July 16 2015

Serena’s road to greatness

Black former tennis pro Blake Strode reflects on the era’s most dominant athlete.

St. Louis American Page B5

The

CAC Audited JULY 16 – 22, 2015

stlamerican.com

Urban League breaks ground at QuikTrip site ‘Ground Zero’ to be rebuilt as job-training center

Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, wielded a shovel alongside Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, at the groundbreaking for a new community center at the site of the burnt-out QuikTrip in Ferguson.

By Mariah Stewart Ferguson Fellow The burnt-out QuikTrip convenience store that became a symbol of racial unrest after a police officer killed an unarmed black teenager nearby almost a year ago will soon reopen as a community center focused on job-training for African Americans. The store was looted, burned and spray-painted “R.I.P. Mike Brown” before civilians pitched in and cleaned up the site. As rioting along West Florissant Road intensified, heavily armed police with armored vehicles pointed rifles at protesters and fired tear gas and “less lethal” projectiles into crowds. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site on Thursday, July 9. Under a white tent sheltering dignitaries, See SITE, A7

Vol. 86 No. 15 COMPLIMENTARY

HarrisStowe given ok to seek grad degrees

Nixon signs bill reforming statute

Photo by Wiley Price

Youth talk tech

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American For the first time in its 158-year history, Harris-Stowe State University is now able to offer graduate degrees. On Wednesday, July 15, Gov. Jay Nixon signed Senate Bill 334, which allows St. Louis’ only Historically Black College and University to offer a range of graduate degree programs as well as more undergraduate degree offerings. The bill takes effect August 28. “Allowing HarrisStowe to offer graduate degrees and expand its Photo by Wiley Price undergraduate degree offerings will create Dwaun J. greater opportunities for Warmack, students in the St. Louis president region for generations to of Harriscome,” Nixon said. Stowe State Dwaun J. Warmack, University president of Harris-Stowe State University, led the effort to seek graduate degree programs. Harris-Stowe is currently the only state university among 13 in the system not allowed to offer graduate degrees because of how the state law was written. SB 334 modifies provisions relating to the boards

See BILL, A6

Photo by Wiley Price

Mentors Rick Proctor Jr. and Wendell Layne helped students Taylor Prince, Kail Smith, Ashuan Thompson, Chris Elrod and Courtney Connors to come up with new tech ideas during a three-day workshop organized by Hack4Hope, which teaches youth skills in technology and entrepreneurship.

Teen shot by St. Louis police paralyzed Mom, whose daughter was killed in 2008, laments gun violence By Denise Hollinshed Of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch A teenager shot by city police is paralyzed below the waist, his mother said Sunday as her family copes with another episode of gun violence. Not seven years ago, her teenage daughter was accidentally shot to death. This time, a firearm in the hand of her son, Brandon Claxton, 16, prompted an officer to shoot him three times about 7:15 p.m. Saturday in a housing complex

– Rita Collins

BUSINESS

‘Cops will stop being revenue agents’

Gov. Nixon signed into law Senate Bill 5, what he called “the most comprehensive and sweeping municipal court reform in Missouri history.”

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By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

n “The boy fell where the little girl was playing by the slide. Her shoes was right there.”

in the 2500 block of Hodiamont Avenue, officials said. Police encountered him while responding to a call about someone with a stolen pistol. Antoinette Liggins, 42, told the Post-Dispatch that she was

Bringing down a twisted fantasy

still sorting through her feelings with her daughter gone, one son in critical condition and another, who had been with him, held on a probation violation. See TEEN, A7

Brandon Claxton

SPORTS

For most of my life, a flag representing white supremacist violence against black people flew at the capitol of my native state. It is a very big deal that this emblem of hatred and oppression is finally coming down. Gov. Nikki Haley was expansive after the state Legislature finished action early Thursday, July 9 on a bill consigning the Confederate battle flag to the museum displays where it belongs: “It is a new day in South Carolina, a day we can all be proud See ROBINSON, A6

POLITICAL EYE

Jayson Tatum commits to Duke

SLBJ picks corn field over North St. Louis

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Chaminade’s Jayson Tatum announced that he will be attending Duke University in the fall of 2016.

Four potential sites are vying for NGA’s selection, and the North St. Louis city location is the only one located in the city.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Insiders claim Camille is crying ‘consent’ in Cosby scandal According to the New York Post, it’s still business as usual for Bill Cosby’s wife Camille as news surfaced last week about Cosby admitting his intent to drug various women he wanted to have sex with by obtaining Quaaludes during a deposition. Camille Cosby

“Camille still doesn’t believe that Bill provided drugs and had sex with women without their consent,” a source employed by the Cosby family told the New York Post’s Stacy Brown. “She’s well aware of his cheating, but she doesn’t believe that her husband is a rapist.” Although Camille’s ride or

die attitude may have taken people aback, another source who has done business with the Cosbys and remains close to the couple tells the Post that Camille is “a proud, dignified but stubborn woman.” “You can say that she’s standing by her husband, but really, the more people stand against him, the more she perceives it as an affront to her and all that she’s done to make him a star,” the other source said. “I created him, I knew what I was getting and we’ll fix this,” Camille said, according to the source. “They are making him out to be such a bad guy, a monster.” Is the Da Brat in Claudia’s spot on Rickey Smiley Morning Show? One day after Claudia Jordan was fired from The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Atlanta JournalConstitution is reporting that rapper Da Brat has been chosen as her replacement.

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING The 41-year-old, born Shawntee Harris, has been a frequent guest on the show over the past year, according AJC’s Rodney Ho. She’ll now become a permanent co-host on the syndicated program, which airs in more than 60 markets across the country. Jordan was let go last week – days after Bravo also fired her from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Her “Housewives” nemesis Porsha Williams, meanwhile, remains employed as co-host of Smiley’s syndicated TV gig “Dish Nation.” Jordan spent a year with “Rickey Smiley” after replacing Ebony Steele, who had been with Smiley for seven years before also being fired without explanation.

Miguel responds to backlash over Frank Ocean shade In a recent Sunday Times profile, Miguel claimed to possess more musical talent than Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, Miguel both of which the 29-year-old is often compared. “I genuinely believe that I make better music,” Miguel said about Ocean and

The Weeknd. The statement continued: “I wouldn’t say we were friends. To be completely honest — and no disrespect to anyone — I genuinely believe that I make better music, all the way around. It’s interesting, but we’ll see who’s in it for the long haul. It’s like a marathon, you know?” Miguel got an earful online after his Sunday Times interview, so he took to Instagram on Monday to clear the air. He posted a message essentially blaming his comment on his competitiveness: “Yes, I am competitive, we ALL have to have a level of competitiveness to put ourselves on the line day in and day out,” he wrote. “But I also believe there’s room for all artists.” He ended his note with a nod to Ocean’s 2012 debut “Channel Orange,” saying: “There’s no need to compare apple to oranges, there’s something out there for everyone. That’s why I’m here and I’m able to do what I do. So, thank you to everyone who enjoys my music and all love to anyone who doesn’t, we’re all here to find our own wave and that’s OK!” No coins for 50 Cent Curtis James Jackson III, otherwise known as 50 Cent, filed for bankruptcy in a Hartford, Connecticut court on

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St. Louis American The last couple of weeks in the life of Chaminade College Prep AllAmerican basketball player Jayson Tatum have been a whirlwind. Tatum traveled to Greece with the USA U19 team and helped them win a gold medal at the FIBA World Championships. He flew back across the pond to Augusta, Georgia to lead his St. Louis Eagles 17U team to the championship game of the Nike

Monday. The rap artist is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and according to the documents filed by his attorney he owes between $10 million and $50 million to his creditors. He currently lives in a Farmington, Connecticut estate 50 Cent that he bought from Mike Tyson for $4.1 million back in 2003. Chapter 11 is a type of filing usually used by corporations to restructure a business in the face of crippling debt. However, 50 Cent is listed as the sole debtor in this case. The bankruptcy filing comes on the heels of a ruling in a Manhattan civil court that the rapper must pay $5 million to a Florida woman who says 50 Cent posted a sex tape of her on the Internet in 2009. Further deliberations in that case are expected to continue this week, and could impose additional charges on 50 Cent. Sources: CNN, The New York Post, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Sunday Times

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Seeking ‘connection’ in Dellwood Can a revamped strip mall make a difference for North County kids?

Rolling up the sleeves

month in an area that you wouldn’t normally serve. I’ll help you if you need help. The key is not to simply go through the motions of Hope based on faith has serving. You have to be in the significantly influenced my moment and force yourself to life. I live by the following be conscious of the conditions quote: “Faith allows things around you and what created to happen. It is the power them. that comes from a I recently visited fearless heart. And a skilled nursing when a fearless facility that United heart believes, Way supports because miracles happen.” of your investments. Hope and faith Since I wouldn’t are interchangeable normally serve in in my eyes, and I do an environment like believe that out of this, I asked the board ashes miracles can chair, an influential happen. Orvin Even with the Kimbrough business leader, how he got connected. He uncertainty and mentioned that the angst that now fills facility was a godsend for his our community, I can’t help family because they didn’t but be optimistic about the have many options for his future. I’ll do one better. cousin who needed care. Alongside you, an army of He has learned a lot community builders, I want and removed to shape the future. n The key some of the Shaping angst because his anything requires is not to sleeves are rolled that we play simply go up. Are you in a an active part. through the position to roll up When you are a motions of your sleeves? part of building A leader in something, it serving. this community removes some reminded me a of the angst while back that to because you be catalytic in our context know the quality of your means to accelerate good craftsmanship. things and, where possible, Too often I hear, “I don’t stall bad things. Absent a know where to start.” As if catalyst, it just simply takes there is some right place, with the right people, talking more energy to achieve the same result. about the right things, with What if we all put the right understanding. our shoulders into our Here is what you can do: community’s opportunities? Gather a group of your friends and agree to meet Orvin Kimbrough is monthly to talk about things president and CEO of that you wouldn’t ordinarily United Way of Greater St. talk about – tough things, Louis. Follow his blog at matters of the heart. ReimaginingOurFuture.org. Agree to serve once a By Orvin Kimbrough For The St. Louis American

By Camille Phillips Of St. Louis Public Radio A former Democratic campaign manager is partnering with a Greendale resident to start a new nonprofit in Ferguson called Communities in Unity. Damion Trasada and Theresa Bradley say they want to buy an empty strip mall in the Ferguson area and recruit local businesses to locate there. They would then use the revenue from the shopping center to support youth development programs. The stores in the strip mall would also provide jobs for young people living in the area, they said. Bradley came up with the idea last year after the death of Michael Brown Jr. drew the eyes of the world to north St. Louis County, where she’s lived most of her life. “We were basically trying to figure out what is the answer or the core issue and core problem,” Bradley said. “And we believe that that core problem is lack of connection. So this is a way to connect individuals to their community and also build an economic base in the community so they have funding within their own community to be selfsupportive and self-sustaining.” Bradley and Trasada say are looking into buying Springwood Plaza in Dellwood, which they want to rename Unity Plaza. But they don’t

Guest Commentary

Photo by Camille Phillips (St. Louis Public Radio

Kyra Sanders, 13, holds a handwritten sign as she lines up without about 20 others to bring attention to a new non-profit that wants to bring jobs and businesses to a strip mall in north St. Louis County. have much funding yet and estimate that it will take a few years before they are ready to operate an entire shopping center. “We’ve created a business plan … that kind of lays out the vision and the feasibility for Unity Plaza,” said Trasada, a former campaign manager for both Jay Nixon and Charlie Dooley. As an intermediate step, Communities in Unity plans to lease one building and open a resale shop. According to Trasada, the organization has also asked the business school at Washington University to take a look at their business plan. “I think that no one can really argue that ownership is the first step to economic empowerment and it’s a necessary first step to any kind of social justice you’re trying to achieve,” Trasada said. “If you don’t really have funding, if you don’t have

access to capital, access to resources, it’s really difficult to put yourself on an equal playing field politically, socially or educationally.” In the meantime, Bradley has begun mentoring youth through a poetry club that meets at the Ferguson Library on Saturdays. “When the unrest took place, we wanted to give kids a positive outlet to express themselves, and what better way to do that than through writing and poetry?” said Bradley. Eventually, she wants to teach the teenagers involved in her program about the democratic process and introduce them to the mayor and local police. When asked why they are starting their own program instead of connecting with existing initiatives, such as the Urban League’s Save our Sons or Antonio French’s North Campus, Bradley said her

program is more focused on creating jobs. “What’s important is that the community actually has an economic base,” Bradley said. “If we have institutions that are generating revenue in our community and we’re not using that revenue to get rich personally but that revenue is going into social endeavors … the community has a place, a beacon of hope that they can look to,” Trasada said. On Saturday, Communities in Unity held the first of three planned walks to raise awareness, and hopefully funding, for their plans. After hearing readings from some of the teenagers in the poetry program, the group walked to a nearby bank to make a symbolic first deposit. Follow Camille Phillips on Twitter: @cmpcamille. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Editorial / Commentary

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Investing in prisons – or opportunity In the same week he would become the first sitting U.S. president to visit a federal prison – which is in itself unbelievable – President Barack Obama gave a stirring speech to the NAACP Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 14 about the need for criminal justice reform in this country. These remarks deserve close attention, because they include plain facts about a national crisis and pointed, credible suggestions for addressing that crisis on many fronts. It’s worth restating some of the statistics cited by Obama, while reflecting that the president of the United States is projecting these facts, not some fringe activist or academic criminologist. The United States is home to 5 percent of the world’s population, but 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Our incarceration rate is four times higher than China’s. We keep more people behind bars than the top 35 European countries combined. And this huge explosion in incarceration rates is recent. In 1980, there were 500,000 people behind bars in America, while today there are 2.2 million. Our prison population has quadrupled since 1980 and doubled in the last two decades. While all Americans are paying for this – to the tune of $80 billion a year – the suffering and stigma of incarceration disproportionately impacts communities of color. African Americans and Latinos make up 30 percent of our population; they make up 60 percent of our inmates. About one in every 35 African-American men and one in every 88 Latino men is serving time right now, compared to one in 214 white men. Around one in nine African American kids has a parent in prison. Though Obama acknowledged that there are many people who do belong in prison, the so-called War on Drugs and hawkish sentencing guidelines have choked our prisons with people who pose little or no threat to society. “Over the last few decades, we’ve locked up more and more nonviolent drug offenders than ever before, for longer than ever before,” Obama said. “And that is the real reason our prison population is so high. In far too many cases, the punishment simply does not fit the crime. If you’re a low-level drug dealer, or you violate your parole, you owe some debt to society. You have to be held accountable and make amends. But you don’t owe 20 years. You don’t owe a life sentence.”

Obama has already signed a bill reducing the 100-1 sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, which was essentially racism in narcotics sentencing. But in his last year and a half in the White House, he clearly plans to do more to address this crisis. “For nonviolent drug crimes, we need to lower long mandatory minimum sentences – or get rid of them entirely,” Obama said. “Give judges some discretion around nonviolent crimes so that, potentially, we can steer a young person who has made a mistake in a better direction. We should pass a sentencing reform bill through Congress this year. We need to ask prosecutors to use their discretion to seek the best punishment, the one that’s going to be most effective, instead of just the longest punishment. We should invest in alternatives to prison, like drug courts and treatment and probation programs which ultimately can save taxpayers thousands of dollars per defendant each year.” He urged reform of conditions in U.S. prisons, including a dangerous and sadistic over-reliance on solitary confinement, as well as conditions that prisoners meet upon release. He recommended removing the felon box from job applications – as the Slay administration commendably did for people applying to work for the City of St. Louis – and restoring to felons the right to vote once they have served their time. Obama also took a much wider view of the problem, and spoke on behalf of public funding for programs that help develop children into the kinds of citizens who do not commit crimes. Sounding one of our own most dearly held themes, he cited a research finding that for every dollar we invest in pre-K education, we save at least twice that down the road in reduced crime. The president put that finding in the context of the $80 billion our nation is spending each year on incarcerating people. “To put that in perspective,” Obama said, “for $80 billion we could have universal preschool for every 3-year-old and 4-yearold in America.” To look at the nightmares of crime and prison in America and, in response, to imagine universal early childhood education in this country – this is, indeed, a president who is showing he knows what is best for our community and who is fighting for those best interests. As Obama told the NAACP, “We’ve got to invest in opportunity more than ever.”

