November 26 2015

St. Louis American The

CAC Audited NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

stlamerican.com

Political war breaks out in Jennings Mayor, council trade accusations as impeachment process is started

Jennings council member Yolonda “Yonnee” Fortson wept during the November 23 council meeting over political infighting in city government since the election of Mayor Yolonda Fountain Henderson, right.

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American On the eve of the anniversary of the Ferguson grand jury decision, political warfare broke out in the neighboring municipality of Jennings, the other city where Darren Wilson once wore a badge and gun.

By the end of a stormy city council meeting on Tuesday, November 23, the council had started an impeachment process against the mayor, a contractor hired by the mayor had been shown the door and relieved of his city hall keys by the police captain, and the mayor had vowed

See JENNINGS, A6

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Vol. 86 No. 34 COMPLIMENTARY

‘It’s time to clean up West Lake Landfill’ Blunt, McCaskill, Wagner, Clay file bill for Corps’ FUSRAP to take control

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American Four Missouri federal legislators put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving for a group of mothers who have been fighting for years to clean up the West Lake Landfill, where wastes from n “It is a step in 1940s atomic bomb the right direction production were to restoring this illegally buried in the community back to 1970s. a safe and healthy On November 19, U.S. Senators Roy place for our Blunt and Claire families.”

McCaskill and U.S. Representatives – Just Moms STL Ann Wagner and Wm. Lacy Clay announced that they had introduced legislation to transfer remediation authority over the West Lake Landfill from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the

See LANDFILL, A7

Business leaders saluted Craig Fowler, Tamara Sheffield, Karl Grice, Emerson honored

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Chief Sam Dotson] to create a consolidated training center for St. Louis County and city?”

Marcia Hayes-Harris, of Empower Missouri, asked the mayor.

Without hesitation, Slay answered “yes” to

The awardees at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2015 Salute to Excellence in Business remembered the sacrifices of their forebears, vowed to strengthen the St. Louis region, wowed the capacity crowd with a magic act – and celebrated a good excuse to buy new shoes for the luncheon, held at Four Seasons St. Louis on Friday, November 20.

The 2015 Corporate Executive of the Year was Craig Fowler, a managing director of Bank of America Merrill Lynch Capital Access Funds. But he recognized that activists on the streets helped get him to the corporate suite.

In his remarks, Fowler thanked Craig Jefferson Bank protestors from Fowler 1963 who “paid such a huge price so I can work in the banking industry.” He cited jail stays of 90 days for Norman Seay and 105 for Bill Clay, not yet Missouri’s

See SLAY, A7

See SALUTE, A6

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Dancing with Daddy

Corey Wallace slow-danced with his daughter Shaniya Word at the Father-Daughter Dance hosted by Duchesne Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District on November 19.

Koster, Slay held accountable Mayor says he commits to host of Ferguson Commission priorities

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American Mayor Francis G. Slay stepped onto the spotlighted stage at the Public Accountability Meeting held at the Union Avenue Christian Church on Monday, November 23. The

hosting coalition of advocacy and clergy groups waited to hear his answers on reform to municipal legislation and police policy – the same questions they had wanted to ask at their November 1 meeting that he didn’t attend.

“Mayor Slay, will you work with [Police

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

A2

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING Sherri Shepherd loses spousal support appeal

bus after a club appearance in Atlanta.

According to several reports, Winfrey, 25, pleaded guilty to six counts of violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act on Friday. Roscoe was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of probation.

Chris Rock accused of not claiming ‘adopted’ daughter

together.

Freeman battling to keep step-granddaughter’s estate out of her father’s hands

Earlier this year, actor Morgan Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines, was murdered in a shocking exorcism by her mentally deranged boyfriend outside her Washington Heights Brownstone.

Because Hines did not leave a will, her entire estate automatically passes on to her parents, but Morgan Freeman is taking steps to make sure her absentee father does not benefit from her death Freeman, who purchased Hines’ New York brownstone, states in his legal docs: “From the time that Edena was approximately three and a half years old and until the Thanksgiving before her death, Edena met with Edward Lee Hines only one or two times.Throughout (her) entire lifetime, my (step) daughter Deena Adair and I were the primary sources of support for Edena financially, emotionally, mentally and physically.”

The case is pending.

TMZ.com is reporting that Malaak Back in August, comedian Sherri Shepherd Compton-Rock thinks Chris Rock vowed to appeal the ruling after the is refusing to claim their 7 year-old court ordered her to sign the birth adopted daughter Ntombi because he certificate and pay child support for doesn’t want to pay child support, but a child born via surrogate after her Chris’ camp insists the child was never husband, Lamar Sally, filed for formally adopted and therefore not his divorce. responsibility.

According to TMZ, Shepherd lost The insider claims sixher appeal after claiming her husband month-old Ntombi was is using the baby to defraud her taken from her unemployed out of money. The judge disagreed South African parents back and Sherri must continue to pay her in 2008 under mysterious Sherri ex-husband $4,100 a month until the circumstances and that an Shepherd child turns 13 and then she must pay investigation has been opened $4,600 a month. into how she came to live with the Rocks for years without being legally Young Thug’s former tour manager adopted. pleads guilty to Chris claims it was all Malaak’s doing, and he has lighting up Lil Wayne’s bus not had contact with the child since leaving his wife.

Back in April, Young Thug’s former tour manager, Jimmy “PeeWee Roscoe” Winfrey, Chris and Malaak have Chris two biological daughters was arrested for shooting up Lil Wayne’s tour Rock

Stevie J. headed back to rehab Last year, “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” breakout star

Stevie J was sentenced to rehab after failing 10 drug tests in a row while out on bail for his $1 million back child support case.

According to TMZ, Stevie J was in court last week to determine whether or not his bail should be revoked after he failed another drug test. Instead of jail time, Stevie was ordered to attend an outpatient rehab facility twice a month and submit to random drug tests.

Idris had it bad for Angie Stone In a recent interview, Angie Stone reveals actor Idris Elba had a massive crush on her after her break-up with R&B singer D’Angelo, but she banished him to the friend zone.

“When Idris and I were working on that video [I Want to Thank You] Idris was actually crushing on me. The sad part about it is I wasn’t checking for him like that,” Stone told Madame Noire. “For a very long time he made it very public that he was in love with Angie Stone, and I had already been with D’Angelo…

We did become very close, but not in that way,” Later I found out how he was going on with his homeboys about how I didn’t want to date him. But I had already gone out there on a limb about how I would never date Idris because he’s like my brother. So I had to stick to my guns. Do I regret it? Absolutely. But the one thing about is, I have the luxury of knowing he was digging me.”

Sources: TMZ.com, RadarOnline.com, MadameNoire.com

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

A3

Supreme Court voids Reginald Clemons’ conviction and death sentence St. Louis prosecutor considering whether to retry case

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American In a stunning decision, on November 24 the Missouri Supreme Court vacated Reginald Clemons’ conviction for first degree murder – and his death sentence – and remanded the case to the state.

The court – which recently added Judge Lisa Hardwick White to the case on a special appointment – was ruling on Clemons’ 2009 writ of habeas corpus.

In 1993, a St. Louis jury convicted Clemons on two counts of first degree murder in the 1991 deaths of Robin Kerry and Julie Kerry, who were raped and forced to jump from the Chain of Rocks Bridge.

The Missouri Supreme Court previously had scheduled an execution date for Clemons of June 17, 2009, until a federal court issued a stay of execution, pending its ruling on a procedural matter. In an equally stunning move at the time, on June 30, 2009, the Supreme Court appointed a special master with subpoena power to open a new evidence phase on the case.

That special master, Judge Michael Manners, found fault in Clemons for pleading the 5th Amendment repeatedly after finally getting a chance to argue for his innocence.

But Manners also found that the state did suppress critical evidence from a parole officer, Warren Weeks, who noted that Clemons had an injury consistent with a police beating after his interrogation. This was a violation of the United States Supreme Court’s 1963 ruling in Brady v. Maryland.

Manners ended his 2013 opinion explicitly casting reasonable doubt on whether Clemons’ confession – to rape, not murder – was coerced by St. Louis police. Had the trial court ruled that the confession was coerced, his confession would not have been entered into evidence and heard by the jury that convicted Clemons and sentenced him to death.

“The master issued a report in which he found that the state had violated Brady by failing to produce evidence favorable to Mr. Clemons that a witness observed an injury to Mr. Clemons’ face shortly after a police interrogation and that the witness documented his observations of the injury in a written report that was later altered by the state. The master determined that the state’s failure to disclose this evidence was prejudicial to Mr. Clemons because it could have led to the suppression of Mr. Clemons’ confession, a critical part of the state’s case against Mr. Clemons,” Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge wrote in a 4-3 decision.

“Substantial evidence supports the master’s findings that the state deliberately violated Brady and that, in the absence of the undisclosed material evidence, the jury’s verdicts are not worthy of confidence. Accordingly, this Court vacates Mr. Clemons’ convictions and sentences for firstdegree murder. Within 60 days from the date the mandate issues in this case, the state may file an election in the circuit court to retry him. If the state does not so elect, the case against Mr. Clemons shall be dismissed, and Mr. Clemons shall be discharged on this matter.”

Missouri Assistant Attorney General Susan Boresi shows Reginald Clemons the flashlight that tied Clemons and his codefendants to the crime scene of the Chain of Rock Bridge rapes and murders when Clemons took the stand during the evidentiary hearing that the Missouri Supreme Court ordered in his case on September 19, 2012. Judge Michael Manners, special master in the case, listens from the bench. Pool photo provided by Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce said work needs to be done before she makes a decision whether to retry Clemons for murder – or rape, for which he was charged, but never tried.

“As this crime occurred almost 25 years ago, we will need to review the state’s evidence, determine the availability of witnesses and reporting officers in the case, and discuss our options with the victims’ family,” Joyce said in a statement. Once we have completed this process, we will then determine the appropriate course of action within the allotted period of time.”

Clemons remains in state custody to serve 15-year sentence was imposed after a 2007 incident with a Missouri corrections officer. Since that sentence was imposed consecutive to his death sentence, he begins serving that 15-year sentence now.

Judge Paul C. Wilson wrote a dissenting opinion, arguing that Clemons’ writ of habeas corpus was based on a claim of new evidence – most importantly, that a previous suspect in the case, the girls’ cousin Thomas Cummins, received a 1993 settlement for police brutality during

the same 1991 investigation – that was not, in fact, new.

“Because the facts underlying Clemons’ ‘new evidence’ were in his possession since at least 1995, and because those same facts were reasonably available to Clemons even before his trial, the master concluded Clemons had no excuse for waiting 14 years before claiming this evidence proved his innocence,” Wilson wrote.

Further, Wilson argued there is “no reasonable probability” that the jury would not have convicted Clemons and sentenced him to death had his confession been excluded. Wilson agreed with the special master, who wrote he was “dubious” that the exclusion of Clemons’ confession would have affected the jury’s decision, given that other witness testimony – by Cummins and by Clemons’ co-defendant Daniel Winfrey, who cooperated with the prosecution – established the same version of events.

Clemons was represented by Joshua A. Levine, Andrew M. Lacy, Gabriel Torres, Gabriel Rottman, Donald Conklin, Meredith C. Duffy, Noah Stern and Bashiri Wilson of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New

York, and Mark G. Arnold of Husch Blackwell LLP in St. Louis.

“The Missouri Supreme Court upheld Mr. Clemons’ constitutional right to a fair trial,” Levine told The American. “It’s a great day for the Constitution. We are thrilled at the Supreme Court’s willingness to protect the right to due process for Mr. Clemons and citizens everywhere.”

Clemons’ case received tremendous support throughout his lengthy appeals process from the Justice for Reggie Clemson Campaign.

“Since 1991, a fair trial is all that we’ve ever demanded for Reggie,” said Jamala Rogers, coordinator for campaign. “We never got that opportunity with the misconduct of police and the prosecutor. Now, hopefully, justice will come.”

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, a longtime Clemons campaign supporter, said in a statement: “Today’s ruling powerfully affirms my essential arguments regarding his case – police cannot be allowed to beat a confession out of a suspect, and prosecutors cannot be allowed to suppress evidence.”

The opinion is posted at http://www. courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=94495

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Editorial / Commentary A4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

Racial equity and giving thanks

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Time to radically transform muni courts

By Jacob Blanton Guest columnist

The Ga people of Ghana, West Africa, begin a celebration in August that continues as a monthlong thanksgiving known as Ga Homowo – the Harvest Festival. Many ethnic groups in Ghana and all over Africa have similar traditions.

Ceremonies and rituals vary, but the purpose is the same – remembering lean times, being thankful for present blessings and praying for future abundance.

There are no written documents to account for the origin of Homowo. But, according to traditional stories, the Ga people emigrated from the Middle East and descended throughout the Sahara to Benin City in Nigeria. They settled there for a time before relocating to Accra, some time between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Legends say the Ga had only a bit of corn and palm oil when they landed, which women ground and mixed together to make kpokpoi. After the men caught fish, the clan enjoyed their first meal after landing – kpokpoi and fish soup.

The immigrants planted millet and corn seeds they had brought with them. Then, they endured a long, lean waiting period while crops matured.

When the harvest came, the Ga held a feast and gave thanks to their gods. The first celebration became the Hom Yi Womo, meaning a “hooting at hunger.”

Thanksgiving began in the United States in the 17th century as a celebration, a friendly coming-together of European settlers and the indigenous people of North America. The Native Americans had welcomed the pilgrims to this land and shared the vast knowledge they had about the continent’s flora and fauna. They explained planting corn and plowing, and taught the newcomers trapping and fishing.

According to tradition, both peoples slaughtered turkeys and made dressing and had a version of cranberry sauce at the first Thanksgiving. They feasted together. During those tough early days for the newcomers, Native Americans extended their hands and opened their hearts. Their hospitality and support helped Europeans survive in an unfamiliar land.

We know of the bitter and bloody relationship that developed when conquest and colonization replaced the spirit of sharing and cooperation.

The vicious assault on Native Americans is not widely discussed anymore. The holiday has come to mean turkey and the trimmings, preChristmas sales and football. The history of the brutal process used by Europeans to dispossess Native Americans of their land is not pretty. And now it is almost completely ignored. In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad had Marlowe define the “conquest of the earth” as “taking from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves.”

In both sub-Saharan Africa and North America, the native people were mostly cooperative in the early days of European arrival.

Nevertheless, conquest and colonization ensued later on both sides of the Atlantic.

Although some of us of African descent in this country now enjoy modest affluence, the overall status of our people must be defined largely in terms of the less fortunate.

For those without jobs, without hope or dignity in the ghettos of St. Louis, or the squalor of Soweto or Port-au-Prince, Thanksgiving is meaningless and is certainly no holiday.

It is mostly a grim reminder of misery and powerlessness.

African Americans should not forget the early occasion that brought this particular holiday into existence in this country. We must dedicate ourselves to remember the “least along us” in a society that has effectively shut out so many of our people. Indeed, we are especially obligated to support policies and initiatives that strengthen family life and enable the poor to contribute and share in the nation’s bounty. There is a new phrase for this in currency, thanks to the Ferguson Commission: “racial equity.” Let us all give thanks for what blessings we have – and commit ourselves to building a future with greater racial equity, where blessings are more equitably shared.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Urban League: new programs to strengthen region

By Michael P. McMillan Guest columnist Since 1918, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has worked to help African Americans and others achieve equality in the community. Last year, the Urban League served more than 91,000 residents with 27 programs in the areas of Economic Opportunity, Community Empowerment, Educational Excellence, Civil Rights and Advocacy. Rather than rest on the laurels of our 97-year history, the time has come for the League to build an advocacy, civil rights and social service movement that is relevant to the needs of African Americans and others in the 21st century.

Early in 2014, the Urban League launched the Roadmap to Opportunity Strategic Plan to effectively position the agency for future success. Our strategy included plans to increase youth and senior services to better serve the needs of these populations and expand services in East St. Louis.

Following the Ferguson crisis, the Urban League noted the lack of available resources in the immediate vicinity of North County. We immediately began working to make a difference in the area: distributing food and school supplies to the residents, offering utility assistance and job fairs, helping community organizers to create lasting and peaceful change.

With this in mind, we partnered with QuikTrip Corporation and other corporate partners to create the Community Empowerment Center of Ferguson on West Florissant Avenue. The Save

Our Sons program was also created as a direct response to the civil unrest to help young African-American men living in North County find jobs.

Since January, the Urban League has helped more than 125 men find jobs as a result of the SOS program. We are excited about the program’s success and look forward to creating a Save Our Sons chapter in St. Louis. Our goal is to make this program a model to be incorporated across the National Urban League movement.

This summer, the Urban League also partnered with SLATE and America’s Job Center of St. Louis County to offer more Guest Columnist than 1,300 Michael P. jobs to lowincome youth.

McMillan In addition, the League received a grant from the Citi Foundation and America’s Promise Alliance to provide 250 youth and young adults aged 16-24 with 21st century IT skills training and credentialing that can lead to long-term employment for the Youth Tech Workforce Initiative.

We also look forward to expanding our Head Start services to serve nearly 1,000 pre-school-aged children in St. Louis city and county. This year, we have also partnered with Great Rivers Greenway to provide employ trail rangers to serve as ambassadors to those using the Mary Meachum Trail and Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing and Rest Area. These

new programs are strategically aligned with our plan to more effectively serve youth and young adults. Next year, we intend to expand our services in Illinois.

