The St. Louis American: June 30, 2016 by St. Louis American

In Trump’s eyes, all Muslims are suspect

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St. Louis American GOP nominee wants to put Islamic houses of worship under special surveillance

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Vol. 88 No. 13 COMPLIMENTARY

Tiffany moves on to Topeka

Transformative Jennings super takes ‘love in action’ to larger district By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Now-former Jennings Superintendent Tiffany Anderson with district students. She is now superintendent of Topeka Public Schools.

Regretfully, she is gone – Tiffany Anderson is now leading Topeka Public Schools in her adoptive home state of Kansas. She no longer serves the Jennings School District, which is now in the hands of new Superintendent Art McCoy. To prepare for her new position leading the district at the center of the epochal 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case, Anderson has been visiting churches every Sunday in Topeka since February. Visiting local African Methodist

Episcopal churches, she met Linda Brown, the child plaintiff in Brown vs. Board of Education, and her mother. “The great-grandchildren and grandchildren of Linda Brown attend our schools, and the charge to continue to address equity is so very clear,” Anderson told The American. Anderson has made national news in her valiant, comprehensive effort to turn around the struggling Jennings School District – before, during and after the neighboring municipality of Ferguson erupted – but in Topeka she sees

See TIFFANY, A7

‘American’ wins again ‘Best Black Newspaper’ 5th straight year, Suggs named NNPA ‘Publisher of the Year’ By American staff

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Cooling off at Pride

A local youth sought relief from the heat at PrideFest on Sunday, June 26. Temperatures were in the 90s as the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community, its allies and anyone else looking for free entertainment celebrated in downtown St. Louis.

HOUSTON, TX. – “I just want to tell all of you that what you do is important – and necessary,” gospel music legend Dr. Bobby Jones said to the room of individuals collectively known as the Black Press on Thursday, June 23 in the Omni Houston Ballroom. n “We take on They gathered in these challenges Houston for the 76th and publish our Annual National newspapers Newspaper Publishers because, in fact, Association (NNPA) Convention. Thursday we contribute night’s Merit Awards a great deal to celebrated overall our communities excellence in journalism and to the wider as part of a five-day lineup of programming. culture.” Jones attended as – Donald M. Suggs a special guest of the NNPA being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 35-year run as host of the BET Network staple “The Bobby Jones Gospel Show.” Organizers tapped Jones to announce the evening’s top prizes – The John B. Russwurm & John H. Sengstacke Award for General Excellence, and Publisher of the Year See AMERICAN, A7

Two journeys to success InspireSTL helps promising students overcome obstacles to find their paths By Raymond Stewart and Alexis Bates For The St. Louis American Two Class of 2016 inspireSTL scholars – Alexis Bates, graduate of Gateway STEM High School, and Raymond Stewart, graduate of DeSmet Jesuit High School – spoke to the incoming class at inspireSTL’s recent graduation ceremony. Here is the speech they gave together about their journeys to success and inspireSTL’s role in them. Raymond Stewart: Nearly two weeks after the grand jury announced a non-indictment of then-Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, I was confronted with the decision to declare whether or not I would run and serve as DeSmet’s student body president. I felt as if there were two roads presented to me, and I could only choose one to travel. One road was an exploration of the pain and truth that ignited from the sight of the dead body of a teenage

n “How often do you hear of a black kid from North City’s Walnut Park serving as the president of a private, West County, Jesuit high school such as DeSmet?”

black male lying in the middle of the street and all of the events that followed. There was a deep need that arose in me to be vocal about my frustration, to use my platform to elevate the voices of so many other young people who were also wrestling with the – Raymond Stewart dangers of racism. The other road would likely lead me to emerge as the official leader of my student body serving as president, pushing towards the gradual improvement of my school climate. How often do you hear of a black kid from North See INSPIRESTL, A6

Photo courtesy of inspireSTL

Alexis Bates (left) and Raymond Stewart (right) spoke to the incoming class at inspireSTL’s recent graduation ceremony.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

The former music mogul claims After leaving the stage, 50 and a according to news outlets Jill married Mike Brown failed to provide adequate member of his entourage were taken in the backyard of her Nashville, TN home in security at his pre-MTV Video Music into custody and charged with using front of roughly 50 family and friends with a Awards in 2014 – where Knight indecent language. surprise performance by Big Daddy Kane as a was shot six times. Knight also 50 was allowed to pay a fine and gift to Scott from Dobson. accuses Brown of being a “known leave the island the following day. gang associate.” Knight is seeking unspecified damages. Keyshia Cole accused Knight filed a $1 million lawsuit Chris Brown hit with pair of lawsuits Jilly from Philly of vandalizing rental property against Kanye West back in 2008, claiming he failed to provide adequate is married now Earlier this week, news leaked that 50 Cent Earlier this year, rapper Bow Wow security after Knight was shot at singer Chris Brown was being sued by his accused Keyshia Cole of vandalizing West’s MTV Video Music Awards R&B singer Jill Scott ex-manager for assault. cars in his drive-way after their secret after party. The case against Kanye married her longtime According to TMZ, Mike G claims he romance ended badly. West was dismissed, appealed and boyfriend Mike Dobson was hired in 2012 not only to change Cole’s former landlord has filed dismissed again. The two over the weekend. Brown’s image, but to get him out of suit with claims that she trashed his eventually settled out of court for an DJ Mars broke the news debt and off drugs. Santa Monica condo. undisclosed sum. during the wedding reception with Mike G claims Brown took him in According to several reports, a series of Instagram posts about a room –and, without provocation – Cole fell $19,000 behind in back how his friend asked him to DJ brutally attacked him with repeated rent and was served with eviction Rapper 50 Cent his wedding nearly a year ago punches to the face and neck, which papers. while neglecting to reveal clipped by cops in St. Kitts landed him in the emergency room. The suit claims that Cole left the identity of the bride. The lawsuit claims Brown, rather the property with scratched up “So my man called Rapper 50 Cent was arrested in St. than being remorseful, began mocking floors, holes in the walls and me a year ago and said, Kitts on Saturday after using profanity Mike G on social media and bragging ceilings and badly damaged ‘Mars I need you to DJ onstage at a music festival. to friends about the beating. door frames. Chris According to reports 50, whose Effen my wedding… don’t Mike G says Brown told people The landlord is seeking Brown get booked on June 25, Vodka brand sponsored the event, was working on his tour, if they got out of $150,000 in damages as well 2016!’” not scheduled to perform but took the line he’d beat them just like he beat as the $19,000 in back rent. “He came to my house stage after another band failed to show Mike G. and gave me the deposit up. Mike G says Brown’s rage was Insiders claim 50 was warned about St. Kitts early but didn’t say he drug-fueled and the suit mentioned concern Sources: TMZ.com, was marrying Jill Scott!” profanity laws and was instructed to pull the for retaliation from Brown’s “gang member Instagram.com, People.com, The posts have mic away from his mouth during curse words, friends.” The Washington Post since been deleted, but but apparently that method didn’t work. Brown is also being sued by Suge Knight. Keyshia Cole

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

EPA report from 2013 calls West Lake We must shift to clean energy Landfill waste removal ‘feasible’ By Christine Montero Guest columnist

Dawn Chapman: ‘We needed to see this document three years ago’ By Eli Chen Of St. Louis Public Radio The Environmental Protection Agency misled the people who live near the West Lake Landfill by suppressing a key report that concluded the radioactive waste could be removed, residents alleged on Thursday, June 16. The nine-page document was finalized in 2013, but was just released on June 15. It contains recommendations from the EPA’s National Remedy Review Board to address the waste at the Superfund site. “It appears feasible to remove more highly contaminated material and significantly reduce long-term risk at the site,” the report said. The report went on to acknowledge that efforts to clean up radioactive contamination in other EPA regions were being conducted safely, with respect to workers and the community. It also criticized the 2008 proposal to cap the waste, saying that the plan did not properly address “the potential for future migration of contamination to groundwater.” Agency officials announced in May that they would conduct more sampling to study the extent of possible groundwater contamination, after radioactive materials were detected in a runoff area. Local resident Dawn Chapman, who founded the Just Moms STL advocacy group, said the federal agency hurt the community by withholding the

Photo by Wiley Price

Paul Berry III, a small business owner who grew up in Bridgeton, confronted Mark Hague, the EPA Region 7’s acting administrator, at a public meeting about West Lake Landfill last October. “We don’t any more words,” Berry yelled “We need action.”

information in the report. “EPA has played a game of rope-a-dope with this community,” Chapman said. “We needed to see this document three years ago.”

Environment filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the report more than two years ago, a move that was prompted by Chapman and other residents. Ed Smith, policy director

n The report criticized the 2008 proposal to cap the waste, saying the plan did not properly address “the potential for future migration of contamination to groundwater.”

In a statement, the agency said the document was being released because community members at a recent meeting asked to see it. However, the Missouri Coalition for the

at the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, said that the 2013 report recognizes that the agency can use technologies that can remove radioactive waste with minimal risk to

human health. He added that the document proves that the Army Corps of Engineers’ remediation program FUSRAP “is the most capable entity in the federal government to address the waste at the West Lake Landfill.” The House Committee on Energy and Commerce is considering legislation to transfer authority of the landfill from the EPA to the Army Corps of Engineers. Recently, an official from the Army Corps of Engineers wrote a letter to the committee, saying that FUSRAP would not clean up the site any faster than the Superfund program. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Last August I moved to St. Louis from Miami to pursue a graduate degree. I hadn’t heard much about St. Louis, but here I am and, surprisingly, I’ve grown to love it here. While I enjoy the low cost of living and decreased traffic, as a proud Cuban-American woman, my love for St. Louis mainly stems from its rich and diverse communities. A resident of Gravois Park, I love walking over to Cherokee Street on the weekends to pick up some breakfast at my favorite Mexican panaderia. The food is good, but the sense of community and acceptance I feel when speaking Spanish to neighbors and shop-owners is what brings warmth to my heart and makes me feel most at home in my new city. A lot of the culture I’m so grateful for is threatened, though. My grandparents came to this country in the 1960s to flee Cuba’s communist regime and to this day they haven’t been able to go back. Now that I’m in the Midwest, I realize that, like my grandparents, I too may never be able to return to the home I remember. Not because of a radical dictator, but because of climate change. Research shows that sea levels will rise by at least six and a half feet by the end of this century, meaning South Florida could Guest Columnist soon be underwater. This threat isn’t so hard to imagine in Miami, given how common it Christine is to see people kayaking down the streets Montero after a heavy rain. It may not be as easy to envision that climate change is an urgent threat here in St. Louis, but the record-breaking flooding of the Mississippi River in December was a grim reminder. A recent White House report stated that climate change contributes to an increase in air pollution, exacerbating the conditions of those with asthma and allergies. Those in lowincome populations and/or communities of color will face the worst effects of climate change. Asthma affects African Americans at a 36 percent higher rate of incidence than white individuals as it is. Climate change has destructive consequences for diverse communities, whether on the East Coast or the Midwest. Missouri is one of the most coal-dependent states in the country. Coal burning is a significant source of climate damaging carbon emissions. St. Louis has some of the most polluted air in the country, and this dirty air leads to premature deaths, heart-attacks and asthma. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s stay on the Clean Power Plan, the first-ever plan to reduce carbon emissions from coal plants, Missouri could and should move forward with a plan to shift to clean energy. Such a plan would not only drastically reduce pollution and improve the health of our community but also bolster the economy by providing jobs. Christine Montero is a Miami native and 2017 MSW candidate at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work.

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Editorial / Commentary ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

Business leaders must help uphold veto on gun bill We are proud to report that for the fifth consecutive year our peers in the Black Press have recognized The St. Louis American for general excellence. We are a diverse and unique black newspaper – we are a CNN affiliate that shares content with our local National Public Radio station and hosts a reporter from the Huffington Post in our newsroom – but everything we do is done to inform and help uplift and empower black people in St. Louis. To achieve this mission, we cultivate two primary audiences (while, of course, welcoming all readers). First and foremost, we speak directly to black people in St. Louis and try to provide information to better themselves and their families. But we also take special care to speak in deliberate terms, based in fact, in an effort to persuade elected officials and business leaders to advocate for our community. There is, if you take a properly broad view, no contradiction in addressing these two objectives at the same time. Because, due to the simple fact that there are so many black people in St. Louis, what empowers the black community ultimately serves the common good and strengthens the region. And now we must make a very direct appeal to the business community, many of whose leaders follow this newspaper closely (and, fortunately for our economic survival, find value in advertising in these pages). What our community and region needs right now is for our business leaders to contact Republican legislators across the state, whom they help to elect, and tell them, in no uncertain terms, that they must uphold Gov. Nixon’s crucial veto of Senate Bill 656. In

particular, we urge our business leaders – many of them major Republican donors – to tell their legislators of choice that further campaign donations will be curbed if they do not uphold this important veto. If enacted into law through a veto override, SB 656 has two extremely dangerous provisions. This wide-

n We do not need more untrained people carrying and concealing firearms in public spaces.

ranging gun bill that ends the requirement for training and a permit to carry a gun and establishes a Stand Your Ground provision would be an open invitation for more gun violence on our streets. Missouri would become the first state to enact a Stand Your Ground measure since George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin and was exonerated based on such a provision in Florida. Republican legislators have said repeatedly that they want citizens to be able to legally advance and fire on

a perceived threat. In fact, in our cities especially, we do not need any additional legal encouragement or justification for citizens to open fire on one another. SB 656 also would make it legal for anyone, who is not otherwise legally restricted from doing so, to carry a concealed weapon without permit or training. Again, in our cities especially, we do not need more untrained people carrying and concealing firearms in public spaces. Progressive legislators like state Senator Jamilah Nasheed have done their part in urging her fellow lawmakers to uphold Nixon’s veto. Moreover, the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, representing 600 members statewide, and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, which represents 6,400 law enforcement officers, also have opposed the measure and called for Nixon’s veto to be upheld. What we need now – desperately, for it will save many lives, including many black lives – is for money to do some talking. We need for business leaders, who have a great deal of influence on elected officials, to use some of their political capital to help sustain Nixon’s veto of this noxious bill.

a field of dreams. It’s not “if you build it, they will come.” You build it because they’re here already. The city’s expansion proposal can’t be justified on either population or job density criteria. Nobody is demanding to get from Florissant to Butler Hill via light rail. Metro currently operates two transit technologies, bus and light rail. This would add a third, basically a surface street car from Florissant to Butler Hill. Surface light rail through environments with population densities like St. Louis make very little sense. It is expensive, takes forever to build, and is slow. I would suggest that a multi-tiered bus Columnist system would better serve Mike St. Louis, city Jones and county, than chasing expanded light rail. We could divide the city and county into integrated transportation sub-districts that each have an internal bus system, then create an express bus service that would traverse the metropolitan area and allow people to move between districts, thereby giving people access to the entire metro area. The sub-district approach would connect the natural organic geographies that make up the region. It would allow people who live and work within these geographies and whose destinations are primarily within these districts to have a public transit option. The routes within the subdistricts would be customized to meet the internal demand and needs of the users. And

There is heavy, ongoing discussion in the St. Louis region right now regarding light rail expansion. The MetroLink corridor studies under consideration by our elected officials will ultimately help determine which potential routes serve the greatest number of residents and employers, while also providing opportunities for economic investment and development in surrounding areas. It is crucial that the transit expansion planning initiatives currently being used – which in some cases are more than 20 years old – are updated with more current data relative to potential ridership and financing. If not, there is no way to objectively determine which project should rise to the top of the region’s priority list. It is also important to note that the East-West Gateway Board of Directors has not yet endorsed any route among those identified in the region’s long-range transportation plan. Prior to choosing the region’s next potential transit route, the transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) urges elected officials and all other affected stakeholders to convene for a thorough review and discussion of next steps. We have an opportunity, as a region, to select a route that best meets the needs of today’s and future users, and it may not be what was previously

because they literally are not set in concrete, they could be adjusted and changed as needed over time. That’s policy. Now, let’s talk about the politics. There are no 100 percent federally funded projects, which means there will be a local match of up to 50 percent of the total project cost. St. Louis County passed a quarter-cent sales tax for Metro capital expansion projects, which raises about $40 million annually. The City of St. Louis, shall we say, is broke as Job’s turkey. There is no political calculus that will get the county to use that tax revenue as a match for a city-based Metro expansion over two county routes. St Louis County represents 75 percent of Metro’s Missouri funding. The county is the big dog on this issue. City talk about expansion is a puppy barking from the porch. Advocates for the city will cry “foul” about that kind of political gamesmanship. They will say that it’s not right, that it’s not fair. And they will be correct. This brings us to second iron law of the political universe. Thucydides stands at the very start of reflective thinking about politics in the Western tradition. Here is how he would summarize this issue of who is right on this difference between the city and county: “Right, as the world goes, is only a question between equals in power. The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.” Mike Jones, who has held senior policy positions in St. Louis and St. Louis County government, is a member of the St. Louis American editorial board, as well as the Missouri State Board of Education.

identified in decades-old studies. It is our hope, and goal, that the next agreed-upon project reflects community needs by providing public transit access and benefits to users who need the service the most – whether they are city or county residents. Public transit expansion also must offer opportunities to enhance both social equity and economic development Guest Columnist within the Kim chosen Cella corridor. CMT was established in 1985 to bring light rail to St. Louis. The first line opened in 1993. Since that time, the region has seen the expansion of light rail to Guest Columnist 46 miles and Rose 37 stations. The Windmiller CMT Board of Directors adopted criteria for evaluating rail projects in 1996, and those specifics still holds true today. A project must preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods, promote regional unity, help achieve other regional objectives (like clean air and improved access to work), reinforce existing public and private investments, and

Letters to the Editor Reorganization can put more cops on street

What is right – and real – on light rail expansion Because decisions about transportation infrastructure determine where development occurs, the dispute between Mayor Francis G. Slay and County Executive Steve Stenger on the future direction of MetroLink is a critically important decision with longterm consequences. Their public disagreement on this issue is also illustrative of two iron laws of the political universe. “A broke clock is right twice a day.” I’m not a political ally or apologist for Steve Stenger, but on this particular issue he is right on both the policy and the politics. Any light rail expansion in St. Louis will have to scale a mountain the height of Everest to win federal approval. The paucity of projected ridership and lack of population density make a difficult argument for St. Louis being in the front of the line for federal funding. There are only two possibilities that wouldn’t get you laughed out the building if you proposed them. One is the “Daniel Boone,” which would run from Clayton to Westport. The justification for this route is this is the densest job corridor in the metropolitan area. The other is the “Metro North” extension that would run from the airport to Florissant. The argument for this route is population density. The reason you build transportation infrastructure where you do is because you have a lot of people in one place who need to get someplace else, or you have someplace that a lot of people are trying to get to. You have to start with demand on one end or the other. Mass transit is not

Transit access should unite us as a region By Kim Cella and Rose Windmiller Guest columnists

Commentary

By Mike Jones Columnist

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Rampant crime in St. Louis has once again fostered a clarion call for more police officers to patrol the mean streets of the city. According to Police Chief Sam Dotson, reported crime in the city is down but the per capita murder rate is on the rise. Crimes not reported are not represented in crime data. The number of homicides is usually an accurate statistic due to the fact of a dead human being, but statistical data concerning other crimes is easily manipulated. Suppression of the crime of murder is not an easy task because many murders occur indoors and involve people who have some relationship, so most are not stranger-to-stranger crimes. But the presence of uniformed patrol officers in marked police vehicles does suppress criminal activity. So Dotson and others want to hire more cops. But is there another was to put more police on the street? The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department was recently reorganized into six police districts from nine. That move should have resulted in eliminating three captains, 12 lieutenants and a large gaggle of sergeants. Realistically, the department could function well with three police districts, a move that would result in further reduction of command rank officers. Financial savings therefrom could fund additional patrol officers and maintain a budget at or near the current budget. Why increase the police budget with new hires when the problem can be solved by reorganizing? Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Hospice and black history Everyone knows July 4th is America’s birthday – the day we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But four million AfricanAmerican slaves would wait

improve transportation for the most people in the region. We are committed to supporting a route that provides benefits to our entire region and has the potential to enhance underutilized areas, such as the recently designated Promise Zone. Transit access should unite us as a region, aid in the enhancement and preservation of existing neighborhoods, and offer development opportunities to users, residents and employers. St. Louis needs to select and invest in a capital transit project that serves the urban core and county residents, while providing a catalyst to enrich the communities it serves. CMT will continue to advocate for transit capital infrastructure projects that best serve the region, showcase substantial ridership potential, and have strong backing from community members and their local elected officials. Clearly, transit expansion requires significant investments and does not happen overnight. We have identified public transit service needs for our community and while determining priority routes is an important next step, it also is incumbent that we find funding sources to meet those needs. So let us be bold, think big and find a way forward together. Kimberly Cella is executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and Missouri Public Transit Association, and Rose Windmiller is chair of CMT’s Board of Directors

All letters are edited for length and style.

another 89 years to taste freedom – until June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth), when Union forces occupied the Confederate state of Texas and began enforcing the emancipation of slaves in Texas and throughout the South. It’s not difficult to appreciate why many African American citizens view Juneteenth as a day to celebrate freedom – as symbolized by the Declaration of Independence and the fulfillment of the Emancipation Proclamation. America is often called a melting pot - comprised of people with myriad religious backgrounds, races, cultures, customs, languages and lifestyles. Part of our challenge as hospice and palliative care providers is to understand how different perspectives can affect attitudes toward illness, pain, coping and death - as well as one’s openness to exploring hospice and other treatment

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options. Today, African Americans make up 12 percent of the population, but only 7.6 percent of hospice patients. Ironically, African Americans have a disproportionately higher rate of hospice’s top diagnoses – cancer and heart disease. As we help to educate patients, families and healthcare professionals about the advantages of hospice, it’s important to appreciate why different people have different perspectives – so we can help them make treatment decisions appropriate for their individual situations. Much like the Juneteenth holiday, once we understand history, we can better appreciate and honor perspectives that shape people’s choices and actions. Greg Volpitto, chaplain Crossroads Hospice, St. Louis regional office Chesterfield

Wiley Price - Senior Photojournalist Lawrence Bryant - Photojournalist Denise Hooks -Anderson, M.D. Health Editor Dana G. Randolph Contributing Editor Fred Sweets - Contributing Editor

Donald M. Suggs Publisher & Executive Editor Kevin Jones - Sr. Vice Pres. & COO Dina M. Suggs - Sr. Vice Pres.

