summit. O’Fallon Park Rec Complex, 4343 W.

Fri., Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Village Aglow: A Gala to Benefit STL Village featuring the music of Motown. Proceeds benefit our mission to enhance the quality of life of people age 50+. Mahler Ballroom, 4915 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. stlvillage.org.

Fri., Oct. 4, 8 p.m., Hollywood’s Greatest Game Show hosted by Bob Eubanks. River City Casino, 777 River City Casino Blvd., 63125. For more information, visit www.rivercity.com.

Sat., Oct. 5, 2 p.m., Grove Fest STL 2019. Food village, merchant village, street performers, and concerts. Manchester Ave. between Tower Grove and Sarah, 63110. For more information, visit www.thegrovestl.com.

Mon., Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Eta Omega Chapter invites you to the HBCU College Tour: Where It All Started Parent & Information Meeting. Tour will take place March 16-21, 2020, and cost is $500. University City Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, email blackcollgebustour@ omicronetaomega.org.

Thur., Oct. 10, 8 p.m., RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour 2019. Mission leader Asia OHara is on a journey to save the universe with the help of her intergalactic queens. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m., Gateway to Hope Gala for Hope. Join us for an evening celebrating our courageous patients and survivors. The Ritz Carlton, 100 Carondolet Plz., 63105. For more information, visit www.gthstl. org.

Tues., Oct. 1, 7 p.m., An Evening with Benny Golson. Dr. Gerald Early interviews

Oct. 12 – 13, 5th Annual St. Louis Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo. Showcase, panel discussion, styling classes, fitness classes, and more. Holiday Inn Downtown, 811 N. 9th St., 63101. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., Marian Middle School invites you to their 12th Annual Girls Night Out. A fundraiser and networking event featuring the saxophone legend about his nearly 8-decade career, followed by a performance. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. jazzstl.org.

Sun., Oct. 13, 11 a.m., Sauce Magazine’s Harvest Festival. Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. saucemagazine.com.

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kemper Art Museum invites you to Community Day. Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.

Sat., Oct. 19, 4 p.m., Reggae Unity Festival. Boenker Hill Vineyard & Winery, 12855 Boenker Ln., 63044. For more information, visit www. purplepass.com.

Sun., Oct. 20, 12 p.m., Missouri Association for Free and Charitable Clinics’ BBQ Fundraiser. Proceeds help continue support for 15 charitable medical clinics that serve MO’s uninsured residents. Grand Opera House, 311 N. Main St., 63301. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Saturdays, 8 a.m., The Ferguson Farmers Market Plaza at 501, 501 S. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

literary

Thur., Sept. 26, 9 a.m., Workers’ Rights Board hosts author Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. Rothstein will discuss housing segregation and inequality 5 years after Ferguson. Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr., 63136. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Oct. 5, 11 a.m., The Noble Life Experience & Book Signing.. Twillman House, 11840 Bellefontaine Rd., 63138. For more information, visit www. tammyrnobles.com.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Sat., Oct. 12, 10 a.m., Local Authors Book Fair. Authors include: Kelly Byrd, Brian Alan Bild, Rebecca Clark, Aja Owens, and more. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.fieldhousemuseum. org/event.

Mon., Oct. 14, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Saeed Jones, author of How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir. The High Low, 3301 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. left-bank.com.

Sat., Oct. 19, 1:30 p.m., Missouri History Museum hosts author Dr. Richard Bell author of Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped Into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

art

Oct. 5 – 6, 2019 Historic Shaw Art Fair. Featuring 135 artists, food, music, art demonstrations and kids activities, and more. 4200 Flora Pl., 63110. For more information, visit www. shawartfair.org.

Oct. 12 – 13, 10 a.m., The Highland Arts Council hosts the 16th Annual Art in the Park. Lindendale Park, 2005 Park Hill Dr., Highland, IL. 62249. www. highlandartscouncil.org

comedy

Sat., Oct. 5, 7 p.m., The Pageant presents Eric Andre: Legalize Everything Tour. With Sarah Squirm. 6161

Woodie King, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Glory Van Scott and George Faison. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www. theblackrep.org.

lectures and workshops

Sat., Sept. 28, 2 p.m., The Missouri Supreme Court Commission on Racial & Ethnic Fairness will present a Community Listening Forum on Civil and Municipal Court Issues, Urban League Ferguson Community Empowerment Center, 9200 W. Florissant.

Sat., Sept. 28, 2 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents Estate Planning. Registration recommended. Grant’s View Branch, 9700 Musick Rd., 63123. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/events.

Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

theatre

Sept. 27 – Oct. 13, Upstream Theater presents The Agitators. A look into the thunder and lightning of the 45-year friendship between Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., The Black Rep Gala featuring a concert version of the Broadway classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’” Other highlights will include the presentation of Frankie Muse Freeman Spirit Awards to Anne Marie Clark & Wesley Bell as well as the

Sun., Sept. 29, 4 p.m., COCA presents Speak Now: Amari Marshall. Marshall is a commercial hip-hop dancer and choreographer for Janet Jackson and many others. A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre, Washington University, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. cocastl.org.

Thurs., Oct. 3, 7:30 a.m., COCAbiz Session, From Courtroom to Couture: Designing an Unexpected Career with Wale Oyejide, Staenberg Performance Lab at COCA, 524 Trinity Ave, University City.

Mon., Sept. 30, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents Avoiding the Long Term Care Crisis Registration recommended. Indian Trails Branch, 8400 Delport Dr., 63114. For more information, visit www.slcl. org/events.

Mon., Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents Retirement Planning Registration recommended. Jamestown Bluffs Branch, 4153 N. Highway 67, 63034. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/events.

Thurs., Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who will be highlighting his new book “Letters from an Astrophysicist,” Stifel Theatre. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

health

Thur., Sept. 26, 6 p.m., The Right Time for Medicare for All. CWA Hall, 2258 Grissom Dr., 63146. For more information, call (314) 2653412 or visit www.facebook. com.

Sun., Oct. 6, 8 a.m., The National Children’s Cancer Society Golf Classic. The Courses at Forest Park, 6141 Lagoon Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. thenccs.org/golf.