In 2017, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is excited to host the National Urban League Conference in St. Louis for the second time in 10 years. Not only will this conference set the civil rights agenda for the nation, it also will have tremendous economic impact by bringing more than 4,000 visitors to St. Louis.

While the Urban League has witnessed significant growth over the past 2 ½ years, we look forward to working on the Ferguson Commission’s initiatives to identify job training best practices and to establish regional baselines for diversity and equity throughout our region, among other efforts.

It is our hope that each of the Ferguson Commission’s recommendations be implemented with a sense of urgency to bring greater stability, justice, equity and, ultimately, growth to the entire St. Louis metropolitan area.

The Urban League is especially grateful for the new opportunities that have been given to us to make a greater difference in the lives of our clients and better the community in which we all live but there is much more work to be done. To join us in the movement, you can become a member, donor or part of one our auxiliaries by visiting www.ulstl.org or calling 314615-3668.

Michael P. McMillan is president / CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

We know that the courts at all levels have a perception problem. At the municipal level specifically, the courts are often viewed as tax collectors of the poor, frequently targeting people of color who have low incomes in order to fund themselves and the rest of the government. This perception has led many to the logical conclusion that municipal courts are unfair, biased and unjust.

We can debate these conclusions, or we can acknowledge that our municipal courts as they currently exist do not always promote a better community or adequately protect public safety. Our courts could and should do better to provide equal justice for all.

On November 12, numerous residents stood before the Missouri Supreme Court’s Municipal Division Work Group, demanding that St. Louis County’s 80 municipal courts be consolidated. In making an argument for consolidation, Thomas Harvey of ArchCity Defenders testified that “you don’t reform apartheid, you abolish it.”

While I do not disagree, I think it is important to consider what might take the place of the existing system. If we choose to abolish or consolidate the municipal courts, we must then seize the opportunity to build a new system of justice that is better equipped to promote healthy, cohesive communities where residents feel a sense of obligation to their neighbors and their physical surroundings Regardless of what system

is in place, whether it be 80 municipal courts or a single circuit court, the method of enforcing ordinance violations must be reformed. Sentences of fines and incarceration should no longer be the default.

Rather, alternative sentencing practices, such as community service, restitution, mediation, and social service referrals should be utilized in all cases, not just for indigent defendants.

In other parts of the country, alternative sentencing is already utilized whenever defendants demonstrate an inability to pay their fines. While this practice results in better outcomes than the cycle of debt and incarceration that often occurs in their absence, it still maintains a twotiered structure Guest Columnist in which those with Jacob financial means Blanton are treated differently from those without.

Why should a communitybuilding form of justice only be required of those who cannot pay? Why should wealthy defendants have the option of buying their way out of their responsibility to the community and the community’s responsibility to them? A truly equitable system would make alternative sentencing the norm for all defendants.

The truth is, such radical equity in our sentencing structure is even more threatening to the status quo than the consolidation or abolishment of the municipal court system. Many people with financial means would

Letters to the Editor ‘Mismanaged Sewer District’ The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is continuing to use hardball tactics with its collection efforts – going so far as seizing money from the bank accounts of some customers.

One senior citizen, whose primary source of income is but $600 a month from Social Security, had $645 seized from her savings account by MSD. Lawsuits are also being filed against thousands of sewer district customers.

Much of the collection efforts impact poor and elderly customers in minority neighborhoods but MSD’s $100,000-a-year public relations director says the sewer district can’t help that. Not our problem, he says. He claims MSD needs the money in order to make sewer improvements.

However, a large part of sewer bills are due to years of MSD’s incompetence and many millions of dollars of wasteful spending.

After continually violating clean water laws for decades, MSD was forced by the government to spend $4.7 billion to quit polluting the environment. This was 100 percent avoidable. Also, the federal government used to cover virtually all the cost of clean water improvements but no longer does. So $4.7 billion is the cost of delays and incompetence by MSD – the Mismanaged Sewer District – but it’s placed on the back of the people of this area, including those who can afford it the least.

Tom Sullivan, University City

SB5 targets small munis I am extremely proud of the 12 North County municipalities (my City of Greendale included) that filed a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court

much prefer paying a $200 fine to spending 20 hours doing community service. I know I would. And, I imagine if ordinance violators were no longer allowed to pay their way out of their responsibility to the community, we would quickly rethink what kinds of community standards we actually want to enforce.

All of this boils down to a desire for a more equitable form of justice, where a person’s income does not determine their level of accountability when they violate community standards.

Right now, because fines are standardized and not adjusted to violators’ incomes as a matter of policy, people with limited or no income face proportionately harsher sentences than their wealthier counterparts.

Until we resolve that issue, community/court relations will continue to be strained by distrust and a belief that the courts are designed for the benefit of some at the expense of others.

I hope that the Missouri Supreme Court will take this opportunity to reassess the underlying purpose of our courts and commit to reforms that build up community, instead of continuing the culture of division that has plagued this region for decades.

Our courts can be a catalyst for a new society that promotes both individual and collective responsibility. Through this innovative approach, Missouri can lead the country and become a model of true justice.

Jacob Blanton is a J.D./M.S.W. candidate at Washington University in St. Louis.

All letters are edited for length and style.

to overturn Senate Bill 5. The 12 munis hired a brilliant African-American attorney from Pennsylvania, David Pittinsky, to represent them. I agree certain provisions of the law make SB5 discriminatory and unconstitutional.

SB5 reduces from 30 percent to 12.5 percent, for St. Louis County municipalities only, the percentage of a municipality’s revenue that can be retained by them from minor traffic violation fines. The rest of the state’s counties, 113 in total, are allowed to retain 20 percent. Smaller, predominantly African-American munis in North County are the target of this law, as its aim appears to be to bankrupt smaller municipalities.

Several new reporting and

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

police accreditation obligations, mandated only for St. Louis County municipalities, will cost our munis additional money, yet the state Legislature allocated no additional funds to pay for them.

No one is opposed to the good governance requirements in SB 5. Mayors in St. Louis County wrote 10 of SB 5’s best practices and submitted them to former state Rep. John Diehl, who passed them to his colleagues for ultimate inclusion in SB 5. Our residents have a right to a decent quality of life. This includes enforcing the laws of our munis relative to safety and compliance.

Monica M. Huddleston City of Greendale

Lawrence Bryant - Photojournalist Denise Hooks -Anderson, M.D. Health Editor Jami Ballentine-Dolby Entertainment Danie Rae - Style Editor Dana G. Randolph Contributing Editor Fred Sweets - Contributing Editor 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 Production Mike Terhaar - Art Director Melvin Moore - Graphic Designer 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

A5

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Feeling the spirit Parishioners responded with joy when the U.S. Naval Academy Gospel Choir performed to a full sanctuary at St. Alphonsus Liguori “The Rock” Church on Saturday, November 14.

Photo by Wiley Price

Fellowship in racial justice and mass incarceration The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is seeking applicants for the 2016 grant cycle who are interested in creating and further developing interactive works surrounding racial justice and mass incarceration in the United States. Each fellow will participate in a three-week residency and receive funds up to $100,000 to aid in the implementation of each critically engaged piece. The deadline is December 7. Submit at https:// rauschenbergfoundation.submittable.com/submit.

Vigil for gun violence A candlelight vigil to help shine a light on the tragic toll of gun violence throughout St. Louis will be held Sunday, December 13 at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Church (The Beloved Community), 4136 North Grand Blvd. The event, called “Remember, Reflect, Respond,” is sponsored by Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice.

Speakers will include Valerie Dent, president of STL Mothers In Charge; Lois Schaffer of Long Island, NY, author of “The Unthinkable,” and the Rev. Ken McKoy, pastor of Progressive AME Zion Church. Dent lost two sons to gun violence in St. Louis. Schaffer’s daughter, Susan, was murdered in a home invasion in Creve Coeur in 2008. McKoy’s 22-year-old son was shot last June in what McKoy called “the scariest day of my life.” He survived, but still has bullets lodged in his body.

The “Lock It For Love” program sponsored by Women’s Voices will have free gun locks available for families who have unsecured firearms and children in their homes.

A call to action will be delivered at the end of the service by Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation.

For additional information, go to www.womensvoicesraised.org.

County Library branch closings St. Louis County Library will be temporarily closing five branches in late 2015/early 2016 for renovations as part of the Your Library Renewed campaign.

The library has put together a website to answer questions about the construction projects. Please visit www.slcl.org/yourlibrary-renewed or call 314-994-3300 to learn more.

Next round of closures: Samuel C. Sachs, December 12; Oak Bend, January 9; Natural Bridge, January 16; Prairie Commons, January 23; Cliff Cave, January 30.

Patrons who have items on hold at the closed branches will be directed to other SLCL locations to pick up their items.

The renovated branches are expected to be closed approximately 6-9 months.

This timeline is subject to change. Follow construction progress by visiting www. slcl.org/your-library-renewed.

We are pioneers

By Anisa Rahaman Guest columnist To St. Louis, Ferguson-Florissant, Columbia, KCMO, SEMO, Maryville, Mizzou, Normandy, Hazelwood, Bingham Street and North Side: From York, the slave of Lewis and Clark, to Dred Scott, to Mike Brown, we have been leaders.

Our black men have been trailblazers to furthering the cause. They have been counted out, beaten down and left out of our history books. Missourians know we have a long way to go because we have seen where our brothers and sisters have led us from.

Only in the Midwest can you see a Klan rally and a Crip post up across the road from one another.

Only in the Midwest do both groups yell, “What, nigga?!” Our cornfields have hidden lynched bodies. Our campuses have been covered in cotton by bigots. Our corners have born witness to tarred bodies and burnt buildings.

Anisa When they say we live in a postRahaman racial America, we think they must have forgotten about little old Missouri.

Our parents were the first black kids on the school buses to desegregated schools. Our older brothers were the first to fail the MAP test. We have seen well-off white public schools successfully vote to deny our education in “their” schools. We have seen schools blame this on a lack of funds; yet, schools found funds to keep star athletes on their grounds.

Now at Mizzou – a school almost every Missouri student has been recommended to attend – even the prized athletes are reminded that Midwestern hospitality comes in shades of color. Being reminded that being young and gifted has its limits if you are black.

So, my fellow Missourians, we have to keep our heads up. When you’re riding home and 2pac’s “Changes” comes on the radio at 2 a.m. (like it does every Saturday), remember to be inspired. We come from a long line of pioneers. These are just more growing pains. We were the gateway to the West, and now it’s time to be a gateway to progress.

Anisa Rahaman is a native St. Louisan pursing her undergraduate degree at American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C. She is currently the Global Education Innovations Intern at the Results for Development Institute, and author and graphic illustrator at the Collard Online (thecollardonline.com).

A6

JENNINGS

Continued from A1

to pay the contractor with city funds anyway and to defend her elected position.

The stage for the meeting was set by a citizen action to recall Mayor Yolonda Fountain Henderson, which led council members to plan an impeachment process. In turn, the mayor made a series of defensive moves before the council meeting.

She recorded a robo call asking residents to decline to sign the recall position, she tried to rule that no new item (such as her impeachment) could be added to the council agenda, and she moved to suspend two council members, Rodney Epps and Carol Epps, who favor her impeachment.

Council member Rodney Epps, who moved to initiate the impeachment process, said it was due to “incompetence and creating a hostile work environment.”

The “hostile work environment” allegation relates to two ongoing situations that came up at the meeting.

A resident pointed out that the first thing the newly elected mayor did was file suit against just about everyone in city government, including herself, for previously passing legislation that locked city staff into fixed positions and prevented the new mayor from hiring her own people with known “loyalty and

SALUTE

Continued from A1 first black congressman, who protested the bank’s exclusion of African Americans.

Pat Sly, Emerson’s executive vice president, said he is “thrilled” to see the company’s community investments pay off when accepting the 2015 Corporate Diversity Award.

Emerson was recognized, in large part, for its “Ferguson Forward” initiative, where it invested $8.5 million in the struggling North

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015 competence,” according to the March 18 filing on her behalf by attorney Elbert Walton.

However, she issued a city contract to a consulting company owned by Tony Weaver, her former colleague (along with Walton) at the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District. Since this agreement was made without council approval, the city attorney advised that the contract was void.

Weaver attended the November 23 meeting and sat with other city employees and contractors, including Police Captain Jeff Fuesting, at the staff table. Council member Rodney Epps moved for Weaver to be relieved of his keys and escorted from the building, and with council majority support, Fuesting rose, walked to the other end of the staff table, and did just that.

The mayor, at that point, said that Weaver would be paid anyway. City attorney Mary Jamis Kresyman read the law that the mayor would violate if she paid Weaver with city money, along with the sentencing guidelines, which include up to one year in jail.

If the mayor controlled the board majority, then Rodney Epps and Carol Epps, the two council members for Ward Four, would have been shown the door instead of Weaver. She moved to suspend them pending an investigation into whether they misrepresented their terms of employment in an application for health coverage through the city.

That matter was handled in

County city where the $24.5 billion company has been headquartered for 125 years.

The initiative includes 30 programs among four pillars of focus: early childhood education, youth jobs, scholarships for college, technical and trade careers, and business support and training.

Bringing peace and prosperity to Ferguson, which was wracked by protests following the August 2014 police shooting of an unarmed black teen, would be an act of civic magic. The Ferguson Commission reported more than 200 calls to action – all of them difficult to achieve

executive session early in the meeting – favorably to the accused council members, who remained on the council for Rodney Epps to lead all of the actions against the mayor that ensued. The mayor said she would now take her allegations “to the authorities.”

Unlike the crisis in Ferguson, the police department was not made an issue at the meeting.

Jennings disbanded its police department and contracted with St. Louis County Police in March 2011, following a corruption scandal (and other complaints similar to those that would surface in Ferguson in 2014).

The mayor favors reconsidering the police contract with the county. Given that her suit attempts to give her control over hiring all city department heads, her political opponents expect that she also aims to reconstitute a municipal police force run by “individuals and appointees of her choice,” in the language of her March 18 filing.

But at the November 23 meeting, the only police business was that Captain Fuesting graduated his first Team Leadership Academy class. This initiative was hailed as being “very well received by youth and families” in the Department of Justice report on the St. Louis County Police Department – a rare moment of praise from the DOJ in North County.

The mayor personally shook the hand of every youth as the group was awarded with certificates by the police captain.

n “Jefferson Bank protestors paid such a huge price so I can work in the banking industry.”

– Craig Fowler, 2015 Corporate Executive of the Year

– needed to bring equity to Ferguson and the region.

The 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Karl Grice of Grice Group Architects, performed a magic trick of the old-fashioned sleight-of-hand variety. As an illustration that “you can accomplish anything you set your mind to,” Grice tore up a page of The St. Louis American at the podium, folded the pieces, and then unfolded them with the newspaper page, somehow, intact again.

Tamara Sheffield, senior vice president of Finance of Operations at Forest Park Forever, enjoyed her moment in the spotlight as 2015 NonProfit Executive of the Year in a more mundane way, but it was readily appreciated by the capacity crowd of 460.

Sheffield described receiving text messages from

Tony Weaver was relieved of his keys to Jennings city hall by police, as ordered by the city council, after the city attorney ruled his consulting contract was void because issued by the mayor without council approval.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

n “I am in celebration mode. This sister might be looking new for a few weeks.”

– Tamara Sheffield, 2015 Non-Profit Executive of the Year

friends and colleagues when her recognition was first reported in the paper: “What are you going to wear?”

“Ready to go shopping?” “You need a new pair of shoes!”

“As a good servant-leader, I listened to them,” Sheffield said. “I am in celebration mode. This sister might be looking new for a few weeks.”

Three recipients of 2015 Excellence in Business Performance Awards also were recognized: Danielle Carr, director of Professional Development and Inclusion at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale; Adella Jones, director of Marketing and Community Outreach for Home State Health; and Arvetta Powell, director of DiBearsity and Associate Exbearience at Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. The Top 25 African-

American Businesses of the Year were named: ABNA Engineering, Andy’s Seasoning, BAM Contracting, Brandt Contracting, Brown Kortkamp, Capitol International Communications, Centrex Electrical Supply, CMT Roofing, Davis Associates CPAs, EMED Medical Company, Etegra, Fashions R Boutique, Hicks-CarterHicks, Interface Construction, KAI Design & Build, Kwame Building Group, Medi-Plex, Missouri Home Therapy, Quest Management Consultants, Real Estate Solutions, Simms Building Group, The Up Companies, Vector Communications, World Wide Technology and Yellow Brick Creative.

A $3,500 scholarship was presented by The Private Bank to Jazmyn Ferguson, a sophomore at the University of Missouri-Columbia. It was also announced that two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to Tamez Amerson and Ciara Harris, students at Harris-Stowe State University’s Anheuser-Busch School of Business, courtesy of a $5,000 donation to the St. Louis American Foundation

by Larry Thomas of Edward Jones.

The 16th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon was co-presented by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Lead Sponsor was World Wide Technology. Platinum Sponsor was Wells Fargo Advisors. Gold Sponsors were Edward Jones and The Private Bank. Silver Sponsors were Bank of America and Enterprise Bank & Trust.

Bronze Sponsors were Enterprise Holdings, Forest Park Forever, Northern Trust, Larry Thomas, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Proceeds from the St. Louis American Foundation’s four annual Salute to Excellence events benefit community grants and scholarships for local minority students. In 2015, the St. Louis American Foundation fostered more than $620,000 in minority scholarships and community grants, and since its inception the foundation, with the assistance of its educational, corporate and individual supporters, has distributed more than $4 million locally.