Sales / Marketing Onye Hollomon- Sr. Acct. Exec. Barbara Sills - Sr. Acct. Exec. Pam Simmons- Sr. Acct. Exec. Nevida Medina - Classified Ad Mgr Angelita F. Jackson - Graphic Artist

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

Production Mike Terhaar - Art Director Melvin Moore - Graphic Designer

Editorial Chris King - Managing Editor Kenya Vaughn - Website Editor Earl Austin Jr. - Sports Editor Sandra Jordan - Health Reporter Rebecca S. Rivas - Senior Reporter

Administration Robin Britt - Controller Cathy Sewell - NIE Manager Ishmael Sistrunk - Web/IT/ Promotions Coordinator Kate Daniel - Exec Assistant Loistine McGhee - Acct. Assistant Mary Easter - Receptionist

2315 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO, 63103. Phone: 314-533-8000 / Fax: 314-533-2332

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

Waiting for the bands

Black bank accounts matter

Nieya Roberts, 3, waited for the Battle of the Bands to kick off in front of the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center in North St. Louis on June 17.

By Maria Chappelle-Nadal Guest columnist

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

July 6 deadline to register to vote Wednesday, July 6 is the deadline to register to vote in the August 2 Primary Election. Eligible voters may complete a Voter Registration Application in person at the their local election authority 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also register to vote at any public library, Department of Revenue office or Social Services agency office. You may also download a Voter Registration Application the Missouri Secretary of State’s website and mail it to your local election board. The St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners is located at 300 N. Tucker Blvd. in St. Louis; the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners is located at 12 Sunnen Dr., Suite 126, inMaplewood.

July 5 deadline for RAC fellowships The Regional Arts Commission (RAC) has announced a call for applications for 16 fellowships for its 2016 Place-Based Community Arts Training (CAT) Institute. The CAT Institute is a five-month curriculum for artists of all disciplines and social service professionals/community organizers who learn to collaborate across sectors and develop programs that can affect positive social change through collaboration. These programs take place in homeless shelters, prisons, at-risk schools, hospices, community centers, daycare facilities, social service agencies, as well as within neighborhoods. The 2016 Place-Based CAT Institute will focus on four communities: The Ville and Greater Ville neighborhoods; the Dutchtown neighborhood; the West End and Visitation Park neighborhoods (Delmar to Page, Skinker to Union); and Berkeley, Dellwood, and Ferguson in North St. Louis County. A panel of community arts professionals will select eight artists from any discipline and eight social service providers/community organizers/social activists that have strong relationships and commitments to this year’s selected communities of focus to attend the 2016 Place-Based CAT Institute on a scholarship from July through October 2016. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, July 5. Selected applicants will be invited for interviews. For an application, go to http://racstl.org/art-community/community-arts-training-catinstitute/ or contact Liz Pund at 314-863-5811 x 1014 or liz@racstl.org.

The Obama Administration recently took an important step towards reining in a predatory financial practice that has sucked massive amounts of wealth from the AfricanAmerican community: payday loans. This industry and its crooked cousins – such as title loans and online lenders – have pulled the classic “okie dokie” on the African-American community. Industry lobbyists on Capitol Hill like to call their products “short-term credit instruments,” “consumer finance” or “small-dollar loans.” But on the streets of black neighborhoods, their stores tout the promise of “E-Z” money, no-credit loans and “quik” cash. Don’t be fooled: Nothing is “quik” or “E-Z” about these neon-lit loan sharks. The lure of payday loans can be difficult to resist. Many of us have been there. Money is tight. The car won’t start. Christmas is coming. The cupboard is bare. Payday lenders exploit these vulnerabilities, hooking consumers into a cycle of debt from which they may never recover. Shouldering the interest on just one payday loan is bad enough – for a two-week loan, the interest rate (APR) can equal something like 400 percent. (Car and home loans from an established lender are typically between 3 and 6 percent.) Maria Payday lenders, though, aren’t happy selling just one exorbitant loan to Chappelletheir customers: They encourage borrowers to take out multiple loans, a Nadal practice they call “rolling over” debt. This is where the vicious debt cycle grinds into high gear. Customers payoff loans with another loan. Pretty soon, they are paying only the sky-high interest rate – they can’t even begin to pay off the original loan amount because the fees are so outlandish. Their credit in tatters, they can’t land a job or borrow from a traditional bank – so they have to go right back to the payday lender. This doesn’t happen in affluent white communities. There is no “King of Kash” in Frontenac. Regulations proposed by the Obama Administration attempt to curb some of these n This doesn’t happen in abuses. The new law will require payday lenders to make sure customers have the ability to repay the affluent white communities. money they are borrowing. There is no “King of Kash” It’s a small step, but one the industry’s allies in in Frontenac. Washington are sure to fight. Payday lenders have pushed legislation that would weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – the watchdog agency created in the wake of the 2008 fiscal crisis – by switching its leadership from a strong director to a muddled commission, whose members would be subject to a lengthy confirmation process. Republicans also sought to derail a Justice Department crackdown on online lenders that were taking money directly out of customers’ bank accounts, without their knowledge or authorization. That’s why it is more important than ever we elect lawmakers who will stand up to these financial charlatans, and remember that the millions in campaign donations they spread around Capitol Hill come from the pockets of those who have fallen prey to their unscrupulous practices. When we marched in Ferguson almost two years ago, it was about more than one white police officer killing an unarmed black teenager. It was about a system of oppression that undermines the ability of African Americans to get ahead – to pursue economic opportunity and achieve financial independence. Black lives matter, black bodies matter —and so do black bank accounts. State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal’s district includes University City, Ferguson and Berkeley. She is also a candidate for Congress in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

INSPIRESTL Continued from A1 City’s Walnut Park serving as the president of an all-male, private, West County, Jesuit high school such as DeSmet?

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

possible for me to elevate the conversation around race and privilege, while also being a leader who is committed to fighting to secure opportunities for all. So, I did voice my hurt and frustration, via social media, in my classes, and in newspaper articles. I chose to force uncomfortable, yet necessary conversations at my school. I was ridiculed and harassed by some, and celebrated and applauded by others. I created a path that included me running for student body president. I had a landslide victory.

Alexis Bates: I was always used to challenges. However, during sixth grade, I confronted a truth that would stick with me forever. Through a painful encounter, I was forced into motherhood sooner than I could have ever imagined, and from my pain emerged life, the birth of a beautiful baby girl. Bates: I realized that from While I was the depths of my bearing new life, challenges could n “I have a I felt as if mine emerge peaks belief and was ending. It was of inspiration. I hope that I hard to envision pledged to shift my a future worth can pass on truths, pains and striving towards. I life’s experiences to my daughcould feel the world into a message of ter when she burdening me with triumph and hope their misperceptions. will one day for others to relate face moments to, learn from and I had lost my ability to trust. I refused to that challenge feel empowered listen to and believe her faith in the by. Once I began to in the words and believe in the good possibility of a in others, I was able actions of others. better future.” to emerge as the best I hid my story and disguised my truth version of myself. – Alexis Bates with silence. I Since then, I refused to seek help have been sharing for anything. The my story. I have fear of judgment been growing my caused me to retreat into community of friends and isolation rather than risk people who genuinely support exposing my reality to others. me. I am evolving into a strong woman whom my daughter Stewart: I didn’t have to can look up to and learn from. think through this decision on Every day I come home, I am my own. I reached out to my able to look at her with pride inspireSTL Coach at the time. because she is growing into My coach shared how good a wonderful kid as I emerge leaders rise in difficult times. into a change agent for her, I left the conversation with my community, and myself. my coach feeling invincible, And throughout my evolution, as if I could move a mountain. inspireSTL has supported me I understand now that I have in tremendous ways. the power to build the road upon which I travel, and that Stewart: As student body is exactly what I did. I merged president, I used my platform both roads into one that was to help increase diversity, much more powerful and equity and inclusion efforts. dynamic. I dedicated my entire time in It was possible for me to be office towards causes bigger my authentic self, vulnerable than me. Causes like making enough to share with others sure my classmates, regardless the reality of being a young of their class, ability, race, black male whose life is religion or sexual orientation, often de-validated. It was felt like De Smet was a place

Photo by Wiley Price

Clay hosts successful job fair U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay visited with employers and job seekers at his 11th Annual Career Fair held Monday, June 27 at Harris-Stowe State University. Representatives for more than 100 employers met with more than 3,000 guests.

they could succeed. Causes like helping hire the first black full-time teacher in De Smet’s 50-year history. Moreover, I was captain of the football team and president of the multicultural awareness club. For the next leg of my journey, I have chosen to attend Truman State University, double majoring in English and Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in Philosophy and a pre-profession in secondary education. I also plan to

become a teacher and have hopes of serving as a 2019 Teach For America Corps member. InspireSTL has taught me to value who I am and what I have to offer as a leader. InspireSTL is in the business of crafting a better future, one scholar at a time. Participate and your future will be brighter than you could ever imagine. Bates: For those who said I couldn’t make it, guess

what? I graduated with a 4.2 cumulative GPA. I was ranked number three in my class of 244 students. I have maintained a 98.76 percent attendance rate at school. I have accomplished all of this while working nearly full-time, five days a week. I have been accepted to over 20 different colleges, and I have secured approximately $300,000 in scholarships and financial aid. I plan to study Biology in pursuit of one day becoming an anesthesiologist

who can help patients like my mom, who overcame a deaththreatening battle with fibroids. InspireSTL has supported me in ways that I could have never imagined. I have a belief and hope that I can pass on to my daughter when she will one day face moments that challenge her faith in the possibility of a better future. For more information on InspireSTL or to apply, visit http://wymancenter.org/ inspirestl/.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016 The American’s Website Editor Kenya Vaughn accepted the award on behalf of her Continued from A1 publisher. “If Dr. Suggs were here, he honors. would thank all of the fellow He announced the winner publishers, those who voted for of “The Russwurm” with the him and the other nominees,” signature flare that made him Vaughn said. a gospel music staple: “The St. “He would say that he Louis American.” gets to stand here and get With the Russwurm comes recognition, but there is a the designation of whole team of the “Best Black dedicated individuals n “It’s an Newspaper in the working tirelessly awesome Nation.” 2016 in the name of The marks the fifth responsibility St. Louis American consecutive win – and there is a to represent by The St. Louis whole community, a our people in American and its whole city, who has print. And it’s 12th title in 21 supported us. And years. not something that’s key to what Before Jones that any of us we’ve been able announced the to accomplish as a take lightly.” recipient of the newspaper for these “Publisher of the – Kenya Vaughn nearly 90 years.” Year,” he delivered In addition to a message about the Russwurm and camaraderie. “Publisher of the “Let me just Year,” The St. Louis say that you are all American took first winners because of the work place awards in Best Business that you do,” Jones said. Section, Best Entertainment Several newspapers had Section, Best Special Section taken multiple awards over and Best Layout and Design the course of the evening. Broadsheet. The Houston Forward Times, The American took second The Houston Defender, The place in Best News Pictures Winston-Salem Chronicle, and Best Use of Photographs The Philadelphia Tribune, – Broadsheet, as well as Minneapolis’ Insight News, third place recognition for The Indianapolis Recorder and Community Service and Best The Final Call were among Feature Story. them. Jones encouraged all of the But this good news also publishers and journalists to went to The American. continue their work. “And the 2016 Publisher of “You have to continue The Year,” Jones said, “is … telling these stories for the Dr. Donald M. Suggs.” next generation – and the next

AMERICAN

seeing an African-American female as the educational voice speaking on behalf of Continued from A1 Topeka Public Schools, and that alone begins to bridge the herself taking a place in the gap between voices from the history of American education. underrepresented to those in the “Sixty-two years ago a legislature.” movement ending segregation However, she does not try to began in Topeka, and as the disguise her misgivings about first African-American female leaving a minority district charged with leading the turnaround that is still very 14,000-student district, the much in progress – and the movement in making history people who were turning it – and, most importantly, around with her. transforming the future – “St. Louis has some continues,” she said. incredible people, and this Before working a single collective responsibility to day on the books for her new take care of our youth together district, she had a has been what’s mobile food bank improved Jennings n “St. Louis in Topeka slated in getting families has some to open in August, employed, children’s replicating what health needs met, and incredible she did in Jennings. students into college people, and “And,” she said, careers,” she this collective and “the discussion said. responsibility on school-based This year, she clinics and trauma to take care pointed out, the training have also district’s 95 percent of our youth started, as I have graduation rate together has been voluntarily increased, and she been what’s planning in Topeka predicted that when on the weekends and improved the state reports holidays.” four-year statistics Jennings.” In moving up in for graduation and scale – the Topeka college- and job– Tiffany district is more than placement numbers, Anderson four times the size of its college-readiness Jennings, which has points will show an some 3,000 students increase. – she believes she “Before I began in can make a larger direct impact 2011, they had two points out now. of 30 in college- and career“Topeka is the third-largest readiness towards accreditation, employer in Kansas, and and now we have above 20 of having a role, as a longtime the 30 points needed,” she said. Kansas resident, in job creation “This year, in addition to and in job stabilization focused meeting the majority of the on education is a privilege,” accreditation standards in she said, “as we truly work to college- and career-readiness, improve economic opportunity we place 100 percent in postfor children and adults.” secondary opportunities. Leading the school district Our middle- and high-school that serves the state capital also student attendance rate is above moves her into the legislative 80 percent, and attendance at arena, a somewhat new frontier elementary school is above 90 for this reformer. percent, based on the state’s “My new role of serving as rigorous 90/90 standard, in an educational voice, giving which 90 percent of students testimony on legislative issues, must be in school 90 percent of as my district serves the capital the time.” is a humble responsibility,” she Financially as well as said. academically, she is leaving “It will be their first time Jennings with a stronger

TIFFANY

Photo by Richard Muhammad of The Final Call

Rosetta Perry, publisher of the “Tennessee Tribune;” Dr. Bobby Jones; Kenya Vaughn of :The St. Louis American;” Jackie Hampton, publisher of the “Mississippi Link;” and Al McFarlane, publisher of I”nsight News,” at the 2016 NNPA Annual Convention in Houston, Texas. generation after that – and the next one,” Jones said. He offered a glowing tribute to Rosetta Perry, publisher of The Tennessee Tribune – the black newspaper from the region where he resides. “She’s done so much for us in Nashville and for me personally,” Jones said. No one in the audience needed clarification of “us,”

because Jones’ remarks fell in line with the African-American community’s general respect for black newspapers. That’s what makes them community newspapers. “It’s an awesome responsibility to represent our people in print,” Vaughn said. “And it’s not something that any of us take lightly.” Suggs did not take the

newspaper’s new accolades lightly when he received the news in St. Louis. “All of my peers in the NNPA know full well the very special challenges facing the publisher of a black newspaper at a time when even the most powerful newspapers in the world are openly talking about the need for new models for monetizing what journalists

contribute,” Suggs said. “We take on these challenges and publish our newspapers because, in fact, we contribute a great deal to our communities and to the wider culture. For my peers in the NNPA to recognize me as ‘Publisher of the Year’ is the highest praise for our staff and its own reward for continuing this struggle.”

foundation. “We have 26 percent in reserves, where only 4 percent is required by the state, much of which was built during my four years, as well as approximately $200,000 in donations between the foundation we created and the donations being given to

the district’s general fund we established,” she said. Her advice to McCoy and his leadership team is plain. “With thoughtful, visible leadership that monitors academics and minimizes spending, and with a clear focus on genuine relationships first,” she said, “the district will

be in great shape if they keep in place the process that’s been started as a foundation.” She looks back on St. Louis with love and gratitude – “God has blessed me in ways I couldn’t have dreamed of as I demonstrate what love truly looks like in action” – while marching on to work in

Topeka. “I enter Topeka with my tennis shoes on,” she said, “ready to get started walking the talk and showing what’s possible when we work together to truly serve the needs of people in our community.”

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN â&#x20AC;¢ JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

CHOICES

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June 30 - JULY 6. 2016

Class of 2016: beating the odds New graduates of Harris-Stowe State University celebrated at commencement on May 14.

Racial disparity in completing higher education widens By Marc H. Morial National Urban League “Education is a precondition to survival in America today. Investing in children is not a national luxury or a national choice. It’s a national necessity.” Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President, Children’s Defense Fund Congratulations, graduates. Whether you’ve walked across a stage to receive your high school diploma and begin your journey into a new world of independence, or you finally have your college diploma and are ready to step out into a world outside of lecture halls and dorms, you deserve much congratulations on your achievement. Today, you are set to begin a new chapter in your life. Celebrate and bask in your well-deserved feeling of accomplishment now, because tomorrow is a new day and there is much work to be done. Two years from now, it is projected that over 60 percent of all jobs will require some college education. As you prepare to become a part of the American workforce with your degree securely in hand, our nation faces a looming crisis because we are not producing enough men and women like you: graduates. College enrollment and attainment rates have been steadily increasing in our country across racial and ethnic groups, but the problem is not that there are not enough people enrolling in college. The problem is that there are not enough people finishing college. And from among those who do attain that now vital postsecondary degree, large racial

STLCC offers options for STEM education American staff

Photo by Wiley Price

divides in degree attainment persist. At the National Higher Education Summit hosted by the National Urban League and USA Funds, a nonprofit corporation that enhances preparation for, access to and success in postsecondary education, panelists addressed many of the obstacles that derail college completion for students of color. Many young men and

blacks attaining a bachelor’s or higher degree widened from 13 to 18 percentage points, and the gap between whites and Hispanics widened from 18 to 26 percentage points, according to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics. As long as large numbers of students of color remain ill prepared to navigate and succeed in our postsecondary system of education, we will

n The problem is not that there are not enough people enrolling in college. The problem is that there are not enough people finishing college.

women who dream and work hard to one day be in your shoes may see their dream deferred or discontinued because of financial need, academic unpreparedness and perhaps even coming from a non-college-going culture. When you translate those barriers to obtaining a college degree into hard numbers, the statistics are sobering. Over the period from 1990 to 2014, the gap between whites and

continue to have an urgent, national conversation about income inequality. The lack of financial aid that doesn’t drown students in future debt, the lack of high-quality teachers in K-12 in communities of color and the lack of guidance from professionals about the college experience is a recipe for disaster that will continue to trap our nation’s future into poverty. You see, when a young man

or woman is denied access to opportunity through education, we all lose. The solutions to college attainment and completion will be both economic and social, from providing students with grants and low-interest loans, to providing better teachers in our grade schools and middle schools and providing academic remediation for students who need support with college courses. A college educated populace and workforce is a national imperative that requires the across-the-board support and collaboration of all stakeholders, from families to education professionals, employers and politicians. Despite whatever obstacles you may have faced, you have earned a degree that is promised to reward you with a life you may not have had without that diploma. You have worked hard to be given access to jobs and opportunities that your degree merits. You have beat the odds. Now go out and change the world! Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Over the next 10 years, jobs in the science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) fields are expected to grow in the St. Louis area by 12.4 percent. STEM workers use their knowledge of science, technology, engineering or math to try to understand how the world works and to solve problems. Their work often involves the use of computers and other tools. STEM jobs typically are high wage and high demand, but qualified workers are in short supply. St. Louis Community College, through its credit programs and the statewide MoSTEMWINs initiative, delivers educational services and accelerated training programs to prepare workers for success in STEM career pathways, including life science, engineering technology and information technology. STLCC offers a variety of programs that will have you career-ready in as little as six months, including: • Information Technology Help Desk/End-User Support • Life Science Laboratory Assistant • Precision Machining Technology • Biotechnology. STLCC has made a strategic investment in its Centers of Excellence, which provide advanced technology training for these high-wage jobs. The Center for Emerging and Advanced Information Technology at Forest Park is the resource of choice for individuals and organizations seeking skills-driven education in the design, implementation and support of current and emerging computer networking and communications technologies. The Emerson Center for Engineering and Manufacturing at Florissant Valley offers a comprehensive program in manufacturing, engineering and related technologies. The facility design was based on input from business/industry and educational partners and was modeled by external and internal planning groups. The Center for Plant and Life Sciences, housed at the Bio Research and Development Growth (BRDG) Park on the campus of the Danforth Plant Science Center, has been developed in response to plant and life science industry demands. Drawing on the strength of relevant programming across the district, the center interfaces with business and industry leaders to bring STLCC students a cutting-edge education and to provide workforce training in this growing industry. Visit stlcc.edu/enrollnow to take the first step toward a STEM career today.