Sun., Oct. 6, 3 p.m., The Gateway Illinois Chapter of the Links, Inc. invites you to the Salute to Our Survivors Breast Cancer Awareness Tea. 1 Norwood Hills Country Club, 63121. For more information, email gatewaylinksinc@gmail.com.

Mon., Oct. 7, 6 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Metropolitan St. Louis Chapters Breast Cancer Awareness Impact Day Normandy High School, 6701 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63133. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

spiritual

Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., Touhill Performing Arts Center presents CeCe Winans in Concert. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

The Pageant and RockHouse Ent. present Chrisette Michele: The Self Love Tour. For more information, see CONCERTS.

COCA

Continued from C1

The exhibition is styledriven, from the paintings inspired by certain prints to mixed media work that incorporates actual clothing patches.

“I really been thinking about this idea of adornment,” Osei said. “What does it mean? And when you look at the definition of ‘adornment,’ it’s to beautify – right? But it’s also not just a noun.”

The relationship between art being a noun and art being a verb – something that is happening or something in the act of – sparked her curiosity, as did incorporating fashion and clothing. Clothing is of particular interest to Osei because it transcends public and private spaces.

“Whatever clothes you put on your body, you do that in a very private space,” Osei said. “But when you walk out of that door, it ceases to be private and becomes a communal experience.”

She loves the idea of artists –

SLSO

Continued from C1

as he saw her waiting in the lobby of The American Before the symphony’s subscription series got underway, Denève conducted a free outdoor concert at Forest Park that brought an estimated 20,000 to Art Hill.

“Coming to St. Louis made me feel like I won a gold medal,” Denève said before the orchestra opened the outdoor concert on September 12 with “The Olympic Anthem,” which combines the compositions of “Bugler’s Dream” by Leo Arnaud, immediately followed by “Olympic Fanfare and

L.I.F.E.

Continued from C1

who performed the “For You” duet with Owens on “Soul of Ferguson.” The night will also feature NBC’s “The Voice” finalist Kennedy Holmes, Peter Martin, Shedrick Mitchell (keyboardist for Grammy Award winning soul singer Maxwell) as well as students from the L.I.F.E. Arts Inc. program.

“It’s music. It’s family. It’s hard to describe,” Owens said. “I can see it in my head – and

like many people do with their wardrobes – using clothing as a medium to express themselves.

“The clothing that we put on our body becoming these art objects that live in museums and gallery spaces is very

Theme” by John Williams.

Over the course of the concert, classical music staples were placed alongside the theme from “Star Wars” and other selections familiar to audiences who may have otherwise considered themselves outsiders to the art form. The crowd responded with rousing applause, raising handheld fans with Denève’s face on the front.

“This is something that I think about when I am conducting a concert,” Denève told The American – “that there is at least one person who is at the symphony for the first time and listening to the music for the first time. It’s a possibility to reveal to this person that there is a lot to discover and enjoy and be inspired by.”

in my head it looks really beautiful. It’s a night for the community to come together, love on each other and to recognize the people in our community who are models for either the type of lives we should all strive to live and legacies we should strive to leave.”

When he started L.I.F.E. Arts, Owens was grinding to make a name for himself nationally as a singer. When Ferguson happened, he felt led by God to respond in the moment.

“Ferguson compelled us all not to wait,” Owens said. Even before then, he

interesting. Clothing becomes memorabilia,” Osei said. “The object moves back into having human sensibilities because when you wear clothing, it becomes a part of you.”

Clothing informed the art of

He recalled a pivotal moment in his relationship with music: when he truly connected with a piece by Bach as a 17-year-old pianist in his native France. The reaction of his instructor was a transformative experience.

“He said, ‘You know Stephane, I am very happy for you because I know that you will never be alone,’” Denève said. “This was a revelation for me. I will always have that richness. I will always have possibility. I would love for everybody in our audience to know that.”

He is still moved by the universal feeling that comes with sharing music.

“It’s amazing,” Denève said. “Because what do I have in common being born in the

was very aware that life is fleeting and that there are no guarantees.

“I feel like God has given me the responsibility and work now,” Owens said. “I want students and my artists to see not only is it that you shouldn’t wait - you can’t wait. I can’t wait on a fame that might never happen or resources that may never come, when right now God is blessing me with the favor and relationships to enable me to pour into people right now.”

He’s paired with colleges and universities. His L.I.F.E. arts has performed on some of the biggest stages in St. Louis

Kuo, an artist of Asian descent, from a place of exclusion.

“It’s just based on my own personal experience and being a minority, specifically in the Midwestern landscape,” Kuo said of his three paintings that

north of France with a Chinese pianist Lang Lang or African trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe?

The background is different. The age is different. The culture is different. And then we get together, we breathe together, and it’s like, ‘One, two, three four’ and play. From that second, we are brothers.”

The woman who recruited him to lead the orchestra feels the same connections.

“What I found remarkable about Stéphane when we first met and later on when we decided to work together is the ways that he makes the music easily understood and he makes people very much at ease,” said Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, who is from French-speaking

– including Powell Hall for Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts and other special programming.

Guests will get an opportunity to once again see the best of what L.I.F.E. Arts has to offer at A Night For Life.

“Guests can expect to be uplifted,” Owens said. “And we’ve got the soundtrack of Michael McDonald with Michael McDonald in the house.”

Sunday will be a full-circle moment for Owens, a native of Belleville and resident of Ferguson, when he takes the stage with McDonald. When

Curator Yvonne Osei discussing Basil Kincaid’s contribution to the ‘Adornment Exhibition currently on display at COCA’s Millstone Gallery through December 15.

“After Paul Bunyan and Several Other Similar Folks Until Ice Cube” gives context to his intention.

“It’s about the relationship from Western cultures to cultures outside of Western nations,” Kuo said. “Foreigners and minorities are presented as of alien status within most colonized territories.”

Aryee, a Ghanaian artist based in Minneapolis, turns the concept of Eurocentric beauty standards within cultures on its head by using the darkest skin he can find and juxtaposing the ebony hues against bright colors and shapes.

are featured. “These are all driven from things that felt like systems of power that I have not been included within.”

The title of a large-scale painting that mimics the pattern and color of flannel entitled

Quebec. “Because it’s not so much about what you know, but how you feel. There is going to be a big emphasis in the music and programs about themes and connections.”