A7

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

SLAY

Continued from A1 this question and several others, including incorporating “strong components” of implicit bias, cultural sensitivity and appropriate use of force into police training.

These recommendations came from the Ferguson Commission’s report “Forward Through Ferguson.” Since its release in September, the coalition of clergy, students and activists have been meeting with elected officials to demand their commitment to pushing forward the agenda.

All of Slay’s commitments earned loud applause from about 300 attendees. The loudest applause came after his commitment to the new Civilian Oversight Committee, which is charged with reviewing complaints of excessive police force.

Slay said he would work toward changing the City Charter to give the committee subpoena power and toward making the committee independent from the city’s Public Safety Department, which also oversees the police department.

He also agreed to deploy the city’s lobbyists to support Senate Bill 559, the “Fair and Impartial Policing Act” sponsored by state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal.

LANDFILL Continued from A1

Army Corps of Engineers, putting the site in the Corps’ Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).

“This is a huge victory for us,” Just Moms STL leaders said in a statement, after hearing the news. “It is a step in the right direction to restoring this community back to a safe and healthy place for our families. Our federally elected officials have listened to our voices, and we are making a difference.”

West Lake Landfill is located northwest of the I-70 and I-270 interchange, right next to the Bridgeton Landfill.

In 2010, an underground hightemperature chemical reaction in the Bridgeton Landfill began smoldering only 1,000 feet away from nuclear waste buried at West Lake. This intensified the community’s demands for FUSRAP to handle the radioactive waste cleanup.

Slay commended Rev. Starsky Wilson for being a good community leader – even though Wilson and other activists occupied Slay’s office earlier this month after he skipped the November 1 meeting.

Slay seemed relaxed and good-natured as he commended the audience as well.

“There’s nothing that I enjoy more than seeing people who are passionate about our community who don’t sit at home and think and talk and complain,” he said, “but actually get out and let your voices be known.”

Attorney General Chris Koster, a Democrat running for governor, did not have the same tact.

Michelle Higgins, of the South City Church, called Koster up to the stage, after prefacing her question with the damaging effects of racial profiling.

“Mr. Koster, as attorney general, chief law enforcer of this state of Missouri, will you use the power of your office to work to end racial profiling throughout the state?”

Koster seemed hurried to take Higgins’ place at the podium mic, which got a negative reaction from some in the crowd.

He said, “Yes,” but then launched into addressing a point that James Croft of the Ethical Society had made earlier in the meeting.

The community has highly criticized the EPA, who is currently responsible for the site, for deciding to leave the waste at the landfill.

“The EPA has delivered a bad diagnosis,” said Ed Smith, of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment. “The Army Corps of Engineers represents the second opinion that the folks around the landfill deserve.”

Smith said the coalition believes that the ultimate decision should be to remove the radioactive waste, given the long-term threat that it represents to the community.

“West Lake was not designed to be a long-term depository for radioactive waste,” Smith said. “This is a significant step forward.”

Clay said the bipartisan legislation will bring them closer to achieving the community’s goals.

“It just makes no sense to allow radioactive waste to remain buried in an unlined landfill, near residential neighborhoods, schools, a hospital, the airport and the Missouri River,” Clay said.

Photo by Wiley Price

Rev. Starsky Wilson listened to Attorney General Chris Koster at the November 23 Public Accountability Meeting held at Union Avenue Christian Church. Koster had ducked a similar meeting on November 1 and was pressured to attend a makeup meeting.

Croft spoke of shutting down streets, holding up banners at the symphony and baseball games, and chanting alongside hundreds of others for change.

“I remember countless acts of courage from people like you, people willing to stand against all the power of that system and demand not just a voice, not just equality, but justice for all,” Croft said.

Koster clearly had a speech prepared, but he sidelined it to

jump on Croft’s comment.

“I appreciated your invocation at the beginning,” Koster said, “but I have to say while you took note of a thousand acts of courage that occurred in the street, there was no note of the thousand acts of courage of Missouri law enforcement officers who kept the city of Ferguson and people safe.”

The boos started halfway through his comment. People yelled back that peaceful

protestors were teargassed while many Ferguson businesses were burned last November – after the St. Louis County grand jury chose not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of unarmed black teen Michael Brown Jr. “That is my opinion, that someone should stand and thank law enforcement officials during this period,” Koster said.

Koster seemed to steal

“It’s time to clean up West Lake Landfill.”

Blunt said, “The EPA’s unacceptable delay in implementing a solution for the West Lake Landfill has destroyed its credibility, and it is time to change course.”

The Corps has the knowledge, experience, and confidence of the families living near the site, Blunt said.

“Transferring clean up efforts to its control will help move the process forward and finally give these families the peace of mind they deserve,” Blunt said. “No parent should have to raise their child in an environment where they fear for their health and safety.”

McCaskill said that the FUSRAP program currently oversees all other sites in St. Louis containing this same World War II-era nuclear waste. The legislators heard the community’s calls for West Lake to be cleaned up as well, she said.

“This legislation is not a silver bullet, and will take far longer than we’d like to resolve the many issues

surrounding this site,” McCaskill said, “but this is a concrete, positive step forward in a process that’s been stagnant for far too long.”

The bill, House Resolution 4100, would not alter the current liability of potentially responsible parties at the site nor its designation as a Superfund site.

“It was clear in May when head of the EPA, Gina McCarthy, refused to meet with Just Moms STL even after a bipartisan letter

was written requesting such meeting, that EPA’s main focus remained on public relations rather than on being an advocate for our children,” said Dawn Chapman of Just Moms STL. She said Just Moms STL welcomes FUSRAP to the site.

“While we see this as a victory, we still have families living within one mile of this dangerous site, we still have radioactive trees offsite, and we still have an out-of-control burning Superfund site/landfill with very hazardous materials,”

his own thunder. After that, his speech about his work – promoting police-worn body cameras and recruiting more minority law enforcement officers – hardly kept the audience’s attention.

But he did get applause for mentioning that the state’s deadly force law is 30 years out of date. He said the statute is inconsistent with the United States Supreme Court’s holding in Tennessee v. Garner – which addressed when an officer can justifiably use deadly force.

Missouri’s outdated statute was a complicating factor in prosecuting Wilson.

“Missouri statues were never updated after the Supreme Court case,” Koster said. And legislators need “to make this issue one of their top priorities.”

Koster left right after his speech.

However, Slay stayed until the meeting’s end, along with several other elected officials who stood up and said they supported the “Forward Through Ferguson” agenda – including state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed; state Reps. Kimberly Gardner, Courtney Curtis and Tommie Pierson; St. Louis County Councilwoman Hazel Erby; and St. Louis Alderwomen Megan Ellyia Green and Lyda Krewson.

Follow this reporter on Twitter @RebeccaRivas.

said Karen Nickel of Just Moms STL. Many more things need to happen to ensure the community’s safety, the mothers said in a statement on the Just Moms STL Facebook page.

“But today we will be thankful,” they stated. “We will be thankful for this news, but most of all we will be thankful for all of you. Today we’re definitely putting the ‘thanks’ in Thanksgiving.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter @RebeccaRivas.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

A8

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

Art Museum Celebrates Cultural Diversity with 3–Day Winter Festival

STL has a gift for everyone on your list

November 28 is Small Business Saturday, which promotes shopping at local businesses. It also has been dubbed “Shop North County Day” by North County Inc. to inspire shoppers to visit local stores in Dellwood, Jennings and Ferguson, such as Cose Dolci Bakery, 425 S. Florissant Rd. in Ferguson. Photo courtesy of the City of Ferguson.

Contributing Writer: Sherri Williams, Family Programs Manager Create a new winter tradition with the Saint Louis Art Museum in December. We’re celebrating one of the most wonderful times of the year with a weekend of art making, tasty seasonal treats, and live performances from around the world. We invite the young and young at heart to join the Art Museum for cookie decorating, a scavenger hunt, and community performances. All Winter Festival events are free and open to the public.

The Winter Celebrations weekend kicks off Friday, December 11 with fun activities inside and out. Starting at 5:00 pm, mingle while savoring a warm seasonal drink during the Museum’s Hot Cocoa Happy Hour. Then take a walk through the Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden, festively decorated with luminaries to light your path. Your stroll through the garden will be accompanied by live music from the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association and the Mexican Cultural Society.

The Art Museum’s weekend winter bash will continue with two days of live community performances that you won’t want to miss. Saturday, December 12 will include a visit from the Crossroads College Prep music ensemble and traditional Mexican, Bolivian, and Indian dance performances scheduled through-

Winter Celebrations Schedule Friday, December 11, 5:00-8:00 pm Family Art Lab , Winter Scavenger Hunt, Hot Cocoa Happy Hour, Garden Walk Performances include: 6:00 pm—7:00 pm, St. Louis Christmas Carols Association 7:00 pm—8:00 pm, Mexican Cultural Society Saturday, December 12 and Sunday December 13 11:15 am—4:00 pm Community Performances Center for Indian Cultural Education—Bal Vihar of St. Louis Confluence Chamber Orchestra, Crossroads College Prep, Dance Center of Kirkwood, Hispanic Festival Inc., International Folkdance Society, LIVETY: Indigenous Dance Rhythm ‘n’ Ruach, St. Louis Christmas Carols Association Taiwanese Women’s Association, Webster Groves High School Noon—4:00 pm, Family Art Lab and Scavenger Hunt

out the day. The Dance Center of Kirkwood will bring ballet to Sculpture Hall with selections from The Nutcracker and Confluence Chamber Orchestra will close out the day with a medley of classical music.

Our ode to the coldest season of the year will wrap up on Sunday, December 13 with performances by the Taiwanese Women’s Society, Rhythm ‘n’ Ruach, the International Folk Dance Association, and a showstopping African drumming and dance performance with LIVETY: Indigenous Dance.

Museum visitors will also have an opportunity to design

and sample their own sweet treats with a cookie-decorating workshop in the Museum’s Education Center. We’ll provide all the supplies but we need you to bring your appetite and creativity.

With activities for everyone, the Saint Louis Art Museum is sure to become your family’s favorite winter destination. For a full schedule of performances and events visit slam.org/winter. Please note that there will be no designated seating for the community performances. All community performances will take place in Sculpture Hall, no tickets required.

November 28 is ‘Small Business Saturday,’ or ‘Shop North County Day’

By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American ‘Tis the season for shopping and we’ve got you covered in St. Louis with everything from our small shops to our many fine shopping centers. If you are looking for inspiration for where to shop, look no further than right in your neighborhood.

Discover Shop North County Day and Local Shops Finding the perfect gift can be difficult, but you shouldn’t overlook the locally-owned independent stores throughout the area when searching for something that’s one of a kind and sentimental. November 28 is Small Business Saturday, which promotes shopping at local businesses. It has also been dubbed “Shop North County Day” in Dellwood, Jennings and Ferguson

by North County Inc., to encourage everyone to shop in these communities. The allday event will call attention to the products and services of local business owners in North County and the importance of shopping locally. More information on this event, the local businesses you can support and a “shop local” coupon book can be found at

www.northstlouiscounty.com.

You may also shop local and celebrate Small Business Saturday by visiting the boutiques and specialty shops in our many other neighborhoods, including Webster Groves, Clayton, Central West End, South Grand, Downtown and others.

Cherokee Antique Row will kick-off their holiday festivities with the 32nd Annual Cookie Spree event on Dec. 5-6 in the Cherokee Lemp Historic District (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Maplewood will host the 14th Annual Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to check out these fun holiday events and see all that St. Louis has to offer.

The Delmar Loop has been named one of the Top 10 streets in the U.S. by the American Planning Association. The Loop encompasses a collection of specialty shops, boutiques, music venues and galleries. The Silver Lady is a chic jewelry boutique offering unique silver jewelry to shoppers visiting the Loop and Central West End. You can create your own works of art at Third Degree Glass Factory, also located along Delmar Blvd.

Explore Malls and Shopping Centers Holiday shopping options are endless with multiple stores where you can find that device you’ve been eyeing at the Apple Store. The Saint Louis Galleria offers many stores such as Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Macy’s.

Nearby, the Boulevard &

Brentwood Square shopping centers provide more shopping opportunities. The St. Louis Outlet Mall features Cabela’s, Burlington Coat Factory, and Old Navy. West County Center includes JC Penney, Michael Kors, Sephora and much more.

Venture out to Chesterfield for Taubman Prestige Outlets offering H&M, Polo Ralph Lauren and Bebe. In the same vicinity there’s Saint Louis Premium Outlets with Saks Fifth Avenue, Kate Spade, UGG Australia and more.

Visit Chesterfield Mall for that must-have American Girl doll; Mid Rivers Mall is ready to welcome shoppers in St. Charles County and for luxury gifts from stores like Neiman Marcus and Tiffany, shop Plaza Frontenac. With locations all over town, don’t forget about the most popular kids retailer based right in St. Louis, BuildA-Bear Workshop “where best friends are made.”

If you haven’t already, make a trip to the new store in town, IKEA St. Louis. This 380,000-square foot wonder store is full of home furnishings for you and your loved ones.

It’s a fully unique experience where you could spend a whole day there just eating, shopping and enjoying all the fun.

Shopping online can seem easy, but nothing beats the fun of getting out and investigating the merchandise first-hand, not to mention that you won’t have to wait or pay for shipping.

Black Friday is here, and the time is now to find the best bargains, so start early and don’t wait until the last minute this year. For more information about shopping in St. Louis visit www.explorestlouis.com.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

A9

North County munis file suit against muni reform law A dozen St. Louis County municipalities filed suit to block a new law designed to curb their over-reliance on petty traffic tickets for generating revenue.

On November 19 a group of North County mayors announced their lawsuit against Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and other state officials for signing and entering into state law Senate Bill 5. The law, enacted in August, lowered the money their towns can make from court fines and traffic tickets from 30 percent to 12.5 percent of their total revenue.

If a municipality collects more revenue from traffic tickets than allowed by law, it must give that excess amount to local schools.

The cities filing the lawsuit are Normandy, Cool Valley, Velda Village Hills, Glen Echo Park, Bel Ridge, BelNor, Pagedale, Moline Acres, Uplands Park, Vinita Park, Northwoods and Wellston. On average, these municipalities are each smaller than a square mile in size.

The lawsuit against Senate Bill 5 was filed in Cole County Court, where state offices are located, by David Pittinsky, a senior litigation partner at Ballard Spahr, headquartered in Philadelphia. The suit calls foul on a provision in the law barring St. Louis County cities from incorporating more than 12.5 percent of traffic-fine revenue into their budgets, when cities in the rest of the state have a 20 percent ceiling. That makes it an unconstitutional “special law,” according to the suit. The suit alleged this discrepancy is “an extraordinary act of overt discrimination.”

“Had the General Assembly passed a bill that applied to all 114 counties and had them all at 20 percent and had provided all the funding for all the new responsibilities, I probably wouldn’t be here,” Pittinsky said.

State Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale), who steered passage of SB5, told St. Louis Public Radio that in fact many laws are directed at specific cities or counties.

The suit also alleged that municipal standards the new law imposed upon St. Louis County’s cities amount to an unfunded mandate, which is

barred by Missouri’s “Hancock Amendment.” North County mayors and Chris Krehmeyer of Beyond Housing have pointed out that some of the cities that filed the suit first suggested the idea of standards for St. Louis County municipalities – but the new law provides no funding to implement the new standards.

“No matter how commendable the standards may be, they have no right to impose them without the funding,” Pittinsky said.

Schmitt said in a press conference that the “meritless lawsuit” was trying to undo the “most significant municipal reform in the history of our state.”

The current system, Schmitt said, “has created debtors’ prisons and contributed to the cycle of poverty for way too many folks in the St. Louis area.” These conditions were uncovered by the Ferguson protest movement and eventually the Department of Justice report on Ferguson, though legal advocates ArchCity Defenders were already calling attention to the situation in St. Louis County municipal courts before the unrest was sparked.

Standing alongside Schmitt in support of the new law was state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis). “The problems you saw in Ferguson, it was beyond the killing of Michael Brown,” Nasheed said.

“Those individuals in those municipalities felt they were economically oppressed for far too long, and that’s the uprising you saw.”

According to a report by the research group Better Together St. Louis, some municipalities in the area were generating over 30 percent of their revenue from court fines and tickets. Schmitt said that three-fifths of the arrest warrants in St. Louis County (300,000) are from minor traffic violations.

The Rev. B. T. Rice, who attended Schmitt’s press conference, said the court system in St. Louis County was “horrible.”

“We’ve seen our people standing in the heat of the day, 100 degree heat, trying to go to pay a traffic ticket because of a tail light, and they were unable to take their children in,” Rice said.

Photo by Jason Rosenbaum / St. Louis Public Radio

Attorney David Pittinsky stands with mayors of several St. Louis County cities on November 19. Pittinsky – a senior litigation partner at Ballard Spahr, headquartered in Philadelphia – is leading a lawsuit against a state municipal overhaul law.

Rice said those people would then receive a warrant for leaving court. “Then, if found while driving, they would be arrested. They would lose their job,” he said.

In an email to The St. Louis American, Monica Huddleston, the former mayor of Greendale, said none of the mayors are in favor of “victimizing anyone at the hands of local police or courts.” Greendale is one of the municipalities taking part in the lawsuit.