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CHOICES

June 30 - JULY, 6 2016

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After the graduation parties, the hard work of celebration begins By Alan Byrd and Allison Williams Guest columnists

Local AKA chapter awards $60K to 57 college students On Saturday, June 18, the Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated awarded scholarships totaling over $60,000 to 57 college students, high school graduates, and the participants of the 2016 Fashionetta Scholarship Cotillion. The awards were presented by Coretta E. Bozeman, president of Gamma Omega Chapter; Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, Gamma Omega Scholarship Committee chairman; and Ruby Grady, Gamma Omega Chapter Fashionetta Committee Vice Chairman. The guest speaker for the event was Aleidra R. Allen, program coordinator for Multicultural Education at Saint Louis University. The awards ceremony was held at Harris-Stowe State University in the William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood Development Parenting Center. These scholarships were made possible through fundraising efforts by Gamma Omega Chapter, Fashionetta Scholarship Cotillion participants, and donations

from community members in the form of 24 named scholarships. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded at Howard University in Washington,

n These scholarships were made possible through fundraising efforts by Gamma Omega Chapter, Fashionetta Scholarship Cotillion participants, and donations from community members.

D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greeklettered organization established by African American college educated women. It is comprised of over 265,000 members in 969 graduate and undergraduate chapters throughout the world.

Its membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace. The Fashionetta Scholarship Cotillion gives young ladies and gentlemen in their senior year of high school the opportunity to participate in community service, educational and personal development activities over a nine month period. This year’s program included Thanksgiving, Christmas and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day community service projects, an entrepreneur workshop, etiquette sessions, and an overnight retreat. The culminating event is a formal cotillion where each debutante is presented to society and awarded a scholarship based upon the amount of funds raised over the course of the nine month experience.

High school to college

As high school graduation celebrations come to an end across St. Louis, recent graduates are coming to a new realization: the next steps in their education are up to them. For some students, summer finds The High School to College them ready for college, confident in their Center opens June 1 through July preparation and plans. For too many, however, 29 at 618 N. Skinker Blvd. More the coming weeks will bring financial aid information, including hours of award letters insufficient to cover the cost of operation, can be found at www. attendance, e-mails asking about forms or fees StLouisGraduates.org. or transcripts they thought submitted long ago, and creeping doubt about how – and if – they will indeed make it to college. Sadly, without some kind of assistance, it. The counselors come from Collinsville up to 40 percent of students, particularly and Jennings, Hazelwood East and Gateway those who are from low-income communities STEM, St. Louis Community College and or who are first-generation college University of Missouri-St. Louis, The goers, are likely to “melt” from their Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis college-going path. and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern The magnitude of the “summer Missouri, and dozens more schools and melt” rate startled St. Louis organizations. But wherever they work Graduates to act. The result is the during the school year, over the summer St. Louis Graduates High School they become one team with a shared to College Center, a free, dropcommitment to support every student in college counseling center that who comes to the Center with a college pairs students with questions with aspiration. experienced counselors. Now in its Through the High School to Allison fourth summer, the High School College Center, St. Louis has created a Williams community solution to the community to College Center assembles an energetic team of counselors who challenge of “summer melt.” At each start by asking questions that focus counseling session at the Center, our on each individual student. “What do community recognizes the hard work you want to do next?” and “How can that earned students a high school we help you get there?” diploma and will sustain them through Over the summer, a team of college. The investments students are dozens of middle school, high school, making in postsecondary education may college and non-profit counselors be personal, but benefit all of us. That is will advise hundreds of students at worth celebrating. the High School to College Center. Alan Byrd is dean of enrollment They’ll help troubleshoot problems services at University of Missouri-St. Alan in existing college plans and assist in Louis. Allison Williams is senior vice Byrd creating new ones if those plans are president-programs at Wyman Center. no longer financially viable, as is too They serve as co-chairs of St. Louis often the case once the financial aid award Graduates. The High School to College letters arrive. Center opens June 1 through July 29 at 618 Most importantly, the team at the High N. Skinker Blvd. More information, including School to College Center will ensure that all hours of operation, can be found at www. students with questions receive the support StLouisGraduates.org. and encouragement they need, when they need

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

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Democrats draft party platform ‘on the edge of the abyss’ On Friday, June 24, Cornel West, a NativeAmerican activist, a couple environmentalists, and several congressman and politicians met at a Marriott conference room in downtown St. Louis for more than 12 hours. Their formidable quest was to put their final touches on the Democratic Party’s “platform,” or the party’s statement of all their values and future goals. The 15-member platform committee, chaired this year by U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, drafts this statement, which is about 15,000 words, every four years before the Democratic National Convention (DNC). This year, the committee had the daunting task of bridging the party’s monumental divide between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton Democrats. By party rules, the DNC chair, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, appoints the members. This year she allowed Sanders to appoint five of the committee members and Clinton to appoint six, while she named four. If there was ever a place to see the difference in leadership and debating styles between the Sanders and Clinton camps, this was it. The EYE attended the first part of the meeting, and then reviewed the other 10-plus hours of livestream footage on YouTube. The document that the 15 committee members were writing together covers everything from criminal justice reform, environment regulations, international trade, education and strengthening the middle class. During their previous meetings, the committee heard testimonies from 114 people, and thousands more submitted testimonies online. Platform Committee Executive Director Andrew Grossman and staff took these testimonies and worked with the committee to come up with a first draft. On Friday, the committee members spent a dozen hours offering up amendments to make the draft final. The debates were telling. The EYE can break down the general gist of the division in some key phrases that committee members repeated over and over. Clinton loyalists wanted “general terms” and to note “diversity of opinions” in the draft. Sanders’ supporters wanted language with specific action steps.

Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, a Sanders’ nominee, coined it perfectly when he conceded to union leader Paul Booth’s watereddown amendment on why foreign trade agreements are hurting the country: “It’s the least we can do, and I’d like to do something stronger.” Ellison wanted an amendment that specifically opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement signed in February. Ellison believes NAFTA and other agreements shield abuses, such as human trafficking and child labor, and also hurt American workers and businesses. The group did unite on several important points. They passed an amendment to abolish the death penalty. They also agreed on passing amendments that denounced deportation of immigrants (which was huge), gave kudos to Black Lives Matter protestors for pushing forth much-needed criminal justice reform, and supported breaking up too-big-to-fail financial institutions and protecting Social Security, among many other things. Yet, in many instances, they agreed on several goals – like raising the minimum wage and supporting universal health care – but not the roads to get there. For example, Ellison proposed an amendment to support setting the national minimum wage at $15 an hour. It was defeated. Booth, a senior executive in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, led the opposition. He said that the current language was strong enough. The document acknowledges that the current minimum wage is a starvation wage, which both camps agree upon. Then it states that “Americans should earn at least $15 an hour,” and that “the minimum wage should be raised and indexed.” But that does not say that the Democratic Party supports raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Ellison, along with other Sanders supporters, wanted to make this crystal clear. But Clinton’s folks did not.

Climate change The debate during the environmental section showed the biggest divide. Sanders appointee Bill McKibben,

Photo by Wiley Price

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota), a Bernie Sanders appointee to the Democratic Party’s Platform Committee, argued for strong, specific, progressive policy stands at a committee meeting in St. Louis on Friday, June 24.

an environmentalist and scholar, tried to pass several amendments that made a strong stand in reducing pollution. He proposed an amendment to establish a moratorium on fracking, a controversial technique designed to recover gas and oil from shale rock. McKibben said scientific research has found that the now-widespread practice is “endangering people’s homes and lives” because it releases dangerous pollutants. American leaders did not know the practice was harmful when companies first started using it, but they do now and need to push immediate legislation to curb fracking, he said. Clinton’s appointee Carol Browner, former Environmental Protection Agency administrator and an Obama advisor on climate change, opposed the amendment, saying, “We don’t support a national ban.” But she said they support states who want to establish bans. Booth also opposed it, saying

the moratorium would put jobs at stake. “These jobs are in battleground states,” he said. McKibben responded that supporting states “isn’t much of an offer,” considering how expensive it is for states to go up against fossil fuel giants. Only New York, Vermont and Maryland have been able to do so. He also said that this debate is really between humans and physics. “Physics doesn’t negotiate,” he said. “It doesn’t care about battleground states.” McKibben went head to head again with Browner on language regarding extraction of fossil fuels from public lands. Browner pushed through an amendment that suggested “phasing down” extraction, in response to McKibben’s more hard-lined language. McKibben said that the time to take Browner’s kind of “easy trajectory” was 30 years ago. The climate change issue and pollution levels are now beyond that point. West said that Browner’s amendments reflected the

same kind of “incrementalism” that was used to placate people during the Civil Rights Movement. “We are in a different vibe in terms what it means to be on the edge of the abyss,” West said. “Because when you are on the edge of the abyss – when you are ‘on the stove,’ from the words of Malcolm X – you don’t use the language of incrementalism. It hurts. And the species is hurting.” The committee agreed to call for generating 50 percent clean electricity within the next 10 years and making America run entirely on clean energy by mid-century. They also unanimously agreed on calling on the Department of Justice to investigate alleged corporate fraud on the part of fossil fuel companies that have allegedly misled shareholders and the public on the scientific reality of climate change.

Health care Both camps agreed that “health care is a right, not a privilege.” But they disagreed on how far to go to ensure that right. The draft summary states, “The passage of the Affordable Care Act was a critical and hard-fought step to achieving this goal. The platform protects and builds on this progress by including access to public coverage through Medicare or a public option. The Platform Committee also agreed to take forceful action to curb prescription drug costs, including letting Medicare negotiate prices, and to expand community health centers.” The Sanders folks felt “access to public coverage through Medicare or a public option” was too vague. Arab American Institute head James Zogby, a Sanders appointee, put forth an amendment to add the language, “We put people before profits by fighting for Medicare for all and singlepayer health care system to guarantee health care as a right.” It was defeated. Zogby said, “I’m looking at the amendment you proposed, and it reminds me a lot of the same way we approached the environmental issues – which is we agree it’s important, it’s got to be done, but any efforts

on our parts as Democrats to define a way forward, i.e. Medicare for all or a singlepayer plan, we won’t talk about.”

On the record on Wall Street Cornell West brought the crowd together on one important point: Wall Street. Wall Street has been at the center of the public conversation, he said, and at the heart of Sanders supporters’ “understandable concerns” in regards to the Democratic Party’s identity. “Is it a party disproportionally shaped by corporate power and influence?” West asked. “Or will it be a power disproportionately shaped by everyday people?” He felt Democrats needed to “go on record” stating that Wall Street cannot be an island unto itself, gambling trillions in risky financial instruments and making huge profits, all the while thinking that taxpayers will bail them out. His amendment called for an updated and modernized version of Glass-Steagall, or the Banking Act of 1933 – the government’s response to the Great Depression, which required that commercial banking and securities activities be separated. In 1999, under President Bill Clinton, the act was repealed. That allowed the rise of several very large banks in the United States with business lines that cut across both commercial lending and securities business, particularly Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. Those three banks alone have combined assets of about $6.5 trillion, or 36 percent of the United States’ gross domestic product, according to the New York Times. The amendment also calls for breaking up too-big-to-fail financial institutions, which Hillary Clinton shied away from stating earlier in the campaign. West’s amendment passed unanimously. The draft will now go to the full Platform Committee for final approval at a meeting in Orlando, Florida on July 8 and 9.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

NEWSPAPER IN

EDUCATION

Planting the Seeds for Success!

The weekly Healthy Families series is presented by the Missouri Foundation for Health to encourage your family to work (and play) together to improve your health.

Nutrition

Smart 4th of July Eating! Exercise

4(andonEvery the 4th Day)! And...

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Healthy Families

Going to a 4th of July celebration this weekend? Before you go, remember these healthy tips and you’ll feel healthy and happy instead of full and uncomfortable. First, nibble on fresh-cut vegetables while you’re waiting for the meal to start, and avoid high-fat dips. Next, you’ll want to look for Before leaving for your 4th of July activities, spend 16 minutes of circuit training. This can be four minutes each of four different exercises. Let each member of the family choose one of the exercises that will be included, such as jumping jacks, push-ups or If your family will be enjoying fireworks this weekend, here are a few safety tips to remember:

> NEVER light a firecracker, bottle rocket,

PRESENTS:

grilled meats that aren’t dripping with sugary sauce, and finally for dessert – enjoy fresh fruit. And remember to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and save on high-sugar beverages.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5 running in place. Set a timer for four minutes, and switch to the next exercise after the timer goes off. You can practice circuit training any time for a quick workout.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 5

to prevent damage to your hearing.

> Follow all local laws regarding when, where and what kinds of fireworks you can have in your own yard.

etc. while you’re holding it. Many people > And remember, many kinds of fireworks can are injured each year making this mistake. actually cause fires. And if you have a dud (firework that doesn’t explode), DO NOT pick it up; it could go off in your hand! Learning Standards: HP 5, NH 5 > If you go to a community fireworks display, consider using ear plugs if you’re sitting close,

Healthy Activities

There are many fun, outdoor 4th of July celebrations this year, some of which can be found at the link below. Visit each website to find out their rules and details. While some have completely free entrance and parking, and may even allow you to bring a picnic lunch – others have parking costs, and you cannot bring in your own food. Fair Saint Louis will be in Forest Park again July 2-4. Entrance to the park is free and includes many free shows and concerts including George Clinton and Flo Rida and of course, the amazing fireworks each night! The interactive Family Festival Zone on the west side of the Grand Basin provides fun crafting activities and more for kids. Fair Saint Louis can be reached by Metro Link, which will save the headache and cost of parking, but visit the fair’s website to read all of the details. (Some free parking will be available near the park – but will most likely fill up quickly each day!) So plan to spend a fun, active outdoor day and wear good shoes as you will be walking – a lot! LOCATION Forest Park COST There is no costs to attend, but you will need to purchase food/drinks. PLAN YOUR VISIT http://www.fairsaintlouis.org. Some other area fireworks displays (or search for your own local options online): http://stlouis.about.com/od/ topattractions/tp/2009_4th_of_july.htm.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

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How do you cope with racism?

Truth on Teeth

It’s unsafe to ignore children’s dental health issues By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American Five St. Louis area dentists recently answered questions regarding children’s oral health care. In last week’s issue, you read what dentists had to say about when children should begin dental visits and a description of typical oral health services for youngsters. In the second of a three-part report, they n It is talk about procedures completely other than the standard safe for cleanings and checkups, children of all and how proper care of ages to have baby teeth can lead to adult teeth that can last their teeth a lifetime. that have Participating dentists been affected are Karen Richardson, DDS of Betty Jean Kerr with decay People’s Health Centers; treated by Duane Dilworth, appropriate DDS of St. Louis County Department dental of Public Health; procedures. Candace Wakefield, DDS of Children’s Dental Zone!; Kelli Dorsey, DDS of Affinia Healthcare; and Kim Butler Perry, DDS of A.T. Still University and Affinia Healthcare.

Racism is bad for our health. That’s no news flash, but it’s important to state outright. Consistent proof gathered over years of research says that racism and discrimination are linked to mental and physical outcomes. Increased risk for hypertension, smoking and a heightened stress response are a few of the physical symptoms. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, feeling on edge, and intense anger are a few of the mental health outcomes. Yet the story isn’t all bad, because we know plenty of people who have survived and thrived despite racism. In psychology, we call those skills coping strategies – the things you do to manage stress. Some people deal with Kira Hudson Banks, Ph.D. stress in healthier ways (e.g., hit the gym hard, spend more time in prayer or with friends) others less so (e.g., drink, push themselves to work extra hard to prove people wrong). A researcher, Dr. Sherman James, cautioned us not to overwork ourselves in the face of adversity. His idea was in part, inspired by the folktale of John Henry, n Of course, it’s a steel driver, important to be who competed against self-reflective and the newly accountable, but invented we should not steam power own the negative machine to messages that are show that he perpetuated about was still worthy Black people. of the job. Legend – Kara Hudson has it that he Banks, Ph.D. won, but died immediately after as a result of the stress and how hard he pushed his heart. One of the John Henryism questions is, “When things don’t go the way I want them to, that just makes me work even harder.” This attribute can be a blessing and a curse. It can drive us to reach impressive heights and also contribute to our suffering. It’s important to think about how you

See RACISM, A15

Q: When is it considered safe for children to undergo more invasive procedures, such as fillings, extractions, etc.? Richardson: Dental caries [cavities] are a treatable disease that should be addressed as soon as it is detected. Children ages 1 and older can undergo invasive dental procedures. The earlier the disease is detected and treated, the less invasive are the dental procedures. Generally, dental treatment is very safe

See DENTISTS, A15

Children should have fillings, extractions and dental treatment as needed regardless of age.

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

Your Health Matters is provided in partnership with

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

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Finding good summer meals St. Louis ARCHS developed a Summer Meals Resource Guide to connect families and children in need to food during the summer months. The guide has links to area organizations, food banks and farmers markets. Additionally, information is listed on locations for free summer meals, including dates, times and days of operation. Find the ARCHS guide at http://bit.ly/28YY2fb. Additionally, find summer meals in your community from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service at http:// www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks.

RACISM Continued from A14 deal with discrimination when it hits you personally or affects the Black community. Do you pray about it, go for a smoke, have an extra drink,

call up a friend to vent, go for a run, listen to your favorite song? Whatever it is that you usually do, try picking up one more positive strategy you can use the next time you are forced to cope with discrimination. In addition to increasing

our options for how we deal with or cope with racism, research also suggests that acknowledging racism and having a healthy racial identity can also protect us. Some people believe that you should see race as less important or simply ignore racism. Others fear that if you

focus on race and racism too much, you will get a chip on your shoulder and make your life harder. Research says that seeing race and acknowledging racism is better for your health, because it can help you understand what is happening and not think that it’s simply something about you.

Of course, it’s important to be self-reflective and accountable, but we should not own the negative messages that are perpetuated about Black people. The website www. defythelie.org outlines strategies for staying emotionally well in the context of racism. Racism can negatively

New food pantry, social service site on north side Community organizations in St. Louis partnered to open what they describe as a “full-service” food pantry at 5868 West Florissant and Riverview Blvd. In addition to nutritional help, the PCAC North Food Pantry will feed other needed services into the community, including emergency assistance, case management; and opportunities for personal and family development including job readiness, job training, anger management, leadership development, youth employment, free computer lab, financial literacy/money management, health, mental & dental services. People’s Community Action

(PCAC), in cooperation with City Hope Bible Church, St. Louis Area Food Bank and Operation Food Search, opened the full-service pantry on June 13 to serve eligible residents of north St. Louis City and Wellston. The pantry will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Organizers said it is the only site in that area to provide food while using a “holistic approach” to address the needs of individuals and families. For more information about services and locations, call 314862-6270 or visit http://www. pcacstl.org.