Bernard and Denève predict that the honeymoon will be never-ending for him at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Bernard is basing her prediction on her four years and counting at the helm of the institution.

“It is not the largest, but it is probably one of the finest,” Bernard said. “The endurance and the resilience of this orchestra is extraordinary, and the music-making here is amazing and the history is fascinating.”

She said that the orchestra, which is the second-oldest in the nation, has taken more

he was in the military band at Scott Air Force Base, the first song he learned with them was “Taking It To the Streets.”

He met McDonald for the first time in Los Angeles back in 2003 while competing on the now-defunct “Wayne Brady Show.” He met him again a few years later because the drummer in a band Owens’ was singing in was the nephew of Michael McDonald’s drummer.

By 2015, Owens and his own band were opening for McDonald, which sparked the friendship that led to their collaboration on “Soul of Ferguson” and subsequently McDonald’s presence at “A

“Seth is really fascinated with the idea of black skin,” Osei said. “He told me that growing up he didn’t hear great stories about blackness or living in black skin. So, what he does as a photographer is take black bodies and present them in beautiful ways. He wants to be known as an artist who celebrates black identity, black culture and being black.”

‘Adornment’ will be on display at COCA’s Millstone Gallery through December 15. For more information, visit www.coca-stl.org.

risks – on emerging composers and soloists – than most major orchestras.

“If you look at the past 50 or 60 years of programming and history, look at the chances that this institution has taken on emerging artists who are now very established,” Bernard said. “To me it has always spoken to the character of this city. “We have issues. We have problems. But the richness of culture offered to us was really remarkable.”

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-2020 concert season opens this weekend with Mahler’s “Resurrection” on September 27-28 at Powell Symphony Hall. For tickets or additional information, visit www.slso.org.

Night For Life.”

“It’s music. It’s family,” Owens said. “We’re going to have students on the stage. We’re going to have legends on the stage. We are going to have up and coming artists on the stage. I’ll be on the stage with the Deacons of Soul. This is going to be a beautiful picture of what St. Louis was, is and will be.”

“A Night For Life” benefit for L.I.F.E. Arts Inc. will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 29 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. For tickets or more information, visit at www.lifeartsinc.org.

Scenes from Tishaura Jones’annual tournament

Mayor’s BUSINESS CELEBRATION LUNCHEON 2019

Friday, October 11, 2019 11am-1:30pm Marriott St. Louis Grand 8th Street & Washington Avenue

$90 per person/$900 table of 10

PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS

Quincy Troupe and Keyon Harrold to perform at Art Museum

The Saint Louis Art Museum invites you to attend a collaborative performance by two St. Louis luminaries, poet Quincy Troupe and trumpeter Keyon Harrold, on Friday, October 11 at 7 pm. Offered in conjunction with the exhibition The Shape of Abstraction: Selections from the Ollie Collection, the performance will explore abstraction in visual art, poetry, and jazz. The evening will feature readings of poems by Troupe, including “The Shape of Abstraction; for Ron Ollie” that Troupe wrote in response to works featured in the Ollie collection, as well as original compositions by Harrold and images of works of art by Black artists highlighted in the exhibition.

Troupe, who grew up in St. Louis, is an award-winning poet, editor, and author of 21 books and 11 volumes of poetry. Recipient of three American Book Awards, his most recent books of poems are Ghost Voices and Seduction. His book of poems, Transcircularities: New and Selected Poems, was selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best books of poetry in the USA in 2002. He wrote Miles: The Autobiography Miles Davis with Quincy Troupe and a memoir, Miles and Me, which will soon be a major motion picture. He is editor of Black Renaissance Noire, a literary journal of the Institute of African-American Affairs at New York University.

Acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and music producer Keyon Harrold was born and raised in Ferguson. Wynton

Marsalis called him “The Future of The Trumpet ,” and Rolling Stone proclaimed him “1 of 10 New Artists You Need to know in 2018.” He is a part

Performance: The Shape of Abstraction: Trumpet and Voice, Call and Response

Friday, October 11 7:00 pm Saint Louis Art Museum, The Farrell Auditorium, $10/$5Members

of over 100 albums of multiple genres and styles from Jay-z and Beyoncé to Keith Richards. In the film, “Miles Ahead” Harrold is featured as the trumpet sound of Don Cheadle playing Miles Davis. His lat-

est album, “The Mugician,” includes two songs written in the wake of Michael Brown’s death. Join us as we welcome Troupe and Harrold and honor Black abstract art at the Saint Louis Art Museum. A book signing with Quincy Troupe will take place immediately following the performance. A selection of his books will be available for purchase at the Museum Shop. This program is supported by a grant from the Trio Foundation of St. Louis. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Museum’s Information Centers or through MetroTix at metrotix.com or 314.534.1111. All tickets purchased or reserved through MetroTix incur a service charge; the service charge is waived for tickets purchased or reserved at the Art Museum.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Celebrating St. Louis’ Shining Stars of Hospitality

By Kiara Bryant For the St.

Louis American

Explore St. Louis recently honored hospitality industry workers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure visitors to St. Louis enjoy their stay at its Annual Meeting and Hospitality Heroes Recognition ceremony.

Frontline employees are the backbone of the hospitality industry and on Thursday, September 19, we celebrated over 174 of our heroes in hospitality from area hotels and attractions such as the Marriott St. Louis Grand and the Saint Louis Zoo. Here are the stories of 14 Hospitality Super Heroes.

Billy Haag, Forest Park

Forever

A Forest Park visitor was upset when his expensive prescription sunglasses accidently fell into the water. He called the Forest Park Forever office and explained his situation to Billy. On his lunch break, Billy sprang into action, hopping into the Emerson Grand Basin searching the murky water with his wadding equipment. Careful not to step on the glasses, he successfully retrieved the intact glasses with his hands. The visitor was so grateful to Billy that he gave him a small token of his appreciation.

Fata Dulie and Alice Klein, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

A guest was attending a fundraiser at the Ritz- Carlton when he spilled a glass of wine on his white tux shirt. He attempted to clean the shirt and was unsuccessful. Alice and other associates at the hotel insisted on helping him. Alice provided him with two shirt options to temporarily replace his shirt while she sent it to be cleaned. Before dinner was complete, Alice discretely approached him and informed him that his shirt was ready for pickup at the coat check. The guest was impressed with Alice and the rest of the team and

expressed his gratitude.