AS I SEE IT – A Forum for community Issues

Missouri Supreme Court must lead in court reform By Rev. Starsky Wilson and Rich McClure For The St. Louis American We commend Governor Jay Nixon on signing Senate Bill 5 into law, as well as the Missouri Legislature for their bi-partisan efforts to move swiftly on municipal court and governance reform. This bill is an important step in addressing the systemic injustices that have occurred in our municipal courts and an important response to the loud and painful outcries we have heard from our community. It lays a very necessary foundation for reform. Since December, all levels of leadership – from grass roots to the Missouri Supreme Court – have taken a role in holding the municipal court system accountable in ways that will change the system for the betterment of our region. With this bill, we have a legislature and governor from different parties coming to bold agreement with community groups, legal assistance organizations, the business community and thoughtful municipal officials. In January, Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary R. Russell, in an address to the General Assembly, said that “municipal divisions throughout the state should not be driven by economics, but by notions of fairness under the rule of law.” She indicated that the court is ready to work to ensure that people who appear in municipal courts are treated fairly and with respect. We commend that leadership, the court’s adoption of a rule regarding additional consideration of ability to pay, and the subsequent appointment of a special working group to advise the

court. We also call on the Missouri Supreme Court to continue to drive reform by taking action in the following areas: • Oversee and enforce procedural standards for municipal courts, as required in Missouri Senate Bill 5. Providing such oversight and enforcement will increase the likelihood that all cases before municipal courts receive adequate procedural justice. • Provide additional rules and guidance to resolve and prevent conflicts of interest among the various officials in Guest Columnist the courts. Rev. By taking Starsky this action, Wilson the court can reduce the appearance of impropriety associated with judges and prosecutors playing multiple roles in municipal courts. Addressing concerns about the appropriate separation of powers in the administration of municipal courts is crucial to restoring public trust. • Develop more effective procedures for warrant review and cancellation. The court can help resolve the hundreds of thousands of outstanding municipal court arrest warrants in the St. Louis region, some of which would not have been issued under the provisions of SB 5. • Develop procedural rules for ability to pay determinations leading to payment schedules and alternative community service. By providing such

rules, the court can help avoid future accumulations of debt for defendants with limited financial resources and address the growing perception that municipal courts endorse a culture of debtors’ prisons. • Begin a thoughtful and comprehensive process for review of municipal court structure that will provide a path for consolidation to the appropriate number of courts that can administer justice fairly within a circuit. The Missouri Supreme Court has the opportunity to continue the march toward effective reform by taking significant steps to rebuild trust in the judicial system that for many is represented by the municipal courts. Rebuilding that trust and restoring the integrity of the courts in Missouri must include not only reforms for the future, but also immediate actions to remedy past wrongs. There is an urgent and compelling need for reconciliation in our region – in which the Supreme Court could play a key role – to acknowledge and confess that past practices were clearly wrong and to implement justice-oriented reforms which reflect this understanding. We urge the Supreme Court to adopt measures for the review and cancellation of outstanding warrants for municipal offenses no longer actionable under the new legislation. It is a very necessary step for healing and reconciliation, and for providing hope for the future of law and justice in our state. Rev. Starsky Wilson and Rich McClure are co-chairs of the Ferguson Commission.

AS I SEE IT – A Forum for community Issues Public policies and Ferguson

By Richard Rothstein For The St. Louis American In August 2014, a Ferguson, Missouri, policeman shot and killed an unarmed black teenager. Michael Brown Jr.’s death and the resulting protests and racial tension brought considerable attention to that town. Observers who had not been looking closely at our evolving demographic patterns were surprised to see ghetto conditions we had come to associate with inner cities now duplicated in a formerly white suburban community: racially segregated neighborhoods with high poverty and unemployment, poor student achievement in overwhelmingly black schools, oppressive policing, abandoned homes and community powerlessness. Media accounts of how Ferguson became Ferguson have typically explained that when African Americans moved to this suburb (and others like it), “white flight” followed, abandoning the town to African Americans who were trying to escape poor schools in the city. The conventional explanation adds that African Americans moved to a few places like Ferguson, not the suburbs generally, because prejudiced real estate agents steered black homebuyers away from other white suburbs. And those other suburbs were able to preserve their almost entirely white, upper-middle-class environments by enacting zoning rules that required pricey single-family homes. No doubt, private prejudice and suburbanites’ desire for homogenous affluent environments contributed to segregation in St. Louis and other metropolitan areas. But these explanations are too partial, and too conveniently excuse public policy from

responsibility. A more powerful cause of metropolitan segregation in St. Louis and nationwide has been the explicit intents of federal, state and local governments to create racially segregated metropolises. Many of these explicitly segregationist governmental actions ended in the late 20th century but continue to determine today’s racial segregation patterns. In St. Louis, these governmental policies included zoning rules that classified white neighborhoods Guest Columnist as residential and black Richard neighborhoods Rothstein as commercial or industrial; segregated public housing projects that replaced integrated lowincome areas; federal subsidies for suburban development conditioned on AfricanAmerican exclusion; federal and local requirements for, and enforcement of, property deeds and neighborhood agreements that prohibited resale of white-owned property to, or occupancy by, African Americans. These policies also included tax favoritism for private institutions that practiced segregation; municipal boundary lines designed to separate black neighborhoods from white ones and to deny necessary services to the former; real estate, insurance, and banking regulators who tolerated and sometimes required racial segregation; and urban renewal plans whose purpose was to shift black populations from central cities like St. Louis to inner-ring suburbs like Ferguson. Governmental actions in support of a segregated labor market supplemented these racial housing policies

Letters to the Editor Advocate for our children Thank you to Mike Jones, vice president of the Missouri State Board Education, for his wise words of apology as I sat in a full Viking Hall at the 8th grade graduation recently. Knowing what we all know now, he admitted that the state takeover did not go like any of them wanted it to go. There is some misunderstanding that black educators can’t teach our black children, given that so many teacher contracts were lapsed in the Normandy School District and replaced with many young, inexperienced white teachers. Normandy graduated two of my own black sons, the class salutatorians of 2012 (Daniel) and 2015 (Robert). Both were in the district from K-12. Daniel is finishing at Morehouse, while Robert will enter SLU in the fall. Let me thank every educator, administrator, music and drama professional, coach, bus driver, maintenance worker, lunch staff and all the other participants in the community, such as Beyond Housing, who helped to make them whole. Normandy will be okay as long parents step up to advocate for our children, for all children. Joyce McRath Via email

Punishment vs. rehabilitation Shawntelle Fisher’s “prison to college” story brings to light a major failing of our criminal justice system. Fisher experienced several incarcerations over a 20-year period, but it wasn’t until that last prison stay that education came into focus for her. Once bitten by the “education bug,” Fisher accepted the help of others and went on to be an

and prevented most African Americans from acquiring the economic strength to move to middle-class communities, even if they had been permitted to do so. White flight certainly existed, and racial prejudice was certainly behind it, but not racial prejudice alone. Government policies turned black neighborhoods into overcrowded slums and white families came to associate African Americans with slum characteristics. White homeowners then fled when African Americans moved nearby, fearing their new neighbors would bring slum conditions with them. That government, not mere private prejudice, was responsible for segregating greater St. Louis was once conventional informed opinion. A federal appeals court declared 40 years ago that “segregated housing in the St. Louis metropolitan area was … in large measure the result of deliberate racial discrimination in the housing market by the real estate industry and by agencies of the federal, state, and local governments.” This history, however, has largely been forgotten. When we blame private prejudice, suburban snobbishness and black poverty for contemporary segregation, we avoid considering whether new policies might instead promote an integrated community. The federal government’s response to Ferguson has been to treat the town as an isolated embarrassment, not a reflection of the nation in which it is embedded. The conditions that created Ferguson cannot be addressed without remedying a century of public policies that segregated our metropolitan landscape. Remedies are unlikely if we fail to recognize these policies and how their effects have endured.

All letters are edited for length and style.

honors graduate at UMSL. Kudos to Fisher and those who helped her. But one must wonder what Fisher’s life story would have been had she been exposed to the “education bug” during her first prison experience. Some criminal justice system reformers advocate for “educational level-appropriate” education for all who are doing time. Sentence reduction for educational credits earned would be a positive influence on those behind bars and, coupled with appropriate counseling and resources, would result in a reduced rate of recidivism. Someday perhaps society will awaken to the fact that everyone would be better off if punishment was replaced by authentic rehabilitation. Education is a positive factor in such a program. Michael K. Broughton Green Park

we urge elected officials to push full speed ahead with this effort.

Rescind Cosby’s medal

Editorial Chris King - Managing Editor Kenya Vaughn - Website Editor Earl Austin Jr. - Sports Editor Sandra Jordan - Health Reporter Rebecca S. Rivas - Staff Reporter Wiley Price - Photojournalist Lawrence Bryant - Photojournalist Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Health Editor Jami Ballentine-Dolby - Entertainment Danie Rae - Style Editor Dana G. Randolph Contributing Editor Fred Sweets - Contributing Editor

We applaud the move to rescind Bill Cosby’s presidential medal. We urge politicians of all parties and at all levels to publicly endorse this effort. It’s a no-brainer. But it’s an important move that will bring some healing to rape victims and maybe give pause even one potential rapist or give pause to those who may publicly defend accused rapists. We can’t profess to be against drug use and rape while letting government officials honor an admitted drug abuser and a credibly accused rapist. A White House spokesman questions the legality of rescinding the presidential honor. Gimme a break. Cosby’s gonna sue Obama for doing this? Not likely. If Cosby has a shred of decency, he’ll voluntarily give up the medal. But for now,

Joelle Casteix, western regional director Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

St. Louis American The

One of the largest weekly newspapers in Missouri 70,000 copies – CAC Audited 100% independently owned & operated Continously published, without interruption since 1928 Donald M. Suggs Publisher & Executive Editor Kevin Jones - Sr. Vice Pres. & COO Dina M. Suggs- Sr. Vice President Nathan B. Young (1894 -1993) - Founder N.A. Sweets (1901 - 1988) - Publisher Emeritus Bennie G. Rodgers - (1914 - 2000) Executive Editor Emeritus Melba Sweets (1909 - 2006) Editor Emeritus

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

The past helps us confront the present

By Leslie Fields-Cruz For The St. Louis American

26 years of distinction

The Cardinal Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction recently celebrated 26 years of honoring outstanding mothers in the St. Louis community at the Frontenac Hilton Hotel.

Report on funding to Ferguson youth

St. Louis Advocates for Youth will host a public forum on their Resource Accountability Project (RAP) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at the William Harrison Educational Center, 3140 Cass Ave. Over the last several months, intergenerational teams have been tracking the millions of dollars coming to the St. Louis region earmarked for youth since Michael Brown Jr. was killed by a Ferguson police officer. The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged by confirming at stladvocatesforyouth@gmail.com.

Library opens access to genealogy material

St. Louis County Library’s History & Genealogy department will open its staff-only area to the public the third weekend of each month beginning July 18–19. Located on Tier 4 of Library Headquarters at 1640 S. Lindbergh, the staff-only area houses more than 13,000 family histories, school yearbooks, and information about many states west of the Mississippi. Staff will also offer tours on third Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Library Headquarters is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday; and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 314-994-3300, ext. 2070.

Run raises funds for mental health If you want to rise with the roosters and offer a brighter future for individuals and families needing mental health services, then register for Provident’s 5K and One Mile Rooster Run on July 18 at 7 a.m. at Forest Park in the Upper Muny Lot. To register, go to www.roosterrun.org. The Rooster Run raises funds for Provident’s core services – suicide prevention, mental health counseling and community outreach. The 24/7 suicide hotline provides on-the-spot telephonic counseling to individuals in desperate need due to severe depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. To learn more, go to www. providentstl.org or call 314-533-8200.

Free summer meals in Ferguson The Ferguson-Florissant School District is partnering with Operation Food Search to feed children 18 years and under in the community. A free and nutritious lunch will be served from 12-1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 31 at Robert Hoelzel Memorial Park, 5501 Bermuda Dr. and Jackson Park, 6231 Washington Ave.

You’ve watched the news clips. You’ve listened to the experts. You’ve checked your social media sites regularly. You’ve signed online petitions, attended marches and joined prayer circles. You’ve explained to your child what systemic racism is about and why someone would shoot innocent people in a church. Or why a police officer would deliberately throw an African-American teenage girl to the ground at a pool party. Or why another unarmed black man has been shot by the police. As the words poured out of your mouth, you recognized this as an ageold conversation had between a black parent and their child – a talk that is at least 400 years old. If we are honest with ourselves, systemic racism is not likely to end in our lifetimes, our child’s lifetime or even our grandchild’s lifetime. But it’s when the media trucks have rolled out of town and the social media users are back to commenting about the Kardashians that we must draw upon the resilience of the ancestors, gather our reserves, renew our partnerships, stand together with our allies and move forward. The National Black Programming Consortium has engaged in a dialogue about race and discrimination for more than 35 years. We have done so by funding documentary programs that enlighten Americans about Leslie the black experience – on public television and beyond. Fields-Cruz Our films explore how many Americans have confronted race and discrimination – from the Freedom Riders of the civil rights era, to the black photographers whose pictures of everyday African Americans served as a form of selfaffirmation. If we are sincere in our efforts to change how we address race and discrimination in our country, it will take the efforts of all Americans, black, white, brown, red, yellow, gay, straight, trans, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and atheist. My charge is for you to become active viewers. Parents, if you sit at home with your child to watch a program, keep a laptop or tablet close by so that you can search for answers as soon as the questions come to you. Educators, work with your parent-teacher associations to set up public screenings at your school followed by a group discussion. Teens and young adults, get together with your friends, decide on what to stream, watch it and then hold a Twitter discussion. Politicians, screen a film to discover topics from which you can connect legislative policies that have helped or harmed the battle to end discrimination in your community. Share that information with your constituencies. The best solutions to a problem occur when people engage in dialogue. The more we understand our collective pasts, the better equipped we are to find the solutions that will bring all Americans closer to a just and more equal society. Leslie Fields-Cruz is executive director of the National Black Programming Consortium, the nation’s primary presenter of stories on the black experience on public television. For a list of films, visit blackpublicmedia.org.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

ROBINSON

but to resist the dismantling of Jim Crow segregation. The flag meant whites-only Continued from A1 schools, whites-only public accommodations, whites-only of.” I have to entertain the voter rolls. It represented notion that she may be right. white power and privilege over In the South, William subjugated African-Americans. Faulkner wrote, the past It was used by the murderous isn’t even past. The flag terrorists of the Ku Klux represented, for some white Klan – and by an ignorant South Carolinians, a past that young white supremacist was invented out of whole who took nine innocent lives cloth – a past in at Charleston’s which something Emanuel African n No paeans other than slavery Methodist Episcopal to the valor of was the cause of a Church. conflict Southerners Confederate Haley, who is called the “War Indian-American, soldiers can Between the made possible the change the States.” “new day” she fact that they In truth, the now proclaims by Civil War was only were fighting demanding that the about states’ rights state Legislature for slavery. in the sense that the vote to banish the Confederate states flag. But it was feared losing one another woman – specific “right” – to Republican state own human beings and compel Rep. Jenny Horne – who their labor. No amount of guaranteed success with a Spanish moss can obscure this powerful speech telling her basic fact. No paeans to the colleagues that enough was valor of Confederate soldiers enough. can change the fact that they “I cannot believe that we do were fighting for slavery. not have the heart in this body And no amount of to do something meaningful, revisionist claptrap can such as take a symbol of hate change the fact that the flag off these grounds on Friday!” was hoisted at the capitol in Horne thundered. She wasn’t Columbia in 1961 and kept having any of the “noble flying not to honor some heritage” cornpone that flag gauzy vision of Southern valor apologists were selling; Horne

is a descendant of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, she said, and still she knew it was time for the flag to come down. Before Horne’s intervention, it looked as if the state House might cave to the latterday Johnny Rebs who were seeking to stall the legislation into parliamentary oblivion. Afterward, it still took hours of contentious debate but the House passed the bill around 1 a.m. and sent it to Haley for her signature and Haley signed it into law Thursday afternoon. It was an acknowledgement, in the state where the Civil War began, that the South lost not only the war but also the battle to rewrite history. For 150 years after Appomattox, the states of the Confederacy lived a twisted fantasy. As evidenced by the diehards in the South Carolina Legislature, some white Southerners still refuse to wake from the reverie. But the rest of the state has finally moved on. Does this mean that South Carolina and other former Confederate states will take a new look at all the monuments and memorials dedicated to white supremacists who advocated slavery and fomented armed rebellion against the United States? Does it mean Southern towns will pull down all those townsquare statues of rebel soldiers,

their backs defiantly turned against the north? Probably not, or at least not anytime soon. Emanuel A.M.E. Church is on a street named for John C. Calhoun, the South Carolina “statesman” who defended slavery not as a necessary evil but as an absolute good, and who laid the philosophical groundwork for the treasonous act of secession.