DENTISTS Continued from A14 however, there can be associated risks and complications. Dilworth: Children should have fillings, extractions and dental treatment as needed regardless of age. Wakefield: It is completely safe for children of all ages to have their teeth that have been affected with decay treated by appropriate dental procedures. As pediatric dentists, we treat children hourly that unfortunately require dental restorations as a result of dental decay. It is however, unsafe to avoid dental treatment, allowing bacteria from the dental infection to ensue to the point that the child experiences pain, has difficult eating and facial swelling, that could develop a life-threatening abscess.

to build on the historic progress already made increasing the number of children who have health coverage. According to the National Health Interview Survey, only 4.5 percent of children remained uninsured in 2015. The grant will support targeted strategies needed to enroll eligible children who do not have health coverage, including application assistance and targeted outreach. “Since the

Dorsey: A child as young as 1 - 3 years may need fillings or extractions if the tooth has a cavity that is deep enough to cause an abscess or decayed to the point where the tooth cannot be restored. Butler Perry: Routine brushing, flossing and regular dental visits is our first goal. In the event cavities are found by the dentist, it is important that they are addressed immediately. The dentist may recommend a filling, a baby root canal or he or she may say that the cavity is too bad, and the tooth cannot be saved. Usually, at that time, an extraction is indicated. Delay in seeking care can cause the cavities to get worse and possibly lead to infections. Seeking a dentist who has experience treating children in need of more complex procedures is the first step. Seeking appropriate timely care is critical for children as infections can develop and spread quickly in children compared to adults.

passage of the Affordable Care Act, the rate of uninsurance for children has declined to its lowest levels on record. Fewer than 1 in 20 children are now uninsured,” said Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. She said the awards will accelerate efforts in communities across America to continue this progress and reach millions of children who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but not yet enrolled. The latest FY 15 data shows 6.6 percent children are enrolled

In rare instances, we have had children to die from infections that have developed from untreated cavities. While prevention is the key, when decay and infections are found, they should be treated immediately. Is it necessary to fill baby teeth that are going to fall out in a few years? Richardson: Yes. Baby teeth are important for speech and facial development and also to maintain space for the proper eruption of the permanent teeth. Premature tooth loss may lead to lack of confidence and malalignment of the permanent teeth that may require orthodontic treatment (braces). Our ability to chew and eat healthy foods allows the necessary nutrients that are needed for growth and development. Bacterial infections that can result from tooth decay can have dire consequences for children resulting in medical complications that can be

in either CHIP or Medicaid in Missouri. Having coverage improves children’s health, ability to succeed in school, and other positive outcomes. Recent research shows that these gains are long lasting, with children who gained coverage experiencing better health, higher educational attainment, and higher earnings as adults.

life-threatening if not treated. Dilworth: Yes, It is necessary to fill baby teeth. Primary teeth serve the same function as adult teeth. A child does not have a permanent dentition until nine or 10 years of age. Primary teeth can have cavities, toothaches, and become infected just like adult teeth. A primary tooth holds the space available for a permanent tooth; therefore, early loss of primary teeth can lead to the need for orthodontic treatment later. Wakefield: Of course it is! Children need their teeth to be in good condition in order to chew their food effectively and speak correctly. The earliest baby teeth are shed/lost between the ages 6-8 years old. Those teeth include the maxillary and mandibular incisors. The remaining 12 baby teeth (back teeth) are generally lost between the ages of 10-12. If a 3-year-old child presents with cavities on a “back tooth” that is left untreated until age 10,

Kira Hudson Banks, Ph.D. works in the Department of Psychology at Saint Louis University

Openings on Missouri Foundation for Health board

LSEM gets grant to reduce numbers of uninsured children The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently named Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) as one of the recipients from 38 states, school districts, and local community organizations to participate in an effort to get more eligible children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). LSEM will receive $300,000 of a $32 million Connecting Kids to Coverage grant, which is designed

impact our mental and physical health, yet cultivating resilience and coping strategies can improve our odds.

The Missouri Foundation for Health is seeking applicants for its 2017 Board of Directors. Its board consists of 15 directors who serve voluntarily for three-years. Members may be nominated for a second three-year term. Five board positions expire each year. A guiding principle of the board selection process is that the Board as a whole represents the gender, racial, cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the MFH region, which includes 84 counties and the city of St. Louis. Joining MFH’s Board of Directors is an opportunity to engage in very meaningful work and to assist the Foundation with achieving its mission of improving the health of Missourians through a combination of partnership, experience, knowledge, and funding. Board members also serve as financial stewards, carrying fiduciary responsibility for MFH’s over $1 billion in assets. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and are required to complete and submit an application, along with a CV/resume, postmarked, faxed or emailed by 5 p.m. Monday, August 8. The MFH Community Advisory Council (CAC) reviews applicant responses and selects candidates for personal interviews in early September. The CAC identifies, screens, and nominates candidates, and the current Board elects members from among those nominated. For an application and more information, visit www.mffh.org.

that’s essentially seven years! First of all, a tooth that has decay when a child is 3 will not survive for seven years! Eventually, the decay process will spread and destroy the dental tissues, including the nerve and surrounding gum and bone area, resulting in the need for a dental extraction. So, will he teeth “fall out?” Eventually, but if left to decay without intervention, they will require extractions and will still require treatment before they were naturally intended to be shed. Dorsey: It is necessary. An infected baby tooth can be just as damaging as an adult tooth. Infection can spread to cause facial swelling, which can then lead to more extensive surgeries in the future. That’s one of the reasons why we encourage people to start getting exams early and at least yearly, so you can address any pathologies before they become severe.

or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Again, seeking appropriate timely care is critical for children as infections can develop and spread quickly in children compared to adults. Studies have shown that children with untreated dental caries, miss over millions of hours of school collectively, they have difficulty, learning, often fall behind in school and suffer from poor nutrition. In rare instances, we have had children to die from infections that have developed from untreated cavities. In the next issue, the dentists wrap up with advice on what parents can do at home to keep children’s teeth healthy and strong.

Butler Perry: Yes, Primary,

Your Health Matters is provided in partnership with

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

Democrats draft progressive platform in St. Louis By Maya Harris Guest columnist We are proud that the draft 2016 Democratic Platform, which the drafting committee approved on June 24, represents the most ambitious and progressive platform our party has ever seen, and reflects the issues Hillary Clinton has championed throughout this campaign, from raising wages and creating more good-paying jobs to fixing our broken Columnist immigration Maya system, Harris reforming our criminal justice system, and protecting women’s reproductive health and rights. As our Chairman, Congressman Elijah Cummings, directed us at the outset, our platform does not merely reflect common ground – it seeks higher ground. For the first time ever, our platform calls for ending mass incarceration, shutting down the school-to-prison pipeline, and taking on the challenges of systemic racism. This year’s platform contains the most ambitious jobs plan on record, including historic investments in infrastructure, pledges to increase American manufacturing and stop companies from shipping jobs overseas, and a robust, standalone plank on youth jobs. It contains ambitious, progressive principles on wages, stating that working people should earn at least $15 an hour, citing New York’s minimum wage law and calling for raising and indexing the federal minimum wage. It also calls for the elimination of the “tipped” wage and for the right of workers to form or join a union. And for the first time,

the Democratic Party platform explicitly calls for repealing the Hyde Amendment, which restricts access to women’s reproductive rights, particularly low-income women and women of color. Four years ago, the Democratic platform called for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. This platform moves far beyond that framework, with a robust commitment to combating climate change and ambitious goals, like generating 50 percent of our electricity from clean sources within a decade. This vision was further strengthened through an amendment offered by representatives of both campaigns to see America running entirely on clean

n Our platform calls for ending mass incarceration, shutting down the school-toprison pipeline, and taking on the challenges of systemic racism.

energy by mid-century. We are also pleased that there were many issues where committee members worked collaboratively to articulate a bold vision, including making sure Wall Street greed and recklessness never again threatens American families and businesses on Main Street; proposing a surtax on multi-millionaires to ensure the richest among us are paying their fair share to build an economy that works for everyone; and expanding Social Security benefits by raising more revenue above the $250,000 threshold.

Members also worked together on framing Democrats’ shared commitment to comprehensive immigration reform, with an eloquent unity amendment stating, “Immigration is not a problem to be solved, it is a defining aspect of the American character and history to be supported and defended against those who would exclude or eliminate legal immigration avenues and denigrate immigrants.” And we are proud the draft 2016 Democratic platform sets forward progressive principles and high standards on trade, including calling for trade agreements to be more protective of workers’ rights, labor rights, the environment, and public health. The draft reviewed by committee members yesterday included a call to review past trade agreements and update them to reflect these principles. An amendment adopted further emphasized the fact that many Democrats oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership because “the agreement does not meet the standards set out in this platform.” Hillary Clinton is one of those Democrats, and has been strongly and unequivocally on the record opposing TPP. Just last week, she said, “We will defend American jobs and American workers by saying ‘no’ to bad trade deals and unfair trade practices, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership.” Make no mistake about it: The 2016 Democratic platform represents an ambitious, progressive agenda that all Democrats can and should be proud of. Maya Harris is a senior policy advisor for Hillary for America and the campaign’s official representative to the Democratic Platform Drafting Committee, which met in St. Louis on June 24.

Deltas celebrated 22nd Ariya The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held their 22nd Ariya Rites of Passage Ball on Sunday, April 17, 2016, 4:00 p.m., at the Marriott St. Louis Hotel, 800 Washington Avenue. The Ariya Ball is the personification of elegance born in Africa tradition. The program from beginning to the end was an exciting experience that is unique to the Ariya. The nine young women participants, called Kwanzishas , their escorts, the elders, Queen Mother, all other program participants as well as the audience were adorned in beautiful African attire. Although the occasion was a sight to behold, there was a deeper significance in that it was the culmination of something far more important -- the seventeen young women participants completed a six month “Pathway Training Program” that provided the contrivance to lead a successful and productive life. The curriculum was based on Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Equally as important is the fact that the young women were awarded scholarships to assist in their post secondary education. Since the Ariya’s inception, over 350 young women have participated and over one-half million dollars have been expended toward scholarship awards for high school seniors. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a non-profit public service organization dedicated to social welfare, cultural enrichment and academic excellence. Karen Miller was Ariya chair and Mitchelle Price is chapter president.

Business

JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

‘Inequity in our region is literally killing our children’

People On The Move Brittany Packnett will become the new vice president of National Community Alliances for Teach For America. In her new role she will lead a team that is responsible for setting the Brittany organization’s Packnett national civil rights agenda and that is focused on building respectful, equitable alliances in communities and ensuring that voice influences TFA. Currently she is executive director of Teach For America St. Louis. Christopher “Chris” Coleman is the new president/ CEO of the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis. He has more than 17 years of experience in the social services Christopher and community Coleman development sectors. He is a board member of Project Youth Impact of St. Louis. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and master’s degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University.

Photo courtesy City Garden Montessori School

A group of preschool parents in St. Louis helped start City Garden Montessori School in South City in 2006, with the intention that neighborhood children could learn and grow together. Now the school is enticing high-income families to move into the area, thus spurring development and gentrification in the zip codes it serves.

Experts, advocates consider ‘Racial and Economic Integration as a Mechanism of Change’ By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American Christie Huck and her two sons live in South city’s Shaw neighborhood, just three blocks away from where VonDerrit Myers Jr. was shot and killed by an off-duty city St. Louis police officer in October 2014. It’s also one block away from Flora Place, a street of upscale homes where the officer, Jason Flanery, was patrolling security the night he killed Myers (after a gunfight, officials concluded). Huck realized in 2006, long before Myers’ death, that she was not okay with her sons growing up in a neighborhood where the white and black children did not attend the same schools.

n “You’ve got baked-in segregation here that all your governmental structures, system and laws have adapted to over many years.” – Phil Tegeler, Poverty and Race Research Action Council

“We were living parallel lives side by side, but still not interacting in each other’s lives in meaningful ways,” said Huck, now the executive director of City Garden Montessori School in South City.

In 2006, Huck was part of a group of preschool parents in St. Louis who decided they didn’t want to make the typical exodus to St. Louis County for quality public schools. “We became keenly aware of the deep racial and economic segregation that continues to exist in our schools – and the tremendous inequity that goes along with this,” she said at a recent community discussion on housing and education, which was held at the school. That’s why Huck and the group of parents founded City Garden as a charter school to ensure that the neighborhood children learn and grow together, she said. Now in its eighth year, they are facing a challenge they didn’t anticipate. The school is See INEQUITY, B2

Verizon funds Innovative Learning for middle schoolers at Harris-Stowe Apply now for sessions started July 11 and July 25 By Morgan Bradley For The St. Louis American Harris-Stowe State University received a grant of $399,000 from Verizon Wireless to bring the wireless company’s Innovative Learning program to St. Louis. Starting this summer, it will pay for minority middle-school boys to attend local college campuses for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. The twoyear program introduces young, male minority students to coding software and 3D printers and helps them develop presentation skills. According to Megan Dorche of Verizon, the company started its Innovative Learning Program at four historically black universities, and this year it kicks off at eight more. HarrisStowe is one of the 12 schools in the nation participating in the program. Dorche said the goal is to take students from being technology consumers to technology innovators. See VERIZON, B6

Photo by Wiley Price

Harris-Stowe State University student Marquise Evans; Dwayne Smith, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at HSSU; Idy Diawara, managing partner, Business & Government Sales, Verizon Wireless; and HSSU student Lamar Merriweather. Both HSSU students participate in the university’s Black Male Initiative.

Karen O. Drake joined the board of directors of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. She is an executive coach and organizational effectiveness consultant with Karen O. global experience Drake and expertise in leadership development, team alignment and change management. Previously she was director of human resources and organizational development for Saint Louis University, SLUCare and has served as board chair for many organizations. Jordan W. Martin joined the coaching staff of the Washington University Bears Football Team. He coached briefly for the Mary Institute St Louis Country Day School (MICDS) Jordan W. football team before Martin joining Washington University. He played Division I football at Temple University as a linebacker and graduated in 2010. He was a high school standout at MICDS, where he played football and basketball. Angela Clabon will lead the People to People International delegation to the Republic of Cuba. She is CEO of Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Center. The Angela August 4-12 visit Clabon to Cuba will focus on educational and cultural aspects allowing delegates to meet with local artists, schools, businesses, and immerse themselves in the day-to-day aspects of Cuban life. Visit www.ptpi.org. Bruce Green was selected to receive the 2016 Distinguished Alumni award from Harris-Stowe State University. He is an assistant superintendent for the Hazelwood Bruce School District. A Green 2001 graduate of Harris-Stowe, he is the former principal of Hazelwood Central High School and of Carnahan High School in the St. Louis Public Schools. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

Personal Finance

How to research and reduce healthcare costs By Nathaniel Sillin Whether you’re planning a future procedure or navigating care after a sudden illness or accident, smart consumers have a plan in place to avoid hidden costs and billing errors common to our ever-changing healthcare system. You should too. The Affordable Care Act (http://www.hhs.gov/ healthcare/) (ACA) made it possible for all Americans to get some form of healthcare coverage regardless of their medical history. That’s the good news. The bad news is that everyone’s personal health circumstances and solutions are different, and we’re still far away from the day when the coverage we buy – either individually or through our employers – can prevent us from getting unexpected bills for services and procedures our insurer didn’t cover or errors made in the billing process. It’s also important to know that many health insurers are adjusting to the reality

INEQUITY continued from page B1 enticing high-income families to move into the area, thus spurring development and gentrification in the zip codes it serves – including Forest Park Southeast, McRee Town, the Grove and Shaw. At a recent meeting titled “Racial and Economic Integration as a Mechanism

of universal coverage by narrowing the assortment of doctors in their networks, leaving more patients at risk of “surprise” (http://kff. org/private-insurance/issuebrief/surprise-medical-bills/) bills if they are treated by practitioners outside their insurer’s network. There are some helpful resources – both public (https://www.medicare.gov/ coverage/surgery-estimatingcosts.html) and private (https:// healthcarebluebook.com/) – which have emerged that price health procedures. Using those resources can help avoid some major out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. So what can you do to prevent these unexpected health costs? If you are not on Medicare, (https://www. medicare.gov/what-medicarecovers/index.html) which tends to have more standardized pricing and coverage, you need to question practitioners (or their billing departments) and price-comparing procedures the way you would any major

of Change,” experts and advocates explored ways to stop gentrification and integrate the St. Louis region. In 2012, 17.8 percent of all children in St. Louis County and 41.7 percent of all children in St. Louis city lived below the poverty line, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The recent “For the Sake of All” report cited that there is a 17-year difference in life expectancy between people who are born

your primary care physician – to confirm that you have a good range of in-network emergency doctors at the hospital of your choice. Put an easy-to-find “in case of emergency” card in your wallet next to your health insurance card that makes your preferred hospital visible to first responders. Also, list your primary care doctor’s contact information. Finally, make sure the person you designate as your health care power of attorney has access to your insurance and physician network information.

purchase. Here are some ways to begin.

how your coverage works in both situations:

Know how you’re covered for both emergencies and non-emergencies. It’s easier to plan for a hip replacement you’ll need in six months than for emergency surgery after an accident or sudden illness, but it’s important to think through

• Emergency: Emergencies are a challenge to price because it’s tough to know which practitioners and services you’ll actually need. The key is to make a plan for emergencies. Speak to your insurer now – and consult

n “You can have diverse schools, but you can still have segregation within our schools. We are highlighting socio-economic diversity because we think it cuts across all genres.” – Tanya Clay House, U.S. Department of Education

in North St. Louis and people who are born in Chesterfield. “These divides we’ve created – between black and

white, between rich and poor and middle class – are bad for all of us, not just some of us,” said Huck, quoting a line from the 2015 “Forward Through Ferguson” report. St. Louis ranks as one of the most segregated regions in the country, said Eddie Wartts, director of the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Division in the St. Louis field office. About 80 percent of St. Louis County’s housing vouchers are issued in or around Ferguson, he said. And because low-income housing is often only available in highpoverty, high-crime areas, the children are left to attend schools with smaller budgets and often poorer academic performances, said Phil Tegeler, executive director of the Poverty and Race Research Action Council. Those housing vouchers and opportunities should be available throughout the region – not just in North St. Louis, he said. “You’ve got baked-in segregation here that all your governmental structures, system and laws have adapted to over many years,” Tegeler said. There are several ways that to ensure that low-income children have access to highperforming schools – and it doesn’t include putting them

• Non-emergency: If your doctor is recommending a particular in-hospital or outpatient procedure in the coming weeks or months, you’ve got time to plan, so do it. Query your physician or his or her billing department about the cost of the procedure. Then spend equal time speaking with your insurer about how extensively the procedure will be covered.

on a bus for two hours a day, he said. He recommended state support for inter-district magnet schools in high-poverty areas. There should also be “school targeting” in all affordable housing programs, he said, and a regional housing and education planning entity. To prevent gentrification, the region needs to develop affordable housing in areas with that potential. “St. Louis has always been on the wrong side of the fair housing civil rights equation,” Wartts said. However, Wartts believes the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule, passed in July 2016, gets at the heart of the Fair Housing Act’s original purpose. It requires that in order for cities to receive HUD funding, they have to engage the community. “We think that community participation is so important that if it is not included in the plan to HUD, that plan is deemed to be significantly incomplete,” Wartts said. He encouraged everyone to let their voices be heard when cities present their “consolidated plans” to HUD. If the community wants to create a more integrated St. Louis, speaking up on HUD planning meetings and other government agencies is essential, said Tegeler. Tanya Clay House, a deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Education, said that the president’s 2017 budget includes $120 million for school integration initiatives. The grant program – called Stronger Together – would help districts or groups of districts make their schools

Make sure you understand if your insurer covers the procedure on an inpatient (hospital) or outpatient (office) basis. Know your deductible. The latest annual Kaiser Foundation employer health benefits survey indicated some whopping figures for health care deductibles. For example, if you have a $3,000 deductible that you haven’t touched this year, that’s the initial out-of-pocket amount you’re going to have to pay for any big procedure. Review bills closely. You need to keep an eye on pre- and post-procedure bills from practitioners, hospitals and your health insurer for accuracy. If you see an error, contact the appropriate party or parties immediately to correct the problem. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.

more socio-economically integrated. “You can have diverse schools, but you can still have segregation within our schools,” House said. “We are highlighting socio-economic diversity because we think it cuts across all genres.” Grantees could either use the money for planning grants, or they could move right into implementing ideas, she said. “When people do not have equal opportunity to thrive, the entire region pays a price,” Wartts said. He pointed to research by the University of Missouri Public Policy Research Center that found eliminating racial income gaps would boost the St. Louis economy by $14 billion. If there had been no racial gap in income in 2012, the St. Louis regional economy would have been $13.56 billion larger. This gap, of course, affects the region’s children and their futures. Huck said failing to address the economic mobility of poor children is projected to decrease the United States GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by about 4 percent per year over the lifetime of these children, costing the country about $7 trillion. “Education and housing are two places where we must begin to address these devastating challenges,” Huck said. “The inequity in our region is literally killing our children, and our community members. It is time for us to commit, collectively, to radical action for change.” Follow this reporter on Twitter @RebeccaRivas.

n “I kind of think that our forefathers would not have OK’d automatic weapons to be sold to everybody.”

Sports

– Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr

INSIDE

Hue Jackson could have been Rams OC; Team USA all black ~ See ‘Sports Eye’ page B4 ~ B3

JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

Track and Field Notebook With Earl Austin Jr.

Ward wins nationals

Cahokia champ makes career best long jump After a season-ending knee injury in May, Cahokia’s Ja’Mari Ward returned to the track and field scene in a spectacular way last weekend. The recent Cahokia High graduate won the national championship in the men’s long jump at last weekend’s USATF Junior National Outdoor Championships in Clovis, California. Ward won the event with a career-best jump of 25 feet 8 ¾ inches. With the victory, Ward also earned a berth on the USA Junior National Team that will compete in the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The World Championships will begin on July 19. The Junior National meet was Ward’s first competition since dislocating his left knee cap at the Collinsville Invitational more than a month ago. He missed the remaining meets of his high school career, which included Cahokia’s march to its sixth consecutive Class 2A state championships. Ward was a two-time state Earl champion in the long jump Austin Jr. and triple jump. An incoming freshman at the University of Missouri, Ward becomes Cahokia’s second national champion, joining former star jumper Kali Jackson, who won the triple jump at the same meet back in 2006. Ward also competed in the triple jump, but scratched out of the finals when he experienced some swelling in his right knee. He already owns the National High School Federation record in the triple jump with an effort of 53 feet 7 ½ inches from this season. Former Lutheran South standout thrower Cecilya Johnson finished in fifth place in the women’s discus with a throw of 169 feet 8 inches. Johnson just completed her freshman year at Tulsa University. Former McCluer North star Jasmine Barge finished sixth in the 400-meter hurdles. Barge just completed her freshman year at the University of Nebraska, where she was a NCAA Outdoor qualifier in the hurdles. She led McCluer North to consecutive state championships in 2014 and 2015. Hazelwood Central’s Justin Hall finished in eighth place in the men’s long jump while LaJarvia Brown of Alton finished in ninth place in the women’s triple jump.