Denise Shell, Marriott St.

Louis Grand

A guest lost her ring during her stay when Denise from hotel security came to her rescue. Denise wrote down a statement and took photos of the ring. The guest explained that she believed the ring was accidentally vacuumed when it fell on the floor. Denise went to housekeeping and found the ring after extracting it from a vacuum cleaner within one hour. The guest was grateful for Denise’s diligence.

Erin Aripowski, Brian Counsell, Orel Dahan, Katie Stryker, Kevin Oksanen, Val Olstad and Kyle UlmerSaint Louis Zoo

A visitor collapsed due to the heat after a Sea Lion Sound show at the Saint Louis Zoo. The staff called security to have the medical team take care of the visitor. He was visiting the zoo with his wife and eight-year old granddaughter, who were concerned. The little girl became visibly upset while her grandfather was receiving medical attention. Kyle, Val and Katie took action immediately to calm her and offered to show her behind the scenes at the sea lion sound area. The sea lion staff also gathered a few other zoo souvenirs and mailed her a care package. The sea lion sound crew made his granddaughter’s experience top priority.

Jonathon Hickman, Missouri History Museum Shop An online customer of the gift shop emailed Jonathon and told him that her order had not arrived. She needed the special gift for her grandchild as soon as possible. After learning that her package would most likely not arrive in her desired time frame, the customer became frustrated and worried. Jon empathized with her predicament. He wanted to ease her stress so he decided to hand deliver a complimentary duplicate of the St. Louis water-globe that she

purchased. She was grateful and impressed that he exceeded her expectations.

Theresa Schafer, Pieces STL: Board Game Bar & Café A customer reached out to reserve one of the private rooms at Pieces STL: Board Game Bar & Café so that he could propose to his girlfriend. After numerous emails back and forth, Theresa encouraged the customer to come into the restaurant so they could discuss the plan. Theresa showed the photographer the best spots for pictures. She helped prepare a riddle, specialty cocktail and cake to be made by the in-house bakery for the proposal. On a busy Saturday night, Theresa waited for customers at the door and helped every detail go according to plan. She said, “Yes!” This was only one example of many special moments that Theresa has made for guests at Pieces.

Katie Steinman, Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel A guest called Katie regarding an upcoming weekend getaway that she was planning with her husband. The guest told Katie that she had heard the Renaissance had extraordinary views of the airplanes arriving and departing from the airport. Her husband, a retired member of the U.S. Air Force, would love to see that. Katie made the reservation for a room with a great view of the planes. She made a special trip to the hotel on her day off just to make sure everything went smoothly. She delivered dinner and the guest’s favorite bottle of wine to the

lounge for them. The couple was over the

with

she made sure every part of their getaway was

These individuals continue to amaze us and give us a sense of pride in the great work that people in our community are doing. Find more information about the St. Louis hospitality industry at

explorestlouuis.com.

Quincy Troupe Photograph by Rohan Preston

Keyon Harrold Photograph of Deneka Peniston

Birthdays

Britt! Robin has served as the St. Louis American’s Controller for 23 years. We wish her all the best as she begins Chapter 60!

Reunions

Celebrations

Happy 60th Birthday on September 27 to the most beautiful woman I know—my mother. She has two children, four grandchildren and is ready for retirement. She has been looking forward to this milestone and enjoying every bit of it. You are an awesome mother and Madea! Love, your Kelly Girl

Happy Sweet 16th Birthday to my superstar, CarlyRae Lewis! On September 25, 2003, I met my perfect creation, my sidekick, my best friend. I hope you know how enormously proud we are of the amazing, ambitious, confident, loving, cheerful, courageous, respectful young woman you are becoming. It’s been a SWEET 16 years of memories, yet the best part of this journey is just beginning. Love Always, Mom & Dad

Family shoutout to Jean Holloway who celebrated another year on September 22. She is blessed to reach the wise age of 84. Sending our love!

Happy Birthday to Ken Howliet, who celebrated on September 19. We hope you had the best day ever! Love, Aunt Joyce and family.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO

at 10700 Pear

Vashon High Class of 1969 Alumni committee is planning it’s 50-year Reunion: October 18 and 19, 2019, at the Renaissance Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road, Berkeley, MO. Meet and Greet will take place Friday night from 6-10 p.m. Reunion Banquet is Saturday night from 6-11 p.m. Contact Genies Jordan 314-448-6658, Yvonne Clemons 314-620-0551 for additional information or email Liz35206@yahoo.com to register.

Vashon-Hadley Old School Reunion 1960-67, October 19,

Vashon High Class of 1974 is planning for its 45th reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-6405842, Jordan Perry 314-7244563, or LaVerne James-Bady 314-382-0890.

2019, 2-6 pm at The Atrium in Christian Hospital. For more details text (only) Brenda Mahr at 314-580-5155 or email at: brendamahr@att.net.

Sumner High Class of 1957 Annual Dinner Buffet, September 21, 2019 at 5pm, Lombardo’s Restaurant, 10488 Natural Bridge Rd. (next to Drury Inn) For more information call Martha Ballentine at 314-456-2051.

Soldan High Class of 1974 Alumni Association is planning its 45-year reunion. Please get your contact information to dhblackjack@ charter.net or call 314-7493803.

Soldan High Class of 1970 “Reunion Committee” is sponsoring a “Bazaar” Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 7 am-12 noon at The Heritage House Apts. 2800 Olive Street, St. Louis, Mo 63103 (between Harris Stowe College and Wells Fargo). Plenty of parking in back of building. “Stop on by, surely you will find something you like.” For more information please call (314) 707-9221.

Beaumont High Class of 1979 is planning its 40-year reunion. All activities are scheduled for the weekend of September 27-29. The location is The Airport

Drive, St. Louis 63134. For more information, contact Milton Jackson at 314-2764392 or Yolanda Lockhart at lockhartyo08@gmail.com.