BILL

state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, a longtime champion of the university. “I can truly say that I had overwhelming support from my colleagues in the House and the Senate – both Republicans and Democrats,” she said. “The incoming president brought it to me. He knew I was capable

to get that passed, and I did just that.” Nasheed said providing advanced degrees at HarrisStowe will impact the entire region. “We are going to have more qualified African Americans – and non-African Americans – who will be able to go out

Continued from A1 of regents of state colleges and universities and expands graduate degree-granting authority to Harris-Stowe. “We believed that Gov.

Nixon would sign into law the opportunity for Harris-Stowe to achieve parity with Missouri’s other 12 state universities,” Warmack said. “We’ve been hoping for this favorable outcome and will now begin the process to offer graduate programs as soon as feasible.” The bill was sponsored by

Protest police shooting

Photo by Wiley Price

Rasheen Aldridge, a Ferguson commissioner and protestor, lead activists in a peaceful protest at St. Louis Metropolitan Police headquarters on Monday, July 13. They were protesting the police shooting of a 16-year-old black male on Hodiamont Avenue in North St. Louis on Saturday night. Police say the youth was armed with a stolen gun that he pointed at officers, though several witnesses dispute that the youth ever aimed the gun at police.

I’d love to see Calhoun Street renamed after the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the pastor who perished in the Emanuel massacre, but I don’t expect that to happen. The flag is more important, though, because of the way it has been used – not just as an instrument of repression but as a way to deny history and thus avoid history’s judgments

and responsibilities. What South Carolina’s governor and Legislature have announced is clear: It’s time, finally, to stop pretending. Symbols matter. South Carolina should have brought down the Confederate battle flag long ago, but I’m proud that my home state is doing it now.

and enhance the economy in and Urban Ecology – in the terms of a higher paid job,” fall of 2015. she said. The university also was It will also help the approved to add 11 minors university to attract students in the fall: International from other parts of the state Relations; Law, Justice, and even out of state, she and Society; said. Physical n “We’ve been “This is a Science; Prehistorical piece hoping for this Law; Public of legislation,” favorable outcome Policy and Nasheed said. and will now begin Administration; Nasheed Science and the process to said the bill just Computation; opens the door offer graduate Social Justice; legally for the programs as soon Sociology; university to be Urban as feasible.” approved for Agriculture; graduate degrees. Urban Politics; – Dwaun J. University leaders and Urban Warmack, president still have to go Sociology. of HSSU before the state’s In addition, Coordinating two new fully Board of Higher online programs Education for will be launched authorization. in the fall: Health Care If approved by the board, Management and Criminal Warmack said, “Attaining Justice. an advanced degree will Currently, Harris-Stowe be within reach for a is only authorized to offer greater number of students, undergraduate degree particularly those underserved programs with an emphasis students seeking an affordable on selected professional graduate school opportunity.” disciplines. It currently The university was just offers 14 degree programs in approved to offer four new teacher education, business, baccalaureate programs – the and arts & sciences. new majors are Finance, Political Science, Sociology

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

SITE

Continued from A1 Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said the organization aims to train and find employment for 500 young people in the region by the end of summer. “After Michael Brown’s death, many young people in the community said they were not being listened to and their voices were not heard,” McMillan told the audience. “We decided to go out and walk the streets of Ferguson and talk to people to find out what we could do as the Urban League to make a difference. Every single one of those young people said they needed jobs and economic opportunity in this area.” Data collected by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis show unemployment among African Americans in the St. Louis region at 9.5

TEEN

Continued from A1 “I had to ask God to give me an understanding for my daughter first and I had to forgive,” Liggins said. “She helped a few people with me donating her organs.” She added, “With the boys, I really don’t know what to do.” She said that she respected the police and that her son “shouldn’t have had the gun.” But from what witnesses have told her, she said, “They didn’t have to shoot him down like that.” Liggins is skeptical that Police Chief Sam Dotson said a surveillance camera did not provide a clear view. “I believe they are trying to cover up,” she said. “There is more than one camera back there.” And she complained that police would not let her see her son in a hospital because he was in custody. One of three witnesses interviewed Sunday told a reporter that Brandon did have a gun in his hand. But all three said that he did not point a weapon at anyone as he tried to run from officers. The witnesses also said they were concerned about the proximity of children on

percent, compared with 4.8 percent for whites. After talking with Ferguson youth, McMillan created the Urban League’s Save Our Sons initiative. McMillan said the program has already helped 100 young men find jobs. The new center built

on the site of the torched QuikTrip will house Save Our Sons, as well as three other social services organizations: Provident, Better Family Life and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. McMillan also announced that the construction crew for the new center will be a 100

percent African-American. Kwame Building Group will manage the construction, which is expected to be completed in early 2016. QuikTrip donated the land and paid to demolish the ruined building and remediate the site. Enterprise Holdings and the Taylor Family gave a combined $1.8 million, and Centene Corporation donated $650,000. Another $1.5 million came from several other St. Louisbased companies, including Ameren, Emerson, Edward Jones, Armstrong Teasdale, and several civic organizations. Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, attended the groundbreaking and said it points toward hope for the future in Ferguson. Morial said, “Building the Community Empowerment Center represents movement in a positive direction.” This story is published as part of a partnership between The St. Louis American and The Huffington Post.

a playground nearby when the officer opened fire. One said a girl, about 6, even ran out of her shoes while trying to get out of the way. Nobody else was hurt. Dotson said a woman had called after seeing someone she believed recently stole her pistol. Dotson said that five officers had arrived and that two young black men had fled, running one way and then the other, with police on both sides. He said one teen, carrying a gun, had run toward an officer. That officer, a white man, 29, with seven years on the force, fired three times. “He saw a gun in the suspect’s hands,” Dotson said. “He believed the gun was pointed at him. He feared for his safety.” Dotson said the circumstances would be reviewed by the department’s new Force Investigation Unit and then separately by the circuit attorney’s office. He said a loaded .40-caliber pistol was recovered at the scene. Liggins said police took in another son, Anthony Claxton, 15, who was with Brandon when he was shot. She said they told her he had violated his parole by missing curfew, and would be held. She said a GPS monitor was put on

Anthony’s ankle last week for a juvenile charge last month of tampering with a motor vehicle. Her daughter, Brenda Liddell, was 14 when she was shot Nov. 5, 2008, as she sat on a porch in the 5900 block of Alpha Avenue. Brenda died the next day. Liddell said she had forgiven the boy, then 15, who shot her by accident. She said he was charged as a juvenile with reckless homicide, and held until age 18. Liggins said that the tampering charge was Anthony’s only brush with the law and that she had had no problems with Brandon until he was shot. He was about to start the 10th grade at Sumner High School and was recently hired at Goodwill. “Of course that won’t happen now,” she said. “I just got to stay prayed up and thank God he still has his life.” Doctors told her that a bullet ruptured Brandon’s liver, split his pancreas, which had to be removed, and lodged in his spine, causing the paralysis. Shots also hit his arm and grazed his head. Liggins, who is unemployed and looking for a job, said she was trying to obtain legal services for her sons. Witnesses estimated that more than 30 people were

n “Every single one of those young people said they needed jobs and economic opportunity in this area.” – Michael McMillan, Urban League

Photo by Wiley Price

Carolyn Kindle, Enterprise Holdings, Inc.; Troy Devos, QuikTrip Corp; Patrick Sly, Emerson; Warner Baxter, Ameren; Marc Morial, National Urban League; Richard H. Miles, Urban League board; Michael McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; Kathy Osborn, Regional Business Council; Tom Irwin, Civic Progress; County Executive Steve Stenger; and Keith Williamson, Centene Corporation.

outside in the area when Saturday night’s shooting took place. Rita Collins, 54, said she looked out her window when she heard a shot and did not see Brandon with a gun. “The other two officers didn’t even shoot,” Collins said. The officer “shot that boy for no reason.” “If he had a gun, he didn’t point it at him,” she said. “Cameras don’t lie. If they look at the cameras they will see the truth.” Collins said that after investigators were done, she picked up the shoes left by a little girl. “The boy fell where the little girl was playing by the slide. Her shoes was right there.”

The officer, she said, “could have hit one of those kids.” She added, “He was wrong for shooting around those kids when the boy did not pose a threat. They can’t protect no one — that’s putting them in harm’s way.” Collins said bullets fly so freely in the neighborhood that she just had two shattered windows replaced in her flat. “It’s too much shooting and just too much killing around here,” she said. “I plan to move.” Curtis Sykes, 25, said he saw police roll up and Brandon run toward the playground in back, where many people “started running and ducking for their lives.”

He said Brandon ran for an opening in a fence to escape the area, and not toward police. Dustin Ball, 27, saw Brandon with a gun and believes police were justified to arrest him — but not to shoot. He said he thought the teen was just trying to escape, and posing no immediate threat. Ball speculated that the weapon was in Brandon’s hand because “it was a big gun and he couldn’t run with it on his hip.” Reprinted with permission from stltoday.com. Pull Dustin Ball saw Brandon with a gun and believes police were justified to arrest him — but not to shoot.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

An opportunity to reduce crime

By Steven Hollis For The St. Louis American Implementation of the Civilian Oversight Board is a great opportunity to improve community-police relations in the City of St. Louis. Communitypolice relationships are at the heart of meaningful efforts to reduce crime. If citizens do not Guest Columnist trust the police, Steven they will not Hollis work together to reduce crime. The Coalition Against Police Crimes & Repression (CAPCR) evaluated applications for Civilian Oversight Board (COB) members using a rubric designed to ensure the board will truly reflect the diversity of our community. They also included basic requirements for

effective board participation – experience and knowledge of criminal justice matters, time to serve, etc. CAPCR forwarded applications received to the aldermen. Unfortunately, most aldermen do not seem to have used any evaluation process in

n All who want to be considered for these positions should apply through Slay’s process well before August 6. presenting their nominations for the COB to Mayor Slay. Some aldermen apparently failed to nominate anyone. On the last day of the community-based CAPCR process, Mayor Slay announced his own application process. It is more cumbersome and intimidating, but good candidates are critical. All

who want to be considered for these positions should apply through Slay’s process well before August 6. This is a great opportunity – especially for retirees – to serve your community. Now CAPCR is recruiting organizing teams to educate the community, hold our political leaders accountable and hold the police accountable to the community they serve. Please go to www.capcr-stl. org, “Real Local Control and Effective Civilian Review” on Facebook, or send e-mail to citizens4localcontrol@ yahoo.com with the following information: name, address, phone number and e-mail address to get involved. Steve Hollis is a longtime labor leader with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFL-CIO), and community organizer with The Justice Institute/Anti-Racism Collective.

Minister Farrakhan coming to Ferguson Minister Louis Farrakhan, who is touring the country in preparation for the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, will make a stop in the St. Louis area on Friday, July 17 at New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, 4700 West Florissant Ave. Farrakhan will meet with youth and leadership in the St. Louis metropolitan area. He will also visit the site where

Michael Brown Jr. was killed last August 9. Twenty years ago, St. Louis was a key city in organizing to take men to the Million Man March by sending 40 buses, four chartered planes and a host of private flights to Washington, D.C. on October 16, 1995. Farrakhan will tell his audience the importance of this gathering on the Mall in

Washington. D.C. The theme of this anniversary celebration is “Justice or Else” on 10-1015 (October 10, 2015). He is calling all to join him once again. Pastor Donald Hunter will welcome Farrakhan to his church, with doors at 6 p.m. and the event at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call 314-361-4555.

Perspectives on the Arch

Missouri History Museum partners with UMSL Museum Studies on new exhibit that they supported the project because they My favorite memories of the Arch involve were promised jobs—which were ultimately the concerts that took place during July as a unfulfilled and given to white workers instead. continuation of Fair St. Louis. One concert in Learning about Percy Green and Richard Daley’s particular was “Musique Soulchild,” which was direct action protest in the 1960s, in which they in town on an almost yearly basis for a while. climbed the Arch to demand jobs for African It wasn’t the concert that was memorable, but Americans, was fascinating and caused me to the amazing fireworks and tribute to Michael reflect upon the current racial climate in our city. Jackson (who had died weeks earlier) that We still have a long way to go. happened after the concert. I remember standing on the steps of the Arch with tens of thousands What do you hope people will take away of my closest friends and dancing with abandon from the exhibition? as the DJ took us through Jackson’s life from I hope that people will walk away ABC to Man in the Mirror. It was my most appreciating the Arch as more than just a big memorable night underneath the Arch. shiny sculpture. Now every This year marks the time that I look at the Arch 50th anniversary of the or pass the Arch grounds I completion of the Gateway think about all the people Arch. Realizing that there are who were affected by its many great stories about the construction. From the folks Arch, the Missouri History during the Great Depression Museum has collaborated who were promised jobs with the Museum Studies and never got them, to the program at the University thousands of St. Louisans of Missouri–St. Louis to who were displaced or lost develop and design an their business when all those upcoming exhibition entitled city blocks were demolished, Arch Perspectives. and even the troubled but This exhibition looks at brilliant architect Eero the many different ways the Saarinen who never got to Arch is used from celebration see his dream project built. to protest, a space that allows I hope people can make the residents to debate who we connection that the Arch as are, our beliefs, and what a symbol of St. Louis runs a we want our city to be. To lot deeper than just the object help tell the diverse and itself—it tells the history complex story of the Arch, of this city in a very unique the students are encouraging Photo by Joseph Vohsen way. the community to share (Missouri History Museum Archives) their photos to be part of the The last piece of the Gateway You are asking people exhibition. Arch being fitted into place by to bring images of their I had a chance to speak cranes on October 28, 1965. favorite memories of the with the students about their Arch. What stories about exhibition. the Arch have you found the most compelling? Tells us a little about The thing that is most compelling to me is your exhibition Arch Perspectives? that everyone has a story about the Arch. There Arch Perspectives tells a history of the are so many common experiences that we’ve Gateway Arch through a human perspective. In uncovered: getting sick on the elevator, bringing particular, we focus on common people, like the children or grandchildren there for the first workers, as well as business owners who were time, seeing it for the first time when returning affected by the mass demolition of buildings from a trip and knowing that you’re home. It that took place to prepare the Arch grounds. We made me realize that it really is a uniting force also show visually how the Arch has become in our community, because we can share those a symbol for St. Louis since its completion experiences even with strangers and feel a by showcasing various non-profit logos that connection. use the Arch in their design. To me, the most exciting aspect is our #mygatewayarch initiative, which allows us to engage with the community Arch Memories Community Project in a really personal way through collecting Saturday, July 18 photographs and “story cards.” 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. What did you learn about the Arch that AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room was new and interesting? Join the UMSL Museum Studies program for A lot of the information was new to me. a photo scanning extravaganza! Help us show I hadn’t realized that it took 30 years for the how the St. Louis community has used the Arch construction to actually begin, nor that the over the past five decades: people, pets, protests, Arch grounds were a “municipal parking lot” parties—we want it all! Your photo will be part for many years after demolition. The history of of our digital media for the Arch Perspectives the African American community and the Arch exhibit. was incredibly interesting, particularly the fact