“You and others are still talking about abuses that have been all but eradicated months ago, and such was occurring in very few of our muni courts,” Huddleston wrote.

The city of Pagedale, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, is currently facing its own federal lawsuit for heavily ticketing house ordinance violations. The Institute For Justice, a law firm with connections to the industrialist billionaire Koch brothers, is heading the lawsuit against Pagedale. Since 2010, the town increased non-traffic violations by nearly 500 percent.

The city told The Huffington Post that in 2010, it made less than $1,000 for house ordinance violations, which cover things like broken screen doors and messy lawns. In 2014, that figure was nearly $9,000.

Pagedale Mayor Mary Carter told HuffPost that the lawsuit against her city is “unfair” and part of an overall effort from groups like the Institute for Justice and Better Together “to get

rid of some of the small municipalities.”

Former St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch said that if some municipalities can’t sustain themselves without excess traffic revenue, “So what?” Fitch said the mayors who filed the lawsuit “are not just guilty,” they’re also “the main suspects” in abusing the system. “They’re the ones telling their officers to go out and write tickets,” he said.

Schmitt struck a moral tone.

“The level of abuse that was taking place in my home county was astounding,” Schmitt told St. Louis Public Radio. “The level of profiteering that’s taking place by a lot of these municipalities is astounding. And so, as a matter of public policy, the General Assembly in large

majorities came together in a bipartisan way and said, ‘Enough is enough.’ And to me, this isn’t a lawsuit against Senate Bill 5 or the division of percentages. It’s a lawsuit against the people, especially the poor and the disadvantaged.”

Normandy Mayor Patrick Green accused Schmitt of hypocrisy, race-baiting and grandstanding with SB 5 as he prepared for a statewide campaign for treasurer.

“Schmitt makes it sounds like all of these majority-black municipal governments don’t care about poor black people,” Green told The St. Louis American. “Tell me, looking at his voting record, when did Eric Schmitt start caring about poor black people? This is all about his political agenda.

And we find it offensive for

him to imply that all of these black government officials are running their governments by preying on low-income black people.”

In 2013, Normandy saw 40 percent of its revenue come from traffic ticket fines and fees.

For Schmitt, this is not about him or his political ambitions. “It’s stunning how the bureaucrats joining this effort have turned on the very people they were elected to represent,” Schmitt said. “I am stunned by the tone-deafness.

But again, given that they’ve been fighting this along the way with taxpayer money, sadly I’m not surprised they’re taking this action.”

When asked whether citizens within the cities filing the lawsuit would benefit from the new law, Pittinsky replied: “What you have to ask yourself is what is proper as a matter of governance in the state of Missouri? Is it proper to pass a statute which violates the Constitution because you think you have the knowledge – the sole knowledge – on how to prevent certain problems from occurring? Now, [state government] hasn’t asked how these mayors are to cope with any of the problems they have. All they’ve done is say ‘We’re going to take away your money and we’re going to give you more responsibilities.’

That’s not permitted by the Constitution.”

In a statement, Attorney General Chris Koster – who is also named in the suit – said that the new law “passed overwhelmingly with strong bipartisan support.” He added that it “seeks to stop municipalities from abusing citizens through excessive ticketing practices.”

“My office will vigorously defend the bill against this legal challenge,” Koster said.

This column relied on reporting by our content partner Mariah Stewart, Ferguson Fellow for The Huffington Post, and Jason Rosenbaum of St. Louis Public Radio.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

Tamir Rice: one year later

By Rev. Osagyefo Sekou Guest columnist A year after the murder of 12 year old Tamir Rice – this baby, our child – by Cleveland police officers, the state has not even bothered to put up a pretense of fair process, instead making it explicit that justice does not apply to black Guest Columnist people in this country, not Sam even to black Stragand children.

Rogue prosecutors and bad laws give police carte blanche to kill with impunity. The brutality continues, the hashtags roll

n Much of this is a tragic repeat of the deeply flawed, unprofessional and biased way St. Louis Prosecutor Robert McCulloch handled the Officer Darren Wilson case.

on, and a system designed to crush us continues to work as designed. But from Ferguson to Baltimore to Texas to Minneapolis to Oakland to Cleveland and beyond, people continue to resist, to rise up,

www.stlamerican.com

to join together in beloved community and speak truth to power.

Tamir Rice was shot dead less than two seconds after Officers Timothy Loehmann and Frank Garmback hurtled towards a park at high speed, weapons drawn. The officers clearly decided to shoot to kill first, investigate later. After opening fire on Tamir, they failed to give any medical assistance, instead focusing on brutalizing Tamir’s teenage sister.

The glaring delays and gaps in the official investigation, the absence of any decision a full year later, and the highly unprofessional and plainly biased way Prosecutor McGinty has approached his role leads us to the sadly inevitable conclusion that the case will never see a court of law.

Prosecutor Timothy McGinty has thus far commissioned and publicized three reports using highly questionable “experts” exonerating the officers and even gone so far as to join the City of Cleveland in blaming Tamir for his own death.

Much of this is a tragic repeat of the deeply flawed, unprofessional and biased way St. Louis Prosecutor Robert McCulloch neglected to make a case to a grand jury after Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown Jr. in August 2014. The role of the prosecutor is to present charges based on “probable cause.”

The abdication of responsibility – such as McCulloch’s information dump, his presentation of witnesses he knew to be perjuring themselves or McGinty’s role as pseudo-defense lawyer – merely confirms that this is not confined to a bad cop or a forgotten town, but is a deepseated problem of systemic racism that must be rooted out at the core.

Reverend Osagyefo Sekou is the Bayard Rustin Fellow with the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

Dismal state of municipal court websites

By Sam Stragand Guest columnist As a law student researching the local municipal courts, I have discovered an essential connection between the lack of uniformity and professionalism in the municipal courts and the abuses and inequities that occur therein.

As a means of offering a quantifiable example of this dangerous lack of uniformity and Guest Columnist

Sam Stragand professionalism, my colleagues and I researched the deficiencies in municipal courts’ websites. The data we found highlights the problem of having too many municipal courts that lack the uniformity and professionalism necessary to provide equal justice for all.

We identified eight key elements that we believe must be present for a municipal court website to adequately inform individuals of their rights and responsibilities and of the courts’ policies and procedures.

Adequate information provided in these eight key areas would go a substantial way toward protecting an individual’s due process rights in municipal court.

Those key areas are information needed to attend a court appearance; contact information for the court clerk; information on court procedures and policies; information on a defendant’s rights and responsibilities; the ability to pay online; information on all payment options; information on “ability to pay” assessments and community service alternatives; and information in other languages.

Unfortunately, these best practices are far from the reality for most area municipal courts, according to the data that we reviewed.

Of the 81 municipal courts in St. Louis city and county,

only 62 have their own court websites.

Only 56 municipal websites list information pertaining to the location and timing of the municipal court, although even this information is often not up-to-date, correct, or easy-tolocate.

Only 55 websites provide contact information for the municipal court clerk.

Only 32 websites include substantial information on defendants’ rights.

Only 54 websites allow online payment.

Only 42 websites have any information on alternative payment methods, such as payment plans.

At most, 16 websites list current court dockets.

Only six websites have any information relating to community service alternatives.

And, only one website

n Of the 81 municipal courts in St. Louis city and county, only 62 have their own court websites.

provides information in languages other than English.

The faulty state of these websites offers a revealing view of the dangerous lack of professionalism and uniformity of justice being administered across the local municipal courts. Without the ability to obtain correct information concerning their violations and the procedures and options available to them, many individuals cannot resolve their outstanding violations, even with determined effort.

Individuals spend unnecessary time and money trying to track down and manage their tickets.

Some who would like to meet their obligation and pay their fines are unable to do so.

Having full access to the courts and having one’s rights protected should be uniform throughout Missouri’s courts.

It should not be the unfortunate

circumstance of geography.

It is, without doubt, within the Missouri Supreme Court’s power to promulgate and enforce rules of practice and procedure governing the municipal courts, and to act when those practices and procedures are not followed.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court should mandate that all municipal divisions in the state have uniform, updated and functioning websites with the above characteristics, as well as uniform bench cards for municipal judges and uniform information sheets for violators, so that all individuals involved have essential information, from their moment of first contact with police officers to their time of arraignment in the municipal courthouses.

If the municipal courts cannot meet these higher professional standards, and thereby cannot provide adequate due process for all individuals who appear before them, those courts are not providing equal access to justice. The Supreme Court would then have cause to intervene in those courts, as the Supreme Court did in March of this year by appointing Roy Richter, a judge of the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals, as Ferguson Municipal Judge.

Likewise, the Supreme Court should use its power to force the offending courts to reorganize, disband or consolidate into larger, more professional, full-time courts, with full-time judges and staff, who can meet the Supreme Court’s standards of professionalism, justice, and fairness.

By enforcing standards of practice and procedure that actively uphold individuals’ due process rights throughout the unified court system and by intervening in courts that do not uphold those rights, the Missouri Supreme Court can do its part in developing and nurturing trust in Missouri’s justice system.

Sam Stragand is a student at Washington University School of Law.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Theta Omega Chapter

HBCU Awareness

Omicron Theta Omega Chapter of AKA recently partnered with Harris Stowe State University and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Omega Chapter, to bring awareness to HBCUs throughout the country. The AKA’s and Omegas hosted a HBCU Throwback T-Shirt Dance. Alumni from various HBCUs nationwide strutted their Historically Black College or University paraphernalia. Tables were decorated to represent school pride.

Omicron Theta Omega also partnered with Harris Stowe State University to host the inaugural HBCU College Fair.

Representatives from 18 HBCUs were present to talk with students in the Metro St Louis area. Normandy High School and Jennings High School sponsored buses to bring their students to the fair. Normandy’s Drumline performed and various Greek organizations from the Divine 9 strolled. Harris Stowe provided tours of the campus.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

Business

B1

NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Ed Bryant was announced as the new president and CEO of the St. Louis Minority Business Council at the 2014 Business Opportunity Fair at America’s Center. The council has now merged with the St. Louis Regional Chamber.

People On The Move Michael Noble was appointed circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, which covers the city of St. Louis,

by Gov. Jay Nixon.

He will fill the position created by the retirement of Michael Judge John Garvey.

Noble Noble is currently an associate circuit judge in the city of St. Louis.

Previously he served as a Drug Court Commissioner for the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

Photo by Wiley Price

Minority Business Council merges with Regional Chamber

Joe Reagan: merger will ‘make St. Louis more competitive in the global economy’

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American The St. Louis Regional Chamber and the St. Louis Minority Business Council have reached an agreement to combine their operations into a new entity, they announced at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business luncheon on Friday, November 20.

The merger creates a new organization, the St. Louis Minority Business Council, LLC, whose purpose is to “develop mutually beneficial business relationships between ethnic minority businesses and major buying organizations in the St. Louis bi-state metropolitan area.” Edward Bryant remains as president of the new organization.

“Prosperity exists in the St. Louis region,

n “As one team, the council can leverage the chamber’s resources and the chamber can fast-forward its mission of inclusion.”

– Suzanne Sitherwood, chair of the St. Louis Regional Chamber’s board

but not for everyone,” Bryant said. “This shared reality is the inspiration behind our decision to join forces with the St. Louis Regional Chamber.”

The new entity will have its own board of directors, which will include Joe Reagan,

president and CEO of the Regional Chamber, and Valerie Patton, the chamber’s vice president of Inclusion & Talent Attraction. Patton is the co-founder of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative, which is celebrating 10 years of leadership development for over 500 multicultural leaders.

The council is still working on confirming the complete list of directors and officers, though it is expected to include “leaders from major sourcing organizations, minority business enterprises, and organizations committed to growing minority business,” according to a spokesperson.

The board “will be intentionally inclusive including local minority business owners, See MERGER, B2

Starbucks embarks on national diversity initiative in Ferguson Partners with local bakery Natalie’s Cakes and More

Mariah Stewart Ferguson Fellow

Cordell Lewis, manager of the Starbucks opening next year in Ferguson, and Natalie Dubose of Natalie’s Cakes and More, the store’s local minority supplier, visited with Antonio Pozsgay, who manages another local Starbucks location, and Robert Wise, district manager of Starbucks, at the groundbreaking for the new Starbucks location at 10768 W. Florissant Ave. in Ferguson on November 19.

Community leaders, entrepreneurs, residents and corporate employees gathered Thursday, November 19 for the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Starbucks in Ferguson at 10768 W. Florissant Ave. The Ferguson location, set to open in spring 2016 with Cordell Lewis as manager, is part of Starbucks’ new diversity initiative. Within the next three years, the Fortune 500 coffee company plans to open 15 new stores in diverse medium- to low-income communities across the country. The new locations will partner with local minority women-owned suppliers.

Partnering with Starbucks in Ferguson is Natalie Dubose, owner of Natalie’s Cakes and More. Last November, Dubose’s bakery was among the businesses in Ferguson and Dellwood that were burned and vandalized following the St. Louis County prosecutor’s announcement See STARBUCKS, B2

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Autumn Anthony was awarded the Leadership Development Program Fellowship by the National Association of Broadcaster’s Education Fund.

She is an integrated Autumn media specialist at Anthony Radio-One St. Louis (Hot 104.1 and Old School 95.5). Fellows travel to the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington D.C. for an intense training with other future leaders in broadcasting.

De’Carlon Seewood was named city manager of Ferguson by the Ferguson City Council. He recently served as village manager for the Village of Richton Park, Illinois. He served as assistant De’Carlon city manager in Seewood Ferguson from 2001 to 2007, and from 2007 to 2009 worked as the city manager for Berkley. He is a native of East St. Louis.

Germaine Stewart was selected to present at the National Association of Black School Educators conference.

Stewart is principal of Twillman Elementary School.

Germaine She has received the Stewart St. Louis American Salute to Excellence in Education honor and has been recognized as a Peabody Energy Leader in Education and Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year.

Rev. Lee Clayton Goodman was installed as president of the AME Ministerial Alliance of St. Louis and vicinity.

The AME Alliance represents all African Methodist Episcopal Rev. Lee churches in Eastern Clayton Missouri (Jefferson Goodman City/Columbia to Cape Girardeau).

Goodman is pastor of St. John AME Church and serves as the legal counsel for the license collector for the City of St. Louis.

Juanita PhillipsHouse received a grant from the Missouri Retired Teachers Fund. The grant will be used for the Young Author’s In Progress Project, in order for her class to publish a book of Juanita their writings. She Phillipsis a second grade House teacher at Duchesne Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Personal Finance

Planning an eco-friendly home renovation

By Nathaniel Sillin Plenty of people are now putting the sun, wind and water to work to cut their energy bill. Should you join them?

Before any shift to renewable energy technology, you’ve got to do some very individualized research and above all, work the numbers.

Solar energy seems to be getting the most attention. You might have heard recent news reports about solar energy’s sliding costs and rising support in Washington. A recent White House report (https://www. whitehouse.gov) noted that the average cost of a solar electric system has dropped by 50 percent since 2010 and that federal agencies are working to make it easier for lowerincome taxpayers to borrow up to $25,000 for solar and energy efficient home improvements.

And many are rushing to do installations by the current year-end 2016 expiration date for the 30 percent federal consumer energy efficiency tax credits (http://www.energystar. gov/about/federal_tax_credits) covering solar energy systems, small wind turbines and geothermal heat pumps.

How should you evaluate the cost of a renewable energy project? Consider these questions first:

MERGER

continued from page B1 leaders from major sourcing/ purchasing organizations, and leaders from organizations committed to helping minority owned businesses grow,” according to a release.

The Minority Business Council will keep its offices at the Regional Chamber at 211 North Broadway in downtown St. Louis, with the chamber handling the fiduciary

STARBUCKS continued from page B1

that Officer Darren Wilson would not be charged for killing unarmed teenager

utility-produced electricity.

Could incremental energysaving projects be more practical? Start with baby steps. Before you decide on an expensive solar or other renewables project, see if smaller changes around the home could save money. You can improve the performance of heating and air conditioning systems and seal air leaks from windows, doors and other areas of the home. A do-it-yourself or professional energy audit (http://energy.gov/energysaver/ articles/energy-audits) might be a good first step in detecting energy waste.

How will it affect resale?

There’s a fair amount of debate as to whether green home improvements actually boost home prices. Also, many real estate experts have mixed opinions about how prospective buyers feel about purchasing a home with existing renewable energy equipment that’s either been bought or leased.

Should I involve my financial and tax advisors?

Whether you plan to buy, borrow or lease a system or do intermediary energy improvements around the home, talking to a qualified financial or tax advisor isn’t just worthwhile, it’s essential.

It is also a good idea to speak with your homeowners insurance agent to see if your project will affect your coverage.

What’s going on locally?

When it comes to renewable energy, geography matters, and not just for tax breaks and credits for systems. Generally, weather, temperature, wind and sun exposure measurements matter when you’re choosing a particular project. For example, the Solar Energy Industries Association reports that solar installations are more common on the East and West Coasts, mainly because – that’s because sun exposure is greater on the coasts than in the center of the country. State and local organizations dealing with renewables can offer guidance to cost, effectiveness, installation and many other issues you’ll need to evaluate.

A local evaluation of options is essential.

Do you really understand the technology? There is no doubt that technology is always evolving, and this is one of the reasons why solar and other renewable energy options are becoming cheaper.

However, falling costs are one thing, but you need to fully understand what you’re buying so you can hire the

best people to install it and service the system over time.