Cahokia’s Ja’Mari Ward won the national championship in the men’s long jump at last weekend’s USATF Junior National Outdoor Championships in Clovis, California.

In The Clutch With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

‘One Time’ and ‘Showtime’ shine in showdown n Win, lose or draw, Porter’s opponents know they’ve been in a scrap. Thurman’s battered and tattered post-fight face can attest to that notion.

Thurman successfully defends crown in barnburner Shame on Brooklyn. recently. However, it was clear Saturday night, one of the best that the crowd was showing its fights of 2016 took place in disapproval of the judges’ scorthe Barclays Center. WBA ing. SMH. The fans witnessed Welterweight Champion an excellent championship Keith “One Time” matchup between two Thurman (27-0-0, of the top fighters in 22 KO) successa loaded division, and fully defended his the fight actually lived title against former up to the hype. Fans in IBF champ Shawn attendance should have “Showtime” Porter given a standing ova(26-2-1, 16 KO) in a tion, regardless of who barnburner. The fight was named the victor. featured a heavy dose Brooklyn fight fans of toe-to-toe, chestwere upset because Ishmael H. to-chest and fist-toPorter, as always, Sistrunk chin action for twelve brought the fight to high-impact rounds. his opponent all night Then, after it was announced long. While Thurman is a that Thurman earned a unanwell-rounded boxer-puncher, imous decision victory, the Porter is more like a bulldozer Brooklynites in the building without a reverse gear. He’s booed. a short, stocky, muscle-bound I was tempted to write-off bruiser that comes forward the booing as some sort of and assaults any part of his muscle memory, a subconopponent that he can. Though scious reflex from all the bad he’s not necessarily a knockout basketball seen in Brooklyn puncher, Porter routinely mauls

Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter went toe-to-toe for much of the night and put on a tremendous show of skill and will Saturday night on PBC on CBS. and manhandles opponents. Win, lose or draw, Porter’s opponents know they’ve been in a scrap. Thurman’s battered and tattered post-fight face can attest to that notion.

Even though Thurman is a bigger puncher, he was forced to empty out his bag of tricks Saturday night in order to exit the ring with his championship belt. Despite Porter’s unre-

lenting pressure, Thurman put together a beautiful blend of lateral movement and vicious, precision counter-punching. When Porter jabbed, Thurman caught him with left hooks.

When Showtime lowered his head to make a charge, One Time caught him with clean right hands. The fight was a series of ebbs and flows. The combatants took turns controlling the bout. Porter repeatedly pressured Thurman into the ropes and assaulted his body. Thurman repeatedly used movement and distance to set up clean and devastating punches. According to CompuBox, Porter landed one more punch (236 to 235), but Thurman’s connect percentage was much higher (44 percent to 36 percent). While See CLUTCH, B5

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

Sports Eye With Alvin A. Reid

Hue Jackson could have been Rams OC; Team USA all black While St. Louis would most hired? What if he had built a likely have lost its franchise superior offense for the Rams to Los Angeles, there is an like he did in Cincinnati? interesting “what if?” that One thing is for sure: He could have changed the Rams’ certainly could not have done on-field fortunes. worse than Schottenheimer. After closing 8-8 in his lone Even Fisher acknowledges season as the Oakland Raiders that he might have made a bad head coach in 2011, call in 2012, saying of Hue Jackson was fired Jackson, “Look at him by newly hired GM now.” Reggie McKenzie. The Cleveland In a NFL that lacks Browns hired Jackson diversity in the head to be head coach during coaching and GM the offseason, and he positions, McKenzie, made several hires who is black, fired that probably raised Jackson, who is black. some eyebrows. Black Alvin A. Jackson, an coaches were hired to Reid offensive guru, key positions. was hired by head He hired former coach Marvin Lewis of the Indianapolis Colts offensive Cincinnati Bengals – but as a coordinator Pep Hamilton to defensive backs coach. It was be his associate head coach for the only job available with the offense and quarterbacks coach. Bengals and while Hamilton is the only Jackson said he was African-American n What if “disappointed” that quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson in the league this he basically had to start his career over, season. Former had been the story has a happy hired? Tennessee defensive ending. coordinator Ray What if he Lewis named him Horton was hired to as Bengals offensive had built the same position for coordinator two a superior the Browns. Former seasons later. Minnesota Vikings offense for Which brings us running backs coach the Rams back to St. Louis. Kirby Wilson is like he did in Jackson’s run-game “If it wasn’t Cincinnati? for Cincinnati, I coordinator and don’t know if I running backs coach. would’ve had a job. “There was a time Nobody would talk when I was sitting to me. The only person that there putting stuff together and would talk to me was Jeff going, ‘I hope people don’t see Fisher, but I knew Fisher was this the wrong way,’” Jackson already going to hire Brian said. Schottenheimer [as offensive “The beautiful part of coordinator],” Jackson told it is the people within our ESPN.com. organization didn’t blink. It What if Jackson had been was never questioned, ‘Hue,

Hue Jackson was at least “talked to” in regard to the St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator position in 2012. The Rams passed and that put Jackson on a path to being head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He immediately hired several black coaches to key positions. you’re acquiring too many minorities.’ I do think it’s one of my responsibilities to

give back, but as I told many minority coaches, ‘I’m going to give back if you’re good at what you do. I just can’t hand you a job. You have to be one of the best at what you do.’ This is the National Football League, and those three guys, to me, are the best at what they do.” Here’s wishing success to Jackson in Cleveland. Steve Kerr talks gun control While his team blew a 3-1 lead in games and lost the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has not been off sulking. In a podcast for the San Jose Mercury News, Kerr said its time for reasonable new gun control laws. “I kind of think that our forefathers would not have OK’d automatic weapons to be sold to everybody,” Kerr said. “I mean, it’s easier to get a gun than it is a driver’s license, and it’s insane.” His remarks come as

Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed an overreaching gun rights bill that GOP legislators pushed through during the 2016 session. It would be nice if some of the leading athletes and coaches in St. Louis would speak out in support of the veto. I won’t hold my breath. USA hoops red, white and black Barring an injury and a change in roster, the USA men’s basketball team at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will feature only black players. Hoping to bring home a gold medal will be Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks), Kevin Durant, (free agentOklahoma City) Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes (Golden State); Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan (Toronto); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland); Paul George (Indiana); Jimmy Butler (Chicago); DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento) and DeAndre Jordan (L.A.

Clippers.) LeBron James, Steph Curry and several other star players opted out because of injuries or fatigue. While no one seems to say it aloud, a trip to troubled Rio with its Zika virus, tainted water and political turmoil probably didn’t appeal to most NBA players. The USA is still heavily favored to win gold, though. “I’m anxious to get on the court, and along with my great coaching staff, get to work,” said USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski. “Looking at this team, our overall balance is what strikes me. We have lightning-quick guards who can score as well as distribute the basketball. We have great shooters and explosive scorers, we’re big and athletic, and I think we’ll really be able to defend.” Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

Inside Sports With Earl Austin Jr.

Patrick McCaw goes to Golden State Former CBC standout ends up in Golden State after Bucks draft him Congratulations go out to St. Louisan Patrick Championships in Spain. As of press time, the USA McCaw, who became the newest member of the team is 3-0 entering the round of 16 on Thursday. Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors After three games, Gordon is averaging 11 points and after last week’s National Basketball Association shooting 60 percent from the field. Draft. Gordon has spent the summer playing for the A 6’6” guard, McCaw was selected by the MoKan Elite 17U squad on the Nike Elite Youth Milwaukee Bucks with the No. 38 pick in Basketball League grassroots circuit. Gordon the draft. His rights were soon sold to the averaged 10 points and seven rebounds a Warriors, who were looking for more length game in helping lead MoKan Elite to a berth on defense and perimeter shooting. in the Nike Peach Jam in South Augusta, S.C. McCaw played two years of collegiate from July 6-10. basketball at UNLV, where he was one of the top players in the Mountain West Conference. St. Louis Eagles head to Augusta As a freshman in 2015, McCaw was selected to the MWC All-Freshman Team. As a The St. Louis Eagles 17U basketball sophomore, McCaw averaged 14.7 points, team will be headed to the prestigious Nike 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.4 steals for the Peach Jam in South Augusta, S.C. next week. Runnin’ Rebels. He also shot better than 40 The Eagles qualified for the Peach Jam by Earl percent from 3-point range. amassing an 11-5 record in the Nike EYBL Austin Jr. McCaw was a former standout prep against some of the best talent in the country. player at CBC, earning All Metro Catholic The Eagles are led by 6’4” forward Jordan Conference honors in 2012 and 2013. He Goodwin of Belleville Althoff. Goodwin was finished up his prep career at Montrose Christian in one of the most dominant players in the EYBL during Maryland. the spring. He earned several new scholarship offers from major NCAA Division I schools. Carte’Are Gordon goes abroad Joining Goodwin on the Eagles are Brandon McKissic (SLUH), Reginald Crawford (Chaminade), Webster Groves High basketball standout Richard Henderson (Pattonville), Jerimiah Tillmon Carte’are Gordon was selected to the USA Basketball (East St. Louis/ La Lumiere), Jericole Hellems U17 National team. (Chaminade), Darius Garland (Nashville, TN), A 6’8” power forward, Gordon is a member of Thomas Dutton (Columbia Hickman), Silas Adheke the team is currently playing in the FIBA U17 World (Chattanooga, TN), Tim Finke (Champaign, IL).

St. Louisan Patrick McCaw was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the No. 38 pick in the draft. His rights were soon sold to the Golden State Warriors, who were looking for more length on defense and perimeter shooting.

CLUTCH Continued from B5 there were no knockdowns, both men were hurt at some point and had to dig deep to stay vertical. While the term “Fight of the Year” has been bandied about all week long, it’s unlikely that the fight will ultimately win the award. FOTY is usually reserved for knockouts or in fights where one, or both, of the fighters taste the canvas. However, while Porter vs Thurman may fall short of an award-winning performance, it could still prove to be the most important fight of 2016. The bout was televised in primetime on network television as part of the PBC on CBS series. Premier Boxing Champions has been televising fights on network TV (and cable TV) for some time now, but the matchups and results have been inconsistent. The PBC name has been watered down by hosting fights on so many networks. PBC offers fights on CBS, NBC, FOX, BounceTV, ESPN, CBS Sports, Spike, FOX Sports, NBCSN and others. One week, viewers may get an exciting matchup between Porter and Adrien Broner. Next they’ll get a gross mismatch between Peter Quillen and Michael Zerafa. For that reason, reviews and ratings of the different PBC shows have been all over the place. With Thurman versus Porter though, PBC knocked it out of the park squared circle. The Showtime-produced event marked the first time boxing appeared on CBS in primetime since Muhammad Ali faced Leon Spinks on Feb. 15, 1978. Because of the quality matchup, more than two million people tuned in to see the fantastic welterweight showdown. That easily makes it the most-watched fight of the year to date. Hopefully PBC will see the light and continue using the major networks to broadcast competitive bouts between well-known stars. The sport of boxing will never shy away from showcasing prospects and fringe stars against tomato cans, but those bouts should occur on the smaller cable stations, not network TV. PBC next network television showcase will be July 16 when WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder matches up against former title contender Chris Arreola on FOX. Though Arreola seems to be on the downside to his career, his Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em style should present a solid challenge for Wilder. The champ should be a heavy favorite going into the matchup. However, look for Arreola to play the role of Porter and Wilder to mimic Thurman in terms of strategy. If the heavyweight bout is nearly as entertaining as the

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson earned a split-decision victory of Satoshii Ishii Friday night in a lackluster headline bout at Bellator 157 at the Scottrade Center. recent welterweight scrap, it may help PBC and boxing on network TV turn the corner. For far too long, fight fans have had to subscribe to premium cable networks and pay exorbitant pay-per-view fees to watch decent fights between upper echelon fighters. Hopefully Thurman vs Porter showed the PBC, TV networks and fans that big-time boxing can succeed on free TV. Rampage lackluster in STL There was a time when I followed MMA almost as closely as I followed boxing. Standout stand-up fighters like former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson were a big reason. But I turned my back as jiu jitsu fighters and their ground game became more and more prevalent, turn-

ing many MMA matches from slugfests into hug fests. When it was announced that Jackson (37-11) would be in St. Louis to headline Bellator 157, I couldn’t resist. I knew that at 38-yearsold and just emerging from a long contractual rights battle between Bellator and the UFC that Rampage would probably not be in prime form. Still, if there’s one thing I knew, it’s that Jackson likes to throw hands. Unfortunately, the headliner was admittedly in poor shape and his opponent, Satoshii Ishii (14-6-1), didn’t have any interest in engaging in stand-up combat. The result was a boring, three-round decision victory by Jackson. Many fight fans thought Ishii deserved the win, as he kept Jackson on the ground for much of the bout. However, the uninspiring fight was close enough that the decision is

widely considered questionable, rather than a flat out robbery. Luckily for local MMA fans, St. Louis-native “Iron” Michael Chandler delivered a vicious first-round KO of Patricky Freire in the co-main event. Chandler (15-3) delivered a punishing right hand that put Freire (16-8) to sleep before he hit the canvas. The referee stepped in immediately and the enthused crowed at the Scottrade Center went crazy. With the victory, Chandler reclaimed the Bellator Lightweight Championship. Despite the lackluster main event, the dual MMA/kickboxing Bellator 157 event was an exciting night for MMA fans in St. Louis. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Visit us online at www.stlamerican.com

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

VERIZON continued from page B1 Harris-Stowe merged the Innovative Learning program with its Black Male Initiative. Dean of Students Emmanuel Lalande said that originally Verizon suggested they serve 50 students. “Then Verizon liked the idea so much, they asked if we could do 100 students,” Lalande said, “and we said, ‘Yes, absolutely.’” Through its Black Male Initiative, Harris-Stowe has worked with students at Griffith, Airport and Coca elementary schools, all in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, and recently began working with students at Riverview-Gardens High School. The initiative brings students onto campus, exposes them to the college atmosphere and provides mentorship. Harris-Stowe President Dwaun J. Warmack said he believes that Harris-Stowe has a civic and moral responsibility to create programs for African-

n “We at HSSU believe we have a niche when it comes to STEM. We want to reach these children early, in middle school and elementary school.” – Harris-Stowe President Dwaun J. Warmack

American youth. “Not only was it important to expose students to STEM fields,” Lalande said, “but also to merge the program with mentorship and make sure they continue to be involved.” Warmack pointed out that Harris-Stowe is ranked 47th in the nation out of 3,500 schools in graduating AfricanAmerican males with degrees in mathematics and statistics. “So we at HSSU believe we have a niche when it comes to STEM,” Warmack said. “We want to reach these children early, in middle school and

Apply for Innovative Learning The first Innovative Learning session starts July 11, and the second session starts July 25. Applications are available at www. hssu.edu. For additional information regarding the program, contact Heather Bostic at 314340-3544 or bostich@ hssu.edu.

elementary school.” The first Innovative Learning session starts July 11, and the second session starts July 25. Applications are available at www.hssu. edu. For additional information regarding the program, contact Heather Bostic at 314-3403544 or bostich@hssu.edu.

Check out the latest Edition of

PARTYLINE Page C8

C1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

“Bring It! Live” comes to the Lou Stars of Lifetime Network hit headed to Peabody Opera House By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Bring It! Live” comes to the Peabody Opera House on Thursday, July 7.

“It’s not your typical dance team, and I am not your typical dance coach,” Diana Williams, more widely known as Miss D, confessed as she talked about her Dancing Dolls troupe. They are also not the typical reality television stars. Straight out of Jackson, Mississippi, they are far from the flashing glare of Hollywood. And their relentless commitment to nailing every element of the performance experience makes them

A night at ‘The Colored Museum’

the antithesis of the “famous for being famous” format that speaks for a nice chunk of the genre’s programming. With Williams at the helm, The Dancing Dolls are required to put in work – and they are eager to deliver all the attitude and as many six-o-clock kicks that she requires of them. She feels it’s part of the reason why “Bring It!” became one of the Lifetime Network’s breakout hits soon after the show debuted in 2014. “People can appreciate that these kids See DANCE, C4

Brian’s quiet storm

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Actress Alicia Like performs the opening sketch of The Black Rep’s staged reading of ‘The Colored Museum’ on Monday, June 20, at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

Unlikely venue, co-stars make for magical evening of theatre at CAM By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American Seating was beyond capacity. Those who could not find a seat were forced to stand and look down from the balcony as the Black Rep revisited George C. Wolfe’s African-American theatre staple, “The Colored Museum,” at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis last Monday. By the start of the show, the balcony was also full. In fact, there was barely a piece of wall to lean against anywhere within CAM that offered the slightest vantage point of the performance. The original plan was to rotate the 11 skits about the black experience that comprise the play throughout the museum, but the size of the crowd required a shift in logistics. The company of performers would have to stay put in the lecture area, but the show went on – and it was glorious. The Black Rep presented the free staged reading of the play on June 20 as part of the 6th Annual Project 1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY - an event presented in association with a variety of other theater companies, museums, and Crooner Brian McKnight brought the house down with some of his most beloved slow jams and mid-tempo hits. The show, presented by Mo Investment Ent., also featured veteran St. Louis R&B group Master’s Touch. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

• Only Online •

Black Power at the BET Awards Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar kicked things off with “Freedom” and actor/activist Jesse Williams drove the point home with spellbinding remarks during his Humanitarian Award acceptance speech that forced the mainstream take notice of the 2016 BET Awards. “It’s kind of basic mathematics – the more we learn about who we are and how we got here, the more we will mobilize.” – Jesse Williams

Read Williams’ full remarks on www.stlamerican.com

See CAM, C4

The good old days of going out Club Riviera Productions brings The Whispers to The Ambassador By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American “We chose the name of the company because Club Riviera was the largest nightclub in the city for years,” said Richard K. Gaines, co-creator of Club Riviera Productions. “The notion was to create the kind of ambiance and environment that used to exist when people – black people, in particular – used to go to night clubs.” He spoke of the golden days of Club Riviera with the biggest grin on his face as he went down memory lane - the way patrons used to get dressed up and step out, the type of service the club provided, the atmosphere and the overall feeling

they would get by those elements coming together, courtesy of Club Riviera’s efforts as an establishment. “Each time, it was a special occasion,” Gaines said. He and partner Nelson Harvey have teamed up to restore the glory years of grown folks dressing up and stepping out by way of their concert promotions company that pays tribute in name to the famed club. Their first show, a blues show starring Denise LaSalle and Theodis Ealey, was a smash. They are looking to repeat the success of their inaugural concert when they bring An Evening with The Whispers See WHISPERS, C4

Riviera Club Productions will present The Whispers with special guests The Dirty Muggs on Sunday, July 3 at The Ambassador.

Calendar

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016 Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. fairsaintlouis.org/events.

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

Wed., July 6, 10 a.m., UMSL Transfer Quick Admit Day. Come to Undergraduate Admission Office anytime between 10am – 2 pm with copies of all transcripts from anywhere you have college credit and fill out an application to be admitted on the spot. 351 Millennium Student Center, 63121. For more information or to register, call (314) 5166943 or visit www.umsl.edu/ transferservices.