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Political Eye

Biz Journal picks corn field over North STL

St. Louis aldermen made a big push on July 10 to keep major city employer National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) – along with the $2.3 million in earnings taxes and $1.4 million in payroll taxes that it generates – within city limits. The federal mapping agency, currently located near the Anheuser-Busch brewery, announced last year its plans to move and build a bigger $1.6 billion facility that could potentially increase its current 3,100 employees to an estimated 4,500 or more. Four potential sites are vying for NGA’s selection, and the North St. Louis city location, 100 acres adjacent to the old Pruitt-Igoe site, is the only one located in the city. It’s the only site that would keep the $3.7 million – and a potential for more – in the city’s coffers. However, in order to land the deal, the city needs to own the land. Right now, developer Paul McKee Jr. – who, along with developer Bob Clark, submitted the North City proposal for the NGA site to the federal government – owns 342 parcels, out of the 551 parcels the city needs to seal the NGA deal. On July 10, the Board of Aldermen voted 18-9 to pass Board Bill 117, which essentially allows the City of St. Louis to take out an up to $20 million loan to buy all the land in the proposed NGA site. The bill authorizes mortgaging two city buildings as part of the loan agreement. Otis Williams, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation, a city agency, is ostensibly leading the city’s negotiations with the federal agency, along with site acquisition. Aside from McKee, Williams said there are 108 other individuals who own approximately 200 parcels that the city needs to

secure the land. They have agreements with about half of those 108 owners, Williams said. No money will exchange hands until and if the federal government selects the North City site, he said. And the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) will authorize those negotiations – the Board of Aldermen or the Board of Estimate and Appropriations don’t have to approve these deals, he said. That means that the aldermen don’t have a say in how much McKee gets paid, though many have strong opinions about it. Several aldermen spoke out at the July 10 hearing, saying that McKee purchased the NGA land from the city for a much lower price than he wants to sell it back to the city for. Alderman Antonio French said he heard McKee was asking $17 million, and others said it was more like $6 million. Williams said neither of these numbers were correct, and negotiations are ongoing. At the board meeting, Alderwoman Megan Ellyia Green reminded aldermen that the city would not only be paying McKee for the land but also redevelopment rights. She said the margin that McKee would profit off the city is “not fiscally responsible.” Williams basically said that’s the way this business goes. “If a developer brings the deal to the table, then he’s due compensation,” Williams said. “That is what we are negotiating. He is the developer, and he has developer rights.” Williams said the city would not be in the NGA running if McKee and Clark had not submitted this site for the federal agency’s consideration, and McKee would only earn those fees if the site is selected. If the city secures the land and North City is selected, the

Image: employer National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

According to the most recent St. Louis Business Journal editorial on the NGA West relocation, these 182 square acres in St. Clair County, Illinois are more valuable to the St. Louis regional economy than a similar footprint in North St. Louis city. federal government is obliged to pay fair market rates to the city for its land. Special state legislation guarantees that the city can recoup $360 million in state funds if NGA West (as this facility is known) resettles in North City. STL Biz Journal endorses IL site The other locations in the NGA running are the old Chrysler plant in Fenton, the Met Life facility in South St. Louis County and an area adjacent to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. According to several insiders, only North City and Scott AFB are seriously in contention. On April 17 – a lifetime ago, if you are following the politics around the NGA deal – the St. Louis Business Journal ran an editorial titled, “Why NGA should choose St. Louis.” It stated that choosing the

North city site was “the right thing to do.” But, curiously, on Friday, July 10 the Journal ran an editorial titled, “Go east,” supporting the Illinois site for the NGA’s relocation. That’s right – the St. Louis Business Journal argued that the City of St. Louis should lose a $1.6 billion piece of business to a semi-rural area in another state. In an interview with The St. Louis American, Dick Fleming, former head of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and a community development consultant, picked apart what he called the journal’s most “ridiculous” selling points. The Journal states, “Most significantly, the site is next to Scott Air Force Base. That offers many benefits to NGA, not the least of which is access to one of its largest customers, USTRANSCOM with headquarters at Scott.” Fleming said the NGA services locations all over the world and hardly needs to be right next door to serve a customer. “Then there’s the access to Scott’s clubs, retail and the talent that travels between the base and the NGA,” the editorial states. It’s “laughable,” Fleming said, that the Journal even attempted to compare Scott AFB’s clubs and retail to a thriving urban center near Grand Arts Center, Washington Avenue’s clubs, and Cortex bioresearch park. “It’s hard to

imagine that one would pick the Scott Air Force club over a vibrant city center,” Fleming said. And then there’s the nuts and bolts of the editorial. It states, “We think the most compelling reason for choosing the Illinois site is to reinforce the stability of Scott itself. The base’s economic impact on the region is $3 billion and growing. This would help cement Scott’s value as further base reductions are anticipated in a shrinking defense budget. Losing the NGA hurts the city’s budget, especially where earnings taxes are concerned, but losing Scott would be a much larger regional blow.” First, Fleming said the Air Force base has never said that they need the NGA to be viable. Second, this argument gets into the rules of regional economics, he said. If the NGA expands over the years, there is a potential for the agency to grow to 7,100 jobs with an average salary of $75,000, he said. He argues that economic development is about keeping jobs where they are and working with employers to expand. The region should not be “pirating from each other.” Not only would the North city site allow those 3,100 jobs to remain in the city, Fleming said, but it would also be “a game-changer for the entire city and the long-awaited redevelopment of the North Side.” In April, the federal government selected St. Louis as a Promise Zone, which aims to improve housing and jobs in those areas. It also gives that area greater access to federal money and manpower. The NGA site falls directly in the Promise Zone, and it’s only natural that the federal government would give this area preference to “a cornfield,” Fleming said. And historically, the federal government consistently chooses to relocate to distressed areas over suburban ones, he said. “This is the largest single economic decision in recent memory,” Fleming said, “considerably bigger than Boeing, considerably bigger than Ford in Kansas City.” Minimum wage lives

The minimum wage bill is not dead in the water, as many feared, but at the moment, it’s

at a standstill. On July 10, Alderman Shane Cohn, who sponsored the bill to raise the minimum wage in the city to $15, was able to get enough votes to take the bill out of the Ways and Means Committee, where Alderman Joe Vaccaro refused to hear the bill abruptly this month. The votes were 18 yes, 10 no and 1 abstaining. Aldermanic President Lewis Reed was among those who voted no. Now the board needs to hold two full aldermanic meetings – one to perfect the bill and one to pass it. However, after the July 10 meeting, the aldermen were supposed to go on summer recess until September. At the state level, a bill threatens to make it unlawful for cities to establish minimum wage legislation, starting on August 28. Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed the bill, but the legislature could still override the veto. So Cohn wants to get the bill done before the looming August deadline. In order to do so, Reed needs to call those two aldermanic meetings. However, Reed’s chief of staff Tom Shepard said that they want to wait until September because they oppose the bill’s multiple exemptions. When asked if they could address those during the full meetings, Shepard said they could. However, Shepard said they have still not committed to holding the meetings. If Cohn really wants to get things done, he could go straight to the mayor, who also has the power to convene these meetings and fully supports the bill. And the bill that Cohn would present would be a floor substitute that lowers minimum wage to $11, and that would be a gradual increase, hitting $11 by 2020. He said it was the only way he could get enough votes on Friday to move the bill to the floor. “I really want to work with President Reed as much as I can,” Cohn said, “and make sure he has every opportunity support the bill. He’s a co-sponsor of the bill.” However, if that doesn’t work, is asking the mayor an option? Cohn said, “I think it is.”

Business

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JULY 16 – 22, 2015

People On The Move Serena Williams defeated Garbine Muguruza at Wimbledon to complete the “Serena Slam” – winning four straight majors – for the second time in her career. If she triumphs in Serena September at the U.S. Williams Open, she would become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to achieve the calendar-year grand slam. Williams is now the oldest women’s grand slam winner in the Open Era.

Photo by Wiley Price

On Friday, July 9, Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law Senate Bill 5 at the Old Post Office in downtown St. Louis, surrounded by state Sen. Eric Schmitt, Mo. Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, members of the Ferguson Commission and other area legislators.

‘Cops will stop being revenue agents’

Gov. Nixon signs municipal court reform bill, SB5, into law By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American On Friday, July 9, Governor Jay Nixon signed into law Senate Bill 5, what he called “the most comprehensive and sweeping municipal court reform in Missouri history.” The bill – steered to passage by state Sen. Eric Schmitt (with assistance from the Ferguson Commission, Arch City Defenders, SLU Law and others) – caps the amount of money that cities can collect from traffic fines and fees at 12.5 percent of a city’s budget in St. Louis County, and 20 percent in the rest of the state. This is down from the 30 percent currently allowed by state law, a restriction that is not

n “Under this bill, cops will stop being revenue agents and go back to being cops.” – Gov. Jay Nixon

currently enforced. Fines and court costs for minor traffic offenses are now capped at $300, and no one will be sentenced to jail for not being able to pay a fine. Also, citizens are now able to vote to dissolve their local governments if they don’t turn over

excess traffic revenue to the state within 60 days – effective January 1. “This landmark legislation will return our municipal courts to their intended purpose: serving our citizens and protecting the public,” said Nixon at a press conference held at the Old Post Office Building in downtown St. Louis. “That means under this bill cops will stop being revenue agents and go back to being cops: investigating crimes, protecting the public and keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.” An amendment by then-House Speaker John Diehl added a host of standards for St. Louis County municipalities, including written policies See BILL, B2

Why North City is best choice for NGA

Other three sites all located in non-distressed socio-economic areas The proposed location for the new National GeospatialIntelligence Agency West Campus Headquarters in North St. Louis is located in what the congressman for the area calls “a long-neglected urban desert.”

By U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay For The St. Louis American Due to aging infrastructure, limited expansion potential and increased security concerns, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West Campus Headquarters (NGA West) is currently considering four potential sites in the St. Louis region to build a new location. NGA West is currently located in South St. Louis City. Following the draft release in August 2015 of environmental impact studies on the four sites conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers, NGA West plans to choose the final site winner in the spring of 2016. The North St. Louis city U.S. Rep. site is the top redevelopment Wm. Lacy opportunity for NGA West. Clay Since the 1950s, North St. Louis city has been a long-neglected urban desert. In the affected area, average resident income is a little over $18,000 dollars a year. Some demographics: 85 percent of the population is African American, 57 percent percent of the population receives food stamps, 38 percent is on Medicaid, over 50 percent receive housing assistance, and the amount of prison spending is almost five times that of the St. Louis metro area. North St. Louis city’s touch reaches from downtown, covers the failed Pruitt-Igoe housing projects and finishes in the west near the edge of Ferguson. By building the new NGA West facility in

the middle of North St. Louis city, the federal government will see the highest economic return for every dollar invested. NGA West currently houses 3,100 jobs in St. Louis city, with a median salary of $75,000. The new NGA West facility will take $1.2 billion to construct, with a projected $1.6 billion in

total development cost. With this initial federal investment, 15,000 construction jobs and 11,500 permanent jobs will be created throughout Missouri. The estimated economic impact of putting the See NGA, B6

Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka joined the Community Advisory Council at the Missouri Foundation for Health. He is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist who Dr. currently serves as Sosunmolu medical director for Shoyinka behavioral health with Cenpatico Behavioral Health with Sunflower State, Home State, Buckeye and managed Health Services Health Plan, where he oversees planning and delivery of mental health services.

Brittany NobleJones is heading to Jackson, Mississippi to assume the role of morning and noon co-anchor for WJTV after nearly three years at KMOVTV as a general assignment reporter. Brittany She was one of the Noblefirst reporters on Jones the scene where Michael Brown Jr. was fatally shot by then-Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson and she continued to present compelling, comprehensive coverage.

Craig T. Johnson is joining the faculty at Webster University where he will serve as an adjunct professor for the Sociology and Criminology Department. He is a retired staff officer with the Central Craig T. Intelligence Agency, Johnson and an expert in such skills with over 20 years of experience as a polygrapher.

Sandra M. Moore will serve as a panelist at the Center for the Study of Social Policy’s Building Neighborhood Capacity Program on July 30 at the Department of Justice Sandra M. in Washington, Moore D.C. She will share her expertise on “Connecting Neighborhoods and Cities: Building Capacity for Equity.” She is president of Urban Strategies in St. Louis.

Bobby Tate joined AHM Insurance Group as producer/ risk advisor. He will be responsible for originating business in Property and Casualty, Personal Lines as well as Risk Management Bobby Tate Services. Industries he will focus on include Professional Services, Real Estate, Hospitality and Broadcasting. AHM Insurance Group is located in Maryland Heights. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican.com

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Personal Finance

Making summer more energy-efficient By Nathaniel Sillin It’s expected to be a hotter summer this year, but don’t confine your money-saving efforts to the thermostat. The warm months can be the best time to focus on cutting year-round energy costs (http://www.eia.gov/ forecasts/steo/report/electricity. cfm). Free of snow, ice and wind, it’s easier to spot problems, do repairs and budget for energy-efficient appliances and fix-up projects that can save considerable money in the future. Your first step should be better tracking and analysis of the energy you buy. The most common sources of energy spending are home utilities and fuel costs for vehicles. However, if you own a vacation home, operate a business within your residential space or have different vehicles for land or water, see if you can separate those numbers so you can more clearly identify usage patterns month to month and find ways to cut back. Think about an energy audit. Whether you do it yourself or pay for the services of a certified professional summer is the best time to do a basement-torooftop energy audit (http:// energy.gov/energysaver/ articles/professional-homeenergy-audits). Some utility

BILL

Continued from B1 regarding use of force by police officers and for collecting and reporting all crime and police data. A city that violates those standards could be placed under the oversight of an administrative authority or face

companies have home energy audits online so you can see where your energy is going. Prospective homeowners might make an energy audit part of their home inspection process. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2014, the average American spent 60 percent of their energy dollars heating rooms and water. Another 16 percent goes to lighting, cooling and food refrigeration. The remainder – nearly a quarter of total home energy uses – covers all miscellaneous energy use in the house. Focus on the thermostat. In the summer, confine heavy air conditioning use to the hottest nights, and the rest of the time, try to set the thermostat a little higher than you do now. For example, the U.S. Energy Department says that setting your air conditioning to 78 degrees instead of 72 can save between 6-18 percent on your summer cooling bill. Before you spend money on a programmable thermostat or convert your real-time utility billing to a budget plan, note that some research questions their value (https://today.duke. edu/2015/04/autopay). First, see how much you can save by shutting off vents and doors and drawing curtains in unused rooms and spaces. If you don’t have pets, you may consider setting your thermostat

a disincorporation election. The bill had overwhelming support from the Missouri House and Senate. “What we found was there was a breakdown in trust between people and their government and people and their courts,” Schmitt said. “Healing that is something worth fighting for.” However, state Rep. Clem

www.irs.gov/uac/Form-5695,Residential-Energy-Credits) and EnergyStar.gov for news on residential energy credits for specific replacement appliances and energy-saving improvements to your home. Keep in mind that Congress traditionally acts late each year to renew old credits or to approve new ones. Consider energy-smart landscaping. Keep in mind that well-placed trees and shrubs can shield a home from the sun and the elements yearround and potentially save 25 percent on energy costs annually.

compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) can provide lighting that lasts longer and saves money on replacements.