For the basics, a good place to start is the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy.gov site’s renewable energy section.

Should you buy, lease or borrow? One of the drivers behind the recent growth in solar is a new generation of

vendors who provide one-stop shopping, installation and billing for systems at little or no initial cost. These vendors facilitate both purchase by loan and lease options. As convenient as this option might be, watch for inflation clauses, fees and penalties that could drive you above what you’re paying for conventional,

responsibility for the council.

With the merger, minority business enterprises will have “the professional community services of the council combined with the resources, advocacy and larger membership network of the Regional Chamber,” Bryant said.

The new council will work with the chamber to “identify, develop and implement forward-thinking strategies to best support minority business enterprises as they build capacity, grow their wealth and

create more jobs,” according to a release.

The announcement came at the end of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world’s largest celebration of innovators and entrepreneurs.

“The global economy is about innovative and diverse solutions to complex problems and needs. We need everyone participating, “ said Reagan. “Initiatives like Accelerate St. Louis and the St. Louis Minority Business Council help more St. Louis minority

entrepreneurs compete in larger markets and make St. Louis more competitive in the global economy.”

According to a recent report on the equity of the St. Louis region, racial economic disparities cost the St. Louis region $14 billion each year.

As highlighted in the Ferguson Commission’s “Forward through Ferguson” report, the St. Louis region also ranks 42 out of 50 for economic mobility. As a result, the chamber has added economic mobility to its metrics for

tracking the region’s fiscal health.

“We are excited to work together through the new St. Louis Minority Business Council to make a St. Louis a more attractive place for people to live, work and invest,” said Suzanne Sitherwood, chair of the chamber’s board and CEO of The Laclede Group.

“As one team, the council can leverage the chamber’s resources and the chamber can fast-forward its mission of inclusion by partnering with

a well-known organization and helping it to grow.”

The new St. Louis Minority Business Council will unveil more details about its strategies and programs at a cocktail reception in its new offices with the Regional Chamber on Thursday, December 10 starting at 5 p.m. in the Regional Collaboration Center at the St. Louis Regional Chamber, 211 North Broadway, 13th Floor, in downtown St. Louis.

Michael Brown Jr. Dubose set up a GoFundMe account which received more than $200,000 in donations.

Natalie’s Cakes and More’s “signature caramel cakes” are currently being sold at a dozen local Starbucks.

n Rodney Hines, , who is leading Starbucks’ diversity initiative, said commitment to collaborations will “help address the opportunity divide that exists within Ferguson and beyond.”

program for small businesses called “Create Jobs For USA.” Unique to the Ferguson location, however, is Starbucks’ first job training program.

“It’s a program we’ll be offering up with a local nonprofit and offering customer-service training,” said Hines. “That’s a skillset we think you can take to Starbucks or anywhere.”

Alisha Wrencher, 36, who has worked with Starbucks for over 15 years, will manage the Starbucks in Jamaica, Queens, set to open next year.

“I started as a barista and from then on continued to grow within the company,” Wrencher told The American.

“It’s been an amazing journey with lots of opportunities. I started off at 18 years old and became a store manager at 20.”

Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III said he is grateful

to Starbucks and developers Otis & Clark Properties for recognizing the city’s need for investment, in the wake of unrest and the light it cast on the entrenched problems in north St. Louis County.

“With all the things we’ve learned over the past year, I think it’s important that we realize that both our urban communities and our suburban inner-ring communities need investment,” Knowles said. “They need economic development.”

For Dubose, the partnership with a national brand was more good news that came from bad.

“I’m just grateful that at this time so much has happened,” Dubose said. “So many good things have happened. The sun does shine after that storm.”

The story is published as part of a partnership between The St. Louis American and The Huffington Post.

“It was this time last year that we were cleaning up glass and cleaning up debris on the strip of South Florissant Road,” Dubose said. “It was a lot of tears that day, but at the same time it was a lot of love shown that day.”

Rodney Hines, Starbucks Community Investment Retail Operations partner, who is leading the diversity initiative, says it’s commitment

to collaborations in the community “that’s really going to help address the opportunity divide that exists within Ferguson and beyond.”

Within the next year, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Chicago, and the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York will receive new Starbucks sites as part of the diversity initiative.

In 2011, the company launched a $5-million loan

Bottom line: Want to save money while saving the planet? Do your homework and make sure an investment in renewable energy works for you.

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

n “Every game, the chemistry gets better, the flow of the game gets better.”

– Steph Curry on the Golden State Warriors’ record 15-0 start of the regular seasons

Sports

INSIDE

Don’t hate on Comptroller Green for doing her job ~ See ‘Sports Eye’ page B4 ~ B3

NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Prep Football Notebook

Rams Roundup

Show-Me the champions

Rams lose, as usual

With Earl Austin Jr.

CBC, Chaminade, Burroughs to play for title

Four football teams in the St. Louis metropolitan area will have an opportunity to play for a state championship this weekend.

CBC, Chaminade and John Burroughs will be competing in the Show-Me Bowl at the Edward Jones Dome, while Belleville Althoff will be playing for a state championship in Illinois. Here is a preview of those four state championship games.

Class 6: CBC (13-0) vs. Blue Springs South (130), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

These two undefeated powers will meet for the Class 6 state Earl championship.

Austin Jr. CBC is looking to repeat as state champions and run its current winning streak to 28 games. The Cadets have a powerful offense led by Nebraska commit Tre Bryant, who has rushed for 1,145 yards and 25 touchdowns. Kaleb Allen has rushed for 750 yards and 12 touchdowns while Lamar Anderson has more than 1,000 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Blake Charlton controls the offense with his top receivers Kamryn Babb and Roddrick Bryant combining for 19 touchdowns.

Blue Springs South comes in as the true road warriors of the state playoffs. The Wildcats have won road games at Jefferson City, Francis Howell and Kirkwood en route to the state finals. Blue Springs South has a potent offense, led by big-play running backs Adam Cofield, Jerome Hawkins and 6’4” wide receiver Briley Moore-McKinney. Blue Springs South has defeated CBC twice in the Show-Me Bowl, including a meeting in 2012.

Class 5: Chaminade (12-1) vs.

Fort Osage (12-1), Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Chaminade will be making its first appearance in the state finals in 43 years. The Red Devils are

See PREP, B5

Photo by Wiley Price

Chaminade Red Devil’s Reginald Crawford Jr. (1) is taken down by Carthage Tigers’ Dillon Lancaster (21) during Saturday’s Missouri Class 5 semifinal. The Devil’s advanced to the Show-Me Bowl defeating the Tigers 43-19.

With Palmer L. Alexander III

Third straight defeat leaves playoff hopes dim

The St. Louis Rams not too long ago were sitting with a 4-3 record with lofty aspirations of finally getting over that proverbial hump. Not only did they lose their third straight game 16-13 to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, but they also more than likely erased an opportunity to put themselves in a position to have a winning season and make the postseason.

The Rams can prove me wrong and win out the rest of the season and finish 10-6. Anything can happen. If that were to happen, you can bet the Palmer L. Rams defense will have Alexander played a key role.

After giving up 37 points the week before in a loss to the Chicago Bears, the Rams defense tightened up, only giving up 16 points to the Ravens while intercepting two passes from Baltimore QB Joe Flacco, sacking him only once.

The Rams defense was led by Aaron Donald, who tallied the most tackles with 10, provided the Rams’ only n After the and broke RB game, Fisher sack Justin Forsett’s arm. said, “We’re The Rams held the asking a lot of Ravens to 3.4 yards per carry, forcing our defense them to throw. The right now Ravens did have when we’re success gaining 11 not getting a yards per reception.

It is ironic that lot out of our Ravens don’t offense.” You the have any marquee got that right, receivers, yet they coach. tallied 299 yards, compared to just 136 by the Rams.

This is the fourth straight season since Jeff Fisher became head coach for the Rams that we’ve witnessed these kind of shenanigans on offense. He’s kept the same offensive system since he arrived, and this is one area of the team that has never improved since he got here.

After the game, Fisher said, “We’re See RAMS, B4

In The Clutch With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Five QBs who could be a Ram in 2016

It’s clear after ten games football field. that Nick Foles is not the I won’t go in on Foles too quarterback of the future for hard, as Palmer Alexander III the St. Louis Rams. Foles was covered that in his column last acquired from the Philadelphia week. Still, it’s interesting to Eagles for oft-injured Sam pontificate who might be the Bradford, then quickly signed man under the center for the to a two-year deal Rams next center. worth $24.5 million.

However, in the NFL, Peyton Manning contracts aren’t worth – Manning has looked the paper they are like a man on his written on. The nowlast legs so far in benched Rams signal Denver. Numerous caller will receive his sources reported that $14 million in guarthe Broncos actualanteed money and ly attempted to deal likely be punted off the Ishmael H. Manning for a sixthPoplar Street Bridge round draft pick earlier Sistrunk like Baxter. in the season. For now, Foles was given every Manning is sidelined with a opportunity to be the man to foot injury but his backup, finally lead the Rams back to Brock Osweiler, is probably the playoffs, but he continuous- one or two solid starts away ly missed open wide receivers from cuffing Manning’s job. like Shaquille O’Neal shootEven if Manning comes back ing free throws. He was Tim healthy and turns around his Tebow without the running so-so season, the writing is on skills. Jeff Fisher and the the wall. His days in Denver Rams were apparently so cool are numbered. In QB-starved on Foles, that they opted to let St. Louis, he would be treated an obviously concussed Case like a god.

Keenum be literally dragged Manning has reportedly told to his feet for a play instead of teammates he plans to suit up allowing Foles back onto the again in 2016. The question is

Could Payton Manning be the man under center for the St. Louis Rams in 2016?

n Manning has reportedly told teammates he plans to suit up again in 2016. The question is whether he would consider the St. Louis Rams as a destination.

Rams favor is the fact that most surefire playoff-bound teams already have established QBs and would not want to take a risk on Manning as a one-year rental. The biggest obstacle is the Rams inadequate offensive line and awful receivers.

whether he would consider the St. Louis Rams as a destination. Your gut reaction is prob-

ably heck no, but STL could be the perfect landing spot.

There’s a very strong defense,

which means a turnaround is possible with a good quarterback. Also working in the

Kirk Cousins – The Washington Redskins quarterback will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2015 season. Coach Jay Gruden has See CLUTCH, B5

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Sports Eye

Don’t hate on Comptroller Green for doing her job With Alvin Reid

Early this summer, Budget of Estimate and Apportionment Director Paul Payne warned with Green, and they will probthe region that the fuzzy bonds ably approve the bill if passed mathematics being used by new by aldermen. stadium proponents didn’t add City residents should fall to up financially and could leave a their knees and thank Green cash gap for the city. because she is one of few elect“If we were starting ed officials in the city from scratch, that plan that is actually doing would look great; but her job and watching we’re not starting from out for constituents’ scratch,” he told the financial interests.

Post-Dispatch.

“If the bill is passed In early November, in its current state the Post carried an ediand presented to the torial that said Board Board of Estimate and Bill 219, which would Apportionment, my Alvin oblige the city to roll vote will be ‘no,’” she Reid over its $6 million said in a press release. annual commitment to The $145 million the Edward Jones Dome, was giveaway to help construct the a stinker of a deal and the rollproposed stadium “is not fiscalover “should be illegal.” ly responsible” because it could It said that Mayor Slay leave the city with a budget gap should have appealed and hurt its credit a judge’s ruling that rating, according to n “It’s not OK’d the preposterGreen. fair. It’s not ous idea to bypass Unlike many right, but the city voters and that other so-called the new stadium was city should to city leaders who “adjacent” to the do it anyway,” complain and do Edward Jones Dome. the editorial nothing, she offers a “It’s not fair. It’s solution to a possinot right, but the city concluded. ble financial crisis if So much for should to do it anythe bill is passed. way,” the editorial “Regional busilooking out concluded. So much nesses would be for the taxfor looking out for asked to partner payers. the taxpayers. with the city to Comptroller finance (a proposed Darlene Green has Crime Reduction not been a fan of and Professional Bill 219 since before its details Policing Fund) and close the were even revealed. She has budget gap that would be creatofficially announced that she ed if the stadium funding bill is will note vote for the bill as it passed,” the comptroller said. is currently written.

The major construction Mayor Francis Slay and firms, law firms etc., that will Board of Aldermen President benefit financially from staLewis Reed comprise the Board dium construction (and other

The $145 million giveaway to help construct the proposed stadium “is not fiscally responsible” because it could leave the city with a budget gap and hurt its credit rating, according to Comptroller Darlene Green. businesses) should kick in some cash to help the city overcome the crazy public

funding deal.

She also proposed a state sports authority should be established that could “raise money from tourism activities, such as rental car surcharges and issue bonds to pay for sports projects.”

“Between the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, the Blues, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and collegiate teams, there is far more synergy for a statewide sports authority in Missouri than in many states that already have them,” Green said.

Enterprise, which owns

RAMS

Continued from B3

asking a lot of our defense right now when we’re not getting a lot out of our offense. We’ve got too much talent without getting things done.” You got that right, coach.

Then after his QB Case Keenum was clearly knocked out, Fisher let him stay in the game. Before you know it, he was stripped of the football and, as usual, the Rams lost.

There is no good reason why Fisher didn’t get him out of the game. Replay clearly shows Keenum being dragged by his arm like a lifeless rag doll, until he came to and went back into the huddle.

I don’t see the NFL taking this lightly. And, if I’m

National Rental Car and is paying for the stadium naming rights, certainly won’t support that rental car surcharge.

Legislators from the west side of the state are grandstanding about stopping state funding for the new stadium.

Regardless of the almost certain opposition, it’s a tremendous idea – one that should have been examined long before the stadium Task Force started spending public money in a desperate attempt to keep a privately-owned business in the region that has made it clear it no longer wishes to be here.

No elected comptroller or chief financial officer in the nation would sign off on the proposed stadium deal unless they were shamefully pandering for votes or controlled by a mayor, board of aldermen or city council.

Green is taking heat for not approving the obviously flawed deal. City residents, and the entire region, should be thankful at least one elected official is not for sale or under the thumb of the political and business powers that control St. Louis.

Keenum, neither am I. Clearly, he is a competitor. At the same time, was it worth it?

Sequences of events like that are what the NFL is desperately trying to get away from.

They’re already doing a halfhearted job of treating former NFL players who are suffering from post-concussion injuries.

That was just one of many things that went wrong for the Rams, but that’s nothing new.

They’ve been repeating this act for going on 12 years now.

This organization is not good at evaluating talent, especially offensive talent.

There is no adequate help at QB. The WR position is a big letdown. The TE is position is a bigger disappointment than WR – the Rams invested $53 million in two guys who have trouble catching and blocking.

The Rams need change

at offense real bad. This upcoming draft and free agency, there needs to be an emphasis on offense. It’s a shame that by the time the Rams receive the ball on offense, they’re already kicking the ball away. Punter Johnny Hekker punted 8 times for 367 yards. Yes, 367 yards!

This is the team Fisher assembled. Those are his draft picks, who are unable to run an efficient route; his free agent signees who can’t catch a pass or block. And, that’s his offensive line he put together to open up running lanes and provide sufficient pass protection. The whole Rams organization lost, in my opinion. After four years of the same, it’s time for change.

For more Rams Roundup, please subscribe to youtube. com/stlamericanvideo. You can also hear me on weekly podcast @NTheZone with Arlington Lane II.

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B5

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Prep boys basketball standouts to watch in 2016

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St. Louis American High school basketball in the St. Louis metro area gets underway this week. As we embark on another exciting year of prep hoops, here are some of the top boys’ players to watch in the 2015-16 season.

who led Wildcats to the Class 4 state quarterfinals. Signed with Southern Illinois.

Tyler Cook (Chaminade): Physical 6’8” senior who is ranked as one of the top power forwards in the country. Has signed with Iowa.

Jordan Barnes (CBC): Senior point guard who has made a name for himself as a big-shot maker. Signed with Indiana State.

Daniel Farris (Vashon): Junior point guard who has led Madison Prep to two consecutive Final Four appearances. Should lead Vashon back to prominence.

Aaron Cook (Westminster): Talented 6’2” senior guard

Jordan Goodwin (Althoff): Junior forward who is one

CLUTCH Continued from B3

made it clear that he would like the organization to work out and extension with his signal caller, but thus far, that has not happened. Part of the reason is because of Cousins’ staggering inconsistency. Cousins can look like Joe Montana one game (324 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT vs the Saints) and French Montana the next (207 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 FUM).

If Cousins does reach the free agent market, he’ll be in high demand. St. Louis line troubles and lack of capable receivers and relocation saga make the club a longshot to land the QB. However, if the

PREP

Continued from B3 a talented, young team with several underclassmen in key roles. There are a stable of talented running backs, led by Darius Daies (868 yards, 10 touchdowns), Bryce Johnson (828 yards, 14 touchdowns), Damon Bonds, Jr. (741 yards, eight touchdowns), Jabori Buchanan (534 yards, nine touchdowns) and Andre Whitley (414 yards, 11 touchdowns). Quarterback Michael McGovern has passed for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns while receiver Reginald Crawford has seven touchdowns. The Red Devils defeated Carthage 43-19 in the state semifinals.

Fort Osage is making its third appearance in the state championship game, losing to Webster Groves in 2009 and Kirkwood in 2012. Fort Osage defeated defending state champion Battle 49-12 in the semifinals last Friday night. They are led by standout quarterback Skylar Thompson, who is headed to Kansas State. Thompson had three touchdowns in his team’s semifinals victory over Battle.