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

concerts Fri., July 1 , The Marquee welcomes Trick Daddy, The Marquee Restaurant and Lounge, 1900 Locust. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com. Sun., July 3, 7 p.m., Club Riviera Productions presents The Whispers with special Guests The Dirty Muggs, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information, call (314) 5341111 or (314) 869-9090 or visit www.metrotix.com. Sun., July 3, 9 p.m., The Lux presents Keyshia Cole. 2619 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 371-4031. Wed., July 6, 6 p.m., Show Me Arts Academy presents the 2016 Spreading the Love Youth Tour Kickoff Concert. The Academy is a grassroots organization founded in the wake of the unrest in Ferguson, MO. This special presentation includes short video clips, as well as a concert featuring the children of Show Me Arts Academy, joined by special guests Kendall Davidson, Ricky Rock, and the Hazelwood Central Drum Line. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org. Wed., July 6, 7 p.m., Firebird presents Mark Battles Live. 2706 Olive St.,

63103. For more information, call (314) 535-0353 or visit www.firebirdstl.com.

July 7 – 10, Second Annual PBL Greek Weekend. The weekend will include parties, a picnic, a community service event at Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, and Sunday worship at Believers Temple Word Fellowship. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., July 8, 8 p.m., Goodfellas Entertainment presents Lil Boosie. IP54 Bar & Grill, 2543 N. Grand Blvd., 63106. For more information, call (314) 535-4444. Sat., July 9, 8 p.m., Summer Rain Benefit Jam feat. Soultry. Grab your friends and family for a soulful night out to benefit teen girls in need. Voce, 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com. Sat., July 16, 6 p.m., Hot 104.1 presents Super Jam 2016 feat. Fetty Wap, Young Thug, K. Michelle, 50 Cent, Desiigner and more. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.scottradecenter.com. Sat., July 16, 6 p.m., The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council presents BBQ Concert: Jon Thomas & Friends. Enjoy fantastic tunes, world-class BBQ and beverages, as well as free art activities for the kids. Greg Freeman Park, 6000 Kingsbury Ave., 63112. For more information, visit www. skinkerdebaliviere.wordpress. com. Sat., Aug. 27, 7 p.m. An Evening with Chaka Khan and El DeBarge, a benefit concert for Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club, The Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Hot 104.1 presents Super Jam 2016 feat. Fetty Wap, Young Thug, K. Michelle, 50 Cent, Desiigner and more. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Featured Event Wed., July 6, 6 p.m., 2016 Spreading the Love Youth Tour Kickoff Concert. The Academy is a grassroots organization founded in the wake of the unrest in Ferguson, MO. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

local gigs Thurs., June 30, 7 p.m., Ocean Wealth Management Entertainment presents A Love Reborn starring Soulo, Kimberly Smooth and Alercia Anderson. The Lux. 2619 Washington. For more information, call 314.368.3242. Sun., July 24, 5 p.m., Union Communion Ministries

presents Free Concerts at Ivory Perry Park feat. Soulard Blues Band with Marty Abdullah. 800 N. Belt, 63112. For more information, visit www.ivoryperrypark.com. Sun., July 31, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. doors) Community Women Against Hardship Summer Jazz Benefit Concert with Johnny O’Neal, Anita Jackson, Eric Slaughter, Jerome Harris and Jeffrey Anderson. Harold

and Dorothy Steward Center For Jazz, 3536 Washington. For more information, call (34) 571-6000 or visit www.jazzstl. org.

special events Fri., July 1, 5 p.m., Original Black Katz presents the Empire White Party Episode 2. The Marquee Restaurant & Lounge, 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.facebook.com. July 2 – 4, Fair St. Louis. Enjoy stunning fireworks over the Grand Basin, popular music by big-name stars and tasty food. Art Hill, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. fairsaintlouis.org/events. Sat., July 2, 10 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Eta Chapter presents IndAPEndence Day. Rustic Goat, 2617 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com. July 2 – 4, Fair St. Louis. Enjoy stunning fireworks over the Grand Basin, popular music by big-name stars and tasty food. Art Hill, 1 Fine

Sat., July 9, Anthony Smith Memorial Basketball Tournament. This is a charity 3on3 tournament in the memory of Anthony Smith who died of Cancer in 2008. He graduated from Kirkwood High School and Loyola University. Proceeds benefit Gateway chapter of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and other local charities. The deadline to register is July 3. Kirkwood High School, 801 W. Essex, 63122. For more information, call (314) 281-9818 or visit www. keepwatching50.org. Mon., July 11, 10:30 a.m., Summer Family Fun: Beatboxing with Nicole Paris. Nicole Paris, a beatbox artist, musician, and native St. Louisan, gained notoriety and millions of fans when a YouTube battle against her mentor and father, Ed Cage, went viral within hours of its release. Nicole will share technique tips and lead a few exercises to get you making a few beats yourself. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org. Fri., July 15, 6:30 p.m., Jerry Jerome Brown Jr. Spark The Leadership Foundation presents Dance for a Cause. We will have the one & only DJ Tony-T. There will also be a silent auction including items like: Jerry J. Brown Jr. Dallas Cowboys jersey, Dez Bryant autographed jersey, signed Dallas Cowboys Helmet, and

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016 literacy, he will convince everyone that he is a brilliant bandleader and recruit all the boys in town to form a band, pocketing the cash for instruments and uniforms. The problem? Some of the town members don’t quite buy Harold’s story. 1 Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org.

more. We will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win: tablets, cameras, and other great prizes. All proceeds will go to the Foundation. Polish Heritage Center, 1413 N. 20 th St., 63106. For more information, visit www. facebook.com. July 15 – 16, 11 a.m., Fundisha Movement Workshop: Caribbean Dance Camp. Wiggle and wind with Mama Lisa in free community dance classes for dancers of all ages. Enjoy a chance for the entire family to kick off those shoes and shake, shake, shake to the rhythms of the drums. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www. mohistory.org. Sat., July 23, 12 p.m., 4th Annual Natural Hair Health & Cultural Expo. This event will be showcasing; health demonstrations, models, live music, poetry, Afrikan drumming, dancers, vendors and so much more. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (618) 5145240 or email nhbce@yahoo. com. Sat., July 23, 12 p.m., SMKE & Liquid Assets present The Show Me Kicks Expo. This is the premier buy, sale, and trade sneaker expo in St. Louis, Missouri. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 458-1840 or email info@showmekicks.com. Sat., July 23, 6:30 p.m., 1st Annual Fashion Show. This event is a launch for a new boutique opening September 2016. The show will feature three exclusive fashion designers: Alisha’s Pieces, Nyla Coleman and K’Veor. We are also looking for additional vendors and models. 4530 N. Lindbergh Blvd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 378-3443 or email styletaneousstyles@gmail.com.

July 29 – 30, COCA presents Memphis. Set in the underground dance clubs, radio stations and recording studios of 1950s Memphis, this hot musical bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a tale filled with laughter, soul and rock & roll. Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www. cocastl.org.

The Lux presents Keyshia Cole. For more information, see CONCERTS.

comedy July 6 – 10, 7:30 p.m., Funny Bone St. Louis presents Justin Leon. Justin Leon is a wellrespected Kansas City comic who has truly made a name for himself across the country and abroad. 614 Westport Plaza, 63146. For more information, visit www.stlouisfunnybone. com. Fri., July 29, 8 p.m. Martin Lawrence, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

literary Saturday, July 2nd 12 to 2 p.m. Barnes & Nobel hosts author Theresa E. Cobb author of Uncloseted Love. 113 West County Center Des Peres, Mo 63131. For more information contact event calendar BN or call 314-8680233.

Sat., July 2, 8 p.m., FINC Entertainment presents A Night of Poetry & Spoken Word. The very talented Lady Re will host this event & DJ “Siddall Tha Selecta”, will supply the music. Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information or to register to perform, call (314) 690-3462. Sat., July 2, 8 p.m., FINC Entertainment presents A Night of Poetry & Spoken Word. The very talented Lady Re will host this event & DJ “Siddall Tha Selecta”, will supply the music. Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information or to register to perform, call (314) 690-3462. Thur., July 14, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts authors Greg Jobin-Leeds, Jose Jorge Diaz, and Deymirie Hernandez, authors of When We Fight, We Win!:

Twenty-First Century Social Movements and the Activists That Are Transforming Our World. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com. Sun., July 24, 5 p.m., STL Book Fair. This is not just your average book fair; we will have authors onsite to discuss their book and answer questions. Utopia Studios, 3957 Park Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ letterinvisibledaughter.

theatre July 5 – 11, The Muny presents The Music Man. When smooth-talking con man Harold Hill arrives in a small, tight-knit town in Iowa, he expects to dupe its residents with his elaborate moneymaking scheme. Despite his complete lack of musical

arts The National Blues Museum presents A Cast of Blues. Created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, the exhibit is composed of the life-cast masks of 40 blues musicians. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 9250016. The Griot Museum of Black History presents Lady Leaders and Legends. Artist Daniel Hodges honors 20 outstanding St. Louis women including Maya Angelou, Katherine Dunham, Frankie M. Freeman, Ida Woolfolk, and others. 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 241-7057 or visit www.thegriotmuseum.org.

health Sat., July 2, 10 a.m., Unwrap You and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. present Free Community Health Fair. The day will include a financial wellness session, vendors, giveaways, a zumba class, and much more. East St. Louis

Rotunda, 301 River Park Dr., East St. Louis, IL 62201. Fri., July 8, 6 p.m., Pulse Healing Space. De-Andrea Blaylock-Johnson (licensed clinical social worker and sex therapist) and Dr. Lexx BrownJames, (sex therapist, educator and mental health professional) are co-hosting a safe, healing space to help those still coping with the tragic hate crime against the Latinx and GLBTQIAP community. The event is free, but an RSVP is required. Creve Coeur Counseling Associates, 10176 Corporate Square Dr., 63132. For more information or to RSVP, visit pulsehealingspace. eventbrite.com. Sat., July 9, 1 p.m., Sickle Cell Baby Shower. This event is primarily for those parents of a newly diagnosed infant, however it is open to parents of children 5 years and under, also diagnosed with sickle cell disease. RSVP required. 5615 Pershing Avenue, Ste. 29, 63112. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 833-6751 or visit www. sicklecellassociation.org. Tues., July 12, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents Autism: A Personal Perspective. Florissant Valley Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., 63031. For more information, call (314) 9943300 or visit www.slcl.org.

spiritual July 11 – 17, Youth Gospel Music Conference 2016. Calvary MB Church, 2822 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63106. For more information or to register, call (314) 884-8327 or email ygmc4me@gmail.com. July 11 – 15, 9 a.m., San Francisco Temple Complex Vacation Bible School, Everyone is Welcome! Pre-K thru adult, San Francisco Temple 10191 Halls Ferry 63136. For more information or to register, call (314) 388-3300.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

DANCE Continued from C1 are doing their own thing – and doing it their own way,” Williams said. And they are keeping with their trend of going where few reality TV shows have gone before by staging a touring show, called “Bring It! Live,” that is headed performance halls nationwide. The show comes to Peabody Opera House on Thursday, July 7. “St. Louis is going to get a chance to see the Dancing Dolls tear the stage up,” Williams proclaimed. “And they are definitely going to give you a night to remember.” The show’s popularity had them getting requests to make appearances all over the world. Williams thought a live show would be the perfect opportunity to carry “Bring It!” to the masses by showcasing what they do best. “Even though you are watching it on television, you don’t get to see it all,” Williams said. “This way you get to see the girls up close and personal and get to be a part of the actual live experience of their performances.”

Divinely-ordered dance steps “When I first got the e-mail, I thought it was a scam – you know, the ones that say, ‘Send me money.’ There was a lot of that going on at the time,” Williams said of the original communication from The Lifetime Network. “Then they started calling –and were like ‘we’ve been trying to get in contact with you for over a month.” It was easy for her not to believe the opportunity that presented itself “out of nowhere.” She had been trying to make her own way as a professional dancer for years and it just

never came to pass. “I was told no so much I thought my name was no,” she said. “I never let that be the definition of who Diana was going to be. Never be afraid of the word ‘no’ and always be ready for failure – know that it’s coming, get on your knees and pray and be ready to push beyond it.” In 2001, she felt led to start the Dancing Dolls. She wanted to help a group of young aspiring dancers create their own opportunities. Her intention was to mold and shape her girls into success stories – and to instill in them to always strive for something better. “That is the goal for every member of my team – and that’s not only as dancers, as lawyers, doctors, business owners and mothers,” Williams said. “Whatever it is that they are the best that they can be at whatever job they find that they are good at.” She feels the steps that led Lifetime Network to her inbox were divinely-ordered. “This whole experience shows how God makes things work the way he intended them,” Williams said. “He has a way to make sure we get what we need. Not just what we want, but what we need.” And she’s absolutely thrilled that the popularity of “Bring It!” has created a trend of renewed interest in youth dance troupes – which seems to grow with each season. “This is a movement, and we are happy to be a part of that,” Williams said. “Seeing a trend that includes people who have same passion that we have for dance, our youth, community involvement and uplifting and empowering young African American girls is definitely something we want to stand on.” “Bring It! Live” comes to the Peabody Opera House (1400 Market St.) at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 7. For more information, visit www. peabodyoperahouse.com or call (314) 499-7600.

Bonita Cornute of Fox 2 co-stars with Black Rep performers as part of a staged reading of ‘The Colored Museum’ on Monday, June 20, at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

relish their time in the spotlight. The veterans coached and directed the unlikely actors, and the result was something bucket lists are made of. “The Photo Session” exhibit featured Bass, who is fashion editor for the Post, and Price, The American’s veteran photojournalist, pretending to be on the other side of the camera. They posed and pony-walked across an imaginary runway, personifying Wolfe’s skit that brings Ebony Magazine print models to life. Price elicited howling laughter as he strutted across the stage, relying on the years of what he’s seen while snapping photos from the end of the runway. Bass was as smug and pretentious as any stereotypical supermodel as she

embodied a runway diva. Even though 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of “The Colored Museum,” the themes resonated profoundly with the audience – and the performers.

“The Colored Museum” was created nearly 10 years before Tyler Perry caught on with audiences as an urban stage producer/writer/director/ star, but Daniel’s performance as the church-going mother who takes no mess from her adult wayward son seemed to be plucked from any given “Madea” production. For “The Last Mamaon-the-Couch Play,” CAM

echoed with laughter as Daniel delivered a powerful backhand to her son for “using the Lord’s name in vain.” The skit pokes fun at the formulas of drama found in African-American film, television and urban theatre. It also featured Holliday as a classically-trained theatre announcer who presented on-site awards for their most outlandish performances. Daniel’s spot-on portrayal of the stereotypical urban stage matriarch continued as she plopped her entire body across the couch – which is a standard of the set – and crawled across the floor in the name of “her baby” in order to secure her statue. This bit caused even her fellow cast members to erupt with laughter in the middle of the performance. “Perhaps I shouldn’t quit my day job,” Holliday joked after being greeted with a high five following his performance. He was actually quite good. They all were. Other crowd favorites included “Cooking with Aunt Ethel,” “The Gospel According to Miss Roj,” “Soldier with a Secret” and “Lala’s Opening.” But the undisputed champion of laughter for the evening was “The Hair Piece,” featuring Cornute. The exhibit features two wigs fighting for the attention of their owner – and demanding to be worn on her next date. CAM erupted when the wigs went after each other like catty “frenemies” to persuade Cornute’s character. “I played one of the wigs in college,” Lula Gladden said with pride as she waited for the particular skit to be played. “It was so much fun.”

somewhat of a soft opening for Riviera Club Productions. Gaines assures audiences will get the full scale of the type of experience his newly formed entertainment enterprise is capable of providing with The Whispers.

club as a patron, but basked in the club’s sophisticated vibe from the stage until he was old enough for admission. “I sell insurance and do other things to make a living – but what would I like to do? Be the world’s number one promoter,” Gaines said. “I’d like to bring people in and just have fun all around. Give them a classy experience they will never forget.” He spoke of building Riviera Club Productions into a nightlife experience similar to that seen in the 1980s film “The Cotton Club,” starring Richard Gere and Gregory Hines, where guests were dressed to the nines and the talent was a perfect 10. Their plan is to do several shows a year and embrace different musical genres, but

for their first couple of shows, the focus is on catering to the crowd who remembers the Riviera Club first-hand. “We would like to be when you see Club Riviera productions – wherever or whatever it is – the expectation is that is that it’s something really fine,” Gaines said. “Where you will have a good time and feel comfortable with the environment at a reasonable price.” Riviera Club Productions will present An Evening with The Whispers with special guests The Dirty Muggs on Sunday, July 3 at The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd. Doors open at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, call (314) 869-9800 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

CAM Continued from C1 institutions throughout the U.S. and abroad as a fundraiser for programming and activities. This showing wasn’t the norm for The Black Rep. Aside from the venue, the cast featured stage veterans paired with local celebrities – most of them popular media personalities. Debra Bass of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bonita Cornute of KTVI-TV, Carol Daniel of KMOX Radio, Art Holliday of KSDK-TV, Gary Gunter of Radio One St. Louis and The American’s own Wiley Price were among them. Each performer seemed to

WHISPERS Continued from C1 to The Ambassador on Sunday, July 3. Popular local band The Dirty Muggs will provide the opening entertainment. “The Whispers are chomping at the bit to come, and we are just so excited about doing this,” Gaines said. “And The Dirty Muggs are one of the most popular bands in this whole city among all audiences – black and white. We are talking about a different way of going out than people have become used to – to just really have a good time.” The blues show was

Promoter at heart Gaines is known throughout the region as a corporate and civic leader thanks to his Gaines and Associates Insurance Firm and his service on the Saint Louis Public Schools’ Special Administrative Board. But his love of promotions began as a small boy singing in doo-wop groups – including at The Riviera Club. Back then, he was too young to enter the

Mama Carol on the couch

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN â&#x20AC;¢ JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

Our Lives Matter, Our Votes Count!

YOUR ST. LOUIS COUNTY NAACP

WWW.STLCOUNTYNAACP.ORG

th Freedom Fund Leadership Dinner

Another Record Year!! Thank you St. Louis Region for your support. Congratulations to this year's Lifetime Achievement Honorees: CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Reporter and Host of the Situation Room; Hon. Ronnie L. White, United States Federal Judge. Other Honorees included: Sandra Jordan of The St. Louis American Newspaper; Pat White, President of The Greater St. Louis Labor Council; Marvin Mitchell of Compass Retirement Solutions; Emerson; Concordance Academy of Leadership; Kathy Osborn of the Regional Business Council; Hon. Maida Coleman, Missouri State Senator, 5th Disrict; E Little Communication; Hon. Sandra F. Hemphill, Judge, St. Louis County Circuit Court; and a number of other stellar performers across the region. Newark New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka brought down the house with his message of empowerment and encouragement. This year's General Chairs included Jane Dueker of Spencer Fane, Pamela Meanes of Thompson Coburn, Citi's Randall Weller of CITI, and Dave Stokes, CEO of Grey Eagle Distributors.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Destroying our treasures Our beloved treasures that provide extensive historical, educational and recreational opportunities are at risk of closing and exploitation because of attacks by thieves, burglars and vandals. Some of our cultural and natural resources, and repositories of our heritage, are being devastated by criminals and trespassers. Recently criminals again stole the air conditioners from the Griot Museum of Black History, formerly known as the Black World History Wax Museum. Lois Conley, the founder of the museum, said the institute tells the collective history of African Americans in St. Louis. The museum includes several wax figures. Conley said with hot weather and high temperatures, some of the wax figures could be severely damaged, and some may be beyond repair. This could impact Lois Conley’s life forever. Another institution that has suffered similar situations is the beloved Katherine Dunham Museum in East St. Louis. According to the website, the gallery houses Miss Dunham’s outstanding collection of symbolic and functional art, including more than 250 African and Caribbean

art objects from more than 50 countries. Tapestries, paintings, sculpture, musical instruments and ceremonial costumes from around the world celebrate the human spirit of the museum. The museum displays costumes, photographs, programs, letters, awards and mementos from Miss Dunham’s career as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer and dance company owner, yet it was the constant target of burglars and vandals that Bernie probably have Hayes no clue as to what they were destroying. The Griot and the Dunham museums enrich the whole family and shapes the lives of our children. If someone is able to communicate with these thieves, perhaps they can set in motion a new pattern of behavior. You can be a transitional figure whose love and light will flow through the generations. One thing that money cannot buy is knowledge. Yes, it usually takes money to pay for an education, but it also takes

desire and diligence to acquire knowledge. And I speak here not only of formal education, but of a lifelong quest to live and learn. You have to read and study. You have to put forth the effort if you want to learn. And when you do, when you really learn something, it can stay with you forever. Another incident worth mentioning is vandals shot out the windows of buses at Ollie Stewart’s Southside Wellness Center and other vehicles in that near South Side area. These buses are used to transport elderly and disabled persons. How could this happen? These treasures which has so notably blessed and prospered us as a group affect every part of our community, and it is up to us to determine why these institutions are important and give them the utmost importance in our lives. Do not let that which is most valuable slip away from us because we have not made a conscious choice to safeguard it. Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday night at 10 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at 314-8373369, e-mail at berhay@swbell. net or on Twitter @berhay.

America’s biggest birthday bash returns to Forest Park

A spectacular fireworks show will close the fair for each night of the Independence Day celebration as Fair Saint Louis returns to Forest Park for on July 2-4.

Fair St. Louis is July 2-4 By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American After hosting 250,000 attendees in 2015, we invite you to join us once again in Forest Park for Fair Saint Louis on July 2-4. Once home to the 1904 World’s Fair, Forest Park is now ranked as the number one city park in America by USA Today Readers and Thrillist, and also sees 13 million visitors annually. How fortunate are we to have Forest Park in our own backyard? St. Louis is second to only Washington, D.C. in free attractions. Many of these free attractions are within Forest Park, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Science Center. This year at Fair Saint Louis, Art Hill will be alive with the sounds of Flo Rida, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Sammy Hagar, Lee Brice and more. On Saturday, July 2, the festivities will begin in downtown St. Louis with the Schnucks Freedom 4 Miler & Family Fun Run kicking off at 7 a.m. at Ballpark Village, followed by the 134th Annual Veiled Prophet Parade beginning at 10 a.m. also in downtown.