Cars, gas, and public transportation. If you drive, consolidate errands, fill up your tank at cheaper times and consider smartphone apps to find low gas prices for commuting and vacation use. And if you don’t regularly use public transportation, start testing it during the summer. The additional walking most people do when they take public transportation has health benefits as well. Bottom line: This summer, don’t just try to keep cool. Save money by changing your year-round energy behavior.

Check for tax credits and rebates. Make a call to your tax professional, check the Internal Revenue Service’s website (http://

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

St. Louis County area, “where the significant challenge was coming from.” Whether governed by white or black elected officials, many of the county’s majority-black municipalities were the worst when it came to funding their annual budgets through traffic tickets and court fines, according to data used in the legislature and provided by Schmitt’s office. In Pine Lawn in 2013, 48 percent of its $1.8 million budget came from revenue of fees and fines. For St. Ann, it was 37.5 percent of the municipality’s $3.4 million budget. SB5 will force these municipalities to reform, or basically force them out of business. Nixon said Senate Bill 5 builds on the 1995 Macks Creek law, which limits cities and towns to using only 30 percent of revenue collected from traffic citations in their budgets. The former town of Macks Creek, near the Lake of

the Ozarks, was once known as a notorious speed trap. At one time, more than 75 percent of its operating budget came from speeding tickets and other traffic citations. Better Together St. Louis, a project of the Missouri Council for a Better Economy, said the bill introduces important standards, including the requirement for all Missouri police departments to be accredited within six years. “For far too long, the practices of municipal courts have created significant ill-will between citizens and police,” according to the group’s statement. “By limiting the revenue that can be collected through fines imposed for minor traffic violations and disallowing jail sentences for failure to appear in court, SB5 cuts down on what many groups view as the ‘criminalization of poverty.’”

Keep in mind that well-placed trees and shrubs can shield a home from the sun and the elements year-round and potentially save 25 percent on energy costs annually. significantly higher than 78 before you leave for work. Lights out. We’ve all been admonished to turn off the lights when we leave a room, but there are other things we can do to capture random, or “vampire,” energy waste. Sensors, dimmers and timers

can reduce lighting use, and installing power strips can keep computers, microwaves, cable boxes, DVRs and highend TV sets from sucking energy even when they’re not turned on. Unplugging between uses works too. Also, swapping conventional incandescent bulbs for

Smith, who represents parts a district in the state’s of about 25 municipalities in southwestern corner, sponsored North County, opposed the bill the language that set the traffic because he said fine revenue cap the law puts an at 20 percent for unfair condition on n In Pine Lawn rural areas, after in 2013, 48 St. Louis County expressing concern compared to the about the financial percent of its other areas of the impact the bill $1.8 million states. could have on budget came “Everyone small rural towns. from revenue wanted to say, Smith said it was ‘We did something of fees and unfair that the for Ferguson,’” legislature reached fines. For St. Smith said, “but a compromise Ann, it was unfortunately it with these areas 37.5 percent of but not with those created a double its $3.4 million standard for the representing residents of the municipalities budget. state. I can’t with majority understand why African-American anyone would populations. vote for unequal Nixon responded treatment.” to this sentiment, saying that State Sen. Jay Wasson, a the legislature wanted to send Republican who represents a “significant message” to the

Follow this reporter on Twitter @rebeccarivas.

“Oh, I could do a cartwheel.” – Serena Williams, after winning the singles championship at Wimbledon

Sports

INSIDE

Major diversity issues

~ See ‘SportsEye’ page B4 ~ B3

JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Jayson Tatum commits to Duke

Inside Sports With Earl Austin Jr.

Weekend recruiting frenzy

All-American from Chaminade won gold medal in Greece

Players from nine states, coaches from across country convene in STL

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St. Louis American The last couple of weeks in the life of Chaminade College Prep All-American basketball player Jayson Tatum have been a whirlwind. Tatum traveled to Greece with the USA U19 team and helped them win a gold medal at the FIBA World Championships. He flew back across the pond to Augusta, Georgia to lead his St. Louis Eagles 17U team to the championship game of the Nike Peach Jam on national television. In between the Eagles’ semifinal and championship games, Tatum joined the n “Just television want to broadcast crew make my to announce that he will be parents attending Duke proud.” University in the fall of 2016. – Jayson The Blue Devils Tatum are coming off a NCAA national championship season in 2015. “I’m ready to decide,” he said. “I’ve been through the process for a while and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time when in my heart I know where I want to go. Just want to make my parents proud. After my senior year, I will be attending Duke University.” Tatum then picked up a Duke T-Shirt and displayed it to the national audience. The 6’9” small forward is currently the No. 2 ranked player in the latest ESPN national rankings. He chose Duke over fellow college basketball bluebloods Kentucky and North Carolina and his hometown school, Saint Louis University. Tatum has been the St. Louis area’s Player of the Year and the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year for the past two seasons. As a junior, he averaged 26 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in leading Chaminade to a thirdplace finish in the Missouri Class 5 state tournament. After giving his verbal

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

The 6’9” small forward Jayson Tatum of Chaminade is currently the No. 2 ranked player in the latest ESPN national rankings commitment to Duke, Tatum said he will set his sights on getting his best friend, Harry Giles, to come along with him to Durham. Giles, a North Carolina native, is the No.

1 ranked player in the country. He and Tatum have won three gold medals together as members of USA Basketball. “I’ve got to do a little recruiting

myself,” Tatum said. It was Tatum’s St. Louis Eagles team that defeated Giles’ CP3 AllStars team in the semifinals 74-73 in a real thriller.

For the second consecutive weekend, the St. Louis area will be hosting a big grassroots basketball tournament during the all-important July evaluation period. The Adidas Three Stripes Alliance Invitational will be held this weekend at the Center of St. Louis (6727 Langley Ave.) in Affton. Summer basketball programs from nine states will convene in St. Louis to compete in front of hundreds college coaches who are expected to attend. The action will begin on Thursday and will run until Sunday afternoon. The field is loaded with top talent from around the country. The tournament will be held in the 15U, 16U and 17U divisions. The states represented Earl are Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Austin Jr. Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, Colorado, Mississippi and Kansas. Among the top local teams in the field are the St. Louis Eagles and Gateway Basketball Club. The Eagles 17U team just finished a successful season in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League where they finished second in the Nike Peach Jam. Coming to St. Louis are many programs n The Three that were a part of Stripes the Adidas Gauntlet League, including the Invitational will feature many of Florida Elite, Indiana Elite, Eric Gordon All the top players Stars (IN), Memphis in the country, Magic, Arkansas Hawks, Derrick Rose, locally and Colorado Hawks and nationally. Mississippi Basketball Association. The Three Stripes Invitational will feature many of the top players in the country, locally and nationally. Several players are currently ranked among the Top 100 players in the nation in their respective classes. The headline performers for the Eagles are Dukebound Jayson Tatum (No. 2 in ESPN) and Tyler Cook (No. 73 in Rivals) of Chaminade, both have been invited to play in the Nike Global Challenge in Chicago this week and may not be in St. Louis. Some of the other nationally ranked talent See INSIDE, B5

In The Clutch With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

What could have been

Unless Jayson Tatum Center with the Atlantic 10 pulls a DeAndre Jordan and Championship on the line. catches a severe case of cold The Billikens are down by feet, the five-star high school two points with no timeouts standout will not be staying remaining. All eyes are on home to showcase the freshman phenhis skills on the next om. Tatum comes off level. Following his a screen to catch the senior season, Tatum inbound on the right will take his talents to elbow. He sweeps to the Durham, NC to play right and puts the ball ball for Coach Mike on the floor. A double Krzyzewski and the team is coming, but Duke Blue Devils. Tatum sees it and splits Though the defendthe defenders with a ing NCAA National Ishmael H. crossover. Five seconds Champion has been to go with the ball in his Sistrunk long-considered the hands, free-throw line front-runner for the silky extended. Tatum gives a hesismooth wing player, it’s hard tation dribble and a head fake. not to imagine what could have His defenders bite and launch been if Tatum stayed home and themselves into the air. Tatum suited up for the Saint Louis isn’t thinking about a tie, he University Billikens. wants the win. He pulls a stepI can see it now. There back to create space as his are seven seconds remaining defenders flail in the air. Two on the clock in the Chaifetz seconds on the clock. Tatum

lets a three pointer fly from the top of the key. The buzzer sounds as the ball drops though

the hoop. Game over. The SLUnatics rush the court. Tatum is hoisted up high

Jayson Tatum will take his talents to Durham, NC to play ball for Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils.

by the masses. Saint Louis University wins the conference championship and punches

n SLU was clearly a severe underdog in the process considering that Duke and Kentucky are perennial national championship contenders.

its ticket to the 2017 NCAA tournament as a #4 seed, where they will advance to the Elite Eight. Tatum is a hero. He’s the LeBron James of the Lou. He’s lauded as the greatest talent in SLU history, even though it served as a pit stop to a successful NBA career. He opens the floodgates of other St. Louis prep standouts to stay home and build SLU into a See CLUTCH, B5

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

SportsEye With Alvin Reid

Major diversity issues

Number of blacks in MLB rises slightly but still stagnant

There were 76 players either percent of the 868 players on selected by fans or players, 2015 opening day rosters and appointed by managers or disabled lists. chosen to replace injured It should be noted that the players for the 2015 Major Society for American Baseball League Baseball All-Star Game Research (SABR) came up in Cincinnati. with a higher number – 8.3 Of those 76 players, eight percent. Its percentage is based are black. To put that in on “players who identify perspective, in 1971 themselves as black.” the National League The St. Louis All-Stars had five black Cardinals had one black starters. They were player – Jason Heyward Hank Aaron, Dock – on its opening day Ellis, Willie Mays, roster. Xavier Scruggs Willie McCovey and is on the 40-man roster Willie Stargell. Eleven and has spent time in the of the NL’s 29 players Majors, but is currently were black. not on the Cardinals Alvin The ’71 American 25-man roster. Tommy Reid League All-Stars had Pham is a Vietnamese six black players and American. three starters – Vida Blue, Rod The last time MLB had such Carew and Frank Robinson. a low number of opening day There were five black African-American players was players on the 2015 American 1958, according to SABR. League AllSABR Star roster: statistics n “There has Chris Archer, concluded that been a concern Lorenzo Cain, 1981 was the in Major League Prince Fielder, high-water mark Adam Jones and for black Major Baseball about David Price. The the relatively small League Baseball three black NL players at 18.7 and declining All-Stars were percent. percentage of Dee Gordon Richard (injured), Andrew African-American Lapchick, McCutcheon and director of the players.” Justin Upton. Institute for When Diversity and – Richard Lapchick, compared to Ethics in Sports Institute for the percentage Diversity and Ethics at the University of African of Central in Sports Americans in the Florida, presents United States an annual report (13.2 percent), card on racial and the 11 percent on gender equality. All-Star rosters signals underThis year, MLB received an representation of black players. A for racial hiring practices, What is really disturbing is that a C+/C for gender hiring USA TODAY reported African practices and a B overall grade. Americans represented just 7.8 Obviously, most hiring and

MLB began the season with one black manager, Lloyd McClendon of the Seattle Mariners. employment for teams does not include players. “Although the total percentage of players of color has steadily risen over the years, there has been a concern in Major League Baseball

about the relatively small and declining percentage of African-American players,” Lapchick wrote in his report. “The concern is shared by leaders in the AfricanAmerican community and all

groups supporting diversity and inclusion.” Commissioner Rob Manfred said on April 15, Jackie Robinson Day, he expects the game’s number of black players to increase in the near

future. “You’ve got to go through a couple of (draft) cycles until you see any improvement,” he told USA TODAY. “It took us awhile to get to where we find ourselves. And quite frankly, it might have come faster than we had hoped.” Eighteen African Americans were selected in the first round of the June amateur draft since 2012. Seven African Americans were drafted in the first round in2013, the highest number since 1992. Managerial and coaching jobs held by minorities dipped this year, something that concerns Lapchick. “There was a decrease in the percentage of people of color as managers, coaches, team senior administrators, and in the League Office. … There was an increase in the percentage of people of color in the team professional administrator positions and in the general manager position,” Lapchick wrote. “All changes were small except in the manager position, where there was a 10 percentage point drop and the position of coaches, where there was a 4.2 percentage point drop. The percent of people of color as team vice presidents remained the same from the 2014 report.” MLB began the season with one black manager, Lloyd McClendon. His Seattle Mariners were picked by many pundits to reach the postseason and have been one of the year’s biggest disappointments. MLB could find itself with no black managers later this year if McClendon’s team doesn’t get its act together.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Serena’s hard-fought path to greatness A black former tennis pro reflects on the era’s most dominant athlete

By Blake Strode For The St. Louis American As an aspiring tennis player, I grew up idolizing Arthur Ashe. Always the picture of courage and dignity, Ashe floated somewhere in the ether, a constant source of inspiration for young black players who dreamed of making waves in the seemingly monochromatic world of tennis. Like the legendary Althea Gibson before him, his storied achievement stood out as an invaluable reminder that tennis excellence, like all forms of excellence, could come in a darker hue. And then came the Williams sisters. First, it was Venus, serving and scrambling her way to the U.S. Open final in 1997. Serena claimed the family’s first Grand Slam at the same event two years later. Black kids with tennis dreams no longer had to reach decades into the past to find a champion; we had Venus and Serena. What began as a sister

CLUTCH Continued from B3

perennial powerhouse. Sounds Rudy-ish right? OK, maybe I got just a little caught up in the moment. But for Saint Louis University, Tatum would’ve constituted a Hollywood ending. SLU was clearly a severe underdog in the process considering that Duke and Kentucky are perennial national championship contenders and regularly produce lottery-bound freshmen. SLU’s biggest chances relied more on the heart than the head. Both of Tatum’s parents attended Saint Louis University. His father, Justin Tatum, starred on the basketball team and his mother, Brandy Cole, attended SLU’s law school. His godfather, Larry Hughes, also starred for SLU and set a single-season record for most points scored in a Billiken uniform. In his only collegiate season, Hughes aver-