Beaumont High Class Of 1969 will celebrate its 50-year reunion Sept 20-22, 2019 at Embassy Suites St. Charles. Come join us as we celebrate these golden years, “Living Life Like It’s Golden.” For more information contact Dennis Hayden 314 276-6188 or beaumontclassof1969@ yahoo.com or send your questions to P.O. Box 155, Florissant, MO 63032.

Salute 32 in the books with plenty of looks. Didn’t I tell y’all life was going to be given at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 32nd Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala? And because I love so much to tell y’all “I told you so,” I’m going to jump right into letting you know what went down last Saturday at America’s Center. The most pressing positive news was that I didn’t pop out of my glorious gown like a cannister of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. The Devil Is a lie! The pain of my compression undergarment was a small price to pay for the lewk I served the girls. But enough about me, because I wasn’t the only one serving sophisticated slayage this year. Dr. Kacy Seals, that burgundy gown fell right in line with your reputation of setting the bar for style at Salute every year. And so did the St. Louis American family that consistently comes through with the best in formal and cocktail wear. Pam Simmons in her black and white with a pop of color, Mary Easter in the black and gold pleated gown and Robin Britt’s hot pink item with the train that wouldn’t quit. Black and white ensembles, pleats and glamourous pantsuits were also hot fashion tickets. Tracie McKeown, Sarita Moody and Diana Hopper took the spot for best dressed crew. I’m convinced that Sarita could find the right accessories and the perfect high waist belt to slay a Schnucks paper bag. And Tracie and Diana were life and curves more abundantly in those green gowns. It was close between them and Rachel Proudie (girl, that neon blouse and African print was killing it!) and Cora Faith Walker who came through with the cape and gown combo. Darlynn Bosley did it again with the gorgeous African print cocktail dress… so much so that I was glad she won the bling door prize. 2019 Salute honoree Victoria Harris was also quite cute in her burgundy gown. As far as the fellas Al Mitchell of Bayer and Dwayne from Prime Production Choice were giving Jidenna a run for his money with their “Classic Man” vibes. The whole night was life – as it has been for more than three decades. So let me give one more round of applause to this year to the educators, stellar performer Valerie Bell, Lifetime Achievement Award recipients (and cutest couple of all time) Dr. and Mrs. Brown and the scholars who reaped the benefit of the $1.2 million-plus that was awarded through the foundation this year. And be sure to check out the paper next week for a full spread of photos, so you can see for yourself the glorious triumph that was Salute 32.

Jazzing it up and swagging out at Salute afterparties. Now y’all know it would be full Salute coverage if I didn’t at least touch upon the partying that went down after the official program ended. The Coleman Hughes Project made their Jazz Cabaret debut and they were a hit! Adrianne can sing her face off and mine right along with it. And while it felt more like a smooth soul and R&B cabaret, I am not the least bit mad about the set list. Anybody within an earshot of me knows this to be true by my failed attempts to harmonize. And DJ Sir Thurl with Bishop V Luv had the Old School Party crackin’! Some of the selections weren’t old school to everybody, but the hiphop generation had an absolute ball – especially during the “Swag Surf.” And when “Cash Money taking over the 99 and 2000” dropped, let’s just say that folks forgot they were in classy evening wear. I loved every bit of it.

Unofficial Salute afterset at the Angad. After the after party I scooted over to the Angad Hotel for the rooftop set presented by Belvedere that was as cute as it could be because plenty of the younger folks stilled dolled up for Salute headed over to make sure everybody got a chance to check for their fresh. The bad news is that you won’t get a chance to see it because hotel security was set tripping with V. Lang about his camera and would grant him rooftop access to capture it for us. It’s quite silly to have a “no photos allowed” set unless the folks are looking an utter mess. Birthday Goals. Let me tell y’all that some influencers in this town had me ready for a birthday do-over by the way they turned it out in honor of their latest rotation around the sun. The celebrations were polar opposite in set-up, but have me torn as to how I’m going to mark my big 3-0 milestone in three years (I said what I said). Friday night Kevin C. Johnson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had a sexy intimate gathering at Bait. He had a maximum of 28 allowed for the party, so it was only the who’s who at that table. And when I looked down to see the special birthday plug on the menu with featured items in his honor, I almost fell out. The food was glorious. That snapper fish looking back at me, like “girl, please don’t do it” didn’t stop me. I thought it was going to be tough to eat through – until I tasted it! At that moment there was not a face created that could have stopped me from throwing down. The set was so cute that I forgave him for stepping away from his glorious annual bash – though I recommended that he consider serving one up for his next milestone. Speaking of birthday milestones, can we talk for a few sentences about how the grand diva Denise Thimes turned it all the way out for her big 6-0 Sunday at Majorette? Listen. It was utter slayage with that beautiful black gown and white hair that matched the black and white theme of the night. If I start naming folks, I will forget someone. Just know that anybody who was somebody came through to partake in that extravagant situation that included a live band and a catered spread that had me glad it fell on the Sunday after Salute or I would have been forced to wear my backup dress. Pretty girls at the Pepper Lounge. Was it me or was there an influx of straight-up stunners who came through the Sunshine and Champagne Day Party Sunday at The Pepper Lounge. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen that many tens in the same place at the same time (outside of a Salute, of course). Actually, the last time I can remember was back when Eye Candy Parties were poppin.’ Since I’m on the subject of tens, let me give a special shout out to Marika Jones who made a rare appearance out in these streets to turn up for her b-day. Shout out to Jacq, Yung Ro and

for bringing out the beautiful ones!

Triky

Josh, Portia and Justin represented for the Alphas and AKAs @ 32nd Salute to Excellence in Education Saturday night @ America’s Center

Patricia, Keisha, Devita, Bonita and Dominique of Zeta Phi Beta all came together as their countdown to centennial kicked off @Troy’s Listening Room Saturday

Jan, Monikki and Wanetta made sure they had good seats when they caught Love Jones The Band playing Sunday evening @ BB’s

Keith and Stephanie danced a few numbers with the TLC impersonators @ The Old school Party @ Salute Saturday

Soulition DJs James Biko, Nico, Agile One, Nimbus, M*Knight, Blvck Spvde, Makeda Kravitz, Will Power, JMO and Reminse @ The Strauss Park Jam Saturday

Kevin C. Johnson celebrated his birthday with Lee Haynes and two dozen other tastemakers with an incredible personalized dinner party Friday night @ Bait

Jazz diva Denise Thimes brought in the big 6-0 with a bang Sunday @ Majorette and her son Jabril was right by her side

Sunshine and Champagne brought MZ_ COOKIE24 and KEEKRAZY to The Pepper Lounge Sunday

Keith and Dion came to see Love Jones The Band jam Sunday @ BB’s

Courtney and Tiffany enjoyed an afternoon of chillaxing at The 5th Annual Strauss Park Jam @ Grand Center

DJ Kut of 95.5 FM welcomed comedian and “Snowfall” co-star DeRay Davis ahead of his sold-out weekend engagement at Helium Comedy Club.