Fair Saint Louis will open in Forest Park at noon on Saturday. Zip line, Lake Saint Louis Water Ski Club demonstrations in the Grand Basin, the STEAM exhibit presented by SCOPE, The Fairway and the Interactive Zone and Ameren/Purina Family Festival Zone will all return for the fair. On the first night of the fair, Saturday, July 2, country artists Mo Pitney, Locash, Lee Brice and musical comedy group Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots will all grace the Budweiser Stage. The fair will open at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, and Cowboy Mouth, “Baby Hold On” singer Eddie Money and Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar with his band The Circle will keep you entertained throughout the day. On Monday, eight-piece funk-rock band Here Come The Mummies, “We Want the Funk” and “Atomic Dog” singer George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, and multi-platinum hiphop recording artist Flo Rida will conclude the entertainment. A spectacular fireworks show presented by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Edward Jones will close the fair for each night of the Independence Day celebration. Please visit www.fairsaintlouis. org for a complete schedule, transportation and parking information. For more ways to celebrate the summer season, be sure to visit www. explorestlouis.com.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2016

Celebrations Anniversary

FREE OF CHARGE

Bernd and Sharon Marion celebrated their 37th year of marriage on June 30. Some day when you have celebrated as many anniversaries as there are stars in the sky and someone asks, “How long have you been married?” You will look back and say, “Not long enough.”

Reunions All reunion announcements can be viewed online! Beaumont High Class of 1971 is planning its 45-year reunion for July 22-24, 2016. The reunion dinner dance is Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the Renaissance Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road. Please send your contact information (address and phone number) to Gladys Smith at

beaumont1971alumni@aol. com. Beaumont High School Class of 1976 will have its 40th year reunion September 23-25, 2016. For more detailed information please email bhs1976@swbell.net or Facebook: Beaumont High class of 76.

Ms. Senior

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available. Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to:

Servisa Croff will compete in the 2016 Ms. Missouri Senior America Pageant on Sunday, July 10 at 2 pm at the Florissant Civic Center (1 James J. Eagan Drive, Florissant, MO). Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door.

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Retirement

Birthday

Chief Petty Officer Darryl G. Howlett Jr. recently retired from the United States Navy, concluding a career that took him around the world. Howlett is a graduate of East St. Louis Lincoln Senior High School and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Happy 73rd Birthday to Elizabeth Clark on June 30!

- 21, 2016 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Fairview Hts., Ill. The cost is $100 for classmates and $50 for guests. A late fee of $25 pp will be assessed after May 31. Please contact John Cunningham for details and reservations at: 618-692-6610.

Beaumont High Class of 1984 can stay updated via our Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984”. We meet the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

East St. Louis Class of 1971 will celebrate its 45-year reunion Sept. 2-4, 2016 at the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, IL. For more information, please contact Opal at 314-952-4729, Sandra at 314-249-7295 or Glenda at 618-781-4888 or email timac48@aol.com.

East St. Louis Lincoln High Classes of 1966 will celebrate its 50-year reunion August 19

Hadley Technical High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 55th class reunion,

September 16-18, 2016 at the Renaissance Airport Hotel. For more information, contact Ralph Johnson 477-2042, Shirley Woods 361-5351, or Jeffery Raybon 3821875. Send updated contact information to celiajteach@ gmail.com. Our Annual Picnic on Sunday, September 4th at John L. Brown Park, 4300 Calvert Ave 63134 (off Woodson Rd.). Harrison School All Class Reunion Saturday September 10, 2016, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm at Ambruster Great Hall (6633 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, Mo 63117). Tickets are $60 per person.For more info contact; Judy Darris at 314-443-6741, Yolanda Beck at 314-346-8103 or Làshell Tolliver at 314-420-

3566. Sumner High School Class of 1956 will celebrate its 60th reunion July 15-17,2016, at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel. For more information, please contact Gloria at 314-438-7339 with your contact information (address, phone number, e-mail). Vashon Class of 1967 is planning its 50th Year Class Reunion and is need of contact information for all interested alumni. Please contact JoAnn Alvoid at alvoidjoe8@gmail. com; Sarah (Taylor) Robinson at srobinson647@hotmail. com; or Sonya (Walker) Smith at 314.381.8221, with your address, email and phone number.

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

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

Swag Snap of the week

Avis, William, Denise, Charles, Brooke and Anna came together to celebrate the launch of Eye-Roc Saturday @ 555 Washington

R&B veteran Brian McKnight with Sherridan and Karen after the singer serenaded St. Louis with some of his most beloved hits Saturday night at The Ambassador.

Jessikah, Lea and Cinnamon enjoyed their Sunday @ HG

Amber and Bell were all smiles Friday night @ Mood

Five years on top! Y’all know me well enough to know that modesty is one of my few weaknesses, so bear with me as I pat the entire St. Louis American team on the back for being named “Best Black Newspaper in the Nation” for the fifth year in a row! But seriously, we could not do what we do if the entire metro area didn’t have our back in a major way. This award belongs as much to all of you for your continued support, holding us to a standard of excellence and being invested and engaged in the type of content we offer in print, online and through our social media channels. We thank you for allowing us to represent you and we hope that we have made you proud. A Girls night DYI with Old School 95.5 Tom Joyner. Old School 95.5 FM had just about every single lady of any age perched at the Bridgeton Home Depot with special guest Tom Joyner Friday night. It was a great event that was something fun and far different from the traditional happy hour setting – and I loved it! So did the other ladies, because almost a thousand of us were in the house. I guess I should say “in the tent,” but you get my drift. Anyway, my radio crush Deevine Soundz was on deck at the turntables and the ladies teamed up for a special project with materials and tools provided by the Home Depot. It was so much fun! Oh, and the one and only Tom Joyner and his nationally syndicated mustache came to the STL to get the ladies all the way live! And the ladies of a certain age absolutely lost it! I’m telling that it was an absolute ball and a wonderful alternative to the run of the mill Friday night after work gatherings where the folks stand against the wall biting on wings and sipping up the drink specials until club time officially kicks off. I’m really hoping they do another one of these really soon. I think what really had me loving it was that there were all different age groups intermingled and having a good time together. And I don’t care if you were 28-80, it seemed like every one had bought in to having a blast –and it was contagious!

Alethea and Chuck @ 555 Washington

The lovely ladies of the Patterson family were just a few of the familiar faces who came through to see Brian McKnight croon his classics Saturday @ The Ambassador

Keri, Amber, Tiffany, Brittany, Keysh and Monica among the movers and shakers @ Mood Saturday night

www.stlamerican.com

D and Veronica kicked their weekend off @ HG for Fetish Fridays

The return of PJ’s classic soul. After I left Home Depot, I hit it down highway 70 to make it in time to see one of my favorite underrated soul performers take the stage thanks to latest Café Soul concert at Lux. Don’t get me wrong, PJ Morton gets his props as a member of the mega-successful rock/pop band Maroon 5. I still wish he would get the mainstream success he is due as a solo soul artist though. Oh well, he doesn’t seem the least bit bothered if his live show is any indicator. As usual, he tore that stage down. And Theresa Payne proved I was absolutely right about “Get My Heart Back” too. It was just a great night for soul music. Oh, and before I forget, let me go ahead and petition that PJ go ahead and add Tiffany Elle to his permanent roster as the official duet singer of “Love You More.” She did a repeat performance of what she pulled off at Lola (RIP) – when she was randomly selected to sing alongside him and left that microphone smoking! Mr. Morton, please take Tiffany on the road. The rest of your fan base from around the world will thank you for it.

Nikki, Racheal and Arieln made their way to Mood Friday night

My beloved Brian McTight. Saturday night I made my way to the Ambassador to check out one of my all-time celebrity crushes in action. Mo Investment Ent. earned major points from me by bringing Brian McKnight to the Ambassador along with special guest (and St. Louis favorite) Master’s Touch. I’m not going to go too hard on the Master’s Touch because they had legitimate sound obstacles that would have frustrated anyone. But in all fairness, there were issues from the sound that was going into the microphones as well as what was coming out. There. I said it. And aside from Steve Harmon’s flamingo blazer you won’t hear another negative peep out of me…well until the next post. Since I’m on the subject of fashion, let me get into the glorious pair of skinny jeans my boo Brian McKnight graced the stage in. I know y’all know that I have been anything but a fan of the skinny jean. But baby, Brian showed what they are made for. I don’t know if he’s training for Celebrity American Ninja Warrior or what, but he blessed me so with those trousers to the point where I was humming Ginuwine’s “In Those Jeans” on more than one occasion. And he had the nerve to sound better than he looked in those tight pants. “Never Felt This Way” took on new meaning for me because of what he served up. I was in heaven for that whole hour. I got every piece of the life that I was planning to get and more – well except when he tried to dance. But hey, even with his lack of rhythm he’s the closest thing to perfection I’ve seen so far this year as I’ve made my concert rounds. It’s still early, and there are some heavy hitters coming up, but Brian McKnight did that Saturday night!

Trina, Alex and Symone Friday @ Mood

Double the disappointment. I was expecting The Marquee to be out the door and down the street for the latest in the day party overload game thanks to the two scoops of top and bottom buxomness known as “The Double Dose Twins – Actually it’s “Markwee” if I’m going by how one of the twins pronounced it in the promo video. Hey, they didn’t become social media sensations because of their annunciation proficiency. So to quote their fellow phonetically challenged social media phenomenon Andrew Caldwell, “who are me to judge?” Anyway, they were the special celebrity guests for the “twins” day party. I’m just gonna put it out there that the whole thing might have fared much better if it had fallen within the Gemini Zodiac dates. I’m just saying. It was pretty regular for it to be not one, but two “donkalicious” vixens to be on site. Oh well, I’m pretty sure the turn up will be real to make up for it on more than one occasion in the coming weeks with the throwback rap stars they’ll have revolving through starting tomorrow night with Trick Daddy.

Alesha and Tammi looking angelic in white Saturday @ 555 Washington

Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

THE

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Career Center ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

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THE

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN D1

JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

$29 $22.50/week $19.50/week

REGISTERED THERAPIST Full Time Play Registered Therapist – working with children at risk, Excellent Benefits Apply at www.crisisnurserykids.org click on Career tab for instructions - EOE

ASSEMBLY JOBS

HELP WANTED

Search Nextemps on craigslist.

The Kirkwood Public Library currently has job openings for Customer Service Associates. The positions require a friendly, team-oriented person who enjoys working with the public. Visit www.kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org for details and how to apply.

Window mfg. co. has assembly jobs now! Temp-to-perm, 1st shift, 40 hr/wk, mid-Stl County. Tape measure & power tool skills and 75# lifting req’d. $10.00/hr, Nextemps Staffing, 314-727-1060, Jerry.

RETIREES 55 or older.

MAKE MORE

Enjoy visiting home bound elderly? Do you have reliable transportation? Receive a stipend of 2.65 per hour and mileage reimbursement of . 57 per mile. This is NOT a homemaker/chore program. Call Senior Companion Volunteers

MONEY CALL OR TEXT DERRICK

CASH MACHINE.

@ 314-627-1243

314.853.3700

Adasane200@gmail.com

Turn Your Social Media into a

For info email

PASTOR Original Friendship M.B. Church is seeking a Pastor. Must be able to demonstrate pastoral leadership. The deadline is August 31, 2016. Submit resumes with references. P.O. Box 150307 St. Louis, MO. 63115 or e-mail ofmbchurch@yahoo.com

www.stlamerican.com

Adoption Center

ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR

COORDINATOR Wyman Center is seeking a Recruitment, Preparation & Placement Coordinator for our inspireSTL program. This role is responsible for supporting the annual recruitment of new 7th grade scholars in addition to the planning, leading and evaluation of Prep Academy. This role operates from an academic and educational lens, and assumes shared responsibility and ensures effective instructional leadership for the planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of the academic and educational programming and services. To be considered, please apply online at www.wymancenter.org

Need a quote? E-mail your text to vmedina@stlamerican.com

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Location: Gateway Region YMCA: Monsanto and O’Fallon Park. Duties and Responsibilities: Perform preventive maintenance on heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems, water heaters and related equipment. Qualifications Requirements: Education: High School diploma or GED Experience: One year staff experience in related positions or equivalent education/training If Interested apply on-line at:www.gyrymca.org The YMCA Welcomes a Diverse Workforce Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Must Pass Criminal History Background Check Must Pass E-Verify Check Internal candidates must submit Internal Job Posting Application with resume. (See HR section of intranet for form)

Purpose This position will provide follow-up/case management services to victims of sexual violence. To provide telephone crisis line response, crisis intervention services to local emergency departments and police departments for victims of sexual violence. *24 hours/7 days a week on-call rotation responsibilities *Working knowledge of the issues of violence against women, sexual assault and trauma recovery BS degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, Criminal Justice, Political Science or related field Experience working with social service agencies and trauma recovery preferred Master’s degree and/or human trafficking experience desired $15.38 hourly rate

www.stlamerican.com

Recruitment Contact Information: 314.427.4940 Website information for application: www.ywcastlouis.org

HHAs & CNAs

Deadline for application is Tuesday, July 15, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Applications available online at www.cityofshrewsbury.com.

Agency has immediate positions for Home health Aides and C.N.A s. Home health Aide experience is required. Apply at 3470 Hampton Avenue Suite 103 St. Louis, MO 63139.

“JANITORIAL”

Call 314-454-1219

Full, Part-Time positions, background check.Steady work history for 3-5 years preferred. MUST apply in person at 314 N. Jefferson at Olive. Monday - Friday 9A to 5P. Two forms of I.D.

CITY ENGINEER

City of Florissant is accepting applications from qualified applicants for the position of City Engineer. A Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, EIT/FE required, PE preferred & 3 plus years of experience in the engineering and/or government sectors is Jewish Family & Children's Service is Hiring required. Starting salary $66,747.20 & benefits. Two part-time School-Based Consultants. Pick up application or submit resume to Masters degree and provisional license required. Human Resources, 1055 Rue St. Francois, One full time Program Specialist - Child Abuse Florissant, MO 63031, hr@florissantmo.com. Prevention Program. 4-year college degree EOE M/F/Veteran/Disabled required. Apply online: WWW.JFCSAPPLY.COM with cover letter Need an apartment? and resume. EOE M/F/D/V

CONSULTANTS

CARE CONSULTANT

See page D3.

The Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis chapter seeks a full-time master's prepared social worker with 3+ year’s clinical experience to provide quality short-term consultations in person or virtually to support individuals with memory loss and their care partners. Candidates must have solid knowledge of dementia, dementia-related resources, constituent needs and best practices and demonstrated success working with diverse populations, volunteers, staff, and external contacts. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in use of technology are critical to the position. Position is salary exempt with medical benefits and mileage reimbursement. Email resume and cover letter with 2 professional references and salary requirements to stl-hr@alz.org

ACADEMIC SUPPORT ASSISTANT

FINANCE DIRECTOR The City of Jennings is accepting applications for the position of Finance Director. Position manages all aspects of a two-person finance department. Duties include receiving, recording and monitoring revenue from all sources. Maintains bank accounts and investments, signs checks, handles all payments made for TIF, economic development and sewer lateral accounts. Prepares monthly reports. Issues and oversees business licenses, liquor licenses. Works closely with Mayor, City Council and other departments in a wide variety of city operations. Attends City Council and committee meetings.

Marian Middle School seeks an academic support assistant for the 2016-2017 school year to be a welcoming ambassador and consistent presence for students, staff, and families. Responsibilities include supervising study hall, serving school lunches, working as receptionist for the school’s after school program, and other help as needed. Approximate hours 10:00 am—6:00 pm. Candidates must be mission driven, detail oriented, and flexible. To apply, please send resume to S. Barbara Roche, broche@mms-stl.org.

To Place an ad email your text to vmedina@stlamerican.com

Desired minimum qualifications include an associate’s degree in accounting and three years’ experience in municipal finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Applicant must be bondable. Starting salary $51,675. Application available at Jennings City Hall or online at www.cityofjennings.org. No resumes accepted without our application. Return application to Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave., Jennings MO 63136 or jobs@cityofjennings.org by July 14th.

Visit www.stlamerican.com www.stlamerican.com

S.A.R.T. PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Humane Society of Missouri is seeking an Assistant Supervisor for the Adoption Center at our Headquarters on Macklind Avenue. Responsibilities include: coordinating activities of the Adoption Center including supervising, training and assisting staff; monitoring daily work schedules; ensuring quality control, handling customer service issues, and meeting and talking with the public. This person must be extraordinary at establishing and maintaining strong working relationships and maintaining a positive and professional public image at all times. Must also have excellent customer service, communication, team work, and problem solving skills; and have open availability. Previous supervisory and animal handling experience preferred. Please apply directly on our website at www.hsmo.org/employment.

POLICE CLERK/ SECRETARY:

Bids & Public Notices

THE

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN D2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

LETTING #8613 Terminal 1 and Custom Roof Replacements at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on August 2, 2016 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

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PUBLIC NOTICE AVAILABLE FUNDING OF FOOD, SHELTER AND ENERGY PROGRAMS United Way of Greater St. Louis, Inc. has been notified by the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board that the U.S. Congress has awarded the funding of a national allocation to supplement existing emergency food, shelter and energy programs. These funds have been made available through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.

LETTING #8614

MWBE PREBID MEETING NOTICE

McNulty-Pallardy I/I Reduction Part 2 Contract Letting No. 11662-015.2

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

The prebid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

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

Fred M. Luth & Sons 4516 McRee Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 314/771-3892

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the construction of the Union Station Sustainable Stormwater Improvements and Union Station Park. The Stormwater Improvements project consists of the permeable pavers and drainage along Market Street, bio-retention along 20th Street, and reworking the existing lake for rainwater harvesting. The Park project consists of upgrades to the boardwalk, landscaping, and lighting around the lake. Bids for this project are due on July 12, 2016 at 10am and should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501). A walk through is scheduled onsite for Tuesday, June 28th at 10:00am. Plans and specifications will be available to view at Paric’s main office at 77 Westport Plaza, Suite 250, St. Louis, MO 63146.

The meeting will take place at

10:30 a.m. July 7, 2016 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

MWBE PREBID MEETING NOTICE

This project must adhere to the City of St. Louis Mayor's Executive Order #47 requiring the following: 25% MBE participation 5% WBE participation Workforce participation per Ordinance 69427 requiring the following: 25% Minority 15% Apprentice 5% Women 20% City Residence

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on

Lackland I/I Reduction Part 2 Contract Letting No. 11712-015.2

If you should have any questions or would like to find out more detailed information on this project, please contact Paric Corporation at 636-561-9500.

The prebid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

Fred M. Luth & Sons 4516 McRee Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 314/771-3892

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Concordia I/I Reduction (NE Quad Clayton Rd and Big Bend Blvd) under Letting No. 11964-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Friday, July 22, 2016, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for:

The meeting will take place at

SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

10:00 a.m. July 7, 2016 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

INVITATION TO BID

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) and TRAINING NOTICE

E.M. Harris Construction Company (EMH), 2600 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103 is seeking subcontractor bids for construction of the DESALES PRESERVATION project located in St. Louis, MO.

2017 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding

Scopes of work include, but are not limited to: rehabilitation of 65 units in 19 buildings, including concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal & moisture protection, doors, windows, finishes, specialties, appliances, cabinets & tops, window treatments and MEP work.

The City of St. Louis will be accepting proposals for 2017 CDBG funding beginning July 5, 2016 and ending at 4:00 p.m. CST on August 5, 2016. Beginning July 5, 2016, the RFP and related documents can be found on the Community Development Administration (CDA) website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda.

Section 3, Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are strongly encouraged to bid.

Grants Management System Training

Project plans & specifications are available for viewing online through an Invitation to Bid and at:

In 2015, CDA implemented a new grants management system called EGrAMS in order to streamline grants processes and to allow organizations to apply for funding online. CDA will hold training sessions for organizations interested in applying online via EGrAMS. Applicants may choose to attend either session on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. or Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Sessions will be held at the CDA office, 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103.

MOKAN Planroom – 4666 Natural Bridge, 63115 – 314-565-9675 SLDC Planroom - 1712 Macklind Ave., 63110 – 314-678-0087 EMH Planroom – 2600 Delmar, 63103 – 314-436-4426 All bids are due to EMH office by Monday, July 11, 2016 by 5PM fax (314) 436 – 6691.

Please visit www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/egrams for additional information. RFP Workshop CDA will host a workshop to answer questions on the RFP on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at the CDA office, 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Questions concerning the RFP process may also be directed to Alana Green, Acting Executive Director, at CDBG@stlouis-mo.gov . CDA is an equal opportunity agency (employer). Minority participation is encouraged.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws St. Louis City and St. Louis County in Missouri and St. Clair County in (including MBE/WBE policies). A Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held Illinois have been chosen to receive an award for Phase 33 to supplement on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM in the Ozark Room at the emergency food and shelter programs in these counties. A special Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044. state-set-aside for Phase 33 funds may be announced at a later date to support Jefferson County and St. Louis County in Missouri, and Monroe All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of County in Illinois to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment those areas. Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Phase 33 funding applications will only be accessible to organizations via Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at the United Way of Greater St. Louis website www.stl.unitedway.org www.stl-bps.org (Announcements). beginning JULY 5, 2016. Click on “AGENCY HQ” and scroll down and click on “Learn More About Funding Opportunities” to view eligibility requirements, deadlines, and additional information on the Emergency Food Improvements To Tower Grove Park and Shelter program application process. Nonprofit organizations that Task III – Reconstruct Park Roadways currently provide emergency food, shelter and energy programs are encouraged to apply. Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on August 2, 2016, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made. contractors to discuss working on A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on July 18, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in Room 208 City Hall.