INSIDE Continued from B3

expected to play this weekend are: • Mario Kegler 6’8” (Mississippi Basketball Association): No. 36 ESPN • De’Ron Davis 6’8” (Colorado Hawks): No. 31 in Rivals • Jaren Jackson 6’8” (EG 10 All Stars): No. 48 in Rivals, 2017 • Kyle Guy 6’2” (Indiana Elite): No. 59 in Rivals. Committed to Virginia • Eron Gordon 6’4” (EG 10 All-Stars): No. 81 in Rivals • Matthew Moyer 6’8” (Indiana Elite): No. 51 in ESPN. Committed to Syracuse • Jeremiah Tillmon 6’11” (St. Louis Eagles): No. 13 in Rivals, 2017 • Xavier Sneed 6’5” (St. Louis Eagles): No. 102 in Rivals • Jordan Goodwin 6’3” (St. Louis Eagles): No. 88 in Rivals, 2017 • Alonzo Verge 6’3” (St. Louis Eagles) No. 84 in Rivals, 2017 • Chol Mariol 7’2” (Florida Elite): Rising incoming freshman • Reggie Perry 6’9” (Arkansas Hawks): Top 15 in Class of 2018 • Eathan Henderson 6’5” (Arkansas Hawks): No. 13 in ESPN, 2018 • Quentin Goodin 6’3” (Indiana Elite): No. 95 in ESPN. Other players to watch

act has since morphed into a one-woman show. Almost 16 years after Serena’s first Major title, the competition still cannot keep up. She not only stands out among female tennis players, or among tennis players generally; she is in the midst of one of the alltime great careers in sporting history. She now has 21 Grand Slam singles titles, just one away from the open-era record and three from the all-time record. She is the only player – male or female – to have won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments at least six times. She has held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time on two occasions separated by 12 years, a feat that has been eponymously named the “Serena Slam.” And, despite being the oldest woman in the open era to win a Major singles title, there is no sign of her slowing down. She has achieved all of this in a career filled with challenging moments. In a

now-infamous incident at the 2001 Indian Wells Masters, Serena was booed and heckled (with racial slurs, according to her and her family) through an entire three-set final because fans were suspicious of her having received a default from Venus in the prior round. A similar scene unfolded two years later at the 2003 French Open when the Blake crowd turned fervently Strode against Serena for having the temerity to request a “let” when her opponent held her hand in the air just before Serena’s serve (a motion that was confirmed by television replays). During a 2004 US Open quarterfinal loss, Serena was on the wrong end of a series of line calls so atrocious that the chair umpire was subsequently suspended and tournament officials had to issue an apology. Off the court, Serena has

aged 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.16 steals and helped the Billikens reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Hughes then departed SLU as a “one and done” for the greener pastures of the NBA as the #8 pick in the NBA Draft. By all accounts, Tatum is expected to have a similar trajectory as his legendary godfather. He has dazzled his entire career at Chaminade, on the AAU circuit and on the international scene as a part of USA Basketball. Tatum is a pro player. Whether he suits up a Duke, Kentucky, SLU or Vatterott, the youngster will be getting buckets at a NBA arena near you in 2017. At SLU, he would’ve had a team built around his talents. He would’ve been the man, unequivocally. However, this is certainly no criticism of Tatum for his choice of schools. Full disclosure, I’m a huge Duke fan. Mizzou, SLU and Duke are

my holy trinity of college basketball and only one of those programs is a legitimate national championship contender. There’s no way to criticize a kid for choosing to play for the best coach, face the best competition and have a national television audience every single time he steps on the court. No, he might not average as many points or be the singular focus in the Cameron Indoor Stadium as he would have been in the Chaifetz Arena, but I have a feeling he’ll be just fine. For my own selfish reasons, I wanted to see the kid play just a hop, skip and a jump away from the St. Louis American headquarters. Throughout the process though, his father and godfather, who have been through the tedious recruiting process, told Tatum to take his time and make the decision that was right for him. Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils are getting one hell of a player. I can’t wait to see him shine on the big stage.

include: Keon Clergeot (Florida Elite); Tyrus Grayson 6’5” (Arkansas Hawks); Jalen Crutcher 6’0” (Memphis Magic); Jason Draggs 6’9” (Memphis Magic): Attends North Tech in St. Louis; SK Shitter 6’9” (Arkansas Hawks); Fred Thatch 6’3” (St. Louis Eagles 15U), Aaron Cook 6’2” (Gateway 17U), Christopher Yannick Sodom 7’4” (Memphis Magic); Michael Lewis 6’2” (Gateway 17U), Jordan Barnes 5’9” (St. Louis Eagles 17U); For more information on the tournament and to get a complete schedule, visit the website midwestpremierhoops. com and click on Three Stripes Alliance.

St. Louis finished with a 7-1 record with their only loss coming to the Georgia Stars in the championship game. The Eagles were 5-0 in pool play, then defeated the Houston Hoops in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they defeated the CP3 All-Stars 74-73 on a dramatic buzzer-beater by CBC guard Jordan Barnes.

Eagles are Peach Jam Runners-Up The St. Louis Eagles 17U basketball team finished in second place at the prestigious Nike EYBL Peach Jam in Augusta, Georgia last weekend.

Tre Bryant picks Kansas State Standout running back Tre Bryant of CBC recently gave a verbal commitment to Kansas State. The 5’10” 190pound Bryant helped lead the Cadets to the Class 6 state championship last season. As a junior, Bryant rushed for 1,072 yards and scored 21 touchdowns for the Cadets’ high-powered offense that averaged nearly 50 points a game. Bryant picked Kansas State over Minnesota, Kansas, Northwestern and Syracuse.

withstood years of public obsession with her aggressive play, fiercely competitive attitude and even her athletic physique. This commentary has sometimes peddled in blatantly racist and misogynist tropes, such as when the head of the Russian Tennis Federation referred to Venus and Serena as the “Williams brothers” late last year, calling them “frightening.” Then there are the frequent impersonations of Serena by fellow players like Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki, bringing attention to Serena’s curvy frame by stuffing towels in their shirts and shorts. During the latest Wimbledon campaign alone, Serena had to field questions about an emerging blackface trend among Australian tennis fans, endure public musings about

her physical appearance, and be subjected to completely unfounded insinuations of steroid use by supposedly reputable media figures. It never seems to end. But if there is one thing Serena has proven, it’s that she knows how to handle adversity. That Indian Wells final where she faced 15,000 angry hecklers? She won it anyway. After an epic (and entirely self-inflicted) meltdown at the 2009 US Open, Serena issued a fullthroated apology, accepted her fine (historically severe by tennis standards), and bounced back to win two Major singles titles in the following year. In 2011, less than a year after blood clots in her lungs left her wondering whether she would survive, she was back at Wimbledon competing with a heightened appreciation and renewed focus. She has won another eight Majors since that lifethreatening ailment.

Jayson Tatum has committed to Duke University.

In an ESPN interview following her latest Wimbledon title on Saturday, Serena was asked to name an athlete from outside of tennis who inspired her. After weighing the question for a moment, she named Muhammad Ali. It was an apt response. With her fiery competitiveness, bold personality and unparalleled achievement in the face of tremendous obstacles and legions of naysayers, Serena just might be the heir apparent for Ali’s title: The Greatest. Blake Strode, a St. Louis native, was an All-American tennis player at the University of Arkansas (2006-9). He played professionally for three years after college, including three times in the US Open men’s qualifying draw. He recently graduated from Harvard Law School, and will join the ArchCity Defenders in September as a Skadden Fellow focusing on housing and community education.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

Financial Focus By Aaron Ezell

What happens to my IRA after I’m gone?

Michael Holmes: Good Samaritan Pastor Ronald L. Bobo, Kim Stemley and Michael Holmes, president of Rx Outreach, visited recently at the Good Samaritan Gala, where Holmes was honored with The Good Samaritan Award. He has partnered Rx Outreach with Sharing Hope International Ministries to provide the much needed medications to people in developing countries. Bobo is founder/executive director of Sharing Hope International Ministries. Stemley is the chief financial officer of Rx Outreach.

NGA

Continued from B1 NGA West facility in North St. Louis city is an additional $1.4 billion annually to the Missouri economy. Of that, 11,200 jobs and $1.2 billion are expected to benefit the St. Louis metropolitan region alone. Lastly, $8.1 billion of public and private investment is expected to be generated from 2016 to 2023 by selecting North St. Louis city as the new NGA West site. The North St. Louis city site would not only create unprecedented economic productivity, but it would also allow federal, state and local governments to save their starving budgets from the dependence of North St. Louis city residents who are currently

reliant on social program funding. The other three sites are all located in rural or suburban and non-distressed socio-economic areas. The North St. Louis city site is the only of the four sites that is simultaneously a part of the administration’s Stronger Cities and Strong Communities Initiative and the Promise Zone Program. This site would also fulfill the 1978 Executive Order 12072 which gives first priority to distressed urban areas in locating new federal facilities or consolidating or relocating existing facilities. The North St. Louis city site is unmatched in its potential for economic urban regeneration, uplift of economic and housing opportunities for low-income minority residents, and fulfilling the mission of the NGA to protect the security of our nation.

The Obama administration’s legacy of poverty reversal and rebuilding the middle class would be cemented by choosing North St. Louis city as the selected site for the new NGA West Headquarters. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the federal government to reverse urban blight and finally harness the economic might of the entire St. Louis metropolitan region. All data cited are from the 2015 study “NGA Western Site Relocation-Economic Impact Analysis Summary for North St. Louis City Site” and the 2013 study “Regenerating the Northside,” both authored by public policy research analysis firm Missouri Wonk. Both studies are accessible at http:// mowonk.com/policy-briefings/. Edited from remarks presented to the Obama administration.

Contributing to an IRA can help you build some of the resources you will need to enjoy a comfortable retirement. But what happens to your IRA if you don’t use it up in your lifetime? You can still put the IRA’s assets to good use — as long as you’ve made the right moves and communicated your wishes clearly to your family. When you opened your IRA, you should have named a beneficiary — someone who will receive the IRA assets when you pass away. You could also name a contingent beneficiary if the first beneficiary dies before you. These beneficiary designations are important because they can supersede the instructions left in your will. If you name your spouse as beneficiary of your IRA, he or she has options unavailable to other beneficiaries. Here are two possibilities: • Roll over assets into a new or an existing IRA — Your surviving spouse can roll over your IRA’s assets into his or her IRA or use the money to create a new IRA. And, as long as your spouse is eligible, he or she can then add new contributions to the IRA. This could be a good

choice if your spouse won’t need the money right away and would like to keep it in a tax-advantaged account for as long as possible. Upon reaching age 70½, though, your spouse will likely need to start taking withdrawals (“required minimum distributions”), unless the inherited IRA was a Roth IRA.

age 70½, and you hadn’t started taking the required minimum distributions, your beneficiary must start taking withdrawals by Dec. 31 in the year following the year in which you pass away. These withdrawals can be stretched out over your • Convert the assets beneficiary’s n Your to a Roth IRA — If you lifetime, though, surviving are leaving a traditional spreading out spouse can IRA to your spouse, he the tax obliroll over or she could roll over gations. As an the assets into a new alternative, your your IRA’s or an existing IRA and beneficiary can assets into then convert the assets delay taking his or her into a Roth IRA. This distributions, but IRA or use move gives your spouse he or she would at least two potential need to withdraw the money advantages. First, if all the money to create a certain requirements are within five years new IRA. met, no taxes are due on of your death. the withdrawals. Second, When dealas mentioned above, no ing with any withdrawals are even aspect of your required — your spouse can leave estate plans, including the money intact for as long as naming beneficiaries for desired. However, taxes will be due your IRA, you’ll want to on the amount converted to a Roth, consult with your tax and so this conversion may only make legal professionals. You sense if your spouse has enough put a lot of time and effort assets available in a nonretirement into building the assets in account to pay the tax bill. your IRA — so you’ll also want to take care in how Thus far, we’ve just talked about you pass these assets along. your spouse as the beneficiary. But what might happen if you’ve named This article was writsomeone else — perhaps a child or ten by Edward Jones for grandchild — as the primary benefiuse by your local Edward ciary of your IRA? In this case, the Jones Financial Advisor. beneficiary won’t have the option of rolling over the IRA. Instead, he For further inforor she can either take the money mation contact Aaron as a lump sum or take distributions Ezell at (314) 997-4905 or over time. If you pass away before 1-800-EDJONES

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C1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 - 22, 2015

Lens on black St. Louis

“Four Way Stop,” directed by Efie da Silva, writer and director for the film, will For Cinema St. Louis’ 2015 St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23 at The Tivoli. For a full schedule of films, visit www. cinemastlouis.org

STL Filmmakers Showcase focuses on black experience in 2015 By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Jill Scott and company deliver on block party promise By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I knew that I wanted to tell stories of the people who don’t normally get a lens turned onto them,” said Efie da Silva, writer and director for the film “Four Way Stop.” For Cinema St. Louis’ St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, 2015 will see an unprecedented number of • “I think it’s featured films that reflect the tremendous African-American that St. Louis experience. The showcase filmmakers screens works have the that were written, directed, edited opportunity to or produced by see their film on St. Louis natives or films with the big screen.” strong local ties, and of the 15 films that will be - Efie da Silva presented, 12 will highlight the black experience. Da Silva’s cinematic debut will close the showcase on July 23 at 7 p.m. at The Tivoli. With the drama, da Silva gives insight into the life of a young teen struggling to keep his head above water amidst family turmoil and dysfunction. Harsh realities and impeded educational opportunities have presented serious roadblocks in his attempt

A soul diva in her finest form, the glory of a hip-hop star and the mix of a DJ that is masterful as he is legendary made for an unforgettable night of music for the Summer Block Party starring Jill Scott, Common and DJ Jazzy Jeff Thursday night at the Peabody Opera House. Presented by 100.3 The Beat The most FM, the block party that involved will be remembered as compelling 3,000-plus a triple header for everything that’s element of right with R&B, soul and hip-hop. Jazzy Jeff started the show Common’s offDJ and was able to get shine for show by what originally put him on the map in the entertainment industry. far was his Behind the turntables he blended reunion classics and tribute to family throwback jams – DeBarge, Anita the St. Louis Baker, Bobby Caldwell and even a taste of his hit with The Fresh region – Prince that became the hip-hop Ferguson, in generation’s summertime anthem. Progressive rap star Common particular. was true to form with his characteristically high-impact show. Accompanied by a female singer and full band, the Chicago reminded the audience how he was able to forge a path between the East Coast versus West Coast rap scene 20 years ago. Common presented an energy and passion and hunger to present an unforgettable live show. Through selections like “The Corner,” “I Used to Love Her” Photos by lawrence Bryant

See FILMS, C4

See CONCERT, C4

Top five with favor Shalom’s ‘Simply Amazing’ holds at No. 3 on Billboard Gospel Chart By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

In less than a month, “Simply Amazing” is posing a serious threat to the No. 1 spot currently held by Richard Smallwood and Vision.

“I’m trying to find a way to say something other than ‘simply amazing,’ but that’s what it is,” said Pastor F. James Clark, senior pastor of Shalom Church (City of Peace). He didn’t want to sound as if he were making a shameless plug by working the album title into expressing how he felt, but that pretty much

• Only Online •

Terisa Griffin’s trunk event returns to STL

summed it up. It was three days into the second week of Shalom Choir holding the No. 3 position on Billboard’s Gospel Album Charts with their debut recording “Simply Amazing.” Clark still seemed in disbelief of what his choir has accomplished with their debut recording. “I mean, who would have thought this … who would have thought this?” Clark said. Shalom’s minister of music Dello Thedford and his protégé, nationally renowned songwriter and producer Oscar Williams Jr., headed up the project that was released nationally on June 16. In less than a month, “Simply Amazing” is posing a serious threat to the No. 1 spot currently held by Richard Smallwood and Vision’s “Anthology Live.” Smallwood and Marvin Sapp ranked above them, but Shalom’s debut recording would even See SHALOM, C4

National recording artist Terisa Griffin will be back in St. Louis this Sunday blessing worthy St. Louis area students with their first college care package as part of her Better Love Yourself Foundation’s annual Trunk Event.

www.stlamerican.com

Calendar

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015 music. Featuring the comedic styles of Reggie Edwards and Precious J with headliner comedian J. Jenkins. Also, special guest comics Will C and Terrell Tate will be present. City Bistro, 2718 Gravois Ave., 63118. For more information, call (314) 329-5839 or visit www.tewjennings.com.

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

local gigs

Sun., July 19, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. doors) Community Women Against Hardship’s Summer Jazz Concert featuring Marquis Hill, winner of the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition performing a Tribute to Freddie Hubbard. Accompanying him are local talented musicians : Jerome “Scrooge” Harris on drums, Matt Villanger, piano, Jeffrey Anderson, bass and Chad Evans, Saxophone. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.cwah.org. All proceeds benefit CWAH’s Programs and Services.

Fri., July 17, 5 p.m., Grand Center presents Music at the Intersection. The festival kicks off with a “happy hour” blues and jazz concert in Strauss Park (3534 Washington Ave., 63103) complete with local beer tents, street art, food and drink specials, and so much more. The music will continue on into the night inside some of St. Louis’ hottest restaurants and venues, including Ferring Jazz Bistro at Jazz St. Louis, The Kranzberg Arts Center, the Stage at KDHX, The Dark Room, Dooley’s Beef N Brew House, Lucha, and Vito’s Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante. Admission is free and audience members are encouraged to move throughout the evening, as venues will offer staggered performance start times, allowing them to hear a portion of virtually every music set. Grand Center, 3526 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 289-1500 or visit www. grandcenter.org.