Photos by V. Lang

Seeking

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for a Police Officer. To apply got to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ Applications will be accepted from September 21, 2019 through October 11, 2019.

SENIOR CENTER VAN DRIVER

Full-time position primarily working 8-4pm during the week M-F Safely transporting senior citizens from their homes to the Center, medical appointments, and other local destinations.

Requirements:

Applicants must have at least:

• A High School diploma or G.E.D.

• Ability to communicate with seniors, staff and the general public

• Valid Missouri Drivers’ License with a clean driving record

CITY OF JENNINGS JOB OPENINGS

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Code Enforcement Inspectors, Correctional Officers, Public Works Street/Park Laborers, P/T Bus Driver, P/T Youth Sports positions, & P/T Prosecuting Attorney Clerk. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org. Applications are available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website at www.cityofjennings.org.

The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Riverview Fire Protection District has received a Federal Grant (SAFER) for a three (3) year period, and is seeking candidates for the postions of Firefighter/Paramedic. Details, requirements and instructions (Candidate Guidelines) are listed below: Prior to Filling Out Job Application Please Visit Our Web Site: RiverviewFPD.com for Candidate Guidelines.

Interested candidates must complete an “Application for Employment Form” at the Fire District’s Headquarters located at 9933 Diamond Drive St. Louis Missouri, 63137. Application forms will be available and accepted from 08:00 AM (CST) to 4:00 PM, (CST) Monday through Friday, October 7, 2019 through October 11, 2019.

• Reliable and dependable

• Knowledge of St. Louis City streets and neighborhoods

Please submit resumes to dlakine@nsyssc.com

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEW OPENINGS!

The Missouri Historical Society has position openings for the following:

• Early Childhood and Family Programs Coordinator

Please visit www.mohistory.org under the “Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

FILINGS COMPLIANCE

ANALYST I

To be responsible for preparation and submission of insurance carrier rate, rule, and form filings to insurance departments for assigned products. Inclusive within such responsibility are communication with state regulators, documentation of filing communications and dissemination of filing status reports to various personnel and various corporate departments. This position involves moderately complex assignments, problem solving and decision making.

To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ON THE ST. LOUIS, MO CAMPUS:

- Clinical Systems Analyst

- Senior Administrative Assistant

- Clinical Adjunct Faculty

- Dentist For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.atsu.edu

EDI INTEGRATION ANALYST

The EDI Integration Analyst is responsible for all aspects of data quality and analysis. The EDI Integration Analyst will be accountable for developing data quality reporting which requires analytical skills and an aptitude for data analysis. They will partner with internal and external data providers to ensure the quality of incoming data, as well as resolve data issues while strategically trying to drive continuous improvement efforts to eliminate root causes. This position partners with assigned business units and provides accurate data to allow for making the best business decisions possible. Must identify and drive continuous improvements in the quality and availability of corporate data. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/careers-page/

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

POSITION

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking to fill the following open full-time position. Director of Development: Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 7 years of professional experience. View full job descriptions and application process at www.archpark.org.

ARCHS, a highly respected not-forprofit funding agency, is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist with dynamic digital-age expertise. Use creative and technical skills to convey ARCHS’ story through strategic use of social media, writing, graphic design, photos, and videos. Requirements: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; 1-2 years of digital media experience; highly organized; deadline focused; multi-tasker; outgoing; inquisitive; have reliable transportation/ able to travel locally. ARCHS’ benefit package includes a 401(k) match. Be prepared to provide portfolio of work upon request. EMAIL initial letter of application and resume by August 30, 2019 to careers@stlarchs.org or FAX to ARCHS’ HR, 314-289-5670. No Phone Calls Please.

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR POSITION

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking to fill the following open full-time position. Communications Coordinator: Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communication, marketing or a related field and at least 2 – 5 years of professional experience. View full job descriptions and application process at www.archpark.org.

CASE WORKER PANTRY

FT position responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Food Pantry. BA/BS plus 2 years of related experience required. $13-16/ hr. Cover letter/resume to: GASA, 1127 N. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113, Fax (314) 231-8126, hr@gasastl.org. EOE.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT POSITION

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking to fill the following open full-time position. Director of Development: Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 7 years of professional experience. View full job descriptions and application process at www.archpark.org.

MANAGER & CLINICAL COUNSELOR

Better Family Life, Inc. a non-profit organization is currently looking to hire several jobs to the community outreach department to collaborate with program partners in areas of outreach, research, issues with addictions and substance, interventions, etc. while evaluating targeted neighborhoods.

To apply send resume to hr@betterfamilylife.org NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE Better Family Life, Inc. EOE

of Alton, IL

website for requirements and application

www.cityofaltonil.com/careers

Testing for this position will be held on

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 24 th , 2019 to contract with a company for: Hydrogen Peroxide Odor Control System. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10129 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 30, 2019 to contract with a company for: RAIN GAUGES (WIRELESS). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10175 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 28, 2019 to contract with a company for: P-115 Gasconade Pump Station Roof Replacement. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10169 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00am October 25, 2019 for: 2 NEW MINI EXCAVATORS

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be 10173 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 29, 2019 to contract with a company for: P-116 Dakota Pump Station Roof Replacement. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10170 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

bidsforHVAC Replacement, AutumnHillState School,Union, Missouri,Project No.E1806-01 willbereceived byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/17/2019via MissouriBUYS.

LETTING #8702 GROUND TRANSPORTATION CENTER

AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on October 15, 2019 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 1:30 PM in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

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

Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecific project informationand orderingplans, goto:https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.