Class 3: John Burroughs (13-1) vs. Odessa (13-1), Saturday, 11 a.m.

The Bombers are in the Show-Me Bowl for the fifth time in the past six seasons.

John Burroughs is looking to break through and win a state title after four runnerup finishes. The Bombers defeated Blair Oaks 31-18 in the semifinals. Sophomore Jake Bain rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bombers. Bain has rushed for 1,911 yards and 28 touchdowns. Fellow sophomore Tyler Foote has passed for 2,038 yards and 35 touchdowns. Seniors Ronald Moore and Chris Booker are big-play performers on offense, defense and special teams. They have combined for 37 touchdowns. Smith has a team-high seven interceptions.

Senior Thomas Bolstad leads the defense with 100 tackles and seven sacks.

IHSA Class 4A: Belleville Althoff (13-0) vs. Chicago Phillips (13-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

These two undefeated teams will meet at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Althoff is looking for its first state title since 1990. The Crusaders powered past Mater Dei 48-20 in the state semifinals. Althoff features one of the most potent offensive units in the two-state region. Quarterback Jordan Augustine has passed for 3,280 yards and 39 touchdowns.

front office throws a large enough pile of cash, you never know what could happen.

Stealing cousins away from Washington would be another slap in the face of that organization after pillaging the franchise for draft picks so they could draft mega bust Robert Griffin III. Sean Mannion – The Rams drafted Mannion for a reason this summer. It was thought the former Oklahoma State QB could be potentially develop into a starting quarterback.

Mannion has not been seen or heard from much since the preseason wrapped up. However, it’s that time of year when fans get antsy and start calling for the new guy. It happened last week with Keenum. Keenum’s

of the top underclassmen in the state of Illinois. Led the Crusaders to the IHSA Class 3A state finals in ‘15.

Brendan Gooch (Althoff): Smooth 6’6” senior forward who also returns for the Illinois Class 3A state runners-up.

Signed with Southern Illinois.

Carte’Are Gordon (Vianney): Strong 6’8” sophomore forward who is one of the best in the country in the Class of 2018.

Led Golden Griffins to a district title in ‘15.

Brandon McKissic (SLUH): Talented 6’2” junior guard who returns after leading the Jr. Billikens to their first Final Four appearance in more than 30 years.

Brandon Jackson (Cardinal

Zeke Moore (Riverview Gardens): Smooth 6’7” senior swing who returns after averaging 25 points a game.

Has signed with Saint Louis University.

concussion makes for an interesting decision by the St. Louis coaches. If he’s unable to go, does Fisher trust Foles enough to throw him back out on the field just a week after benching him? Or does he roll the dice, toss the unproven and untested kid a Bud Light and see if he’s “up for whatever?”

After the top two or three teams, the NFC is mired in mediocrity this season. That means that even with a 4-6 record, the Rams are still in the playoff hunt. If Keenum can’t go, best guess is Foles will be under center this week.

However, with another loss or two, the Rams might toss Mannion in to see what they have in the youngster. If he plays well, he could earn the job for 2016.

Nick Foles – Yeah, I know I stated that Foles would likely be punted at the end of the season, but this is St. Louis after all. Though Foles’ contract extension is modest for a starting QB, it still represents dead money if the team cuts ties with him. Billionaire owner Stan Kroenke might very well be penny-pinching this offseason as he builds up his war chest for an attempted move to Los Angeles. If he doesn’t open the coffers for a quality starting QB and the team is unable to draft a franchise guy, Foles could return by default.

He may have the blessing of a lifetime with Keenum’s head injury as he may get another chance to prove he deserves the starting job. Stranger things have happened. Fisher stood by

Missouri State Football Championships (All games at the Edward Jones Dome) Friday, November 27 Class 4: Webb City (14-0) vs. Kearney (13-1), 1 p.m.

Class 2: Malden (14-0) vs. Lamar (14-0), 4:15 p.m.

Class 6: CBC (13-0) vs. Blue Springs South (13-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 28 Class 3: John Burroughs (13-1) vs. Odessa (13-1), 11 .m.

Class 1: Valle (14-0) vs. Penney (12-3), 2:15 p.m.

Class 5: Chaminade (12-1) vs. Fort Osage (12-1), 5:30 p.m.

Illinois Class 4A State Championship Game (at Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Ill) Belleville Althoff (13-0) vs. Chicago Phillips (13-0), 7 p.m.

The Crusaders also have two running backs that have rushed for more than 1,000 yards and two receivers with more than 1,000 receiving yards. Jaylon Bester has rushed for 1,156

Ritter): Excellent 6’7” senior forward who returns to lead one of the state’s top Class 3 units.

Being recruited by several Division I schools.

yards and 21 touchdowns while Malik Easley has rushed for 1,051 yards and 17 touchdowns. C.J. Coldon has 1,216 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns while Keenan

Young has 1,070 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns.

Chicago Phillips is trying to make some history as the first school from the Chicago Public League to win a state championship in football.

Phillips advanced to the state finals last year, losing to Rochester. Althoff defeated Rochester in the state quarterfinals. Phillips features a powerful rushing attack, led by quarterback Quayvon Skanes, who has committed to UConn. Phillips defeated Marango 48-14 in the state semifinals.

Courtney Ramey (Webster Groves): Talented 6’2” sophomore guard who is rated among the nation’s top backcourt players in the Class of 2018.

Xavier Sneed (Hazelwood Central): Athletic 6’5” senior who returns after leading the Hawks to the Class 5 state quarterfinals. Has signed with Kansas State.

Levi Stockard (Vashon): Strong 6’7” junior power forward who returns after helping Madison Prep to back-to-back Final Four appearances.

Bradford for years, a few good games could buy Foles more time under center.

Johnny Hekker – Hey, Fisher loves to run the fake punt and historically Hekker, a former high school QB, has proven to be a fairly accurate passer. Hekker is one of the best punters in the game and one of the highest paid. The Rams might as well get a little more bang for their buck and let Hekker relive his high school glory days. Think about it, St. Louis watched Rick Ankiel transform from a pitch-

Jayson Tatum (Chaminade): All-American 6’9” senior who returns as one of the top three players in the country. Has signed with Duke.

Torrence Watson (Whitfield): Talented 6’4” sophomore guard who averaged 17 points a game as a freshman.

Christian Willis (CBC): Strong 6’2” senior guard who returns after leading the Cadets in scoring. Has signed with Arkansas State.

er into a position player as a Cardinal. Now we can watch Hekker pull double duty as a QB and a punter. Every time he gets sacked, the Rams would be awarded 15 yards for roughing the kicker. It’s the perfect diabolical plan. OK, obviously it will never happen. Maybe it should though. He couldn’t do any worse than the guys the Rams have been rolling out there the past several seasons and he’d certainly be much more exciting.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

St. Louis American Prep Athlete of the Week

Jake Bain John Burroughs – Football The sophomore running back enjoyed a big performance in the Bombers’ victory over Blair Oaks in the Class 3 state semifinals last Saturday.

Bain carried the ball 27 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the Bombers’ 31-18 victory. Bain scored on runs of 24 and 20 yards.

In his first season as a starter, Bain has rushed for 1,911 yards and 28

touchdowns.

John Burroughs (13-1) will face Odessa on Saturday for the Class 3 state championship at the Edward Jones Dome.

Kickoff is at 11 a.m.

B6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Walmart funds JJK Foundation

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation received a $60,000 Walmart State Giving Grant.

The East St. Louis-based non-profit was selected by The Walmart Foundation based on its role in making a significant social impact within Walmart’s core areas of giving: hunger relief and healthy eating, sustainability, women’s economic empowerment and career opportunity. Pictured: Mari Matthes, Kirkwood store manager; Jackie JoynerKersee; and Michael Greenfield of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation.

Comptroller proposes funding solutions for stadium

By Comptroller Darlene Green Guest columnist

Funding bill Board Bill 219 that is being heard in the St. Louis Board of Aldermen’s Ways and Means Committee to build a new stadium is not fiscally responsible.

If the bill is passed in Darlene its current Green state and presented to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, my vote will be “no.”

However, I have continued to offer funding solutions that will not jeopardize the city’s credit rating, siphon funding for the public good, or build a stadium on the backs of St. Louis taxpayers.

Here are two proposals for bridging the funding gap that would be created in the budget

if the current bill is passed by the Board of Aldermen.

State sports authority.

We could create a statewide authority funded by tourist dollars, such as a surcharge on rental cars, and with the power to issue bonds to pay

n Here are two proposals for bridging the funding gap that would be created in the budget if the current bill is passed by the Board of Aldermen. for sports-related projects throughout the state of Missouri. Between the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, the St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and collegiate teams, there is far more synergy for a statewide sports authority in Missouri than in many states that already have them.

This leverages what sports franchises and teams bring in tourism, public image and visitor dollars to our state as a whole. Local taxpayer dollars can then be directed where they are most needed for infrastructure, public safety and community-building Regional solution to close the city’s budget gap. I propose supporting a draft bill sponsored by Alderwoman Donna Baringer that will establish a Crime Reduction and Professional Policing Fund (CRPP) as a possible companion bill.

Regional businesses would be asked to partner with the city to finance the CRPP fund and close the budget gap that would be created if the stadium funding bill is passed.

The comptroller of the City of St. Louis is charged with protecting the credit of the city and with being a watchdog over taxpayer dollars.

Check out the latest Edition of

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C1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

‘Hood’s Hottest Youngin’ ready to drop Rising rap star LA4ss to headline show at Lux

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American “All of this is just crazy – everything that’s been happening since I was 16 has just been straight up crazy,” said rising rap star LA4ss.

Two years ago he was Antonio Harris, an ordinary teen on the West Side of St. Louis.

Then he dropped a verse on his friend’s Instagram and was almost instantly thrust into the “ones to watch” for the next generation of St. Louis hip-hop.

“I didn’t even think it would get a 100 views,” LA4ss said. “But after that they were like, ‘You

LA4ss will release “Hood’s Hottest Youngin’” on Sunday, November 29 with a special concert taking place on Sunday night at 8 p.m. at Lux (2619 Washington Blvd).

might as well rap.’ They put me in the booth. We dropped the first song, and it just got a buzz from there.”

With the release of his mixtape “Streets Affiliated,” he was set apart as the next big thing out of St. Louis.

Over the summer, he held the top four slots on Spotify’s list of 100 popular songs streaming in St. Louis.

Rolling Stone and The Guardian included him in their coverage of the current rap scene of St. See LA4ss, C4

TKO for ‘Creed’

“Creed,” directed

by Ryan Coogler, opens in theatres nationwide on Wednesday, November 25.

Rocky franchise gets a hip-hop edge with new underdog hero Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American Young director Ryan Coogler dodged the sophomore jinx with a huge gamble that could have brought a director of lesser caliber to his or her knees.

For his major studio film debut, which hits theatres nationwide on Wednesday, November 25, Coogler gives the iconic Rocky franchise an urban, millennial makeover with “Creed” – and the result is a win for both Coogler and the “Rocky” film legacy.

The second-time director, who made an industry splash with his independent debut film “Fruitvale Station,” proved that his success was anything but a fluke through the well-crafted, likable drama.

Coogler, who also co-wrote the film along with Aaron Covington, sticks to the script with respect to the underdog formula that fans of the “Rocky”

installments have come to know and love. But the refreshed take on the storyline, reflects a new type of hero.

Through Adonis Johnson, the illegitimate love child of “Rocky” boxing great Apollo Creed, the Rocky brand is given a twist that the hip-hop generation will relate to and embrace.

He relied on his “Fruitvale Station” star Michael B. Jordan to the fill the gloves of Johnson.

While an absolute underdog from the moment a younger version of himself is introduced in the film, Johnson has an element of swag that makes him an unlikely successor to Rocky Balboa. But he forges an instant connection to what will be a new era of fandom for the franchise.

Though he never met his father, Johnson has enough confidence in his natural talent as a fighter to give up

• Only Online •

Taking chess to the streets

RZA funds Hip-Hop Chess Federation’s work in STL

By Adisa Banjoko For The St. Louis American

Adisa Banjoko, founder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, with RZA

Of all the things chess can give a child, the most beautiful thing is a smile. That smile usually reflects the joy of a young person realizing their inner wisdom.

By helping them identify their intelligence, without trying to guide it, my organization has helped many teens leave the street life and choose education and peace as a life path. Chess for the sake of chess itself is not why kids in the ‘hood play. They play to learn how chess is like life.

I founded the Hip-Hop Chess Federation in

See CREED, C4

2006 in the San Francisco bay area. We are the first 501(c)3 non-profit to fuse music and chess to help kids make better decisions in life.

Afrika Bambaataa formed the Universal Zulu Nation to promote and preserve hip-hop in November 1973. Bruce Lee’s movie “Enter The Dragon” dropped in August of that same year.

This created an unlikely fusion that could only happen in America.

The streets where people were playing chess were the same streets people were doing rap battles and dance battles. As they sought to perfect their art, films by Bruce Lee and The See CHESS, C4

Jenifer Lewis sings for Webster Centennial Gala

‘Blackish’ star and Webster alum Jenifer Lewis returned to St. Louis as the featured entertainment for Webster University’s black-tie Centennial Gala on November 14, 2015 at the historic and newly remodeled St. Louis Union Station. $1.2 million was raised to benefit the Webster University Next Century Leaders Scholarship Fund.

www.stlamerican.com

Calendar

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015 Voices for Veterans Concerts presents Smokey Robinson & Mario Frangoulis.

For more information, see CONCERTS.

How to place a calendar listing 1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR 2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

holliday haps Nov. 26, 11 a.m.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dinner, Buffet Style, All You Can Eat! Adults, $12; Seniors (Age 62+), $10; Children 6 to 12, $5; 5 and Under, Free. Homemade Breads and Desserts. Carry Outs Available.

Raffle, Bake Sale, Games, Craft Booth. St. Ignatius Parish, Concord Hill, Missouri.

For more information call 636932-4445 or email thecarols@ saintig.com. Handicap accessible. (www.saintig.com).

Mon., Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Wed., Dec. 2, 6 p.m., The Make-A-Wish St. Louis Young Professionals present It’s a Wonderful Wish. Come out for a special showing of Frank Capra’s holiday classic, It’s A Wonderful Life. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. AMC Esquire 7, 6706 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/stlyps.

Thur., Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., Winter Dance Concert: Momentum. Sun Theater, 3625 Grandel Sq., 63108.

For more information, call (314) 533-1791 or visit www. grandcenterartsacademy.org.

Fri., Dec. 4, 6 p.m., National Sales Network St. Louis hosts their Annual Toy Drive & Holiday Party. Proceeds will benefit to 2-3 families from the United Way’s 100 Neediest Cases. We need clothing, toys, gift cards, and other household items. Admission is $15 or a toy donation. This is a great networking opportunity. Fleur De Lilies, 1031 Lynch St., 63108. For more information, visit www.nsnstlouis.org.

Fri., Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Ferguson Public Library presents The

Dec. 4 – 6, Fox Theatre presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Dec. 4 will be the 13th Annual Kids Night.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for pre-show activities in the lobby, including learning to hula-hoop, juggle, Cirque tattoos, holiday sing-a-long, photo opps and more. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www. fabulousfox.com Tues., Dec. 8, 6 p.m., Black Data Processing Associates St. Louis’ Holiday Happy Hour. Join us for networking and appetizers at our final event of the year. Cyrano’s Café, 603 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, visit www.bdpa-stlouis.org.

Tues., Dec. 8, 6 p.m., Black Data Processing Associates St. Louis’ Holiday Happy Hour. Join us for networking and appetizers at our final event of the year. Cyrano’s Café, 603 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, visit www.bdpa-stlouis.org.

Thur., Dec. 10, 5 p.m., The Connect presents The Minority Business Exchange Holiday Happy Hour hosted by Staci Static.

Barnett’s on Washington, 3207

Sat., Dec. 5, 9 p.m., V-Ent presents Bryson Tiller. The Coliseum, 2619 Washington Ave., 63103.

Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m., Lexus Len’s “Wednesday Night Live” featuring: Cheryl Brown, Jeremiah Allen, Jeff Taylor, Gerald Warren & Amos Brewer, The Marquee, 1911 Locust.

Most Wonderful Time of the Year Benefit Concert.

All proceeds will benefit the library. Ferguson Community Center, 1072 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, call (314) 521-4820 or visit www.ferguson.lib.mo.us.

Fri., Dec. 4, 6 p.m., National Sales Network St. Louis hosts their Annual Toy Drive & Holiday Party. Proceeds will benefit to 2-3 families from the United Way’s 100 Neediest Cases. We need clothing, toys, gift cards, and other household items. Admission is $15 or a toy donation. This is a great networking opportunity. Fleur De Lilies, 1031 Lynch St., 63108. For more information, visit www.nsnstlouis.org.

House of Jazz presents Roseanna Vitro American Composer Concert. Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 5782049 www.ozarktheatre.com.

special events Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Dec. 13, 3 & 6 p.m., The Luther Vandross Holiday Celebration and Tribute Concert feat. Danny Clay and special guest, Tim Cunningham. DejaVu Café, 2508 Target Dr., 63136. For more information, call (636) 851-7468 or visit www. lutherholidaytribute.eventbrite. com.

Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., 1st Annual Holiday Fundraising Gala for April’s House & Book Foundation. Hosted By Fox 2’s April Simpson & Dr. Glenn Toby Ph.D. Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust, 3643 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (516) 345-0284.