Thur., July 23, 7 p.m., Peabody Opera House presents Fifth Harmony. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 4997600 or visit www.peabody operahouse.com. Fri., July 24, 6 p.m., Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre presents J. Cole: Forest Hills Drive Tour with special guests Big Sean, YG and Jeremih. 1414 Riverport Dr., 63043. For more information, call (314) 298-9944 or visit www.thehollywood casinoamphitheatre.com. Thur., July 30, 8 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Sam Smith. 1 S. Compton, Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.chaifetzarena.com. Fri., July 31, 7:30 p.m., Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre presents The Heart and Soul Tour 2015 with Chicago and Earth, Wind, and Fire. 1414 Riverport Dr., 63043. For more information, call (314) 298-9944 or visit www.thehollywood casinoamphitheatre.com.

Sun., July 19, 6 p.m., Ife Jacobs Music and Amazing Memoriez present The Soulful Songstress Sings. This evening will be a laid back and casual affair that will take you on a soulful journey and soothe your soul. You will enjoy a mixture of old and new school, be reacquainted with some of your favorite artists, and be introduced to some you may have missed. Vera B’s Southern Kitchen, 5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd., 63045. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

special events Fri., July 17, 5:30 p.m., Emerson Free Family Night at the Magic House. This special night allows a family (no more than two adults and four of their own children) to

literary

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre presents J. Cole: Forest Hills Drive Tour with special guests Big Sean, YG and Jeremih. For more information, see CONCERTS.

enjoy more than 100 hands-on exhibits at The Magic House at no charge. Reservations are not required. 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 822-8900 or visit www.magichouse.org. Fri., July 17, 8 p.m., His and Her Boutique and The Fam Cultural Academy present The All Male Fashion Show. This youth benefit show will feature special guests Chris “The Mayor “ Thomas and Reggie “Bruh Man” Ballard with musical guest Glenn Jones. DJ Kut on the turntables. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 494-2367 or visit www. eventbrite.com. Sat., July 18, 9 a.m., Ferguson 1000 Jobs and SLATE host a Hiring Event. This event is for the entire St. Louis region. Business attire required. Hiring partners include BJC Healthcare, The City of St. Louis, AAA, Ameren, Avon, St. Louis Community College, Edward Jones, and more. Participants can register on the Missouri jobs website (jobs.mo.gov) or at SLATE (1520 Market St., 63103) or at American Job Center (26 N. Oaks Plaza, 63121). There will also be event prep sessions on July 13 at 10 a.m. and July 15 at 5 p.m. at the Community Center. Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, call

(314) 521-4661 or visit www. ferguson1000jobs.com. Sat., July 18, 5 p.m., African Diaspora Council Annual Anniversary Dinner honoring Nelson Mandela’s Life & Legacy. The focus of this event is to honor the works of our great Legend Nelson Mandela. A man of compassion, courage and served his community. He focused on the betterment of civilization. He desired to improve the lifestyle of all he helped. He loved his country and people unto death. Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, call (314) 399-7470 or visit www. africandiasporacouncil.org. Fri., July 18, 5 p.m., Integrity Resolutions, Inc. presents 2nd Annual Sipping for a Cause Wine Tasting Fundraiser. Do you like wine? So do we! So what better reason to sip than to help your community? This event will be a night packed full of music and fun, and wine of course, all to benefit the communities we serve right here in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 594-7538 or visit www. eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annualsipping-for-a-cause-winetasting-fundraiser-the-whiteparty-tickets. Wed., July 22, 6 p.m., Macy’s

presents Jammin’ Rock n’ Roar at Jammin’ at the Zoo. The Young Zoo Friends invite you to a 21-and-up celebration at the Saint Louis Zoo to enjoy music, beer and wine at Jammin’ at the Zoo. This event features a variety of wine and beer for purchase. St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 781-0900 or visit www. stlzoo.org. July 27 – Aug. 1, The Robert L. Reed Tap Heritage Institute presents The 24th Annual St. Louis Tap Festival. Registration is open and space still available for classes and workshops, which encompass all levels from beginner to advanced. Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel, 7730 Bonhomme Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 531-8277 or visit www. tapheritage.org.

Fri., July 17, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Cynthia Levinson, author of Watch Out for Flying Kids!: How Two Circuses, Two Countries, and Nine Kids Confront Conflict and Build Community. Levinson takes readers inside the world of social circus—a movement that brings kids from different worlds together, facilitating social justice through circus arts. Through more than 100 hours of interviews, Levinson follows the child-stars of two professional social circuses: Circus Harmony in St. Louis, whose participants are innercity and suburban kids, and Circus Galilee in Israel, whose participants are Jewish and Arab children. The event will also feature a performance by members of Circus Harmony. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.leftbank.com.

theatre

Fri., July 31, 8 p.m., The Peabody Opera House presents The Wendy Williams Sit Down Tour: Too Real for Standup. Wendy Williams brings her singular brand of talk, “tea”, and unbridled comedic styling to the stage. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 499-7600 or visit www. peabodyoperahouse.com.

Sat., July 11, 8 p.m., Kranzberg Arts Center presents Life, Loss & Laughter: A Musical Homecoming w/ Dominic Windsor. Award winning Actor Dominic Windsor is celebrating being back in the St. Louis area after 5 longs years away. Join us as Dominic recounts working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, discovering his passion, falling in and out of love, and life in general. Featuring songs by composers like Stephen Schwartz, Jason Robert Brown, & Phil Collins, this evening is sure to entertain. Tickets for this are limited to 100 so you will need to get them as soon as possible. Dominic will also be conducting a silent auction with all proceeds going to Broadway Cares: Equity Fights Aids. 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 533-0367 or visit www.kranzbergartscenter.com.

Fri., July 31, 9 p.m., Tew Silly Entertainment presents Foolish Friday 2. It’s time for another night of laughter and straight foolishness brought to you by some of the funniest local and national comics. Hosted by Tew Jennings with Dj BiggSexy providing the

Through July 19, The Muny presents The Buddy Holly Story. The story of beloved American rock ‘n’ roll icon Buddy Holly explodes onto the stage. Buddy Holly created the sounds and styles that made American rock ‘n’ roll, and this fantastic show features songs

comedy

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015 you’ve loved for decades: That’ll Be The Day, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Peggy Sue, and Johnny B. Goode! Another Muny premiere, this show is an all-American summer night’s energy boost. 1 Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org. Through Aug. 1, Missouri History Museum presents Unlocking the Golden Door: The Fight for Sumner High School. In 1875, 10 years after the abolition of slavery, St. Louis had a strong group of African American activists and community leaders who were doing the hard work of civil rights. This performance focuses on their efforts, including the fight for Sumner High School, the first African American high school west of the Mississippi. Dates Vary. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

arts July 16 at 11 a.m. and July 17 at 6 p.m. Simon Kelly, curator of modern and contemporary art will discuss The African Art Influence in Modern Art. Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive in Forest Park. For more information about the exhibit or related programming, call 314.721.0072 or visit slam.org. Sat., July 18, 11 a.m., St. Louis ArtWorks Annual Summer Sale. Handmade prints, found object poetry sculpture, greeting cards, bike art, birdhouses, small-scale sculptures, dream catchers, and much more, all made by St. Louis ArtWorks Apprentices. Old North Studio, 2707 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, call (314) 2894180 or visit www.stlartworks. org. July 23 at 11 a.m. and July 24 at 6 p.m. Sherri Williams, an Art Museum educator, will deliver the Senufo-related gallery talk Women and West African Art. Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive in Forest Park. For more information about the exhibit or related programming, call 314.721.0072 or visit slam.org. Through Aug. 2, Urban Wanderers Faces of Survival. Featuring artwork inspired by hopeful recovery stories of Stray Rescue’s abandoned and abused companion animals. Paintings, photographs, sculptures and more will be displayed and available for auction. All proceeds benefit Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

There will be an opening reception on July 10, at 5 p.m. Come meet the artists on Friday July 24 at 5:30 p.m. The Tail End, closing day and celebration will take place Sunday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. Gallery 400, 400 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, call (314) 7716121. To bid on exhibit pieces, visit www.blacktie-Missouri. com/auctions. Through Aug. 8, The Griot Museum of Black History presents A Cast of Blues. This touring exhibit tells the stories of hopes, sorrows, and triumphs of Mississippi blues legends who lived and breathed the blues through 15 resin-cast masks, created by visually-impaired artist Sharon McConnell-Dickson, and 15 panoramic color photographs by Ken Murphy of blues artists and the colorful juke joints where they performed. 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (314) 241-7507 or visit www.thegriotmuseum. com. August 20 at 11 a.m. and August 21 at 6 pm. Nichole Bridges, The St. Louis Art Museum’s associate curator of the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, will talk about related works on view in a gallery talk entitled Senufo and Beyond in the Permanent Collection. Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive in Forest Park. For more information about the exhibit or related programming, call 314.721.0072 or visit slam.org. Through Aug. 23, The Botanical Gardens hosts Lantern festival: Magic Reimagined. The Garden plays host to an international exhibition of 22-lighted works of art from Zigong, China. The Garden has commissioned sets crafted from silk and steel to offer visitors from around the world the opportunity to see an event rarely staged outside of Asia. Each set will include interpretation detailing the design’s tradition, symbolism and meaning. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information visit www. missouribotanicalgarden.org. Through Sept. 7, The St. Louis Art Museum presents Adorning Self and Space: West African Textile Exhibit. The blankets, garments, and clothes highlighted in the exhibit demonstrate a captivating array of design and pattern. They were created to comfort and protect, to proclaim identity, status and style. Although created by

The Peabody Opera House presents The Wendy Williams Sit Down Tour: Too Real for Standup. See COMEDY for details.

artists of several cultures from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, many of the textiles on view share a formal structure of strip-woven cloth that is the basis for myriad design variations. Other cloths in the exhibition merge foreign, industrially produced fabric with inventive techniques for dyeing and decorating that result in kaleidoscopic effects. 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. slam.org.

lectures/ workshops Thur., July 23, 9 a.m., JCI Symposium on Social Equality. This empowering and free symposium will focus on the search for human dignity in the 21st century. We will unite local, regional, national and international leaders and experts and provide constructive conversation on how we can sustain social equality for all people. These important conversations and engaging discussions aim to empower active citizens and inspire community action to ensure human dignity for all. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (636) 449-3100 or visit www.jci.cc/ ourevents. Sun., July 26, 1 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents That’s the Way It Was: Stories of Struggle, Survival and Self-Respect in Twentieth-Century Black St. Louis. Segregation was a way of life in St. Louis, aptly called “the most southern city in the North.” Collected by Vida “Sister” Goldman

Prince, these 13 oral histories describe the daily struggle that pervasive racism demanded but also share the tradition of self-respect that the African American community of St. Louis sought to build on its own terms. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org. Mon., July 27, 10 a.m., St. Louis OASIS presents The Life and Legacy of Annie Malone. A chemist and entrepreneur, Annie Turnbo Malone became a millionaire by successfully developing and marketing hair products for black women in St. Louis. She used her wealth to promote the advancement of African Americans and gave most of her money to charity. Learn about this historic St. Louisan whose contributions are still celebrated today. 50 Gay Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 862-4859 or visit www.oasisnet.org/STL.

health July 17, Community Women Against Hardship 10th Annual Golf Tournament, Forest Park Golf Course. For more information, call Ron Bradley (314) 629-2681 or

C3 Carolyn Barnes (314) 3037985 Sat., July 18, 10 a.m., NBC’s The Biggest Loser open casting call. Teams of two (spouses, siblings, parent/ adult child, best friends, co-workers) who have at least 80 lbs. to lose are encouraged to apply for the new season. Our open call in St. Louis will be held Saturday, July 18th. We would River City Casino & Hotel, 777 River City Casino Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63125. Sat., July 25, 11 a.m., Trinity Mt. Carmel Health Fair. The Health Unit will be hosting our bi-yearly health fair, which will have vendors catering to children and adults. The vendors will provide screenings and demonstrations. We will raffle gift cards and gift baskets. You must be present and complete our bingo vendor form to participate in the raffle. Resource Center, 11015 Old Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 202-9008 or visit www.trinitymt.org. Sun., July 26, 1 p.m., The YMCA of Greater St. Louis and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter host a Farmer’s Market. Bringing fresh and healthy choices right to your neighborhood. Come over for top-notch food, better prices, and a great social atmosphere. O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex YMCA, 4343 West Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 932-1423 or visit www. ymcastlouis.org.

spiritual Sat., July 18, 10 a.m., Prince of Peach Church Berkeley Community Day. Drastic times calls for drastic measures. Our church is stepping up to the plate to express our love and attempt to make a difference to a crying

heart in our community. The Community Fair will consist of food, kid activities, a car wash, flea market, free health screenings, energy assistance information, and much more. 9350 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 669-2419 or email marketingministry@ princeofpeacembc.org. July 23 – 25, 5th Annual Women of Destiny Conference: Removing the Mask. Thursday at 7 p.m. – worship service with guest speaker, First Lady Wooden; Friday at 7 p.m. – panel discussion “Under the Surface: Time to Exfoliate”; Saturday at 11 a.m. – Luncheon at the Courses at Forest Park with guest speaker, First Lady Hankerson (6141 Lagoon Dr., 63112). All Creation Northview Holiness Family Church, 1442 Hudson Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 441-5776 or visit www.acnhfc.com. July 23 – 25, 5th Annual Women of Destiny Conference: Removing the Mask. Thursday at 7 p.m. – worship service with guest speaker, First Lady Wooden; Friday at 7 p.m. – panel discussion “Under the Surface: Time to Exfoliate”; Saturday at 11 a.m. – Luncheon at the Courses at Forest Park with guest speaker, First Lady Hankerson (6141 Lagoon Dr., 63112). All Creation Northview Holiness Family Church, 1442 Hudson Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 441-5776 or visit www.acnhfc.com. Sat., Aug 1, 10 a.m., Myrtle Hilliard Davis 2nd Annual Gospel Brunch featuring Happy Guitar, June Mason, Fair Fax, Sherice Taylor and Cool Valley Singers. Norwood Hills Country Club, One Norwood Hills Country Club Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information regarding the event, please contact Mary Payne at 314367-5820 ext. 2310 or email her at mpayne@mhdchc.org.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 - 22, 2015

C4

FILMS

CONCERT Continued from C1 and his feature on Erykah Badu’s “Love of My Life” and “Testify,” he proved the range and diversity within hip-hop and illustrated the seamless blend between rap and soul music. His re-arrangement of “The Light,” to wiggle in a bit of the Maze featuring Frankie Beverly classic “Before I Let Go,” was an extension of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s set. But the most compelling element of his show by far was his tribute to the St. Louis region – Ferguson, in particular – for the protests that captured global attention in the wake of Michael Brown Jr.’s death. “The area of St. Louis helped changed the world last year,” Common said as an introduction to his Academy Award-winning hit “Glory” from the “Selma” soundtrack – which closed his portion of the show. “Unfortunately, it was through the pain and loss of a young black man, but we’re not gonna let his death be in vain, because we know that young black men are the targets for so many things. Y’all showed the heart, the resilience, the strength and the love, and it’s all to God’s glory.” After an emotion-filled finale from Common, Jill Scott came out with a glowing smile and an intention to give the crowd an unforgettable performance. The funk-filled “Gimme” ignited a soulful roller-coaster that had Scott so delighted she had to pry herself from the stage and inform fans that she wanted to give them even more after nearly 90 minutes of singing the stage down to the studs. St. Louis definitely got the best of Scott. Through her selections she offered an autobiography of sorts – one that ended with a proclamation of being blessed by the life

Continued from C1 to provide for himself and his ailing mother – and the allure of the fast money of street life pose a constant threat to his goal of bucking the statistics often associated with young men of color. Through “Four Way Stop,” da Silva wants to shed light on the humanity that often gets lost in the stereotypes. “When you don’t know people who are different than you, you might assume the worst,” da Silva said. “And that turns into an implicit bias that affects the jobs that people get, the housing that they are trying to acquire, and just a lot of things that have to with how people are able to survive.” The racial divides and fragmentation, the lack of opportunity and the blatant

racism experienced by the black community are expressed in ways that speak to the unique experiences within St. Louis. The film stars St. Louis natives Paul E. Craig, Marty Casey and Jason Little and has the production value of a mainstream film. “I hope we inspire people to make films just by showing that we were able to make one,” said da Silva, who studied film at Webster University. “People need to know ‘yes, you can do this.’ We are not a Hollywood film crew. We are just local people trying to make something good.” Da Silva said the St. Louis film scene has the talent to blossom. “There is a community that is unknown, but they have the talent. Hopefully, people will see what’s happening at the filmmakers showcase and think, ‘Why can’t we come together and create a film industry in our city?’”