THE

PREVAILING WAGES (as set by US Department of Labor and Missouri Housing Development Commission immediately prior to start of construction) MUST BE PAID TO ALL WORKERS; CERTIFIED PAYROLL REPORTS REQUIRED. For questions or additional information, please contact Phil Krull @ pkrull@emharris.com EMH is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WEBSTER GROVES SCHOOL DISTRICT Is seeking a General Contractor for the construction of a structural concrete pad at the Walter Ambrose Family Center. Request for Proposal submissions are due at the Webster Groves School District Service Center 3232 South Brentwood Blvd. Attention Mr. Robert Steuber, WGSD CPM no later than 2:00 pm on July 13th 2016. The RFP will be available online @ www.webster.k12.mo.us, (under RFP heading) on 6/24/1016. The owner reserves the right to reject any and or all proposals

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00am July 29, 2016 for Purchase of: CROSS COLLECTOR REBUILDS Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 6527 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL(S)

PUBLIC NOTICE Donald Maggi, Inc. is accepting bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on the Sewage Treatment Lagoon Modifications Montauk State Park, Salem MO Bid Date and Time: Thursday July 7 2016 at 1:30 pm Plans and specifications are available from American Document Solutions 1400 Forum Blvd. Suite 1C, Columbia, MO 65203 or may be inspected at our office at 13104 South US Hwy 63, Rolla, Missouri 65401. Our telephone number is 573-364-7733, fax 573-341-5065. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Donald Maggi, Inc.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on July 29th, 2016 to contract with a company for: Pre-construction Video Survey Services. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 6418 RFQ/RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Need a quote?

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF ST LOUIS MUNICIPLE LIBRARY DISTRICT ST LOUIS PUBLIC LIBRARY

E-mail your

RFP 16-07141 SOCIAL MEDIA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

text

The St Louis Public Library is requesting Proposal submissions from qualified Proposers to provide Social Media Professional Services. Proposals shall be received by the Purchasing Department, St. Louis Public Library, 1415 Olive Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103, until 4:00 p.m. CDT, June 14, 2016. In order to obtain a copy of the Request for Proposal, please contact Don Gillum during regular business hours by phone, 314.539.0312, email, dgillum@slpl.org , or at the above address.

Email ad text to vmedina@stlamerican.com

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids for 2016 CRS Ultra Thin Bonded Wearing Surface, Area A, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1658, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on July 13, 2016. Plans and specifications will be available on June 27, 2016 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800. DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Landseer Dr and Dunn Rd Channel Repair (Infrastructure Repair) under Letting No. 11008-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, August 02, 2016, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: CONCRETE CHANNELS, WALLS AND STRUCTURES Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

to vmedina@stlamerican.com

SEALED BIDS

for for Springfield FMS Scott Joplin House and Rose Renovations, Bud Café Phase II, Improvements, Springfield, Scott Joplin State Missouri, Historical Site, Project No. St. Louis, T1424-08 will be Missouri, received by Project No. FMDC, State of X1603-01 will be MO, UNTIL received 1:30 PM, by FMDC, State 7/28/2016. For of MO, UNTIL specific project 1:30 PM, information 8/4/2016. For speand ordering cific project plans, go information and to: http://oa.mo. ordering plans, gov/facilities go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

for

for Parking Lot Improvements, Lot 12, 425 W. Main St., Jefferson City, Missouri, , Project No. O1515-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 7/21/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.go v/facilities

Building 227 Repairs, Lambert International Airport, Bridgeton, Missouri, Project No. T1604-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM,7/21/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

INVITATION TO BID Alberici Constructors, Inc., in a joint venture with Traylor and Kiewit, is requesting proposals for the MSD Deer Creek Sanitary Tunnel project located in St. Louis, Missouri. Project Description: The work includes the installation of approximately 22,814 feet of 19 foot finished inside diameter concrete lined tunnel, 76 feet of 96-inch finished inside diameter tunnel, 40 feet of 144-inch finished inside diameter, 1,835 ft. of 72-inch finished inside diameter adit, 229 ft. of 30-inch finished inside diameter adit, excavation of 3 large diameter shafts for construction of a future pump station, five (5) drop structures, 3,420 ft. of 12-inch to 60-inch diameter sanitary sewers and appurtenances, four (4) diversion structures, two (2) junction chambers, associated manholes, paving, fencing, dog park improvements, grading, electrical and other associated work. Plans and specifications for the project are available at www.alberici.com under Bid Opportunities. Please review all bid documents and addenda before submitting a proposal.

Visit our website www.stlamerican.com Click Classifieds to find a great career & the perfect living space!

Proposals are due by Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 2:00 PM CST to Craig Schmidt at bids@alberici.com or Fax 314-733-2005. All questions related to the project should be directed to Craig Schmidt at craig.schmidt@alberici.com. There is a 17% MBE requirement for this project, specific to African American owned business enterprises. Alberici encourages Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises to participate in this project and hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this project, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Real Estate & Rentals

THE

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN ROOMS FOR RENT

Newly remodeled, fully furnished rooms in North City, c/a &h, utils, near public transportation $400-$500/mo

314-885-5950 South City! Redone 1 bedroom, all appliances, central air, extra storage, carpet & tile, pets ok, w/d hookups! only $385

rs-stl.com AHLVY 314-200-0014

2 APARTMENTS FOR RENT 1 Bedroom each 1 down & 1 up Section 8 welcome

314-838-7476 314-277-2938

North City! Handyman Special! Rent to own 2 bedroom house, fireplace, built in shelves, pets, no credit check! only $250

rs-stl.com AHLVS 314-200-0014

ROOMS & APARTMENTS FOR RENT

SENIORS WELCOME

850-525-1618

314-517-6595

SOUTH CITY

Furnished Rooms For Rent All utiilities, Clean Quiet Near busline Leave a Message

PAGE PROPERTIES Large Remodeled 1 BR in nice neighborhood $425/mo + $425 Dep.

618-781-7968

Near CWE!

4 BR in nice neighborhood, Hdwd Fl, Large Yard & garage, $600/mo + Dep.

Loaded 3 bedroom, custom kitchen, central air, pets, privacy fence, w/d hookups, lawn care included! only $700

Apartments has one and two bedrooms apartments for rent and is section 8 approved, please call us at

Newly finished 2 story 2BR townhouse (6rooms)

$575/mo 636-527-4201 51XX Cote Brilliante Newly redecorated 1 & 2 br

618-781-7968

rs-stl.com AHLVW 314-200-0014

314-942-3400

314-382-4826

SECTION 8 ONLY

*SPRING UP & FRESHEN UP

ROOMS FOR RENT

WE BUY HOUSES

in your new apt!* 2 & 4 BR Homes Very nice Spacious for rent, hardwood fls, 2BR with laminate fls, new windows,W/D includes some utils. hkup, Cool C/A, public $625/mo Dep. Neg. Section 8 welcome. transportation

Looking for a few great tenants Sec. 8 welcome with open arms.

$125/wk

314-629-1220

FOR RENT

$300.00 OFF

South City House!

1 & 2 bd. garden style starting at $507.00 & 2 bd. duplexes $683.00 Full basements w/ washers & dryers in all duplexes Some utilities paid Terrific onsite management & maintenance!!!

THE FIRST FULL MONTH OF RENT. Blue Fountain Apartments has 1 and 2 Bedrooms and is Section 8 approved. Now offering senior discounts!!! Please call for an appointment today 314-942-3400. We are located at 819 Gustav Ave off of North Broadway in Baden.

314-369-2070

Call us today 314.869.3400 MARK TWAIN Winter Garden Apts. HOTEL Summer discounts avail.

314-421-2980 (Downtown)

2BR Available TODAY for qualified applicant 62+ and/or disabled Sec. 8 housing avail, income restrictions apply. ADA. Pet friendly, gated, near Metro Link 5708 Kingsbury Place St. Louis, MO 63112

Centrally Located & Connected to Metro and Buses, Short Term Weekly RentalsNo credit check $110.50 and up per 314-925-9406 week (utilities and Housekeeping svcs TTY 800-735-2966 included) Other terms Equal Housing Opportunity and conditions may Professionally Managed by apply. NHPMN Management, LLC

rs-stl.com AHLVT 314-200-0014

Senior over age 55 & eligible handicapped individual1 bedroom apt. Income base. Electric included call

314-436-0733 OFFENDER APPROVED HOMES

ROOMS FOR RENT

Cute house w/central air, all appliances, breakfast nook, redone hardwood floors, pets, ready now! $550

rs-stl.com AHLV1 314-200-0014

ROOM FOR RENT North City Very nice Large Room $125/wk + Dep. Near bus line, nice neighborhood Employed Single Male Occupancy

314-761-5400

Your ad here Call 314-289-5406 www.stlamerican.com

2 B/R HOME FOR RENT

EXTRA LARGE ROOMS

ROOMS FOR RENT

314-484-3147 314-240-9677

Very nice, rehabbed Hardwood floors, central air, alarm

For Rent 1407 Semple 63112 Utilities incl. $125/wk

$450/MO Fully furnished, internet Elec, gas, cable & phone Singl men receiving SSI Accepted easy access to public transportation

314-315-6145

314-225-8783

314-397-1542

South City!

APARTMENT FOR

Starting at $100/wk

ROOM FOR RENT North Side

Good heating and cooling. Fully furnished & Cable

NORTH CITY CITY SECTION 8 ONLY

No App Fee! No credit RENT Check! 1 bedroom, all 2BR, 1BA, completely appliances, central air, re-decorated, new hardwood floors, w/d carpet. hookups, only $400

FURNISHED ROOMS FOR RENT St. Louis City & North Co. Near bus line & Metrolink All Utilities & Cable Included

314-532-9891

FURNISHED ROOMS FOR RENT North City

Delmar!

2-3-4-5 bdrms North City City Sect 8 OK

One of a kind 4 bedroom, 2 car garage, central air, fenced yard, pets, walk-in closets, recent updates! only $700

South City!!

314-772-4563

ATTENTION!

PRIVATE BATH & KITCHEN

314-575-2665

(Nothing Like Your Own)

North City Affordable Housing 2 & 3 BR Units $450-$617 44xx Claremce, 41xx Sacramento, 42xx Holly, 39xx Lexington, some with w/d Hook-up, Carpet, Range; Refrigerator, C/A; Mini Blinds; Off Street Parking Contact: North Newstead Association Ask forDiana

(314)385-4343 Equal Housing Opportunity

www.stlamerican.com

Rolling Hills Apts. 1Br @ $405/mo 2Br @ $505/mo Extensive Renovations, Stove, Refrigerator, AC, gas & elec., App Fee $25; 1sm pet allowed, nearby schools, shops, businesses & parks; laundry facility, park-like setting; credit friendly, rent credit special Call

(314) 869-5033

for further details. 8869 Maya Lane, St. Louis MO 63136

HOPEWELL

SENIOR VILLAGE 62 YEARS & OLDER 4558 McMillan

1 Bedrooms *Coded entry system *Free Gated Parking *Small pets allowed *Includes appliances & utilities.

Please call 314.371.1227 Rent based upon 30% of adjusted income.

ROOMS FOR RENT

618-501-3361

HOUSES & APTS

314-537-5978

rs-stl.com AHLVU 314-200-0014

314-740-1878

HOUSE FOR RENT

314-793-8129

Updated 3 bedroom, central air, fenced yard, all appliances, w/d hookups, some utilities paid! only $495

Shared bath & kitchen Delmar Union Area $420/mo

314-389-1804 314-346-1302

65XX Perry Ct. 2 BR 2 BA hwds, tile, w/d hk-up, 1 car garage with carport $850/mo + Dep 1st & Last to Move-In

Kingshighway!

Page & Whittier bus line a/c, washer & dryer $100/wk+ $100 Deposit

rs-stl.com AHLVZ 314-200-0014

WAITING LIST IS OPEN *home confinement *state & federal home plans *private & shared homes

rs-stl.com AHLV2 314-200-0014

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

Spacious 2 bedroom, central air, kitchen ICE COLD AIR appliances, thermal FURNISHED KITCHENETTES FOR RENT Major bus lines windows, hardwoods, $149/wk & up! cable, Washer & Dryer pets, extra storage! $525

314-629-5051

314-724-2054

Natural Bridge! Recently redone 1 bedroom, hardwood floors fenced yard, all appliances, pets, credit issues ok! only $395

APT FOR RENT Potential Free Rent! 1220 Warren A/C

POPLAR GARDEN APT FOR RENT

PAGE PROPERTIES

•

THE

rs-stl.com AHLVV 314-200-0014

cable, shared bathroom & kitchen, washer & dryer $100 - 150/wk.

Male Environment Call 314-952-1614 No call after 7pm

Skinker! Large 1 bedroom, fenced yard, loaded kitchen, central air, off street parking, ceiling fan, walk-in closet! $500

rs-stl.com AHLVX 314-200-0014

VERSAILLES APARTMENTS

ROOMS FOR RENT

Fully Furnished Free Cable, Quiet, $115/wk

ST. LOUIS COUNTY & CITY VOUCHERS WELCOME!

CITY & COUNTY

$249.00 MOVE IN SPECIAL

314-532-0928

www.stlamerican.com

1 BR: $535 / 2BR: $635

(314) 867-1882 *Restrictions Apply. Subject to Change.

APARTMENT FOR RENT Very Spacicous 4BR 2BA stove, fridge. Union & Delmar Area

$775/mo

314-532-9891 Park Place Apts A Senior Community Now Accepting Apps! 62+ Sec 8 housing avail, income restr. apply 1-bdrm apts, A/C, on-site laundry Free gas/water/trash 4399 Forest Park Blvd St. Louis, MO 63108

314-925-9405 TTY 800-735-2966 Equal Housing Opportunity

Professionally Managed by NHPMN Management, LLC

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference,limitation, or discrimination . “We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Vida at 314-289-5406 to place your rental/real estate ad today!

SERVICE DIRECTORY 314-289-5406 Need to sell your car, furniture, clothes or motorcycle? Place an ad in the Service Directory. Advertise your yard sale, auction or service here today for as little as $29. MEDICARE & MEDICAID ACCEPTED Hearing Aids

Dental

Montford Point Marine Association Ladies Auxilary - St. Louis Chapter

Are you new to Medicare and have the red,white and blue Medicare card with both part A and part B? Then you are entitled to Medicare

Come join us for a meet and greet. part C at no cost. Benefits include As low as $175 EACH Co-pay

$1000/year Dentures, Partials, Crowns, Root Canals & Other Dental Services

Glasses $0 CO-PAY

Call 1-800-733-1912 to see if you qualify. LaPlace Enrichment Center Enrolling Now!

SUMMER CAMP Begins June 1, 2016 6wks- 12 yrs. Transportation, Tutoring & Fun!

(314) 371-1043 www.stlamerican.com

For more information, please call

314-741-1868 314-322-3526

preventive dental, $100 towards glasses or contacts, free transportation, and a silver sneakers gym-membership. Medicare part C may also lower your co-pays.

For more info call Mike: 314-285-2198

Spring Clean-up Man & His Truck Light Hauling Yard Work, Moving & Gutter Cleaning REASONABLE

314-583-6971

North County Rec 2577 Redman Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm

Religion

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016

In Trump’s eyes, all Muslims are suspect Local Muslims chatted with Trump supporters for whom they brought donuts as they quietly protested Trump’s campaign rally in St. Louis on March 11.

GOP nominee wants to put Islamic houses of worship under special surveillance

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post Donald Trump apparently wants to institute something akin to Jim Crow discrimination against Muslims, including those who are citizens of the United States. Is this what the Republican Party wants as well? What’s your opinion about legalized religious bigotry, House Speaker Paul Ryan? How about you, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell? Do Republican quislings agree with the man they have endorsed for president? They should never again speak of the hallowed traditions of the Party of Lincoln, because those ideals are being spat upon by the presumptive nominee. The GOP is now the Party of Trump. “Face the Nation” host John Dickerson reminded Trump that last year he had raised the idea of “profiling” for Muslims and asked him to elaborate. Trump’s response: “Well, I think profiling is something that we’re going to have to start thinking about as a country. Other countries do it,” he said, naming Israel, and “we have to start using common sense.” Pinning Trump down on any specific proposal is difficult because he is all over the map, often contradicting himself in the course of a single sentence. But from the rest of that interview, in the context of

what he has previously said about Muslims, it is all too clear what he means. Profiling in the law enforcement sense means singling out people with certain characteristics for extra scrutiny. After saying we need to think about doing this to Muslims, Trump immediately went into an anecdote about one of his rallies. “People that obviously had no guns, had no weapons, had no anything, and they were being – they were going through screening. And they were going through the same – the same scrutiny, the absolute same scrutiny as somebody else that looked like it could have been a possible person. So, we really have to look at profiling.” By “possible person,” Trump clearly meant “possible troublemaker.” But who were those attendees who so obviously meant no harm? We know from polls that Trump’s support base is overwhelmingly white and largely male. Trump was suggesting that those who fit that profile could have been waved through while special attention was paid to young people, women and minorities who might have come to the rally to protest. That’s not the way it works, of course. Trump has Secret Service

protection, and when agents set up a magnetometer checkpoint, everybody has to go through. Trump, as usual, thinks he knows best. He seems to believe intent can be infallibly discerned from appearance. This helps us understand his toxic ideas about profiling Muslims. Despicable acts of terrorism have been committed by groups and individuals who believe in a warped view of Islam rejected by the overwhelming majority of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims, including the more than 3 million who live in the United States. In Trump’s eyes, however, all Muslims are suspect. Following the San Bernardino killings last year, committed by an apparently self-radicalized married couple, Trump called for a ban on admitting Muslims to the country. He continues to blame “people in the Muslim community” for not reporting those killers’ plans, even though there is no evidence that anybody, Muslim or otherwise, knew of their rampage in advance. Likewise, Trump darkly suggests that there must have been Muslims who knew about the apparent radicalization of Omar Mateen, the Orlando shooter, but said nothing. The truth is that while Mateen’s wife has been

interviewed by authorities, there is no evidence that anyone outside their household had any inkling of what Mateen was about to do. Trump wants to put Islamic houses of worship under special surveillance. In his interview with Dickerson, he spoke admiringly of authorities in France who, by his account, are “closing down mosques.” By criticizing “Muslim communities” for not reporting the jihadists in their midst – which is a lie, by the way – Trump puts all Muslims under suspicion. What are the implications of this worldview? Do you have separate security lines at airports for Muslims, the way Southern gas stations used to have separate bathrooms for “colored” patrons? Do you reassign the nearly 6,000 Muslims serving in the U.S. armed forces to segregated units, or do you so doubt their loyalty that you just kick them out? Do you put all Muslims on a no-buy list for guns and ammunition? The Republican Party is about to nominate for president a man who manifestly does not believe in freedom of religion. Shame on the GOP officials who meekly fall in line.

The Message

Humble and exalted You should never expect that you can live a perfect life. Flaws, faults, mistakes and miscues are inevitable and cannot be avoided no matter how hard you try. God lets us know, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, that how we handle our imperfections is as important as acknowledging that we have them. My spiritual imagination allows me to consider humility as an essential ingredient of any Christian’s make up. A humble person would never look down upon or turn a nose up to anyone and certainly would not think of themselves as superior to another human being. Throughout the Bible there are countless references to living, or trying to live, a life devoid of ego and pride. Paul actually says humility is required for the presence of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control … since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:22-26. Conditioning myself to live Columnist humbly out of habit can be difficult, if not impossible, for the world in James Washington which we live. Ours is a world that measures the substance of a person by the accumulation of money, things, position and status. To acquire a humble state of mind as a matter of course to many of us is highly unlikely; but to the Christian attempting to obey the Word, it is mandatory. “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12. The only way to adhere to any of it is to look deep inside one’s self and acknowledge the personal character flaws that we each have. I think this is the reason Christ said, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” Once you see the real you, real forgiveness must follow. Who would dare be so arrogant and not humble himself in the eyes of God by not forgiving his fellow man’s transgressions? God did for you and me. If there was ever a place where the concept of forgiveness should be guaranteed, it’s the church. But we all know the church is far from a perfect place. The key to all of this is what happens after you fall, after you sin, after you back slide. Remember that falling and failing are inevitable. Getting up, however, is not. It’s that God is a God of another chance thing. I believe this because I’ve blown so many opportunities to demonstrate humility, but yet the blessings still come my way. Hell, I woke up this morning. The least I can do is show up in church on Sunday to let others know this is a place to come and bring an imperfect life in search of the perfect truth.