Sat., Dec. 19, 4 p.m., Carlton Jr Stage Production presents A Jolly ‘Grey’ Christmas.

This event is free but we are asking for donations to help with future shows. There will also be a concession stand. St. Luke Memorial M.B. Church, 3623 Finney Ave., 63113.

For more information, email carltonjrstageproduction@ hotmail.com.

Sat., Dec. 26, 8 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter presents 2015 End of the Year Jam. Bring your own food and set up. Live music by Justin Hoskins and DJ. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 2828018 or visit www.akagostl.

com.

Sun., Dec. 27, 6 p.m., HollyLou Entertainment & Spot Light Karaoke presents Pre New Years Eve Concert & Dance. Featuring Makeda Francisco lead vocalist for Rose Royce Band. The Signature Room, 9002-9006 Overland Plaza, 63114. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/hollylouent.

concerts Sat., Nov. 28, 8 p.m., The Fox Theatre welcomes Michael McDonald, for more information, visit www. metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sun., Nov. 29, 8 p.m., LooseCannon and RockHouse Ent present LA4ss, Lux (Formerly The Coliseum) 2619 Washington.

Sun., Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Voices for Veterans Concerts presents Smokey Robinson & Mario Frangoulis. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.peabodyoperahouse. com.

Feb. 13, 7 p.m., St. Louis Music Festival starring Fantasia, Joe and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.

For more information, visit www.thechaifetzarena.com Feb. 28, 8 p.m., Gary Clark Jr. - The Story of Sonny Boy Slim Tour, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information,

visit www.thepageant.com, www.ticketmaster.com or call (314) 726-6161.

local gigs Wed., Nov. 25, 8 p.m., Jhowes Management presents Original Hotboy Turk. Klub Klymaxx, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136.

Fri., Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Freshmen Management Group presents Dope Boy Fresh 10 Year Anniversary feat. Fresco Kane. Fubar, 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/freshmenmg.

Fri., Nov. 27, 9 p.m., All Black Affair hosted by French Montana. HG Dance Club, 2617 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 737-3781.

Fri., Nov. 27, 9 p.m., Infinity West, Inc. presents A Tribute to Teddy Pendergrass & Stephanie Mills feat. The Black and White Band.

Debonaire Banquet Center, 3515 N. Lindbergh 63074. For more information, call (314) 359-3258.

Fri., Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Clark Terry Tribute by Randy Holmes’ Quintet with Carolbeth True. Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 9627000 or www.ozarktheatre. com.

Sat., Dec. 5, 8 p.m., Robbie’s

Wed., Nov. 25, 10 p.m., Goodlyfe Entertainment & Ono Ikanone present Espionage 7.0: A Gentleman Jack Special. The Olive Bar, 3037 Olive St., 63103.

Fri., Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Get Sexy Movement presents Pole Glow Part 2: Black Friday Black Light Party.

Dollhouse Studios, 1428 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 898-8898.

Fri., Nov. 27, 10 p.m., Its Just Different & Liquid Assets presents Black to the Future II. The Marquee Restaurant, 1911 Locust St., 63013. For more information, call (314) 436-8889.

Sat. Nov. 28, 2 p.m., State Representative Michael Butler hosts a Bid Whist Tournament. There is no entry fee and refreshments will be provided. Call ahead to register your team.

Heritage House Apartments, 2800 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 403-0727 or visit www. michaelbutler.org.

Sun., Nov. 29, 12 p.m., STL Black Biz presents The Black Boutique and Designers Expo. The Expo will showcase the finest fashion moguls in the area. The Gateway Classic, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63106. For more information, call (314) 5049728 or (314) 766-2855.

Fri., Dec. 4, 8 a.m., Saint Louis Effort for AIDS 30th Anniversary. Performances

by Stacy Carter, Andrew Patrick, Heather Curry, COCA, Dwayne Estes and Some Fun.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015 For more information, call (314) 645-6531 or visit www. stlefa.org.

Sat., Dec. 5, 9 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Metropolitan St. Louis Chapters present Founders’ Weekend Party. Rustic Goat, 2617 Washington Ave., 63103.

For more information, call (314) 371-4031.

Sat., Dec. 12, 6 p.m., G.E.M.S. Through Christ, Inc. presents Jazz at Christmas feat. Corey, Corey & Company. Fischer’s Restaurant, 2100 W. Main St., Belleville, IL., 62226. For more information, call (618) 420-1270 or (618) 632-7384.

Sat., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., Black Women with a Purpose Sisterhood presents Motown Trivia Night. Youth & Family Center, 818 Cass Ave., 63106.

Sun., Dec. 13, 12 p.m., Millie Carter & AJ Thomas presents Sip and Shop Expo.

We will enjoy good wine and several vendors with hot fashion. Grand Center Artist Studio, 3840 Washington Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents the Whitney M. Young Celebration. Anheusr Busch Biergarten, 1200 Lynch St., 63118. For more information, call (314) 6153600 or visit www.ulstl.com.

Fri., Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Eden Black Alumni Association presents Comfort & Joy: An Evening of Food, Laughter & Music feat. Anita Jackson.

Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119.

For more information, email anthonyldscott@gmail.com.

Dec. 18 – 19, 4 p.m., FiftyBy30 presents Hoops for Hope 2. St. Louis Christian College, 1360 Grandview Dr., 63033. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ fiftyby30.

Sat., Dec. 19, 11 a.m., NAACP 6th Annual Soulful Jazz Brunch. Join us for an afternoon of music, laughter, food and shopping for a great cause. Your support will assist with the cost for ACT-SO and our Freedom Fund. The RitzCarlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

comedy Thur., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Secure Entertainment presents Out Hrrr Laughing Comedy Show. Featuring comedians Jus Wood, Spinks, and Willie C. Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, call (618) 7794799 or visit www.secure-ent. com.

C3 of a Few Can Change the Lives of Many. This will be a night of remembrance and celebration filled with entertainment, information, and empowerment. East St. Louis City Hall, 301 River Park Dr., 62205. For more information, visit www.wptcares.org.

literary Fri., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Jeff Smith, author of Mr. Smith Goes to Prison. In Mr. Smith Goes to Prison, he exposes the shortcomings of a race-based cycle of poverty and crime that sets inmates up to fail. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Fridays through Dec. 18, 1 p.m., Myrtle Hilliard Davis Health Centers presents Diabetes Education Empowerment Program.

Join us for our diabetes selfmanagement workshop, which focuses on quality of life improvements to help better manage your relationship with diabetes. 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information or to register, visit www.mhdchc.org.

theatre Dec. 4 – Dec. 20, The St. Louis Actors Studio presents The Gin Game starring Linda Kennedy and Peter Mayer, The Gaslight Theater 358 N. Boyle Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, call (314) 4582978.

Dec. 4 – 20, Max and Louie Productions’ presents Sublime Intimacy.

Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 795-8778 or visit www. maxandlouie.com.

arts

Spike Lee’s Chiraq opens in theatres nationwide. See FILM for details.

and constructions inspired by hip-hop, graffiti, mythology, dreams, and nightmares, in collaboration with the COCA world premiere of wUNDERland. The opening reception will be held Friday, Oct. 9, at 8:30 p.m. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 3837685 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Cory Lampkin Productions presents The Art of Melanin.

Community Artist Gallery, 2701 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www. theartofmelanin.com.

Through March 2016, Pulitzer Arts Foundation hosts Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108.

For more information, visit www.pulitzerarts.org.

Sat., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., HashtagLunchbag St. Louis Art Exhibition and Silent Auction. An evening dedicated to spreading hunger and homeless awareness through art. This is an upscale black tie event. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and live entertainment will be provided.

The Gallery, 2603 N. 14th St., 63016. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

lectures/ workshops

Sat., Dec. 5, 1 p.m., Joy! & Celebration Exhibition, including over 50 pieces of art.

Vaughn Cultural Center, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 3701 Grandel Square St. Louis, MO 63108.

Through Dec. 12, St. Louis County Library presents In His Own Words: The Life and Work of César Chávez.

Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl. org.

Through Dec. 13, COCA presents Daniel Burnett’s Denizen Kim. St. Louis painter, curator, and community-based artist Daniel Burnett will transform the Millstone Gallery with his large-scale wall paintings

Tuesdays through Dec. 8, 7 p.m., VA Learning Hub. Veterans and transitioning service members are invited to sign up for a no-cost four-week course focused on High-Impact Business Writing. Express Scripts Hall - Computer Lab 107, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121.

For more information or to register, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/va-learning-hubtickets-19083491236.

Thur., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Race, Place, and Suburban Policing: Too Close for Comfort. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

health Thrhogh Dec. 18, 1 p.m., Myrtle Hilliard Davis Health Centers presents Diabetes Education Empowerment Program. Join us for our

diabetes self-management workshop, which focuses on quality of life improvements to help better manage your relationship with diabetes.

Our approach to teaching this class is primarily communitybased, but may also incorporate brief one-on-one consultation. 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information or to register, visit www.mhdchc.org.

Mon., Nov. 23, 5:30 p.m., St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association presents The Care & Conquer Conference. This conference is for caregivers and individuals with earlystage dementia. Registration is required. Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Dr., 63146. For more information or to register, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www. alz.org/stl.

Sat., Nov. 21, 11 a.m., The West Side Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry, in conjunction with the Health Ministry, will present a Health Care Forum. 4675 Page Blvd,

63113. Representatives from Missouri Healthcare for All will share important updates on healthcare reform, relevant legislation in Missouri, and answer audience questions.

This event is for everyone who uses Medicare, Medicaid, or has other healthcare questions.

FREE and open to the public.

Tues., Dec. 1, 11 a.m., World Aids Day 2015. In recognition of the impact of HIV/AIDS on our community, Saint Louis Effort for AIDS will be sponsoring range of performances, lectures, educational opportunities, and more. Free and confidential HIV testing, marketplace enrollment, health resources, and screenings available all day. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 333-6671 or visit www.stlefa.org.

Tues., Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m., Writers, Planners, Trainers Inc. presents the 11th Annual World AIDS Day Black Tie Dinner: The Number Don’t Lie – The Efforts

spiritual Saturday November 28, 6 p.m. Voices of Faith Reunion Concert with guest host Rev. John Deron Johnson, pastor of Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Pasadena CA, and evangelist Randall J. Richardson guest musician, Scruggs Memorial CME Church, 3680 Cook at Spring & Redd Foxx Avenues.

For more information, contact the church, 314-533-5444 or event coordinator, James White 314-494-5554.

Sun., Nov. 29, 5 p.m., The Leonard Missionary Baptist Church family will be hosting a grand 70th Birthday Musical for their Pastor/ Teacher/Overseer, the one and only Bishop Steven G. Thompson, Hilton St. Louis Frontenac Hotel, 1335 S Lindbergh Blvd., 63131.

For tickets, contact Minister Lorraine Thompson-Jones at 314-496-8937.

Sun., Nov. 29, 7 p.m., Festival Of Praise Tour starring Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Hezikiah Walker and more. The Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

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September 25, 1935 – November 20, 2015

Don Wolff passes at 80

Longtime criminal defense attorney and jazz broadcaster By the Wolff family

Donald Lee Wolff, of Bonita Springs, Florida and previously a long resident of St. Louis, died on Friday, November 20, 2015 in St. Louis, in the embrace of his wife and children.

He was born on September 25, 1935, the son of Betty and Morris Wolff and the older brother of Jerry Wolff. He graduated from University City High School. He graduated from the University of Missouri as an undergrad and from its School of Law. He then served in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Army in Germany. He worked as an assistant St. Louis County prosecuting attorney, then entered private practice as a criminal defense and civil rights attorney, where he gained acclaim as one of the top national lawyers.

He served as a legal consultant for KMOX, an adjunct professor for Saint Louis University School of Law, and authored and presented legal education to many lawyers. He was a member of numerous bar associations and past president of the St. Louis County Bar Association and the Lawyer’s

CHESS Continued from C1 Shaw Brothers triggered an intellectual and artistic explosion.

In 2012 shortly after the Hip-Hop Chess Federation was on the cover of Chess Life, I was invited by Susan Barrett, then director of the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, to be a consultant. I went on to train her curatorial staff on the hidden history of hip-hop and chess for their “Living Like Kings” exhibit. I fell in love with the city.

Before going to the exhibit on October 9, 2014, RZA, Susan and I spoke with incarcerated youth. RZA told them how chess and martial arts led him toward wisdom and away from the streets. He explained the 10,000 hour rule – that it takes 10,000 hours for the average person to master any given skill. They calculated that to be four hours a day for 10 years.

“I started writing my first

n He served on the Board of Regents of Harris Stowe State University, which houses the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute.

Association. He served as municipal judge for Creve Coeur.

He served for 50 years with Big Brothers Big Sisters, including president of the board and legal counsel. He served on the Board of Regents of Harris Stowe State University, which houses the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute. At the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, he served as chairman of the board and legal counsel. He also was legal counsel at the ACLU.

lyrics at the age of 9,” RZA said. “When I was 19, I got my first record deal. I started making music as a DJ around the age of 13. When I was 23, I produced a platinum album.”

These words gave hope to the youth in the Juvenile Detention Center.

That night RZA gave me a check for our foundation and asked me to keep pushing for peace in the city. I promised him I would do that. Currently, we have St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center staff taking our Level One Certification program. RZA’s donation makes it free to those willing to learn.

“We have learned so much about chess and martial arts during this process,” said TJ Jones, a staff member at the Juvenile Detention Center.

“We were already pretty good at chess, but now have a deeper understanding about the history of chess and how it has interconnected with hip-hop and evolved. We are anxious to start the program and already have almost the whole building interested in the program.”

The last time I visited the

L4ss Continued from C1

Louis – with The Guardian placing him on a short list of He served on the Advisory the next on deck to blow up.

Committee of the Family On Sunday he will drop Violence National Council, his second mixtape, “Hood’s United Hebrew Congregation Hottest Youngin,” and will Board of Directors, Cystic commemorate the release with Fibrosis, Boys Town of Missouri, and Legal Advocates a live show at Lux. “I can’t wait,” LA4ss for Abused Women. said.

“It’s gonna be fun for He supported Backstoppers everybody.

I hope they’ll say ‘I and taught at the St. Louis Police Academy. He established can’t wait ‘til the next one.

Urban tastemaker and funded the Donald L. Wolff LooseCannon S.L.I.M. is Scholarship at the University of Missouri School of Law to help backing LA4ss both in a creative and business capacity. disadvantaged and minority He grew up around LA4ss’ students. father.

“We were at the steakhouse He loved jazz and hosted eating and he was like, ‘Man, radio shows for decades on you need to listen to my son.’

KXOK, WSIE, KMOX, and I was like, ‘I ain’t listening to KFUO, as well as on Tunein your bad [expletive] son.’ I told Radio, and producing the I him I would listen, but I didn’t Love Jazz show on HEC-TV. at the time.”

He emceed Glendale and But the universe was telling Webster Groves jazz festivals him otherwise. and recently received the “I was riding with this girl National Jazz Hero award from the Jazz Journalists Association. and she was like, ‘You need to look up this little dude,’” He was a member of the S.L.I.M. said. “I was like, Boards of Boys Town of ‘That’s my partner’s son.’ And Missouri for 30 years and at after that everybody kept saying Laumeier Sculpture Park. He I needed to check for him.” was inducted in the University He finally did. After hearing City High School Hall of Fame.

LA4ss’ verse on “What’s He is survived by Heide, The Word Around The Lou,” his sons Michael (Sarah) and S.L.I.M. was sold.

Nelson (Susan) and daughter Not long after he bought in, Kristina (Patrick), and the rest of the young hip-hop grandchildren Pierce, Jessica, community seemed to have Hugo, Harbor, Julia, Hobie and followed suit.

Evalina.

“This is the first time since Donations may be made to 2000 that the city has jumped Big Brothers Big Sisters of behind something like this,” Eastern Missouri, the Urban S.L.I.M. said. “By June of next League of Metropolitan St Louis, or the DLW Scholarship year they will be saying his name along with Young Thug, Fund at the University of Rich Homie Quan and all of Missouri School of Law. the new cats that everybody is Funeral arrangements are watching.” with Berger Memorial.

If LA4ss catches fire on the national scene, S.L.I.M. says he will use the opportunity to kick the door down for others to come through.

“I’m gonna Master P this Juvenile Detention Center in St. mug so everybody can eat,” Louis to teach life strategies, I actually lost a chess game.

It was against a kid whom I had played a month earlier and beaten rather easily. I shook his hand and said, “I see you stepped your game up. If you can beat me, you should never have allowed yourself to be here. When I come back, we Continued from C1 will play another game.”

“I get out tomorrow,” he the comforts of a lavish life said. provided by his guardian and “All right, then! Next time surrogate mother – effectively we play, let’s meet at that park portrayed by Phylicia Rashad or something,” I said. “I don’t – to hit the gritty ranks of the ever want to play you in here boxing world. again.”

“Rocky” originator Then there was that smile Sylvester Stallone returns as – from a free young mind Balboa, but is given a new empowered by chess. space in the film as Johnson’s If your school, university reluctant trainer. or community center is Tupac, Meek Mill, Future, interested in having Hip-Hop The Roots and other rap stars Chess Federation’s Level One of past and present provide a Certification taught to staff, head-nodding musical backdrop visit www.hiphopchess.com for Johnson’s journey to make or contact Meek Gaborski at his own name in the sport. memg@hiphopchessfederation.