SEALED BIDS

electronic bidsforUpgrade WestCampground Utilities,Missouri StateFairgrounds, Sedalia,MO, ProjectNo. F1903-01willbe received byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/22/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificprojectinformation andordering plans,goto: https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No.F 20 404, New Flooring in Theatre, Student Center and Bridges, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Monday, October 7, 2019. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to provide its Communicable Disease program with Radio Broadcast/Internet Radio Advertising for its HIV Prevention Programming.

Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning September 24, 2019, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Franda Thomas, 1520 Market Street-Suite 4027, St. Louis MO 63103, thomasf@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1461.

Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.cfm. All questions must be submitted in writing no later than September 27, 2019, to Franda Thomas at the information listed above. All questions will be addressed through addenda posted on the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/.

The deadline for submitting proposals is October 22, 2019, by 4:30 P.M. at the address listed above. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

PRESOLICITATION NOTICE

This notice does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, or invitation for bid. Employ Milwaukee, Inc. is planning to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in October 2019 for U.S. Department of Labor H-1B grant service delivery. The Proposal due date is tentatively planned for November 2019. THIS SOLICITATION WILL BE OFFERED IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT ONLY. NO HARD COPIES WILL BE PROVIDED. Offerors can view and/or download the RFP and attachments at www.employmilwaukee.org when the RFP is posted.

SEALED BIDS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

City of St. Louis Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Grants Administration

Starting Thursday, September 26, 2019, The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease - Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide the following services: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Housing to people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis Transitional Grant Area and portions of Illinois.

A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained from Regina Smith, Contract Compliance Officer, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 4027, by either calling 314-657-1581 or via email smithre@stlouis-mo.gov.

Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ govemrnentlprocurement.cfm. If interested parties who have downloaded the proposal from the website, must register with Ms. Smith in order to be notified of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. The deadline for submitting proposals is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday November 5, 2019, at the address referenced above.

SEALED BIDS

BidsforUpgrade Inner Campground Utilities,Missouri StateFairgrounds, Sedalia,Missouri, ProjectNo. F1905-01will bereceivedby FMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/22/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificprojectinformation andordering plans, goto:https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

City of St. Louis Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Grants Administration

Starting Thursday, September 26, 2019, The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease - Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide the following services: Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) Program for Ryan White Part A, Health Education/Risk Reduction provision of services for targeted minority populations living with HIV. A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained from Regina Smith, Contract Compliance Officer, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 4027, by either calling 314-657- 1581 or via email smithre@stlouis-mo.gov. Interested

register with Ms. Smith in order to be notified of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. The deadline for submitting proposals is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday November 5, 2019, at the address referenced above.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”) issues this open request for qualifications from qualified graphic design firms to conceptualize, design, and deliver supporting collateral materials for the Partnership and its affiliated entities for various projects during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020.

The Partnership will accept qualifications throughout the fiscal year; however, to be considered for the first available contract opportunities, please submit your firm’s qualification on or before Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 3:00 PM CST. Qualifications should include the information indicated in the Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”), which may be obtained from the Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. Qualifications may be sent by email to hbean@stlpartnership.com. DBE, MBE, and WBE firms are encouraged to bid.

This RFQ shall not be construed as an offer. Submission of qualifications does not obligate the Partnership to consider a responding firm for any project or contract. Questions should be directed to Howl Bean II at (314) 615-7663 or hbean@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

INVITATION FOR EQUIPMENT BIDS

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking bids for portable radios, CERT backpacks, dry suits, chemical protective suits, airbag lifting sets, rescue air cushion systems & extrication equipment. Bids are due 10/03/19. Funding provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. MBEs / WBEs are encouraged to submit bids. Find details at www. ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208.

Electronicbids forNew Campground, MissouriState Fairgrounds, Sedalia,Missouri, ProjectNo. F1901-01willbe received byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/17/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificprojectinformation andordering plans,goto: https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.

SEALED BIDS

electronic bidsforNew OutdoorFiring Range,Missouri StateHighway Patrol,Jefferson City,Missouri, ProjectNo.R180601willbereceived byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/24/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificproject informationand orderingplans, goto:https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on October 18th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Digital Signage Services. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10163 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The University of Missouri General Site Primary Care Clinic North for the University Of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri: Project Number: CP190411 for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: earthwork, paving, utilities, concrete, masonry, metals, rough carpentry, roofing, doors, glazing, painting, drywall, flooring, equipment, specialties, furnishings, fire suppression/protection plumbing, air distribution, HVAC, control systems, electrical, communications, electronic security. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB businessesshould contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Greg Bachler or Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 10/03/2019 @ 1:30 PM. Proposals

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 to our SmartBid Net system.

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking sealed bids for sixteen (16) benches and twelve (12) trash receptacles. Check https://greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by October 11, 2019.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Subcontractor

MBE/WBE/SDVE/ DBE/VBE

K&S Associates, Inc. is soliciting for the following projects during the month of October AP Green Building –MUHC Lab Consolidation and MU Primary Care Clinic North Plans and Specs can be viewed at www.ksgcstl.com Submit Bids to estimating@ksgcstl.com or Fax 314-647-5302

Contact Dennis Dyes @ 314-647-3535 with questions

PROJECT: Saint Louis Zoo 2019 Property and Casualty Insurance Consulting/ Brokerage Services RFP

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking a state licensed, full service, experienced, customer-service oriented firm able to assist with strategic consultation regarding the design and effectiveness of property and casualty insurance and risk management programs. The bid documents are available as of 9/13/19 located at https://stlzoo.org/about/contact/ vendoropportunities.