Da Silva sees the showcase presenter Cinema St. Louis as an invaluable institution for breaking down barriers by showing films such as hers – and facilitating conversations through the content they present and as a platform for current and aspiring filmmakers. “I think it’s tremendous that St. Louis filmmakers have the opportunity to see their film on the big screen,” da Silva said. “Cinema St. Louis encourages and bolsters those who are interested in pursuing cinematic ventures because they know that they have this. Having that inspires people to keep doing their work – and inspires new people to start work.” The St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase will take place from June 19-23 at the Tivoli Theatre. 6350 Delmar. For more information and a full schedule of films, visit www. cinemastlouis.org or call (314) 289-5143.

of for a local church album recording, in St. Louis or anyplace else for that matter, without the attachment of a huge act. “Oscar called me and said, ‘Congratulations’ and I said, ‘Congratulations for what?’”

song that highlighted selections of the CD. “When we were at the concert, I certainly felt something,” Clark said. “But never in my wildest imagination did I see it taking its own life like it’s doing.” While admitting he had a much smaller scale of success in mind, Thedford said after witnessing the reaction to the music at the celebration he had a “knowing” that “Simply Amazing” would connect with the national gospel scene. “There was a level excitement where I felt like God was saying, ‘I’m going to bless this,’” Thedford said. “It was as if He was saying, ‘I am going to anoint this project.’” Thedford feels that the album’s content also contributed to the resounding success of “Simply Amazing,” saying that the CD has a song on it for everybody’s church – and every denomination. “The fact that we were able to accomplish this shows that when you work hard at anything and do your best so that God might get the glory, then good things will happen,” Clark said. “Beyond Shalom, this is just great for St. Louis. I just hope that people in our city – because we know what’s happening on the national level – sees it for what it is and supports us.” “Simply Amazing” by Dr. F. James Clark and The Shalom (City of Peace) Mass Choir is available at all major music outlets. For more information on the music ministry and the church, visit www.shalomccop. org or call (314) 653-2300.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Jill Scott came out with a glowing smile and an intention to give the crowd an unforgettable performance.

SHALOM Continued from C1

journey fans have been connecting with thanks to her poignant, relatable lyrics. She sprinkled some longawaited new material in the midst of her musical narrative. “Put Me Back Together,” “Fool’s Gold” and “You Don’t Know” were among the new tracks from her upcoming “Woman” album that wiggled their way into the lineup that also included “The Way,” “A Long Walk,” “Crown Royal” and “Cross My Mind.” Her vocals were pristine as usual, though she leaned more on her lower register for this particular performance. She delivered riffs and phrasings that paid homage to the great blues mavens and hinted at the broad range often displayed by the late great Sarah Vaughan. “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)” is typically a grand

spectacle of a finale that includes an operatic insert performed in Spanish that showcases her classical voice training. There was only a taste of that this time. Instead she leaned into a heartfelt exchange between Scott and her fans where they professed love for each other. As the lights came on and the band walked off, Scott scooted back on stage, saying that she was allowed five more minutes to share with the audience and jumped right into her inspiring hit “Blessed.” She shook hands, waved and shared her signature smile as she carried on with fans who rushed towards the stage over the course of the song. “I wish I could stay longer,” Scott said. “I love you, St. Louis. Be blessed”

set themselves apart from those gospel artists – household names in the faith-based music industry – by beating them out for the distinction of greatest sales gainer for this week. Resting just beneath Shalom on the charts is the super-popular Wow Gospel franchise’s 2015 edition. Further down are artists like Tamela Mann and Erica Campbell. “It is no secret that Shalom Church choir has always had the ability to sing,” Clark said. “This is the result of hard work and dedication – but, more importantly, the willingness to use your gift to give glory to God.” While national artists such as Ernest Pugh and Lecresia Campbell (no relation to Erica) appear on the album, the choir itself is the main attraction over the course of the 16 tracks. Their position on Billboard is a feat absolutely unheard

• Shalom’s minister of music Dello Thedford and his protégé, nationally renowned songwriter and producer Oscar Williams Jr., headed up the project.

Thedford said. “He said, ‘You’re number three. I said, ‘Oscar, stop playing.’ That whole day I just walked around in amazement thinking, ‘Is this really true?’” Thedford went out and purchased a Billboard magazine to see for himself – and to have as a keepsake. Even though a top five ranking on Billboard’s Gospel Charts was beyond imagination, those who came to the concert celebrating the completion of “Simply Amazing” back in April had to know something special was in store. The more than 100 voices that make up the choir had guests dancing in the aisles and laid out in the pews during a three-hour experience of worship and praise through

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22 , 2015

Celebrations Golden Anniversary

Nuptials

FREE OF CHARGE

Congratulations to George and Derotha Hudspeth as they celebrate 50 years of marriage on July 18, 2015. God did it! Thank God!

Honorary Degree Marie J. O’Kain recently received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Western Baptist Bible College in Kansas City, MO for her work in human services. She is taking courses from both Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis towards her Doctorate of Education Degree and is near completion. She holds many other degrees as well as a lifetime certification by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Reunions All reunion announcements can be viewed online! Beaumont Class of 1970 will celebrate its 45th Class Reunion Saturday, October 24, 2015, at Catering to You, 12775 New Halls Ferry Rd, 63033. Dinner/dance $50 for classmates, $40 for guests. Payments may be mailed to: Beaumont Class of 1970, P.O.Box 25913, St. Louis,MO. 63136. For more info please

contact: Oneita (Meeks) Murphy: (314) 322-4205, Chuck Campbell: (314) 5204581, Toni (Brady) Hopson: beaumontclassof1970@gmail. com,or see our Facebook page. Central High Redwings “All Class” Reunion Weekend will be held August 7-9, 2015. For more information please contact Ada Livers 314-2292961 or Laura Joiner 314-3237833. Normandy High School Class of 1975 40th year reunion weekend September 18–20 at Ameristar Casino. For full details contact Lisa Garrett at 314-707-4673, Jay Buck at 636-346-9165, Virginia Ferguson Crosby at v_crosby2004@yahoo.com,

On June 20, 2015, Deanna Graham of St. Louis was united in Holy Matrimony to Dennis F. Wilson of Georgetown, Guyana South America at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Jones officiating. Parents of the bride are Mr. Jerry and Rev. Dr. Doris Graham. Parent of the groom is Mrs. Cynthia Wilson. The festivities included a dessert reception at Friendly Temple and a dinner reception at the Marriott Airport Hotel.

Paul Jordan at 314-565-3452 and Gina Whitfield Pope at 314-348-6795 or Normandy High School Class of 1975 Facebook page. Northwest High School Class of 1973 has planned a 60th Birthday Bash for September 5, 2015 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. If you have not received an email with the details, please email northwesths1973@gmail. com or contact Cornelia Clark Stephens 314-580-1114. Soldan High Class of 1964 will be celebrating its 51st reunion on August 28-30, 2015 at the Airport Marriott Hotel. For more information, please contact; John Bennett at 314503-3541 or George Gholston

at 314- 831-1801. Soldan High School Class of 75 40th Reunion Celebration, September 11-13, 2015. Contact: Terese Cole–Marshall at (314) 640 9611, Roslyn “Cookie” Williams at (314) 616 4892 or AnnieSue Preston at (314) 606 5618, email: Soldanclass75@gmail.com. Sumner High School Class of 1975 is proud to announce the 40th Year Reunion Celebration. Please join us at the Airport Renaissance Hotel August 21-23, 2015. The cost is $60 per person. We will have a meet and greet on Friday, dinner dance Saturday, and picnic on Sunday at Koeneman Park in Jennings. Contact C. Jackson at 314-477-

6785 or D. Moore at 314-3030074 for more information. University City High School Class of ‘75 will be celebrating its 40th reunion the weekend of September 18. For more information register at: www.uchs75.myevent.com or email UCclassof75@outlook. com. Vashon Class of 1965 will celebrate its 50 Year Class Reunion September 18-20, 2015 at the St. Louis Marriott Airport. Planning meetings to be held at the Walnut Park Library July 25, 2015 at 3:30-5:30 P.M. and August 29. For information Vashon65Alumni@Yahoo. com; Cleo: 383-1934 or Bernice: 534-8282.

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, graduation, 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 COST – as space is available. Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is:

reunions@ stlamerican.com

C6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 16 – 22, 2015

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JULY 9 - 15, 2015

Celebrity Swag Snap of the Week Boxing Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather was in the building Friday to help break in the all-new club The Lux. Several members of The Money Team were on deck with him as he chilled in a VIP set up on stage at the club formerly known as The Coliseum and most recently Complex.

DJ Climate stepped away from the tables for a pic with Erika and Cassidy @ Lux for the Money Team takeover Friday

Jill Scott was extra joyful with fans like Lisa West and Patrick Terrell when she got up close and personal for a special meet and greet @ The Summer Block Party Thursday night @ The Peabody Opera House

Life of the block party. So 100.3 The Beat had the win of the century as presenters of the Summer Block Party starring DJ Jazzy Jeff, Common and the one and only Jill Scott Thursday night at The Peabody Opera House. When I tell you I got more life than my soul could’ve ever fathomed. Don’t quote me on this, but I’m convinced that Jilly from Philly has a new man in her life that has sparked happiness and joy like I’ve never seen before. I’m telling y’all she gave the best live show I have ever seen her do in my life – yes, she was even better than she was at Sugar Water. I have officially exonerated her from the platinum quick weave disaster at Cedric The Entertainer’s Benefit Show. Yes, it was that good. If you don’t believe me, ask any of the 3,000 folks who packed the Peabody out. I am always confused by her fashion choices, but I must say, I was ready to hit the plus sized section of St. Vincent DePaul resale shop in search of a polyester pants suit that resembled what she was rocking. And she didn’t slay the stage by herself. Common’s sexy self was absolutely everything as he rocked the mic and DJ Jazzy Jeff got us ready to get down. Concert etiquette ignored. Now I did run into some seat neighbor issues that I refused to let steal my joy as Jill Scott sang the stage down. After folks sitting on the end of the aisle responded with utter disgust every.single.time someone needed to get to their seats, I had to deal with a group of soulful fans I’ll collectively call “The Talk.” Okay, I get some people like to converse amongst themselves over the course of a performance, but these ladies were ridiculous. After they chatted nonstop like they were part of a beauty shop roundtable, they had the nerve to express their disgust for the folks who wanted to stand up and dance – hollering and grunting in between their side conversations. What slayed me too my soul was the talker who was on her phone. Here’s a re-enblactment: “Hold on girl…um excuse me, but some of us are trying to see the show,” the woman said in the midst of her call. “Yeah girl, I’m back. That just don’t make no sense.” Girl, what? Help.

Fellow DJ Stan Da Man gave props to Lo Down Loretta Brown a.k.a. Erykah Badu after she hit the wheels of steel Saturday @ Lux

Joshlyn and Tomarius got down to the sounds of DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown aka Erykah Badu Saturday night @ Lux Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

Rap star Common had a chance to meet iconic athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee for 100.3 The Beat’s Summer Block Party Thursday night @ The Peabody Opera House

No outside parties please. As much as y’all were checking for the 100.3 The Beat Block Party at the Peabody, folks were anything but bothered for the pre-show and after parties at the Marquee. If I added up the number of people who made their way to the pre-show happy hour 11 and the official after party I wouldn’t have been able to rub together a decent crowd. Mild Mayweather. When I tell you that my heart leaped with joy when I heard that boxing champion and social media savage Floyd Mayweather would be in the building as the first celebrity to step on stage at the allnew Club Lux. I still get all of my life from Beyoncé’s “Flawless” by the way “Pretty Boy Floyd” patted his face and proclaimed “I woke up like this” as he pranced across the stage at the Pageant last year. I don’t know if he’s taking out his hatred for Nelly on the entire city, or if he was in his feelings about being stripped of one of his belts Either way, he was not here for any of his animated larger than life floss activity that he usually serves up. If it weren’t for the girls hollering and trying to crawl up on stage like they had a chance of being chosen and would inherit some of the luxury bags and red bottoms he repo-d from Miss Jackson by default, I would’ve been downright bored with everything that was happening on and near the stage.

Benetta and Leslie jammed as DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown aka Erykah Badu spun some soul and hip-hop classics @ Lux Saturday night

Concert promoter Vito with soul singer Aunyae Heart and funk legend George Clinton following her performance @ The District Rhythm Concert Series @ Midwest Live in Ballpark Village

A loss for Lo Down Loretta Brown. Since I’m already talking about being underwhelmed at Lux, I might as well get into the folks and how they were utterly appalled by DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown experience. My e-mail was full of folks with e-mails in ALL CAPS…CAPS…CAPS…AND MORE CAPS… cursing the day that club and Erykah Badu was born. I hate to do it, but nobody can be made with her not lighting incense and calling Tyrone. Okay, so the fact that she was on all the promotional material as DJ LO DOWN LORETTA BROWN didn’t serve as a hint that there wouldn’t be an Erykah Badu concert happening at the club formerly known as the Coliseum? Y’all complained that the prices were out of control. That could have been one of the reasons why it wasn’t as packed as I expected, but I’m sure some of the folks gave up on waiting for Loretta because they were trying to be rested up for Sunday school. One man was so fuming that he swore that it was a Badu impersonator. They have those? Of course not. Now you have every right to be outdone with her showing up on the other side of midnight when folks were expecting her at 10 p.m. – and with her marginal skills on the wheels of steel. I say with utter love for her singing side that she wasn’t the most terrible for a celebrity DJ, but I think folks were so wore down from waiting all those hours that they were too sleepy to be bothered. Perfect P-Funk. Old School 95.5 charted a win as well Sunday night as presenter of the sold-out District Rhythms Concert starring George Clinton and P-Funk Sunday night at Ballpark village. Folks clearly started lining up for the 7 p.m. show right before their pastor delivered the benediction so that they could get a seat. Bombshell Aunyae Heart was giving me everything in her hot pants and plunging cleavage white catsuit as the opening act. To make matters better, she had the nerve to be that fine and actually put on a good show! And while I can’t say that I’m all the way used to the new open casket sharp/deacon board swag George Clinton gives us these days, Sunday was my absolute favorite P-Funk show. The only downside was the soft core erotica performed by Lexus Len and Sir Nose. I get that he is seductive as all get out and his abs were out of control. Yes, he has the moves of an ideal “private dancer.” But matching him hunch for hunch was too much for TV!

Chole and Sakinah came out to party with the Money Team Friday night @ the newly renovated Lux (formerly Complex)

St. Louis battle rapper and MTV’s Wild’n Out star Hitman Holla and up and coming artist Dre’co kicked it with the Money Team Friday @ Lux

Alexis Bryant and Shy Thompson were among the people to see in VIP as The Money Team took over the all-new club Lux Friday night