The music further connects org to apply. to the audience – and illustrates Adisa Banjoko is founder of the saturation of rap within the the Hip-Hop Chess Federation. space of mainstream popular culture.

S.L.I.M. said. “I don’t wanna say we’re gonna be Atlanta, or Miami – I’m gonna say we are gonna be straight up St. Louis.”

LA4ss said he’s been most influenced by 50 Cent and

n ”We go through a lot, and I try to put that out there.”

– LA4ss

Sam Cooke. He already seems to possess Cooke’s natural charm. He raps about the grimy elements of life on the West Side, but promises there’s more to him than that.

“I just hope that they don’t put a jacket on me that all I want to talk about is violence,” LA4ss said. “I’m not trying to promote violence – I’m not trying to do that at all. I’m

just talking what’s going on.

I tell stories. I talk about what happened yesterday. People can relate to it. And then I’m still a teenager. We go through a lot, and I try to put that out there.”

In the meantime he’s basking in the buzz and preparing for the next big step while gearing up for the release of his mixtape and his first headlining show.

“It’s all the best feeling ever – all of it,” LA4ss said. “I knew I could rap, but I had no idea that I would be able to catch all of these ears. It makes me want to go harder for my city, because of the way they’ve been going for me.”

“Hood’s Hottest Youngin’” will be released on Sunday, November 29 with a special concert taking place on Sunday night at 8 p.m. at Lux (2619 Washington Blvd). For tickets or more information, call (314) 357-4366.

For more information on LA4ss, follow him on Instagram and Twitter @LA4ss.

CREED

“Rocky” originator Sylvester Stallone returns as Balboa, but is given a new space in the film as Johnson’s reluctant trainer.

Thanks to technology, “Creed” takes one of the best elements within the Rocky

films, the fight sequences, and makes them better.

Coogler clearly came from the angle of being a fan himself, based on the care and precision placed on applying stunning visual accuracy and attention to detail in the fight scenes.

Heavy-hitting performances also contribute to the winning combination of “Creed.”

Stallone the trainer conjures up a performance that is more authentic and believable than the last few Rocky films – and settles well in allowing himself to reflect Jordan’s light on screen.

Tessa Thompson also does well as Johnson’s neighborturned-love-interest.

But Jordan is the one to watch as he holds is own and displays the capacity to carry the torch for “Rocky” films.

Both mentally and physically, Jordan captures Johnson in the fight of his life as he proves (to himself as well as others) that he is the rightful heir to revive Apollo Creed’s boxing dynasty.

All of the flaws in the film – formulaic, far-fetched, sentimental to the point of mush, and predictable – are completely forgiven by the elements that shape it up to be a compelling second chapter to the “Rocky” franchise.

“Creed” is rated PG-13 with a running time of 120 minutes.

The film opens in theatres nationwide on Wednesday, November 25.

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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 – DEC. 2, 2015

Celebrations Birthdays Happy 2nd Birthday to my blessed son, Aiden De’Angelo Morganfield, on November 26. I love you eternally son.

Truly, Mommy

On November 28, Hattie Martin will celebrate her 70th Birthday. We wish you all of God’s blessings because you are full of life, love and spirit.

We could not be more proud.

Much love from, Barry Martin and the Martin family and friends Happy 1st Birthday to our beautiful twins, Mack’eo and Mack’enzie Lomax on December 6. They are both amazing! Mack’eo is very curious and Mack’enzie is a busy body.

We love y’all!

Latanya, Mack, Delores and Dara

Reunions All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Alumni Class 1968 will have its 48-year reunion June 11-12, 2016.

Meetings for the Reunion will be at Florissant Valley Library Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., S. Florissant, MO 63031, 4th Saturdays of the month.

Schedule : Nov. 28, 2015, 2-5 p.m.; Jan. 23, 2016, 1-4 p.m.;

Feb. 27, 2016, 1- 4 p.m. For more information call 314-8698312.

Mizzou Black Theatre/World Theatre Workshop Reunion classes are celebrating 34 years of the founding of the theatre program and our founding director. As we plan this event for 2016, we are asking former cast members to forward your names and contact information to Glenn Ellis at btwreunion@ outlook.com. The goal is to meet up in April. More info will follow.

Soldan High Class of 1965 presents: “On the Road Again” to Washington, DC. Cost: $479 per-person, double occupancy, 6-Days and 5-Nights, Thurs.

June2- Tues. June 7, 2016.

First payment due now $75 each person. For more information and reservations contact: Corinne Stuckes (636)-294-4373, Brenda Yancey (314)-830-1334 or Isaiah Hair, Jr. (314)-387-7592 email: cstukes@charter.net.

Soldan High Class of 1966 has planned its 50-year reunion for September 9-10, 2016 at Christian Hospital Atrium, 1111 Dunn Road St. Louis, Mo 63136. For more information, please contact: Meredith Wayne Farrow, 314.521-8540, Robert Collins, 908.313-5002 or Marilyn Edwards Simpson, 341.837-7746. Facebook, soldan class of 1966 or email:

stlsoldan1966@yahoo.com.

Soldan High Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for: June 17-19, 2016 at the Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa, One Ameristar Boulevard, St. Charles, Mo 63301.

University City High Class of 1976 is planning its Fabulous 40th year class reunion for June 24-25, 2016. We need your contact information.

Please email your information to: weareuc76@gmail.com or call the UCHS Class of 76 voicemail at 314-301-9597.

University City Class of 1981 will have its 35-year reunion August 5-7, 2016. Please send your contact information to Denise Weatherford -Bell at

Theology Grad

Theology Grad Congratulations to Rev. Sylvia (Cash) Prothro, who recently received her Bachelor of Theology degree.

She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Anchor Theological Seminary & Bible Institute.

msdenise38@yahoo.com.

St. Louis Community College needs your help identifying STLCC alumni. Alumni are encouraged to visit the website: www.stlcc.edu/foundation/, to become members or update information. For more information, contact Ashley Budde, coordinator of alumni relations, at abudde6@stlcc. edu, or 314-539-5145.

Sumner High School Class of 1966 is planning their 50th Class Reunion. Please contact Ella Scott at 314-436-1696, Els2188@sbcglobal.net with your name, address and email or join the Sumner Class of 1966 Facebook Group page.

FREE OF CHARGE Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers.

Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available. Photos will not be returned.

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability.

We prefer that notices be emailed to us!

However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us.

Our email address is:

reunions@ stlamerican.com

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

C6

Celebrity Swag Snap of the Week Shontele, Traniece and Shamekia were in the place with hip-hop legend Biz Markie at The Downtown Marriot for the Show Me State HBCU Basketball Classic Official After Party Saturday night.

Triky and DJ Kimmy NU kept the party live @ Mood Friday

Model\Actor Don Benjamin, Mo Spoon, Filmmaker Craig Thomas and Colin Currie came together @ Bar Italia

All Black with the Kappas at the Ballpark. Just when I had charged the weekend to the game as slow motion, the Nupes came out the cut on Sunday and shut it down with their All Black Experience at Ballpark Village. When I tell you that it was bleeding crimson and cream with Kappas from baby boomer to millennial up in their tearing it up, please understand that it was everything that one could hope for during an otherwise dark weekend. I won’t go to naming names – because I will certainly leave some folks off. But I will say that my boy Larry Blue (one of my favorite Nupes in town) was reppin’ hard even if he didn’t follow the dress code.

I got every bit of my life watching the pretty boys earn a last minute slot as a party of the year contender for the year end round up.

There were some pretty girls in the building too – and by pretty girls, I mean some of the newest members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. They are still neophytes, but they kept it cute and classy like they were silver sorors.

The black Greeks were deep in the building, but so was everybody else. If the new stadium wasn’t open air I’d say they might look into moving it across the street, but that won’t work for a late November gathering. They seriously might consider having overflow areas beyond the Midwest Live section, and the way it was looking I might be kicking it in the Fudgery Frozen Yogurt spot just to have some elbow room.

Hanging at Mood. Friday night I made my way over to Mood. Folks were clearly conflicted about whether to go out or not until the last possible minute, because the crowd didn’t pick up until almost 12:30. My girl DJ Kimmy Nu had the block hot by blending the old school with the new – she has really set herself apart as one of the city’s hottest mix masters lately by the way she slays the tables. There were some movers and shakers in the place to be for the Urban Hang Suite. Though it was a slower weekend across the board, it was still a good look.

Kimmy Nu had me bouncing like Big Freedia to Master P and doing my best impersonation of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” soft shoe interpretive dance.

Katina, Lajuanna and Larhonda ended their weekend with the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Sunday @ Ballpark Village

Model behavior with Don Benjamin. Much to my delight, model/actor Don Benjamin has been making his rounds in the city lately thanks to a new film he’s working on with Craig Thomas and his crew. Friday night he made his way to HG, which was pretty light for them – but again it was slow motion on all fronts except for Kappa this weekend. The smaller crowd meant that I could really get up in his face and soak up all that fineness. Doesn’t he give you a street certified Jesse Williams? I feel a type of way every time I stare into those pretty eyes.

So so for Saturday night. Saturday fared better as far as the empty boots atmosphere that was in these streets, but it wasn’t to the glorious level I’ve come to enjoy the past few months. I’ll admit that Style Code Saturday was quite nice.

Maybe the fact that Teddy BFree made admission on the house had something to do with it. Mo Spoon had the folks in Bar Italia like Sardines for the Tanqueray 10 Pop Up Lounge. It was a nice, sophisticated crowd too. I hadn’t been to Bar Italia in a minute, and my bosom has clearly grown since then. I apologize for unwittingly invading anybody’s personal space while I was there. I wish I had been able to “accidentally” do so when I got a second helping of Don Benjamin’s flawless face when he stepped on the STL club scene for two days in a row. Sadly there were just too many folks between us. I will say this…I If we end up in the same place at the same time again this weekend I’m going to go ahead and assume his diggin’ me and act accordingly. Just kidding, but not really.

Simone, Brionne and Alyse dressed it up for Style code Saturdays @ Mood

Grace at Lux. I’ll tell you what, from the looks of things folks used this week to rest up because Thanksgiving weekend it’s going to be on and cracking in these streets. Actually things kick off on a Wednesday with Close To Famous’ annual Grace. The ninth installment will be going down at Lux. I can say that I’ve come to enjoy Grace as part of my regular Thanksgiving celebration ritual – and clearly y’all have too. Honestly, how can you not be grateful after tearing the club up with grown folks who looked like they stepped out of Jidenna’s “Classic Man” video?”

Buggin’ out with Needles at Blank Space. Since I’ll already be out in the streets burning my calories on the front end, trust and believe that I will be making my way to the Blank Space for The Bug Out with DJ Agile One and Nappy DJ Needles. The one thing I love about the Blank Space is that folks leave their airs at the door and boogie (yes, I said boogie) Soul Train style up in that piece. And I’ll bet my last slice of Patti’s pie that it will be that way when I make it over there for Thanksgiving Eve.

Dana Jones, Owner of Flavor Dance Studio, R&B singer Bryssa and Mahasin Bass @ Ballpark Village for the Kappa’s All Black Experience

Janelle and Amber found time to unwind @ Bar Italia Saturday

Kim and Andrea came out to party with the Kappas and the other black Greeks in the building for The All Black Experience @ Ballpark Village Sunday

Marcee and Keisha made their way to Mood for Style code Saturdays

A celebration of Café Soul. And speaking of 9th Annual and doing it big, the ladies of Café Soul are bringing soul favorite Eric Roberson to the Ready Room for their 9th Anniversary Celebration. I cannot wait to see Erro rip the stage. His mellow, heartfelt gives me life every time he stops through The Lou!

Elonda Davenport and Shuntay Daniels hit the dance floor @ Bar Italia Saturday

www.stlamerican.com

K. Michelle in the Element. The Marquee will most certainly bring Element Saturdays back to its original glory when the killer curves of K. Michelle hit the club this weekend. Relax, fellas, she will not have gone back to her original shape by then – so you can come and get an eyeful of her thickness before she downsizes. Shade aside; I have never seen K. Michelle not be entertaining –even that time when R. Kelly flung her in front of a crowd at the Fox as an emergency opening act when not a single soul knew her from Keyshia Cole some years back. So even if it’s just an appearance, I’m expecting that she will not owe y’all anything. I’ll definitely be in the building, and I suggest y’all get their early, because it’s gonna be _______________ (insert new slang for bananas).

Elonda Davenport and Shuntay Daniels hit the dance floor @ Bar Italia Saturday Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

D4

Religion

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2015

Ladue church sends volunteer tutors to SLPS

District seeks additional churches to adopt public schools

By Mary Jarvis For The St. Louis American

Salem-in-Ladue United Methodist Church has been a faith-partner with Saint Louis Public Schools for nine years. I will forever be grateful to SLPS for reaching out to churches all over the St. Louis area and asking for the community support they need.

I am extremely pleased my church said yes.

I vividly remember our Senior Minister, David Kerr, sharing his agreement to adopt an SLPS elementary and middle school in the city. He asked us to consider this opportunity to get involved by making a commitment to tutor a child for just one hour a week. I signed up, showed up for training, and have remained there ever since.

My experience tutoring children in the SLPS has truly opened my eyes to the needs so close to home. I have seen a glimpse of what it is like to walk in their shoes. Some things I take for granted, they cannot.

I recall sitting with a student as snow began to fall one winter afternoon. I commented that he might get a day off from school. I know my children would have jumped for joy with the possibility.

He replied, “I hope not; I would rather be at school.”

Or, I asked an 8th grader what his favorite outside activity was, and he replied, “I do not go outside. I have to go home from school, go inside my house and lock the door.”

I also became aware of how many of these children do not live with a parent. Sometimes they have food to eat, and sometimes they do not. They might or might not have someone who is willing or able to help them with their homework each night. All of these realizations keep me moving forward and doing all that I can to reach out to increase the volunteers in our church to help make a difference. As I have been able to bond with the children and understand more about their

Joan Sehl, a volunteer from Salem In Ladue Church, works with students at Herzog Elementary School. lives, my judgment has melted away and compassion has taken over.

Our program at Salem-in-Ladue UMC has grown and changed over the years to fit the needs of the children we support. We return to the schools each fall to a warm welcome from the students and staff. We feel appreciated for all we do.

This year we have 23 volunteers tutoring more than 50 students each week. Of the 23 tutors, 16 are returning from last year.

There are many ways we have been able to help throughout the years. We have collected hundreds of backpacks, full of supplies, and handed them out while greeting the children on the first day of school. We donate additional supplies as needed throughout the school year. We have donated new and gently used books to students.

Twice a year, we host a Serve Day, where we go into the community and serve in multiple ways. We have painted, cleaned out closets, organized level reading libraries, and various other projects at our adopted schools

over the years.

My hope is that more St. Louis churches will get involved and see what a difference community support for education makes for all St. Louisans. Members of my congregation and I are committed to doing all we can. When we come together, for one another, the tide can change. Poverty can be greatly reduced through educating our children.

If we, as the faith-based community, can give each child we work with the awareness that their life matters, leave them feeling loved, encouraged, with the desire to read and to learn, we will be contributing to their future in a powerful way and making a significant difference in the lives of St. Louis students.

To get your congregation involved in Saint Louis Public Schools, contact Karen Hylton at Karen.Hylton@slps.org or 314-345-4689.

Mary Jarvis, a member of Salem in Ladue United Methodist Church, oversees volunteers for her congregation.

The Message

The devil can’t win From back in the day, I remembered how hard it was for me to realize that I am in the middle of a battlefield, as are you, and Satan really does want us as trophies. I can’t remember ever being so popular as to be the prize in such a high-stakes game of life and death, where my only weapon is my faith.

It is so easy to forget some rather powerful ammunition, which would be God’s invitation to become a living testament to His eternal love. The problem is Satan is relentless and prone to attack at any given moment. I don’t know about you, but sometimes even on my best days there are distinct moments when focusing on the Word of God is the last thing on my mind.

Events, circumstance and some people make it unlikely, impossible and just plain too hard. I now believe this is when the devil is at the top of his game.

That’s what I mean when I say I don’t always realize he wants me as his personal trophy – dead, stuffed and mounted on his wall of shame to claim victory over God. When I’m consciously aware of these things, I understand Satan wants to embarrass, humiliate and, like a vengeful scorned lover, hurt the Lord.

What better way to do that than to steal something, degrade something, Columnist ruin something the devil knows the Lord loves. That would be me and James you.

Washington It’s hard to think of myself as that important. It is impossible at times to think of myself as being the pivotal piece in an eternal game of spiritual chess, a King or Queen to One and a pawn to the other.

I am always vulnerable. Like a child who wanders off into a swamp, he or she has no idea of the danger, injury and death lying just steps away. Do you ever feel that way? Lost and in trouble? If I am not vigilant, the devil will take me out and celebrate at my wake.

Therefore, much like the weekend athlete, I know I have to train and be prepared. But some days I just do not want to work that hard. I just want to be left alone.

Can you see how that rather simplistic thought can invite trouble? Can you see how that frame of mind can get you killed in this particular game?

The consequences can be catastrophic. So what’s the answer when you’re not feeling it? What’s the answer to being lost in this world? What’s the defense for Satan’s temptations?

As simple as it sounds, get into the Word and strategize an offense and a defense of personal testimony. Armed in this fashion, like Jesus in the desert, the devil cannot win.