for all winning bids. Units Col. 30-Brian Killingsworth, Col. 60-Ron Meyer, Col. 105-Chad Lane, Dupo 15-Adam Flotron, Dupo 16-Jazz Jackson, Dupo 19-George Carlton, Dupo 31-Billy Kuni, Dupo 43-Darashawn Byrum, Dupo 85-Karen Pratt, Dupo 99-Steven Garrison, Dupo 105-Amanda Venus, Dupo 113-Stephen Stein, Dupo 148-Jason Boyer, Dupo 150-Joe Barnhardt, Dupo 201-Ashley Thomas, Dupo 401-Junior Macke, Dupo 403-Roy Venus, Dupo 414-Glen Suschanke, Dupo 125/126-Tammy Watson, Bel. 13 & 308-Jenna Monroe, Bel. 22 & 108Misti Warner, Bel. 103-Devyn Tammons, Bel. 109-Molly Crader, Bel. 111-Stacy Bobby, Bel. 201-Breonna Childs, Bel. 306-Tony Cotton, Bel. 317-Joi Harris, Bel. 319-Tameka Lilton, Bel. 403-Jeanny Hite, Bel. 416-Angela Davis, Bel. 503-Robert Harter, Bel. 506-Tyneshia Parchman, Bel. 509-Anthony Jones, Bel. 524-Michael Crossen, Bel. 532-Beverly Driver, Bel. 549-Jasmine Finley, Bel. 612-Mark Hilton, Bel. 625-Yeishea Vaughn, Bel. 636-Jules Johanson, Bel. 639-Ongellique Jones, Bel. 640-Carneshia Johnson, Bel. A04-Heather Gonzalez, Bel. A22-Madison Brown, Bel. B07-Shawn Kitterman, B08 & E01-Jonas Unaeve, Bel. C01-Jeremy David, Bel. C04Vernice Smith, Bel. D04-Lakesha Emerson, Bel. E02-Geanetta Akins, Bel. E03-Neoshae McCurry, Bel. E05-Mary Owens, Bel. E10Lamont Hudson, Bel. E12-Stuart Patterson, Bel. F04-Jordan Johson. For all rules, regulations and bidding process, contact Jersey County Auctions. All other questions, please call 618-744-1588 or mail 300 Rueck Road, Columbia, IL 62236.

Religion

‘This was a long-sustained and far-reaching cover-up’

Missouri attorney general refers 12 clergy sex-abuse cases to prosecutors

By Julie O’Donoghue

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Missouri Attorney General

Eric Schmitt will refer 12 cases of Catholic Church sexual abuse allegations to local prosecutors after reviewing 2,300 personnel records of priests, deacons, seminarians and nuns provided by Missouri’s four Catholic dioceses over the past year.

Overall, Schmitt said his office found 163 priests and other clergy members had been accused of sexual misconduct involving minors in Missouri since 1945. In some cases, they were accused of abuse multiple times and by multiple people.

“Well, there’s no question this was a long-sustained and far-reaching cover-up - to cover up the abuse. ... The focus was more on protecting priests than looking out for the victims,” Schmitt said at a press conference.

He said his civil investigation of Catholic clergy sexual abuse allegations is the most comprehensive to ever take place in Missouri, though it did not encompass all Catholic clergy who have worked in the state over the past 74 years. Schmitt said he didn’t have access to most of the personnel records of Catholic religious orders, some of which run universities, elementary and secondary schools in the state. The Catholic Archdiocese

of St. Louis said it did not know how many people were working with religious orders in the St. Louis area. Within the dioceses, about three-quarters of the 163 priests deemed possible abusers can’t be prosecuted. A little over half of them are dead. Of the 80 who are still alive, about half are facing allegations that are too old to pursue under state and federal law, according to Schmitt’s office.

The remaining cases Schmitt evaluated include five that are currently being investigated by local prosecutors; 16 that have been referred to prosecutors previously; and one the Catholic Church is still investigating. That left the 12 cases that Schmitt is referring himself.

At a press conference, Schmitt gave a few details about the allegations in those dozen cases, but his office didn’t provide identifying information such as names of the accused or the locations and dioceses where the alleged abuse took place. Schmitt’s staff said his office wasn’t allowed to share that identifying information under state and federal law. Schmitt said he focused his efforts on looking for priests and other clergy directly involved in abuse. He did not investigate potential coverups of abuse that might have been carried out by the church hierarchy.

Over the past several weeks,

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said his office found 163 priests and other  clergy members had been accused of sexual misconduct involving minors in Missouri  since 1945. In some cases, they were accused of abuse multiple times and by  multiple people.

the Missouri Catholic dioceses released their own lists of priests, nuns and other clergy they believe to be “credibly accused” of sexual misconduct related to minors.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis released a list of 63 accused priests; the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph released a list of 24 accused priests; the Diocese of Jefferson City released a list of 35 clergymen; and the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau released a list of 16 people.

Taken together, the four dioceses lists don’t add up to as many people as Schmitt flagged

for misconduct allegations. It’s also unclear whether the dozen people Schmitt is referring to prosecutors appeared on those previously released lists. Schmitt has laid out five recommendations to Missouri’s Catholic dioceses for improving their sexual misconduct investigations.

He said the dioceses need to exert more oversight over religious orders. The church’s independent review boards that investigate sexual abuse complaints also need to be made up entirely of lay people.

When the lay review board or church determines

that a clergy member will be defrocked, that decision should be disclosed to the public, according to Schmitt. There should also be robust supervision of priests removed from public ministry, and the diocese needs to review old sexual abuse claims and subject them to standards imposed after 2002, Schmitt said.

Before seeing the report, survivors of Catholic clergy sexual abuse were criticizing Schmitt’s efforts. They said the state had relied too much on the Missouri dioceses to provide information about their own misconduct.

“We expect that it is going to be essentially a whitewash,” said David Clohessy, with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests in Missouri, before Schmitt released his report. Clohessy said he didn’t think Schmitt had reached out to enough victims and should have worked more closely with private attorneys who have represented sexual abuse survivors in cases against the Catholic Church.

“I’ve seen where he claimed his staff talked to 70 victims over more than a year. In contrast, law enforcement officials in Kansas have talked to 119 victims over just a couple of months,” Clohessy said.

The state launched an inquiry into Missouri Catholic clergy sexual abuse last year under then-Attorney General Josh Hawley. Hawley decided to look into Catholic clergy sex abuse after Pennsylvania’s attorney general released a comprehensive report suggesting that several Catholic dioceses in that state had not been forthcoming about the extent of the misconduct by clergy.

The Missouri investigation does not resemble the Pennsylvania inquiry. In Missouri, no subpoenas were issued, and no sworn testimony was taken.

The Pennsylvania attorney general has more sweeping authority to run such an investigation. Still, sexual abuse survivors said Schmitt didn’t take steps to get around the limitations of his office — as attorneys general in other states have done.

The full report can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y4bnkod6.